Astrid was back in Vanaheim as she wanted to see her Aunt Thyra and Volund. There were lessons only her aunt and Volund could teach her that her own mother couldn't. Her aunt had clever uses for magic and Astrid wanted to know if there was more she could do with her magic that wasn't combat. Volund was also someone wanted to see as she felt he was one of the best people to help her strengthen ties between Asgard and Vanaheim. His tactics, knowledge of relations, and historical lessons enthralled Astrid and she wanted her mind to expand.
Thyra was thankful her niece stopped by and she already felt a change in her niece. She had a clever way to see if something new and exciting happened to her niece without prying too much.
"Before you head off to see Volund, I want you to start working on a very versatile magic...shapeshifting."
Astrid chuckled a bit and she shapeshifted into a black cat. She walked for a bit before shifting into a hawk. Thyra shook her head playfully. She was impressed Astrid could take in animal forms, but that was not what she had in mind for her niece.
"Human shape shifting Astrid, the ability to change your appearance at will."
Astrid changed back into herself and cracked a light smile.
"You mean like changing one's self into another person?"
"Or just aspects of your appearance in general, like your rose hair for example. You are a very distinct Astrid with your hair and amber eyes...you stand out in a crowd. Wouldn't you like to roam around Asgard at times and not have people recognize you?"
Astrid actually loved the idea of being able to be out in public and not be recognized. This might even help at times if she wanted a date with Loki in the daylight. It would just appear that Loki is dating another woman but they would know it's just her with a new appearance.
"Now I will admit, shape shifting into others is harder to do. Changing your gender with magic is also very tricky since it is channeling magical energy to change your internal and external biology. Vocals are also tricky, but if perfected you can become someone else or another version of yourself. Thankfully, we will just be focusing on hair and eye color today with maybe some facial features like freckles." Thyra expressed.
Thrya did something simple with her magic and her long blonde hair started to grow short. The hair became brown and curly and it amazed Astrid. Thyra's eyes changed from blue to brown as well, her nose grew a bit longer, and soft freckles appeared on her cheeks. Astrid went up to her aunt and gently looked over her aunt. Her Aunt Thyra looked unrecognizable, which was the point of shape shifting and Thyra chuckled.
"You have a desire to learn this skill, I can feel it." Thyra somewhat teased lightly as she used her magic to look as she did before.
Astrid just nodded and closed her eyes.
"Let the magic channel within you, focus it on your hair. If you can handle it, let the magic flow in the back of your skull and reach your eyes. Imagine a color you want them to change into. Hair length isn't a focus but just imagine your hair getting either longer or a weight releasing if you want it shorter." Thyra guided.
Astrid was excited as she took a deep breath and let her magic swirl within her. She imagined what she wanted her hair and eyes to be like. While she loved what she looked like, she would always stand out in Asgard. Perhaps she can stand out but also be hidden in plain sight. Her thoughts lingered to Loki and just how gorgeous he was. His dark black silky hair and piercing blue eyes with flickers of green in them. Astrid didn't want to consider herself a vain type, but she couldn't deny that Loki was truly the most handsome man she's seen. She felt her hair getting shorter as she channeled her magic to try and change her appearance. Thyra chuckled lightly and Astrid seemed confused.
"Did I do something wrong? I do feel it's shorter but is it not a nice color? Is it still rose colored?" Astrid questioned somewhat nervously.
She opened her eyes and Thyra's smile grew wider as she conjured a mirror for her niece.
"What or who was on your mind Astrid?"
Astrid grabbed the hand mirror and saw that she did shape shift, but her cheeks turned pink at what she had done. Her long hair was shorter, but in place of her rose hair were dark raven colored locks. The eyes were changed as well; a familiar blue pair of eyes looked back at her. This confirmed it for Thyra and she mused,
"Remind me, Loki has what color hair and eyes?"
Astrid laughed of all things and examined herself in the hand mirror. She still had her facial features so it wasn't her trying to shift into Loki, just his hair and eye color. This was too incredible and she could imagine limitless possibilities. Of course if she decided to go out with Loki on dates in the day, she needed to work on other features, hair and eyes aside. This was promising and she could think of a lot she can do, dates aside.
"Loki does have black hair and these eyes…"
"Is there any reason he was on your mind?" Thyra asked warmly.
Astrid beamed and told her aunt she and Loki shared a kiss and were together. This made Thyra proud and she hugged her niece.
"Wonderful news Astrid. Even more of a reason we will work on shape shifting. There's no reason your dates should be only under the cover of darkness."
Astrid's eyes widened since how the nine realms did she know that was what she and Loki were doing. Thyra saw her niece's shock and chuckled.
"You weren't the only one who's had men chase after her and needed to sneak out to meet suitors under the cover of night."
Astrid raised her eyebrow since her aunt seemed to be someone who wouldn't be so boy crazy. Thyra chuckled and nodded a bit since she could see the skepticism in Astrid's eyes.
"I wasn't always the scholarly, firm, and tough hard ass woman you see Astrid. Sure I was still no-nonsense and knew what I wanted and at the time I wanted to see just what men wanted with me."
"Including Volund?"
Thyra sighed.
"Volund was the only one that got close enough to have a spark of connection but we couldn't commit to the other. My dreams and his couldn't come together and one of us had to put our dreams on hold...specifically me. I didn't want to be at his side and be reduced to a wife and have his children for the sake of them. I wanted to explore, make magical discoveries and marvels before I settled down to teach students."
Astrid looked to her aunt and wondered if she was maybe scared of falling in love and didn't want to find a compromise. She cared for her aunt and from the times she had seen Volund and her aunt together, all seemed warm and sweet. Astrid of all people knew not to push on relationships since she was in the midst of that as she spoke.
Thyra saw her quietness and lingered at her niece's look. Astrid did look nice but she didn't to tackle full on becoming someone else, specifically her lover. Also, she would stand out like this as well and would look too much like Loki in public.
"Now we're getting side tracked and I think we should focus on you changing your hair to something much more standard. Perhaps changing your hair to blonde would be best to blend in Asgard." Thyra suggested.
"If I'm doing that, then I am not having blue eyes. Don't want Loki to be weirded out if I look a bit like a Lady Thor." Astrid defended.
Thyra chuckled but agreed with her niece. She saw Astrid was wearing Loki's necklace again and suggested,
"Loki likes green you told me so why not green eyes. Have them be like a shining emerald so that he will always want to keep his eyes on you."
Astrid blushed a bit and Thyra scoffed.
"Oh you can't be this innocent with him and you perhaps are a different woman entirely with him. Sometimes women can be the greatest liars and deceivers when it comes to love. You'll have to do that a lot in your long courtship."
Astrid sighed but she at least had a way for Loki and her to date somewhat openly in Asgard. She used her magic to grow her hair long once more but changed the hair color to a soft honey blonde. Taking her aunt's words to heart, she changed her eyes to be a shining emerald green. Astrid looked into the mirror and smiled at her results. She focused a bit on her nose to make it slightly bigger so people wouldn't recognize her further. Thyra checked on her niece's work and smiled lightly.
"Good very good Astrid. You look more like an Asgardian maiden."
Astrid mused a bit and ran her fingers in her honey locks she shifted her hair too. It was a slightly different shade than Thor's pure golden locks so that was reassuring.
"When I'm like this, I will not be Astrid naturally. I've come up with a name for him to tell people."
Thyra noticed something different and her eyes widened a smidge.
"Astrid, did you use your magic to alter your vocal chords? That is something I didn't expect from you." Thyra asked.
Astrid didn't look startled and laughed a bit. Maybe in crafting a new alter look, some magic leaked into her vocal chords.
"I guess I did. My voice sounds slightly different, not so sweet like it normally is but there was more of a calmness to it and slight richness to it. What do you think auntie?" Astrid spoke calmly.
Thyra pulled her niece into a hug and smiled.
"You are truly thriving and using your magic to its fullest. You embrace learning new things and it gives me great hope for you someday. Now what is the name you want to give this look since you said you had a name."
Astrid smiled softly and nodded.
"Sigyn."
"Sigyn...meaning victorious girlfriend. That's truly fitting if I ever heard such a name." Thyra expressed.
Astrid smiled and it did seem like a fitting name for what she wanted, victory in being able to date Loki in the open as his lady companion, a girlfriend if you would. She looked into her hand mirror and smiled lightly.
"You think Loki will like this look on…"
"Don't you start getting all vain and use your magic to please anyone! If Loki truly likes you and wants to be with you, it's for your heart and connection and not because of your looks!"
Astrid flinched at her aunt's loud and stern scolding, stroking her arm nervously. It was different when her aunt yelled since she was very stern and it mattered more when she upset her. Thyra looked at her niece and sighed. She forgets Astrid just became an adult and was still a bit naive in her thoughts at times. Astrid is a quick study so it's hard to forget she's only a young woman.
"I'm sorry Astrid for losing a bit of my temper. You seem a bit more mature for your age that I forget you're still a young one. Of course you would care slightly if the form you pick to sneak around in the day is pleasing to Loki. However, he's always going to find your true form the most beautiful. You stand out, yes, but there's a real beauty to your rose hair and amber eyes."
Astrid nodded and reverted her body to what it was, smiling at her rose colored hair. She recalled her grandfather, Egil's father, being so vain from her tales that it did annoy her aunt to an extreme degree. Astrid hugged her aunt and thanked her, making Thyra smile as she embraced her niece.
"Your life should not be limited and I want you to use your magic in order to live the best life you can since Egil won't let you be on your heart's matters. If it means you are using your magic to be with the one you love, then it should be used in the best way."
"I just hope I don't have to do this forever and hide my love for Loki. I am proud of him and I don't want him to be my secret."
"In time he won't be, that I can assure you Astrid."
After her lesson with Aunt Thyra, Astrid used her magic to teleport herself to the citadel in the capital city of Vanaheim to meet with Volund for her diplomacy and history lesson. He greeted Astrid warmly in front of the citadel and they made their way to a private study for him to teach her. He started with a review of the nine realms followed by reviewing past wars with Astrid. Volund then shot off questions to which Astrid was aware of what would be best to answer.
"So why is it sometimes better to wound rather than kill opponents?" Volund questioned.
"It's better so that the enemy could see that we aren't in the conflict for bloodshed and we really wish to end the battles with few casualties possible. Better to do that with as little body count as possible."
Volund grinned and nodded.
"Good very good. You've been reading Dances and Art for War and Tactics I gave you. Sometimes leaving the enemy alive, while risky, can turn the tide of favor as much as leaving a body count. It served us well when there was a slight skirmish between the Vanir and the light elves. Major misunderstanding that was but Frode and I handled it well with our words and not just our magic."
Astrid frowned slightly at the mention of Frode and Volund saw that.
"It upsets me in some ways. I want to have the relationship I had with Egil before any talks of courtships and now this...he is my father since he raised me, but is it bad to still long for the man that gave me life and know I can never have that life I was robbed of? Frode sounds like he was a great man."
"That he was, but he was also stubborn in his resolve. He knew he was risking a lot when he was entering a friendship with your mother, seeing how his brother somehow won her heart. Though from the stories he told me of their affair, it sounded like she was her truest self with him and that the fire in her eyes was reawakened with them."
Astrid cracked a light smile as she projected an illusion of her mother and Frode. Volund nodded and examined Astrid's magic. She captured the pinnacle of Frode and Tove's love in a simple illusion.
"Love can bring us great joy, but also pain. There are many forms of love; family, friends, self-love is very important for being, natural or love of nature and of course romantic and passionate love. People even say hate is love and love is hate; which can be where Egil is for you. You'd love the man you called father for what he was when you were younger but hate the man he's become knowing what he wants and for his deception."
Astrid eliminated the illusion and she questioned,
"Aren't we here so you can teach me diplomacy, history, and tactics. Sorry I side-tracked us."
"Oh now that was all me. It's just you remind me a lot of my dear friend at times it's hard not to be side-tracked. The council worried this would occur when I offered to teach you but you at least see a comfort which is what you need."
Astrid nodded and got out another book. It was a book about frost giants and of Jotunheim and it did fascinate her. Any reading about the races that weren't Asier truly interested her and wanted to know more. In some odd way, the frost giants seemed to be misunderstood. Their environment is one of the most inhospitable for most but to them it was home. She read up on the Asgard-Jotunheim war and it did make sense why Asgard had to step in. Migardians were arguably the weakest of the beings in the Nine Realms and they couldn't stand a chance at Laufey causing a New Ice Age and taking that world as their own.
"Why were things tense between Vanaheim and Jotunheim?" Astrid questioned as she grabbed another book on the issue.
Volund scoffed a bit.
"Those monsters thought they would sample a bit of our realm for the plan for Migard and we struck some of their people down before they could even freeze a waterfall and forest. Hasty of course but we needed to protect the ecosystem. Ice and snow like that would forever alter our landscape and affect our homes and livelihood."
"But Frode...he went to them and formed peace with them?"
Volund nodded as he got out a book and lifted the illusion of the page.
"We had wanted to send armies to strike foes down, maybe kill them to quell attacks on us but Frode wanted to do it his way. He had books on their people to win their trust and along the way merely used his magic to defend and not attack. He skillfully got in to Laufey's throne room and they had this talk.
Astrid watched as she saw Frode speaking with Laufey in his icy throne room in the illusion that captured their first interaction.
"What's your game you pink haired Vanir? You come into my realm after your people hurt mine and you don't kill anymore, why?."
Frode looked to the army surrounding him and showed him the books. Pages were turned to Jotun customs and research he's done.
"The game I want is peace and I understand why you did what you did. Your people are suffering and you want a solution.
"That they are. We didn't want to quarrel with you, just a test to see if it could be done."
"Yet you came to our world as a target. If you only ask for permission, we could have worked something out."
"Vanirs are very prejudiced towards us, as are all races."
"I've been working to change that between your kind and mine. You're not that different. Yes you are big and freezing, but you are people that want to live. Besides, if I might say, your customs intrigue me."
Laufey raised an eyebrow but saw Frode spoke with genuine interest.
"I will hear you, Vanir. Tell me, would you be opposed to us freezing Migard? We can agree they are the most worthless of races and it will give my people new land to conquer and to flourish."
Frode sighed. While yes, Midgardians were weak and could not fight any of the other realms back...their lives didn't mean less than theirs. Laufey was desperate to try to help his people with his plan, not pure malice.
"I rather you didn't expand anymore. Things have been hard on your people I know. More and more runts have been born by your people and you worry it might be because the lands are lacking the resources they once had."
Laufey was amused that Frode knew of their situation and was trying to appeal to him. He thought this Vanir would come in and try to strike him down alone but he was actually a bit on their side.
"Indeed, which is why we need a new place to have my people settle so they can have fresher snow to have during conception to have them grow proudly. Too many children had to die all because they were too small. Our people pride themselves on having large offspring so that they can add to our strength. Runts aren't worth our time."
"Can you hold off your attack and war on Midgard. I truly want to help your people."
"We tried to freeze your home and you're appealing to us. You also have a treaty with our enemies in Asgard. Why would you want to help us?" Laufey questioned.
"Because people just see you as blood-thirsty war and ice loving monsters, but they fail to see just like all the realms, they want their people's legacy and race to grow and flourish. I can get more of my people to try and maybe enchanting your snow and ice in conjunction with your Casket of Winters. Maybe we can form trade with each other so your people have more meat and comforts while trying to conceive large children."
Laufey chuckled and motioned for Frode to stand up from his knees.
"You have a child Frode Trygveson?"
Frode shook his head.
"I hope to someday, we all want a legacy and family sometimes don't we?"
"Sentiments will be your weakness, I can see that clearly but yes we do. After all, I will see if your people can help mine before I produce any heir of my own. Who knows, maybe my child and yours can be friends, allies like we plan to be."
Frode cracked a light smile.
"That would be a great thing. There is no good or bad race, just a race of people trying to live and sometimes tough calls need to be made. Do understand if you do decide to attack Midgard and make a new Ice Age, we can't intervene if Asgard opposes you. You are both allies..."
"Vanaheim is allies to all yet you are harshest with your own people are they not? You are shameful of people who don't take to magic."
Frode sighed.
"Yes we can be harsh I'll admit, which is sad but I think that's for all races; they are hardest on your own."
"Yes of course...I look forward to seeing what your people can do for us. We are having our fertility ceremony in the coming months so let's form our agreement and hopefully Jotunheim can be blessed with a boon of copious amounts of large frost giant offspring. In return, our people will be at peace and we can help some of your people with frost conjuring to add to your magical lexicon."
Frode smiled and shook Laufey's hand. He had a protection spell up to prevent frost burn and shook Laufey's hand.
"Vanaheim's royalty and council are smart to have sent you...Anyone else would have been dead and we would proceed with our war on Midgard and perhaps your home."
Frode grinned and chuckled.
"Well I am a man of talents, including ones of the tongue. I hope we can strengthen the bonds of our people and perhaps a friendship."
Laufey chuckled.
"Friendship...you are a dreamer...but some dreams can be dangerous. Least this one will secure us peace."
Astrid was astounded as was Volund.
"To think Laufey granted permission to extract this memory shows the trust he had for your father Frode. This was a good 60 years before the actual attack. We don't know what prompted Laufey to commence in 965 since with the Vanir help; frost giants were able to conceive massive sized children thanks to the enchanting of the snow thanks to the goddess of fertility herself and providing them with much more meat and furs."
Astrid lingered at the lesson she saw from her father. Eloquent, warm, charming and he wondered just how Egil had any of this since he was very blunt and vulgar with words.
"When did Frode die?"
"Before the fight started in Jotunheim, even before Laufey and his troops went to Midgard. Frode wanted to appeal to Laufey to stop plans and I thought he did...but then he was found by Egil in the snow dead. We don't know why Laufey would have his people kill Frode since they were friends. Frode went to Jotunheim to partake in some of their customs to strengthen relations. Ever since the war though, Jotunheim has been very isolated and unless it's the rare trade and commerce...they are on edge and hostile to the rest of us." Volund expressed.
Astrid closed the book on frost giants and the book with Frode and Laufey's talk. She had learned to be calm in the face of an enemy. Frode was calm and Laufey didn't attack him or prey on his fears, even though Frode should have been terrified. To be sympathetic and empathetic also is an advantage but not to willingly give everything for peace or to condone their actions despite understanding them. Volund and her had some tea before Astrid needed to return to Asgard. Before she left, Volund warned,
"For your safety, don't ever go to Jotunheim alone. I don't know what occurred that day but the giants will know whose kin you are. You want answers I know, as do I but leave that to me and the council. I don't want you to join Frode in death so early in your life."
Astrid nodded as she left the citadel and asked Heimdall to take her home. She was brought back onto Bifrost and was pleasantly surprised to see Loki waiting for her. He cracked a light smile and pulled her into a hug.
"How's your aunt and Volund?" he asked.
"Both are doing well, thank you. I learned a lot about the war between Asgard and Jotunheim and some key strategies to keep in mind for negotiations."
Loki noticed a small tender smirk on her face and he knew it had to relate to magic lessons.
"What did Aunt Thyra teach you Astrid." Loki whispered in her ear as they walked on the bridge.
Astrid mused to herself and asked Loki,
"Do you prefer blondes or brunettes Loki?"
Loki seemed a bit taken aback since he adored and loved Astrid's rose hair. He seemed confused and he took her hand in his.
"Astrid I like you as you are, you don't have to change anything."
Astrid managed to chuckle and shook her head.
"I know Loki...but if we want to date in daylight I have a way."
Loki realized what Astrid was saying and he grinned.
"Aunt Thyra is teaching you how to alter your appearance with magic?"
Astrid smiled.
"Yes she is and shape shifting. However it's not like I'm going to change myself to look like Sif in public to date you, she would kill me if that was the case."
"Oh no Astrid, you're simply going to alter your look to make it so we can date in public in the mornings and afternoons. That is very brilliant but also very sneaky Astrid." he chuckled.
"Oh I know but you make mischief and sneaking so charming Loki. So I was thinking I could be a blonde with green eyes with slightly extra changes you will see later. I even have a name for you to call me as to not tip off most people." she mused.
Loki couldn't help but smile warmly since she was truly a special woman. She was doing so much in order for them to be together despite many people being against them. Astrid was calculated, clever, thoughtful, magical, romantic, and truly a brave woman. She was also beautiful, selfless, and truly warm to him and he always felt his best with her.
"You truly have plans for us for the long term. I feel so touched everyday knowing it's my heart you wanted above all others." Loki stated softly in a whisper.
Astrid blushed tenderly and Loki teleported them to one of his secret spots. He kissed her lips tenderly and held her close in a loving embrace.
"So what's the name I need to call you when we have our dates in the afternoon under your beautiful disguise?"
Astrid smiled softly and whispered,
"Sigyn."
Loki knew the name's meaning and it was so perfect, even though Astrid's name was perfect already. He loved Astrid was going to such lengths for him that he would have to do the same for her to show her how devoted she was. Astrid's devotion to him made him feel less inferior and he wanted to show Astrid that choosing him would never be a mistake.
"I'm guessing I can't get a sneak peak of what to look forward to?" he chuckled.
Astrid shook her head and pecked his cheek.
"You'll know it's me when we eventually have a date in Asgard in the daylight. Word is buzzing you have romantic relations with someone and you should show people eventually. Just know I would be wearing that moon and emerald pendant to confirm my true identity to you when the time comes. I just wish we didn't have to but until we know which one of you will be king, we need to do this don't we?"
Loki knew that could be a very long time since his father, while old, still had a lot of life left in him. Odin is probably going to be close to his deathbed or end of life before naming him or Thor is heir. Loki had a very ill feeling about what Egil wanted and it involved Odin's choice to be Thor. He pushed that thought out of his head and focused on Astrid with the warmest of smiles.
"Perhaps, but that just means we will have a long romantic history together and we will be the closest couple to ever grace the nine realms."
"And close we shall be because I care for you Loki, more than any other man I will see."
Astrid knew what she wanted, but she also knew she needed to work around her father of sorts in Egil. She knew Egil only cared about her being close to Thor romantically and that his hatred would never allow her to be happy. She was in love and loved the mischief she was in with Loki. Everything longed for him and she would only be devoted to him alone. This was her promise and declaration and no one could challenge that fact.
Note-Thought it would be nice for Astrid's disguise, well the blonde and green eyed maiden she will alter her form to become, to be the name of one of Loki's wives in myths. Interestingly, the namesake was very loyal and devoted to Loki, which fits Astrid. If Astrid is in disguise, using her magic to alter her appearance, it would be made aware of in the story when she's doing it. When they are around others she will be called Sigyn by Loki but in writing she will be referred by her real name of Astrid like so, 'Astrid took his hand gently and couldn't help but smile'. Clearing it up now before this will come into effect in later chapters. As for the reason Joutnheim wanted to invaded Migard, I completely made it up in order to make them just a tad sympathetic. They actually just wanted to freeze Migard just to plunge them in a new Ice Age. Thought giving the Jotuns a motive wouldn't make their actions better but at least understandable giving how Laufey doesn't believe runts should live. Anyway, if you have gotten this far into this story, thank you for the support and reads. Feedback is always welcome and it really does impact the story.