Sometimes when I write I like to listen to music and let it help with the process so, if you find a song title at the beginning of the chapter, means I used a little bit of it for the developement. Just in case you want to listen to them.
Song: Things I'll Never Say - Avril Lavigne.
Chapter 2: Good Enough
After battle always comes the celebration. It's been several years and many battles after Muspelheim, the warriors are mature both in life and war. The bounds have grown tighter and stronger between all of them. The Warriors Three and Lady Sif, as now all nine realms know them, are the most skilled and valuable fighters Asgard has, some of them have already everything they ever wished for, others are still slowly building their way through it.
Parties take place during days after the army comes back home, the fallen are honored, the returning soldiers are bathed in joy and pride from their people. One warrior, though, is just happy to be back home. Sif was by the lake's shore, she did like to party, but right now, she just wanted some rest, her body demanded it. She climbed to the lowest branch of an enormous tree and sat there, looking at the candle light's reflection on the calm surface, watching people drink and have fun. She closed her eyes and leant her head back, thinking of how much she had accomplished since being forced to join the Shield Maiden training, despite being so ambitious, her father was right at something: fighting took her mind away from vain worries and any trouble she could get in, it made her disciplined and a full grown woman. One thing was missing from her life, though, she was in the age of being a lady-in-waiting, of course it didn't work that way since she was not just any lady, but a fierce warrior, but still, she was a woman.
Maybe Thor didn't notice, maybe no one did. But when he was around, she fixed her clothes and tried to make sure she looked fine. Doing so well in training and battle had worked, he appreciated her skills and valued her in the battlefield, but Sif wanted so much more than that. Fandral had mentioned to Thor that he needed to settle and choose a woman worth the crown, he would be King of Asgard one day, and just like his Father, he would need a strong, loving, and wise Queen to rule by his side. Sif could feel the color reaching her cheeks and looked away, afraid that her body would give away her feelings toward her friend. But Thor just laughed and thought it was a joke "There is plenty of time for that my friend, my father is still so strong, I still have a chance to enjoy myself, spar and live a little before responsibilities knock at my door. No rush at all". Sif just laughed along her friend and unsheathe her sword "Come fight, then" she invited him, a wicked grin appeared on Thor's face as he grabbed his own weapon and lunged towards Sif who was absolutely ready.
There she was, surfing her thoughts when the soft noise of dry leaves and branches breaking brought her back, her hand instinctively reached the dagger hidden under her sleeve, although there was no need, it was Thor's tall figure who appeared by the shore, Sif flushed red, there were few times when they were all by themselves, a part of her was wondering whether she should seize the moment and talk about her feelings. A small laughter was heard inside her head and she knew she couldn't do it. While she was thinking all this, Thor got rid of his clothes and ventured in the lake's fresh water. Now she couldn't just appear, it would be embarrassing for both of them, so she stood quiet in her branch, unable to look away. Her eyes ran all over his silhouette, wishing it could be her hands. His blond hair and strong arms, that broad chest she had shoved to the ground so many times. A warm feeling flooded her, suddenly it was too hot, she closed her eyes for a second and tried to calm down, but when she looked again, there was him, splashing around a little, relaxing.
"If only I could speak the truth to you" She thought "If only I was brave enough to tell you how I feel".
Sif decided to leave quietly, she didn't know how long it would take for Thor to get dressed and go back inside, it could be minutes, it could be hours, so she climbed down, as silently as she could, he never noticed, he was too busy floating without any worries. Right when her feet touched the ground and she turned to leave, she ran into Loki. He was leaning against the very same tree she had been sitting on looking at his brother. She bit the inside of her lip and looked at Loki as serious and self-contained as she could "Excuse me, there is a celebration inside" Her voice almost betrays her, and Loki smirked "Oh I know, so why exactly were you out here in the first place?" She folded her arms and leant her weight on one leg, making her curves more obvious under her robe "And why exactly should I explain myself to you?" This time she sounded more confident, her voice still low enough for Thor not to hear "Well" Loki said, stretching a little as if looking over to the lake "Maybe because I know you've been watching him and you don't really want me to let him know, do you?" Sif felt numb for a second, he knew, Loki knew she had been watching Thor naked in the lake, it wasn't what it looked like, but it didn't matter, Loki could make it look as something else. "I was here before he got himself butt-naked and dived into the water" She narrowed her eyes "Say whatever, I know what happened and he knows me" Sif walked straight, hitting Loki's shoulder with hers, Loki chuckled and turned to speak to Sif's back "Does he? Dear Lady Sif, does he knows you so well?" She stood still and slowly turned back to face Loki "I don't know what you're talking about"
"Oh, but you do, dear, of course you do. Don't try to deny it. My brother might be a fool and not notice how you blush when he's around, or how you look at him when he talks and brags about his strength, but I do. Have you ever told him how you really feel?" He asked sincerely, she shook her head and waved her hand dismissively "You're talking none sense, we're friends and that is all" a wicked half smile was drawn on Loki's face "You might want to fool yourself, but I don't believe your heart buys it, Sif. Or is it maybe that you don't think you're good enough for the future King of Asgard?"
Something inside her cracked.
She stood straight and raised her face proudly "Any man worthy of me will be lucky to have such a woman as his wife, not the other way around" her fists were closed in apprehension, Loki notices it, and liked it "You do realize is the other way around, don't you? Fierce warriors and Kings choose their wives, not… well, husbands" Sif was quite aware of that detail "There is always a first time. And seems like I was born to break the rules, wasn't I?" She turned her back and walked away before Loki could mess anymore with her head.
On her way back, she took the detour to her chambers and locked herself in. Quietly she took her light armor off and left the soft fabric of her robe slide down her equally soft skin. The knot in her throat wouldn't go away, but she didn't want to cry. She slid under the blankets and closed her eyes looking for rest, a single tear ran down her cheek, wetting her pillow as her imagination went wild. She knew there were no big female warriors, Shield Maiden training taught women to defend themselves, in the remote case Asgard was attacked and the army was outside, the realm would never be defenseless, everyone knew how to fight and wave a sword. It was her who broke the rules, it was her who showed the Allfather and everyone else that she was meant to be the best warrior, she could do much better that the rest of the soldiers, and she was rewarded for it, she knew Odin estimated her and gave her family a comfort they didn't know before. Yes, everyone admired her and her stunning beauty, but even with her talent and appeal, not one man had asked for her hand in marriage. She didn't mind, because it was only one man she wanted, the sad part, was that not even him looked at her that way. So thinking about it she fell asleep, dreaming of a warm, strong God of Lightning she wished could sleep right next to her someday.
Odin noticed the absence of his two sons and Lady Sif during the feast, he didn't mean to chase after them as if they were kids, they were old enough to look after themselves and have fun on their own. They deserved it after their hard work away from home. Even Loki, who wasn't the best warrior but helped the army with his wit and strategies.
That night he talked to Frigga, there was no better person to solve the tangles in his mind. "I won't be King forever" he said when his wife was about to get in bed "I know" She answered, getting comfortable next to him "I didn't expect you to, but that is not what is worrying you, is it?" She always knew when something was wrong with him, she was the only one who could read him like a book and even challenge his decisions at times, she was the reason whispering to his ear. "No. Is our sons" he confessed "Now they've experienced what war is like, and have earned a peaceful time back home" he reached out his arm for his wife to rest her head on his chest, which she did "It was a similar time when I asked you to marry me, I appreciated how fragile a life can be, and the responsibility I held in my future as King and protector of the nine realms" Frigga smiled to the memory and replied "You are worried about Thor not being interested in marriage" Odin nodded and sighed "Is not only the marriage, but the entire responsibility he has in his hands, he's a brave and excellent warrior, but a King is more than that, he needs someone to balance his fire, a woman who can help him see the way when he needs it" Frigga looked up to her husband's face and waited for him to continue, when he went silence she stroke his cheek "You already have thought of that woman, my love" He nodded once more and took Frigga's hand in his own "They will rule wisely and fair, I know".
In the morning a loud knock woke Sif up from her dreamless sleep. She clumsily walked to the door, completely forgetting the fact that she was naked, and opened it as she rubbed her eye "What?" It was Thor, his jaw dropped unable to avoid his eyes going down to his friend's soft curves. Despite the long years of knowing each other, he hadn't really had the opportunity to admire her firm limbs, sometimes he would even forget she possessed a woman's body, she hid it very well under her armor. Sif blushed furiously after a fraction of second when she realized nothing was covering her, and her hair was a complete mess, she shut the door closed and ran to grab a decent robe to wear and fix as well as she could her long black hair. A voice behind the door spoke "Are you decent yet, dear Lady Sif" She could hear the chuckle, it was Loki, she didn't notice him the first time. Sif cursed in her mind, reproaching herself her foolishness, once dressed she opened the door and let them in "I wasn't expecting any visits before noon, after last night's celebration, I thought the whole realm would over sleep" She said, both brothers stood outside, Thor still speechless, something quite strange in him, Loki leaned against the door and smiled "Is not a social visit, seems like celebrations are not over, Father asked us to come fetch you, he wants us in there as soon as possible" He looked at her from head to toes, stopping for a second on her narrow waist "I suggest you choose a different attire, I think your parents will be there" her eyes went wide open, that was new, her parents had never been called to the Throne room, maybe she excelled at this last battle. Or maybe Loki spoke. "Brother" Loki hurried Thor as he walked out. Sif whispered "My parents?" Thor shook his head "Don't know, that's all Father said, you should hurry" She nodded and closed the door behind Thor. As fast as she could she fixed her hair and wore a bright red short robe under her light armor, dark tights covered her legs under knee long leather boots. One last look to the mirror and she walked to the palace.
Outside the Throne room were both her parents and Thor. Her mother was blushing, looking at the marvelous golden pillars. Her father looked too proud of himself, like he belonged inside these rich walls, she rolled her eyes and thought it would be over in a minute, it would be okay. Thor had gained his confidence again after that morning's incident, he reached out his hand for her and said hi "Father will see us in a minute" She shook his hand and nodded "Do you know why?" He shook his head but before he could answer, Loki opened the doors and let them in.
The four of them walked to Odin's throne and kneeled. Frigga was standing to the right and Loki to the left, both of them with their hands quietly on their lap. The King asked them to rise and said "The nine realms have been under the protection of brave warriors for centuries, Kings have fought not for power, but to keep the peace. A ruler's duty is more than give orders and send armies when needed, he is the protector, he is the 'Allfather', and as such he must take care of his children and rule them fairly and lovingly. For such task, men always need a soft touch and wisdom of a fair woman to rule by their side" Loki went blank, it was happening, the moment was here "Reflexing about this, and in compete knowledge that I won't be King forever, I summoned you all here today" Thor looked to his mother, who nodded a single time, comforting him.
"Thor" Odin said "as the eldest son, you are meant to take over Asgard's throne once my time is due, I trust you will be a strong and fair King" Thor made a vow and answered "I will honor your wishes, Father, just like you taught me".
"Lady Sif" Odin turned to her "I am aware of your fighting skills and I, like Asgard, am grateful for your services, I brought you and your parents here to offer you the opportunity to do even more that what you've done for your people, and give them a wise and loving Queen, next to my son." Sif was in shock, she wanted to yell 'YES! OF COURSE I WILL!' and throw herself into Thor's arms, but her body didn't respond, she looked up to Odin and then back at Thor, he looked expectantly back at her. Sif's father answered before she could do anything to stop him "Of course she accepts, Allfather, we… she will be honored to take such place, we appreciate your kindness" And he vowed. Odin looked back at Sif and she nodded, speechless. "So it is decided. Thor, Lady Sif, we will let the realm know of your engagement tonight".
Frigga smiled widely and approached, arms open, to embrace Sif, she held her back and smiled for the first time, letting it all sink in "Congratulations, Sif, I am honored to have you in my family" Sif blushed and let go off the Queen "The honor is absolutely mine, your highness" Frigga chuckled "We can now forget about that, Mother you may call me. I knew all along you would be joining our family someday" Sif didn't know how to answer, so she only smiled. Frigga then hugged her son and let them talk to each other while she congratulated Sif's parents.
Thor turned to Sif and raised a brow "Well, I didn't see that coming" she placed her hands in her lap and spoke quietly "Are you not pleased?" he shook his head "Is not like that, I am delighted" a flash of that morning's picture stroke him and he smirked "I truly believe you will be a wonderful Queen, I just… didn't think I would worry about ruling Asgard for a long time, I guess I'm not a child anymore" He reached his hand out and she took it "I guess we are not" She smiled shyly, something Thor had never seen before, and he pulled her into a sweet embrace "I am proud and honored to be betrothed to you, Lady Sif" She rest her head on his chest and smiled, an indescribable, warm and filling wave ran through her body. Joy, pure joy, as the man she loved the most held her in his big arms.
While everyone was celebrating the royal engagement, no one saw Loki's slim and dark figure glide away, a sick expression in his almost green face. It happened, and it wasn't him. He knew he was the younger, but there was still hope, how could the brute of his brother be a fair and wise King, anyway? How come Thor always had to get everything, even without wishing for it? As always, there was Loki, under his shadow. Was he not good enough?