My Undying Fidelity

Chapter IV: Princeling

"Heimdall!" Thor said, patting Heimdall on the shoulder. "It's been a moment since we've been around to bother you."

"Yes, it has. But never long enough," Heimdall replied. His countenance contrasted Thor's goofy smile. They were in the center of Asgard's square, the hustle and bustle of the subjects keeping a considerable distance from the group. It was overcast but still bright, like a great white sheet was tossed over the sun. Loki leaned against the torch that was furthest from Heimdall, while still being in the circle. He waved weakly to Heimdall.

"And how are you feeling today, princeling?" Heimdall chided.

"Oh, just dandy," Loki replied.

Heimdall walked closer to him.

"I suppose you know about my current... situation," Loki whispered, checking to see if anyone else was listening.

"I see all, princeling. Remember?"

"Please stop calling me that."

"I don't think I will." Heimdall grinned. His smile was scarcely seen, but this was the kind of thing that brought it out.

"Anyway, please do your best to not make a fool out of me today. They've got me covered in that department." Loki nodded in the direction of Thor and the Warriors. Thor had his arm dangling off of Sif with Fandrall standing in close proximity. Loki rolled his eyes.

"We'll call a truce then," Heimdall said. "You will try not to act like a snake and I won't give you Hel."

"That was more accusatory than necessary, Heimdall."

"When it comes to accusations, I believe I'm the least of your worries."

"Wait, does that mean you're actually on my side?"

"If you mean that I believe you're innocent in the breaking in of Ve's repository, yes. If you mean that I agree with your thoughts on the Sigyn situation, you would only be partially correct."

"How is that?"

"I agree that you don't need help from another child."

"Thank you."

"But I think you do need help."

Loki crossed his arms. "Then why can't you be the one to help me?"

"I heard you say to your mother that you would sell my soul to the Frost Giants for a glass of ginger beer."

"I was kidding!"

"We would be at each other's throats after five minutes."

"I'll be at Sigyn's in three. She's awful Heimdall, absolutely putrid."

"I know Loki, I can hear—"

"Everything, I know. I just, I don't understand why she hates me so much."

"Maybe it's because you're a spoiled smart ass."

"Well you have actual reasons to hate me. It's obligatory if you're a friend of Thor."

"It's obligatory if you have common sense."

"I can't tell if you're joking at this point. Alright, can you at least try to work with me on this?"

"Yes, I will do my duty."

Loki nodded his head and walked away.

"Prince?" Heimdall said. Loki kept walking, but slowed his pace.

"For the record, I don't hate you. I've just been returning the favor."

Loki stopped walking for a moment. "So have I," he mumbled.

Loki looked into the crowd. Most of them were women buying fruits and vegetables from small venders and exchanging pleasantries. They wore muted clothing that all muddled together to form a pastel yet disheveled portrait. As his eyes darted across the scene, they were drawn to a particularly short entity who was speeding through the chaos, wearing bright blue. His face fell as he realized who it was.

Sigyn was hiking up her skirt, the bottom of which was already blackened with dirt. Her face was screwed up with annoyance and she elbowed anyone within five feet of her. When she reached the paved triquetra that was the town square, she dusted off her dress, painted on a smile, and stood up straight. She walked directly to Heimdall, not noticing that Loki had seen her. He slinked even further back.

Heimdall let Sigyn come within five feet of him before he acknowledged her, a feat for him.

"Hello, you must be—"

"I am Sigyn, soon to be goddess of fidelity," she said, curtsying deeply.

Heimdall raised his eyebrows and looked at Loki. He shrugged, covering a giggle with his hand.

"It is an honor to grace your presence, protector of Asgard. You have my deepest respect."

Heimdall forced a nod. "My gratitude, but there is no need for formalities. I'm little more than a glorified nursemaid."

Sigyn's eyebrows snapped together. "How dare you trivialize the honorable post the All-Father gave you?"

Bewilderment came across Heimdall's face, which he quickly hid from Sigyn. He clicked his tongue. "Everybody heads up, we're getting started," he shouted. He walked toward the center of the square. Sigyn stood up from her curtsey and went to join the others.

"Today, rugrats, we will be testing your—"

"Excuse me, sir?" Sigyn said.

"Yes?"

"Should I be taking notes, sir?"

Sigyn heard Sif cackle. She blushed.

"No, notes will not be necessary. Great question, though. Today we will be testing your tactical prowess and, to an extent, book smarts," Heimdall said. Everyone other than Loki and Sigyn groaned. "You will be split into two teams; red and blue. We have a total of two females with us today, so I'll put both of you on the same team. I'm feeling nice today." Heimdall made eye contact with Loki, who mouthed him a "Thank you."

"Thor, Sif, Sigyn, and Hogun are on the red team. Volstagg, Balder, Fandral, and Loki, you're blue." The two teams separated into lines. Heimdall stuck his spear into the ground and they were all teleported into the woods. The castle gleamed far off in the distance.

"Hey Lucky, remember this place?" Balder said.

"My name is not that hard. It's Loki. Like low-key."

"Yeah, whatever you say. We used to hang out here together. Remember the time we played giant slayer and Thor and me beat you?"

"Yes, you did. With a stick. I was five."