Disclaimer: Characters belong to MARVEL and Norse Mythology. Music composed by Patrick Doyle.

Music: Thor OST Track 6 – To Jotunheim

Part 1: Chapter 5

"HOGUN! HOGUN, ARE YOU ABOUT?" Fandral shouted with his hands cupped around his mouth. "I HAVE COME TO COLLECT ON THAT FAVOR YOU OWE ME!"

Sif saw movement to her left, then a man approached them carrying an empty fishing net. Fandral was grinning at him, but he did not return the gesture. Instead, he set the net down, brushed his hands off, then gave Fandral a pointed look.

"First of all, you are the one who owes me a favor. Second, stop shouting. There are people trying to sleep."

"At this hour?"

"Yes. It may interest you to know that children typically go to bed earlier than adults." Fandral shrugged. "Now, what do you want?"

"My companion and I need a place to rest for the night." When he said the word "companion," the man's eyes flicked over to Sif, who bristled at the reaction. "Just for one night."

Hogun let out an exasperated sigh. After picking up his fishing net, he jerked his head as a sign to follow him. The idiotic grin had returned to Fandral's face, but Sif was uncomfortable about the whole thing.

"You can stay for one night."

"Of course, of course," Fandral replied in a pleasant voice. When Hogun suddenly turned around, Fandral had to shuffle his feet to make sure he didn't run into him.

"My family is in that house, meaning you two can't be—"

"Oh! No, she's nothing like that." Fandral waved it off dismissively. Sif's ears were turning red and she pulled the hood down to cover her face.

"Not that it's any of my business what you do with women, but since I am sharing my home with you, I feel the need to pry. What is she to you, then?"

"I'm only taking her to Asgard, and then we will part ways. Right, Sif?" Sif was still too embarrassed to say anything, so she merely nodded.

"Even after all these years I have known you, I still don't believe a single word that comes out of your mouth."

"I have that effect on people." Hogun shook his head, then turned around and began walking again. Fandral looked over at Sif and leaned towards her. "I think he likes you." Sif pulled her hood down lower.

They reached a wooden structure, and after Hogun pulled open one of the doors, he hung the net on a hook that was attached to the wall.

"You can leave your horses in here. I added fresh hay for our own this afternoon, so there should be enough for yours."

"Thank you, Hogun." It was the first time Sif had spoken ever since the man had approached them.

At first, everything seemed quiet. Then all of a sudden, the horses began neighing loudly and bucking, nearly breaking Sif's nose. They hadn't even gotten the saddles off before they turned wild.

"What's wrong with them?" Sif asked, trying to grab for her mare's reins, but she was moving too much.

"I'm not sure. Something's spooked them," Fandral answered, looking around.

Sif's eyes widened and she stopped trying to calm down her horse. That same feeling of coldness washed over her, and she looked around, expecting to see Loki step out of the shadows, his hands poised to set the barn ablaze.

"Did you really think I would allow you comfort? Oh no, my dear. You won't be getting any sleep tonight."

The others heard the voice too, and they were looking for where it was coming from. But they were focused on what wasn't even there, and when the portal manifested, it was too late. Sif could only groan at the thought of having to go through that uncomfortable way of travel again.

Sif, Fandral and Hogun were pulled from the inside of the barn, and all they could see was various shades of green. When Sif felt like she was spiraling out of control, a hand grabbed her upper arm. Fandral pulled her against him with a thump, which startled her.

"My spear!"

Her heart leaped up into her throat as the weapon brushed her fingertips and she lost it. Then another hand grabbed it by the blade, and droplets of blood floated behind them. The spear was pressed into her hands, and she clutched it tightly. She wouldn't lose it again. After they each had a secure grip on one another, the rest of the fall was a lot smoother.

When they came out the other side, they hit the ground and skidded several feet. Dirt and gravel filled their mouths, and just the air felt dirty. After sitting up, each looked around, unsure of where exactly they were.

"Well, I have a feeling we're not in Vanaheim anymore," Fandral said, rustling his hair to shake the dirt out. Hogun gave him a reproachful look. "Too soon?"

A/N: Hogun's gettin' real tired of your shit, Fandral.