Disclaimer: All I own in this is my OC's (Karina, Gerd, & Hinrik- possibly more to come). Thor and the rest of the Asgardian gang belong to Marvel (Or, frankly, the Norse) and owns Anastasia. Seriously, if I owned Thor, Hemsworth and Hiddles would be forever shirtless. Just saying. It should be illegal to cover that sexiness up.

Karina was woken from her short two-three hour nap when there was a knock at the door. After her hand had been fixed up, Gaius sent her back to her chambers to rest and heal. She had forgotten about the feast, honestly, until she opened the door to find a friendly-looking servant holding a bundle of fabric.

"The Queen sent these for you, Milady," she said softly with a pleasant smile. "There will be more later. These should be about your size. She requests that you wear the scarlet one tonight."

Karina grimaced at the thought of having to wear a gown, but sighed and relented. She knew a lost battle when she saw one. Besides, she made an effort not to be overly rude to strangers without reason, and the Queen had taken the time to have gowns made for her. She sighed, taking the bundle and laying all but the scarlet one on the bed. She held it up, gaping at it for a few moments before speaking. "Uh…"

"Do you need assistance, Milady? The Queen said you might."

Karina sighed again, fighting against her pride. "Fine." She finally relented, stepping aside to allow the servant in the chambers and shutting the door behind her.

Thor came to 'collect' her twenty minutes later, enough time for her to get dressed and the servant, whose name she'd learned was Jona, to pile her hair on top of her head. She had just gotten to the door with the intention of walking herself there when she opened it to find the god standing there in his nicer clothes holding a single red rose, which he held out to her.

"I apologize for my behavior earlier." He said in such a way that it was obvious the words were not his own, clearing his throat. "I was out of line."

Karina barely withheld a smirk as she took the flower and twirled it around between her fingers. "Your mother?"

He gave a sheepish grin and shrugged, offering her his arm. "I am to escort you to the feast tonight," he explained. "I believe my mother has it in her head to play Lady Freya this eve."

Karina scrunched her nose up, earning a chuckle from Thor. "Isn't that the Goddess of Love or something?"

He grinned again, "One in the same."

She scoffed, and Thor knew then that he would have to introduce the Midgardian to Sif. "Is your mother seriously trying to set us up?"

He laughed heartily, drawing the attention of some of the other people in the hallway. He didn't appear to notice. "Does the idea bother you so much?"

She shrugged, "I prefer to be realistic. Anastasia's always been the optimist."

"Realistic?" he questioned, holding the door open for her as she walked into the banquet hall.

"Think about it, Thor. Even if there were that sort of thing between us, I'm from Earth and will have to return home soon. Then there's the fact that you're, you know, the future King of Asgard. I'm surprised your father allowed your brother to marry Anastasia- I highly doubt he'd ever let you choose anyone less than what he deems worthy as a consort. Your mother seems a nice woman and all, but she's being silly."

He nodded thoughtfully, taking in the woman in front of him. She was smart; he'd have to give her that much, with a tongue which seemed to potentially be even sharper than his brother's. She was beginning to intrigue him, this skinny little female from Midgard, when she wasn't infuriating him of course.

They'd reached the table by this point, and Thor helped her into her stool, one to the right of Odin, before taking his own to her left. Almost everyone had already been seated, only two places empty at the very end of the table. Loki was sitting across from Thor, to the left of Frigga with Anastasia beside him, across from Karina. The two immediately started conversing, leaving Thor to his own devices…and his mother.

"What'd she say?" Frigga hissed at him.

He groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Mother, can we discuss this later, please?"

Loki grinned at his brother, resting his head on his palm. "Is the almighty Thor feeling a bit uncomfortable?" he teased, not unkindly.

Thor glared at his brother from between his fingers, only earning a laugh for his efforts. Frigga rolled her eyes affectionately. "Loki, don't pester your brother."

The mischief god smiled innocently, "It was just a bit of fun, Mother."

"Kiss-ass," Karina 'coughed' in her hand, shooting Loki the most innocently cheeky grin she could muster when he turned to her and raised his eyebrow. Then she realized that most people had also abandoned their food to stare at her. "What?"

Loki chuckled, taking initiative to answer since Thor seemed to still be lost in his own little world of frustration. "Ladies mustn't curse at the table, Miss Peterson."

She stared at him, mouth hanging open. "No," she said in disbelief, "You've got to be shitting me."

The brunette girl sitting at her other side laughed, throwing her arm around Karina's shoulders. "I like her!" she exclaimed to the three males on the other side of the table who she'd been conversing with most of the evening. She turned back to Karina, grinning. "My name's Sif. That's Volstagg, Fandral, and Hogun; the Warriors Three. We're fighting partners of Thor."

Karina nodded, grinning. "Karina, Thor's uh…" she said, turning to prod at the thunder god when she couldn't find a word. "Wake up you oaf," she said impatiently.

Seriously, who falls asleep at the table?

"You must have really worn him out if he's missing out on food in favor of sleep," Sif chuckled.

Karina's eyes widened, "No, no. It's not like that."

Well, it kind of was, but they didn't need to know that.

Volstagg laughed, "If you say so, Lady Karina."

She shot him a look, huffing as she crossed her arms. Her new friends laughed, Anastasia once again become completely absorbed with her husband.

Sif suddenly plopped a tankard in front of her. "You haven't had any mead. One cannot simply attend a feast with us in the company and not drink at least a little bit, you know. Go ahead, have some. I'll just swipe Volstagg's."

Karina laughed as Volstagg glared at Sif and pulled his tankard as far as he could away from the brunette, his expression looking as if she had suggested they go out and kick puppies together. Picking up the heavy tankard, she grinned and threw it back, gulping a few mouthfuls down before replacing it on the table. Even as she coughed slightly and pounded her chest, she grinned still. "That's good stuff." she said, "Strong, but good."

It took her a moment to realize that most of the table was staring at her, Thor included. "What?" she found herself asking for the second time that evening.

"I have never seen someone take to it so quickly beside Volstagg here, least of all without illness." Hogun supplied.

Karina tilted her head, "Really?"

Sif grinned, putting her arm around Karina's shoulders again. "If your skills in battle are on par with your talent with liquor and lack of fear for our Princes, I think you will be one of us in no time at all."

"Absolutely not," Odin cut in, earning a mental 'fuck you' from Karina, who'd taken to glaring at him. "She will be returned to her home as soon as is possible, unharmed."

Thor gave a mental 'uh oh' as he caught the dissatisfied look on Karina's face- the exact reason he hadn't been the one to deny her. He was trying to keep their relationship civil for as long as they'd be forced to put up with each other. Clearly, Odin didn't have such concerns. Karina couldn't deck him one like she had Thor. Even if she technically shouldn't be able to do it to Thor either, it was still far more acceptable to assault a prince than the King.

"You are not from here?" Fandral questioned, tilting his head. "I knew I'd never seen you before, but…I'd have never guessed you were anything but Asgardian."

"Had me fooled." Volstagg agreed, leaning back in his seat. "So what are you? Vanir? Elf? You're too tall to be a dwarf, and there's no way you're Jotun."

Karina chuckled, "Midgardian."

Sif and the Warriors gaped at her, causing her to laugh a little harder. "I'm flattered that you find it so hard to believe."

The doors of the Hall opened before anyone could reply, and everyone turned to look. The first figure to walk in was a female: tall, leggy, and blonde wearing a short dress the same color as hers that seemed to be approaching scandalous as far as Asgardian gowns seemed to go. Her companion was so obviously a soldier that Karina almost had to laugh with a muscled frame that on Midgard only existed with the assistance of steroids and usually came with a small package (that last thought did come with a small chuckle tacked on the end). He was dressed in a similar fashion to the Warrior's three with a cocky smirk. Karina snorted, turning back to the table. She had just gone to spark up a conversation with Anastasia when the two sat at the table with them. None of the table's existing occupants seemed very happy about the development, and Karina took that as a cue. Sif especially seemed to want to take the girl down, and Thor was studiously ignoring her presence apart from the occasional glare. There was obviously a story here, she thought, and she wanted to know what it was.

The male spoke first, leaning around the girl and Sif to get a look at Karina. He seemed to like what he saw, Thor noted with a clenched jaw, and Gods help him if he decided to act on it. "I'm Hinrik." He introduced himself, "And this is my sister, Gerd."

Karina saw Thor grit his teeth together out of the corner of her eye, and though she still wasn't sure if she even liked the thunder god, she trusted him more than these strangers. "Karina." She replied with a sickeningly sweet smile that Hinrik seemed to pick up on, but didn't comment as he turned back to his sister. Karina didn't have a good feeling about either of them, and she voiced that much to Sif quiet enough that the only other person who had a hope of having heard was Thor.

Sif chuckled bitterly, "It is well that you think that way, my friend, though I wouldn't go around announcing it. Their father is a high-ranking officer in Odin's army, and outside of our circle they are well liked and the last thing you need to do is make enemies of your own."

"Of my own?"

"I fear you may gain a few just for befriending us," Sif explained before gesturing to Fandral and Hogun. "There are some who may read this friendship the wrong way, and would not think kindly of the girl who took them off the market, aye?"

Karina laughed, "Aye."

"Also, there are those who simply don't like us. I daresay there will be some who fear that I will corrupt you." She grinned.

"What do you mean?"

"There are few Shield Maidens among us, Karina, of which I was the first."

Karina grinned, "I think I like you too, Lady Sif. Shield Maiden. Hmm. A title such as that might nearly be enough to make someone want to stay."

Thor suddenly choked, beating his chest for a few moments until it cleared up. Stay?!

Karina glared at him and huffed, most of the table laughing at her reaction.

Sif chuckled. "If you do stay, Karina, I think I speak for all four of us when I say you will be welcomed among our circle."

She smiled as the other three nodded, bowing as best she could in her seat. "I thank all of you."

"Who is that, anyway? I cannot imagine why she's sitting at the high table, I have certainly never heard of her-"

"Gerd-"Hinrik warned, only to be cut off.

"Whatever, Hinrik. She's probably just another of Thor's whores. She must be good in the sack if they're allowing her to sit among us."

Sif opened her mouth to tell Gerd what for, but Karina waved her off. She spoke as Sif relented. "You know, if you're going to bad mouth people Darling, it would behoove you to at least do it out of earshot."

Gerd sneered, standing as if she expected her to do the same. Karina raised an eyebrow, calmly reaching for the tankard and taking a swig. She rolled her eyes at the blonde, "Do you honestly expect me to waste my time fighting you in the middle of the Dining Hall when I have food in front of me? Sorry sweetheart, but I'm afraid you flatter yourself far too much."

There was a chorus of muffled giggles around table, causing Gerd to flush. "I'll get you for this, you harlot." she hissed, glaring at Karina before turning on her heel and walking out. Thor went to stand and put her in her place, but Karina shook her head and he sat back down.

"You did not have to let her go without punishment, you know." Thor told her. "You are a guest of the Royal Family. She was out of line."

Karina smiled a little, "She was not worth the time, effort, or the clean up. I will deal with her myself later if she forces my hand."

He nodded.

"So, Karina, fifteen pieces of silver says I could drink you under the table." Volstagg grinned.

Karina pouted, "But…I don't have any pieces. And I never take a bet without having my end. Bad luck."

Thor chuckled, leaning over to whisper in her ear. "Not a problem, Lady Karina." He said, dropping a tiny drawstring bag in her palm.

She grinned at him before turning back to Volstagg, "Challenge accepted."

"Where the hell did she put all that mead in her tiny little body?!" Volstagg grumbled, staring at the girl who was now lying across Thor's shoulder without a worry in the world.

Karina, as it turned out, seemed to be a happy drunk as long as you kept her tankard full (which was not an easy feat, considering the fact that she could down the entire thing in three gulps when she put her mind to it). She didn't get mean when she ran out, as Thor had initially expected, but instead gave you the most heartbreaking pout and held the tankard out to you until you just had to refill it for her. He had been able to hold out for about two minutes the first time she gave him that pitiful expression before he gave in. Volstagg succumbed almost immediately. Loki, it seemed, was the only person aside from Anastasia who was capable of resisting.

That was about an hour ago. They were on their way to their respective chambers now, laughing whenever one of them stumbled- which was often.

"You have a nice ass," Karina murmured when they were alone, patting it.

Thor shook his head with a deep chuckle, "Alright Karina."

"No really," she slurred, "it's a hot ass. Maybe my favorite thing on you…well, besides your eyes. I like your eyes. They's like an ooccceeeeaann. So pretty."

Thor found himself smiling even wider, full-on laughing now. He found it amusing that this girl, who was usually so stubborn and high strung, made such an adorable drunk.

She maneuvered herself around so she was facing him and grinned. "Hi."

He shook his head in amusement, pushing the door to her chambers open as they got there. He laid her on the bed gently and pulled the coverlet up to her chin. "Get some rest, Karina." He told her, "You will feel much better in the morning if you do."

She stretched out, wiggling her toes. She opened her mouth to say something but it was cut off with a yawn. He chuckled, shaking his head and placing a finger on her lips. "Shh," he smiled, "Just sleep."

Thor listened vacantly to his father's words the next morning, drumming his fingers on the table in boredom. He was usually able to pay more attention at meetings like this, but today he found himself preoccupied and wishing to be anywhere else. Or rather, at the side of a certain Midgardian. He grunted, shaking the thought away.

She would probably be waking right about now, he thought. He hoped his mother or Sif would bring her something for the aftereffects she would most likely be nursing when she roused since he wouldn't be able to.

Thor felt a smile stretch across his face as he thought about the night before. She had been full of surprises from the moment he arrived to escort her to dinner and she looked, for lack of a better word, like a queen. The scarlet dress had suited her well, despite the fact that his mother had most likely it sent to her simply for the color association that would tie Karina to him whenever she wore it, and the way her hair was piled on top of her head made her look positively regal- a complete one-eighty from her appearance on the day he found her. His mother seemed to have noticed the change too, and would unfortunately probably be doubling her efforts.

Then there was the way she interacted with the Warrior's Three. He knew she was close with Anastasia and was usually kind to her in her own way, but she got on with Sif and the others like a house on fire. He'd never seen her so animated, or with such a huge grin on her face. It pleased him, but at the same time sent something almost akin to jealously racing through him. It hadn't been him that had made her laugh like that, and the more selfish side of him didn't like that.

A quiet voice pulled him out of his thoughts. "Thor?"

Thor looked to his brother who was sitting next to him. "Hm?"

"You look distracted. Have you heard a word Father's spoken?"

Thor gave a sheepish smile, to which Loki only rolled his eyes. "They're speaking about Karina, Thor. It would behoove you to pay attention when it deals with your charge."

The thunder god grumbled, leaning back in his seat and listening in.

Good thing he did, too, because that's when Odin addressed him, "She remembers now, does she not?"

Thor was surprised to find himself hesitating in his answer. He wanted her to leave, didn't he?

So why was he so reluctant to allow it?

Finally, he settled on the truth. "She does, Father."

"Good, she will return home as soon as Heimdall is ready, then."

Loki suddenly cut in, "She would be allowed to stay should she desire it, yes?"

Odin gave his son a curious, if not slightly irritated, look. "I suppose?"

"I'm pleased to hear that." Loki said, hiding a smile and leaning forward on the table. "I've spoken to my wife. Karina has expressed interest to her in staying a while longer if possible. She hasn't seen Anastasia in over a year and, from what I understand, they're very nearly sisters."

The thunder god studied his brother through narrowed eyes, glancing between him and his mother. What was Loki up to? Was he helping their mother?

Odin considered this, albeit unhappily. "Alright, as long as Thor is willing to remain her guardian."

Thor let out a breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I suppose."

Frigga grinned, "Then it is settled."

Thor had just gotten to Karina's chambers after the meeting to tell her the news when he noticed Sif at her door. "Sif?"

She breathed a sigh of relief, walking over to him. "She refuses to wake, and your mother says she needs to drink this before it cools or else her headache won't wane but on its own."

He frowned, "She still slumbers? At this hour?"

Sif shrugged, "She drank her own weight in mead, at least. I would remain in bed as long as I could, too, if I consumed that much."

Thor nodded and took the cup from Sif, pushing the door open. "Karina?"

"Gumpshrmhhzz." came the grumbled response, muffled by the pillow in her face.

The thunder god sighed, stepping up to the bed and gently laying a hand on her shoulder. "Karina?"

"I told Anastasia not to let the dwarves personify my alarm clock…" the sleeping girl muttered, rolling over.

He blinked, his brow furrowing. He shook her gently, to no avail.

"Go awwwaaaaayyy, Josh. No one liiiikes you…" she groaned, blindly swatting at him.

Thor frowned, tilting his head in utter confusion. Who's Josh?

He looked up as Fandral walked in.

"Having trouble?" the male questioned smugly.

Thor gave a level glare, stepping aside. "Perhaps you would like to try. Please, be my guest."

Fandral shrugged, walking to the bed. He called her name, shaking her shoulder. "Wake up, Karina. I'll open the drapes…"

There was a muffled grunt, and suddenly a hand was flying toward Fandral's danger zone. Thor had to laugh as the male doubled over, letting out an 'umph'.

"Your pet packs quite a wallop," he wheezed, red in the face.

Thor grinned, shaking his head. "Sif, would you please bring Fandral here to the infirmary? I fear he may have suffered a battle wound!"

Sif walked in, took one look, and burst out laughing. "Aww, did the Midgardian hurt you, O' mighty Fandral?"

Fandral glared, "Damn right she did. I expect serious pampering this eve, I'll have you know."

Sif chuckled and pulled his arm over her shoulder, walking him out with more theatrics than probably necessary.

Thor turned back to the bed, only to find her sitting up and rubbing her eyes tiredly. He smiled, holding out the cup of gruel. It would taste awful, but it was definitely the best thing for a hangover. "Here, drink this. You'll feel better."

Karina barely spared a second's worth of a suspicious glance before she downed it, handing it back with a groan and scrunched up nose. "Eww."

He laughed, setting it on the nightstand and sitting beside her on the bed. "I know, it works though." He said, rubbing her back on instinct. "How are you feeling?"

She moaned pitifully, putting her head in her hands. "Never…drinking with Volstagg…again."

He laughed a little harder, shaking his head. "Probably wise. I do, however, commend you for your victory last night nonetheless. It was quite the feat; I believe you even impressed some of my soldiers."

She flushed slightly as she chuckled, which brought rather…distracting memories back to Thor that he would much rather keep buried. He suppressed a groan, forcing himself to focus on her eyes.

Fortunately, she didn't notice. "You know, I rather like it here when I'm not bedridden…"

Thor found himself smiling despite himself. "I'm certainly happy to hear that."

She glanced up at him curiously, raising an eyebrow. "Really?"

He nodded. "Loki spoke to Father on Anastasia's behalf. You may stay as long as you wish."

"That was kind of him," she said softly, smiling.

"It was. I was rather surprised, actually."

Karina chuckled, smacking his shoulder playfully. "Loki's not that bad."

He laughed, catching her hands and holding them down on the bed. "I was surprised he spoke out at all, he doesn't usually say much during meetings, only listens. I suppose he was doing it on Anastasia's behalf, if nothing else."

"Probably. Are you sure it's ok? I don't want to encroach or anything."

Thor gave a hearty laugh, "You're not. Believe me; my mother was beyond thrilled to hear you would be extending your stay."

She tilted her head, "Really?"

"Really. I think you have earned yourself the queen's favor, Milady."

"That's…good to hear."

Thor smiled, "The Physician says you can get the bindings off tonight, too. You are healing at a remarkable rate. We do not know why, but I do not think it is something to complain about."

Karina nodded, grinning and moving to her feet. "Let's do it."

So here's Chapter Three! 4,095 words, I'm proud of myself! Hehe. Hope you liked it.

So, as I'm sure you've noticed, the two of them are beginning to be a little more civil. I've had some complaints about Karina, so I thought I'd take the time to explain what I'm doing here. Keep in mind, guys, this IS only the third chapter. You haven't seen all of her yet. My characters are complex and three-dimensional with multifaceted personalities. Figuring them out is half the fun.

It's important to remember that this is an AU where Thor never ended up on Midgard and thus never received the attitude adjustment that he needed. I love him to death, but admit it. In the beginning of the movie he was a bit of a brat. That's where Karina comes in. She and orders, they don't get on well. So when Thor goes and throws his princely weight around, she's obviously not going to handle it well. You'll understand this better later, I promise. She's also restless, so being bedridden for as long she has been is not good for her sanity. She's already irritated, so add Thor to the mix and...boom. If you look at her interactions with others, such as Anastasia and the Warriors Three, you'll see she can be pleasant as well. Her and Thor will get better, I promise! Everything is going the way I planned it. So please, trust me. I know where I'm going with this.

Anyway, reviews will get a mention next chapter;) Flames get nothing because they've burned everything to the ground all vicious like.