Sigyn sighed in relief at finally having her house to herself. Several days of repeated visits from her sisters and their children had convinced Dis to shorten her stay in Asgard. The dwarf woman was now back in her home realm, and Sigyn was alone. Freyja and Brokk had invited her for dinner that evening, and Sigyn was looking forward to spending time with her mother, and with a dwarf she actually liked! She still had a few hours, though...

She decided that she would take the time to read a nice, relaxing book. Before she could settle down, though, a magpie flew through her window and landed on her head.

"Ikol!" she cried in annoyance, slapping at it.

It squawked in indignation. "Not pleased to see me?"

"What do you want?"

"I just wanted to see my master's favourite sister, of course!"

Sigyn ignored the sting of that. "I thought you said Loki wasn't your master?"

That magpie flapped its wings. "He's my not my master if you are my mother's sister's granddaughter!"

Sigyn blinked, opening her mouth. And then paused. "Wait... I am, aren't I?"

"No!"

The magpie pecked her hard on the head and flew out again. Sigyn glared after him, rubbing her head. She sat down with her book again. Five minutes later, however...

"How'd you even know, girl?"

Sigyn jumped. "What?"

The magpie cackled, and fluttered over to land on the chair of her arm. "I am very cleverly disguised, how did you figure out it was me?"

Sigyn rolled her eyes. "You said I was your mother's sister's granddaughter. That doesn't exactly make it hard to guess your identity, Ag-"

A wing pressed to her mouth. "Don't say my name!"

"Why not?"

"Don't want the whole of Asgard knowing I'm here, it would spoil all my fun!"

Sigyn rolled her eyes. "Whatever. What are you even doing here?"

"Looking."

"Looking for what?"

"Something."

She was getting annoyed. "Something like what? And I want more than one word as an answer!"

"Something like none of your business, little one!"

"Little one?! Which one of us currently fits inside the other's hand?"

Ikol laughed. "Are you just going to keep moping around forever, Sigs? Or are you going to do something with your life?"

"Don't call me Sigs! And something like what, exactly? My whole life is here!"

"What life? If this is your life, it's high time you found yourself a new one!"

She laced her voice with sarcasm. "And how exactly am I meant to do that? If you know so much?"

"That's your choice, not mine. But you're going to regret staying in Asgard if you don't get out! Mark my words, girl... Leave. As soon as possible."

Sigyn narrowed her eyes. "Why? Do you know something I don't?" He opened his beak to comment; she cut him off. "About Asgard specifically, not in general!"

"Aye."

"What?"

"The Realm Eternal is built on lies."

Sigyn narrowed her eyes. "What sort of lies?"

"Lies like Bor's victory over Malekeith! He did not defeat the dark elves, the dark elves defeated themselves!" Ikol cackled with laughter.

Sigyn's interest was piqued. "What do you mean? Were you there?"

"Maybe."

"What sort of answer is that?"

"One I thought you'd be used to!"

She gritted her teeth. "I want you to tell me the story, not give me riddles!"

"Maybe I will. But not here, not now."

"Why not?"

"Because you have to get to your mother's!"

"Why?"

Ikol squawked. "They're expecting you for dinner."

"Yes, but that's not for hours, it's barely past noon!"

"Are you sure about that? Our talk may have taken longer than you thought..."

Sigyn looked out of the window, sure that 'Ikol' was trying to aggravate her... Her jaw dropped. The sun was hovering in the western sky. She was late! She cursed the bird and threw her book at him, jumping to her feet.

He squawked in annoyance. "Was that really necessary?"

"You made me late!" Even if I have no idea how...

"Got your father's temper, I see," He grumbled as he flew away.

Sigyn barely heard him, quickly grabbing her shoes, purse and house key while dragging a brush through her hair before running out the door. She arrived at her mother's house to find Freyja finishing setting the table.

"You're late."

"I'm sorry, I was reading."

"Hmph." Freyja narrowed her eyes briefly, before shaking her head. "Come inside."

Sigyn followed meekly, praying that that bird hadn't followed her.

Brokk was in good spirits during supper, even if he was clearly doing worse. Sigyn contemplated him sadly. How much time did he have left now? Ten days? Nine? He eagerly told Sigyn about how Snorta had spent all day the previous day with him, drawing down the visions he saw in his mind.

"Eitri can make them now," he said with a beam. "Or Nanna, once she improves a bit."

"I'll be sure to buy as many as I can." Sigyn smiled warmly.

"No, I asked Eitri to give them away. Only fair."

Sigyn put her hand gently over Brokk's. "However I receive them, I will always treasure them."

He smiled at her. "Thank you."

Freyja looked at Brokk worriedly. "Are you not hungry again? You've hardly touched your food."

He squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry, my love. It's delicious, I'm just afraid I don't quite feel like eating."

Freyja returned the squeeze, smiling. Her eyes were sad, though. "Shall we retire into the parlour then, so you can rest?"

"If you don't mind."

Freyja helped Brokk to his feet, and supported his weight for the short walk. They settled down on the largest couch. Sigyn perched on a nearby winged armchair. Glancing around, she saw that the fire in the hearth was almost out. She began to rise to refuel it, then had a better idea. Concentrating, a small fire lit in the palm of her hand, and she willed it to stoke the fireplace. She smiled in satisfaction as the ball of fire in her palm floated straight to the hearth and lit the fire into a warm, orange glow. She settled back, quite pleased with herself.

"You're learning how to control it, then?" Freyja asked, her brows raised.

Sigyn nodded. "Little tricks."

Brokk stared, wide-eyed. He glanced at Freyja. "Can you do things like that?"

Freyja shook her head. "Little bits of magic aren't too terribly hard, but Sigyn's got an unique gift. I've told you that before."

"Have you?"

"Yes..."

"Oh. Right. I remember now." Brokk shook his head, as though wanting to tear his hair out. "My memory is getting so unreliable lately!"

Freyja squeezed his hand, her expression carefully hiding the torment inside. Sigyn watched them both, looking concerned.

"Should I go home, let the two of you alone?"

Freyja looked hesitant, Brokk shook his head

"I enjoy company," he said. "Never realised how much."

"I'll stay for a while." Sigyn compromised to placate her mother and Brokk both.

Brokk smiled. "What things are you doing lately?"

She shrugged uneasily. "The usual. housework, reading..."

"Don't you have any hobbies?" Brokk pressed.

She shrugged uneasily. "Reading has always been my only real hobby."

Freyja sighed. "Sigyn, you need more than books in your life."

"Thank you, Mother, you've only told me that a hundred times. I do write poetry, sometimes."

Brokk straightened up attentively. "Poetry? I've always found listening to it enjoyable, I wouldn't mind hearing some of yours sometime."

Sigyn flushed scarlet. "It's not good," she quickly said.

"Yes, it is!" Freyja exclaimed. "The piece you recited at Nanna's last name day was beautiful!"

"Mor, stop!" Sigyn wanted to crawl under a rock- she hated attention!

"That was yours?" Brokk asked in surprise.

"You were there?"

"I was standing just outside the door..."

Freyja laughed triumphantly. "I knew it!"

Brokk blinked. "You saw me?"

"Yes. You were grinning like a fool!"

"Er, well, I was in a good mood... and you were right," turning back to Sigyn. "The poem was beautiful."

Sigyn's face flamed again. "Can we discuss something else please?"

"Why don't you share your poetry?"

She twisted her hands, staring at the floor. "Most of it is... private. I write down my thoughts, I do not enjoy broadcasting them in public."

"I've read a few that she could sell as books of seduction," Freyja added.

"Mother!"

"What? It's true!"

"I asked to talk about something else!"

Freyja raised an eyebrow. "Such as?"

"Anything!"

Brokk cast his mind about, trying to think of a way to change the subject. "The first thing I ever crafted was a metal shoe," he blurted finally.

"What for?"

"My shoes kept wearing out, I thought if I could make metal ones, they would last!"

"Did they?" Sigyn asked curiously.

"No. I wore them to swim in..."

Both Freyja and Sigyn muffled giggles, already guessing where this was going.

"They're probably covered in rust at the bottom of that lake. Nearly killed me!"

"Well, now I know one thing for sure," Freyja giggled.

"What?"

"Women do have more common sense than men!"

Sigyn went into hysterics. Brokk tried to look offended, despite his chuckles. It quickly turned into a coughing fit.

Freyja hovered anxiously beside him. "Are you alright?"

"I'm-" He coughed several more times, "-fine, don't worry." He pressed a handkerchief to his mouth.

Freyja and Sigyn stifled gasps when they saw flecks of blood on it.

"I'll go find Grandmother," Sigyn exclaimed and before Brokk could protest she had bolted from the house.

#

Freyja blinked back tears as she made sure Brokk was comfortable. She had quickly boiled the water; breathing in the steam seemed to help him somewhat. His face was pale and he looked exhausted. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his temple. "Do you need something? Water, medicine?"

He shook his head wordlessly.

"I wish we had more time," she whispered, pressing her forehead to his.

"Don't weep for the memories we don't have, Freyja. Just remember the ones we do... Remember me."

His eyes drifted shut.

Freyja paled. "Brokk?"

"I'm fine," he murmured. "Just tired. Hold me?"

She swallowed hard, nodding and moving to embrace him more tightly.

His head leaned against her shoulder. "At my funeral, have Sigyn recite something of hers... and make sure everybody knows she wrote it. Even though... won't be many people."

Freyja nodded, unable to speak much past the lump in her throat. "I will."

It was a rasp, but he heard. He smiled. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

He laid his head on her shoulder, sighing contentedly. "This was all I ever wanted."

"What is?"

"You. You and me. More than just physical intimacy. Even if just for a while."

Freyja's stomach twisted. She had so many lies in her past, so many hard truths. She couldn't make up for all of them, but if she could even just relieve her guilt of one, wouldn't it be worth it? "Brokk..." she whispered. "I have to tell you something. But maybe now isn't the best time. It doesn't have anything to do with what we've been talking about."

"What is it? Tell me. You're not pregnant again, are you?"

Freyja laughed. "No. But Nanna... Neither you or Eitri are her father."

Brokk blinked. "Then who is?"

"Another man I once loved, who died while she was an infant." Tears brimmed in Freyja's eyes. "I'm sorry I let you believe..."

Brokk took her hands in his. "Who?"

Freyja sniffled. "Tyr."

"When he was hosting Ve?"

Freyja blinked in surprise. "What? How do you know?"

"You sometimes talk in your sleep, love."

"Oh." Freyja went red. "When...?"

"Before she was born, you'd cry in your sleep, begging him not to take her away from you. And after his death you'd tell him over and over how sorry you were..."

The blood drained from Freyja's face. "But... I never even let myself think about him!"

"It's alright. I understand why you lied. You were afraid that if he decided to claim her, that nobody would stand by your right as her mother and you'd never see her again."

She sighed heavily. "Almost all my choices have been the wrong ones... you being the exception, of course."

Brokk smiled at her. Before their conversation could continue, however, Sigyn came rushing back in, followed by Gaea. The Elder Goddess went straight to Brokk, looking at him carefully.

"Are you in pain?"

Brokk shook his head.

Gaea didn't look convinced, turning to Freyja. "What happened earlier?"

"Violent coughing fit, blood involved." Freyja stated robotically.

Brokk shook his head. "It's nothing, really..."

"That hardly sounds like nothing."

"I can't accept anything."

"Giving you a little better health to enjoy before the end is not changing nature's way. And I should know about nature!"

Brokk's shoulders slouched. "Do what you will." He sighed in defeat as Gaea's hands began to glow, and she placed them at his throat and chest, healing his lungs.

"Freyja, Sigyn. Let me speak with him alone."

Sigyn tugged her mother out of the room. Freyja felt hollow as she followed her daughter to the kitchen. Tears welled in her eyes; she touched her cheek in amazement as one ran down her cheek.

"I'm crying."

"You're sad."

Freyja looked up. "Sigyn..."

"Yes, Mor?"

"I love you."

"I love you too." Sigyn hugged her mother. "I never told you... thank you."

"For what?"

"Lying to me about who my father is. I can't imagine growing up knowing that. There were enough times when I thought that... We've had our difficulties, Mor. But I love you, and I will always love you."

Freyja smiled gently. "I haven't asked. Which of your sisters are you staying with?"

"Idunn, right now. You know how I love to watch the children... Am I ever going to be a mother?" Sigyn's eyes were sad. "Normally it doesn't bother me that much, but when I'm with the children, I just long for a child of my own."

"I'm sure you will some day."

"Uncle Frey doesn't. And I know that he's wanted to be a father for a long, long time. But... We don't always get what we want."

"He's got Gerda now." Freyja tried to smile. It was slightly odd, Frey courting a half-giant, a former slave on Jotunhiem that moved to Asgard after Loki and Angrboda abolished the slave practice among the Jotunns. Other than Gerda's size there was no indication that she was half frost giant, but given that she towered over Frey they were bound to draw looks anyway.

"You think he's going to marry her?" Sigyn asked.

"Maybe. Although as far as I know they haven't even kissed yet."

"I imagine that Uncle Frey is going to remain chaste until his wedding night. He's why I decided I wanted to wait, you know. You always told me to find somebody who respected me, and that I had to be certain, but when you spoke of waiting until marriage you focused on what people would think. Uncle Frey told me why he was waiting. And it just seemed to special..." Sigyn's expression became devastated. "I wanted to remain a virgin until my wedding night. But I didn't get that choice."

Freyja embraced Sigyn. "Njord will pay for what he did to you. I promise."

"I would rather have my family safe than have revenge, Mor."

"You'll have both," Freyja promised. Atum is just waiting until after Nanna's wedding. Two more months. Her gut twisted. He was her father! No. He is just a monster who forced my daughter. Nothing more.

Sigyn studied her mother. "You're always so certain of yourself."

"I usually am."

Sigyn didn't reply.

#

Gaea finished the quick examination and sighed as she sat beside her son-in-law. "It is not these symptoms that will kill you, Brokk. When your time is up, that mass in your brain will explode. I'm not doing anything about that, as you requested."

Brokk paled at the thought. "Will it hurt?" The question was almost involuntary, and he wasn't even sure he wanted the answer...

"I don't know. I have never been able to ask. "

He sighed heavily. "Once that happens... will I just drift away? The healers won't discuss this part..."

"You'll die almost instantly."

"Does... does Freyja know this?"

"Freyja doesn't want to know."

Brokk sighed. "In a way, I think I want her to be prepared for what will happen."

Gaea managed a small smile. "She knows when."

Brokk stared at the table. "How will she manage afterwards? She hides her feelings so much..."

Gaea sighed. "Don't I know it! I don't know how she'll do. What about your brother? "

"He refuses to acknowledge that this is really happening." Brokk sighed. "I don't know what to tell him."

Gaea put an arm around him. "If you want, I can try to talk to him."

"Perhaps... though I don't know if he will open up to a stranger."

"There can be no harm in trying, can there? People have a tendency to trust me, most times." Gaea smiled wryly.

Brokk nodded, ceding the point, as Freyja and Sigyn stepped hesitantly into the doorway.

"May we come back in now?"

"Yes," Gaea called. "He should be fine for right now. I'm going to take a walk. Call me if I'm needed."

She slipped out of the house. Brokk smiled warmly at his wife and step-daughter. "What would you like to do for the rest of the day?"

"I have some sewing to do," Sigyn replied. "I could stay here, though."

"That would be nice, to have some company," Brokk turned to Freyja. "Will you be going out anywhere today?"

"There are a few things that need to be done for Nanna's wedding that I don't trust Odin to."

"Fair enough. Will you stay, then, Sigyn, keep an old man company?"

"You're not that old," Freyja replied, kissing his forehead.

"I can stay," Sigyn nodded. "But wouldn't you rather go to your shop?"

Brokk's face fell. "I haven't been to the shop in over a month. Can't work anymore."

"Oh... I'm sorry, I didn't realise..." Sigyn looked around frantically, trying to think of a way to change the subject. "I'll run home quick and grab my sewing. I'll be back in fifteen minutes."

Brokk nodded as Sigyn left rapidly, red-faced. Freyja came and sat at his side.

She put her head on his shoulder lightly. "I'll be as quick as I can."

"Darling, take as long as you need to. I'll be fine."

She kissed the side of his head. "Two hours, at most."

He cupped her face. "I'm sorry that I'm such a burden."

She shook her head. "You're not, I love you."

"You're not just saying that?"

She laid her head on his shoulder. "I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it."

Brokk twisted his fingers with hers. "And you'll take care of Eitri? "

Freyja nodded in silent affirmation. "Always."

"So fifteen minutes. . What does that give us time for? "

Freyja smirked slyly. "Not much... but we could do this..." She pressed her lips to his softly, to tease him, increasing pressure slowly.

Brokk sighed in contentment, closing his eyes. Freyja broke the kiss when Brokk became unresponsive, leaning back to look at him- he'd dozed off, as he did a lot these days. She sighed, gently extricating her hand from his grip. The door opened, and Freyja stood quickly, to warn Sigyn not to disturb Brokk.

Sigyn's brows rose when she explained what had happened, but she nodded and agreed to stay until she came back, so that Brokk would have company when he woke. Freyja left, resolving to be back as soon as she could. Sigyn settled down in an armchair to continue with her sewing. She hadn't been there long when Brokk stirred.

"Freyja?" he called sleepily.

She set the fabric down and stood, speaking gently. "Mother's gone out, Brokk. She'll be back soon. Can I get you anything?"

"Freyja," he murmured again, his gaze on her face.

"Mother's out," she repeated, realising that he thought she was Freyja, and starting to feel a little anxious. "I'm Sigyn."

"Sigyn?" Brokk chuckled. "She's only a little girl... Freyja, I'm sorry..."

"Sorry for what?" It's best to play along for now...

"My price for Brisingamen. I'm sorry that I thought that the rumours... I'm sorry for treating you like a harlot..."

Sigyn's jaw dropped. She completely forgot about the role-play she was doing, and just froze in shock. Brokk frowned at her.

"Freyja?"

"I..."

"Surprised?" Brokk chuckled. "I should have stopped it earlier, but I like being around you so much..."

"I... Brokk, this is Sigyn. Freyja's not here." Best get him back to his senses before he says anything else to me that he should say to Mor!

He scowled. "Why do you keep saying that? Sigyn's five!"

"Because you're a little confused."I'm all grown up now. And I have a grown little sister. Nanna?"

"Nanna?" Brokk's face twisted in concentration. "Are you pregnant?"

"No, I'm Sigyn!" She was getting desperate. How can I rouse him?

Brokk smiled in a way that made it clear he still didn't believe her. "Alright. If you say so. I'm so tired, Freyja... Will you sing me a song?"

Sigyn began humming an old lullaby Freyja used to sing to her when she was little, grateful not to have to speak. Brokk drifted off again fairly quickly; Sigyn sighed in relief. The dwarf remained slumbering until Freyja returned.

"Didn't he wake?" Freyja asked in concern.

"He did, briefly. He thought I was you."

Freyja looked hesitant."What happened?"

"He apologised for the deal you made to get that necklace. And then asked me to sing him to sleep."

Freyja blinked rapidly. "Apologised for-"

Sigyn nodded gravely.

"Oh, Brokk," the older woman murmured, stroking his hair. "You're an honourable man... despite how odd you are."

He stirred at her touch; his eyes opened. Freyja smiled at him. His response was a confused frown. "Who are you?"

She sighed. "I'm a friend. You're sick. I'll get your medicine."

"Don't feel sick," Brokk murmured, frowning after her.

"Just do as I ask, please?" she offered him the bottle. "Drink."

He obeyed, while eying her warily. Sigyn hung back, unsure of what to do. After a few minutes, Brokk seemed to wake up.

"Freyja? Sigyn? Why do you look so worried?"

Freyja looked at Sigyn, who shook her head. "You just got me confused with Mor, it's fine. Ho harm done." She smiled warmly.

Brokk looked a little wary. "I didn't make any inappropriate suggestions, did I?"

Sigyn burst out laughing. "No! Not unless asking me to sing is inappropriate."

"Good."

He settled back in his chair, sighing. "Did you finish the wedding preparations you wanted to do, Freyja?"

"Mostly. I have a few things to discuss with Odin, but today's not the best time for that."

Sigyn shifted awkwardly. "Do you two want some privacy, or..."

"Perhaps that would be best," Freyja agreed. "I'll see you tomorrow, sweetheart."

Sigyn nodded, kissing her mother's cheek and then on impulse Brokk's as well. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Brokk pressed his hand to his cheek in surprise as Sigyn left.

"Don't start getting ideas," Freyja joked, curling up under his arm. "She's your stepdaughter now!"

"I wouldn't have any ideas even if she were not. I'm just surprised... All your daughters always acted as though they hated me."

"Sigyn's never been one for hate."

"So it would seem..." Brokk hung his head. "I wish I hadn't blacked out in front of her, what she must think of me..."

"That you've got an illness that effects how you think at times. She won't think any less of you."

"I hope you're right." Brokk yawned. "I'm just going to rest my eyes for a minute. Stay?"

"Of course. Maybe later we can have a little bath together... Brokk?"

But he was already asleep. Freyja frowned, leaning back against him. Perhaps in the morning they would return to the shop, and live there for the remaining few days he had... I wouldn't want to die in a strange place, Freyja thought. And he needs to be close to Eitri...

She relaxed, enjoying Brokk's warm weight on her, and drifted off herself.