Take a Powder
Sif raised her chin as she neared the fields where she worked with Steve, teaching him swordplay and armour work. The mortal was good, she had to admit it, and his style had improved dramatically over the weeks. At that point she would be happy to fight alongside him in any battle: the highest compliment she could think of for anyone.
The warrior maiden had faced giants, dark elves, dwarves, even denizens from the realm of the Dead. All those adventures she had greeted with courage and a song in her heart as she clashed with the enemy, dispatching those who threatened her beloved Asgard. But now, about to encounter a mere Midgardian, her throat grew dry. Although she would never admit it, Sif felt ready to take to her heels and escape what lay before her.
Steve was there already, facing away from her, his shirt in the dust. As she approached he picked it up and wiped his face on it, before a sudden suspicion made him turn to see her there watching him.
"My apologies," he muttered as he slipped the disgusting garment on, stained with mud and sweat. Sif caught that look in his eye – the one that proclaimed true innocence but utter courage. She knew he would confront anything. In that they were completely alike.
She put her hands on her hips. "I just came to see your progress." Why did her heart flutter so? "In truth you do well, for a citizen of Midgard, of course."
"Midgard." Steve looked down, scraped at the dust with the butt of his lance. "Speaking of that, I have to take a powder."
"Take a powder?" A rush of hot temper overcame Sif at the ridiculous position she was in. "Enough of your meaningless words! Speak sense so I can understand what you say for once."
"It means I have to leave - I'm being recalled for a mission. I just wanted to stop in and say thanks for all your time and help while I was here."
His eyes captured hers, but Sif whirled to look out into the distance where the river cut through the forest in front of Loki's castle. "Naturally. I would do it for anyone who might fight with me for my realm in the future." It came out far colder than she intended.
"Okay." There was a long pause, and Sif determined to drink mead that evening until she fell into a ditch somewhere. Was he gone? She refused to turn and see. Then the soft breath right by her ear, and a hushed, "Thank you for being the best teacher it has been my privilege to encounter."
A quick brush of firm lips against her cheek.
His footsteps, filled with purpose, taking the path away from her.
Silence, surging back into the valley.