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sigyndottir · 1 year

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An Updated Basic Sigyn Info List

Information on her from Snorri Sturluson/Norse Myth:

She is a Goddess, listed as one of the Asynja or Aesir Goddesses (meaning she was likely not of Vanaheim but instead of Asgard.)

She married Loki and had two sons, Vali and Narvi/Narfi.

Eventually, both boys were murdered (some believe only Narfi was killed and Vali was left as a wolf to roam and bear the grief of what he'd done to his brother.) The intestines of Narfi were turned into chains and with them, Loki was bound to three boulders in a cave. A serpent was hung over his head to drip venom on him until Ragnarok. Sigyn took up a bowl and joined her husband at his side to catch the poison, trying to shield him. However, she must leave his side to empty the bowl during which time Loki thrashes so violently from the pain that he causes earthquakes.

What happens to Sigyn after Loki is freed and begins Ragnarok is unknown. It is assumed she dies along with the rest.

One of her kennings is Incantation-Fetter. This implies some talent with magic, specifically binding magic, and warding and protection. This kenning comes from Loki being mentioned several times as "The Burden of Incantation Fetter's Arms."

Her name means “Victory Bringer”, “Victorious Girlfriend” and “Friend of Victory.”

Her parents and origins are unknown. Nothing else survives that may point to the ways in which her nature and roles were conceived of by the Norse. Nothing survives of her worship.

Things not proven but widely believed in:

Sigyn being a Goddess of Constancy and Compassion, though other popular beliefs are that she is a Goddess of Loyalty and Devotion among other virtues.

Sigyn appears in the 9th century skaldic poem Haustlöng from pagan times, written by the skald Þjóðólfr of Hvinir. Due to this early connection with Loki, Sigyn has been theorized as a god dating back to an older form of Germanic paganism before being transferred to Norse.

The mid-11th century Gosforth Cross located in Cumbria, England, has been interpreted as featuring various figures from Norse mythology. The bottom portion of the west side of the cross features a depiction of a long-haired female, kneeling figure holding an object above another prostrate, bound figure. Above and to their left is a knotted serpent. This has been interpreted as Sigyn soothing the bound Loki.

Although there are a number of different interpretations out there, most depictions of her show her to be blonde and with blue eyes.

She is often described as being significantly younger than Loki.

Unverified Personal Gnosis of believers and worshipers:

She is of the Vanir, and Njord was her Father.

Her marriage with Loki is not abusive; in fact many Lokeans often get the feeling of fierce protectiveness from Loki when it comes to Sigyn. He is known to not really introduce anyone to her until he deems it safe.

However, those who do get the chance to work with Sigyn comment on how warm, safe and comforting her presence is. She also helps give them inner strength.

She reveals herself in one of two ways: either as a delightfully child-like young girl or, conversely, as a wife, implacable, resilient, post the ordeal of the cave, burdened by the overwhelming grief of the loss of her children.

A list of ways to honor Sigyn (X) (X)

Things invented by Marvel Comics:

Her relationship/engagement to Theoric and the murder of him by Loki.

Being tricked into marriage by Loki (and honestly, the way she was treated throughout it.)

Being known for the first time as the Goddess of Fidelity.

According to the entry in Kid Loki’s profile in “Avengers: Roll Call #1″, it is mentioned Sigyn is deceased.

Fandom Invented Things, but widely believed in:

Freyja is her mother, and the dwarf Iwaldi is her father. She is sister to Nanna, Syn, Lofn, Var, Snotra and is Princess of Vanaheim.

Because the meanings of her name involve the word “Victory”, some think it implies her having ties to the Valkyrie and being a Goddess of Victory.

#if there is anymore feel free to add it to this list #this is all the research I could muster up on her #sigyn #sigyn meta #norse mythology #Marvel Comics #norse paganism

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goddessoflove-s · 2 months

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"She believes in poetry and love and passion and everything she can feel and cannot see."

✶✶✶

Sigyn Iwaldidottir

Goddess of Fidelity & Love

Princess of Vanaheim

✶✶✶

mostly based on Headcanons, may contain some mythology

Information:

Pronouns: she/her

Age: around 1050 years

Heritage: vanir

Sexuality: bisexual

Family:

Father: Iwaldi (King of Vanaheim and ally of Odin)

Mother: Almina (deceased, Almina was a wielder of magic and part of the same coven as Queen Frigga. She taught Sigyn parts of her abilities.)

Brother: Arvid

Current Faceclaim: Freya Allan

Headcanons (so far) ↡

» Her mother, Almina, was a member of the same witch coven as Frigga, leading up to them becoming close friends during their youth.

» Sigyn is a vegetarian. She will eat absolutely no fish and meat.

» Although Sigyn despises violence she would kill for the ones she loves.

» Sigyn has magic abilities. She specialised in healing and the art of potion making, dreaming to become a healer and help others with her seidr.

» Sigyn is the daughter of King Iwaldi and Queen Almina and therefore a princess of Vanaheim. She has an older brother called Arvid who is likely to be heir of Vanaheim's throne.

» She has a mark on her left arm which looks like a tattoo of a rune that glows when you touch it.

It's the result of a spell and was cast on her to mark her as part of Vanaheim's royal family. If she's in need to identify herself Sigyn can prove her royal ancestry with it.

Rules:

» no lewd

» no god-modding

» be at least 18 ( I am over 21)

» please mark when you are not talking in character

» be patient (I do work and study, meaning I can be busy)

#logyn #sigyn #loki #loki x sigyn #loki (marvel)#thor 1 #loki rp #mcu sigyn

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lilyblackdraws · 8 months

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156 - Arknights OC - Rita Iwaldi

#arknights

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sigyn-foxyposts · 2 months

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Day 4 - What would be your ideas for Sigyn Marvel Comic Reboot?

Like everyone else on here, one where Sigyn isn't a tragic abused wife as some modern media just loveees to turn her into because Loki is a villan! And those people can't love their wives nooo../s 🙄

I want her strong sides to be shown and for her character to develop more than to just be Loki's wife and that's about it! I want to see her relationships and I especially want Narfi and Vali to also have some more greater purpose in media, which is what I've included here!

So here are some of my ideas written into quite the story, because this way is easier to me! Sorry it's long, truly didn't intend it.

Sigyn is of high status, herself being a princess, but of Vanaheim and the daughter of Freya. Her father is secretly Iwaldi, a dwarf and a very talented blacksmith.

Freya had slept with him to insure she'd have an heir, resulting in a few daughters, who she'd love unconditionally despite hoping for a son. To one day over the throne!

Nanna, Idunn, Syn, Snotra, Var, Sigyn, Sjofn and Lofn were their names respectfully.

But this whole time Freya was actually married to the mysterious god named Odr, but who had neglected her love and would rather focus on traveling the realms than to be with her.

Freya only kept the marriage going for appearance and an old alliances sake.

She didn't care much for Odr because of his lack of interest and instead herself, focused on raising her daughters and kingdom.

A kingdom that would later be put in danger when Asgard threatens with war, after a failed attempt to make an alliance between the two, when Freya refused to share their magical powers with them!

Something the vanir people were very known for.

Freya tries her best to manage and sends her daughters, who were old enough to understand what was going on, to her brother Freyrs realm in alfheim.

There the girls were taught by their uncle and his partner Gerdr everything Freya herself had hoped to guide them through, womanhood.

Meanwhile the queen had to fight against Asgard's army, loosing many warriors in the process and eventually having to give up. Afraid she would loose more of her people!

At this point in time Sigyn and her sisters had grown into adulthood and as a peace offering, Odin forces Freya to make the difficult decision in promising to have some of her daughters get married to the Aesir.

Thinking that, through marriage and the offsprings they'd have, surely Freya wouldn't be able to keep the vanir's magic away from him. But she had plans up her sleeves.

Nanna was the first to marry, ending up with Odin's son Baldr and later having a son named Forseti. The only issue being that Nanna wasn't a sourseress and Freya had lied to Odin.

Resulting in Idunn being the next one to marry, who was actually a sorceress. She gets married to Odin's son Bragi and sadly the aesir were able to obtain Idunn's golden apples of immortality for their own gain, as her domain was over youth.

Because Idunn had acctually trusted the aesir and Odin had used her, she refused to try for children and her husband, Bragi loving her dearly respects that not wanting to try despite his fathers encouragements. That led the hopeful all-father to be enraged.

Feeling humiliated to be tricked by Freya the first time and now having to face stubborness, Odin instead chooses to give away Freya's remaining daughters to his most prized guards, instead of his sons.

One being a brave and young solider named Theoric, who Sigyn was soon to marry.

Sigyn was very much like her father, a hard worker with muscles of steel! She was passionate when it came to fighting techniques rather than magical skills.

So when Odin demanded that she and the rest of her sisters, who were not already sorceresses to join his wife Frigga's court and learn it, Sigyn was quite offended by it.

She wanted to become a Valkyrie more than anything, knowing that those positions were possible to join, but Odin refused to hear her out. Things only got worse when a certain prince started to play tricks on her as his adoptive mother taught the young ladies magic. It was Loki, the trickster god!

Sigyn never knew why she out of everyone in Frigga's court had to be the target. When little did she know Loki was very much intrigued by her, in all the ways.

They'd started off as enemies at first, like most because of Loki's behavior. But eventually through bonding over their strange family drama and similar lives, became pretty good friends!

Sadly, Loki had developed feelings for Sigyn, knowing from the very begging she would be eventually married off to Theoric. So he decided to not confess his feelings and instead ran off from Asgard.

Sigyn was understandably very confused and upset over her only friends disappearance and this actually affected her marriage, but decided to give Theoric a chance either way and bond like she had with Loki.

Apparently it payed off quite a bit as being a respected solider did not only get Sigyn place with the Valkyries but her and Theoric had something I'm common!!

So far life was getting better again and Sigyn's marriage was nothing but platonic, something she had made sure to voice very early on. Theoric being the good man he was obviously respected that and was eventually called out to battle.

Despite never loving Theoric that way, Sigyn did find herself quite nervous about what would happen to him and even had to admit she might've catched feelings for him.

But right when things only seemed to blossom for her, Theoric returns home and acts very odd from his usual happy self. Until it all makes sense when Loki reveals it was him the whole time, Sigyn was not only outraged at this but had so many questions.

And Loki would happily provide answers for her and fill on on everything she had been missing out on.

Loki had been so jealous he ran away and was planning on a way to actually confess to Sigyn despite her marriage. Luckily enough for him thought, he didn't even have to play a part in Theoric's sudden death as he had fallen in battle by his own doing.

Loki had only watched from afar.

After that Loki felt guilty, wishing he could've done something even if it would've been a very suspicious thing for him to do, considering he is a missing prince.

So he found comfort in one of the women warriors there, who had fought against Asgards army. Her name being Angrboda, someone he knew his adoptive family would never approve off and had children with her very recently.

But now people had seen Loki in Jotunheim with his little family, and it had been reported back to Odin in Asgard.

Loki admits he was selfish and apologized for not revealing himself sooner!

This would still leave Sigyn with a few questions though, had she gotten to know the real Theoric before his death or had that been Loki all along?

After taking these news surprisingly well and not freaking out as much as she, herself would've thought! Sigyn was unsure how to proceed and grieve, giving Loki his chance to rekindle their relationship.

He offers Sigyn the comfort she needs until she is ready to get back on her feet, never pushing to ask if she felt the same feelings towards him, after having confessed his attraction.

Once Sigyn feels better mentally, she let's the news of Theoric's death be known and his funeral is held. After even more support from her mother and sisters, Sigyn feels hopeful and Incuraged Loki to stop pretending and return to Asgard officially, with his new family!

Despite what Odin would think, because Sigyn wanted to see and meet them, she wanted to show how much she cared for them! Like Loki had cared her.

Loki was hesitant at first but tries his best and makes his grand return, proving to Odin that the news he had heard were true, Loki had made himself a family in Jotunheim.

This was the worst choice no one could've predicted, not even Loki and Sigyn. The next thing they knew, Angrboda was brought to Asgard with their children and treated horribly. When all Angrboda wanted was to fit in with the rest of the aesir gods.

Sigyn when she first saw Angrboda, knew she had to do everyhing in her power to protect that woman and her unique children.

Sigyn offers her home to be the familes as well and makes sure to care for Angrboda and their children daily! Quickly adapting to the fact that Hel needed constant skincare because of her skin condition that caused it to rot in certain places.

While two of their sons, Fenrir and Jormungandr were shapeshifters, meaning they took on other forms that weren't humanoid. Specifically a wolf and a snake.

Sigyn wanted nothing more than for them to feel as welcomed by her as possible, especially after what they had gone through to get to Asgard, and In return Angrboda gave something back. Forever grateful!

She reveals she was once a powerful witch and as a thank you offers to teach Sigyn magic, even more beyond what Frigga and the vanir was able to teach her.

This was the start of yet another blossoming relationship as Angrboda and Sigyn quickly bonded through the magic, the fact they both loved fighting in battles and hated Odin and the aesir for manipulating their people!

Now Sigyn wasn't only strong physically but even more skilled in magic. Able to heal fallen soldiers and help her fellow Valkyrie sisters on the battlefield! She even started to develop romantic feelings for both Angrboda and Loki herself.

Sadly happiness was never meant to last for them as Odin, soon reveals the nightmares that had been tormenting him, as well as seeing prophecies about Loki's children.

They were destined to destroy everything Odin had worked for, so to prevent this he tore apart the family. No matter how much Loki and Sigyn tried to comfort Angrboda, the poor anxious woman refused to let the old man win, only to be caught while trying to escape Asgard later that night.

Her children are forcefully taken away in the act and Angrboda puts up a fight, a battle to the death which results in her murder.

The giantess had fought as bravely as she did back when Loki had first seen her, refusing to give up on what she held so dear.

Not only was Loki heartbroken once he heard about the news, but so was Sigyn..demanding that they pay for what they did by at least, letting Loki keep something from this traumatic experience!

Odin taking slight pity on his adoptive son, still blamed Loki for everything that had lead up to this point. But either way was allowed to keep Hel, as the girl wouldn't be able to survive in her frail sickly state.

Yet took care of Fenrir and Jormungandr, their fates unknown to the remaining family.

Years later after grieving over their loss of Angrboda, Fenrir and Jormungandr. Loki and Sigyn while raising Hel together finally agreed to start a relationship, which ended up going so well for them that they tied the knot and got married not long after!

A few years later when Sigyn found out she was pregnant, she decided to resign as a Valkyrie after many eons of her service.

Wanting to focus on her growing family instead, especially since Loki had grown nervous for what could happen to their offspring as well. Would Odin take them?

Eventually after a lot of comforting, convincing and patience. Sigyn gave birth to two healthy twin boys that they named Narfi and Nari. Loki could never have been prouder and Hel, quickly adjusted to her new brothers entering her life.

Once Freya heard the news of her new grandsons, the old queen was overjoyed. In the past, when Forseti had been first born, at freya's request she asks Baldr and Nanna for permission to make him be the heir to her throne of vanaheim.

But Odin not wanting his perfect sons child to leave Asgard, refused to let the couple decide. Causing Freya to grow hopeless for her kingdoms future, as none of her daughters had mothered any children.

But now that Sigyn finally had, having twin sons! Freya felt like it was a blessing. Even if she didnt like Loki for his reputation, a part of her was thankful Sigyn had chosen Loki out of all, since Odin cared less about him and wouldn't suspect her to go for their children, to help her kingdom grow.

When reuniting with Sigyn, Freya asks to have one of her sons one day take over her throne and happily Sigyn and Loki both agree that it should happen, but that they should revisit this topic in the near future!

Over the years, as their children grew so did their personalites! Hel became a well behaved young lady but one to not be taking anything from anyone, she knew what she wanted..to be above Odin so she could decide things. So she could have control!

Vali was always a hyper and extroverted kid and showed excellent skill in magic, often trying to shape shift or create clones like Loki would. He admired his father!

Narfi unlike his brother was more calm and Introverted and skilled in magic as well, but wanting to be like his mother and learn how to heal and help people!

But suddenly a heartbreaking decision was made and Hel was sent off by to nifleheim once she was old enough to care for herself by Odin.

The young woman would rename the realm helheim, in her imagine and becomes a successful queen over the frozen and dead.

It was a difficult departure for all of them, but especially for the twins and Hel, as they were all very close and Hel still traumatized from the night her mother was killed.

Having to be reminded the same thing to when Odin had ordered Hel to leave, triggered Loki greatly and he wanted vengeance upon the man he once called father. He wanted to take something he held dear as well!

So for the first time in a long time he starts planning behind everyone's backs, even Sigyn's to insure she couldn't stop him.

So that she didn't have to worry about him! But the crime he would commit, causing Baldr's blind brother Hodr, to kill Baldr with a mistletoe arrow, after the beloved god also started to suffer from nightmares of his own death and prophecy.

When loki was eventually found out for his direct cause in the crime, he had officially caused the downfall of his family.

Brought to a cave, people wanting to kill him but unable to as he was a son of Odin, one of them. Odin to insure Loki would pay for the spilled blood, took his attention towards his twin sons. They took Vali and he was turned into a wolf, tearing apart poor Narfi.

Sigyn would be there to watch it all, be traumatized all over again watching someone she loved be killed.

When the whole ordeal was over, as she just fades and protects Loki from the serpants burning venom, that was now hanging above him. She prays to Hel to take care of their slained son Narfi and for Vali to have found a safe place to recover.

So as the couple awaited Ragnarok, Sigyn knowing very well she would fight to the death by Loki's side. Didn't know Vali had found Fenrir and jormungandr, being taken in by his older brothers and cared for, taught how to fight while in animal form.

Eventually learning how to control his abilities and turn into a boy again, then meeting up with the only person he could think of which was Freya, who he told everything and in return comforted him.

Meanwhile Narfi was welcomed by Hel in the underworld and became a god of life, thanks to his healing abilities, helping her aid the good dead in her underworld!

To be continued..

#sigyn #mcu sigyn #justice for sigyn #Sigyn appreciation week

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foxcakq · 1 year

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My redesign of Sigyn for modern Sigyn! She’s a daughter of Iwaldi and Freyja! She was adopted by Bucky who found her incarnation! She goes by Sig or Suttyn

#sigyn fanart #sigyn #marvel #Marvel comics

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cffidelityy · 11 months

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closed starter || @tangleweave

To say that Sigyn was anxious would be a massive understatement. The goddess had been up since dawn cleaning her and Eddie's apartment. Today was a huge day for their relationship and she needed it to go absolutely perfect. For the first time since she had taken up residence in Midgard, Sigyn's father Iwaldi was paying them a visit along with her older sister. While she wasn't as worried about her father's opinion as she was about her sister's, she still wanted to make a good impression-- especially since she knew that they were going to sense Venom the moment they stepped foot into the building.

"Norns, I feel like I'm going to be sick..." she said as she paced back and forth across the floor, shaking her hands in front of her. "Why today--- why not next week?! They could have given me more time to plan!"

#v; after the war #tangleweave

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jarwoski · 1 month

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fidelitygoddess · 1 year

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A VERY unpopular opinion/vent of mine about Sigyn below the cut!

(and honestly, it's very unpopular. In fact, it's more of a vent. You don't wanna read it!)

I don't like the popular fandom belief that Sigyn is from Vanaheim and the daughter of Freya and Iwaldi in Marvel, mostly because it reminds me of how I got yelled at when I was first fleshing out my Sigyn years ago. --- (Also, I found out recently the website where all this info comes from isn't an official Marvel site and it is never stated anywhere in the Marvel Comics. I know, I looked really hard for it.)

So you can imagine that years ago when I decided to follow that belief and put Sigyn from Vanaheim in the MCU verse too, it got ridiculed, mostly because it's already been established in the MCU that Vanaheim's culture is mostly based upon Asian culture. Hogun himself being a great example. Hence I agreed that if I was to follow that, I would come up with a different FC to fit it.

However, years later, when I finally found out the truth that it was never confirmed that Sigyn was officially from Vanaheim in either Marvel or Myth, I decided to stick with the fact she is from Asgard and make my own stories for her since in Myth, she is stated to be of the Aesir, although her parents/origins are unknown.

This is no way meant to be rude towards other Sigyn rpers or someone else who headcanons her from Vanaheim in Marvel. It is just my story on this journey and how I came to make my Sigyn who she is and where my unpopular opinion came from.

#ooc ;; serenity has left the group chat #vent

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puckwritesstuff · 1 year

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👀

👀 - A piece of lore you’ve been waiting for an excuse to share

Volstagg is half-Dwarf! Possibly Iwaldi's son, I haven't actually made up my mind on that.

Honestly, there's been a lot of world building that I've been doing in the background surrounding the Nine Realms and how they actually function as a political unit and what they are like and how they interact with each other. Sigyn mentioned some of the political goings on in the chapter where she got yeeted into the "What If Loki Was Adopted By Heimdall?" universe, and how she's dismantling Odin and Bor's empire, but I do have ideas for how the peoples of these places exist and what they do. I mentioned that there were many Dwarves of Nidavellir in diaspora, Alfheim is the realm of both the Light Elves as well as great stone trolls, Vanaheim's feifs were given to the Seven Lords by Bor after the war between the Aesir and Vanir. I haven't really explored Niflheim or Muspelheim, but if I have a reason to, I will.

That is an invitation to ask me things so that I have a reason to lol

Thank you for the ask!

#meta #ask #volstagg #the nine realms #sigyn #Love Duty and Glorious Purpose fic

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bubbleteycosplay · 2 years

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Recently, when I was looking for background images for fanfiction covers, I found gifs that reminded me very much of Freya and Iwaldi.

By the way, tomorrow is part 10 of Sigyn Stories ^^

#marvel #Frayer #Iwaldi #marvel universe #frayer x Iwaldi #mcu what if #marvelcomics #Vanaheim #Sigyn's father #Sigyn's mother #sigyn

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ao3feed-thor · 1 year

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Pride and Fidelity

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/Hvn06p1

by Sunnytyler001

Miss Sigyn Iwaldidottir has been in love with Lord Loki Odinson, but as she comes from a merchant’s family, she has no hope of ever marrying him, though their mothers were friends. However, when it turns out that Loki is not his father’s son, but an illegitimate child, society turns against him – except Sigyn, who still loves him.

Words: 3572, Chapters: 1/2, Language: English

Fandoms: Loki (TV 2021), Thor (Movies), Thor (Comics)

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M

Characters: Sigyn, Loki, Sigyn (Marvel), Loki (Marvel), Thor (Marvel), Frigga | Freyja (Marvel), Odin (Marvel), Sif (Marvel), Laufey (Marvel), Iwaldi (Marvel), Idunn (Marvel), Bragi (Marvel)

Relationships: Loki/Sigyn, Loki/Sigyn (Marvel)

Additional Tags: Jane Austen AU, regency au, References to Jane Austen, References to Persuasion - Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice References, References to Norse Religion & Lore, Pining, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Arranged Marriage, Marriage Proposal, Alternate Universe - Regency, Regency Romance

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/Hvn06p1

#IFTTT #ao3feed #fanfic #thor

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lilyblackdraws · 1 year

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short fic of an arknights operator oc of mine

Rita sat down at the desk in the well-lit office.

The Rhodes Island employee on the other side of the table placed a small stack of papers down in front of him and looked at her.

Rita couldn't help but glance at the papers, where he was idly making circles with his right index finger.

"So, Miss Iwaldi. You'd like to work for us."

Rita nods. "I've been receiving treatment in the office near where I lived, but then I heard that you were being stationed nearby for a while and made the trip here to apply."

"That's what I've read in the files that were submitted. What kind of work do you think you could perform? Are you good with logistics work?" He leans back and starts twirling a pencil between his fingers.

Rita tilts her head. "I wouldn't say so, no."

"Well then. You were part of a marching band before you were infected, is that right?"

"Yes."

"So you're something of an entertainer, athletic as well?"

"Sure, that fits. I didn't bring it up, since I didn't expect that to be relevant."

"It wouldn't necessarily be, but we're a big organization and we do can make use of a lot of different skills."

"I don't think..." Rita pauses and covers her mouth with her hand. She pulls a handkerchief out of her pocket and turns around.

"Sorry about that."

"No problem."

"As I was saying, I don't think I'm well-suited to pick up that kind of work again."

"What makes you think that?"

"I was kicked out because of my infection. It's just... kind of offputting, isn't it?"

The interviewer sighs and returns to an upright sitting position. "A lot of people would say that. But our condition shouldn't stop us from enjoying life or bringing entertainment to others. It's enough of a life-changing matter as is. We deserve joy like anyone else."

He smiles at her, but she could tell there was a bit of sorrow behind it.

"Do you have any combat training or experience?"

"I took some basic classes at the academy I was on. But no experience, no."

"How would you feel being employed for field missions? Missions that involve combat."

Rita says nothing for a moment.

"Does... that have anything to do with the previous topic? I mean, I guess I'm not opposed to it. It's just that I don't think I can bring much to the table when it comes to that."

"Well, we can probably make something work here. There are positions where you don't have to do much actual fighting. Positions that are about inspiring your allies, keeping their motivation up and such."

"That's a thing?"

"Not always. What was your position in the band, if I might ask?"

Rita sighs, reminded of what she's lost. "I used to be right in the front."

"Oh, impressive. Twirling batons and flags and such?"

Rita nods. "Some singing too. But I can't do that anymore now..."

"Ah..." the interviewer casts his eyes down for a moment. "My apologies for bringing that up."

"No, it's okay." Rita puts her right hand to her throat. It's covered by the rolled up collar of her shirt.

"At any rate, I can't sing anymore. I can still wave a banner around though, for what it's worth."

He laughs. "Oh I know all about banners and their worth. How fortunate that I'm the one conducting this interview. Okay, here's what we'll do. For now I'll sign you up for our Vanguard division."

Rita gives him a suspicuous look.

"Oh it's not what you think. You won't have to go out there on your own in front of everyone.

It's just how things are named. We'll put you on the field, you'll conduct surveillance and also put on a little show to make everyone fight harder."

"That... sounds silly. You're not making fun of me, are you?"

"I'm not making fun of you. It's a legitimate thing. Fighting isn't all about skill and gear, it's also about keeping your mental state in check. When faced with overwhelming odds or incomprehensible adversaries the best thing to have is someone who's got your back."

Rita looks to the side and rests her chin on her knuckles. As she's thinking, she subconsciously starts to rub her thumb against her neck again. She didn't really come here to sign up for risking her life in some field mission in whoknows nowhere. She was aware of Rhodes' reputable fighting force. The whole Reunion incident was a big deal after all. And she still couldn't tell if this guy was joking around or not.

She snuck a glance at him. He was looking at the files in front of him.

Being an entertainer in a marching band is one thing, but making a fool of herself and getting herself shot by some armed thug would be something else.

"I can tell you're wary. If you're worried for your safety, it's not like we'd be fielding you for high-risk missions anyway. A lot of our operations are quite routine. Guard duties, escorting a transport, such things."

"But there's danger."

"Yes. But not everything results in entire building blocks being torn apart from out of control arts or artillery bombardments."

They look at each other for a moment.

"Listen, I'm not trying to rope you into this or anything. If you really want to we can have you try your hand somewhere else. Can't exactly send you into Medical, but there's always our general logistics work. Receiving and sending orders, moving factory goods, cooking."

Between risking her life and rotting away at a conveyor belt, Rita would rather choose the former.

"I'll go into the field. A little bit of excitement shouldn't hurt."

"We'll conduct a bit of an aptitude test first. You said you had some military training, but don't worry about anything. Your infection isn't too heavy, but as for your symptoms...

will you need anything special or is it something you can handle?"

"It's... it's a bit offputting. Like I said." Rita could practically feel her stained handkerchief burning a hole into the plastic bag she keeps it in.

"You can tell me. It's not something you have to keep secret here."

Rita frowns. "I'll just show you, I guess."

She puts the clear plastic bag onto the desk. In it is her handkerchief, stained with a purple-ish red substance.

"Don't touch it or open the bag. It's poisonous and will numb your nerves or even temporarily paralyze you if it gets onto your skin or is inhaled."

He carefully picks up the bag and looks at it.

"Is that some kind of arts phenomenon?"

"It seems to be. I don't have much control over it. It gets worse if I overexert myself."

"Could you tell me more about it?"

"I'd really rather not."

"Okay. That's fine then. We have the files on your treatment at the office you were at and naturally it will continue. You'll be receiving a salary and we'll provide lodging and such, in exchange for your services."

"Of course."

The interviewer puts the bag down again and puts the papers back into an orderly stack.

"Glad to have you onboard. Let's look forward to a fruitful relationship."

"Yes. Let's."

Again in this office. It's been about a month now. Rita had gone on several field operations. There weren't any major incidents. Nothing outside of the predictions. She did her best to adhere to the directions she had received from her instructor. It was the same guy who conducted her interview and who she was waiting for right now. She now knew his name: Elysium. His codename anyway.

She had to get one of her own. It was a bit weird. When prompted to come up with one she just took her first and last name and shoved them together, resulting in her now being "Operator Riwaldi".

Not that it was worth much.

As much as the circumstances of their meetings tended to be unfortunate, she liked him. Elysium had this frivolous attitude, but he was always trying to cheer her up and was a generally good guy. He seemed to really care.

The door opened behind her. Then it closed again.

Elysium sat down on the chair with a sigh.

"It's been a month now." "So it has." Rita answered, avoiding direct eye-contact. She knew why she was here.

"This whole gig isn't working out too well so far, isn't it?"

"So it is."

"Rita... The reports and evaluations of the operations you've been on show a clear pattern."

"It's offputting. Like I said." She curled up her left hand into a fist and did her best to not slam it onto the desk.

"It's so frustrating." She glared at Elysium.

After a few moments she closed her eyes and relaxed her hand.

"It's frustrating because I knew this would happen."

"Well." Elysium was looking for the right words.

"I'd like to make a suggestion, but I want you to not be offended by what I'm about to say, okay? Think about it for a big."

Rita looked at him with narrowed eyes.

"We have a rather large roster of combat operators here at Rhodes and some of them are easier to work with than others. It seems clear that you're... the latter.

But that doesn't have to be a bad thing."

Rita balls her hand back up.

"Are you familiar with the concept of chemical warfare?"

"What? I've heard of it. Anyone has.

...you're not suggesting to make use of my poison."

"I am."

"What else am I supposed to do aside from disgusting everyone by throwing up poisonous sludge in the field?"

"We've got a very competent and eager engineering department.

They can conjure up a tool for you to disperse your poison to let it be carried onto the enemies by the wind."

"That would only make the situation worse for everyone."

"Well, you'd also receive some more specialized combat training so you can lead the charge. Anyone working with you would also be outfitted with protective equipment."

"That sounds like a lot of effort and seems quite resource intensive. This can't be worth it, right?"

"Medical has examined its effects. As per your statement, it is paralytic. Only lethal if the victims are left to themselves. Respiratory failures and such."

"I don't want that... Wouldn't that just make me a walking atrocity?"

Elysium frowns. "I hadn't considered that. Well, let me finish this line of thought. In small doses it slows down muscle functions and causes numbness. This is most likely all it would lead to, if it were spread through the air."

"But what if not?"

"I can't claim to be able to relate to the thought. I certainly wouldn't want to be responsible for such a thing."

"Those aren't the kind of words that could ease my mind here."

"If you're that against using it, then that's fine. We can find something else for you to do."

Rita closes her eyes. She takes a few deep breaths.

"You know, when you told me I could... inspire the others..." she sobs.

"I thought I could get a little bit of my old life back."

Rita looks at Elysium with tearful eyes. She does her best to remain composed.

"I just wanted to get that back! And you're suggesting to turn me into a warcrime!"

"It's... not like that."

"It is! You don't get it!"

After staring at him for a while she calms down enough to sit back down.

"I'm fine. Let's do it."

"Huh?"

"My old life is dead and gone. There is no getting that back, not even a little bit of it. I can't sing anymore and when I get worked up I throw up poison. That's how it is, so let's make the most of it."

"Rita. I'll be there for you when you need someone, okay? Even if you just want to talk or vent. You're free to shout at me as much as you like."

"Thanks. I appreciate it. So, engineering?"

"Oh, there's some paperwork that needs filling out first."

"Can't we just go there and find someone who's free?"

"Taking a walk does sound like a good idea right about now. Sure, let's go."

The corridors of Engineering weren't too busy on this late afternoon. The two of them were quietly walking side by side. Rita was looking at the doors. Some of the rooms had large windows to look through, but nothing caught her eye.

"Who are we looking for?"

"I'm sure Closure would be happy to take on this task, she's always up for questionable things, but she's definitely busy. Chances are we won't get anyone like this anyway, so we're just taking a walk."

Rita nods. He was right, just strolling around did make her feel better. In the end they didn't find anyone, as Elysium predicted. He went his own way and presumably filed the necessary papers.

Another day, another office room. A different one this time.

Rita sat down across a masked person. They were wearing a large, dark-blue overcoat. She couldn't see their face, even their hands were covered. The Doctor.

"Good day, Operator Riwaldi."

"Good day. Did you dress this way because you were expecting me?" She hadn't directly met the Doctor before, but knew that they always dressed like that.

"No, this is my regular attire. I called you here because your request to Engineering was not only approved of, but also completed quite quickly. An easy task, really."

"That's... good."

"You don't seem too enthusiastic about it."

"It's just because of what it's for. It's a bit difficult to be happy about such a thing. I mean, I am happy that I can now use my... talents. But still."

"Mhm. Understandable.Did you come up with that by yourself?"

"What? No, it was Elysium's idea. He filed the papers too."

"He did? Well, he made them look like you did it yourself. I didn't think he'd come up with something so reprehensible."

Rita looks away, frowning.

"My bad. I didn't mean to insult you, but you have to admit that it isn't exactly noble."

"It isn't, you're right. I've accepted this fact but it still stings to be hear it so upfront."

"Anyway, let's take a look at it." The Doctor didn't dwell on the point, stood up and pointed at a tall metal case leaning on one of the walls of the office.

Rita also stood up and opened it.

Inside the case was a metal pole. Attached to it was tube.

"The pole is mostly hollow. The bottom section holds the mechanism that disperses the poison, which is then released through openings at the top."

The doctor pointed at different parts of it while explaining.

"Down here is also a valve that you can open to release accumulated fluids. They put their finger on a little hook and pulled at it, opening a small part of the bottom section of the pole.

"Up here are two clasps. A banner can be attached here. It's not part of the functionality of the pole, but Elysium insisted on it. I think it's quite nice too. Go ahead, hold it."

Rita took the pole. It wasn't all that heavy. She could comfortably carry it with one hand by leaning it onto her body.

"Is there anything I have to do to operate it?"

"No. It contains a detector that activates the mechanism when it comes into contact with your poison and deactivates it when there's none left.

You will have to regularly clean it, but for that you'll be given the proper materials. It's battery-powered, so make sure to keep an eye on that too when preparing for an operation."

"This seems quite convenient."

"You're suspicious of it? There's nothing to it, to be honest. It's just a disperser. Known technology. The only fancy part here is the detector that handles the automatic activation of it. "Fancy" in airquotes."

Rita returns it to its case and the Doctor closes it.

"There you go, all yours."

"That's it?"

"Hm? What else would there be?"

"My whole role on the battlefield has changed."

"Oh, that. I'll handle it, I'll handle it. Just go out there and wave your flag in our name."

"Alright..."

Rita took a moment to get a handle on the case containing her pole, since it was quite large, but managed to pick it up in the end.

As she was about to leave, the Doctor called out to her.

"There is actually one thing. You are to meet with instructor Dobermann tomorrow to review your role change. Since you'll be taking a more forward position from now on, you'll need extra combat training. Good luck."

"Yes... Thank you."

Just what she needed, getting wrung out some more by Dobermann.

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