The tavern was abuzz with people. Travellers spoke to the locals, telling them of all they had witnessed along the way, a mixture of languages resonating throughout the space. The pleasant ambiance perfectly masked the grim purpose of Loki's mission. He joined Fandrall to the back of the room, where the young warrior had procured a private table obscured by a small tree growing out of a barrel, and sat beside his companion, wanting to keep a clear view of the door. He didn't sense Hermes' presence among the patrons yet and didn't care to be taken by surprise. If Loki knew Hermes — and he did — this would be far more than a mere conversation and setting of terms.  

"Here you go, gentlemen." A buxom, petite maid with pinned-up curly brown hair appeared at their table, setting drinks in front of them. 

Loki rolled his eyes when Fandrall thanked the girl with an inviting wink, making her blush furiously. 

"Do me a favour and focus on the mission, not on your next conquest," he said after she scurried away, not bothering to hide his annoyance. 

"I cannot help I have this effect on women," retorted Fandrall with a smirk. "Besides, you were the one who said we had to mix with the locals."

Loki rolled his eyes with a tsk. "I did not mean that literally. And while we're on the topic, take care of what you say and do around Rúna. I don't want her to get the wrong impression if you don't mean to pursue a serious relationship with her."

"Rúna?" Fandrall raised a brow. "What are you talking about?"

"Sigyn believes there is something growing between you two, and even though I hate to admit it, I can see why she would think this."

"What? Loki, that is preposterous. I've done nothing to warrant —"

"Haven't you? You indulge Rúna whenever she seeks your company. She wants your affection, finding solace in your arms when something happens, and you never turn her away. You just admitted to having an effect on women, so is it truly so hard to believe Rúna has also fallen for your charms? I'll only warn you this once, Fandrall. If your intentions towards her are strictly as friends, in Odin's name, tell her now before it's too late. Better she makes no illusions about anything happening between you two than getting her hopes and dreams crushed when she sees you with another."

Fandrall stared at Loki, mouth agape, baffled at his words. He might have spoken crudely, but Loki had to set matters straight right from the start. Sigyn doted on her handmaiden, and if anyone dared to hurt Rúna, she would make that person suffer. Fandrall being her champion would make little difference to that. 

"I... never would've guessed you, of all people, would say such things to me," the blond warrior finally said. "Or that you even cared about Rúna in such a way."

"Don't look too much into it," said Loki. "She's an impressionable girl and I cannot allow anyone to take advantage of her. I took her on as my ward, therefore I am responsible for her safety and wellbeing."

Fandrall slowly nodded in understanding. He lowered his head, turning his stein of ale in his hands. Loki turned away to watch the entrance of the tavern. Still no sign of Hermes. It was ironic that a speedster such as him would be late for a meeting. Being this tardy was unlike him and even further cause for Loki to be wary of his surroundings. 

"You're right." Fandrall's voice pulled Loki out of his musings. He faced Thor's friend again, seeing a quaint calm over his fair features as they met each other's gaze. "You're right. I have to be honest with Rúna. She deserves to know the truth."

"Let her down easy. We're stuck together for the time being, and we can't afford any discord amongst ourselves."

"Loki, no, I —"

A sudden whiff of incense made Loki raise his hand, silencing Fandrall instantly. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. His heart skipped a beat before thumping erratically when the sickly sweet scent grew stronger. Loki's head snapped toward the open door of the tavern. He stiffened as the sunlight entering was broken by a figure he had hoped never to lay eyes on again. 
Amber skin, kissed by the sun. Dark, ash-brown hair to the shoulders. Onyx eyes, drawing any who dared look upon his sharp features into an abyss whence there was no escape from. A well-carved body fitted in perfectly tailored clothes. And a tattoo of a winged staff with two spiralling serpents edged on his exposed muscular forearm. Only one possessed the right to carry the kerykeion — Hermes had, at long last, arrived. 

***

Sigyn gripped the cold pendant tickling her bosom underneath her high-collared blouse. She grew restless at Loki's overpowering anxiety. He was frightened. Briefly, she considered checking in on him through their mind link, but decided against it. Her husband was in the middle of a serious discussion. She couldn't distract him now. And Fandrall was with him. He wouldn't let anything transpire. 

"Lady Sigyn? Are you all right?" 

Sigyn looked up at Rúna's concerned expression. She noticed then her shoulders were tense, and she'd been biting her lip. Letting her warmth course through her body and into the two snakes, she reached across the table for Rúna's hand and pinched it. A smile masked her silent apprehension as she replied, "Yes, don't worry. I just hadn't expected so many stories about these Greek deities."

"This is actually a relatively small collection," said Rúna. "The library in Asgard has an entire section devoted to them. We were at war with the Greeks for many years, and I suspect the Allfather wanted to ensure the knowledge we gained on them was not forgotten in case... well, you know."

"Hm, yes, that seems like something Odin would do." Sigyn recalled the tome of the previous Allfather, which Loki had returned after their wedding on Odin's 'request'. "Have you read any of those books during your lessons with Loki?"

"Only one. It pertained to their Allfather, Zeus. He's... something."

By the way her voiced trailed, Sigyn surmised whatever Rúna had read about him wasn't a good thing. Her eyes travelled down to the open book in front of her. It showed a picture of a fresco depicting the Greek King. She wondered if he truly was as magnificent as the picture would make one believe. 

"Thor said Zeus left for a place called Omnipotence City," mused Sigyn aloud. "The Gods are now governed by Hera and Aphrodite. Freya said Hera was expecting us, but we must assume Aphrodite will probably sit in on our meeting as well. And there are the others to consider. Loki and Fandrall will know most of them, but we two are at a disadvantage. Go ask the librarian if he will allow us to take these books home for a few days. If Loki manages to set a meeting with Hera through Hermes, we will use whatever time we have to learn all there is to know of the Olympians."

Rúna swiftly set about her task. Sigyn rose from the table as well and walked over to the window. She peered outside, clutching her pendant once again. Loki's panic had changed to furor over just a few minutes. Whatever was going on at the tavern, it wasn't good. 
Sigyn turned her head and caught sight of the church at the far end of the square. She pressed her lips together. After finding that blue gem, the so-called Space Stone, she'd had no further visions about it. Yet she never forgot what the Ancient One had told her that day. 

'Embrace what comes your way. Know joy and sorrow, life and death.'

I've been through all of that by now. I've learned to control my fire, and I could even control ice in my confrontation with Mephisto. But have I learned enough to wield those Infinity Stones? Perhaps I should take the one hidden in the church with me as a failsafe against the Olympians? 

She shook her head as the thought crossed her mind. It was too dangerous. Under no circumstance could she allow such great power to fall into the wrong hands. She regretted to admit that included Loki. Though she hated to keep something from him, she feared what he might do if he ever possessed one or even all the Infinity Stones. He was and would always be the Trickster. And in his current state of mind, having such a force at his disposal might make him the most dangerous person in the entire universe.

***

Hermes halted by their table with a wide grin. "Well, well. As I live and breathe, it truly is Loki Odinson. Been a long time. You know, I was looking everywhere for you after the war."

"Hm, what a coincidence," said Loki sweetly. "I was avoiding you everywhere."

"Ouch." Hermes put one hand to his chest as he pulled a chair out with the other to sit opposite Loki. "No need for that now. We're all friendly here, are we not?"

"Of course we are. Drink?"

The Grecian pulled a silver flask from his waistcoat pocket. "I brought my own. Care for a sip? As I recall, you were quite fond of Aphrodite's red apple wine and the... effects it has."

Loki gritted his teeth at the suggestion. He couldn't let Hermes get under his skin. But the God's mere existence was enough to make his blood boil. Their turbulent history was one he preferred no one else to know about. But before he could take action, Hermes had already turned his attention to Fandrall to ask, "What of you, handsome? I guarantee it's far better than whatever sewage you have there."

"I thank you," said Fandrall, "but I'll stick with the sewage."

"Suit yourself." Hermes shrugged at his dismissal. "Just don't come complaining to me if that mortal slop causes performance issues. But maybe you're already used to that?"

The blond warrior bristled at the insult, eyes shooting daggers at the Olympian. Loki held him down with a hand to his shoulder.

"Don't," he warned through their mind link.

They couldn't cause a scene in the middle of a Midgardian tavern in broad daylight. But Hermes was making it damn difficult to remain calm. Still, he met Hermes' amused smirk with as much restraint as he could muster and said, "I would appreciate it if we could keep things civil while we conclude our business. I assume Hera gave you instructions, so let's get right to it."

"Nah, boo." Hermes pouted. "You used to be more fun, Loki. Tell you what; let's move our reunion to a more accommodating venue. A room upstairs, perhaps? We'll both be more inclined to come to an agreement after —"

The chair scraped loudly across the wooden floor as Loki jumped to his feet, fists balled and trembling at the side of his body. Some of the other patrons looked their way when the back of the chair hit the wall, but thankfully, nobody had a clear view of their table. 
Hermes drew back at Loki's threatening scowl, a faint hint of trepidation in his furrowed brow. His onyx eyes shot to Fandrall as the latter reached for the blade hidden in his sleeve. The Asgardian stayed his hand though, waiting for the command of his Prince. 

"Maybe someone in Olympus will lower their standards for you," Loki's voice quivered in restraint rage, "but I promise there is no such person here. Let's go, Fandrall. This was clearly a waste of time."

He passed Hermes, not wanting to be in the same room with him for one second longer, but the Greek God then said, "I'm sorry."

The words made Loki stop dead in his tracks. Hermes rarely apologised for anything. Slowly, he turned around, finding Hermes did the same, though still seated, with one arm draped over the back of his chair. 

"I did not mean to upset you," said Hermes. "I was simply jesting, for old time's sake. I'm still a Trickster, like you are, after all. Will you please sit back down so we can talk?"

There had only been two, perhaps three, instances during the time they'd spent together that Loki had seen Hermes to be completely truthful. The way he spoke now reminded Loki of those few moments. He dared to look into Hermes' eyes. Whatever mischief had twinkled in them before was gone. 
Loki glanced at Fandrall, who stood awkwardly between the pair of Tricksters.. He already regretted his decision to bring the youngest of the Warriors Three along. Too much had already been revealed to Loki's liking. If Hermes divulged any further into their past, he might have to kill Fandrall, simply for being what Loki told him to be — a witness. 

"Fandrall, take another drink at the bar," Loki commanded, breaking the tense silence between the three men. "I will deal with Hermes alone."

"Are you certain?" 

"Yes, go."

Not one to disobey a direct order, Fandrall bowed his head and proceeded toward the bar, much to the delight of the full-figured maid, who promptly shoved her colleague aside so she alone could attend to his needs.
Loki made his way back to the table and stood before Hermes. The man gave him a curious, expecting look. Norns, those onyx eyes...

"No tricks," Loki demanded. "From either of us."

"Agreed," said Hermes. "Now sit down. This is becoming dreadfully uncomfortable."

"Switch places with me first." 

With a roll of his eyes and a 'tsk', Hermes did as he was told. He fleetingly brushed against Loki's chest. The ambrosial aura almost made him reach for the Grecian. He shut his eyes to cast the idea aside, but the temptation lingered.
Not wanting to give in, Loki hastily summoned Sigyn's face before him. Her blood-red fiery hair, her sparkling emerald eyes, her smiling lips... He heard her kind and alluring voice in the back of his mind. Was she truly speaking to him, or was it simply a brief figment of his imagination? Either way, the vision and resonance of his wife were strong enough to make Loki focus again, and he sat on the seat Hermes had vacated.

"Fandrall, do you hear me?"

"Yes, loud and clear," answered Fandrall.

"Make sure you keep an eye on Hermes," said Loki.

"I will, but there isn't much I can do from here, Loki. If I don't know what's being said —"

"Let me worry about what he says. You pay attention to his body language and facial expressions. Warn me if you see something."

Loki heard Fandrall sigh in his mind, but couldn't be bothered with it. He had to attend to Hermes. Everything depended on their meeting. But he had to know what he could reveal to the man first.

"Did Hera share the reason I seek an audience?" he inquired.

"Not in detail," replied Hermes. "I know you need healing. For yourself... and your wife."

Damn! Curse you, Freya, and curse you too, Thor. The Norns can take you both for all I care.

"If you were hoping we didn't know about Sigyn, guess again," Hermes continued upon seeing Loki's annoyance. "All of Olympus knows you married thirty years ago. We had an emissary present at what should've been Thor's wedding. Speaking of which, I applaud you for tricking everyone in such a dastardly way. Thor may have claimed it was his idea to bring you and his intended together, but I recognised your handiwork instantly when I heard the story. Most impressive indeed."

Such praise from Hermes was something Loki had yearned for centuries ago, almost to the point he actively sought it in everything they did. Now, the mere notion of being complimented by the man made him shudder. He wasn't proud of himself for tricking Sigyn into marrying him, but it'd been the only way for them to be joined by means not even Odin could undo. If he had to do it all again, he wouldn't hesitate.

"I'm curious, though." Hermes leaned in to continue in a whisper. "Did you truly fall in love, or are you up to something?"

Fury took hold of Loki. Did the rumours know no bound? Were even the Olympians placing bets on the chance of him showing his true colours, even though there was nothing to show? If that was the case, then this entire endeavour was futile.
Loki was ready to push himself away from the table and leave when Hermes raised his hand to halt him. "All right, all right, calm down. I was only wondering. No need to get upset again."

Fandrall's voice prodded in Loki's mind then. "What happened? Are you all right?"

"Yes, fine. It was nothing."

"Then why is Hermes sizing you up like that?"

Only at Fandrall's observation did Loki notice Hermes had reclined in his chair and was indeed watching him with a calculated gaze. He was attempting to read into the depths of his soul, something he excelled at with the mortals he guided to the Underworld. Gods, though, were more difficult to figure out — or so Hermes had always made Loki believe. 

"You've certainly changed since last we met," he mused aloud. "I sense something new within you, Loki. A strange, yet awesome, power. If this wife of yours has instilled such force within you, then I should very much like to meet her."

"You stay away from her!" 

Loki wished he hadn't snapped at Hermes like that when he saw his black eyes narrow in suspicion. He opened his mouth to apologise for his outburst, but Hermes moved faster than the naked eye could see and grabbed Loki's hand. 
Images of the past decades flashed through Loki's mind like the rush of water through wild rapids. Some moments passed quicker than others. The happy times he spent with Sigyn were alarmingly fleeting compared to all the gut-wrenching agony they had endured. The last few months played before him. His death, Mephisto's torment, his resurrection, the death of his daughter... Every single thing Loki had tried so hard to lock away in the deepest part of his fractured being for Sigyn's sake came crashing down on him. 

A primal force shot up from within Loki, making Hermes release his hold with a loud gasp. He drew back, nearly pushing himself to the wall to create as much distance as he could, and stared at Loki. His expression was twisted with sheer horror.
Fandrall quickly appeared at Loki's side, but the threatening sideways glare made him recoil instantly. Warmth seeped from the hidden pendant into Loki's chest, but couldn't overpower the unyielding icy wall he put up in defence against Hermes' intrusion. He willed every bit of control into his voice as he faced the Grecian and demanded, "What was that? What did you do to me?"

"When we spoke, I-I sensed your soul was in turmoil, so I... I took a peek. I never imagined... By the Faiths, Loki, I am so sorry. If there is anything I can —"

"I want nothing from you," spat Loki. "Nothing but the terms Hera gave you, so get to it already!"

Hermes cringed at his hard tone. He seemed reluctant to leave it at that, but fortunately for him, he moved to the matter at hand. "Hera invites you and your wife to Olympus as her guests," he said. "She would like Aphrodite to attend as well, but won't force her presence on you if you don't want her there considering... what happened in our past."

"I do not," said Loki. "Nor do I want our meeting to take place on Olympus. Tell Hera to choose a venue here on Midgard, neutral ground for both parties."

"The location is non-negotiable, Loki. It is Olympus or no meeting at all."

Loki cursed at the ultimatum. He was tempted to say no, but he had to think of Sigyn. If there was even the slightest chance Hera could help her, the decision was simple to make. "Fine, then. I accept the terms, albeit under protest. When will Hera meet us?"

"As quickly as possible," answered Hermes. 

"Would tomorrow work?"

"It would. Can you make your own way to the mount?"

"Yes, we can manage."

"I'll make the arrangements, then."

Loki halted Hermes before he could leave by getting up as he did and blocking his path. "I need assurances we will not be harmed, Hermes. I have enemies on Olympus because of what I did during the war, and will permit nothing to happen to any of us, but least of all to Sigyn. If anyone so much as thinks about hurting her, I will consider it a declaration of war."

"Hera gives her word, none shall come to any harm as long as you are her guests. And I give mine as well."

"Hmph, your word means very little to me."

"Loki, please believe me. Anyone who dares lay a hand on you shall have to deal with me. I swear it on the love we once bore one another."

Loki froze and stared at Hermes. Had he... actually...? Oh, the audacity of the bastard! 

"You never loved me," he snarled. "Now get out of here!"

Whether it was by ancient magic or his own extraordinary speed, the Olympian was gone in the blink of an eye. Loki exhaled slowly, wanting to release all the stress that had built up, but he was under more strain than before. Taking Sigyn to Olympus, facing people who were more foe than friend and who could reveal even more than Hermes already had... It would mean the end of him.
He searched for her, finding her already making her way back to the tavern, and turned to face an aghast, pale-looking Fandrall. What was he to do with him? There was no time to make him forget about what he had heard, even if he was willing to use his magic so publicly. It wouldn't matter if they were to go to Olympus, anyway. The best he could do was minimise the damage. 

"If you ever speak of what was said between me and Hermes, I will destroy you. Understood?"

Knowing Loki was more than capable of executing his threat, Fandrall nodded vehemently. He followed his Prince out of the tavern, ignoring the maid as she waved goodbye. They went straight for the horses and untied them from the post. From the corner of his eye, Loki noticed Fandrall biting his lip. Cursing underneath his breath, he addressed the warrior with a sneering, "What is it now?"

"I'm sorry, it's just..." Fandrall paused, hesitant to continue.

"Speak if you truly must, but do it before Sigyn and Rúna get here," urged Loki. "They're already on their way back." 

"Does Lady Sigyn know? About —?"

"Does she know I enjoyed the company of men as well before our marriage? Yes, but she knows nothing of Hermes."

"In Odin's name, Loki, you can't keep this from her. If the Olympians learn she is ignorant of it, they will not hesitate to share this with her to sow discord between you. Hera may have promised you won't come to any harm physically, but we both know the Greeks excel at torturous mind games."

Loki gave an exasperated sigh. Fandrall was right, of course. But the thought of telling Sigyn of his past with Hermes tore him apart. He looked up to find his wife breaking out of the crowd, rushing toward him. His heart lurched at the sight of her distress. To think he had to cause her even further pain... It would've been better had he stayed dead. 

***

"We have to talk."

Sigyn looked up at Loki's reflection in the mirror. He sat on her side of the bed, hands gripping the mattress tightly, and an alarming grimace on his face. She put her hairbrush on the vanity and turned around, at which her husband lowered his gaze. This streak of shame was one Sigyn had come to recognise far too often in their years of marriage. It only showed when Loki was about to reveal something to her. Something personal. Something he believed would drive her away from him. 

"What is it?" she asked fearfully. 

"I... I need to tell you about something," said Loki, his voice thick and choking. "And I need to do it now, before we travel to Olympus in the morning."

"All right." Sigyn sat straight in her chair, hands in her lap. "I'm listening."

Loki licked and pressed his lips together. He inhaled deeply, but still refused to raise his eyes to her, keeping them firmly on the green rug. "I... told you about how I... not only had female company before I met you. I was with men as well, sometimes in my current form, but sometimes also as a woman."

"Yes, I remember. I've told you I don't care about that."

"You wouldn't say that... if you knew."

He fell silent and shut his eyes. Sigyn moved to sit on the ground in front of him. She placed one hand on his knee, while lifting his chin with the other. "My love, look at me." 

He shook his head. His tragic state tore Sigyn's being to shreds. This was not her joyous, carefree husband, but a man crushed by the agonizing weight of heartache, grief and a history he tried desperately to keep hidden from all those who cared for him. 

"Loki, I've never forced you to speak about anything you did before we met, and I won't do so now. Your past is your own. I will listen if you wish to tell me something, but if you prefer to remain silent, I respect that. The only thing that matters is our future together."

"Our future has already been ripped away from us because of what I did. I won't allow that to happen again. I must tell you. I want to tell you."

Sigyn cupped Loki's face. He leaned into her hand, seeking her support. She gladly gave it. 

"Today, during your meeting with Hermes," she said, "I sensed you were anxious. Anguished, almost. Then you gave in to rage. Was it because of what was being said or because of him?"

"Him," said Loki. "We... We were lovers for over a hundred years. To date, that makes him my longest relationship. Though, in hindsight, I don't think I could even name it as such."

Sigyn pushed herself up to sit beside Loki. She tentatively caressed the top of his hand and perceived his skin heating at her caring touch. His grip on the bed loosened somewhat, and he turned his body towards her, sitting in a more sideways position.

"Asgard and Olympus had been warring for eight decades when I met Hermes," he continued. "We preferred to keep ourselves away from the fighting, but neither of us wanted our realm to be the loser, so we fought a different battle — one of mischief and trickery. We first chanced upon each other on a mission to find a helmet that allowed the wearer to become invisible. Among our people, it's called the Tarnhelm. I found it first, but Hermes intercepted me on my way back to Asgard. He used his speed to throw me off and stole the helmet from me. I, of course, retaliated and stole it back, using my illusions. We went back and forth like this for days until we actually came face to face with each other. We fought first, but the closer we got to each other... I felt an inexplicable attraction to him. A connection, even. So much that in the heat of the moment, we... we just..."

 His voice trailed off. Sigyn didn't need him to say it aloud. She understood perfectly well what had happened next. 

"Hermes was a breath of fresh air. Powerful, majestic, blithely unconcerned about anyone and anything. He was one of few who ever made me feel like I was worth something. He pushed me beyond what I always assumed were my limits and taught me how to use nature magic, how to heal minor injuries, and... how to change my gender. Everything I know on how to please both men and women, in whatever form I choose to be, I learned from him. I loved him for it. Adored him, even."

A weak smile appeared briefly on Loki's lips as he glimpsed at Sigyn. She returned it. What else was she to do? 

He went on, "I learned early on Hermes was manipulating me to gather intel for Zeus, but I didn't care. Rather, when I figured out his ploy, I went along with it. We fed each other truths and lies for years, letting our mischief wreak havoc on both sides, and drawing the war out for over a century. We praised each other and offered ourselves in reward when our deceptions were successful, while discovery of the lie lead to heated arguments, resulting in even more heated punishment. I considered it all an exciting game. But then... I learned the truth."

Tears brimmed in Loki's beautiful blue eyes. Sigyn wanted to brush them away before they could stain his face, but Loki's fingers closed around her wrist, halting her hand mid-air. She sat frozen, waiting with bated breath. 
As suddenly as he grabbed her, Loki let go. He got up and walked over to the window, keeping his back to Sigyn. Despite not being able to see his face, she still perceived the tension in his entire body. 

"One day, I was on my way home from meeting Hermes, and I realised I'd lost the ring he'd given me. I returned to our secret spot to search for it, and that's when... I caught him with another."

He turned around. Sigyn gasped at the manner in which her husband's fair features contorted in excruciating emotional misery and madness. 

"The woman Hermes betrayed me with," sobbed Loki, "was my former fellow apprentice, my first love, and the enchantress who nearly turned me and my brother against each other. She'd been hellbent on revenge after Odin banished her, and Hermes had gladly offered his services as long as she aided the Olympians to victory. He had agreed to ensnare me and keep me occupied, as I was the only one who could recognise her magic. During an altercation for the helmet, he struck me in the shoulder with an arrow stolen from Eros' quiver. I never realised it was such an arrow, and the next time we met was when we... Hermes had then fuelled the lie further with Aphrodite's honeyed red apple wine, one of her most potent aphrodisiac. She was the one who'd given him... because she and Hermes also... I-It wasn't real. None of it. And I failed to see it. I failed to... I failed..."

Unable to go on, Loki fell apart. Sigyn rushed toward him as he dropped forward onto his knees, his body shuddering as finally gave in to tears. She tried to wrap her arms around him, but he gave such a guttural cry that she jerked back. There was nothing Sigyn could say or do to provide any comfort. Nothing but whisper her undying love for him and stroke his raven hair to let him know she was with him.