Hello everyone! This is my first Loki fanfiction (which I am co-writing with a close friend), so please don't be too harsh! Here's a little taste of the opening scene. I really hope you all enjoy it! I will try to update a proper first chapter as soon as I can. Of course, please leave a review and let me know what you think! :)
P.S. No Loki just yet, but he'll be arriving soon enough!
Disclaimer: The only thing I own here is Ireth. Everything else belongs to Marvel.
"And once again you thought you could best the mighty Thor!" boasted the future prince of Asgard, beaming triumphantly at the defeated raven-haired warrioress.
"I would have, had you fought fairly. We agreed: no magical weapons!" Lady Sif retorted, standing up as she brushed off dirt from her armor and dried the sweat from her face. The heat and sun had not helped her situation during the fight.
Thor let out a hearty chuckle, "My dear Sif, you know as well as I that real battle does not follow rules. Am I correct, my friends?" He looked around the training grounds searching for affirmation from the Warriors Three, Loki, or Ireth. Unfortunately, the Warriors Three were busy sparring with each other, and Loki was nowhere to be found. Sif and Thor's only audience had been their long-time friend Ireth, who sat on the precipice at the perimeter of the sparring circle. She was dressed in her armor, prepared to train with the rest of them, save for the book in her hand. Ireth had become so engrossed in its contents that she completely missed the exchange between the two warriors.
"Ireth!" called Thor, his armour clanging as he jogged over to her, "you are as bad as Loki with these books!"
Ireth blinked in surprise as Thor's large shadow cast over her. "Oh please, Loki wishes he were as well read as I am. At least I have the decency to show up to practice," she smoothly countered, closing her tome with a soft whoosh. "Besides, I'm not actually a warrior like the rest of you."
"That is folly! Surely you could be. Look at Sif!" boomed Thor, "She has become a legend in Asgard!" the golden prince beamed at the disheveled warrioress cooling off in the shade. It had been he who had trained her since she showed interested in being one of the best warriors Asgard had ever seen.
Ireth shook her head as she rose from her seat and removed her helm, allowing her lengthy auburn locks to flow free. She knew being a warrior was neither in her blood nor her nature. She was purely an academic, devoting her life to mastering the knowledge found in her books. Moreover, Odin had noticed her intelligence and had rewarded her accordingly. Recently, he had appointed her as one of Asgard's select judges, helping to keep peace among the citizens and settling disputes too trivial to demand the attention of the Allfather.
"It is not for me, Thor. You know this," Ireth said lightly, flashing a hint of a rueful smile. "Go, keep up your sparring. I will return to my chambers…it is positively scorching out here." She sighed, fanning her brow for emphasis.
"Very well. I think I shall go challenge my dear Sif for another round. I will see you at supper!" The crown prince winked as he sauntered off back to where Sif was practicing.
With a final wave, Ireth turned away and headed back into the palace. But first, she had a detour in mind.