"Well? What did Fandrall say? Has Sigyn accepted the girl as her handmaiden?"

"She has. Sigyn took Rúna to her chambers to meet Loki and show her what she was to do. Fandrall came to find me after escorting them there."

The Allfather nodded approvingly. Thor exchanged a quick glance with his mother. They were both thinking the same — hopefully, Rúna's presence would be enough to show the people, and Odin too, that Loki and Sigyn had nothing to hide.

After speaking with his sister, Thor had gone straight to Odin and Frigga to tell them of Sigyn's terms. His father had immediately questioned if these actually were her own or if they were Loki's, and Thor had assured him Loki, too, was bound by her demands. It didn't sit well with him that after thirty years, and after everything Loki had done to prove he loved Sigyn, Odin still held doubt over his true motives. Thor had tried to reassure his father, as he had tried to do with the people, that Sigyn's words and actions were her own and Loki held no sway over her.
He understood his brother was protective of Sigyn after the terrible heartache and grief she had endured. He would be too if she were his wife. Yet, if Loki acted the way he had in their chamber in public, it could easily be misinterpreted. The people wouldn't see a husband safeguarding his beloved wife, but a Trickster ensuring no one else got close to his favourite toy.

The meeting between Rúna and Sigyn had to be postponed for almost a week since Sigyn was unwell for several days after arriving in Asgard — which only made the rumours rise again — but this had given Thor and Fandrall the time to prepare for it. The Crown Prince had instructed his friend carefully on what he was to do and pay attention to. Since Sigyn had allowed no one but Fandrall to be present in the room, it had fallen to the youngest member of the Warriors Three to be both guardian and, regrettably, spy.

"What did Fandrall say about Sigyn?" the Allfather asked next. "How was she with the girl?"

"Vigilant but kind," replied Thor. "She opened up to the conversation after some time, visibly at ease with her."

"Could he detect anything about her that suggested sorcery was at work?"

"Oh, for mercy's sake." Frigga gave an exasperated sigh.

"Frigga, I will not have your meddling this time." Odin bit back at her. "I allowed your presence whilst I spoke of this to Thor, but only if you kept quiet."

The Queen huffed and turned on her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. Thor wanted to speak up in defence of his mother, but he knew it would be to no avail. And he wouldn't want her to be sent away from the room. Even in silence, she could still be a fierce advocate for Loki and his wife.

"Thor, please answer my question. Did Fandrall see anything that could have hinted to Sigyn using or being used by magic?"

Thor pressed his lips together. He had to tread carefully now. "Nothing indicated this."

"But?"

"She touched her pendant several times," admitted Thor. "But she does this all the time, Father; you've seen it. It means nothing. It's just... something she does to ground herself. She draws comfort from it."

Odin sighed wearily. "Thor, need I remind you that necklace was one of the first things your brother gave her to win her over? To control her?"

"He's not controlling her."

"We cannot be certain of that."

"Yes, we can. Please have faith in your son."

The Allfather's one eye narrowed. "You've spoken with this girl, this Rúna, before, yes?"

Thor nodded, silently wondering what his father's motives were. 

"Allow her some time to observe Sigyn and then ask her if she ever takes the necklace off," instructed Odin. "See if she can discover if Loki has given her anything else. Anything at all that might —"

"No."

"Pardon?" Odin blinked at his son's interruption.

"I said no," said Thor vehemently. "I will not ask this girl to become a spy for you. I will not have her shame Sigyn's trust. She has taken a significant step into accepting Rúna as her handmaiden; that should be enough for now."

"We need someone to watch her."

"No, we do not. Father, please think of what you say. Sigyn and Loki have finally returned after thirty years, and the first thing you want is to have a spy with them when it was the devastating actions of a spy that drove them away. They have given no cause that they are planning something, nor that either is being controlled by the other for their powers. They are simply husband and wife and still as deeply in love as the day they exchanged their vows. Let them be that for now. You have my word that if there is anything amiss with either of them, I shall be the first to take action."

The Allfather gave him a long stare. Thor felt a sudden unease fall over him. He rarely had this, but when he did, it did not bode well.

"You seem to be under the impression you have a say in this matter," spoke Odin. "And though I admire and appreciate the love and respect you bear for your brother and sister, you are the Crown Prince of Asgard above anything else. Your duty is to protect your people first."

"And are Sigyn and Loki not part of my people?" rebuffed Thor.

"Not if they are a threat!"

A loud bang made both men turn their heads. Frigga had jumped up from her chair so abruptly it had fallen backwards. She threw her husband a vicious, ice-cold glare, her clenched fists shaking beside her body. She kept silent as Odin demanded of her, but it was plain to both him and Thor that she was positively fuming with rage.
Odin dared to meet her expression, not at all moved to give in to her tantrum. He kept his own anger in check, making Thor wish he was in some far-off world, fighting giants and ogres. Even a fire drake would have been preferable at this point.

"Loki and Sigyn apart are dangerous but manageable," said Odin. "Him more than her. Together, they are unpredictable. I will not have the future of Asgard depend on hope and faith. We must be certain of what they can do and if either has taken control over the other. You will both accept my judgment and do as I ask. If not, all that happens from here on, every death, every disaster, and every single drop of blood spilt will be on your hands."

There was no contradicting the Allfather. This was his final order. A foreboding warning that could not and would not be ignored. Not even by his own wife and son.

***

By the time Sigyn returned to their chambers, it was already noon. Loki had tried his best to keep himself occupied, so he wouldn't be tempted to use his magic and break his promise to Sigyn. He had almost abandoned everything when he'd felt her reaching out to him through the pendant they shared, but she'd merely wanted to reassure herself he was there in case she needed him. Without fail, he had sent her his love, his thoughts, and his courage, letting her know that, yes, he was there. He would always be there, no matter the distance between them.
When Loki, at long last, heard the door, he dropped the book he had been flipping through and strode from their study to the presence chamber. He halted when he found his wife did not return alone.

"Loki, this is Rúna," introduced Sigyn.

The young woman — really still a girl compared to Sigyn — standing nervously at his wife's side had far too delicate features for a mere servant. Grey eyes with long black lashes, lush pink lips, and light ash brown hair, held back with a gold clasp. She did not appear thin, but was certainly not plump either. If she dressed more adequately, one might call her voluptuous.
The girl dipped into a curtsey and smiled awkwardly at Sigyn's introduction, but Loki wasn't paying attention to her. His eyes were drawn to her headband, which was made of jewelled flowers and fiery blood-red hair — Sigyn's hair.

"I've taken Rúna on as my handmaiden for one year," said Sigyn when Loki remained quiet. "We'll see how it goes from there."

"I-I shall work hard," Rúna said in a shaky voice. "I promise."

Sigyn smiled reassuringly. "I'm certain you will. And don't worry. We'll ease you into it." 

She led the girl around the chambers, telling her where everything was and what she was to do. Loki followed them cautiously. He didn't like this. Not one bit.
He watched as Rúna halted in front of the bookcase in the study. His eyes narrowed when she trailed the covers with her fingertip, ever so carefully.

"I thought only the library had this many books," she said in awe.

"Do you like to read?" asked Sigyn.

"I, um," Rúna averted in shame. "I-It's hard to understand sometimes."

Sigyn glanced over to Loki. Her thoughts stroked his mind. "Ask her if she can write."

"What?" He cocked his head questioningly.

"Loki, just do it."

With a sigh, Loki stepped forward. "Well, authors tend to exaggerate in their texts sometimes. I find it helps to compose your own as an exercise to understand them better; you should try that."

Rúna's cheeks flushed red. Loki pressed on after Sigyn threw him another glance, having come to the same conclusion he had at that reaction. "You do know how to write, do you not?" 

"A... A little, my Lord," admitted the girl.

"Oh, well, we cannot have that," said Sigyn. "You should be taught properly, Rúna. Loki can help you. Can't you, my love?"

Loki's head snapped to his wife. "I'm sorry, what?"

Rúna raised her eyes to him. She looked so innocent and helpless. So full of hope. If this girl truly was a spy for his family, she played her role very well. Loki forced himself to smile and nodded, his mind prodding at his wife's.

"Sigyn, what are you planning?"

But Sigyn merely gave him a quick wink and pulled her new handmaiden away from him, leading her back to the presence chamber. "Rúna, why don't you gather your belongings? You can take the room further down the corridor. I don't believe anyone has used it since... your predecessor left. Settle in, get a good night's rest, and then we'll start in the morning. I shall send for you."

"Yes, my Lady." Rúna dipped into a low curtsey.

"Please, call me Sigyn."

"Yes, Lady Sigyn."

Sigyn chuckled at the girl's simplicity and bade her farewell. As soon as Rúna was gone, Loki approached his wife. "Sigyn, what —?"

The sudden crash of her lips on Loki's mouth silenced him immediately. Her hands grasped his black and green leather tunic, keeping him right in place. Loki stood completely stunned. What was going on? Why was—oh, wait...
Going on a hunch, Loki put his hands on Sigyn's hips and nudged her gently. She broke off their kiss, and her emerald eyes gazed up at Loki. She gave him an intense, meaningful look. Of course... such a clever wife he had.

Loki moved swiftly and swooped Sigyn off her feet, carrying her in his arms through the chambers to the bedroom. He placed her on the bed and immediately lay down beside her, shutting the door with a wave of his hand. He allowed Sigyn to take hold of his face so she could pull him to her. Loki then slipped his arm around her to undo the laces of her bodice.
Their kisses become more heated with each passing second. It was getting harder to keep their sudden lovemaking as the ruse it truly was and not go further. But once Sigyn's finely embroidered bodice was off and Loki's tunic and shirt were open to reveal his perfect marble chest, the couple forced themselves to part. They leaned in against each other's forehead.

"Do... Do you think it's safe to speak freely now?" Sigyn tried to catch her breath.

"Even someone as all-seeing as Heimdall respects a man and woman's privacy. I can't detect any of Frigga's or Odin's birds outside. But if you want to have a more mindful conversation to be on the safe side, I wouldn't mind continuing."

"Nor I." Sigyn returned his grin and brushed her lips against his. "But if I open my mind too long, it gets muddled. I haven't been doing this as long as you, remember?"

"Later then." Loki lovingly caressed Sigyn's cheek. "Now, can you please explain what all that was about? Why did you decide to take on that girl, and why, in Odin's name, would you want me to teach her something she should have learned when she was a child?"

Sigyn gave a little chuckle and pushed Loki back. She sat up against the pillows and waited for him to sit beside her. Their fingers locked into each other as Loki's hand slipped into Sigyn's.
Her touch was warm, though not as warm as usual. There was a slight chill at her fingertips. Loki wondered at that. Sigyn was never cold. Could this be another effect of the potion his mother gave him for her? She was ill for a few days, but there had been nothing else out of the ordinary. Surely Frigga would have mentioned it if there were?

"I know you thought the same thing I did when you spoke to her," said Sigyn, pulling Loki out of his musings. "Either Rúna is an exceptional actress, or she truly doesn't know or care about our past. From what I gathered during our meeting, I dare say it's the latter. She is young, good-hearted, kind and slightly awkward with people who stand above her. It would be fairly easy for someone to sway this poor orphaned girl over with some well-chosen words and kind gestures, don't you think?"

Loki looked into his wife's mischievous eyes. He grasped her intention and had to admit her plan had potential. However...

"What if she is already under someone's influence?" he asked.

"That's why I want her as close to us as possible," said Sigyn. "We prepare ourselves for the worst. I am sorry, my love, but we cannot rely on your family to protect us. However much I care for Frigga and Thor, they will always listen to the Allfather. We must look after ourselves, Loki. And right now, we do that by openly accepting this girl. If we play our cards right, the little lamb can be shaped into a fierce wolf and sent out amongst the unsuspecting sheep. Our enemies will be misled, and we shall always be one step ahead of them."

"It's still a significant risk to take."

"I know. And believe me, I considered not taking it. But with Odin breathing down our neck, we have little choice."

Loki still harboured some resignation to this, but Sigyn was right. Apart from leaving Asgard again, there wasn't much else they could do to retrieve some measure of the peace they had on Midgard. If they left now, so quickly after returning, Odin was sure to send someone out after them to bring them back home, all under the pretence they were both to be kept safe in Asgard because of what they were. So, if they were to be stuck in this gilded cage, they might as well take what was handed to them and form it into their own little secret key.

"Promise me you will be careful around her," said Loki.

"Only if you do the same," replied Sigyn.

She leaned in to kiss him, but Loki was faster. He pinned her down onto the bed by her shoulders and lay on top of her. "My family is right about one thing," he said. "I am a bad influence on you."

"Well, one cannot marry the God of Mischief and not pick up a trick or two."

"Only two?" asked Loki, in pretend disappointment.

"I cannot tell you everything I know," replied Sigyn. "How else am I to surprise you?"

"You do so every day when I awake beside you, my heart. I look at your sleeping figure in my arms, and I still can't believe you're mine."

"Of course I'm yours. I will only ever be yours. For now and far longer than forever."

Loki couldn't contain himself upon hearing the words of their vow. He pressed his mouth forcefully on his wife's lips as he lowered himself to her. Sigyn let his tongue slip in, and Loki could hear her faint moan when he raked his hand over her upper body. Since she was free of her bodice, Loki easily slipped into her dress at her bosom. He let the palm of his hand graze over her nipple as he moved to cup her breast, feeling the rosy bud harden at his touch. He smirked. After thirty years, Sigyn still melted to him. And he to her.
Just when Loki undressed Sigyn further to continue what they'd started earlier, a knock on the door of their private study interrupted them. The faint voice of a male servant called out. "Lady Sigyn? Forgive the intrusion, but the Allfather bids you come to the throne room."

"Lady Sigyn is otherwise engaged at the moment."

Sigyn giggled and hit Loki's chest playfully.

"The Allfather insists, Your Highness. Lady Sigyn's older brother has arrived and wishes to see her."

Sigyn's eyes widened. She pushed Loki aside and sat up with a jolt. Magic flared in his pendant. He quickly took her by her shoulders to steady her. 

"Give us a moment," Loki called out to the servant. "We will join the Allfather presently."

He listened to the servant's footsteps and then turned his full attention back to his wife. "Did you know Björn was coming?"

"N-No, I... I didn't think he would."

"You didn't... Sigyn, what did you do?"

"I've... been writing to him," she admitted, reluctantly.

Loki recoiled and sat up on his knees, his face aghast at his wife's revelation. "What do you mean you've been writing to him? When? And why, in Odin's name?"

"A few days ago, and it was just one letter. Björn heard we were back and sent a letter to Fandrall to deliver to me. I sent a reply, but I never imagined he would come here!"

"Oh, for the love of... You should have ignored him, Sigyn! You should have ripped that letter to shreds and burned it all until only the ashes remained! Why would you let him back into your life after what he did to you, to us?"

Sigyn met her husband's hard expression. She didn't like it when he was like this. She didn't like the sharpness in Loki's voice or the darkness in his eyes. The rare times he lost himself, Loki became an entirely different person. As if something deep within him awoke from its slumber and tried to claw its way to the surface. And though Sigyn would never admit it out loud, in those moments, she feared him. She feared what he could do. 
Carefully, Sigyn pushed some of her warmth through the serpent pendant. The slight tremor in her hand stopped as soon as it touched Loki's. She cupped his face with the other, finding his skin slightly cooler than usual.

"My love, please calm yourself. I meant nothing by replying to his words. He wanted to know if I was well and asked if I would meet with him one day to put our past behind us. I replied I would consider it, but I didn't invite him here. I wouldn't without your knowledge and counsel."

But Loki slapped her hand away with an incredulous scoff. He climbed off the bed and towered over her. "You are not seeing him. I forbid it."

"Loki, please don't be like this."

"He tried to take you from me! I nearly lost you at his hands! You are not going to him, you hear me?"

"You do not get to tell me what I can and cannot do, Loki Odinson!" Sigyn raised her voice to match his. "You are my husband, not my keeper! And you seem to have forgotten Björn didn't hurt me that day! Those responsible are long dead; you saw to that!"

He turned away from her with a grunt, storming off to the balcony. Sigyn sighed and raked her hand through her red hair. She followed Loki outside but halted and hesitated when she saw his whole body shaking. It might be better to let him blow off some steam first, but she feared he would try to do something to Björn. Loki became unpredictable when he was upset. Underneath the composure he kept, his emotions raged just as wildly as hers did. He just hid it better.
Sigyn drew near and let her arms slip around his body. Her hands found his naked, ice-cold chest. His heart was pounding rapidly underneath her fingers. She pushed as much of her magic through her pendant to her husband, providing an anchor for him.

"I'm not asking you to trust my brother, Loki," she whispered. "I'm asking you to trust me."

His breathing changed ever so slightly. Sigyn made him turn to her. Her breath caught at his heartfelt expression. 

"I cannot lose you again."

"You will never lose me, my love. I am with you, always." She gently rubbed away the tears from Loki's eyes. "Fandrall knows my brother since he sometimes visits my father's home. I'll ask him to sit with us as he did with Rúna. You go to your brothers. Or your mother. Don't stay here on your own. Please, Loki."

He pressed his lips together and nodded. "I... I want to be alone with you tonight," he said then. "Completely alone. No interruptions."

"Sunset," replied Sigyn, immediately understanding where he wanted to go. 

Loki leaned in. Their lips touched. Their pendants glowed. And the promise of their eternal love grew evermore. 

***

After dressing properly again, Sigyn and Loki made their way to Odin's throne room. Visitors were always brought before the Allfather first to pay respect, even if Odin wasn't the reason for their visit. They found Thor standing at the open door, peering inside and looking on edge. As they approached, the Crown Prince hastily halted them. 

"Sigyn, it's —"

"My brother, I know. It's all right, Thor, thank you."

She looked over his shoulder to see Fandrall standing close by with Sif, Volstagg and Hogun. Thor must've alerted them, as they all carried weapons and held the same nervous expression. 

"I fear I require your service yet again," Sigyn spoke to the youngest amongst them. 

"My Lady." Fandrall bowed deeply to her, his hand over his heart.

Sigyn turned back to Loki. "Go with Thor. I will meet you later."

Loki's eyes were imploring her not to do this. But just like with Rúna, Sigyn felt she had to overcome this step. Björn had been as much a victim of their mother as she had. And he had never physically harmed her. He would not hurt her now. She hoped...

"Loki, go." Sigyn gave him a little nudge. "I will keep my mind open to you, I promise."

He reluctantly let go of her hand and allowed Thor and his friends to lead him away. Sigyn watched him leave, feeling their combined magic in her pendant, drawing comfort from it. Though Loki wouldn't be by her side, he'd be in her heart and mind. It would have to be enough. 
Sigyn nodded to Fandrall, and the charming fair-haired warrior escorted her into the throne room. She didn't mean to hold on to his arm so tightly, but upon seeing the Allfather seated on his throne, with Frigga standing beside him, and her brother at the steps below, she found she desperately needed the support. 

"I am near if you need me, Lady Sigyn," whispered Fandrall. 

He patted her hand kindly and stepped away to the side columns, making Sigyn take the last steps on her own. Her eyes were solely on her brother, who turned at the sound of her footsteps. 
Björn dressed like their father did — not in a warrior's attire but in a noble's tunic with finely embroidered runes at the hemlines. His red cloak was a few shades darker and trimmed with fur to keep warm during winter. He wasn't carrying any weapons, but perhaps they'd been taken from him upon his arrival. The sides of his ash-blond hair, which used to be so messy, were combed back from his face, bound and adorned with silver beads. His beard was shorter and neatly trimmed. And his light brown eyes were... friendly.
Björn smiled, which Sigyn found unnerving. She had never seen him smile. Grin, smirk, laugh coldly, yes, but genuinely smile? 

"Sister," he greeted, "it's wonderful to see you."

Sigyn recoiled when her brother moved toward her. She hadn't meant to do so, but her body just instinctively drew back. Björn smile wavered a little, and he kept his distance. 
Brother and sister looked at each other in silence, uncertain of what to do or say. Eventually, it was Frigga's calm voice that broke the silence. "Perhaps the Allfather would consider taking his Queen for a stroll through the garden. It's quite lovely this winter."

Odin threw Frigga a sideways glance. She gave him a meaningful look back. Left with not much choice, the Allfather rose from his throne. His one eye locked briefly with Fandrall. The young warrior gave a curt nod to reassure Odin he wouldn't leave the throne room as long as Sigyn was with her brother. 
As soon as the royal pair left, Sigyn tried to speak. But her mouth was dry, and any words she meant to speak just died away before she could utter them. Anxiously, she reached for her husband's mind.

"Loki?"

He answered immediately. "I'm here, my heart."

"Don't leave me."

"Never."

"So... h-how have you been?" asked Björn nervously. 

"Well. And you?"

"Good."

"Where's Thorin?" inquired Sigyn, frightful her younger brother would jump out at any moment.

"Vanaheim," answered Björn. "He found his place among the warriors there. He didn't do well at home and left after a few years. We hear little from him. His last letter came in the summer; he'd just been named commander."

"I see. And, um... Father?"

"He has seen better days. He wanted to come, but his health doesn't allow him travelling. Still, he sends his regards. And his love."

Sigyn scoffed at the words. She immediately wished she hadn't done that, catching how Björn gave a painful wince at her reaction. "Forgive me. It's just —"

"I understand." Björn held his hands up. "You have no reason to believe we love you. Not after... everything."

Sadness crossed his face. That was something else Sigyn had never seen in her brother. Perhaps things truly had changed since their mother's death. She walked round to sit on the steps beneath Odin's throne and beckoned her brother to join her. Fandrall moved back to allow them some privacy to speak, but stayed close enough, just in case.

"I don't blame you for what happened that day," said Sigyn. "You weren't responsible for any of it, and you stayed your hand when the fighting started."

"I blame myself, though." Björn sighed. "I did nothing to help you."

"Björn, that wasn't on you. You were a victim of our mother's spell."

"That is no excuse." Björn's fingers dug into the palm of his hand. "If I had tried harder, you wouldn't have suffered so. You wouldn't have lost your baby, and Aeric would still..."

He lowered his head. Sigyn bit her lip. Not a day went by that she didn't think about her baby and the brother who died trying to save her. She should have realised others would mourn that terrible loss as well.

"Sigyn? Do you need me to come?"

"I'm fine, Loki. Just don't let go."

Sigyn stroked her pendant when she felt Loki's magic bind more strongly with her own. An image appeared in her mind, something Loki was sending her; a loving caress and a gentle kiss. She smiled. He always knew just what she needed when she needed it.
With her husband fortifying her, Sigyn regained herself and turned back to her brother. She dared to reach for his hands. When she touched them, Björn's light brown eyes gazed up at her.

"I used to hate you," she said. "All of you. Maybe Aeric not as much, but still enough to allow myself to feel some joy when I was sent to Asgard. I was so angry when he told me Mother held you and Father under an enchantment that prevented you from loving and helping me. Not only at her, but at both of you as well, for not having fought harder against her. I couldn't understand how you could just allow her to control you like that. But during my time on Midgard, I learned more about magic. About the effects it can have. And I thought back to all the times she kept me down as well. I realised there was nothing you could've done against her. Not without losing your own life."

"Sigyn..."

"I forgive you," Sigyn continued, ignoring Loki's warning voice in her head. "And I forgive Father, too. Tell him that. But for now, forgiveness is all I can muster. I cannot bring myself to love you. You are strangers to me. Perhaps in time, if we were to meet and speak more often, that can change. But no more unannounced visits."

"Of course, I —"

"I'm not finished. The most important thing to me is that you and father understand my life isn't my own. Loki and I are more than husband and wife; we are one. You witnessed yourself what happens to those who try to break us apart. If you can't accept what we are, we have nothing further to discuss, and I don't wish to see you or hear from you ever again. I have family here, and believe me, they're all I need. I would like for that family to grow and for you to become part of it. But only if I can trust you."

Björn stared at Sigyn, clearly perplexed by her words. She couldn't hold it against him. She had never spoken to him in such a strong, calm, and stately manner before. Her voice had always been small around her family. No longer.

"Have I ever told you you're magnificent?"

Sigyn kept a straight face, which was not at all easy since she felt not only Loki's praise but also his rising desire for her. She peered at the sunbeams shining through the columns. Still early. Why did the sun have to go down so slowly today?

"You've changed," said Björn then. "It seems so long ago you were a maiden, cowering away in your little room, dreaming of escaping to some faraway world, like in the stories you read."

Sigyn clicked her tongue, not wanting to remember the girl she used to be. "It's been thirty years, Björn. I'm not a little house sparrow anymore. I rose from my ashes."

"Like a firebird... Is that because of him?"

"It's because of me. Though I won't deny I couldn't become what I am without Loki's love."

Her brother nodded slowly. "Does he make you happy? Truly happy, I mean."

"He does." Sigyn smiled. 

"Then... I would very much like to properly meet my brother."

"I'd rather not."

"He would be glad of it," said Sigyn, once again ignoring Loki's objection. "And we would both be delighted to meet your wife as well. Lova, isn't it?"

"Yes." Björn beamed at Sigyn when she recalled his wife's name from the letter he wrote. "You'll like her, Sigyn. She loves to read, like you. Our daughters do too. Well, our two eldest do. The baby is only one summer old; she can barely lift a book, let alone read it."

Björn continued to speak of his daughters Sigrid, Thora, and Agda with such love, Sigyn found herself enthralled by his words. She could almost imagine them, for he described them so vividly. But to hear of her nieces also painfully reminded Sigyn of what she was still missing. Björn didn't ask her about it, and for that, she was grateful. 
Sigyn's eyes wandered over to the sunbeams once again. When they were gone, she would meet Loki at the Urdarbrunn. She would lie in his arms and feel his body against hers and welcome him to her, and then... perhaps by next winter...

"My love, I cannot wait any longer. I need you now." Sigyn frowned when she didn't hear Loki's voice in her head. "Loki?"

But all remained silent. Loki had broken the link between their minds. He was gone.