Loyalty and Mischief (WIP)

Chapter 36 - In my world, there's no compromise

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?