Chapter 10

Sigyn found herself flat on her back, her head snapped back and hit the dirt with a thud. "Ow," she moaned with a laugh.

Sif returned her laugh reaching down to help her up. "Are you alright? I'm sorry...I thought you saw that coming?"

"No, sorry, my mind was elsewhere," Sigyn rubbed the back of her head. That's what she got for letting her guard down while sparring with Sif. She had flipped her right over like she was a ragdoll, but Sif was always the better fighter.

"Why have you been so distracted?" Sif's brow was furrowed.

Sigyn shrugged. "Oh do not worry, I'm just thinking about something Frigga said yesterday…"

"I am not sure why she still insists you see him," Sif was frowning. "If he hasn't made any effort to explain himself then he is not going to".

Sigyn bit her lip awkwardly. "I see your point, but we have been...making progress…"

Fortunately Sif didn't question what she meant. "Well, time to think about more pressing matters! What are we going to go over with the young warriors today?"

"Basic defense tactics?" Sigyn was eager to change the subject. Her excitement for her new position bubbled in her chest.

The two women tidied up their equipment before welcoming their students to the training field. It would be quite a few of these children's first time holding a training stick. They lined them up, introduced themselves, and got them started.

Sigyn was walking through the groups watching the young ones sparring against each other. She was impressed at how focused and eager they were, though this was the first lesson of the session, she hoped they would stay this motivated.

Sif had stopped to chat with a young girl. Only one of two that had come out to training today.

"You can do anything they can do," Sif was telling her strongly.

The girl smiled up at her. "Thank you Lady Sif. I want to be just like you".

Sigyn felt her heart warm as Sif was now practically glowing. For as long as she had known her, Sif was making waves for women everywhere. She never backed down from a fight, was out there in the fields with the men, and was eager to have more women become warriors. Her grit and determination was one of the things Sigyn admired most about her.

Sure, Sigyn was technically a woman warrior as well, but she didn't have the same strength as her friend. Her years on Midgard had set her back a bit, but she was forever grateful to have Sif to help get her back up to speed.

Hours passed and they wrapped up their teachings just in time for dinner. They walked together into the dining hall and joined the rest of their friends.

"Ah, Lady Sif, Lady Sigyn," Thor nodded to each of them and slid down the bench to make room. "How was training?"

"It was excellent," Sif's eyes were dancing, still pleased she had managed to inspire that young girl.

Thor smiled and patted her on the shoulders. "Glad to hear it". He then turned to address Sigyn, "How have your meetings gone with my brother?"

Sigyn felt herself blush and prayed no one noticed. "They are going as well as they can be at this time," she said simply.

"Has he been kinder to you?"

"Yes," Sigyn's blush deepened, suddenly thinking about the feeling of his lips on hers. "He's been much kinder".

Thor grinned. "Excellent. He seemed in better spirits when I visited him today, though not as keen to see me I'm afraid".

"Oh!" Sigyn's eyes widened. Had he told Thor about their last meeting? She doubted it, Loki wouldn't be the type to kiss and tell. "How did it go? Did he say anything yet? About what happened?"

The others were leaning in, waiting for Thor's response. He reached into the center of the table to help himself to some more potatoes, coughing at his friends with an eyebrow raised. They immediately clued in that he didn't want them eavesdropping, and resumed a different conversation around them.

Thor leaned closer to Sigyn, "He has not said who, but I do believe someone else guided his actions".

Sigyn nodded eagerly. "That's what I have been thinking too. If only he would tell us, then maybe Odin would-"

Thor shook his head. "My father is a stubborn man. He believes Loki's actions are still his responsibility, whether he initiated them or not".

She sighed and dropped her shoulders knowing he was right. "Loki has been a fan of mischief in the past, but New York was a whole different thing…"

"I agree," Thor gently squeezed her hand. "We will get to the bottom of this eventually…"