Sif was fuming. How dare Thor make such a decision for her!

A tournament was to be held, and the winner of it would receive her hand in marriage. As if she were a prize to be won! To sit idly by while she was fought over as though she were nothing more than a piece of meat.

She stormed through the doors of the library and threw herself into a chair next to Loki.

He continued to read his book not acknowledging her presence. Sif crossed her arms and sighed. Loki smirked and reached the bottom of his page before closing the book and turning to face her.

"What has you in such a state that you would seek out my company?"

Sif pursed her lips unsure why she had sought Loki's presence above her other companions.

"There is to be a tournament held to decide who will have the honor of my hand in marriage," Sif said seething.

Loki raised his eyebrows and blinked a few times, that had not been what he was expecting. "And who may I ask is the genius behind such a plan?"

"Your idiot brother. Ever since he married Jane he has been relentless in his belief that if I were to marry that I too would be as happy as he. He's under the delusion that I am unhappy because I do not have love like he does."

"And are you unhappy?"

"No! I am content. Would someone I deemed worthy, desire to court me I would not decline. But I do not need a lover to be happy with my lot in life."

Loki frowned, "Have you explained such to Thor?"

Sif scoffed, "I've attempted it several times, but you know how stubborn he can be when he gets an idea in his head.

Loki smirked, all too familiar with his brother's inability to let things go.

"And he feels that by making it a tournament that it's an honor to me and my abilities." Sif sighed and stared into the fire unwilling to admit she was at a loss.

Loki ran his fingers along his lips, thinking of a possible solution to Sif's problem.

"Perhaps," Sif glanced at him, his eyes alight with mischief.

"Perhaps, you can convince Thor of your unwillingness by bending the rules."

Sif frowned, "How?"

"Simple. Instead of the men competing against one another, they must defeat you." Loki leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head with a pleased grin on his face.

Sif's gaped at him. It was such a simple plan, and yet it could solve all her problems. The only person to have bested her in a fight was Thor and he would not be competing of course.

"Loki that's genius!"

He smirked, "It is isn't it."

Sif rolled her eyes, but couldn't keep the smile off her face.

"Come, you must help me prepare. If I am to fight for my own hand I'll need to practice." She jerked him up from the chair and headed towards the training grounds, dragging him along.