The Bifrost left the group not too far from Loki and Sigyn's former home on Midgard. It seemed like only yesterday they left; nothing had changed. The forest was evergreen, vibrant with life in both fauna and flora. Babbling brooks flowed down, coming together in the inlet below. Though Midgard could not compare to the wonder that was Asgard, Sigyn still found herself lost in the simple beauty and tranquillity of her surroundings. In the distance, she caught sight of the top of the glacier where she and her husband had so often made love. She wondered if Loki would consider going there again.
The four riders guided their horses along the rough paths, with Loki and Fandrall taking the front and rear, respectively, while Sigyn and Rúna stayed safely in the middle with the pony carrying their belongings. No mortal would dare to travel the perilous roads, as it was easy to lose one's footing and plummet to certain death, yet for Asgardian horses, the winding, narrow passages and steep slopes of the fjord weren't even a challenge. These animals were remarkably light on their feet and knew which way was safe, thus delivering their passengers to their destination just before nightfall.

Sigyn winced as Loki helped her descend from her mare. Pain shot through her sore limbs. She felt as if she'd been on horseback for days on end. Perhaps she should've reconsidered mirror-scaping. Yet the darkness she'd encountered during her dream walk was one she dared not confront so soon. What was once a place she'd frequented to escape now felt like a crypt of despair to be avoided at all costs.
And she didn't want Loki to be alone with Rúna and Fandrall during their ride. Though both had the best intentions and had proven their loyalty in the past months, Loki, especially, remained wary. But who could blame him for feeling thus after what had happened?

Loki carefully led Sigyn inside. Everything was as they'd left it. Hand-woven tapestries with the most intricate designs of Norse runes and symbols graced the wooden floor and walls. Pillows were strewn around the low black aspen table, standing in equal distance to the single settee big enough for two to lie on and the stone hearth that provided some extra warmth during the snow ridden winter nights. The dining room with the ornate candle holders was separated from the salon by a curtain partition, and adjacent was the kitchen and pantry. Upstairs was their bedchamber with the enclosed washroom. Not nearly as grand or lustrous as the one in their apartments, but as they were decorated with the same roses, it didn't matter. This was their home, far more than Asgard had ever been. 

"Are you all right?" Loki asked, concerned, as he sat Sigyn down on the settee and took a blanket to cover her. 

"Yes, do not worry yourself for me," she replied. "What of you? How are you feeling?"

"I'm not sure." He sat beside her, elbows on his knees, upper body hunched. "I honestly didn't think we would ever return. Nor that it would be... under similar circumstances."

Seeing Loki so broken pierced Sigyn's heart. She reached for his arm. He glimpsed back at her touch. A faint smile spread across his handsome yet fatigued face, but only for the briefest moment before averting himself, lips pressed together. Sigyn strained to push herself up, meaning to wrap her arms around him, yet Loki rose to his feet, out of her reach. 

"I must gather wood for the hearth," he said.

"Let Fandrall do it," said Sigyn. "He and Rúna are already taking care of our belongings, anyway."

"No, it's fine. I can do it. Besides, I must see to extending the lodge and add their rooms. Can't very well leave them to sleep here, can we?"

"Loki..."

"I'll be back soon."

He hurried to the door, gone from sight in the blink of an eye. Despite her inner flame and the blanket covering her, Sigyn felt a shiver run down her body. There had been something unsettling about the way Loki's dark figure had vanished into the bleeding light of the setting sun. He seemed almost... elusive. And she wondered, was this how she had been in her grief all those years ago? 

***

Loki looked out over the dark waters of the fjord, trying to find the calm and serenity people often spoke of when secluding themselves in nature. But there was nothing but a hollow deep within that threatened to consume him further with every passing hour. Were it not for the pang of sorrow and guilt he'd sensed earlier with Sigyn, he would've believed himself to be dead. He might as well be.

"Need a hand?"

Fandrall's voice made him turn. The young warrior made his way through the thick ferns and berry bushes, ax in hand and a lumber basket on his back, until he reached the slope of the bank where Loki stood. The raven-haired Prince of Asgard tsk-ed at him.

"Sigyn asked you to check on me." It wasn't a question, more of a knowing statement. 

Fandrall shrugged in reply, not bothering to come up with a lie. "Maybe."

"You can tell her I'm fine," said Loki. "Go back and make sure she and Rúna are safe. I'll be there shortly."

He took up his hatchet and swung it to cleave the block of wood on the tree stump before him. The block spliced in two, and the blade pierced itself in the stump. 

"Why aren't you using your magic to do that?" inquired Fandrall as he put the basket down and approached. "You clearly cut down the tree with your powers since you've only been away for a few minutes, so why not do the rest as well?"

"I don't use my magic for things a child can do on its own," reacted Loki with a snarky undertone. "Contrary to what you all believe, I am quite capable of performing manual labour, even if I don't look as robust and thick as Thor and Volstagg."

"I never claimed you couldn't. I know you are skilled in a great many things. Though, in all honesty, your sword-fighting abilities are still as abysmal as ever."

Loki rolled his eyes in annoyance. Ever since Thor had proclaimed Fandrall to be 'the best with the blade', the debonair warrior made it a point to regularly remind everyone he was worthy of such praise. Yet he could boast about his adventures such as the time he accidentally dropped out of a portal into the Midgardian forest of Nottingham in his youth all he liked, Fandrall knew very well that Loki was far more supreme in archery and horseback riding than him or anyone else in Asgard (except for Sigyn, of course). It was something Loki never made him forget. At least, that's what he usually did. 
Fandrall regarded Loki with a curious gaze when he offered no reply to his comment and simply took another log to chop in half. He lingered a moment before finally bending to gather the wood that lay strewn in between them. But as he did so, he kept a close eye on Loki, only irking him further. 

"What?" he demanded, gripping the hatchet tightly. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm beginning to understand Lady Sigyn's concern," said Fandrall, rising to his feet with several logs neatly packed in his muscular arms. "You're not yourself, Loki."

"Norns, I'm fine!"

"Are you? Truly? There is no shame in admitting you aren't. Not after all you have been through. The bravest and strongest of men have been broken with far less, myself included."

Loki sneered at Fandrall. There was no word to describe the fury he felt bubbling within him as Fandrall passed him to place the gathered logs in the basket. The audacity of the man to speak to him in such a manner! And to then just turn his back as if he weren't royalty!

"I am not broken," hissed Loki.

"Yes, you are," stated Fandrall, walking back to gather more lumber. "And you must stop denying it, for yourself, and for Lady Sigyn's sake. If only to ensure you don't fall into the same darkness we nearly lost her to thirty years ago."

It would be so very easy to take it and split Fandrall's skull open. Then again, why bother with the tool at all? A flick of the wrist and the man's neck would snap like a twig. It would be easier to explain to Sigyn and Rúna as well. A slip, a wrong tumble down the slope, nothing to be done. 
Then again, killing Fandrall the Dashing may not be the best idea, especially not after leaving Asgard so soon. It would raise far too many questions from the Allfather, Volstagg, Hogun, Thor... Not to mention he was much beloved and plenty of people would mourn him, not least among them Sigyn and her handmaiden. No, murder wasn't an option, however tempting it may be. Maybe he could turn him into a frog? It worked once before with Thor, and surely there was some mortal female around he could hypnotise and enchant. Yes, that could —

"Were you and Thor able to discuss matters this morning?" 

Fandrall's sudden inquiry took Loki off guard. He cast the notion of the blond leaping around like a frog to the back of his mind and took a deep breath before he replied. "In a way."

"He was adamant about seeing you both. Kept saying he had a message from someone who could help."

Loki kept quiet. He didn't want to discuss what Thor had said. Not with Fandrall, or Rúna... or Sigyn. Fandrall noticed his pursed lips and the way he kept his gaze down to the ground. He threw down the blocks of wood he picked up and walked over. The firm, yet comforting grip on Loki's shoulder made him look up at the blond's sad, sympathetic smile.

"You don't have to speak about anything private, Loki," assured Fandrall. "Not if you don't wish to do so. But know that, as her husband, my service and loyalty to Lady Sigyn extends to you as well. I have seen you go through so much together and refuse to believe you have any nefarious plans with her, as many, regrettably, still do. I am here for you both, as is Rúna. If there is something or someone on Midgard that can offer solace and healing, then please tell me. You have my word. I shall endeavour to do all in my power to help you."

All previous intentions of bewitching Fandrall were almost fully dispelled from Loki's mind at hearing those words. The youngest of the Warriors Three was many things, but he was no liar. Nor would he ever use such a fancy speech to make someone unburden their heart and soul.  
Yet something deep within prevented him from trusting Fandrall the same way Sigyn did. So, he would tread with caution to see if Asgard's romanticised swashbuckler was truly on his side. If it came to it, he wouldn't hesitate to be the first to strike. 

***

Night had fallen by the time the group settled to eat. The cloudless pitch sky above was illuminated by a phenomenal display of vibrant jade and soft orchid. It was such a magnificent sight that nobody objected to having their meal outside around a fire. The temperature was yet agreeable this late in summer, but they kept plenty of furs close at hand. 
Sigyn eyed her handmaiden when Fandrall sat closer to her to drape his wolf-skin coat over her shoulders when she shivered. She smiled at seeing the blush on Rúna's cheeks. Inconspicuously, she nudged Loki with her elbow and gestured to the pair. He furrowed his brow at them in a quaint, disapproving manner and then continued to eat. Sigyn wondered at such an odd reaction. She reached out to him through their mind link to ask, "Is there something wrong?" 

"No," Loki answered curtly.

"You seem opposed to Fandrall's care for Rúna."

"The girl is your handmaiden, as well as my ward and pupil, and still a child. Not to mention I know Fandrall a lot better than you do, so yes, Sigyn, you could say I am opposed to him flirting so openly with Rúna without our blessing."

Sigyn pinched her lips. There were a hundred things she wanted to say to that, but she thought it best not to. She hadn't forgotten about Loki's violent outburst the previous night. It was obvious his emotions were in a much deeper turmoil than she'd assumed. For now, she had to keep him placated. The last thing she wanted was to see him taken over by such madness again.

"I'll keep an eye on them," she said diplomatically.

"See that you do. For everyone's sake here."

Her body stiffened. She slowly turned her head to look at her husband. The fire's blaze cast a dangerous glare on his pale skin. A threatening shadow lay across his expression. Sigyn's heart clenched in fear. "What do you mean by that? Loki, what —?"

"If everyone is finished, there are a few things we must discuss."

Too late did Sigyn realise Loki had spoken aloud. Fandrall and Rúna directed their attention at the now Crown Prince of Asgard and waited for him to continue. Sigyn reached for Loki before he could do so, digging her nails into his arms. His eyes met hers. She didn't perceive the ominous darkness she'd seen before, yet she detected a familiar calculating gleam. It seemed the Trickster was up to his old ways.

"You are both aware we met with Thor before our departure," Loki said, turning back to Fandrall and Rúna. "Though our decision to return to Midgard was made before our conversation with him, it would seem fate wanted us back here. There are some people Sigyn and I are to meet. We were told they are expecting us, but I would prefer to be certain of that, as I'm not exactly the most popular among these particular beings. It wouldn't surprise me to learn they only agreed to offer their aid to trap me, but I'm not so desperate nor so foolish to just jump into the unknown."

"Who are these people?" inquired Fandrall. 

"The Olympians," responded Loki grimly. "More particularly, Hera."

"Hm, you are right to be cautious, then. Asgard and Olympus may be at peace with each other now, but it still took nearly two centuries of war to achieve it. There are indeed a few among them who wouldn't let the opportunity slip by to capture you. Both you and Thor were responsible for a great many of their losses. And the Olympians hold a grudge like no other, especially the women."

Sigyn followed the interaction between her husband and champion with a fast-beating heart. She anxiously waited for the moment where Loki would use Fandrall for his own game. That's what he was good at, after all. It's what he'd planned to do with her, once upon a time. 

"I appreciate you share my concern over them," said Loki. "Since the Allfather requested you came with us, I would ask for you help in dealing with their intermediary as I've requested to convene with him first to come to the terms of our meeting. You remember Hermes, I presume?" 

Fandrall scowled at the name. Clearly, he did. And what he remembered wasn't good. Sigyn caught Rúna glancing at her. The handmaiden was curiously intrigued by what the men were discussing, which only added to her apprehension. Rúna was capable of offering help simply because she believed it her duty and because she was grateful to the royal couple for welcoming her into their lives. This Sigyn could not and would not allow. 

"Rúna," she addressed the young girl, "see that all the bedchambers are prepared for the night. Take extra care in the parts of the house Loki added before. Draw me a bath when you're done and take one yourself, as well. It's been an eventful day and I would have you well rested for tomorrow."

"Yes, Lady Sigyn."

Rúna meant to stand, but Loki halted her. "No, stay."

"Loki..." 

"Sigyn, she needs to hear this."

Her husband gave her an unwavering look. Once more, Sigyn's entire being was shaken by the fierceness in his eyes. Yet despite that overwhelming feeling of dread, she lowered her head, and Rúna stayed seated beside Fandrall. They stared at Sigyn and Loki, sensing the obvious tension between them, but said nothing. Part of Sigyn wished they had. 

"Now, let's continue," said Loki, speaking to the entire group again. "As soon as we engage Hermes, the Olympians will undoubtedly send their spies to watch us. I don't want to give them any cause to attack us or to believe we plan to do so ourselves. Keep only a minimum of weapons on your person, meant for self-defence or hunting. As we are Aesir, we possess the ability of allspeak, so blend in and engage with the locals when you go to the town, but remain vigilant. Olympians are notorious for taking on mortal form if something or someone piques their interest."

Fandrall and Rùna both nodded in understanding. Loki took hold of Sigyn's hand. She was surprised to find the urgency in his touch. 

"You and I must keep our magic to a minimum," he continued. "Only use it in emergency."

"Do you believe they know I'm a fire mage?" asked Sigyn. 

"Most likely. But if they don't, I'd rather they never learn. Please promise me you won't use your powers. Not even inside the house."

"Yes, I promise."

"Good. I'll send a message to Hermes to set the meeting. With some luck, Hera will agree to join us on Midgard so we don't have to endanger ourselves by travelling to Olympus."

But Sigyn deduced by Loki's tight tone of voice he doubted his own words. Nor had she failed to notice he omitted her in his plan. Since he took it upon himself to deal with this Hermes and gain an audience with the Queen of Olympus on his own, she would have to take it upon herself to learn all there was about them. 

***

The group rode into the mortal town of Tønsberg in the late afternoon. Loki had insisted upon adding some additional wardings around their lodge to ensure nobody could find or even see it, whether they travelled by boat, horse, or on foot. Their late departure had proven smart as the misty morning cleared up and welcomed such a warm sun they didn't even need to wear their coats to keep warm (Loki and Sigyn only wore those to fit in since neither was too bothered by the cold). Loki and Fandrall were clad in gentlemen's clothing, their daggers hidden beneath their shirts and vests in the strappings on their wrists and chests, while Sigyn and Rúna wore dark-coloured corset dresses, with a white blouse underneath. 
When they arrived at the traveller's inn, where Hermes had agreed to meet with them, Loki caught his wife staring at the church further ahead. He remembered the day they'd gone inside, pursuing Sigyn's dreams. He'd never learned what happened that day, but whatever it was had made Sigyn determined to embrace the fire she possessed. Perhaps now that Rúna and Fandrall were here to keep her occupied, he would try to find out what Sigyn had refused to share at the time. 

"Look!"

They all turned at Rúna's surprised exclamation. Sigyn pulled her closer as a horseless carriage sped past them at remarkable speed. Two men were seated inside the carriage, each wearing a peculiar pair of spectacles over their eyes, of which the strap was tied at the back of their beret cap. 

"What was that?" asked Rúna, her eyes still on the contraption as it puttered further over the cobbled street.

"It is called an automobile," said Loki. "They run on steam, though I believe the expression they use is horsepower. I'm surprised they brought them down here. The terrain isn't exactly adequate for such a mode of transport."

"It's absurd, if you ask me." Fandrall scoffed. "How can such an oddity ever replace a fine steed? Midgardians truly are strange."

"I find them rather fascinating," Sigyn spoke in defence of the humans. 

"Of course you do," reacted Loki dryly. "You were locked away by your family your entire life. You find everything fascinating."

He immediately regretted saying that, as Sigyn's head snapped toward him. Her emerald eyes shot fire at him, and her fists balled and trembled at her sides. The pendant under his shirt burned his skin. After thirty years of marriage, one would think he'd learned by now not to antagonise her by mentioning the awful circumstances she grew up in. She wouldn't let this one slip by so easily. In fact, why had she done so with any of his latest insensitive remarks and blatant outbursts? It was almost as if she didn't want to fight him on his carelessness. But... why did he want her to fight him? Why was he baiting her like that?

I'm not, Loki said to himself. This is something else. Something inside me. Something that's yearning to fight. By the Norns, what is happening to me?

"Forgive me," he said. "I shouldn't have said that. I'm just nervous about meeting Hermes."

Sigyn's anger wavered at his apology, but she still scowled back. "We will leave you to it, then," she said, her voice icy and cutting. "Come along, Rúna."

She beckoned her handmaiden to follow her. The girl silently threw a last glance at Loki and Fandrall before hurrying after her mistress. They disappeared into the crowded marketplace, leaving Loki even more restless than he already was.

"That may not have been the best thing to have said to her." Fandrall patted Loki's shoulder. "Best come up with a way to make amends."

"Later." Loki shrugged off the guilt over his actions and words as best he could and made for the door of the inn. "We have more important matters to attend to right now."

Fandrall halted him by grabbing his arm. "Wait, what's the plan here? You want me to aid you with Hermes, but you haven't told me what you require of me."

"For now, I need you to be a witness in our dealings. You have keen observation skills, some of the best of all the warriors on Asgard. Take care to note everything Hermes says and does, and warn me if you see something that warrants alarm."

"How? Do we agree on a signal?"

Loki thought for a moment. A signal might have worked if they were dealing with any other Olympian. But this was Hermes. He was as mischievous a Trickster as Loki himself was and would certainly notice even the tiniest hint of code. No, there was only one option. 
He tapped Fandrall's temple with the tip of his fingers. Though he hadn't yet mastered everything on enchantment, there were some minor facets he could use. Opening someone's mind to his own was one of them. If anyone knew he and Sigyn communicated in such a way as well, they would certainly accuse him of having enchanted her. From a certain point of view, he had enchanted her. But only because she had done so as well. Their bond allowed it. None would understand or accept that, though. 

"I've established a link between us," Loki explained. "If you notice something, simply reach out to me with your thoughts, and I will hear it. Go on, speak to me through your mind."

Fandrall drew back a little and closed his eyes to focus. Loki waited to hear the warrior's voice inside his head. When he couldn't hear anything, he put his fingers to Fandrall's head again, leaving them there for longer this time. A faint greenish glow appeared this time. Loki scolded himself for not having paid attention to this before. 

"Try again," he said. "It should work now."

"Do you hear me?"

"Yes, perfectly."

Fandrall opened his eyes again. He looked awkwardly at Loki and asked, "This isn't permanent, is it?"

"It's only permanent if I wish it, and if the other person also possesses magic. Since neither is the case, it'll fade in a few hours. Your deepest, darkest secrets are safe, I assure you. Now, if there's nothing else..."

"There is."

Loki tried to suppress his annoyance. "Yes?"

"You seem keen on keeping Lady Sigyn away from the Olympians," remarked Fandrall. "Is there any particular reason for that?"

There were several, in fact, but Loki wasn't about to explain any of them. He didn't have the time, nor did he want to do so. Not even his own family knew of his past dealings with some of the Greek deities. Thus, the most obvious reason would have to suffice.

"I merely wish to keep my wife safe. The Olympians were bad enough under Zeus, but with Hera and Aphrodite now working together, I fear the worst."

"Hm, I supposed you're right." Fandrall sighed and raked a hand through his dirty blond hair. "Very well then. Shall we?"

He passed Loki and entered the inn with a certain swagger in his step. In mere seconds, the swoons from inside drifted out the open window. Loki used the time for the oh's and ah's to settle to gather his wits. He couldn't falter in his dealings with Hermes. Olympus and those who lived there had to be avoided, at all costs. But if the messenger, and by extension his mistresses, didn't agree to his terms, what else was there to do? How else could he break this seemingly never-ending cycle of loss, sorrow, grief, and pain the Norns cast him and Sigyn in? 
Loki grunted in frustration upon realising he may truly need to compromise on this one. If only for her sake. Yet if he did... Never had he been so afraid of a loved one discovering the awful truth from his past. This might be the one thing that could drive Sigyn away from him.

Our love is strong, but... she wouldn't understand, thought Loki, disheartened. In Olympus, she'd only see me through their eyes. Not a Prince, not a man... not anything.