The weeks slipped speedily by throughout the winter, and spring came almost as quickly. Sleipnir learned how to pull up on things, and then toddle around. The snow turned to slush, and then melted away into green grass and, eventually, flowers. Loki kept his word to Tony, and every Saturday, the small family spent the day at the tower. Thor or some of the other Avengers would come over for dinner sometimes, the former typically ending with Loki getting extremely angry, and locking himself in his and Sigyn's room until he left. The latter typically ended with him staying up far too late in the night, talking about all manner of things with his teammates. Thor noticed this, but didn't say anything. Vali, Angrboda, Narfi, Legolas, and Frigga often came down for visits. Odin never showed his face, or sent any word that he cared at all, and Loki tried to pretend that hurt less than it did.
All in all, though, Loki was happy. Happier than he'd been since he could ever remember. On warm summer nights, when he and Sigyn would slow dance, barefoot, in the backyard, the lights of the city blotting out the stars, he felt like time and eternity themselves were held up for that precious, perfect moment. And, yet, Loki knew it had to end. By September, he was looking for an opportunity to disappear. He'd stayed too long, as it was.
One night, he gazed into Sleipnir's room, in the as his daughter slept peacefully, and wondered. Would she remember him? What would she look like, as she grew up? Her character was just beginning to form. Would she like to read, like her father? Maybe she would be a dancer, like her mother? Loki would never know. He had to leave.
"She's adorable, isn't she?" Sigyn spoke from behind him. He turned, to see her standing in the doorway of their room, her hair in a braid over her shoulder for the night. "Yes, she is." He agreed, a sad smile on his lips.
"What's on your mind, Thalionen?" Sigyn asked softly. "You've been so distracted, lately."
He shook his head, wrapping his arms around her small form, and buried his face in her hair. "I love you, Sigyn. Never forget that, hm?"
"Never." Sigyn agreed softly. "And I love you."
"Hm…" Loki hummed, swaying slightly. "I have to go, Beloved."
Sigyn sighed. "I don't want you to. Have you even decided where, yet?"
He shook his head. "Maybe Jotunheim? Nidavellir, perhaps? I have connections."
"But no plan." Sigyn pointed out. They were quiet for a few minutes, before Sigyn looked earnestly up at him.
"I don't care what the Master would do to us. It would be worth it if you stay. For me to have more time with you is all I've ever wanted."
"I'm sorry." Loki shook his head. "I can't… I can't lose you."
"So, you're giving me up." Sigyn whispered, a tear running down her cheek. "But I've already lost you, once."
Loki gently brushed the tear away. "Please don't cry, Sig. My Princess… When I'm gone…"
"Hm?" Sigyn asked, laying her head against his chest, and listening to his heart thump.
"Find someone better." Loki pleaded. "A man who is worth your time. And your heart."
"Only you." Sigyn whispered. "I only want you."
Loki shook his head. "I want you to be happy, Dearest. Please be happy. For me?"
Sigyn nodded, a sob escaping her throat. "Please, don't leave, Loki."
Loki bit his lip. "One more month. And then I must."
"Alright." Sigyn agreed. "One more month."
Early in October, Frigga came to visit Loki, again. Well, this time, she didn't have time for anything more than an illusion. "Are you doing well, my son?" She asked softly at a break in their conversation.
"What do you mean?" Loki asked.
Frigga shook her head fondly. "I worry for you. All alone, down here, without your family…"
"Interesting." Loki leaned forward, omitting the fact that Asgard had never felt exactly right to him, anyway. "Does Odin share your sentiment?"
Frigga smiled softly. "Your Father…"
"He's not my father." Loki snapped. Loki had no father.
"Then, am I not your mother?" She asked quietly.
Loki hesitated. Despite having raised him as a mother, she really wasn't. If he was going to denounce Odin, there was really no reason for her to be his mother, either. "You're not." He stated.
Frigga gave him a sad smile, and held out her hands. "Always so perceptive. About everyone but yourself."
Loki inwardly cringed. That wasn't exactly what he'd meant. Yes, she was the woman who had raised him, yes, she had taught him everything he knew, yes, he looked up to her, and treated her with utmost respect, just… she hadn't birthed him. He gently took her hands to try to reassure her of this, but they slid right through. Right. It was an illusion. Frigga's form melted away, and Loki curled his legs under him, leaning back against the couch he sat on. He'd have to tell her the next time she came, if she returned before he left. He wasn't allowed off-realm, but it wasn't like Odin could do anything about it. Loki was far more elusive than he ought to be, and he'd be hiding from a Titan, for goodness' sake. Odin couldn't lay a finger on him.
The next day was began with the most beautiful sunrise Sigyn could ever remember seeing. And it wasn't just because of its' innate splendor, it was because she had extremely good news to share with her husband, as soon as he awoke. She was with child, again. A part of her wondered if that would be enough, but she was certain. He wouldn't leave her if she was pregnant. This would postpone his vacancy at least a year. She sat in front of her mirror, brushing out her hair as her husband slumbered softly in the bed. He looked extremely peaceful, his now very long, dark hair fanning out across the white pillowcase.
There was suddenly a tap at the window, and Sigyn quickly got to her feet, cracking the curtain open to see Muninn, one of Odin's ravens, sitting on the window sill, a rolled-up scrap of parchment in his claw. She opened the window and reached for the bird, but it flapped over her head, into the room.
"Muninn!" She whispered in exasperation. "You can't give the message to Loki, stupid bird! He's asleep!"
"Caw!" Muninn answered, flapping around her head.
"Grrr…" She huffed. "Just give me the message and get out of here!"
Muninn finally settled on the pillow, just over Loki's eyebrow. He looked down at Loki's sleeping face, and back up at Sigyn, almost as if in a challenge.
"No, don't you dare peck him!" Sigyn groaned, flapping her fingers to shoo the bird away.
Loki cracked his eyes open, staring straight up at the bird. "Oh, look. Odin finally cares about me. How quaint."
He snatched the paper from Muninn's claws, and shooed it away. "Go back home to your master, idiot bird."
"Caw!" The raven protested, settling gently on Loki's shoulder. Loki gave it a baleful glare, and deftly unrolled the paper, glancing over it quickly. His eyes widened in horror, and he read it again.
"What is it, Melleth?" Sigyn asked, swatting Muninn off his shoulder. Loki didn't answer, instead, calmly throwing the covers off, and marched into the adjacent room, a dangerously neutral expression on his face. Sigyn picked up the message.
To the exiled prince Loki, it read, Queen Frigga has been killed in an attack on Asgard by the dark elf Malekith. Henceforth, your banishment has been lifted as your assistance is required to purge the nine of the dark elves. Prince Thor will be arriving at your residence to retrieve you, shortly.
Allfather Odin.
There was a heart-rending scream from behind the door, heavy with grief and rage, followed by a loud crash of breaking furniture.
I had a bit of debate as to which raven would deliver the news. I finally decided on Muninn, since his name means memory. Huginn's name means thought. I would assume that he would bring news of the living, as one thinks of the living. One can only remember those who have passed on, therefore the news of the death of a loved one would be brought with memory.
TheOnlyHuman.