The sword in the slot was turned and bolts of lightning shot out to Midgard. A portal opened from the clouds in the sky. A spectrum of colors shined around them. The portal took the three of them up into the sky. Thor was the first to step back onto Asgard. Loki was next followed by Sigyn.
Odin was there to meet them. He stared past the other two and looked to Sigyn. "You are no longer needed. You may go, at once."
Sigyn went to one knee, her arm pound across and bowed her head. She knew exactly where she was going to go next. Heimdall opened the bridge for the entrance of the Valkyries. As she turned away, she took the tattoo line that was etched into Loki. He did not notice nor did anyone else. Once it was finally off she went to into the bridge. The bridge closed once she was there. Neither of the brothers looked to her.
Odin looked to his two sons. "I hope the stay was long enough to settle any nuisances. Come. There are some matters we must discuss." The three of them left together across the Bifrost.
Sigyn sighed as she opened her hand. She looked down into it. The black line hovered, she then used one of her flames to burn it entirely. A smirk made its way across her lips. "He'll thank me later."
She was on a bank overlooking a serene lake. Several flocks of swans inhabited the lake. Wading over the lake, calling to one another, some slept on the banks, wedges of them were in the sky. She started to shed her garments. She left her pile in a neat puddle of fabric. Sigyn dived into the cool, crystal clear water. It was a refreshing feeling. She started to swim at a steady pace. The swans paid her no mind. She reached the other side of the lake in a matter of minutes. If you were not a Valkyrior, you would be swimming in the lake forever until one of the eternal Valkyries came to detain you. She walked onto the bank. There were two piles of garments; one that was for Sigyn and the other for Glut. She put on the garments for Glut. The other garments faded away.
She wore a silvery, charcoal grey gown. It had a sash from her left side connecting to her right hip by the small of her back. The gown had short sleeves and a collar that was made of lace. The sash was connected to it. She braided her hair and had it tucked into a bun on the back of her neck. There was a headdress that was the same color as her gown that she put on her head. From the base of her nose and down it was open for all to see. The headdress only came to her shoulders. The last item she put on was a light, white feathered cape. Her shoes were slippers of the same color.
Valkyries did not wear any armor when they were safe and hidden. They only wore it once they were outside of protection sometimes not even then.
The village where the Valkyries lived was surrounded by a forest. She walked past the many huts were some of the different skills and abilities were taught. Girls of all ages came out to see who had returned. Some gasped when they saw her, others hid, some were frozen from fear, and few actually gave her a smile and welcomed her home.
Glut Angrboda was well liked only among those who were her peers, those before her, and some who actually wanted to be like her. The rest were scared by her.
She walked past the open field that was dedicated to practicing archery, sword fights, armed combat, and attacks from horseback. She walked up stone steps that led to the living area of the Valkyries. A ring of buildings made from stones and brick. She went into the circle where there was a fountain of Valkyries on winged horses pointing in all directions. The first building she entered had golden doors. She walked through hallways until she found the door she was looking for. She walked through to find an empty room of books, a fire, and some seating area.
The door shut behind her. Sigyn turned and hugged Brunhilde.
"Your return can be heard all the way to the gates of Valhalla," Brunhilde smiled. "It is good to have you back, sister." They let go of each other.
"It is good to be back," her smile was faint.
Brunhilde gave her a knowing look. "Shall I remind you again that they know you not?" Sigyn shook her head. "Do not let the whispers or their thoughts dissuade you in anyway. Glut is a formidable foe. She is a great force. She is my best friend."
"Glut is just armor," Sigyn turned away. "Nothing more than that; she is only a creation. I, Sigyn, am your best friend." She looked at her through her veil.
"I am glad you finally see that way again," Brunhilde smiled bright. "It has been quite awhile since I have heard Glut described that way. I believe it is time to show the rest that Sigyn is back instead." Sigyn smiled bright.
Sigyn then left to go to her room that was Glut's. She locked herself in and relaxed with all the books she had.
Back in Asgard, the two brothers parted from one another. Thor hit Loki with his elbow. "One day you will have to let me know about the two of you."
"One day," Loki smirked as he headed off to the library where he liked to spend the majority of his days. He headed through the several shelves but stopped once he saw a locked off area. He smirked even more as he went to it. He had her key in hand. He knew exactly that she had given him a key to a part of the library. He opened it and took the first book off the shelf and started to read. These rows of books were her diaries. He did not care how she did it, he only reveled in the fact that she did. He made himself comfortable and kept reading. He had some servants bring him food and wine. He left only for a few minutes. He looked down at his wrist that had the tattoo. He looked again. It was gone. He traced where it use to be. It was the only physical sign that showed their connection and now she took it away.
He was in there for a quite a while.
Sigyn came out of her room through secret door. It was near dawn where she was at. She headed through the door and headed towards the lake. She shed her garments that disappeared as she dropped them and went for a quick swim. She stayed near the same side she came in at. A few swans came over to her. She waded with them. The sun greeted her as she went back on the bank. The two piles showed up again. This time she chose the other.
It was one shoulder that hung from her right and draped down and pulled to the left of her hip. Fabric from her right hip pulled up to the same spot. Silver beads were sown in as a border around the top it followed along her back and spiraled down to the left hip. There fabric descended down free flow. There was fabric made an x across her shoulders. It started from the right top bicep and fell behind her left shoulder. She had a small train that started from her mid back and down of free flowing fabric. The dress was royal blue. She adorned the same style of feathery cape. Part of her hair was twisted back and the rest was left down.
She strolled through the huts again. The girls came out to see who it was. They all brightened and called to her. They ran from their studies to her. They kept her from walking on by hugging her. They told her how they missed her, how they were glad she was back, a few of them told her that Glut was back as well. She hugged as many as she could. They asked her about her travels but she stayed vague on it as much as she can. They walked with her as much as they could before they had to turn back to their studies.
Several of the older women came out to greet her as well when she reached the buildings. They gave her hugs and welcomed her home. Brunhilde came out as well. The two of them headed toward the stables.
Most of the horses were out in the pasture. As the two headed to them, three horses trotted over their way. A white winged horse trotted up to Brunhilde. A black winged horse and a palomino winged horse came up to Sigyn. She petted both of them.
"They have missed you," Brunhilde pointed out as she loved on hers. "Bjourmi has been rode daily but Villingur, well, few could actually catch her."
Sigyn let the horses nudge her. "Shall we take them for a ride? What do you say Grani?" She looked over to Brunhilde and her horse. The horse nudged her owner. Sigyn then grabbed a chunk of black mane and swung herself upon the horse.
The palomino started to prance in anticipation. Brunhilde followed her lead and swung upon the horse. "Race you to the Gates!" She took off leaving Sigyn not too far behind. The palomino horse took off with them. Their laughter trailed off into the wind.
They stayed together taking in each other's company. They caught one another up on the time when they were apart. Sigyn made sure she left out what happened between her and Loki. Sigyn and Brunhilde were in one of the rooms having a drink.
"There have been many messages for you," Brunhilde brought down some parchments onto the table they were sitting at. "A lot of people want you back." She looked for any signs that gave way from Sigyn.
Sigyn took the parchments, keeping her face calm. She read through them and looked to them. "They have been asking for me through prayers."
"Why now is what I ask?" Brunhilde questioned. "You have been here the majority of your life and they pray now. What is going on, Sigyn?"
Several things ran through her mind but it all went back to the marriage proposal. "I know not of anything."
"You know but you are not telling me," Brunhilde taunted. "I can see you are conflicted. You can answer these prayers; most of them are from your parents."
The two kept drinking into the night before Sigyn departed back to her room which was connected to Glut's. She went through the secret door and headed to a fire place that was in the center of the room.
She lit the fire and started to say a spell. A faint figure sitting in a chair came into view. She smiled once the figure was well in view.
"It is quite rude to interrupt someone while they are reading," Loki did not look up from his book. He just flipped another page and kept on.
"Who said I was interrupting?" Sigyn walked around him. "You only interrupted yourself by asking me a futile question." She looked through the books and glanced down to see what part he was reading. She started reading the page while he took her in. He finally reached face. His features softened at her pensive look. She looked to him with a small smile. "Already though most of my life, I see you have spent most of your time back diligently."
He scoffed and went back to reading. He turned another page. "You will get in trouble for these diaries."
"Hmm," Sigyn mused as she straightened up. "That is why they are locked away. Soon they will be back here." She walked around again staring at all the books she had written. "Where will yours go?"
"Soon to be locked in here," Loki smirked. He finished the book, closed it with a snap. He sat up, put the book away and grabbed another one. He sat down and began to read.
"I will leave you to…my books," Sigyn smiled. She went to him and held her hand open, waiting for him to move his hand through hers but he didn't. "Come now."
"Our conversation just begun," Loki flipped a page.
She dropped her hand. "I will make this end if you do not."
"Shall I raise my voice; speak nonsense until you return or until I actually see you again?" Loki smirked. He heard her sigh in defeat. "So this is what a Shield Maiden wears."
"Oh you actually noticed, touching," Sigyn clasped her hands behind her back. She peered over to the opening. "I do believe you have company." She looked over to him with a small smile. She was about to give him her hand but a book was thrown through her image. Sigyn shook her head, as she saw the image fade of Loki with a roguish grin.
It was a servant who had brought Loki more food. The servant picked up the book and set it down next to Loki. He didn't give it a second thought.
She visited him when she could. Most of the time she found him in the same place, the library locked away with her words surrounding him. She made sure there was chair by the fire to sit next to him. There was not much conversation between the two. It was more of each other's presence they were fonder of.
On one occasion, she showed up believing he was still there but was not. She made a note to have all of her books come back. She vanished. Sigyn sent word to bring her diaries back from the palace library. She left the building to take a small walk to the garden.
The garden was almost as big as part of the village they live in. She wandered around until she found her favorite spot. An enclosed area surrounded by flowers of dark reds, pristine whites, and luscious gold. She could hear the various melodies of exotic fowl around her. She reached into her pocket to pull out a small book. She started to read from it when she was interrupted by someone.
"I thought I would find you here," Brunhilde chuckled. "You should find a better hiding spot if you do not want to be found. Your rooms are a great one. It is a first to see you out in the fresh air."
"I just have been answering prayers," Sigyn replied as she marked her little book with her ribbon. "I did have quite a list." She looked up at her.
"Your travels have taken a toll upon you," Brunhilde noted. "That is why I am here, to bring a message; the council of Elders wants to meet with you, soon." She walked away leaving Sigyn stunned.
She dared not to look into Brunhilde's mind. There were at times she did and the outcome was not pleasant. She learned that her abilities were only used when allowed. Sigyn read the rest of her book as much as she could before she headed back to the village. She conversed with the other maidens and ate merrily.
In her room, she focused on where Loki was. She had a feeling and went with it. She casted her spells and saw that he was in his chamber. She looked around to see if he was there. She looked upon the veranda that viewed over the horizon.
"I hope you find what you are searching for," an icy voice spoke from behind her. "I have to find new reading interests. My new favorites seem to just vanish."
She did not turn around to view him. "I am thrilled you enjoyed them."
Loki walked to stand by her. "Anything you view to your liking?"
She turned enough to look at him through the corner of her eye. Her lips itched at a smile. "My view is biased." Her view was only of him, everything else was what she saw in her room. She may have seen some visions but once he came into view that's all she could see.
"You must have quite the library in your room to believe that way," Loki spoke in annoyance and slight loftiness. "Which book has your interest?"
"It is a leather bound book," she started to describe it. "My favorite kind of book, cloth ones just fade away too easily. I long to keep reading this book, it always is on my mind." She looked to him watching for any hints. "Not one for the faint of heart."
"What is so interesting about this book?" Loki looked away. His annoyance flickered through his eyes and jaw line.
"This book makes me feel," she turned to him.
"Your coldness keeps you from feeling?" Loki smirked.
"I feel with coldness," Sigyn winked. "And with heat. I feel with everything and nothing." She walked around, her smirk faded as she casted her eyes down to the ground.
"Distance taking a toll on you already?" Loki came around to her.
Sigyn looked to him, her eyes searching his. "Mmm. Distance, time, wars, one king's will. They all are futile against the oath I swore. I am pondering about answering prayers."
Loki grew curious and confused. "How many prayers and from who?"
"My parents mostly, a few who know who I am, a Crimson Hawk," she gave a small chuckle at that one. "And the rest are Valkyries in training."
"Praying for marriage, praying for your protection or guidance, praying for you," Loki walked away from her. "And praying for you to come back."
"And here I thought I was the mind reader," Sigyn watched him as he stopped and looked over his shoulder to her. "Well some were answered as I came back, but the others, I am still contemplating. How is the freedom so far?" She continued walking around.
Loki shrugged his shoulders. "The same before I got sucked into the abyss, meaningless and boring."
"Only boring because nothing really appeases your appetite for destruction," Sigyn puckered her lips. "Well, not yet."
Loki gave out a laugh. He looked at her in admiration. "Destruction? I? Never. I just happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time." He walked closer to her. He portrayed innocence.
"Sweet Loki," Sigyn stopped in front of him, "How sour you can be."
The two moved closer to each other without realizing, almost touching. Their faces coming closure almost to a kiss.
"Let me replenish what sweetness I've lost," Loki's voice was just a whisper. His hand moved in to cup her face but only disengaged her spell. She vanished away. He opened his eyes and retracted his hand as if he burnt it. "Damn." He clenched his hand into a fist.
"Cursing into the air only eases the mind for a few moments. Don't concentrate too hard," Frigga came sauntering into the room. Loki resumed composure and turned around to meet her. She studied him. She gave him a quizzical look. "Not up to any of your old tricks again?"
Loki showed a smirk but feigned innocence. "I found new ones to keep me interested. You must give me more credit, Mother."
Frigga laughed a bit. "I think I give you too much at times. Come, I require for your company." She hooked her arm into his and the two walked away together.
He looked down to her. "Since when did you start requiring my companionship?"
She stared straight. "When you have strayed away from me that I have to pull you away from your own banishment."
"I would not put myself in my own banishment," Loki defended himself as the two walked down a hall. He smiled bright.
"This isn't like your regular seclusion," Frigga pointed out. "Your seclusion to books is nothing knew but your seclusion to your chamber at this time, well certainly not like you. You have that bemused look in your eyes and I know exactly what you see."
"And what exactly is that?" The two headed towards a secluded garden area.
"A swan," she felt smug.
Loki lost a bit of his demeanor. Frigga patted his arm. "Why am I not surprised? You know everything."
Frigga laughed. He joined in with her.
A white feather was left at Sigyn's door, letting her know that time was drawing near. She did not come in contact with Loki or the rest. She prepared herself for the meeting with the Elders.
Brunhilde sent a message to Sigyn through a child. The young girl bowed her head to Sigyn as she opened the door. Her voice was only a mere whisper. "Your presence is desired with the Bevy, the time is now."
Sigyn's heart fluttered. The Bevy, which was not what she expecting, are the Elders but in ceremonial form. When a Valkyrior was summoned to meet with the Bevy, their decisions were very pivotal. She looked up in shock, she knew the child was gone by now. Sigyn backed into her room and shut the door. She brushed her dress trying to smooth out the wrinkles. She took a deep breath in, straightened herself, and walked out of her room ready for any consequences she must face.
She headed to a stairwell hidden behind a wall. It led to a room underneath the fountain. Water showered down into a waist deep pool. Stairs from both sides led down into the pool. Sigyn walked down into the pool. She was soaked as she reached the middle. There she waited for the Bevy to come out from the other side of the room.
Brunhidle was the first and only one to come out. She was in a long silver and blue dress with a long, silver, feathered cloak. Sigyn was confused and anxious. "Valkyrior Sigyn, you have done what few could do. You have served well and created great prodigies to follow in our path. As the Valkyries before me, and our allegiance to the All-Father and Lady Frigga, Queen of the Valkyries, I hereby give you the title and honor as an Eternal Valkyrior."
Sigyn sucked in a breath. "No," her voice was faint, almost inaudible.
"Out of the water and into the sky, Eternal Valkyior Sigyn, you may fly," Brunhilde beckoned for her to come out to her.
Sigyn waded towards her as fast as she could. She picked her dress up when she walked up the stairs. "What have you done?" Her voice shook with anger and fear.
Brunhilde was taken aback. "Sigyn, you have earned this. You now have the ability to choose who can go to Valhalla, you are now one of us, you can be an Elder; the bonds that tie you here are no longer there. You can travel the realms, do your bidding. You have freedom."
"No," Sigyn shook her head. "As much as I wanted this, I did not earn it. I disobeyed All-Father's orders. I have put several lives on the line."
"I cannot undo it," Brunhilde closed the distance between them. She became serious. "Even if I could I would not. You disobeyed but for the greater good. Your actions were not wrong."
"Brunhilde," Sigyn almost had tears in her eyes. "Where are the rest of the Elders? Have you gone mad? Was this even agreed upon?"
"This will always be your home," Brunhilde grabbed both of Sigyn's shoulders. "I have read your prayers." Sigyn's eyes went wide. "You can choose your own life, you can seek out the Crimson Hawk who prays for your guidance, you can sooth your family's worries. You have capabilities and gifts that others are in need of and I know you will not let that slide." Brunhilde looked away. "The Elders have no part in this. This is my gift to you."
"You have no right to have done that," Sigyn backed away. "What about the rest of the Valkyries? Their families? Their original homes? I will not do this."
"Sigyn!" Brunhilde called. "You have longed for freedom."
"Yes, but it wasn't from the Valkyries," Sigyn stopped. "You are my sisters, my family. I wanted freedom from the All-Father, the Jotuns, and even my parents."
Brunhilde softened towards her. "Your freedom starts with us." Sigyn hugged her. The two then headed off to the side room to tell all of the duties about being an Eternal.