Short chapter, but we're coming up on something big!
Captain's Cape
Sigyn waits, seated in a hallway in the garrison with her nerves singing. Major Erling, the head of her division, had sought her out at the start of her shift and instructed her to follow him. He had led her all the way to the top floor, which houses the offices for those running the Legions of Asgard—commanders, generals, and the like—before disappearing into the biggest one fifteen minutes ago without any explanation as to why he had brought her along. It is only reasonable that she be apprehensive, frankly.
What could this be about, she wonders, wringing her hands in her lap. Am I in trouble?
Her mind comes up with a million worst-case scenarios, none of which truly make any sense. For instance, if they had somehow found out about her attraction to women, they couldn't dismiss her solely on that basis. Same-sex relations are frowned upon, but not illegal. Moreover, how would they have even uncovered such information? She hasn't dated a woman for over a decade, not since she realized she was attracted to men, as well. Well, one man in particular.
"Lieutenant Sigyn," Erling calls, pulling her away from her errant thoughts. "We are ready for you."
Let us hope the feeling is mutual, she gripes internally as she heads into the office. Erling directs her to the center of the room, and she stands at attention before an ornate desk. Across from her are Commander Colborn of the Queen's Guard and Lord Commander Hogun, leader of the Legions of Asgard.
"Lieutenant," Hogun greets.
"Commanders," she returns.
He gets right to it, not leaving her much time to continue stewing over why she might have been summoned. "Your commanding officers have taken note of your skill and dedication, and I myself have seen you spar with the Prince Loki and the Lady Haldana. Suffice it to say, your achievement has not gone unnoticed."
Flushing, she thanks him. Receiving praise had never been something that had motivated her when she had started learning magic, but that is not to say she does not enjoy it. It is nice to know that she has improved so much that other people have taken notice, especially those she respects.
He smiles. "As such, it has been decided that you will receive a promotion."
A folded soldier's cape is placed on the desk. Sigyn's eyes widen considerably, and her breath catches in her throat. The deep green cape is standard for captains.
Holy shit, she can't help but think. Still reeling from surprise, she picks up the cape, her fingers running over the plush fabric. She had spent six-hundred years without rank, two-hundred as a corporal, another two-hundred as a sergeant, and only thirty as a lieutenant. This is the fastest promotion she has ever received by far.
"You will also receive a unit transfer," Colborn adds, "to the Queen's Guard."
Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. This is two promotions in one. Utterly astonished and unable to help herself, she wonders, "I will?"
"Yes," Hogun assures her, lips quirking in amusement. "We believe your talents in sorcery will prove very useful."
Sigyn bites the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling too broadly. "Thank you, sirs. I am most honored."
Colborn hands her the signature blue cloth those in the Queen's Guard tie around their biceps. "Your first day on duty will be in a little under two weeks. The royal family is throwing something of a ball, and you will be on the Queen's detail, shadowing myself."
Sigyn gnaws on her bottom lip. Sounds like a pretty high-stress first day, she thinks to herself, pocketing the handkerchief.
"Worry not," he reassures her, having taken notice of her anxiety. "It is essentially high-alert sentry duty."
The meeting goes on for a little longer, but she is so excited that it all blows past her. Being appointed to a royal guard unit is an incredible achievement. For those not of noble birth, it is really the furthest their careers can go, other than being promoted to major. Not to mention, this is the first time a woman will serve on a royal guard unit since the Valkyries disappeared. As thrilled as she is, and as well-deserved as she feels this promotion is, part of her cannot get past the shock of it all. Truthfully, this is further than she had ever thought her career would go.
A few additional details are ironed out before she is dismissed, and as she stands out in the hall afterward, captain's cape clutched to her chest and nerves buzzing with excitement, she thinks of everyone who needs to hear the good news. Her sister will likely be first, considering that she is spending her lunch hour with her. She needs to tell her mother about her success. Hopefully, the woman will be pleased that being on a royal guard unit prevents deployment into active combat. When the opportunity arises, she simply must rub Pontus's nose in the fact that her promotion to captain came with a better placement, as well. The most compelling prospect, however, is telling Loki how far her magic has taken her.