Days Of The Halycon

Chapter Two

My Dearest Daughter,

It is with great sorrow that I do not see you off today, and possibly for the last time. Your presence in Vanaheim’s halls will be greatly missed. I wish you luck in all that happens in the coming time, that you will be a great queen who rules fairly and is able to fulfill her duties.

                                Your Loving Mother,

                                            Freya

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The snow crunched loudly as she slid from her mount to the ground, the white beneath her feet was powdery, almost beautiful. The snow had slowed, drifting lazily on the wind and peppering her blue cloak with large feather like flakes on her blue cloak.

Just a few yards short of the encampment they had stopped at Sigyn’s urging. It would be better if she walked it alone, or at least she thought it would be.

Walking to the other side of her horse she undid the tie on a woven basket clumsily, the large mittens getting int the way and making it difficult. Finally, after several moments of muffled mutterings the lid was freed and tossed back.

Large gray eyes looked up, blinking lazily at their new surroundings. “Come on boy, its time to say goodbye.” The creature stretched before sitting up and flicking it’s tale. With little effort she reached in the basket and pulled the silver cat from it.

Like a shield the princess held the animal tightly in her arms, it quickly became something similar to a security blanket. Squinting from beneath her hood she went to stand before her guard.

"I’ll miss you."

Theoric didn’t spare her a glance, the only indication that he’d heard her was the slight twitch his nose gave. Though, that may have very well been from the cold.

"If there was any way that I could-"

He looked at her, his eyes hard and his lips a thin line. “Isn’t your fiance awaiting your arrival, Your Highness.” The harsh words left him easily, as if it were simply a passing remark.

Heat crept into her cheeks as she looked down and nodded, “Yes, I think he is. Thank you for acting as my guard, I will not forget your kindness in doing so.” She said dejectedly, blinking back tears.

Turning away it took a moment and several steps away for him to respond. “It was my duty Your Highness.”

With curt nod her walk towards the tents did not stop. Theoric wouldn’t miss her, that was a good thing. He would go on, fall in love marry a pretty little noble woman and they would have many children. Even if she was to spend her eternity with someone she could never love, he would be happy. Sigyn promised herself she would be happy for him, and she would be, in time.

The tents loomed in the distance, the sheer size of them becoming more apparent with each step. “They are giants, Sigyn. What do you expect?” She mumbled quietly.

The moment she was within a foot of the tents all activity halted. Those who were carrying baskets, and chests stopped to stare. The red wide eyed and open gazes were unnerving.

Keeping her chin high her steps halted in the silence around her. Her eyes swept over the camp, they were much shorter than she could have ever expected.

"Your Highness." A woman stepped forward, her expression taught and her eyes narrowed. She bowed stiffly, as if she hated the thought of bowing to a Vanir. "If you will follow me." Turning on her heal she walked briskly toward the tents.