When Frigga saw Thor coming, she rose from her seat near the fountain to take him in a warm, motherly embrace. "My dear boy. It warms my heart to see you have recovered so well."

"I have none to thank but you, mother." Thor bowed his head to kiss his mother's cheek.

"Your brother saved you first. Don't forget that."

Thor rolled his eyes. He was certain his mother wouldn't make him forget, nor would Loki. Speaking of which...

"Where is he?" asked Thor. "I have not seen Loki all day."

"I'm not sure," replied Frigga. "Come to think of it; I haven't seen him since yesterday evening. Perhaps he went out riding again. I wouldn't worry. You know how your brother is."

He did, which was the problem. Thor knew he shouldn't immediately suspect the worst, but where Loki was concerned, one could only do so. Frigga made Thor sit beside her and gently caressed his face as she asked, "What is troubling you, my son?"

"A great many things," he answered with a sigh.

"Is there anything I can do?"

"There is. Yet I fear whatever you reveal may complicate the matter even further."

"If so, I will do all I can to help you."

"Mother," Thor hesitated for a moment, "why did you choose Sigyn to be my bride? Out of, I assume, a hundred other maidens who would gladly stand by my side, why her? Did you see something within her?"

Frigga gave Thor an intent look before she answered him. "I saw a young woman who needed to be freed from the ties that confined her. I saw a loving heart who has never been loved. And I saw a future Queen at the side of a future King. Sigyn has not had an easy life, my boy. She simply needs someone to believe in her. Then she will believe in herself. If your troubles concern her, speak to her about it. You may find her more open to conversation than you think."

Thor considered his mother's words. He had seen the loving heart she spoke of, as well as the care and kindness Sigyn had shown towards the people of Asgard. And he had to admit that he had hardly asked Sigyn about her past in their time together. Perhaps if he had, he would have known what to say and what not to say, and the entire incident at the training grounds could have been avoided. Could it really be this simple? Was talking to his betrothed all he needed to do to find common ground?

"Thank you, Mother." Thor kissed Frigga's cheek again. "You've assured me somewhat. And you are right, I should speak with Sigyn. In fact, I will seek her out now."

He rose and made to leave, but halted when he saw Hogun approaching from the darkness of the arched pathway, his moving shadow dancing with those caused by the setting sun in the Queen's garden. The warrior bowed to mother and son and said, "Lady Sigyn has asked if I could deliver a message to you, Thor. She invites you to a small celebration she has prepared in your honour this evening."

Thor raised his brow. A celebration in his honour? But there was no occasion for it. He looked down at his mother, but she seemed just as surprised as he was.

"She also said that if you declined her invitation, I was to return with Volstagg and Fandrall and 'persuade' you to come," Hogun added with what could be described as a smirk.

Frigga chuckled. "I believe you better go, Thor. We both know Volstagg's 'persuasion' usually leads to a few broken windows and furniture pieces."

Thor nodded and left with Hogun. He asked his friend what he knew of this celebration, but Hogun said nothing else about it, further spiking his curiosity. Was whatever Sigyn had arranged the reason she and Astrid had disappeared into the city early that morrow? If so, then perhaps this was the opportune time for another attempt at reconciliation.
As they neared the main square, Thor's senses got overwhelmed by the sound of music and cheerful laughter, the many smells of different food, and the number of people present. Colourful banners and flags flew from every house, and children yet decorated trees with ribbons. Everyone drank and danced with each other. It seemed like the feast had been going on for quite some time now. Suddenly, a loud booming voice greeted them heartily.

"Hogun! You brought our guest of honour, well done!"

Thor smiled as Volstagg stomped towards him with two great jugs of ale. Sif followed, and Fandrall came last — surprisingly enough, without his arm around a girl.

"My friends, what is going on here? What is this celebration for?"

"Your Highness, if I may?"

Thor turned to find Astrid, Sigyn's companion, standing behind him.

"Lady Sigyn asks you to join her in the forge," she said as she curtsied to him.

"Astrid! There you are!" Fandrall pushed forwards and took Astrid's hand to kiss. "May I say how ravishing you look this evening?"

"Only this evening?"

"Ha-ha, careful, Fandrall." Sif laughed and winked at Astrid. "You may have found the only woman in all Nine Realms who can resist your charms."

Thor left his friends at their playful frolic to find Sigyn. He spotted her red hair from a distance. It tumbled down like a waterfall, a single golden diadem keeping it away from her face. When Thor came closer, he saw she wore a simple but beautiful sapphire gown, with a golden shawl draped around her shoulders. Once more, Thor found himself in awe of her beauty. Sigyn turned at the sound of his footsteps and gave a radiant smile when she saw him.

"You came." She gave out a sigh of relief.

"I did not look forward to Volstagg's persuasion," said Thor. "And I have to admit; I was curious. You must have been preparing this for some time. It seems the whole of Asgard has gathered here."

"The Warriors Three helped. And when the people heard this was for you, they just kept coming. You are well-loved."

"As are you."

Sigyn lowered her eyes, blushing lightly. "I, um... have something for you. I understand it will take some time yet before Mjölnir is returned to you, but I hope you won't miss having it with this."

She turned to take something from the blacksmith and held the object out to Thor. His eyes widened. It was a bronze cuff with the image of Mjölnir finely engraved into it. He held out his hand, allowing Sigyn to place the manacle around his wrist. It was a perfect fit.

"This is... Sigyn, you shouldn't have."

"Consider it another present for our betrothal. Also... an apology. For that day."

Thor met her eyes. He saw everything he had seen before and all his mother had claimed to see, too. A loving heart, a caring nature, and a future Queen. One who was trying to set things right and mend the bond between them.

"Only if you accept my apology as well."

Sigyn beamed and wrapped her arms around Thor's neck. He pressed her close to him, taking in her sweet scent, barely able to keep himself from kissing her so publicly. The couple then joined their friends and the whole of Asgard in the merriment Sigyn had provided for everyone. Even the Allfather and Queen made an appearance, both happy to see the Crown Prince and his bride-to-be together again.
Only two were absent. One stayed hidden in the shadows, learning all he could of the woman who held such power, yet feared it, and how he could best use her to get what he wanted. The other watched the raven-haired mischief-maker with all-seeing golden eyes, hoping his words spoken about the young Odinson proved true.

***

It was revolting. After weeks of distant behaviour towards each other, Sigyn and Thor seemed like the perfect couple once more. Loki had to hand it to the wench; she had played it wonderfully well. A feast, a gift, and some well-chosen words, and Thor was once again at her feet. Yet the seed of doubt had been planted. Thor was a big, dense brute, but he wasn't a complete idiot, and he would not forget what had happened.
But Loki wasn't too concerned about his brother. Thor wasn't the problem. Half the time, Thor didn't even realise he was at the centre of one of Loki's schemes. That was the fun of it. He just made it so easy. No, the real problem was his red-haired fiancée.

After Sigyn left him at the Urdarbrunn, the Trickster was even more determined to ensure she became his. The maiden may have fooled the whole of Asgard, but not him. She was not with Thor as she was with him. Loki was certain Sigyn's true feelings were for him, and not his brother. But as she now refused his help and even took care not to be alone with him, Loki would have to find another way to influence her.
Yet, time was of the essence here. If he waited too long, Sigyn may very well still fall in love with his oaf of a brother. Loki couldn't allow that to happen under any circumstance. So, he set out to discover exactly what Sigyn was and spend every day in the library. If he knew more of her magic, he could convince her of the danger and that it was only a matter of time before she killed someone without the proper guidance. He had to use Sigyn's fear to drive her back to him. But he would need tangible evidence to back his suspicions up when he confronted her.

If only she had accepted the serpent necklace. Loki copied it after his own pendant, the very first thing he had ever conjured out of nothing but his magic. He could've used it to create illusions and even enter Sigyn's dreams without needing to be near her. All he would've had to do was let the magic link between the two jewels do its work. It was a setback that affected his plans greatly.
Loki briefly thought of setting up a trap, to force Sigyn to use her powers again, but without knowing what she was and how to stop or control her, it was simply too risky. The last thing he wanted was for anyone to die (though there were one or two people he wouldn't terribly miss). Any direct action he undertook would only have the opposite effect and push Sigyn towards...

"Loki!"

Loki's head snapped up from his musings and the many books that lay before him when he heard Thor's thunderous voice.

"There you are! It seems like we haven't seen you in days," said his brother, walking firmly towards him. "I should have known we would find you in the library."

"I'm surprised you even knew we had one." Loki sniggered. "Can it be you finally decided to see what a book looks like?"

"No." Thor rolled his eyes at the quip. "Sigyn mentioned a story she was fond of when we talked at the feast five days ago. I came to see if we had it."

"Let me guess; you want to give her the book after you read it yourself, surprising her you know of it?" Loki shook his head and tsk-ed. "I suggest not going to Fandrall for relationship advice, brother. He can barely keep his own women for longer than a week."

Thor scoffed. "As if you are an expert in the matter, Prince Lonely."

"Maybe not," a sneer formed on Loki's lips at the mocking nickname, "but Odin is. Frigga is not exactly a meek follower herself. I am certain she did not say yes to him on the first go. But if you prefer to listen to someone who changes women as often as he does his clothes, instead of to our father who has been with our mother for years, be my guest."

Thor pinched his brow, wrinkles creasing his forehead. By the Norn, was he actually considering going to their father to ask for advice on how to win Sigyn's heart? Clearly, his brother was more desperate than Loki realised. And desperate men were the easiest to manipulate. Perhaps there was a way to still get to Sigyn without her being able to refuse him. Yes... Yes, he could certainly try. Loki mustered his most sympathetic, brotherly smile and asked, "So, the rumours are true then? Has Sigyn achieved what no other woman in Asgard could? Are you falling for her?"

Thor sighed as he sat down beside Loki. "Sigyn isn't like the women in Asgard. She is... more. She has won the hearts of our people. Mother dotes on her, and even Father enjoys her company. I have never felt this way about anyone, Loki. I want to do something for her. But what?"

"Oh, there's the usual. Flowers, sweets, promises you don't intend to keep... or..."

Loki reached for the necklace hidden inside his tunic and showed it to Thor. Only, when his brother looked at it, he didn't see a snake pendant but a rose. It was a simple transfiguration and far easier to keep up than to make everyone think it was a mere gold chain.

"I meant to give it to Mother for her name day, but I cannot bear your desperation."

"Loki, this is exquisite." Thor took the necklace to vet it. "Are you certain?"

"Yes, yes, take it. I will find Mother something else." But his brother's eyes still flickered at him with a hint of suspicion. Loki added, "You can replace the rose to something more of your liking. Maybe something that matches the cuff Sigyn gave you? Make it a perfect pair?"

"Hm, maybe. Although... she often walks in Mother's garden with a rose in hand. It appears to be her favourite bloom, so this will do. I thank you, brother. If there is anything I can do for you in return?"

"Let us say you owe me two favours now. One for saving your life, and one for the way to Sigyn's heart. And in Odin's name, don't tell her I gave that to you. Better she believes you thought of it yourself."

Thor gave a hard but playful slap on Loki's shoulder and put the necklace away. It was then Loki noticed Thor had not one but two books with him.

"Sigyn must truly have a hold on you if she can make you read more than one book," he said.

"What? Oh, this." Thor quickly hid the second book from Loki's sight. "This has nothing to do with Sigyn. Just... something Father suggested me to read about some battle."

Loki didn't believe it for a second. If Odin hadn't managed to get Thor to read books during their many lessons growing up, he certainly wouldn't get him to do so now.

"Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you," said Thor. "Do you recall where our grandfather's tome is? You spend more time here than any other I know."

Loki's eyes narrowed. Why would Thor want to read Bor's history? Apart from a few battles, there was nothing of interest in it. Nothing except...

"No one has seen that thing in years," said Loki as airily as possible. "But I can look for it. I shall bring it to your chamber if I find it."

Thor nodded. He tarried a moment, but eventually walked away after thanking Loki again for the necklace. As soon as Loki was certain Thor was no longer in the library, he hurried to retrieve Bor's tome. It lay shamefully discarded in some corner, having been replaced by Odin's tome, which was proudly displayed in the library's very centre.
Knowing every inch of the place by heart, Loki quickly found what he was looking for and remained hidden between the high bookcases. He flipped through the pages, praying he was wrong. When he arrived at the end, to the pages written by Odin himself, his eyes widened.

Of course... Damn, how could I not have seen it sooner? This changes everything. I will need to throw Thor off course and handle Sigyn with care. Or she will bring about Ragnarok and the end of all we know.

***

Sigyn was vexed at the current restlessness seizing hold of her. She couldn't understand why she felt like this when, for the first time in her life, she felt like she belonged somewhere. At first, she thought she was homesick, but what possibly for? A mother who kept her locked away, jealous of her beauty? A father who pushed her down for being born a girl and not another boy? Brothers who belittled and hurt her? The little room that had been her prison for as long as she could remember? No, that definitely wasn't it. Maybe it was the fear that anyone might still find out about her magic and ask questions about what had happened at the training grounds.
But there was no need to worry about that anymore. It was old news, and the people had forgotten all about it. Even the Warriors Three barely spoke of it — except in jest when they had seen the bottom of their jugs one too many times. Things between her and Thor were better than they had been before. His parents sought her company frequently, asking for her opinion on many things, advising her to visit this or do that to learn more about Asgard. Children would often wait for her impatiently at the main square and beg her to play with them. So, what could it be that made the future Queen of Asgard, who seemingly had it all, feel like she still missed something vitally important in her life?

Sigyn leaned on her balcony as the last rays of sunshine evanesced over the realm of Asgard. The woods and mountains in the distance were shrouded in the rising evening mist. Below her lay Frigga's garden, hidden under a canopy of gold and the Yggdrasil fountain's leaves. For a young woman who had known nothing but stone and glass and strict company under her mother's watchful eye, this was Valhalla.
Sigyn had made a promise to herself to spend as much time as she could out there in the free world. Knowing her family, if the betrothal to the Asgardian Crown Prince did not go through for some reason, they would make sure she never saw the light of day again. Perhaps it was that looming threat that instilled this quaint unease within Sigyn. She could not stand up to her family alone. She needed protection. Someone at her side.
The sudden dull echo of footsteps resounding behind her made Sigyn glance over her shoulder. Astrid knew she loved some time alone on her balcony and wouldn't disturb her if it wasn't important. But it wasn't the handmaiden who stood in the opening.

"Forgive me," said Thor. "I did not mean to disturb you."

"You're not." Sigyn smiled, pleasantly surprised at his appearance. "What brings you here? It's not time for dinner yet, is it?"

"No, it's, um... I merely wished to see you. May I?"

"Yes, of course."

Thor returned her smile and came to stand at her side. Sigyn eyed him curiously. His muscles stood taut, and he nibbled his lower lip as if he didn't know what to say. Odd. The Crown Prince usually wasn't his anxious around her. Then Sigyn noticed the book he carried. Thor was many things, but a scholar, he was not. And if he would not speak first, she would.

"Did you bring me something?"

"Hm? Oh, yes, um... the story you told me about." Thor handed her the book. "You mentioned you were not allowed to bring your own books, so... I went to look for it in our library, and, um... found it."

"Thor," Sigyn caressed the book cover with delicate fingers, "this is wonderful, thank you."

"Think nothing of it." He cleared his throat before he continued, "I was wondering... perhaps you could read it to me? You spoke of it with such passion, and I believe I'll enjoy it more like that."

Sigyn was taken aback by his request. It had been years since she read to anyone. Her mother had been abhorred when she learned Sigyn 'filled her younger brothers' heads with nonsense' and had never allowed them to be alone with her again. But Thor genuinely seemed to want this. She couldn't disappoint him.

"I would love to," she said. "But if we are going to do this, we'll do this my way."

Thor gave her an inquisitive look, but Sigyn pushed past him with a playful wink, and went straight for her bed. She pulled the covers off, carried them outside with her and threw them down in the centre of the balcony. Then, she went back to gather all the pillows and put them in a circle on the covers.

"I know it seems silly," Sigyn blushed as she met Thor's amused gaze, "but I didn't have a balcony at home, and this was something I promised myself to do if I had one here. I don't know why it took me so long."

"It is a grand idea." Thor nodded approvingly. "I have not sat out under the heavens like this since I was a child. This is how my mother used to read to me and Loki as well. We will need some lanterns, though. And food. I will inform my parents we will not be joining them tonight. That is... if you do not mind dining here in private with me?"

Her mother would mind. Sigyn could already hear her screeching voice, yelling how improper it was for a young lady to be in the company of a man without a chaperone. But she'd had plenty of moments alone with Thor already, as well as with... And Astrid would be in the adjoining room. What harm could it do?
As her betrothed arranged for a light dinner to be brought and placed some lanterns around the blankets and pillows, Sigyn flipped through the pages of the book until she found the story she loved so much. The name of the young maiden was slightly different, but the story in itself appeared just as she knew it. When Thor joined her, charming her with an encouraging smile, any doubt Sigyn still held instantly vanished.
In a firm yet clear voice, she began the tale of the young warrior named Tristan, who won the hand of the maiden, Ysolde, for his uncle, King Mark. She recounted how they were tricked into revealing their feelings for each other through a potion given to them by their enemies. She told Thor how they tried to fight it but eventually found their way to each other, her voice breaking when she came to the part where King Mark discovered the affair, and Tristan and Ysolde were forced to part, or else face execution. By the time Sigyn came to the end, the moon had risen over the realm of Asgard, and Thor had moved closer, sitting beside her to read the words along as she narrated.

"And when Ysolde turned to the east and prayed to God, she moved Tristan's body and lay down by the dead man. Beside her friend. She kissed his mouth and face, and clasped him closely, and so gave up her soul and died beside him of grief." Sigyn's eyes filled with tears, which she struggled to hold back as she continued, "When... King Mark heard of the death of these lovers, he crossed the sea and came into Brittany, where he had two coffins hewn. He took their beloved bodies away with him upon his ship to Tintagel, and by a chantry, to the left and right of the apse, he had their tombs built round. But in one night, there sprang from the tomb of Tristan a leafy briar, strong in its branches and in the scent of its flowers. It climbed the chantry and fell to root again by Ysolde's tomb. Thrice did the peasants cut it down, but thrice it grew again. They told the marvel to King Mark, and he forbade them to cut the briar anymore, thus uniting the star-crossed lovers forever."

Sigyn sighed deeply. She closed her eyes as she always did when she finished this story. It saddened her greatly that the doomed pair could only be together in death. And yet, it was just the kind of love she longed for herself.
A soft caress startled her. Her eyelids flickered open, finding Thor gently wiping her tears away with his thumb. She hurriedly brushed her cheeks dry and said, "Forgive me. You must think me foolish to cry over this."

"Not at all," said Thor. "I understand the sentiment. It was a heartfelt tale. Only... I wonder if their love was ever real."

"I believe it was. The potion stirred feelings that they already had deep within. It did not create their love, but brought out what had already taken root."

"Then it is sad they could not be together. But I suppose this King Mark did the only thing he could. To show clemency against such betrayal would be to show weakness, just as his enemies intended."

"Would you do the same, then?" asked Sigyn. "If it were you in Mark's position, I mean. What would your ruling be if you caught your beloved with another and she told you she loved him more than you, and he loved her as well? Would you kill your rival? Kill them both, perhaps? Imprison them, keep them forever apart from each other? Punish them merely for the crime of loving each other?"

"I... I'm not sure."

"Sometimes love is about letting go, Thor. Tristan understood that. He loved Ysolde so much he would not risk her life and left. And she returned to Mark for the same reason. She couldn't bear to see Tristan executed. Mark only understood their love was true when it was too late. If he had let Ysolde go, he would've been free to marry again. He would've been free to find love once more. Instead, Mark grew bitter in his marriage to a wife who pined for her lost love. His ruling ruined not only their lives but his own as well."

"I did not think of it that way," admitted Thor. "It remains a hard decision to make."

"Matters of the heart are not meant to be uncomplicated," said Sigyn. "How else would you know your love to be true if it had no obstacles to conquer?"

"You speak with much wisdom about this. My mother was right when she said she saw a Queen within you."

Sigyn averted, her heart bleeding at the knowledge she would never be the Queen Frigga was. She could never do what Frigga did for her people. She couldn't even tell Thor the truth about what she was. Even if is she became Queen by her marriage to him, it would only ever be a title, and not who she was born to be.
Thor cleared his throat, drawing Sigyn's attention back to him. She stiffened upon recognising the gold serpent necklace Loki tried to give her in Thor's hand. What was he doing with it?

"I did not yet properly thank you for the cuff you gifted me," said the Crown Prince as he held out the jewel to her. "You gave me something worthy of a King. It is only fitting I return the favour to my future Queen. I noticed you seem to have a fondness for roses, so I hope it is to your liking."

Roses... So Loki hadn't made the serpent disappear to all but himself and her. He changed its appearance, so others believed it a rose instead of a snake, and somehow convinced Thor to gift it to her as a present. Finally, Sigyn understood why they called him the Trickster, for it was a brilliant manipulation.
She had no choice but to accept the necklace. If she didn't, Thor would take offence. And she couldn't tell him the truth. He couldn't know she had met with Loki alone, and he certainly couldn't know about her magic. They had only just settled their fight, and Sigyn refused to start another over this. Therefore, she did the only thing she could do.

Sigyn turned and held her hair together, so Thor could hang the necklace around her neck. Even though she had only worn it for a little while before, the weight felt familiar to her. The serpent pendant — or, in Thor's eyes, the rose pendant — rested above her bosom. Sigyn sensed the magic within touching her own, and she gasped inaudibly. Her fingers closed around the jewel.
A cool feeling washed over her. Her heart rate slowed. Whatever Loki had done, he had ensured her magic and the one within the pendant would connect the moment the jewel touched her skin.

Loki...

"Thank you," she whispered.

She turned back around, finding Thor just inches away from her. Their eyes locked. Sigyn found Thor's eyes less intense than his brother's were. They did not pull her in like Loki's eyes did. How strange that something so seemingly insignificant could stir such feelings within her.
Sigyn sat perfectly still as Thor's big hand cupped her face. The pendant grew cold against her skin, and for the briefest moment, Sigyn believed she saw Loki instead of Thor. His ice-blue eyes, his mischievous grin, his raven hair, his soft lips...
She leaned in. Her fingers let go of the pendant. The illusion fell away. Before Sigyn could pull back, Thor had already captured her lips. It was... different. Not different from the first time they kissed at the overlook, but different from him.
Desperate to cast Loki from her mind's eye, she allowed Thor to deepen the kiss, parting her lips so his tongue could meet hers. But it was no use. Even as her Thor nudged her into the pillows, Sigyn imagined herself in the secret glen, beyond the beryl tunnel, deep within the tallest mountain in the heart of the forest. She imagined herself scantily clad, naked even. And she imagined the man lying on top of her, the man kissing her, as slender, fair, and with hair as dark as a raven's feathers. He was not her betrothed. But he was the man she longed for most.

Loki...