Sigyn summoned and fired at speed, two and then three arrows in the air at once. She hadn’t practised since she left Alfheim, but panic brought her old skill back, and the arrows marched down the beast’s flank, heading for its heart.
Still it came on, though, apparently unfazed. Casting her bow aside, Sigyn clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and called out to the forest around her. Vines slid down from the trees, grasses entangled the bilgesnipe’s hooves, and finally, finally the beast slowed.
With a groan the bilgesnipe toppled over, unable to move its legs. Loki was breathing hard, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He turned and walked quickly to Sigyn. He put one hand on her arm and the other to her hair, looking at her with concern. “Are you… hurt? Are you alright?”
With an effort, she opened her eyes, looking up at Loki. Now that the danger was past, her heart was in her throat and her limbs felt weak. “I am not hurt, my lord.” Her knees gave out, and she sank to the grass, starting to shake. “Only frightened.”
Loki knelt beside her and wrapped his arms around her. “Sigyn, I… that was… amazing! We’re alright now… bilgesnipe never travel in packs… there is no danger… your magic is… it’s beautiful… “
She leaned into his strength and desperately tried to stop trembling. “You do me far too much honour, my prince. I only tried to protect you. Please, do not praise me for something so simple.” His arms were warm and safe around her, and she wanted nothing more, right now, than to rest in their comfort forever.
Tipping her face up, she pressed her mouth to Loki’s softly, letting her eyes fall closed.