EXPOSED
Tis just a little farther to the nearest portal between realms. About a half days hike traveling by foot. Maybe less. Though Loki would like to prolong this little journey as best he can. Maybe indefinitely.
Catching up to Sigyn, he hooks a finger inside her bracelet. The bit of leather he had used to tie around the tasty little present he'd left for her, now secured around her wrist.
Like he didn't notice.
She'd kept it because it means something to her. He means something to her. Even if it is only but a little scrap of rubbish with no true purpose but to be tossed away and forgotten. Though Loki supposes the same could be said of him.
Both he and the leather binding were nothing more than useless things, broken, before she fixed them up and gave them new meaning. With a home inside her heart, she made them whole again.
Sigyn turns her head, smiling at Loki as he weaves his fingers with hers. He offers her a smile in return and gives her arm a gentle tug, telling the Lady to slow her pace without actually saying the words. She follows his instructions to the letter and the pair fall behind to the back of the group.
"Everything alright?" Sigyn asks in a hushed tone.
"Everything's fine." Loki smiles honestly. "Just wanted some alone time with you, my Sunshine."
He's truly never been happier. In all the history of his life, Loki can't honestly think of another singular moment in which he's ever been so totally content. So free. The Laufeyson's even getting along with his adoptive brother, Thor. Which is certainly no small feat to be taken lightly. As is he getting on with all the rest of his mates. Well... Maybe not Sif. But that's to be expected.
In some strange way, Loki has even come to see the lot of them as a family of sorts. Screwed up, sure, but close-knit, nonetheless. And Loki can't even remember the last time when he'd actually felt a part of a family. To feel needed and wanted and loved. Which is all the more reason for him to not want this to end. To wake from this dream when all the rest of his life has been nothing but nightmares. One after the next.
Sigyn gives him a playful look, casting Loki a bit of side-eye. Nose all scrunched like she knows he's being dishonest, or at the very least not telling the whole truth. With a dramatic sigh, the Liesmith relents.
"Actually I was hoping to create a couple illusions? Maybe pop behind that rock over there for a quick poke?"
With a laugh, Sigyn shoves him.
"What? Come on. I'll be quick, I swear!" Loki whines puckishly. "In and out, no fuss!"
"Quiet! The pair of you!" Thor hollers back at them as if they were children. "We've approached Troll country. Tis best we keep quiet from here on out."
Loki can only hold his tongue for about a half second before returning his attention to the Lady at his side.
"Oh, I can be quiet." He whispers to Sigyn with a crafty grin. "Quick and quiet. What do you say?"
Scratching at the itchy stubble on his chin as if pondering something, he adds, "Though... You're about as quiet as a banshee, really..."
"Am not!" Sigyn gasps.
"Are too!" Loki counters impishly, his smiling eyes shining.
"QUIET!" Thor booms.
"She started it." Loki blames, causing Sigyn to huff as if offended.
Looking over his shoulder, Thor shakes his head at the two with a smile. Chuckling as he returns his focus to the front.
"But seriously, you are loud. Like ear-piercing loud. Wake the dead loud!" Loki returns to playfully provoking his love. "I don't know. Between you and me, I think you just might verily be one of those Valkyr-"
Sigyn covers his mouth before he can finish. She can feel him grinning like the devil beneath her fingers. His eyes sparkle with mischief.
"Ahh... So it's a secret." The Trickster sings as he peels her hand away. "How I do love a good secret!"
Sigyn returns to hiking, and Loki right along with her, entwining his fingers with hers once again.
"But why is it such a secret, I wonder?" Loki asks, his tone playful.
"Because." Sigyn replies. Her answer short and sweet as she concentrates on the trail ahead.
"Because WHY?" Loki goads. He knows he's being annoying, which only makes this all the more fun. "From the stories I'd heard and all the books that I've read, all the lot of you do is guard the honorable dead. What's all so secretive about that?"
"I think you just answered your own question." Sigyn replies, eying the scenery.
The trees here are sparse in this higher elevation. With ashen white bark and scraggly needles, they look so exposed. Very different from the lush flora blanketing the landscape below.
"The honorable dead?" Loki wonders as if trying to solve a riddle. "I've yet to see your point. What's so special about the fallen?"
"Well... What makes them so honorable?"
"The way that they died, I suppose." Loki follows. "They were warriors."
Up at the front, Thor peeks back at them, but only for a moment. Enough to remind the pair to keep up and keep quiet. And she should keep quiet. These are not the sorts of things to be so openly discussed outside the Sisterhood. Not even with her husband.
"They weren't just warriors." Sigyn counters, piquing Loki's interest. "They were the greatest warriors the realms have ever seen."
Especially not even with her husband.
"Name any noble soul. Anyone at all." She divulges. "Buri, Sigurd, Tyr, Balder, even the late King Bor. And when your father dies, we shall come for him, too. Tis the only reason why I believe you when you say that Odin lives. We've yet to escort him to the great golden halls of Valhalla."
So mesmerized by her story, Loki doesn't even catch her improper usage of the word 'father'. He doesn't even flinch.
"You have an army." He realizes, his eyes widened in disbelief.
"Not just any army. The greatest army there ever was and will be. The best and strongest of all the nine realms. Undying and unstoppable." Sigyn expresses. "And tis the Valkyrie's sole duty to keep such an army safe until the day that they might be called upon. And to keep them far from the clutches of people like you."
"ME?" Loki shouts in his own defense, gaining himself a glare from both Sif and Thor. So he repeats himself to Sigyn. This time a whisper. "Me?"
"Of course you!" Sigyn returns, her voice just as hushed as his. "The destruction you'd amassed with the crude force of the Chitauri, imagine what you could have accomplished with the might of Valhalla backing your selfish quest for power. A single Valkyrie, even, and the history of Midgard would have taken for a very different turn."
"You mean I would have won." Loki spins her words.
"If by winning you mean the enslavement of a planet, sure." She whispers loudly. "Now do you see why my mother made it her own personal mission to keep you as far away from Valhalla as physically possible? As far away from me?"
Loki rubs at the back of his neck. He truly doesn't wish to have this discussion with her again. Though the last time it had led to some very vigorous make-up sex. Which was more than amazing, mind you. Still, the argument pertaining to his actions on Midgard are far too taxing to have to deal with. Especially with his brother present.
"I would never use you like that, Sigyn." Loki replies, almost surprised by his answer and how quick he had come to it. And it's not even a lie. Honest. "Nor would I abuse what we have for my own personal gain."
And yet the Trickster's head spins with the possibilities. What he could do with such power... He could only imagine.
However it pains him, there's a part of Loki that understands why Sigyn's mother had kept her daughter far from his not-so-good graces. And while it might be tempting, VERY tempting, he'd never wrong her like that. Not again. Not after the last time he'd betrayed her trust. Loki can't even bear to have her look at him like that again. Nor is he at all positive their relationship is yet strong enough to survive such another betrayal. Or would it be ever. Mayhap if Sigyn were someone else to him. Anyone else. Loki would not even hesitate.
However...
Tis not like Valhalla keeps a headcount. Surely they wouldn't miss but one measly soldier. Of course that's likely just the Tesseract talking. The last shred of insanity still rooting about inside his brain. That damned stone messed with his mind in ways he'll never fully understand. Nor does he believe that the effects will ever completely go away.
"Wouldn't you?" Sigyn asks, meeting his eye.
Loki stops walking. Dead in his tracks. As does Sigyn.
"You still don't trust me."
Can he blame her? Seriously? After everything he's done, could he even trust himself?
"Nay, that's the problem." Sigyn confesses, her body language weary. "Because I do trust you, Loki."
Loki can see the honesty in her eyes and how it conflicts her so. She's at war with her own emotions and everything she'd thought for so long that she'd believed. He knows in his heart and in hers that she's telling the truth. Sigyn does trust him. Even if it goes against her own better judgement. Hel, it goes against all rationality. The woman must be crazy to trust the Liar.
With her hand inside his, Sigyn gives him a little tug and the two begin walking again.
"From a young age, we are taught to keep our wings hidden." She tells him.
"So, that's why..."
He points to her back. Where her wings ought to be but are not. Sigyn nods her head.
"They're an extension of my soul." She explains as they walk along. "I can call upon them at will."
"Outside Valhalla, our wings are to be concealed at all times. We do not marry, nor do we involve ourselves in the the lives of those around us. Daily or otherwise. Under no circumstance should we do anything to expose ourselves or our kind in any way." Sigyn continues seriously. "To be a Valkyrie means a life of secrecy. You're devoted to your sisterhood and nothing else. No one else. We'd sooner die than to dishonor that oath."
She tells Loki this to explain just how much she does truly trust him. That she's broken just about every single rule there is just to be with him. Which is not a decision she'd made lightly. And if given the choice, she'd do it all over again, too. Just as before because she loves him. She's always loved him.
Well... Maybe if she had to do it all over again, this time she would have planned for it without all the lies. And she could have definitely done without the Trolls. And all of Asgard chasing them. And maybe a hot shower? She would definitely kill for one of those... But that's it. Swear.
Hand in hand, Loki smiles at Sigyn dearly, swinging her arm to and fro along with his.
He's received her message loud and clear and couldn't be more proud. The level of trust she places upon him tis enough to move mountains. As has it most definitely moved him.
"I'm honored to be the sole protector of your secret, my love." Loki beams proudly. "I will not let you down."
But the face that Sigyn makes causes the Liesmith to become wary.
"I am the sole protector, am I not?" He frets. "Who else knows of your secret?"
Her head sways upon her shoulders as if weighing the thought.
"Well, Odin, of course." Sigyn replies easily. "The King of Asgard knows the names of every Valkyrie and their kin. Tis his duty. Though we do not accept him as our ruler, the All-father and Valkyrie have maintained a close relationship for near a millennia."
"And that's it?" Loki asks eagerly. "Odin and that's all?"
"Wellllll..."
Nibbling at her lip, Sigyn looks away from Loki. Head turned to the side to take in the hardly picturesque views of rocks, rocks, and more rocks. Anything's better than that deflated look of disappointment on her poor husband's face.
"Please don't say Thor." Loki cringes.
"Fine then I'll just not say it."
"Whhhyyyyyy?" He whines, head thrown back as if defeated.
"Like I'd said. Tis the King of Asgard's duty-"
"BUT HE'S NO KING!" Loki shouts, pointing fingers like a spoiled child. "I WAS KING!"
His voice echoes across the mountain, causing whatever birds nesting in the nearby trees to scatter. Thor and his crew turn around in a hurry, weapons raised.
"Loki!" Thor bellows at his younger brother, angry that he'd caused such a racket.
But Loki hasn't the time for Thor's lectures, he's currently engaged in a heated discussion with his wife.
Holding up a single index finger, Loki informs the Odinson to wait his turn as he creates with his magic a silencing barrier around both he and Sigyn. That way, aside from one another, no one else can hear what they're saying. To Thor and the others, it appears as if their mouths are moving but no sound is coming out.
"Thor may not have actually held the title, but he was prepared to become King." Sigyn explains to Loki from within the barrier. "He'd been groomed by the current King in ways you had not."
"Has he seen your wings?" Loki asks frantically, his piercing eyes boring deep into hers.
He cares little for her logical explanations. Nor is there much Sigyn can do to soften this blow to his pride. Loki's jealousy over his elder brother Thor is as timeless as it is endless. This time, not only because Thor had learned of Sigyn's secret, but because he had gained that knowledge well before him. And as for the next time? Loki's bound to forever find something to be envious about.
"What does it matter?" Sigyn sighs, shaking her head at him.
"Has he. SEEN. Your wings?" Again Loki repeats himself, being sure to emphasize his point.
"He's been to Valhalla, Loki. Aye, he's seen my wings. Thor's seen PLENTY of wings. Gods, you act as if I've shown him my breasts." Sigyn sneers.
"Well?"
Loki doesn't even blink. There's this manic look of madness to his eyes which Sigyn finds most extremely unnerving. Tis a look she's never seen before, but can only surmise it to be that of the monster in which he speaks.
"Seriously? NAY!" Sigyn recoils from his accusation. "Green might be your color, Loki, but envy suits you not. Deep down, you have to know that I would never! I'm offended you would even think such a thing!"
Coming around to his senses, Loki looks down at the ground, ashamed for his outburst.
"I know. I know you wouldn't." He says softly, rubbing at the stress between his eyes. "Sorry I snapped at you."
He's tired. They all are. Tis been a long and trying couple of days with little rest and food and so very much wear and tear on both the mind, body, and soul. And it doesn't help that there are aspects of this mission that Loki has been keeping from the rest of the group. From Sigyn. Lies that are crushing him terribly.
With a sigh, Sigyn comes a little closer, cupping his face in her hands.
"Thor is my friend, but you are my husband, Loki." She says dearly. "My loyalty lies with you."
"I know. I guess... I guess I just thought that I was special."
Loki knows it sounds stupid as soon as he says it, but it's true. He'd presumed he was the only one to know her secret. That somehow that made him better than Thor, now he only feels less. Per the usual.
"But you are special, Lock." Sigyn coaxes Loki to look up from the ground to meet her eye. "You've no idea how special you really are."
Belly to belly, Sigyn takes one more step closer.
"And if it makes you feel better, you can be the sole protector of my breasts, should you like." Sigyn purrs with a little smile. Grabbing at the lapels to his tunic, she directs his head to dip forward so that their faces can touch nose to nose. "Now... How about those illusions? Hmm? Maybe pop on over to that rock over there? Quick and quiet? What do you say?"
"I say they might not be able to hear us, but they can see us just fine." Loki smirks, back to his usual sly self. "And I do believe they're staring."
Sigyn makes it look so easy, bringing calm to the cold beast within. The monster. Thor's no idea how she does it, but is glad to have her around. Not only to make his brother honest, a rarity in itself, but to make his brother... well... his brother again. To make his broken soul whole in ways the Odinson never thought possible. He's never seen Loki so content and tis all thanks to her.
With the slightest nod of his head, Loki directs Sigyn's attention to the small group that has gathered near by, watching the pair as one would the theater. Hushed and completely immersed in the scene.
There's Sif who looks ready to vomit. Though she tries to look away, the Lady finds she cannot. Then there's Fandral. Lip quivering, the Dashing looks just about ready to cry. As does Volstagg, but for entirely different reasons. The big softy. He can be such a romantic sometimes. And then there's Thor. As in everything he does, he appears larger than life. Wearing a brilliant smile, the Odinson looks ready to burst.
But the Grim keeps his distance, separate from the group. While everyone else has become distracted by the show, his attention lies elsewhere. Up in the rocky cliffs where shadows have begun to amass.
Confused, Loki follows Hogun's line of sight up the mountain. His eyes widen.
He yells at the top of his lungs, but no one can hear him. No one beside Sigyn who quickly reaches for her blades.
Loki drops the magic barrier.
"I said, RUN, dammit!" He shouts at them. "RUUUN!"
This time they hear him, but it's already too late. The Trolls have taken to higher ground and have begun throwing boulders. Great, big mounds of rock and earth. Some as large as the biggest ship in Odin's fleet.
The sky turns black. The sun blocked out by the attack. A barrage of a thousand projectiles hurdling right for them.
Gah! Less than 100 days til Thor Ragnarok! I'm totally freaking out!
