Chapter Thirty-One

Sigyn slipped her hand into her mother's as the final match of the tournament began. the tension had been building as the matches grew more heated- it seemed everyone wanted to win! Sigyn frowned suddenly. "I wonder who the contestant is, he's very small... Mor?" Freyja wasn't even watching the match!

"Hmm? Oh, I'm sorry, Sigs, I was just... distracted." Looking for Tyr! A voice in her head taunted. "What did you say?"

Sigyn sighed. "I just wondered how old that challenger must be, he's so much smaller than his opponent."

"I don't know," Freyja murmured, focusing again on the larger of the two warriors. She recognised his movements, even though the armour he wore was plain and unadorned, it was clearly Tyr to her. A smile curled her lips. "But whoever he is, he's quite skilled. He's fighting the god of war and holding his own."

"What?"

Freyja put an arm around Sigyn. "That's Tyr down there."

"How do you know?"

"I know."

Sigyn frowned. "But how?"

Freyja smiled and said nothing. It was clever, for Tyr to check his prospective student's skill against his own. After several minutes where the crowd alternatively held their breath and surged to their feet screaming and cheering, Tyr's sword was knocked from his grasp. Sigyn jumped onto her seat and whooped loudly, stomping her feet and clapping her hands like so many others were doing. Tyr removed his helmet – eliciting several astonished gasps, although it seemed to Freyja that most of the audience knew it had been him from the start – and led the small champion to where the Royal family stood cheering and clapping.

"Your Majesty, I present to you the winner of the Ostara Tournament. I will be glad to take this skilled warrior under my tutelage," Tyr's strong voice rang out, causing the crowd to go silent. Odin nodded, and Tyr turned to his new pupil. "Now reveal your identity, young warrior, so that all may know who you are."

The champion hesitated a moment, and then reached up to remove his helmet. Freyja's jaw dropped as long black hair fell down. There was a sharp intake of breath beside her.

"It's Sif!" Sigyn gasped.

Tyr was staring at the girl as though he had never seen a female warrior before – which Freyja knew was ridiculous because they had often played at sparing before... other types of play. Young Thor was beaming, and Loki's expression was much like Tyr's. Odin's expression was utterly blank, but Frigga had a small smile.

"Odin's going to be furious!" Sigyn breathed, pressing her hands to her mouth. "Poor Sif! All she wanted was..."

"Frigga knew," Freyja reassured her. "See that smile? And if Frigga knew, Odin knew. He's just trying to be impressive. Like he does."

And sure enough, at that moment Odin smiled, enjoying his little prank on Sif. "My people, I present to you the newest recruit to the warriors ranks, the Lady Sif Austmadrdottir!"

There was silence. Freyja spotted Alti opposite her in the crowd – Sif's mother looked beside herself with fury. Freyja smirked. Have any more nasty things to say about my daughter? She imagined Alti would face a lot of scolding and screaming from her mother! Agata, the old crone. This couldn't have happened to a more deserving family!

Beside her, Sigyn started clapping, as hard as she could. "SIF AUSTMADRDOTTIR!" she screamed as loudly as she could.
Freyja's other daughters, along with Bragi, started clapping and cheering. Sif's gaze was roaming over the stands, her expression dazed. Tyr, however, focused in on the lone family of cheerers. Even from that distance, it seemed that his gaze locked with Freyja's. And so she got to her feet and joined in with the cheering.

Across the stands, Freyja saw Theoric get to his feet. His voice joined in with Sigyn's, chanting Sif's name. His whole line of Crimson Hawks, Bragi's students, took up the cheer as well. The warriors still on the field that Sif had defeated started clapping. Slowly, it engulfed the whole crowd and they all screamed and stomped their feet. Alti got up and left with a stiff back.

"Now it's time to feast!" Idunn shouted, causing several people around to laugh and agree. She quickly took the brakes off of Bragi's chair and began wheeling him out of the stands, talking animatedly about how their daughters were going to be part of the Crimson Hawks and Bragi nodding his agreement.

Freyja took Sigyn's hand and they headed towards the banquet hall as well.

"And she just did all that without telling anybody!" Sigyn exclaimed. "Sif is so brave! She worked hard for what she wanted and didn't care! And now she's a warrior!"

"Yes, she is very brave," Freyja smiled and laughed. "Go on with your sisters. I have no interest in joining in the feast right now."

Sigyn nodded, bounding off with her sisters. Freyja smiled and laughed, turning around. She quickly made her way out of the crowd and headed towards her home. It had been a long day and her back and legs were sore from sitting so long. A nice warm bath sounded good. She absently found herself stroking her belly and thinking of her unborn child.

Someday perhaps you can be a warrior, too. With a pang, she wondered if Tyr would train a daughter the same as he would a son... If he even knew! Besides, I don't know if I'm having a girl or boy.

Deciding quite suddenly that she didn't want to go home, Freyja made her way through the near-empty market streets to the dwarves' shop. The sign said it was closed, but when she tried the door it wasn't locked so she walked in. Eitri was at the desk, polishing a ruby. He looked up and smiled when he saw Freyja.

"I wasn't expecting to see you today."

Freyja shrugged, making her way through the displays to pull herself up on the stool next to his. "I need some company."

"Ah. Brokk isn't here. He decided to take the opportunity to visit our mother."

"Then you can have me all to yourself."

Eitri chuckled. "I was just going to make some dinner. Would you like some?"

Freyja considered. "Maybe a little."

"Let me just lock up, then I'll make something to eat," he replied, putting the ruby down.

"No, I'll make us something while you lock up."

"Alright."

Freyja smiled and made her way to Brokk and Eitri's chilly basement living quarters. She looked through the icebox and quickly fixed two sandwiches with a side of fruit. Eitri soon joined her.

"I have some new designs that you can look at, if you want," he volunteered from the kitchen doorway.

"I'd love to!" Freyja popped a slice of apple into her mouth.

Eitri retrieved his sketchbook and started showing her the jewellery concepts that he had while they ate. Freyja paused on one metallic belt, with rubies inlaid in gold, etched with details of the great cats of the forest.

"This is lovely. It'd go perfectly with my red velvet."

"Which one is that?"

"Off the shoulders, fit and flare skirt, has a sheer cape."

Eitri thought for a moment. "I'm certain that the article of clothing I am imagining isn't any of your gowns."

Freyja laughed at him. "I wasn't sure you noticed what I wore anyway."

"I pay very close attention to what I'm taking off."

With another smile, she took his hand and led him down the corridor to his bedroom. "You know, I am always a little disconcerted by your lack of doors. What do you do when I'm with Brokk?"

"I generally go upstairs to the forges and work." Eitri wrapped his arms around her and kissed her softly. "I saw you fighting with your daughter earlier."

Freyja let out a long sigh. "I behaved poorly." And is what I'm doing now any better?

"Want to talk about it?"

"No. Yes. I don't know." Freyja sat down on Eitri's bed, which was little more than a mattress directly against the floor. "Two days ago she called me a whore."

Eitri's eyes widened. "Why?"

"Because at the auction for your wares men started to bid for me to drop my gown and spent a night with them." Freyja lay herself down, and Eitri lay down beside her, but didn't touch her. "I told her to go stay with her sister, even though she tried to tell me she didn't mean it."

"And today?"

"She came back home early. And I was with a man."

Eitri winced. "Who?"

"Does it matter?"

"No."

"I don't know his name. It was the auctioneer. He came to tell me how much the auction raised, and I invited him in. And then I was with him, and Sigyn saw." Freyja sighed and ran her hand through her hair. "I'm sorry, you didn't need to know that."

"I never lied to myself by thinking that my brother and I were your only lovers. You owe us nothing," he replied. "And by dwarfish custom you acted as any woman would."

"I don't even know his name! Everybody is right, I am a whore. It wasn't even good. I was just starting to enjoy it when it ended."

Eitri raised an eyebrow. "Asgardian men seem to be very selfish lovers."

"Do I complain about that a lot?"

He shrugged.

"Hmm. Well, you've never disappointed me."

"I'm afraid I might right now."

Freyja's brows furrowed.

"I'm sorry, Freyja, but I don't really want to. It's been a long day. The auction has certainly increased the sales we've got but the result is that we're emptier than normal. I spent the whole day in the forges. I bathed only half an hour before you came."

"You could have just told me." Freyja kissed his forehead. "But thank you for inviting me for dinner. It was nice."

"I can help you out a little before you leave," Eitri volunteered anxiously.

"No, you're tired. I'm fine, honest. I'm not entirely certain I want to either."

"You said you wanted company."

"I did. But I'm feeling a little nauseated," Freyja admitted. "I'd just like to rest a bit."

Eitri kissed her gently, and then she cuddled against his chest. Within moments, he was asleep, but she wasn't as tired as she had thought. She felt peaceful, though, and stayed in his arms for a few hours. Eventually she slipped out. After writing a note, she took a key and left, locking the shop behind her. She headed back home, to find Sigyn and Theoric sitting on the front step, talking. The Crimson Guard got to his feet and bowed to her.

"Back from the feast already?" Freyja raised an eyebrow.

Sigyn nodded. "I wanted to talk to you."

Freyja felt a stab of guilt at Sigyn's suspicious expression, but managed a smile. "I walked down to the lake," she said, hoping to lesson her daughter's embarrassment.

Sigyn nodded again, as though she believed her. She smiled at Theoric. "Thank you for keeping me company."

"It was my pleasure, my lady," he replied, kissing her knuckles. Sigyn flushed slightly. The smile on her face dropped as soon as Theoric walked away. Freyja went into the house, and Sigyn followed.

"Where were you really, Mother?"

"Sigyn-"

"I know you weren't by the lake."

"I was with Eitri."

Sigyn folded her arms. She looked angry and disappointed.

"I wasn't planning on it, but I just didn't want to be alone, Sigs."

"But you're already pregnant! What would you want to be near them for?"

Freyja folded her arms. "Sigyn, I will not have you speak about them in that tone, understood? Brokk is your father and unlike your sisters I would like you to respect that."

Sigyn scowled.

Freyja sat and took a deep breath. "Sigyn, about the man this morning... It was a mistake. And I'm sorry you saw. But without Brokk and Eitri, I wouldn't have you or any of your sisters."

"Except Hnossa."

"Except Hnossa. You told me earlier that you hate it that people treat me like a whore. Well, Brokk and Eitri are two of a handful of men who don't treat me like one. They respect me."

"Do they love you?"

"Love isn't as important as respect."

Sigyn's head hung low. "Do you respect me?"

"Yes."

"Do you love me?"

"Of course."

Sigyn looked up. "Mor, today, the tournament... Sif defied the whole of Asgard to do what she wanted. To be a warrior. And I-"

There was a knock on the door. Sigyn's shoulders slumped.

"I'll be just a moment," Freyja promised. She got up and went to the door. To her utter surprise, she found Tyr on her front step. He looked anxious and hesitant. Freyja frowned. She had less than an instant to decide if she wanted to be welcoming or dismissive- and decided that she would wait to see what he wanted at first, at least. "Lord Tyr."

"I apologise for disturbing you, Lady Freyja. But..."

"But what?"

"You are Valkyrie. How were you trained?"

Freyja's delicate brow raised. "What?"

"I have no idea how to train Sif."

Freyja nearly laughed. "What?!"

"How do I train a young woman?"

"The same way you train young men. Frey and I were never given separate training. My suggestion would be to treat her the same as your other students."

Sigyn appeared at Freyja's elbow. "Hello."

Tyr smiled at her. "Hello."

"Lord Tyr was just asking some advice on training girls, since I have experience," Freyja explained.

Sigyn looked doubtful. "What's so different in training girls than boys? Sif and Thor have been training together for months."

Tyr looked thoughtful. "Thank you, Lady Sigyn. That is of great help." He nodded respectfully. "Good-night to both of you."

"Goodnight, Lord Tyr." Freyja leaned against the door as she watched Tyr leave, until Sigyn poked her in the side.

"Mother?"

"Sorry." She closed the door crisply and went back to the sofa with her daughter. "What was it you were saying?"

"I want to learn magic."

Freyja's expression darkened. "What?"

"I want to learn magic!"

"We have been over this, it's not going to happen."

Sigyn raised her chin. "Mother. Why is it alright for Sif to go against society and become a warrior when such things aren't done in Asgard. She's defied her mother, fought with her mother and then had to go behind her mother's back in order to get what she wanted."

Freyja's heart pounded. You can't learn magic! He might come for you! "Sigyn, listen to me, please-"

"No! You listen to me! I am learning magic. I want you to support me in my dreams, the way Sif's mother won't. I want you to know what's going in my life. I'm going to ask Queen Frigga for lessons."

I could talk to her, explain why Sigyn can't learn magic! Freyja thought desperately. But I can't tell her! She won't believe me! "Sigyn, no, please-"

"Mother, it's just magic! Why are you acting like I'm marching into war?" Sigyn twisted her hands. "Mor, I'm good at it. You know that I am. And I am going to do whatever it takes to follow my dreams. Just like Sif."

"No. Out of the question."

"No!" Sigyn got to her feet. "After the way you act you think you can tell me how I should act?"

"You are not learning magic!"

"I already am!"

Freyja's face went utterly white. "What?"

"I'm learning magic!" Sigyn held out her hands and a flame flickered in the center of her palm.

"NO!" Freyja screamed. "STOP THAT RIGHT NOW!"

Sigyn's face contorted with anger. The flames reared higher. Freyja's heart stopped. She couldn't breathe. It all came rushing back, Atum in her doorway, grabbing her, holding her down, his lips on her lips and neck, his hands on her, the whole night flashing past in an instant-

Her hand slapped across Sigyn's face, causing her palm to sting and smart. Then she fell to her knees and vomited. She wrapped her arms around herself, panting. Sigyn stood, her hand still raised, her eyes wide.

"Mor?" Her voice wavered.

Freyja looked up. Sigyn's hand was pressed to her face. Freyja's heart stopped for a second time. "Sigyn... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!" She collapsed into weeping.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Gaea sat despondently in the room Frey had arranged for her to have for herself while she was there. It wasn't necessary. She wasn't planning on staying. She hadn't told Frey that, though. Set, she thought, her heart aching. I love you, little brother, as much as I've loved any of my sons. Closing her eyes, she sent out a thought. Oshtur?

There was no reply, though Gaea expected none. Her sister was always busy with other things. Frey didn't know about Atum's conception, or the story between her and Set. There was nobody who did, except Oshtur, Atum, Chthon... and now Set.

No, that's not true. Thoth knows. Gaea sighed. Thoth. He knew but he didn't understand. Well, talking to her beloved, if bird-brained, son was better than talking to nobody at all. She was going to have to go to Heliopolis.