"I can feel it. Right here."

"Loki, that's not possible. The baby's yet too small to even move."

"This is our child, my heart. You had best expect it to be quite advanced, even while you are still holding it safely."

Sigyn rolled her eyes and shook her head at Loki's grin. She settled herself deeper into her pillows when her husband's arms embraced her waist. He tenderly kissed her naked belly. Sigyn's fingers ran through his soft raven hair and caressed him lovingly.
After receiving the wonderful news yesterday, Sigyn and Loki had gone straight to the Urdarbrunn, leaving their doppelgangers to deal with the announcement in court and the well-wishes. They had no interest in sharing their joy and love with anyone but each other.

"It'll be a girl," said Loki then. "I am sure of it."

Sigyn chuckled but said nothing to contradict him. His joy warmed her entire being. She was in bliss. 

"She will have your red hair and bewitching eyes," continued Loki. "Your kindness, your virtue, your caring heart —"

"And what of you, dear husband?" interrupted Sigyn. "What will she have of you?"

"My mischievous side, of course."

"Oh my, what a handful she will be then." Sigyn laughed aloud when Loki tickled her in response to her quip. "Stop, stop! I yield!"

"Ha, I win," he spoke in triumph.

"Hm, this time."

Loki moved back up to kiss his wife's lips and whispered, "You're the only one I will gladly lose to." 

He pressed his mouth to hers again. Sigyn immediately took all of him in. Even after their night of passionate lovemaking, she still did not have enough of him. She never would.  

"I don't want our daughter to have my hair," Sigyn breathed against Loki's lips between kisses. "I hate my hair; you know that. I want her to be raven-haired like you."

"Black hair, emerald eyes."

"Mischievous and a loving heart." 

"Our Lagertha will be the best of us both," concluded Loki. 

Sigyn drew back when he mentioned the name. A smile crept up at her lips. "You remembered?" 

"Of course." Loki returned the smile. "How could I not?"

It had been years since they last spoke about what they would name their children. Decades even. Sigyn's despair at not being able to conceive had turned the entire subject into the greatest taboo. But now, after all this time, they could finally speak of it again. 
The prospect of becoming a mother, of sharing a child with the man she loved unconditionally, was everything Sigyn had ever hoped for. Sometimes the universe simply hears one's heart's desire. 

***

It was early still. Too early for a normal day with nothing planned. But the events of the previous evening had kept Thor from his usual long and untroubled sleep. After hours of tossing and turning, he'd finally given up, hoping a morning stroll would calm him. But it seemed his mind was now even more in turmoil than before. And all because of a baby.

Thor knew how much Sigyn, and even Loki, had longed for a child. He wished them nothing but the very best now that they would have their own family. But his own feelings for Sigyn, however deep they may have been buried since her choosing Loki over him, kept him from truly being happy for the blessed couple.
What he still felt for the woman who had once been his betrothed would never truly disappear. Thor was not the same as he was before he met her. Sigyn had changed him for the better, and he would be forever grateful for that. Nothing could ever make Thor stop loving her.

And... there was something else, too. The news of Sigyn's pregnancy had been received with thunderous applause, but unfortunately, it had also sparked up old rumours. And from what his friends had told him, they were worse than ever.
Only a few spoke them, since many decided to believe more what they saw with their own eyes — and what they saw was good since Loki and Sigyn did everything to ensure their presence among the people — than what they heard from someone who heard it from another, but a few was all it took. The child was unnatural, they said. Born from magic, they said. It could be nothing else. Thirty years of being in a land with little to no magic and no child, then mere months after returning to Asgard, Lady Sigyn was expecting. Surely, it was sorcery. Surely, they had done something. Surely, the Trickster had done something.

Thor didn't know what to make of it. The more he thought about it, the more he realised it could very well be true, now that Loki had full access to Asgard's magic again. Though another could have performed the magic as well. Someone who didn't shy away from using certain spells to further her plans. 
But to perform this kind of sorcery was a step too far, even for Frigga. If his mother had indeed used her magic in such a way, albeit with Loki's knowledge, Thor feared the repercussions. He well remembered the one from his past — his and his brother's — who had attempted to create life when none could be created. The one now banished, forbidden from ever setting foot on Asgard again on pain of death. 

Thor sincerely hoped his mother had nothing to do with this. He prayed Sigyn's pregnancy was just a long overdue blessing and that no magic was involved whatsoever. For if it was not so... 

Ancestors in Valhalla, watch over her when I cannot. Guard Sigyn and the child she carries. Please... keep her safe.

***

After reluctantly leaving the Urdarbrunn to have breakfast with the rest of the royal family, Sigyn and Loki returned to their apartments. The servants congratulated them and wished them all the best. Loki was fairly certain most only did so out of courtesy and duty, but some appeared genuine in their well-wishes. He made sure to remember who they were. They could prove useful one day, if only to keep an eye on Sigyn when he couldn't. Though, of course, that task fell primarily to another.
Rúna had already come and gone from their chambers to see to her duties as Sigyn's handmaiden, none the wiser that her mistress and husband had been gone thanks to the illusions, and was now off to consult Frigga's companions, apparently. Since the Queen had delivered a child herself not too long ago, Rúna thought it best to seek advice from those closest to her so she could provide the same care and support to Sigyn in the following months. Loki had to admit he was growing to like the girl he'd taken on as his ward. But that still didn't mean he trusted her. 

"Loki, are you listening to me?"

Loki blinked at the sudden sound of his wife's voice. With all his musing, he'd failed to notice they were already in the privacy of their study. "I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

Sigyn sighed and clicked her tongue in annoyance as she sat on the settee. "I was asking about Odin. You still haven't told me what he wanted from you yesterday."

"Odin? Oh, yes." Loki completely forgot about that, since it was not nearly as important as discovering he was to be a father. "He wants to name me Keeper of the Vault."

Sigyn's slightly irked expression wavered. She slowly rose to her feet, her face stricken with growing distress. Loki had feared this would happen. He hastened to her. "My heart, calm down." 

"Do not tell me to calm down, Loki!" exclaimed Sigyn. "The Allfather would not name the Trickster the guardian of the most precious and dangerous magical objects in all of Asgard unless he had an ulterior motive!"

"Maybe he bestowed me this honour and title because he believes I am worthy of it?"

"You don't believe that yourself, do you?! Please tell me if you do, Loki! Please tell me I am overreacting! Convince me this is not some test to see where your loyalties lie, I beg of you!"

But Loki couldn't, for Sigyn had followed the same logic he had. Odin would never grant him free access to what lay in the Vault. Not unless he was indeed hoping Loki would use them to his own advantage. 
Silently, Loki pulled Sigyn's trembling body into his arms and held her close to him. Her head rested against his chest. He hoped his heartbeat and their pendants so close together would steady her. 

"You are his son," sobbed Sigyn. "Why can he not simply trust you?"

"A King does not easily trust people," said Loki. "And I do have a reputation."

"But you have proven yourself over and over these past years." Sigyn raised her head to him. "I may not know you as long as he does, but I dare say I know you better. You are not the man you used to be."

"Only because of you, my heart." Loki lovingly wiped the tears from her cheeks. "I share your concern. If I refuse, Odin will know I figured out his ploy, if he truly has one, and will only come up with another. And if his intention is sincere, he will see my refusal as an insult and never trust me with anything ever again. But if I accept, he and his spies will constantly watch me to see what I will do with all that power at my disposal. I won't have a moment's peace."

"Then leave him guessing for now. When the Allfather spoke to you yesterday, we didn't know I was carrying a child yet. Say you cannot accept now because you wish to focus on us but that you will gladly reconsider after the baby is born."

"That may work on others, but not my father," said Loki grimly. "He will want a definite answer now."

Sigyn grunted in frustration. Loki kissed the top of her beautiful red hair. He felt her pain and chagrin as clearly as it was his own. It was his own. Odin cornered him at this, and there was seemingly no good way out. 

"Do it."

Loki nudged his wife back. He raised his brow questioningly at her sudden determined gaze. 

"Accept the title, Loki," said Sigyn. "Show Odin he is mistaken about you. Show them all."

"You know what this will mean for us?"

"They are already watching us. They are already whispering about us. What more can they do?"

She was right, of course. There would always be rumours about the Trickster and his marriage to the fair but dangerous fire mage. There would always be wary looks from across the room. So, maybe it was better to turn this poisoned gift into a blessing to keep it from becoming a curse. If Loki excelled in his task without incident, it may just all change for the better.
For himself. His wife. And their baby. 

***

"Thor! Brother, there you are!" Baldur ran toward the Crown Prince, the Warriors Three not far behind. "We missed you during training. Where have you been?"

"I was just... walking." Thor wished he could come up with a better excuse, but his mind was still so preoccupied with Sigyn that he really didn't care what the others thought.

"Is something the matter?" asked Baldur, concerned. "You don't seem entirely yourself."

"Ah, no doubt he is thinking about that cute little blonde who sat across from him at dinner last night," spoke Volstagg. "She seemed quite taken with our Crown Prince."

"Yes," said Thor promptly. "I was indeed thinking of her. She was... charming."

Baldur grinned at him. "Well, she will undoubtedly be in the hall again this evening; you can speak to her then. Mother will be pleased to hear you found someone you deem interesting enough to spend your time with. Though, perhaps see if you can get a Princess next time? You must wed someone worthy of becoming Queen of Asgard, after all."

Someone worthy... Only Sigyn was worthy. And I have lost her for good. 

"We were just on our way out to the woods," continued Baldur. "Will you not join us, brother? It has been ages since we hunted together.'"

"We hunted only last week," remarked Thor.

"Exactly! Come with us, Thor. The ride will do you good, and you always enjoy the thrill of capturing a boar with your bare hands. You can present it to your maiden tonight at dinner. That should get the conversation started."

Fandrall snorted a laugh. "Or end it immediately. You truly know absolutely nothing of romance, little Odinson."

"Pfft, what of it?" Baldur shrugged his comment away. "Who needs sappy words when our actions speak for themselves?"

Thor sighed wearily. He was in no mood for it, but he had to admit going on a hunt with his brother and friends may not be the worse idea. It may just take his mind off the woman who was not his wife for a few hours. Speaking of women...

"Where is Sif?" he asked. "She may wish to join us."

"She may, but I do not," spoke Baldur haughtily. "Sif will only get in the way. I rule only men may go on this hunt. Now, onward! Onward to game and glory!"

The eyes of the Warriors Three darted about them. They all thought the same Thor did; thank Odin, Sif hadn't been around to hear what the princeling just said. Royalty or not, she would've made him pay dearly for those words. A mistake Thor himself had foolishly made upon first meeting Sif and never again after that.
With Baldur in the lead and Volstagg, Fandrall and Hogun following, Thor was resolved to allow himself some distraction. For the next few hours, all he would think of would be the hunt. And perhaps also the maiden Volstagg mentioned. But the one thought, the one person who Thor wished to dispel from his mind, was the only one that lodged firmly within his heart. 

***

Loki glanced back as he prepared his wife's tea and smiled. "How did we not see it before? You're eating those berries as if they're the most precious food in the world."

"I honestly don't understand what all the fuss is about. They taste just fine to me. Here, you try one."

Sigyn held out the crystal dish to Loki. His face twisted in disgust at the thought of eating those bitter things. "They aren't exactly to my taste. You eat them if you enjoy them so much."

His wife shrugged and popped another one in her mouth before putting the dish back on the small table near the settee. 

"Did Thor seem all right to you at breakfast?" she asked then.

Loki groaned silently at the mention of his brother's name. He had indeed noticed something was off about him, hoping Sigyn wouldn't have. No matter what, Sigyn would always feel some affection for Thor because of their initial relationship. So if anything was wrong with the big lug, she would want to know and undoubtedly insist on helping. 

"He seemed somewhat downcast," admitted Loki as he brought her the tea. "But I'm sure everything is fine. You know Thor. He's probably just trying to figure out something he read or heard. The brains of the family were not exactly evenly distributed."

"Stop your jests, Loki, I'm serious," Sigyn scolded with a stern gaze. 

"I know, forgive me. Will it make you feel better if I spoke to him?'

"Yes, thank you."

Loki leaned in for a kiss and then sat at Sigyn's feet. He eyed her with some concern when she snuggled further into the settee and sipped her tea. He didn't like what he saw. Ever since taking Frigga's powder Frigga, Sigyn complained about feeling cold more often. He prayed this was just a pregnancy symptom.
The healers had warned them of all Sigyn was bound to go through and what to do against all the common ailments. Still, nothing seemed to help against the cold. And it wasn't just cold from the winter air, as one would assume she would have after spending the night outside in their secret home at the Urdarbrunn. This was a cold that was set firmly on Sigyn herself.
Even now, fully dressed, with a fur cloak around her shoulders and another one wrapped around her legs and feet, Loki yet perceived the chill strumming underneath her usually hot skin. If her flame wasn't keeping her warm... Thor would have to wait for now. Frigga was the one he had to speak to. Urgently.

***

Frigga stood on her balcony, basking in the morning sun's glow. She cherished these quiet moments. They were so fleeting, and thus precious. The life of a Queen was not to be underestimated. There was so much to do and so little time to do it. 

Odin may be the ruler of the Nine Realms, but it was Frigga who ruled the court. She decided who was to do what and when they were to do it, what feasts were to be held and who was to be admitted for them. She was the one who visited the orphans and war widows, the infirm and the dying. And she alone could sway the Allfather into forgoing his prejudice and suspicion to grant Loki a higher title than he bore now. 
He would always be second to Thor. Always 'merely' a Prince, never the Crown Prince. Thor got all the privileges and responsibilities befitting his title and station as the firstborn son of Asgard. Now that another son was born and growing stronger every day, it was only fair Loki, too, was given something just as important. She had not yet been able to speak to him about Odin's offer, but she sincerely hoped he would take it. Not only would it lift him among his peers, but it would also help quench the whispers in due time.

And yes, Frigga realised very well it was a risk to give Loki power over the Vault. In a time of need, he could wield the magic there to save all in Asgard, possibly even the Nine Realms. He could be the hero she foresaw him to be. Yet, if he used those objects for a more personal motive... She dreaded even thinking of the consequences.

"Mother?" The Queen turned at hearing Loki's voice behind her. He stood hesitantly at her window, waiting for permission to come further. "Forgive the intrusion, but this cannot wait." 

"What is it, my boy?"

"I worry for Sigyn." 

Frigga promptly put a finger to her lips. This was no conversation to be held outside where everyone and everything could hear them. She entered her private study again and closed the entrance to her balcony.

"Has something happened?" she asked.

"No," said Loki. "At least, I hope not. Mother, forgive me for asking, but... that powder you gave Sigyn, does it have any after-effects that you know of?" 

"Why do you ask?"

"I think something might be wrong with Sigyn's fire."

Frigga stiffened. How could Loki possibly know? Had Sigyn tried to use her magic? No, that couldn't be it. Then she would've come herself, demanding an explanation. 

"What makes you say that?" she inquired as casually as possible. 

"Sigyn is cold," explained Loki. "I know that may sound ridiculous, but in all the years I've been married to her, I've never known her to feel even the slightest chill. Yet now, she's huddled in our chamber, wearing two fur cloaks, and she still feels as cold as ice."

Frigga maintained her stately composure but sighed in relief on the inside. A suspicion, nothing more. One she could address without fault. 

"It isn't abnormal for a woman to have temperature swings during her pregnancy," she said. "You should've seen me when I was carrying Baldur. I often thought I would melt on the spot one moment, and then the very next, I was shivering so hard, even your father got chills just from looking at me. And you must remember, Sigyn is a very rare kind of sorcerer. The little we know about fire mages is only to be found in Bor's tome — which I thank you for returning, by the way — but since he was more interested in their extermination, we know nothing about how female mages successfully carried their child to term. Consider this, though; since fire is such a potent element, destructive even, would it not make sense Sigyn keeps it suppressed for the sake of a new life growing inside of her?"

Loki furrowed his brow. "You believe she's doing this?"

"She may not even be aware of it, but yes. Her magic may sense the baby and is now reacting to safeguard it." Though her son slowly nodded in understanding, Frigga knew from the sceptical look on his face that Loki wasn't entirely convinced of her words. She took her hands in his. "I assure you, my dear, everything is well. It suits you that you worry. You are a wonderful husband to Sigyn. And you'll be a wonderful father, too."

Loki blushed at her compliments. He bowed and kissed her cheek and left her alone again. Frigga exhaled slowly. She hated keeping the truth from him. But it was necessary. For now, anyway. 
Finally ready to begin her duties as Queen for the day, Frigga gathered scrolls and made for the door. But just when she was about to leave, she heard a rapid ticking against her window. She turned and found her magpie had returned from its morning flight. She opened the latch to allow the bird to fly in. It twittered excitedly and incoherently, and was in a most anxious fit, flying from her to the balcony and then back again.

"Slow down, now," said Frigga. "Calm yourself. Tell me again. You saw Thor and Baldur riding out and followed them?"

She raised a brow at the bird as it repeated what it had said. "What do you mean you could not continue into the forest?"

Her eyes widened when the agitated twittering resumed. "Are you absolutely certain about this?"

The magpie dipped its head in reply. 

"Go back to where you lost them," ordered Frigga. "Wait for them to return. If they do not, by the time the sun has passed its highest point, you come to warn me. Understand?"

Her bird flew right back out of the window. She watched it disappear into the distance, her heart clenching in fear for her sons. 

***

Thor's anxiety grew at the silence. There was nothing here. No deer nor stag nor boar, not even a rabbit or pheasant. The woods were never this quiet. The wind always made the leaves rustle, and the animals always chased after each other to play or hunt. Birds usually flew from one tree to the next, their song filling the forest, but now... nothing.
Fandrall, too, seemed wary of their surroundings and glanced back at Thor as the latter gripped the pommel of his sword at the same time Hogin did. The blond warrior kept his bow angled just enough so he could shoot within a second flat if need be. 
The only ones who had not yet noticed something amiss were Baldur and Volstagg. They were talking and laughing without worry or care. If the animals hadn't been spooked by anything else, they would have been at the loud ruckus those two were making. 

"We should head back," said Thor. 

"Head back?" Baldur turned to face his brother. "Now? But we haven't even started our hunt yet."

"Aye, the young princeling is right," said Volstagg. "We should at least set some snares to catch a few hares. What kind of hunters are we if we return with nothing?"

"The kind that scared the hares away with all that yapping," deadpanned Fandrall. "They heard you coming a mile away, you big brute."

"What makes you so sure it was not your foul-smelling perfume that scared them away?"

"First, it's not a perfume but a balm. And second, I smell like fresh-cut herbs, whereas you smell like the rear end of a bilgesnipe."

"Why you —"

"Enough!" Thor had to stop the fighting before it escalated. He couldn't afford to have his friends quarrelling among themselves. Not when they were being watched. "We go back. Now."

"But brother —"

"Baldur, look around you. Listen closely. The woods are always vibrant with life, but there is nothing here today. I know you wish to continue, but I ask that you trust me in this. We must leave."

The boy huffed, but eventually nodded in agreement. Thor gave him a brotherly pat on the shoulder and nudged him along. But they had barely taken five steps back in the direction they came from before feeling a sudden chill in the air. A figure appeared between the trees, coming straight toward them. 

"Stand ready," Thor warned the others. 

Hogun drew his sword while Fandrall raised his bow, his arrow already nocked and drawn back. Volstagg, finally grasping what was going on, reached for the axe on his back and held it with both hands. Thor moved to his brother, stopping Baldur before he could draw his own weapon. If he was right, the youngest Odinson would need to use his magic to fight this one. 
A tall man with a sharp chin and outspoken cheekbones stepped into the light. His eyes glowed yellow, almost gold. Pointed ears stuck out from his well-groomed hair, which was an unusual type of red. His skin was dark, and his thin lips darker still. He was dressed in quite simple clothing for one who bore such a noble face. Were it not for the fine gold embroidered details on his scarlet shirt, Thor would have believed him a mere countryman who lost his way. But the Crown Prince of Asgard knew all who lived within the border of his home world. Such was his duty. And this man wasn't one of Odin's subjects. Of that, he was certain.

"Greetings, good warriors and gentlemen!" The stranger made a grand gesture to salute them. "Could one of you perhaps tell me if this is the fair land of Niflheim?"

"No," said Baldur. "This is Asgard, home of Odin."

"Is it? Oh, dear. Might I perhaps trouble you for some directions so I may continue on my way?"

Thor prevented Baldur from answering again by stepping forward. None could travel to Asgard without the use of the Bifrost. And they certainly couldn't travel to another realm through these particular woods. 

"You are a long way from the path to Niflheim," he said. "Who are you? What is your business?"

"I could ask the same of you, good sir. Why would you wish to know?"

Volstagg stepped up. "Take care of how you speak, sir. You address Thor Odinson, Crown Prince of Asgard."

A sinister grin appeared on the stranger's face. It reminded Thor of someone he knew all too well. "Your Highness." The man bowed. "A great honour. Forgive me; I have delayed your hunting party. I shall be on my way."

Thor was about to halt him and demand he reveal his identity, when the stranger turned around again, his brow raised quizzically. "I would have thought the son of almighty Odin to be on some far-off quest or adventure. Not in his own backyard, doing what any man in Asgard can do."

"The hunt is a noble pursuit," replied Baldur boastfully, to Thor's dismay. 

"Of course. But surely not as noble as, oh, I don't know, the retrieval of one of Asgard's lost treasures?"

"Lost treasure? What do you speak of?"

"Baldur, be quiet," hissed Thor. 

He had to stop this from going any further. He did not trust this stranger. The entire forest was coincidentally empty, safe for them. This reeked of a trap. Of mischief. He wouldn't fall for it this time. 

"Oh, do you not know the story, young one?" The stranger's pretend surprise was so obvious in his voice. "How odd. What do they teach Asgardian youth these days? I would have thought the history of the Twilight Sword was known to all here."

Thor's eyes widened at that name. The loud gasp that escaped his friends told him they, too, remembered. He quickly blocked the stranger's view of his little brother. "The Twilight Sword is lost and shall remain so. We do not speak of it here. I suggest you be on your way now."

"Certainly." The man bowed again, smirking devilishly. "I merely sought to educate the boy on Asgard's greatest failure."

"Failure? What failure?" Baldur pushed forward, away from the Warriors Three. 

"None of your concern." Thor snapped back at him. 

"I want to know! We are the sons of Odin and Princes of Asgard, Thor. If we can correct the mistakes of our ancestors, we must. It is our duty to our people."

The stranger's chuckle made both brothers look at him. "Well spoken, young one. But I understand why your elder brother wishes to protect you. The retrieval of the Twilight Sword is not for the faint-hearted. It is a perilous enterprise. One many have failed to complete. And those who did never spoke of what they found."

His yellow eyes rested briefly on Thor before moving back to Baldur. In that moment, Thor felt a shiver run down his spine. It was a sensation he hadn't felt in a long time.

"The Twilight Sword," continued the stranger, "made by the demon Surtur, is one of the most desired objects in all Nine Realms, nay, in the entire universe. It was in Asgard's possession for a short time, but was returned to the Frost Giants as a peace offering. Until a few centuries ago, that is, when it mysteriously vanished. Some say it was called home by its master, while others say it was taken by something else, much more powerful and darker. Anyone who wields it possesses the greatest force they can obtain in a lifetime. But aside from Surtur himself, only a select few can truly carry the Twilight Sword without falling to its alluring call of destruction. Fortunately, those mages were extinct long ago."

"Mages?" repeated Baldur. "You do not speak of the fire mages, do you?"

Thor hissed again and threw the princeling a warning glare. If Baldur dared to mention anything about Sigyn...

"I do, young one." The stranger then addressed Thor directly. "Perhaps Your Highness is right. It may indeed be for the best the Twilight Sword remains lost. Still, if it were safely in Asgard, the Nine Realms would have to worry about one less thing, would they not?"

Thor gave no reaction. He wouldn't give the man the satisfaction of it. If only Baldur had the same common sense. 

"Thor, we must find it," urged his younger brother.

"No."

"But what this man says makes sense. We cannot allow such a dangerous object to remain out there. Anyone could use it to attack us. And what if Si—"

"I said no!" yelled Thor, keeping him from speaking Sigyn's name out loud. 

Baldur drew back from him. His body shook as he clenched his fists and met Thor's enraged expression. "You used to tell me stories of your adventures. I imagined myself joining you on your quests countless of times. Now that we are presented with one that could safeguard our people, you say no. Where is my brother Thor, Crown Prince of Asgard, who would have leapt at this chance for glory?"

Thor pressed his lips together. He understood why Baldur wanted to go. It was not long ago he would've indeed done it all to gain victory for Asgard and the love of his people. But the Twilight Sword was not a quest he was eager to repeat. 

"Ahem, Your Highness? A word?" Volstagg beckoned Thor to him and the others. Thor threw another glimpse at the stranger, who kept a perfectly innocent expression across his face. Once they stood huddle, Volstagg said, "Perhaps we should go. Before you object, I recall well what happened, but it could be different this time. With careful planning, we could yet succeed in bringing the Twilight Sword back to Asgard."

"And when does anything ever go as planned, Volstagg?" argued Fandrall. "I agree with Thor; it's simply too dangerous. Best if that damn sword remains lost. If only to keep our Lady safe."

Thor silently thanked Fandrall. His vow of loyalty to Sigyn kept him from doing anything that would bring her harm. He would sooner die himself than see that happen. 

"And if she were to need it one day?" reasoned Volstagg then. "What if some catastrophe befell Asgard, and our Lady was our only salvation?"

"Surtur's sword is meant to destroy Asgard, not save it," said Fandrall.

"In Surtur's hands, yes. We have no idea what she might do with it. You heard the man; a fire mage is the only other person who can wield the weapon without becoming a monster. Our Lady may just enhance her powers for the greater good and use them for our very protection."

"So we are to trust some random stranger we meet in the woods who claims this is the case?"

"Enough," said Thor. He turned to Hogun, who had not spoken this entire time, hoping he would be the voice of reason among them. "Hogun, what say you?" 

The black-haired warrior narrowed his eyes before he spoke in his solemn voice, "I do not believe it wise to bring the Twilight Sword to Asgard, so close to our beloved Lady. Yet... if another, or Surtur himself, finds it... I fear for us all."

Thor exhaled slowly. What was he to do? Could he really chance to trust this strange man upon his word and search once again for Surtur's sword? Good men had died that day and it had nearly caused another war with the Frost Giants. Not to mention the personal cost. Yet what Volstagg, Hogun, and his brother said was also true — if another found the Twilight Sword and attacked Asgard, all would perish. 
No, but what of Sigyn? Her control over her powers had grown considerably, but Thor doubted she was anywhere near ready for such a weapon. And Loki... The chances of him using it again were too great. Especially if he did it to protect her. Thor turned his gaze back to the stranger. If only he could tell for certain... 

"Suppose we were to go; where would we start our search? You said it vanished from the Frost Giants' keep."

"Supposedly, yes," replied the man. "Still, as good a place as any to start, no?"

"Brother, pleas," pleaded Baldur. "If we find the sword, Asgard will be blessed by our victory. How can you not see that?"

Thor looked toward his friends once more to seek their advice. Volstagg nodded excitedly, whereas Hogun just bobbed his head. Fandrall was the only one who neither said nor did anything. The majority had spoken then. 

"Tell us all you know."

The stranger bared his teeth in a wide grin before bowing deeply to Thor. "Your servant, Your Highness."

Mischievous, indeed.