Shadows and Regrets

Chapter One.

AN: Any recognisable characters and locations in this story belong to Marvel. This is the sequel to my story, The Shield-Maiden, and if you haven't read that, here are some key details:

Heimdall and Sif are related in these stories, despite what the movie showed. Their family has ties to Karnilla, queen of Nornheim, although Karnilla herself is not welcome in Asgard.

Sif has only recently earned her way into the warriors' ranks. She is being trained by Lord Tyr, alongside Thor and Loki. Her parents disowned her for it, though she still speaks with Heimdall. Sif now lives at the palace. She and Thor are best friends.

Tyr is NOT a son of Odin in this story, merely a veteran warrior and a confidant of Odin's.

Sigyn is a daughter of Lady Freyja, the Goddess of Fertility and Love. Sigyn wants to learn magic, but Freyja disapproves. Sif befriended Sigyn, and introduced her to Loki, who has become her friend and teacher. Sigyn has also caught the attention of the Crimson Hawk Theoric.

At the end of 'The Shield-Maiden', Queen Frigga and Lady Freyja were each expecting a child.

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It was beautiful that midwinter, with clear blue skies, and a light coating of snow on the ground, and on the roofs of buildings. The snow was the only indication of it being winter at all. It was as if Asgard's very weather was celebrating the birth of the new prince. It had been several weeks since the boy's birth, and today he would be officially presented to court, and named. It would also be Queen Frigga's first public appearance for several months. All the nobility of Asgard were gathered in the great hall, along with many of the realm's most celebrated warriors. Princes Thor and Loki stood at the far end of the hall, beside their father, awaiting the entrance of their mother and newest brother.

Recently-appointed warrior Lady Sif stood some distance away, beside her friends Fandral and Volstagg. She fought the urge to scan the crowds for her estranged parents- whether they were present or not should make no difference to her. The only two members of the court who were not present at the celebration were Sif's brother Heimdall, who could not leave his position as Guardian of the Bifrost, and Lady Freyja, who given birth to her ninth daughter mere days ago, and thus was excused. All Freyja's other daughters were here, however, standing together in a group. Lady Sigyn- the youngest member of that family who was present- cast a quick look up at the gathered royals. Loki smiled cheerily at her. The two had become fairly close friends since Lady Sif had introduced them. Loki enjoyed being able to teach someone who shared his interest in magic, and Sigyn was eager to learn all she could, and considered Loki to be a good friend, if a very mischievous one. The chatter in the hall abruptly ceased, and all eyes turned to the entrance.

Queen Frigga stood in the doorway, clad in a beautiful high-waisted lavender gown, with a silk-wrapped bundle in her arms. Her long hair cascaded down her back in a shining golden waterfall, and the baby lay quietly in her arms as she made her way towards the rest of her family. Odin took her hand gently as she stretched it out to him, leading her to stand beside him. His gaze was focussed on his newest son. Thor and Loki smiled warmly at their mother, and she responded with a dazzling smile of her own. Every set of eyes in the hall was on the royal family, and at last Odin took his gaze from the baby, and addressed the crowds.

"My people, this is a joyous day, for we celebrate not only the Midwinter festival, but also the birth of a new son in the Royal household. He shall be given the name Balder, and he will forever be honoured as a Prince of the Realm!"

The crowds burst into applause, many of them craning to have a look at the baby. He appeared to object to the noise, as he began wailing. Frigga rocked him gently to quiet him, as the servants began bringing out platters of food and flagons of mead and wine. Soon, the crowds had dispersed to enjoy the feast, and only the close friends of the royal family lingered nearby. Thor- after glancing at his parents for permission- made his way over to Sif, bringing her to meet his new brother. She smiled vaguely at the now-cooing Balder. She had not had any real experience with babies, and was unsure how to treat one. She declined Frigga's offer to hold him, feeling uncomfortable. Odin had taken his leave, and was now discussing something with Lord Tyr, though no-one could make out what.

Loki re-joined the group, not that anyone had really noted his leaving, accompanied by Sigyn. The blonde girl gushed over the baby.

"Oh, he's so beautiful! And he looks just like you, Queen Frigga." Frigga beamed, acknowledging Sigyn's praise, and the girl slid her index finger into Balder's little hand, which immediately curled around it. " He is so tiny...baby Nanna is even smaller, though. But then again, she is younger..."

Frigga nodded sagely. "And how does Lady Freyja fare now? I trust she is recovering well from the birth?"

"She is well. Nanna demands much of her attention, as she cries a lot, but Mother copes well enough. Of course, my sisters and I help her often."

"You must tell Freyja that she may bring the little one here, if she wishes for company. I know I find it difficult, caring for an infant all by myself. I would enjoy having someone to talk to, and Balder might like a playmate."

Sigyn smiled. "I think Mother would like that. I will certainly tell her of your offer!"

Frigga returned Sigyn's smile. Truthfully, she had made the 'offer' for baby Nanna's sake, as she was far from convinced that Freyja was caring for the child properly. Considering the woman's lifestyle... Frigga put such thoughts from her mind, and tried to enjoy the celebration. Two hours later, though, Balder had had enough, and Frigga retired to her chambers.

Thor, Loki, Sif and Sigyn were seated in a corner, Thor re-telling the story of a victory he had during one of his sparring matches, with Sif interrupting every time Thor's ego affected the truth. Loki and Sigyn were laughing at their bickering, when a muscular blond man clad in the armour of the Crimson Hawks approached. Sigyn noticed him first.

"Theoric! I did not expect to see you here..."

The seventeen-year old smiled warmly at her. "How could I attend a celebration and not spend some time speaking with the loveliest maiden present?"

Sigyn's cheeks coloured, and she smiled.

"Would you care to accompany me for a walk in the gardens, my Lady? I could escort you back home afterwards if you wished, as well." Theoric's voice was courteous as he extended his hand to Sigyn.

"Of course! It is a fine evening, and I have been indoors studying all day. I would enjoy some fresh air." Sigyn stood, looping her arm around Theoric's. She glanced back at her three friends.

"Hopefully I will see you all tomorrow, but Loki?"

He glanced at her a shade too casually, raising an eyebrow.

"Will we have our lesson as usual in the morning?" Sigyn bit her lip as Loki took his time before replying. Finally he nodded curtly, opting not to speak.

Sigyn's expression grew colder at his seeming indifference. "I will see you in the morning then, Prince Loki."

"Good evening, my princes. Lady Sif." Theoric nodded his obeisance before leading Sigyn away.

"Pretentious, condescending, odious brainless dolt! " Loki muttered, furious.

Thor chuckled. "Afraid of a little competition, Little Brother?"

Loki glared at Thor. "The word 'competition' implies that Theoric and I have something to fight over. I just did not like his attitude, that's all."

Sif laughed. "Loki, we all know you are sweet on Sigyn. My advice would be tell her that, before Theoric steals your chance!"

Loki stood up abruptly, pushing his chair back, scraping it noisily on the floor. His face was reddening. "I do NOT have feelings for Sigyn! She is my best friend. I merely do not want her spending time with that ox!" He stormed away, muttering imprecations under his breath. Thor and Sif exchanged looks, then simutaneously burst out laughing. Loki was so predictable...

The two friends remained at the celebration, heedless of the time as they were enjoying themselves, until Odin made his way over to them. They were deep in conversation, and so both jumped when Odin placed a heavy hand on his eldest son's shoulder.

"Midnight approaches, Thor. Should you and Lady Sif not be retiring soon?"

Thor nodded guiltily. "We will go now, Father. I had no idea it was so late." He and Sif got to their feet, finishing their tankards of watered wine. That was all they were allowed to drink, being only fifteen. They had learned their lesson about drinking too much several months ago, and Heimdall still teased them about it.

Odin nodded his satisfaction, and spoke again just before Thor led Sif home. "I wish to speak with you two privately after breakfast tomorrow as well, so you will be excused from your lessons in the morning. I have a request to make of the both of you. Until then." Odin walked away, leaving Sif and Thor looking confused. What kind of request could require Odin to keep both of them from their lessons? Neither of them had any idea...

To be continued...