Into The Lokiverse Pt II

"Nobody's funeral, for there is no one to bury.

And the bold imposing facade are all being rolled away—"

T.S Eliot

I could feel her gaze on me again, and the back of my neck prickled, not unlike the uncomfortable heat from the rune she had negated months earlier.

No one else suspected a thing, alright, Heimdall had, he'd seen right through me, but he'd been easy enough to banish from Asgard, and I'd found a useful replacement in the guard, who was more brawn than brains; Skurge. It had been simple enough, Heimdall had committed treason for Thor. It was almost poetic, his banishment by me, my escape was by his treason, as was my return. So, apart from Heimdall, no one suspected.

Thor was off playing with those Avenger fools, living on Midgard, and Sif and the warriors three; they were so devoted to Odin, they never suspected it was me.

But Sigyn was an entirely other story. I'd given something away to make her suspicious, but I had no idea what?

Perhaps it was the statue? It was rather big. But I was a hero, without my help, those dark elves would have taken over "beloved" Midgard which Thor and Odin loved so much. And someone had to thoroughly take out revenge for Frigga's murder. My heart tightened at my last memory of her, the part I'd unknowingly played...

"What do you think, Odin?" Tyr asked, and I realised I had no idea what he was wittering on about.

"Absolutely, my friend." I replied to whatever the question was.

"But, Allfather, is that wise?" I internally groaned at Sigyn's voice. Shit, what was Tyr's original question?

"How would it be unwise, Sigyn dear?" I turned to face her, noting her narrowed eyes.

"Marriage alliances are long outdated. Why bring them back into effect? Why not strike up a new trade agreement?"

Ah, that's what Tyr was talking about; the worsening trade between Asgard and Svartalfheim. "Trade has been rather rocky with the dwarves since Loki, tricked them into making those neat little gifts for Asgard." I cleverly answered. Nothing like blaming myself to protect well, myself.

"Hmm, it is a pity, Loki, is no longer with us to rectify his trickery." Her gaze was piercing. Damn, was she onto me? Surely not?

"Yes well, Loki's loss is one we all mourn, myself especially." I let out a sorrowful sigh. "Alas, a marriage alliance would surely appease the Dwarves." I said to Tyr, and then gestured to Sigyn. "Your daughter is still unwed, she'd make an excellent bride."

"I.. what?" Sigyn uttered, bewildered. Around the hall, voices broke out, discussing such a possibility; a mixture of agreement, horror, sniggers and gasps.

"Allfather, I'm sure there would be someone else more suited?" Tyr argued, seeming taken aback.

"My daughter is needed here to help deliver the Golden Apples alongside her mother, and eventually take her place."

"I'm sure Sigyn can return after a few hundred years, or drop by once every decade or so to fulfil her duties as Idun's daughter." I waved off his concern, thoroughly delighting in Tyr's frantic horror and Sigyn's blazing blue eyes. I leaned in towards her, dropping my voice. "I hear the Dwarves adore golden blondes. They certainly loved Freya, if the rumours are true..." If looks could kill... and yet, her eyes widened, a knowingness entering them. Oh shit indeed. I stepped back, but somehow, the damage was done. She knew.

"Anyway, have a think on it, I must take my leave, I'm late for a...ah... massage." Farewelling the small court, I hurried from the hall and towards the private royal quarters.

Creating an illusion, I sent a replica of Odin into his own chambers, and slipped into my own, letting my facade fall.

"Hello, Loki."

"Agh!" I leapt near out of my skin at the sight of the Goddess standing by the hearth. How in the Nine Realms had she beaten me here? And how had she gotten in? Heart pounding, I threw a warm, charming smile at her.

"Ah Sigyn, hello, lovely to see you again. Would you believe it, I'm back and alive?" She crossed her arms with scorn.

"Where's Odin, Loki?"

"Why, I daresay he's in his chambers."

"Shall we check, I'm sure he'd be thrilled to see you're alive." Before I had a chance to react, she certainly had the upper hand, she'd dashed from the room, racing towards Odin's chambers. Thank the Norn's no guards were near to catch me as I raced after her.

"Sigyn, wait!" I hissed out, reaching her just in time to grab her hand which clung to the golden handle to the King and Queen's chambers. She whirled on me, gaze fierce, angry, deceived.

"The game's up, Loki. I've been piecing this together for a while."

"Okay, let's go back to my chambers, and we'll talk." I was not fool enough to think I could beat the Goddess of Victory and Fidelity. I kept her hand clasped firmly in my grip.

"Where's Odin?"

"He's safe, he's fine, taking a break on Midgard."

"And Heimdall?" I shrugged. "No idea. Now, can you please keep your voice down and if you'll allow me to escort you back to my chambers, I'll explain." I shot her my most pleading look. I really didn't want to resort to measures to silence her. I liked Sigyn. Her one and only visit to the dungeons had kept me marginally sane a while longer, and she'd taken the time to negate my cursed rune, leaving a powerful bind rune in its place. I had to hope her compassion for me would stretch a little further.

"Fine." She sighed and I released her, stepping back. Together we walked silently to my chambers, and I offered a chair by the hearth to her, and went about pouring two chalices of spiced mead.

I sat opposite her, and handed one of the drinks over. "Thank you." She said primly, eying me with suspicion and hurt. "You've lead everyone to believe you are dead."

"I know."

"People mourned you."

"I know."

"Odin mourned you, he built a ridiculously huge sta..." She trailed off, brows furrowing. "You absolute horror, it's been you all along!" She pointed an accusing finger at me.

"Surprise?" I grinned, only to have a chess piece pelted at my forehead from the large board which sat between both our chairs. "Ow."

"This isn't funny, Loki."

"It's a little funny, the look on your face is quite priceless." She glared at me, but the corner of her mouth twitched. Ah, I had her. She'd always found my milder pranks and games amusing.

"You promise Odin is safe and unharmed?" Her eyes locked onto mine.

"Yes, I swear. I checked in on him last week. He's having a wonderful time in a Midgardian retirement village playing some game called, lawn bowls."

"A what village?"

"A safe recreational village for the elderly to enjoy themselves." I dropped my voice, tone grave. "After mother's death, Thor denouncing the throne, and the attack on Asgard, the loses were too much, the strain on his mind and heart..." Sigyn, toying with another chess piece merely raised a disbelieving brow. "I could have left, after I'd escaped, instead I came back to fulfil my duties. Odin needed someone to step in, take over while he was allowed to grieve and rest, released from the pressures of ruling; and I not only have the knowledge and upbringing to rule Asgard, I could do so with little interruption to its people. They believe Odin sits on the throne, they are happy. Odin meanwhile is happy on Midgard. It's a win, win situation. "

"And you finally get to rule Asgard, like you've always wanted." Sigyn muttered.

"Yes well, an added bonus." I shrugged.

"You are so full of it, ruling is your only goal here." She laughed without humour. "Take me to see Odin, so I might glean his truth."

"Absolutely not, he's in a fragile state."

"He's been on Midgard for nearly eighteen months!"

"And do I need to actually send you off to marry into the Dwarves?" I dropped my threat casually and her eyes flashed. "You know more than anyone how Odin has wronged me. I am trying to prove to him I am fit to rule. Everyone is happy, can't you leave well enough alone?" I hissed.

"Everyone may be happy, but you aren't. I've known something was up from the moment I returned from Vanaheimr. Odin sent me away as a punishment of sorts, wishing not to look at me, and yet on my due return, welcomed me with open arms."

"And what finally gave the game away?"

"Your obsession with cinnamon. Odin hates cinnamon. You, on the other hand seem to bathe in it."

"I do like to smell and taste good." I threw her a salacious grin, but she only huffed and shook her head.

"Why are you continuing this charade if you aren't happy? You've got what you want, but you don't seem happy. Odin as you, has been distracted of late."

"Funnily you are not the first woman to make such an astute observation in recent times." I muttered.

"The Midgardian." She stated.

"Perhaps." I answered, aloof.

"Who is she, exactly?"

"Someone I can call a friend."

"Does she know about all this?"

"She knows more than I care to admit." I murmured, gazing wistfully towards the window, to the night sky. "Six months ago, I began asking Odin if he wished to return home. He declined each time." I watched a far off meteor arc across the sky, followed by three more. "I admit in the beginning I used my seidr to subdue him, and take him to Midgard and keep him there, but it's worn off. I let it. He chooses to stay of his own reasons. He won't say what those reasons are, but I like to believe he knows I am trying in my own way.

"If there is one thing Queen Frigga said more than anything else when King Odin was questioned, it was; 'There is always a purpose to everything the Allfather does.'"

"No matter how harsh or bizarre." I finished the quote, turning back to Sigyn, having heard those very same words so often from Frigga myself.

"In a way, you do the same." She said and I opened my mouth to protest. "You have a very convoluted way of reaching your goals." I shrugged, not bothering to defend myself. She was right. It was why we now sat across from one another. She'd discovered my plan.

"Will you oust me?" I asked plainly. She finished the last of her drink and gazed at me.

"If I try to, you'll marry me off to the Dwarves."

"We both know I'd never do such a thing." She nodded, seeming to believe me. Besides, I liked having her around, she was an ally of sorts. And possibly a friend?

"I'll hold my silence." She eventually decided.

"And in return?" There had to be something she wanted. Instantly she frowned, confused by my question. "What must I give you for your silence? Jewels? Gold? Better quarters? Higher ranking?"

She laughed. "I have no use for more riches, I quite like my current quarters in my families' wing of the palace, and I cannot exactly go any higher in ranking, since we are cousins, and it would be weird." I laughed at that. She was absolutely right about the last part, although, her reasoning brought a memory forward; Why had Odin once been touting on about Sigyn to Thor if we were all first cousins?

Well, I guess I technically wasn't related to Sigyn, but still why had Odin been suggesting her as a marriage prospect... Why, that scheming bastard. That's how he was going to do it! It all made sense, and oh how much bigger his plan had truly been before I'd let myself fall from the rainbow bridge and ruined it. Odin was hoping to lure me to Sigyn by speaking of her to Thor in my presence. And, it always had been in my presence, at banquets and such. He'd wanted to create an alliance with Jotanheim and Asgard through me. What better way than also having me wed an Asgardian of the royal family?

"Um, Loki? Are you alright?" Sigyn murmured and I shook my head, feeling deceived once more, and pushing my anger back, focused on my current companion, who was watching me with a quizzical expression.

"Fine. So, there is nothing you wish for?"

"Mhmm." She smiled, bright and honest.

"Alright then. If you change your mind..."

"If there's anything I need, I'll be sure to ask you."

"A debt, wonderful." I muttered. She'd played the trickster. Ha.

Thanks for the reviews, guys!