Sigyn's heart jumped inside her chest when he spoke of painting signs for taverns. How did he know? Had Loki told Idun and Idun told Bragi? Who else would Bragi tell? Would Frigg find out?
It was that last question alone that caused the slight panic rising in her chest. It wasn't that Sigyn was ashamed of her skill, far from it, actually. Given an opportunity, she would love to show off what sh was able to do. The problem stemmed from all the things she was unable to do, and the conversation she was sure would follow with Frigg. She had already been told, repeatedly, that a woman that could not card, spin, weave, or embroider was unlikely to ever find a husband. The Chief amongst the Asynia was subtle, constantly trying to help Sigyn improve where she so obviously lacked. Frigg's handmaidens were far less kind. So the very last thing she wanted was for word of her odd hobby to reach Frigg's or her handmaidens', ears.
From the way Bragi was speaking, it suggested he thought it would be a good idea if she could paint, not necessarily that he knew she could. Or perhaps he did and he was trying to indicate he'd keep her secret. Whatever he did or did not know, whatever he would or would not do, Sigyn felt the best course would be to let it pass. Least said, soonest mended.
So she quietly took out an oatcake for herself. She should probably wait for the apple wine, but she was uncertain how long that would take and the cakes were still warm. She took a small nibble and wondered why Bragi thought she might visit before dawn. And just what he meant when he said she'd always been welcome. They'd just met today, how could she have been welcome before that?
After Bragi retrieved his flute, he informed her that they could “invade.” His choice to use that particular word, one she'd provided, made Sigyn smile as she followed him to the hall. Not for the first time, she thought that Bragi was quite the charmer. It would be very difficult to remain angry at him for any length of time.
She opened her lips to thank him again for allowing her entrance, right at the moment he opened the door. The sight she then beheld cause the words to dry in her mouth before they were ever uttered. Whatever she'd been expecting regarding his books, it was not... this.