Author's Note: Well I didn't plan on updating again this week, but today is the twelve year anniversary of 9/11 and I felt that this next section went well with the somber mood of the day. I know it is short, but I promise the next few updates will get longer. On another note, I am really excited about the chapters I have written lately! There are some fun moments headed your way in the near future.
Sigyn knew that she was going to loose Sylvath. There was no more putting off the inevitable. Even as she sat talking with him she could see the light leaving his eyes. It was almost as if he had held on just for her, just long enough to be with her one last time. His hands were growing colder, and his eyes were becoming more and more unfocused. Sigyn's growing sadness must have shown because Sylvath drew his hand out from under hers and placed it on her cheek. A warm sensation flooded her face, and she realized that Sylvath must have healed the cut she had sustained from the blast. She had been so worried about Sylvath that she hadn't bothered to heal it herself.
"That is better." He commented contentedly.
"You shouldn't waste your energy like that father." Sigyn scolded.
"My dearest Sigyn, my time has come whether or not I heal your cuts and bruises. It is up to you now to step up and take my place." Sylvath encouraged before holding his palm out to Sigyn.
Sigyn looked in his hand, and saw a blue oval gem resting there.
"Odin entrusted the Mind Gem to me after the Frost Giants invaded the royal vault. I now pass it on to you, the most powerful sorceress in the Nine Realms." Sylvath explained.
Sigyn took the Infinity Gem gingerly into her hand, the power that it emanated causing the markings on her hand and lower arm to glow. Sylvath then brought Sigyn down so he could place a kiss on her forehead.
"Of every spell I ever created or magical enchantment I have ever cast, none have given me more pride than you. You, my daughter, are my greatest accomplishment. My precious Sigyn."
Sigyn placed a kiss on Sylvath's head.
"I love you father." She whispered, "Now go to sleep."
Sylvath smiled and closed his eyes. Gradually his breathing began to weaken.
"Go to sleep, and when next you open your eyes you will have reached Valhalla." Sigyn murmured softly in valediction.
Sigyn remained by Sylvath's side for the last few precious moments of his life. Only when his heart had completely stilled did Sigyn look to Armallia and Loki. She wanted to say something, anything, but all the words she tried to utter were lost in her throat. Tears stung her eyes, but Sigyn refused to cry. It would not do to cry in front of Loki. Sigyn reverently crossed Sylvath's arms over his chest and pulled his blanket over his head. These simple tasks complete, she went to sit in the window seat. This particular window offered a view into the garden so Sigyn was unable to see how the battle outside progressed. Part of her considered going out to join the fight, but she knew that would be unwise since this was where Celleth and Manavana expected her to be. If she ran out into the battle and her friends arrived here to see Sylvath dead and Sigyn, Armallia, and Loki missing they might be inclined to believe the worst. As Sigyn sat gazing out of the window she felt someone come up behind her. Sigyn turned half-expecting to see Armallia there, but it was Loki. He silently took a seat on the opposite side of the window niche facing her. The two sat in silence for a couple of minutes before Loki spoke up.
"I am sorry Sigyn."
Whatever tears Sigyn had been holding back began to flow in a steady stream at Loki's condolences. Without fully considering her actions, she snuggled into Loki's chest and let his shirt soak up her tears. Eventually Loki's arms wrapped awkwardly around her much smaller frame. Loki let his chin rest on the top of her head, and he closed his eyes. It had been a long time since he had held someone so close, so he let the intimate moment linger in silence.
