Narvi does not remember the episode with Loki, though his father and mother retold it to the realm several times. Their youth was proof alone of his abilities. Narvi has adjusted to his new healing vision; everyone has an aura, and each shade means something different. He takes Hela's hands and guides her foresight, shaping her skills and teaching her new power. She may be able to share in his faculties with time. Narvi carries a vial of his Einheim water with him always, as it has the most powerful healing qualities of any force beyond himself. Instead of foresight, it gives the gift of a recipient; whomever takes part in its water becomes a vessel for Valhalla and of healing.
He couldn't tell his family that it was Frigga who saved his life, but the water poured upon his mouth led her back to him. She breathed life back into his form and realized his gifts, granting him back to the world of the living. God of Rebirth, indeed.
Hearing the commotion they went through on Einheim, Vali feels forever indebted to Narvi. But his brother insists he not feel such things. "Debt is what pains us all to one another, cycling through payback and payback again, for the sake of being even. You are my brother. We are always even."
Narvi is highly respected on Einheim, for saving the citizen's lives, and even granting some of them speech, should they wish it. Many do not, and are happy with the language that they have, keeping sanctuary the quiet that they hold so dear and unique to their world. They have changed the meaning of their world, as 'ein' still means one, from "Home of the Lonely," to "Home of the Unique." They are proud that the fall took them here and nowhere else, and happy that their world ebbs and flows through Narvi's being. They are incomplete without him.
...
It has been a year since Narvi first made contact with Asgard, and the citizens of Einheim have spread far and wide across the other realms. Despite their want for differing nutrition, social contact, and culture, most of the people who fell to Einheim have chosen to keep their homes where they are. Asgard has been instrumental in helping the people build better structures, clear fields for sustainable crops, and facilitate the manufacturing of their beautiful textiles for export. The government of Asgard has now asked that someone be assigned specifically to act as liaison between the people of Einheim and the central government of Yggdrasil, and people from the outlying encampments of the far-off realm have gathered to Narvlheim's portal site to travel for their representative's formal appointment.
The Vanir, and now old enough Narvir, have worked quickly to set up seating for the citizens of Einheim, not wanting to lose an ounce of ceremony in the occasion. Vali, in full formal armor, stands on a small stage in the open field before the portal, greeting all the visitors to his old home. Hela joins Vali on stage, dressed in her own polished armor, though she is still barefoot. She still favors her father's signature shade of green, though she does not have a breastplate of gold, choosing silver instead. Hela looks appropriately matched next to her brother. Heimdall is present as the representative of Dagheim, his wife sitting in the front row beside his daughter and new grandchild. Loki and Sigyn also sit proudly up front, holding hands and feeling anxious for the announcement.
"Good people of Einheim, I thank you for your attendance and your participation!" Vali calls out to the crowd, and many of them clap, but more still just shake their hands in sign language. He holds his arms out openly to them in a grand show of welcome. "I, Vali Lokison, have gathered here with the other realms' senators, to welcome your elected official. Hela Lokisdottir of Narvlheim, and Heimdall of Dagheim stand beside me. We have received your votes, and welcome with many open arms, a proud addition to the representatives of Yggdrasil."
Vali's left arm drops, and he extends forward only his right hand, nodding to the back of the crowd. Their representative is clad in Loki's old golden armor, minus his rather intimidating helmet. A flowing white cape waves behind him as he walks through the seats to the stage. He signs "thank you," and "welcome," to the crowd, making eye contact with each of the attendees. The armor is merely a formality; he agreed only at the behest of Loki himself, that Sigyn would appreciate seeing him stand beside her children to accept his new role.
Amund has mastered the power of speech, and has proven to be much more advanced in his language than initially presumed. His affinity for reading and writing have kept him at a level that makes him the most appropriate candidate to stand beside the other senators. Narvi is incredibly proud, thankful for the freedom to heal without the obligations of an office. He greets Amund at the front of the congregation, embracing him tightly before sending him up the stairs to his brother.
Vali turns to his left to face Amund, who stands in equal form in the opposite direction. "Amund Erlenson, the people of the realm Einheim have elected you their senator and representative. Do you hereby swear to protect them, honor them, and bring only positive works to the realm?"
"Vali of Asgard, that I do swear." Amund's voice is steady and strong, and accompanied by hand motions that echo his words.
Vali turns back to the crowd, and guides Amund to do the same. Amund addresses the congregation openly, with words and with his hands, the same message:
"Thank you, my friends and neighbors. I will perform my duties as requested, bring forth noble efforts to guide our realm into the new age, and honor the office with grace and progress. May we never again feel hungry, or lonely, or lost!"
Amund's short speech is greeted with more clapping and hand waving. While most of the people of Einheim understand spoken words, the vast majority are still more comfortable with the signs, which is why Amund was chosen. He is a bridge from their world to the next, educated and capable, brave and young. The crowd begins to dissipate, some of them immediately returning to the portal, and some choosing to shake Amund's hand in congratulations. He feels the vambraces on his arms are an unnecessary barrier, yet he does not remove them, knowing that eschewing even a single piece would dishonor the ensemble. Amund's eyes fall on Narvi's, which are filling with proud tears to see his partner stand beside his brother as he might have done himself if he had not fallen. Yet Narvi is not jealous, nor is he disappointed in his station; he knows that his skills set him apart long ago, and his purpose is to heal, not to lead.
Narvi does not wear full armor, but he is still clad in a black sheath; his chest is covered in thick leather, not metal. The purple cape that Grid made for him has been modified to taper off his shoulders instead of flowing behind him. He doesn't look too unlike how Loki did some time ago, dressed in the informal armor when he and Sigyn first arrived on Vanaheim. Narvi's appearance immediately marks him as a sorcerer, and a well-respected figure to all the realms. He belongs on Einheim, but is a citizen of all, accepted by all beings and races. The remaining Aesir and Vanir in particular feel indebted to him for how he has restored their youth and long life; Narvi is a protected and valuable resource to them.
Sigyn and Loki both walk on the stage to greet Amund after the citizens have dissipated. Amund embraces Sigyn tightly, and Loki as well, grateful for their gestures of kindness towards him, and their unfaltering acceptance. They are also proud to see him rise to prominence. Their calm moment is interrupted by a near tackle from Vali, who treats Amund like a second brother. The elf cannot help but laugh and feel whole to have a new family to call his own. Hela holds him last, herself somewhat introverted and reluctant to be physical with anyone, and Amund whispers into her ear:
"You are the vessel through which we found this place. I cannot ever thank you enough for the gift you've given me. Great sorceress, you forever have my gratitude and allegiance."
Hela smiles and nods at Amund, surprised how articulate he is. He kisses her forehead in the same way Narvi would.
Sigyn is visiting with Heimdall and his wife while holding little Laila, who seems to only favor her father, the same way that Vali once did. She fusses somewhat loudly until Vali can come over and place her in his arms. The child immediately calms and snuggles into him. Narvi steps up to his brother and coos at the child, who seems to give him a small smile. Narvi and Vali have bonded over their mutual love of the people, and together they have changed their realms for the good of all under their care.
Amund signs to Narvi, "please stand with me," and he extends his right arm down off the stage to his love. Narvi steps on it and expects to be brought in, but instead, Amund faces out to the family members that are still present. The two stand on the stage alone. Narvi notices that Amund's hands appear to be shaking and fidgeting. The attention of those in front of the stage is focused up towards them.
"Amund, what's going on?" Narvi asks quietly, looking out at them. He catches Sigyn's eyes, and they appear to be brimming with tears despite her smile. It forces Narvi to swell with anxiety.
"Narvi, do you know how long we've been together?" Amund asks, holding out his left hand to him. His right side faces the crowd, and Narvi is opposite to him in much the same way Amund was to Vali when he asked Amund to take his oath. Narvi takes Amund in his right hand, still too anxious to smile or show any emotion other than slight panic.
"Yes, I believe it has been ten years," he says, suddenly hit with the gravity of it. "I cannot believe I have spent a whole decade with you, Amund."
"Neither can I," Amund replies, his light blue eyes looking up at Narvi's face. His hands are still shaking, and his voice trembles slightly. Amund can feel his heart rising in his chest, beating so hard he actually places his empty hand on his chest to try to calm it, unsuccessfully.
"Narvi, are you happy?" he asks, swallowing hard.
"Yes, Amund, I have everything I ever wanted." Narvi's eyes are searching over Amund's face. The elf is ever so slightly taller in the armored boots, forcing Narvi to look upward.
"As do I," Amund says, and he tilts his head somewhat downward at Narvi. "You know, your father taught me one other trick, besides the voice."
"He did?" Narvi asks, somewhat incredulous, as Amund has shown him no magic. "And what is that?"
"Look out there," Amund whispers, extending his right arm back out to his family below.
The members of his family look at one another, with a smile on every last one of their faces. They eat the time on purpose, giving Amund a moment to gather his nerves. In unison, with the exception of Vali and the child, they sign up to Narvi, in Amund's now second language:
"Narvi, will you marry me?"
Narvi gasps, and places his open hand over a wide-open mouth. As he turns back to Amund, the elf shifts, and falls to one knee. He raises his right hand; lo and behold, in a shimmer of white, a simple, gold band appears between his pinched fingers.
"Will you, Narvi? Will you stay with me?"
"Amund, yes! Yes I will!" Narvi has burst into uncontrollable tears, and the elf immediately stands to take him in. The small crowd claps, Sigyn being the only one to wave her hands instead. They all rise up on the stage to congratulate the couple, exchange hugs and kisses, and welcome Amund as an official member of their ever-growing clan.
..
As further time passes, Amund grows to love all of Narvi's family, and regularly attends the magic lessons on Narvlheim given by Loki and Hela. As an elf, he is entitled to more magic, though he does not yet know what; it matters little. He has real family again. With his joining with Narvi, he is now a Lokison, which brings Amund great pride and thanks.
"Narvi, do you believe there are other realms in our universe, with more fallen people?" Amund asks with the hope that there might still be others to help. He can no longer remember a time when the only thing to eat was skinny fish and burning berries, when their home was but the husk of an old tree. They now live in a house that was built with real stonework and strong hands, on a world with crops and portals that take the people wherever they need assistance.
"I don't know, Amund. But if there are, I'm sure we'll find them."
They stand beneath the Einheim sky, and look out amongst the stars. Narvi still dances with Amund in the dark, though now, Amund sings to his love instead, as he always hoped to do. Their atmosphere does not glow with the remnants of falling worlds anymore. It means that the pieces are coming together, in another place, and another time, waiting to be discovered.
...
Sigyn and Loki have retired to bed. Hela has taken the Stewardship, as she was meant to do, and is as trusted as any of them would be to lead Narvlheim in peace. She is fitting alongside her brothers, the King of Asgard and the walking river, Narvi. The three make a trio for the ages, continuing the legacy of greatness that Loki could never have achieved on his own. Despite the many trials of trouble in their lives together, Loki and Sigyn sleep under a roof of contentment that all of their children, including their sweet grandchild, are safe.
"Loki, may I ask you something?" Sigyn's eyes are closed, and she is nearly asleep. She spins her wedding band around her finger, smiling to herself that after all these years; it still has the same bright green stone eyes.
"Yes, my love?"
"Did you ever think that we could be so happy?"
He smiles, and tucks Sigyn beneath his chin as they lie together. The old cape that Grid made for him is acting as their blanket, and he pulls it over them to just cover above their chests. He holds his left hand over his face, and looks at the three green stones of his own wedding band, knowing all too well the inscription that Sigyn had printed inside.
Loki remembers a night from long ago, when he stood beside her and confessed his inner thoughts. He can feel the sensation of her tender hand on his cheek. Even now, Loki takes Sigyn's hand in his and raises it to his face, breathing into it as if it is both the first and last breath he has to give.
"My Sigyn. You have always made me happy."