A/N: Hey there, ha ha, let's just stay calm while I gently explain how sorry I am that you feel betrayed in thinking this was a real chapter. It is not. I am sorry. The full and honest chapter will be posted in November when I regularly start updating again. As of RIGHT NOW, I have way to much real life in my way. HOWEVER comma I did want to give this small preview to you, the lovely readers, for patiently waiting for me. Thank you. You are impeccable and extraordinary. Feel free to review even this, if you like. We're all friends here.
Sif grumbled as she pulled off her travel clothing. She had been rash and foolish. She needed a better plan than bolting out of the castle into the freezing cold with no water, no food, no weapon and no bifrost.
As much as it pained her, she would have to appear at the banquet to at least give herself time to formulate a real plan.
She felt a gnawing worry for her friends. Her desire to get away was starting to overpower her more rational side so she quickly folded the course clothing in precise movements and placed them in back into the chest.
Stepping away she took a breath. In her first week of training to become a warrior for Asgard, she had been made to sit in a plain room, on a dusty stone floor, and practice controlled breathing.
After a week in solitary confinement to practice, she met with her Instructor, an intimidating man with wrinkled features and faded blue eyes, who stated firmly
"Air is a gift, it can clear the mind and offer sanctuary to those whose minds begin to wander into fear. Tell me, have you ever seen a warrior who looked afraid?" She had shaken her head no. "Fear is weakness is it not, Instructor? We must learn not to fear death."
The Instructor furrowed his brow in disappointment. "Wrong, fear is also a gift. If you do not fear death, then you will not understand the value of life. And if you do not value life, how can you vow to protect it? Do not be fearless, rather, show bravery and courage in the face of your fears. Only then will you be a true warrior."
At the time she couldn't understand but now she was thankful for the lesson. She was afraid, very afraid and yet, she could do this, for her friends, her realm. She could be Queen of Jotunheim, to save them all.