Author's Note: Finally, a happy chapter! Well, happier chapter. Sorry it is a bit short, but after two fairly long ones I don't feel all that bad about it. Caitreylove I am so pleased that you are enjoying the story, and thank you for the beautiful comments! I hope this chapter is a little relief from the gut-wrenching drama of the last four. FlowRah Yes, sometimes knowing the ending doesn't make reading it any easier. Hahaha I hope this update was soon enough for you :) Anon at Heart I understand completely how you feel about wanting to be a bit like Frida with Sigyn. As a big sister, I know I would feel the same way should someone hurt my little brother in such a way. It is very interesting to hear your opinions of the characters after the confrontation, I don't write it in a way that I am intending for you to feel anything, I want you to form your own opinions of them without me leading you on. If your love for Sigyn grew from the experience, then I am glad the chapter effected you in such a way. I really wish I could take the time and write every interaction from both Loki and Sigyn's point of view, but that would make an already fairly lengthy story even longer. There was no way though that I couldn't write the confrontation from only one of their points of view, it was just too emotionally important for both of them! Oh the stalker, what part will she play in all of this? I am so honored that you would go against your own personal rules to read my story! I take that as quite a high compliment! JaviMason19691 yes, Loki's actions make it difficult to feel sorry for him, but at least he wanted to try and make it up to her. Sure just simply saying sorry wouldn't have been enough, but it would have been a step in the right direction. Yes, good catch, Loki's Jotun side was showing. Loki-always-Odinson Yes, Loki was being a jerk, but it is understandable that he would be angry. Snow White Queen I certainly thought there were moments you would like in the chapter, but I am a tad surprised you liked the whole thing in general. Hahaha I also loved the "Sit down" command. Loki's extreme duality is the only reason I felt I could get away with this scene and it still be in character for him. His mood swings are pretty well established for us in the movie universe, so I was glad I could play towards that. I am glad you like the dress scene, I thought it was a simple way to set Sigyn's mood. Well Sigyn probably wouldn't burn the dress (what a waste of a good dress). No, I like to think that she sends it to Amora as a taunting gift (even though it would be too small for the other goddess) with some sort of witty jab that would go over Amora's head, but Loki would understand. XD She would do it just to show he has no ownership over her, and to make him feel even worse. Of course she would only be able to do that once she realized why the green bothered her so much. A connection she doesn't really make in this chapter. I have been trying not to mix my point of views in this story b because I know it can be very difficult to read. I had seen way too many fics that make a muddled mess out of the POV's, and I just have to stop reading them because they stress me out. If at any point mine needs more clarification, let me know so I can fix it immediately. Well we already know Sigyn is fairly confident in her mind. She is an observant person, and if you remember, she was pretty much set on her opinions of Loki the first time she spoke with him. That moment certainly gave a new meaning to being so angry that you are seeing red :D What will Sigyn tell her family? She will certainly have to tell them something… Well there are no confrontations in this chapter, but I promise that you have not seen the last of the confrontations. You shall have "ANOTHER" soon enough. Reteka Hyuuga well Frigga certainly won't be happy, but what will she actually know about the situation?
Days, weeks, and then months passed by. Sigyn had not reached out to Loki, and he had not reached out to her. She had stopped attending banquets and celebrations, and she knew that rumors of her split with Loki probably circulated like a wildfire through the court. Of her family, only Frida knew the entire truth. Sigyn had simply told her parents and Hallsteinn that she had caught Loki cheating with Amora, and when she confronted him about it he had lost his temper. Her family didn't ask any more questions, and Frida never contradicted her since she was so furious with Loki. After some time, Frida tried to coax Sigyn into attending small parties and important festivals, but Sigyn always refused. What was the point? All she would do is stand in the corner alone, or in the protective company of either Frida or Hallsteinn to avoid the prying eyes of the other nobles. Frida and Markus had been extremely supportive through Sigyn's grief, but she would have expected no less from them. Hallsteinn's reaction on the other hand, had been extremely surprising. He had been very supportive of Sigyn when he found out about Loki's betrayal, and never once did he gloat and say, "I warned you…" though he had every right to do so. He would often invite Sigyn to spend evenings with his family when he wasn't off fighting, and Sigyn spent many hours playing with his children and teaching his eldest how to ride. She passed most of her afternoons out riding Roan now that the weather was growing warmer, and when she wasn't out riding, she was reading. She kept herself occupied well enough, and she avoided all company save that of her family. Her reclusive behavior began to worry Frida, so she devised a plan to get Sigyn slowly back into society again.
"How was the banquet last evening?" Sigyn asked offhandedly as she bounced Sigrún on her knees.
"It was enjoyable, but it would have been even more so had you come along."
"Perhaps, but if I had gone who would have watched this little bundle of joy?" Sigyn queried while making silly faces at her niece.
"One of the servants could have done so."
"Oh I see, you would rather Sigrún grow up under the care of servants instead of her own family."
"That is not what I said Sigyn. I just merely pointed out that she would have been perfectly fine in the hands of the servants for one evening."
"Why do I sense that this is about more than who should babysit Sigrún?" Sigyn noted.
"Because it is about more. Sigyn, it has been over six months since you and Loki parted ways, don't you think it is time to stop mourning and rejoin society once more?"
"I am not mourning, Frida. What do I have to mourn? I left a man who cheated on me, physically assaulted me, and very well near raped me. I see no reason I should be sad."
"Then why do you refuse to attend banquets? Why do you decline every social offer that has been given you?"
"Because I have no desire to give the Ladies and Gentlemen of the court an opportunity to look down on me in pity and scorn. No, my family is enough company for me."
"So you are hiding?"
"No, I merely see no point in attending useless festivities. I have no friends left in the court, so I have no reason to attend from a social standpoint."
"What of Prince Thor and his friends, were they not your friends also?"
"Well yes, but they were Loki's friends before they were mine so I feel as though their duty of friendship lies with him."
"What about finding a husband?"
Sigyn laughed outright at that sentiment.
"What man would possibly want a cast-off of the younger Prince of Asgard? He would have to be truly desperate, and I have no intention of marrying a man out of desperation!"
"First off, you are not Loki's cast-off. You were the one who left him remember? Secondly, the popular opinion of the court sides with you. There are more than several men that would take you out of more than just desperation."
"Frida, you will not alter my mind on this. I have no desire to attend the banquets and festivals regardless of who sides with me and who sides with Loki. Not to mention that their support of me comes more from their dislike of Loki than from any affection towards me."
"Then what about dinner parties, surely you can make no complaint against those?"
"None, except for that they are rather dull."
Frida threw her hands in the air.
"There is no pleasing you is there?"
"It would appear that way." Sigyn replied with a mischievous grin.
"You always did like being difficult, but one way or another I will get you back into social circles once more!" Frida declared.
"I dare say you have your work cut out for you then." Sigyn noted.
"I dare say you are right, which is why I have already began taking steps."
"Taking steps? Frida…what have you done?"
"I have invited a young gentleman over to join us for dinner."
"You what!?"
"I invited a young gentleman over for dinner." Frida reiterated.
"Why would you do that? Do you seriously believe that I am ready for such companionship so soon after Loki!?"
"I never said you had to marry him, by the Norns, you don't even have to like him, but you need to at least start interacting with men again. Six months Sigyn, over six months! This is long overdue."
Sigyn let out an exasperated sigh.
"I cannot believe this…"
"Don't be dramatic Sigyn, this is really not as terrible as you are making it out to be. It is not as if I am forcing you to have dinner with him alone. Markus and I will be right there the entire time."
"And who exactly is the young man?" Sigyn asked in defeat.
"Njord."
"Njord!?" Sigyn exclaimed.
"See there you go being all dramatic again." Frida scolded. "You don't even know Njord, do you?"
"…no. I just thought if I reacted poorly you might un-invite him." Sigyn replied with a smile.
"You will not be getting off that easily!"
"Well it was worth a try."
Frida rolled her eyes at Sigyn.
"As I said before, you don't have to like him, you just need some personal interactions outside of those you have with your family members."
Sigyn could see Frida's point, but she had a sneaking suspicion that Frida's plan was not going to work. When Njord arrived for dinner Sigyn's suspicions were pretty much confirmed. Within the span of two seconds Sigyn could tell that Njord was not one of the most intelligent people she had ever met. Frida tried to keep a conversation going over dinner, but neither Sigyn nor Markus seemed all that excited about chiming in. Sigyn was more preoccupied with trying not to fall asleep of boredom, and Markus was too busy trying not to laugh at Sigyn's reactions. Halfway through the meal Njord finally addressed Sigyn directly…
"So Lady Sigyn, I must know, are you and the Prince Loki truly separated?"
Sigyn almost spit her drink out at the ridiculous question. She threw Frida an amused look as her older sister tried very hard not to hide her face in her hands.
"I am not sure my Lord, perhaps you can help me clear up that little confusion. Have I not been absent from his company for over half a year now?"
"Well… that is what they say…"
"Ah, then for once 'they' are correct. Now tell me this, does not Amora act as his consort at banquets, festivals, and the like?"
"Indeed My Lady, she does."
"Then would it not appear that we are quite separated?"
"Yes, My Lady, I suppose it would."
"Thank you, My Lord Njord, for clearing that up for me." Sigyn stated in a happy tone laced with sarcasm.
"It was nothing Lady Sigyn." Njord replied in a pleased tone.
Sigyn wanted to fall out of her chair laughing. It certainly was nothing. Njord truly might be the least intelligent person she had ever had the chance to meet. Frida jumped in to try and save the rest of the conversation, but it was too late for that, so she ended up simply dismissing him in as courteous and ladylike manner as possible. Markus and Frida retreated to a sitting room while Frida escorted Njord to the door, and then joined them with Sigrún in her arms.
"Well that was fun." Sigyn teased before sitting on the floor to play with Sigrún.
Frida plopped down onto the couch next to Markus and leaned her head on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry Sigyn, I had no idea he would bring Loki up."
Sigyn smiled.
"Don't be, that was the only interesting part of the evening. It took all my self control not to laugh at him."
"Better luck next time dearest." Markus consoled Frida before kissing her on the cheek.
"Yes, better luck indeed. Next time I will make sure to invite someone with a little more common sense." Frida declared.
"I will settle for any sense at all. Could you have found a more dull-witted male in all of Asgard?"
"Oh shush Sigyn. Beggars can't be choosers." Frida retorted.
"Fair enough, but I never begged for this. It was all your grand idea, remember?"
"Perhaps you should let me choose the next bachelor." Markus interjected.
"No, that could be disastrous." Frida replied with a wave of her hand.
"Why not let him, he couldn't do much worse than you." Sigyn teased before Sigrún got a handful of her hair and gave it a hard tug. "Owww Siggy!"
Sigyn's scolding did nothing but bring a smile to her niece's face and cause her to give another firm yank.
"Goodness, when did she start doing that?" Sigyn queried as she fought to free her hair from Sigrún's grasp.
Markus and Frida took a moment to laugh at Sigyn's expense before Frida replied.
"She has been doing that for quite some time, Sigyn. I am surprised that you are just now noticing it."
"That's not a very nice thing to do Siggy." Sigyn admonished.
Sigrún smiled and clapped her hands before trying to grasp Sigyn's hair once more.
"I don't think she is understanding what I am trying to tell her." Sigyn lamented as she held Sigrún far enough away so that she couldn't get a hold of her hair again.
"Perhaps she would listen better if you didn't call her Siggy." Frida remarked.
"Nonsense, she likes that nickname. Don't you Siggy? Yes, you do!"
Sigyn began to tickle her niece earning her little squeals of happiness.
"Must you rile her up before I put her to bed?" Frida lamented.
"Of course." Sigyn replied before pulling Sigrún in and hugging her.
"Perhaps we should make Sigyn put her to bed." Markus suggested.
"That is a wonderful idea!" Frida agreed.
Sigyn scooped Sigrún up and smiled.
"Very well, it can't be all that difficult." She stated before gliding out of the room and going into Sigrún's nursery.
She pulled off Sigrún's day outfit, and finally managed to get her wiggling niece into her nightdress. She sat Sigrún in her cradle and walked towards the door.
"That wasn't so har…*smack*"
Sigyn turned back and looked at the ground. There was a little wooden toy lying at her feet, and she looked up towards her attacker.
"Siggy!?"
Sigrún was bouncing giddily and she picked up a second toy in her crib with every intention of throwing that one too. Sigyn leapt over to Sigrún before she could let the object fly, and lifted her out of the crib.
"No, no, no Siggy. Throwing things is not very nice!" She admonished while slowly walking around the room.
Well, plan A had failed so now she had to resort to plan B… unfortunately she didn't have a plan B. She looked around the room for anything that looked like a calming activity, and she spotted a little pile of books. Perfect, she could read Sigrún to sleep! She picked up the first book in the pile, and sat in the chair by Sigrún's crib. She opened the book and began to read, which thankfully Sigrún seemed to enjoy. Sigrún liked to look at the pictures and try to turn the pages, so Sigyn had trouble reading the entire story. Partway through, Sigrún started pointing happily to one of the illustrations and began babbling.
"What is it Siggy? Do you like this picture?" She asked while bringing the book in a little closer so she could see the illustration better.
It didn't appear to be anything too special, just a boy and a girl.
"What is so interesting about that Siggy?"
As if in response, Sigrún began pointing at the boy.
"Oh Siggy, you are too young to be chasing after boys already silly!... and believe me, they aren't that great."
Sigyn turned the page, but Sigrún grabbed it and tried to turn it back.
"Now you have to let me finish the story so I can put you to bed."
Sigrún didn't seem to care about finishing the story since she just continued to try and turn the pages back. Sigyn finally relented and turned back to the picture for her.
"I just don't see what is so special about this." Sigyn admitted to her little niece.
Sigrún began pointing at the boy one more time, so Sigyn took a closer look at him. What was it about this boy that Sigrún seemed to like so much? There didn't appear to be anything that special about him, he looked just like about every other Asgardian boy except… his eyes. His eyes were green. Sigrún must have somehow sensed that Sigyn finally understood what she was so excited about because she began to tug on a loose strand of Sigyn's hair happily. Sigyn didn't even bother to stop her niece's pulling. Instead, she pulled Sigrún into her chest and began to rock her gently back and forth.
"Don't you go falling in love with any green-eyed devils like I did Siggy." Sigyn whispered wistfully.
She sat silently rocking Sigrún till she finally fell asleep in her arms and then placed her in her crib. Frida quietly entered the room behind Sigyn and picked up the book from the chair.
"This one is Sigrún's favorite." She remarked. "She likes the green-eyed boy."
"I noticed." Sigyn returned.
"I didn't understand it at first," Frida admitted, "till I mentioned it offhandedly to mother one day. She remarked that the day I went off to find you at the lake, she had made Loki watch after Sigrún for her while she searched the house for me. I suppose she liked his green eyes."
Sigyn turned to smile at Frida.
"Yes, I imagine that she did. They are hard to dislike."
Silence.
"You still miss him, don't you?"
"You don't spend as many years as I did with a man, and not miss him once it is over."
"There is no shame in missing him, or in holding the happier memories of him fondly in your heart, but it is time to make new memories Sigyn. It is time to move on, he already has."
Sigyn took the book from Frida and set it on the table by Sigrún's crib.
"I know."
