"She seems really pissed at someone. Can't tell who yet." Tony stroked his chin, the CD playing in the background as they watched Charlie irritably putting her things away throughout her room.
There was a muffled grunt from Loki. With permission, Thor moved over and took off his muzzle. Loki took a minute to adjust and stretch his jaw before he spoke. "Are you not listening to her words? She's upset at all of us. All three. Odin, Thor and I as well."
"What for?" Natasha asked.
Loki sighed, his head lowering. "You wouldn't be angry at a family who promised to keep you safe and happy for the rest of your life… who just sends you back to where they saved you from?
No one responded as the music droned on.
"Should I really be doing this?" Charlie held a small knife awkwardly in her hand. She stood among Thor, Loki, Sif and the warriors three. Odin had ordered them to teach her how to defend herself in case of any sudden attacks. For the practice, they dressed her a padded vest and loose slacks so she could move freely but still be safe from any devastating blows.
They had set up a dummy for her to practice on, and Sif had showed her how to properly hold a sword and wield it to best attack someone heading towards her. Thor taught her how to bash someone with a heavy weapon to stagger them. Fandral taught her to move with swiftness in order to dodge attacks. Hogun and Volstagg teamed up on her to test what she had been shown so far. Of course, it didn't last long. Now she was being taught to throw small knives, of which she could always keep on her body. Loki moved behind her, adjusting her hand to the right position.
"It may seem pointless now, but you'll be grateful if the time ever comes." Sif smiled reassuringly.
"If you say so." She looked at her hand with crooked eyebrows.
Loki chuckled. "It may seem wrong now, but your brain will get used to it. This grip allows you to let go and for it to fly straight." He moved her arm in front of her and began slowly moving it to a throwing position. "Now… when you throw, make sure your hand it pointed towards your target. To give it extra speed, flick your wrist." He moved back and crossed his arms. "Now try to hit it."
Charlie straightened and held her arm close to her chest and took a breath, focusing on the dummy. Then with a swift movement she threw the dagger, only for it to fly towards Thor who reached up and grabbed it before it hit him. "Last I checked, I wasn't a stuffed dummy waiting to be staked through the heart." He grinned and walked up to Charlie who had been holding her breath in fear.
"I am so sorry!"
Everyone laughed and circled around her. "You are just learning! You are bound to make mistakes." Volstagg clapped his hand on her back, lurching her forward.
"Maybe we've had enough learning for the day," Thor handed Loki his knife back.
Before Loki could say anything, Thor draped his arm around Charlie and led her back towards the palace, and the only thing he could do was follow. Always follow.