A/N: Just a little bit of an explanation on ages. When I read this over myself I kind of get that the OC's age is way way way younger than the others. This is not true. Yes she is younger, but I'd say she's around 17 whereas Sif/Thor are 20ish and Loki would be 18-19ish. She is runty looking, bony and scrawny. She is very inexperienced in Sif/Thor/Loki's world and there is a reason for that.
Maiden Warrior
Chapter 1
Tilde was trying her hardest to keep up with Lady Sif who was walking a ways ahead of her. However a rather large rucksack containing Lady Sif's various weapons and pieces of armor was hindering her. She finally managed to catch up to the Lady where she had stopped at the training arenas. There she saw Sif was watching two men battle in one of the many arenas. Everyone could tell one of the men was Prince Thor the other was Fandral, a well-known ladies man.
They finished the match in a draw and were now arguing with Prince Loki who had been refereeing the fight; they saw Lady Sif and waved her over. Tilde followed uncertainly still carrying the heavy rucksack. The attention of the foursome was suddenly on her as she dropped the rucksack on the ground, it made a rather loud clanging noise.
"Who is this?" Fandral asked throwing her a wink.
Tilde felt her cheeks grow hot as Sif answered, "She is my apprentice."
The three men laughed. "Apprentice? What in the Nine Realms do you need an apprentice for?" Thor chuckled.
"To teach another Lady my trade. To show that more young girls can become warriors." Sif said with her head held high.
"Looks a little too scrawny to be a warrior, don't you think, brother?" Loki teased.
Thor shook his head still laughing.
Sif just glared and then looked down at girl standing awkwardly beside her, "Now Tilde, don't you dare listen to them. You have as much of a right to be here as they do," Sif gave Thor and Loki a pointed look, "Yes even them. Tilde, you need to stand up for yourself, while I teach you the ways of weaponry we will also work on sharpening your tongue." Sif began walking away from the three men, "Come along, and let's begin."
Training with Sif was hard work. She would show the girl a new skill and leave her alone to practice for a few hours, then SIf would return from her own practicing to asses Tilde's form. They had been at it a few weeks now and Tilde was still riding her high from becoming Lady Sif's apprentice, she was improving, though slowly.
Tilde was sitting on a bench grabbing a bite to eat while watching Sif battle Hogun, another of her many friends when someone came and sat beside her. She glanced over and was surprised to see Prince Loki sitting next to her; she nearly choked on her apple trying to swallow it to greet him properly. For the most part Lady Sif was the only person she interacted with while at the training grounds; everyone else still thought her training was a bit of a joke.
"Lady Tilde." Loki nodded his head with a smirk at her flustered behavior.
"Prince Loki, how are you?" She asked.
"Well thank you." Loki intertwined his fingers and stared at his clasped hands, "Tilde, let me ask you a question."
She nodded feeling nervous.
"Why are you not in prep school with the other young girls? Why did you choose to become Sif's shadow? Surely your parents cannot be pleased with your choice to abandon the Young Women's Academy." Loki now turned his piercing gaze towards her.
Tilde sat there silently, too afraid of the intimidating Prince to respond.
"I remember the outrage that Sif's choice had on society and I am quite surprised that no one seems to have heard of you." He turned his gaze away from her. "I find it strange indeed that your parents are alright with you choosing to become a warrior." He stopped and watched her for a reaction.
Tilde sat not making a sound and hoping the Prince would get bored and walk away. He opened his mouth to continue his interrogation when Lady Sif called her from across the arena. Tilde sprang to her feet, gave Loki a quick bow and a mumbled apology before sprinting to Lady Sif.
"Was he bothering you?" She asked the younger girl.
"He was asking about why I chose not to be in school, why I chose to become a warrior and how my parents let me do this." Tilde looked up at Sif with shining eyes, "I couldn't answer him, I didn't know what to say." She sniffed.
"I have an idea to stop all the questioning that may arise. Come and let's sit and talk." Sif lead her to a bench far away from where Tilde had encountered Loki where they sat and Sif split a pastry in half, "Here, eat this while I propose my idea." She handed Tilde the treat.
Tilde took the pastry and bit into it happily, she didn't often get sweets like that. She looked at Sif to show her attention. "I have been asked by a few people of your background and I had nothing to say to them. I played off the questions and redirected the conversation, but I think there is only so long we can do that before people start getting suspicious. So, I propose we tell everyone you are the daughter of my cousin from the country, they sent you here to be schooled by me and learn how to be a warrior."Sif grinned, "Does that sound believable?"
Tilde stared up at Sif with a dropped jaw.
Sif suddenly felt self conscious, "Tilde, if you do not like the idea please say so."
Shaking her Tilde gave her a grin, "Lady Sif it would be the greatest honor to be regarded by others as one of your kin."
Laughing Sif clasped the girl's shoulder, "Perfect, so that is the story then."
Tilde walked next to Sif from then on with her chest thrown out, she was proud, Sif was her family now; or at least that's what they were telling people.
/ . / . / . / . / . /
The next day Tilde spied Prince Loki leaning against a fence of an arena while he watched his brother battle Lady Sif, she put on a brave face and approached him.
She stood with her hands on her hips waiting for him to notice her. He didn't. She cleared her throat, and he gave her a sidelong glance. "Prince Loki."
He turned to her finally with her arms crossed.
"I have answers to your questions. First, I am not in school because it is useless, I do not wish to become another mindless woman. Second I chose to take after Lady Sif because she is a wonderful role model for a young woman wanting to become something society says she cannot become. Thirdly my parents sent me here to learn from Lady Sif, I am her cousin's daughter and they thought it would be best for me to come here and learn what I could." She finished and then promptly turned to leave.
"Somehow I don't buy that." Loki responded. Tilde stopped but didn't turn back around, "However since the two of you are so eager to hide the truth I won't pry."
Tilde stomped away; she wanted everyone to believe she was Sif's relative as the truth was too awful. She took up the daggers she was currently learning to throw properly and began lining up at the target. Taking her time she eyed the target and drew her arm back to launch the dagger through the air. It hit the target just off center with a thud. She smiled; she had never gotten that close to hitting the target.
"Try keeping your wrist straight while throwing instead of snapping it. It will help your throws become more accurate and consistent." Loki had been watching her.
She narrowed her gaze and turned back toward the target. She did follow his advice with wonderful results. "See." Loki smirked from the sidelines.
Tilde grumbled her thanks before packing up.
/ . / . / . / . / . /
Thor came to the arena one day bellowing for the Warriors Three, Hogun, Volstagg, Fandral and Lady Sif came to him at once, Tilde standing behind Sif listening curiously. Loki had followed Thor in and was now standing off to the side.
Thor began explaining that they were being sent on a mission to take down a pack of marauders. Odin wanted the marauders dead or alive and he had given Thor the mission to hunt them down. Loki stood behind Thor with a grin stretched across his face; he eyed Tilde before voicing his opinion.
"Yes let us go at once, Tilde will you be accompanying us?" He asked.
Tilde felt excitement course through her, she wanted to go along on the mission. She looked to Sif and felt her hopes crushed as she saw SIf frowning at her.
"No, she will stay behind and practice."
"Please Lady Sif, please let me come. I will stay out of the way and just watch." Tilde begged.
"There is no room for watching. You are not needed so you will stay behind." Sif said crossly.
Tilde felt her spirit being crushed.
"Oh come on Sif, let the girl come." Thor playfully punched her arm.
"Yes, we have seen her practicing." Volstagg chimed in.
Sif shook her head. "She is not ready."
With renewed spirit Tilde came back with a valid argument, "Lady Sif, what is the point of my learning and practicing if you do not allow me to actually use my newfound skills?"
Now Sif rolled her eyes.
Tilde took a new point of view, "It would be a great honor to see you in battle. I bet it would be glorious, and to think you are denying me of this." Tilde sighed loudly.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere." Sif smiled.
"I beg to differ, see you have already changed your mind. I can see it!" Tilde whooped.
Sif laughed, "Fine alright you may come along. Go see if any of my old armor fits you." As Tilde ran to the rucksack she often lugged around, Sif shook her head and confided in her friends, "I think I am becoming far to fond of this girl."
Thor laughed, "She sure knows you well."
"Knows you well enough to know that the right kind of flattery can get her anything." Volstagg grinned.
Sif snorted and hit them both; "I blame Loki for planting the seed in her head."
Loki chortled, "Yes well, that was my intent."
She glared at him before walking over to Tilde to help her put the armor on properly.
Soon the group was ready to go, mounted on horses, armored up with weapons gleaming. Tilde felt anxiousness now tacked on to her excitement, but she was excited nonetheless. Sif threw her a withering smile as they approached the road that would lead them out of the city and where the marauders were thought to be. It was a pleasant ride for Tilde; she rode behind Sif and in front of Hogun, who brought up the rear.
They approached a quiet forest and plodded the horses on through the trees. Suddenly the line stopped as Thor held up his hammer, there was a group on men ahead of them.
"Stop there!" Thor called.
The men stopped and looked at the warriors.
"We are looking for Marcus and his Company."
The men's faces paled and they scattered.
The warriors leapt into action. There were at least ten marauders and they began fighting against the warriors. A thrill of panic shot through Tilde as she watched a small battle ensue. A man caught sight of her dumbstruck behavior and thought her an easy target. As he leapt at her Tilde sprang to life, she jumped gracefully from her stead to block the man's crude sword with her own. She fought him flawlessly and soon gained the offence. The man was obviously surprised and tried to flee. Tilde was unsure as to whether or not to let him go, when her decision was made for her, a knife came flying through the air and stuck into the man's back.
"Finish them." Loki scowled at her.
She set her jaw, and fought furiously against her next attacker she parried his sloppy blows and attacked him with a newfound fury. She plunged her sword towards him, it found its target at his chest and he spluttered. Tilde felt shock as she watched the life seep out of him. She shook herself, they were the enemy, they had gone against the King and their death was deserved. She was protecting Asgard by killing that man; this was her new self. She was a warrior, and this was her job now.
Shaking her head Tilde glanced around her, she saw Thor and Loki ganging up on the most skilled of the outlaws while Hogun and Volstagg were running after those who were fleeing. Sif was taking on a man twice her size and seemed to be testing her as she was constantly switching from offence to defense. Tilde watched in horror as a second man snuck behind Sif and raised an axe to bring down upon her. Reacting with instinct and reflex alone Tilde took out a dagger and quickly drew it back, Loki's advice echoed in her head, no snap, she whipped the dagger loose and watched it hit its target. The man fell with a grunt and Sif was able to finish off her opponent. At that time those who had fled had been bound and brought back and Thor and Loki had finished off the ringleader.
Sif came up to Tilde and clasped her back, "I know you saved my life just now, I am forever grateful."
Tilde just smiled, she didn't have any words. The fact that she had actually been of some use was enough for her.
Thor grinned, "Come along then Lady Tilde, it is time we celebrate our victory!"
/ . / . / . / . / . /
It was later that evening that Tilde discovered that Thor celebrated every victory no matter how small. She went home with Sif and dressed herself. She wore her only semi-nice clothing, which was a plain beige tunic. Appearing before SIf she suddenly felt foolish. Sif was garbed in a midnight blue gown with the decorative armor covering one shoulder and one breast, her hair was half braided while the rest curled down her back. Tilde just stood there awkwardly waiting until she was noticed.
"Tilde! What are you wearing?" Sif exclaimed.
"These are the nicest clothes I own." She bowed her head.
"Oh that will not do." Sif shook her head. "Come on, let's go to the palace early. I know someone who will be able to help us on such short notice."
Off they went to the palace, Tilde had no idea who Sif was bringing her to, but obviously if Lady Sif was dressed in such a lovely way she was expected to be dressed accordingly. She felt as though the difference between her and Sif could never have been so obvious as it was at that time. She came from a very different world, and she didn't belong in the one she was trying to force herself into.
"Lady Sif, can I just go home? I do not think I could bear anyone seeing me like this." Tilde hung her head.
"Nonsense. What's gotten into you?"
"I just don't belong. In the practice arenas yes I feel as though I do, in battle maybe one day. But I do not belong in the palace celebrating. "
"Tilde, when I took you on as an apprentice I told you to leave your old life behind you. You agreed to take up a noble cause and become a Warrior Maiden like myself. I told you the hardships and you accepted them. Do not let me down." Sif took her hands and held them tight, "I know life was not good to you before. I know what you did to survive, remember I am the one who took from the brothel after watching you fight a man who cheated you money. I saw the potential in you and offered you a way out. I do not regret my decision, I am here to help and so are my friends." Sif smiled kindly at the young girl. "Haven't you been having fun so far? Isn't this a much better use of your time?"
Tilde smiled through her tears, "Lady Sif I am so grateful still. I am so sorry to have sounded ungrateful for I am not. I just feel a little discouraged."
"You should not!" Sif wrapped her arms around the smaller girl, "You fought bravely today and saved my life. You deserve every kind of celebration tonight and every night after this." Sif took her hand again, "Let's go, no more silly talk. We are going to have fun tonight."
Tilde followed Sif into the palace and through the winding corridors until they reached an elaborately decorated door. Sif knocked and a handmaiden opened the door and let them in. Inside the room was lavishly yet tastefully decorated, and standing in front of a mirror was Queen Frigga. Tilde almost gasped aloud, she cast Sif a dubious look and Sif just smiled back confidently.
"My Queen," Sif greeted.
"Lady Sif," Frigga smiled graciously, "And this must be the apprentice I have heard so much about, Lady Tilde."
"My Queen," Tilde gave a clumsy curtsy.
Frigga and Sif both laughed gently, "What do I owe the pleasure?" Frigga asked.
"We successfully completed a mission, and so your son has decided we must celebrate especially since it was Tilde's first time in the field." SIf explained, "However, this is all Tilde owns for nice clothing. I am not a magician and I figured you of all people would be able to help us on such short notice."
"Congratulations on your first mission." The Queen directed to Tilde, "Yes I will be able to help. It would be a shame to see you not properly outfitted for the evening. Since Thor is probably going to make a spectacle of you." Frigga laughed at Tilde's blanched face, "It will be all in good humor, he will be very excited on your behalf."
Frigga set to work with the tunic. Lengthening it until it just brushed the floor. She gave it thick straps instead of sleeves, and on her left breast there was now decorative armor that wrapped around her and made up the left strap of her dress. There were intricate gold designs woven into the fabric, which had changed to a beautiful minty green instead of the drab beige color it had been before. With white flossy fabric underneath the green it was a beautiful dress, Tilde was breathless when she viewed herself in the floor length mirror.
"And now there is only one thing missing," Frigga smiled and placed a gold circlet of flowers on top of her head.
Tilde was close to tears; she had never looked so beautiful in her entire life.
Frigga looked at Sif, "Where did you find her, she is most charming."
Sif laughed, "You would never believe me if I told you." She turned to Tilde who was still gazing at her reflection. "Are you ready?"
Tilde nodded wordlessly and made to follow Sif when there was a loud knock on Frigga's door, "Mother!"
"Oh dear, it looks like the party has come to you ladies." Frigga laughed before opening the door.
Thor burst into the room, "Ladies, what in the world is taking so long? The festivities are already underway and you are not there!"
Laughing Sif explained, "Tilde was lacking a suitable dress so I brought her here to your mother who helped us wonderfully."
Thor then turned to Tilde and gave her a large grin, "Why my Lady Tilde, you look absolutely stunning," Thor then took Sif's arm.
"What of you Loki? What do you think of your mother's handiwork?" Frigga prodded her younger son.
Loki smiled at Tilde, "You look beautiful."
Tilde felt herself blush, Loki's simple compliment had seemed more sincere and genuine than Thor's loud one and it made her feel giddy.
"Thank you my Princes." Tilde smiled shyly.
"Come let us go!" Thor urged.
"My lady, may I take you to the celebration?" Loki offered Tilde his arm, which she took hesitantly. They were just out the door when she suddenly gasped and dropped his arm and ran back into Frigga's chambers.
"My Queen, I forgot to thank you." Tilde curtsied quickly then looked up at the Queen.
Frigga was giving her a look full of warmth, "My dear you are most welcome, if you ever need anything at all, feel free to come here and ask. However I do believe you just left my son standing outside with no explanation." Frigga's eyes were sparkling with laughter as she watched the young girl's face blanch, "I'm sure he is waiting for you, but you had better hurry."
Tilde nodded and hurried back to where she had left Loki. She found him leaning against the wall opposite, he rolled his eyes with a lazy smirk when she bowed her head and curtsied, "I'm so sorry to have left you Prince Loki."
"Please stop with the formalities. Come on, Thor will send out a search party if we do not hurry. I'm pretty sure he and Sif jogged the entire way to the hall." He laughed offering his arm again.
Tilde gave him a small smile and accepted his proffered arm, her stomach twisted with nerves at the thought of the party waiting for them.