My apologies for how long it's taken to get this chapter out. My muse decided to go on an extended vacation without me halfway through, as I discovered it was harder writing from Sif's point of view than I'd originally thought. Not the happiest with how it turned out, but the muse would abandon me anytime I tried something new, so I eventually just said 'screw it!'. Enjoy!

Chapter 10: Flush with fever

The smile slides off Evelyn's face as she lets out a groan, slumping back against Loki. "Shit, I'm Sokovia tired."

Sif understands that Evelyn must mean she's a specific kind of tired, but its true meaning is lost to her. She's never heard of this 'Sokovia' before. Apparently Thor is just as lost, seeing as he tilts his head to the side and repeats back, "Sokovia tired?"

A grimace flashes across Evelyn's face. "It's just a random thing I started doing to clarify how much magic I've used." She smiles weakly. "There's Hogwarts tired, Sokovia tired, Nivadelir tired, and finally Vanaheim tired."

"If you ever make yourself Vanaheim tired again, we will have words," Loki spits through clenched teeth.

Evelyn snorts. "Darling, if I manage to make myself Vanaheim tired, the Realms had better be collapsing again. Otherwise I'm just plain suicidal." When Thor shifts his weight, Evelyn immediately fixes him with a look that Sif usually only sees on Loki that judges the recipient's intelligence and often finds it lacking. She pulls it off rather well. "If you're going to ask if my exhaustion was your fault, don't. You're actually the reason I didn't end up killing myself." She scrubs a hand over her face. "If you hadn't been holding the Gate open, I would've drained myself long before the Realm collapsed because I somehow managed to stupidly intertwine my magic with the Gate itself. Just—" Her breath hitches momentarily. "Just please don't—" She presses the heels of her palms to her eyes. "I felt you die," she finally chokes out, "and I can't—"

Thor makes a wounded noise in the back of his throat, immediately reaching for Evelyn. All things considered, Sif is surprised when Loki actually lets her go. Evelyn curls up in Thor's arms like she just fits there, and although Sif has somewhat seen the affection between her and Loki, has heard from Thor's own lips that she is but a sister to him, the sight still tugs uneasily at her heart. She tells herself it's just seeing an unknown woman being so comfortable and at ease with her princes.

Loki gets to his feet and walks over to her, touching a hand briefly to the small of her back as he steers her away from the two. "They'll be done in a minute," he says softly, "but Evelyn will be even more embarrassed if she realizes there was an audience to her break down."

Sif wobbles slightly as the reality of what Evelyn said just moments before truly settles in. "She felt him—"

"Yes, she felt him die," Loki states flatly, "and it took her nearly a month to even begin to recover from that. She threw herself into trying to find a cure to save Banner in an attempt to distract herself, but we still lost him that winter." He exhales harshly. "We just continued to lose people after that until we were the only ones left."

Sif finds herself reaching out to grab ahold of Loki's shoulder without conscious thought. "I may have only told Thor this, but I spoke truly when I said that my blade is yours and his when it comes to your wife. I will protect her with my life should you require it."

"I appreciate that," he returns with a dip of his head. "However, I would advise against informing Evelyn." His face twists into something horribly broken as he glances back towards her and his brother. "She has had far too many people die for her that it will only distress her right now."

"Death is inevitable in war," Sif points out. "I knew that the instant I took up a blade."

"She had nothing growing up, Sif," Loki practically spits back. "No love, no true family. How badly then would you imagine she'd cling to anyone who shows her even a scrap of affection? And just what exactly she'd do to ensure that no one she'd claimed as hers was ever taken away from her? Or how badly she would break if they were?"

Sif actually pauses to think about it. She recalls how, just moments ago, Evelyn had seemed to be unconsciously throwing about what Sif considers an obscene amount of magick and she'd only been experiencing a controlled anger of sorts. Of course, her anger had been on Loki's behalf, so that kind of explains the amount of magick being used. It makes Sif shudder to even begin to imagine what might happen it Evelyn truly lost control. "She doesn't know me," she protests for all that the excuse sounds weak even to her ears.

"She knows you," Loki corrects her almost wryly. "Thor talked of you near constantly whenever he had time with her. You and Mother. Evelyn wasn't overly happy that she didn't get the chance to meet either of you, so she'll probably attempt to make up for what she considers lost time. Anything you are willing to teach her will be greatly received."

Now it's Sif's turn to bow her head. She does it a bit more deeply than Loki did to her, as she's acknowledging her prince. Because he's her prince just as much as Thor is, she's coming to realize. Hers in that she will follow him for more than just duty. Hers because they are far more alike that she'd originally noticed, she and him. And so he's becoming hers to protect and defend and stand by just as with Thor. Perhaps, in some instances, even more so than Thor, for Loki understands her in ways that Thor never will be able to.

Of course, the moment, like most moments, is broken. Only this interruption scares Sif far more than she'll ever care to admit.

"Brother!" The sheer amount of panic in Thor's voice as he calls for Loki lodges itself in Sif's heart as she sprints back the short distance to where Thor is still kneeling. Only, all is most definitely not as it should be. Cradled in Thor's arms is a red haired child, cheeks flush with fever while glazed green eyes lazily drift closed just as Loki hits his knees beside them. Her clothes are the same as when she was grown, but how Evelyn changed from a grown woman to a sickly child, Sif doesn't know. And neither, by the looks of it, does Thor.

"The pendant," Loki says in a hushed tone, reaching out to touch a stone that rests innocently in the hollow of Evelyn's throat, bound to a simple gold chain. "She mentioned this." His brow furrows. "But I thought she would have more time."

"She needs to see Eir," Sif insists, already worried about the fever gripping the woman she just met. She'll deal with the details of how and why concerning the age change later. Right now she just wants to get Evelyn to the best Healer she knows.

That, fortunately, seems to snap Thor out of the daze of panic he'd fallen into. "Of course." He immediately gets to his feet, holding Evelyn carefully to his chest. Now it's Loki who seems to have fallen into a daze, as he's not displaying any amount of panic when just minutes before he'd been furiously worried about Evelyn's state of being. At least, that's what Sif believes until she walks closer and sees him shaking. His eyes are squeezed shut, but there's a hint of tears lingering on his lashes.

"Loki," she says softly, touching his arm gently. He just grits his teeth, seemingly bowing even further into himself. She nods sharply, decided. Well then. She just take matters into her own hands. "To the Healing Hall," she instructs firmly. Thor needs no further prompting, turning on his heel and starting a fast clip towards the palace. Sif takes hold of Loki's arm and uses that to make sure he keeps pace with her as she follows behind Thor. She thinks he'd continue to follow if she let go, but she isn't quite willing to take that chance.

Mercifully, the Healing Hall is on this side of the palace, nor do they run into any members of court who would attempt to stop and question them. Sif doesn't even want to begin to consider what Thor might do if someone tries to keep him from getting Evelyn to help. It's only when the doors to the Healing Hall are within sight that she let's go of hold on Loki, and only so she is able to hurry ahead and get the door for Thor.

"Eir!" she calls out, even as the heads of all the Healers turn in her direction. She spots Eir at the end of the Hall, already standing and making her way towards them.

"Lady Sif, what has Prince Thor—" Eir begins, most likely assuming that Thor hurt himself somehow, only to abruptly cut herself short at the sight of Evelyn cradled in Thor's arms. "Stars," the Healer breathes, a horrified expression flickering briefly across her face before it settles into calm determination. "Lay the child here, my prince." Eir directs him to one of the smaller beds.

Sif turns away from them only to see Loki frozen in the doorway. With an irritated huff, she marches over and drags him to Evelyn's bedside. "Stay here and listen to what Eir says we must do for Evelyn," she instructs while pushing him into the chair usually used by the parents of the child getting healed, feeling as though her prince needs to be told what to do right now. In most other situations, she wouldn't dare, at least not with Loki. This isn't most situations. If anything, he reminds her of battled shocked warriors who've reached their limit. She's just thankful he isn't lashing out. Only once she gets a flicker of recognition from him does she look to Thor. "You will stay with him?"

His brow furrows as he regards her with confusion. "You are leaving?"

"I intend to find the Queen," she explains softly. "They both would benefit from a mother's love and touch right now, I believe." Her lips twist into a tight smile. "And I am not the best at the sort of comfort your brother requires at the moment."

Thor exhales explosively. "Aye, neither of us truly are," he agrees with a pained look. Then he blinks and a thoughtful expression crosses his face. "After you find my mother, might you stop by my chambers and inform Evelyn's cousin of what happened? They arrived together, but Dudley was overwhelmed so I offered my rooms as a refuge for him to recuperate in. He will want to know what has befallen his cousin."

"Of course," she replies with a dip of her head. "I'll return as quickly as possible."

"Thank you," he whispers, and it takes nearly all of her self control not to react as she walks away. While she knows that Thor values her, Fandral, Volstagg, and Hogun, very rarely does he voice it and mean it with a true sincerity. Still, it is enough for her to keep her head high as she makes her way to the gardens the Queen frequents.

"Is the Queen here?" she demands of the guards before entering. No use going in if Queen Frigga isn't even here. She hopes she is. Sif has no desire to go hunting through the entire palace, but she will if that's what it takes.

"She is, but has requested not to be disturbed," one guard informs her.

"I have news concerning Prince Thor and Prince Loki," she retorts. "Her presence is requested in the Healing Hall."

That immediately makes both stand up straighter. "Did something happen to the Princes?" It's been some time since either managed to land themselves there, so of course their concern is warranted. Especially given that both avoid the Healing Hall if at all possible.

Sif shakes her head. "Not to them, to Prince Loki's guest. It has him agitated, however, and I felt Queen Frigga's presence might calm him some. May I enter to inform her of such?"

"No need." Sif's head snaps up at the sound of her Queen's voice. Frigga approaches with a quiet dignity Sif always envies. "What is this I hear of my future daughter in the Healing Hall so shortly after I last saw her?"

"We're not entirely sure, my Queen, but she collapsed suddenly and was flushed with fever. I had Thor bring her to the Healing Hall and had to make sure Loki followed us. It seems as though he's retreating within himself." She explains all this as they walk swiftly towards the Healing Hall. Sif does make sure to keep an eye out for when she'll need to excuse herself to head to Thor's chambers.

Frigga sighs softly. "That, unfortunately, does not surprise me. He is not lashing out, though?"

"He had not yet when I left to fetch you," Sif replies. "Thor remained to help if he does."

"Good, good," Frigga murmurs. "Now, you say Evelyn has developed a fever?"

"Aye, she did." Sif considers something before adding, "After throwing about a considerable about of magic. I do not know the price such actions would invoke, but perhaps…" She trails off with a half hearted shrug, unsure of her assumption.

"Perhaps indeed. In any event, you have my thanks for coming to fetch me."

"Of course." Sif inclines her head as a full bow is rather difficult while walking. They round a corner, and Sif realizes that this is where they'll have to part ways. "Forgive me, but Thor requested I go inform Evelyn's cousin of what happened before I return to the Healing Hall."

That, surprisingly, earns her a sharp look. "I see." What she sees, Sif has no clue, but she isn't about to tell her Queen that. "Should he wish to see my future daughter to assure himself of her health, he is welcome to join us in the Healing Hall."

While Sif might be more of a warrior than a diplomat, it isn't hard to discern that that was more of an order than a suggestion. Also, Frigga seems very intent on pointing out the fact that Evelyn will be her daughter one day. Why, Sif doesn't quite understand, but it isn't her place to question. Instead, she just bows with a murmured, "My Queen," before starting on her way to Thor's temporary chambers, as his usual ones are still being repaired.

Upon reaching the door, she knocks once in warning before pushing it open. The sight that greets her stops her in her tracks. The child in Thor's chambers is the opposite of Evelyn in every way imaginable. Male, for starters, and he doesn't even appear to notice as she slips into the room. Sif knows that Evelyn would've been aware of her the instance she knocked. And while the motions he's going through look rather well learned, his body is not yet used to them given the sweat clinging to him and the way his rather large limbs are shaking.

She waits for him to pause before calling out, "Dudley?"

Evelyn's cousin jumps, nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste as he spins to face her. "Wha—Who are you?" he yelps, eyes wide with wariness and just a touch of fear.

"My name is Sif Tyrdottir," she says, holding up her hands to show she has no weapons in them. "Thor sent me. Your cousin, Evelyn, is currently in our Healing Hall with a fever."

His suspicious expression immediately goes flat as he drags a hand down his face. "Of course she is," he mutters. "God damn it, Eve, can't you go anywhere without landing yourself in the hospital?"

That, of course, catches Sif's attention. "This is normal?" she inquires, wondering at his lack of panic.

"She joked enough about practically having an assigned bed in the infirmary at her school because she always managed to end up in there at least once per school year." He groans, scrubbing a hand through sweat soaked hair. "She's a Potter, they do insane, crazy shite and somehow manage to come out the other end in relatively one piece. Maybe a bit battered and bruised, but God I wish I knew how they did it. I just gave up trying to tell her 'no, don't do the stupid thing' cause she'd just go off and do it anyway, and then she'd be smug about it for months afterwards."

Well, Sif muses a bit despairingly to herself, it's really not surprising in the least that Loki fell for a woman with such obscure luck. Of course, that will make keeping Evelyn safe all the more difficult. Still, Sif has never been one to back down from a challenge, and this one will certainly see her entertained for years to come.

"My condolences," she says a touch dryly. Dudley just snorts. "However, an offer has been made for you to accompany me to the Healing Hall to see for yourself that your cousin is in good hands."

He blinks, head tilting slightly as he muses over her words. Then his expression morphs into exasperated knowing. "It wasn't really an offer, was it?"

Sif makes herself exhale slowly. "It was not."

He grumbles something under his breath that Sif doesn't catch. "Unfortunately, I'm currently covered in sweat, and I know that Eve would give me a right bollocking if I ever showed up to her hospital with the intent to visit while absolutely filthy. I can't imagine that your head doc will be any different."

Sif concedes to herself that he does have a point. "Perhaps, but Healer Eir is used to dealing with injured warriors fresh off the field. There are bathing facilities in the Healing Hall."

Dudley sighs. "Guess there's no point in delaying, then." He half-heartedly waves a hand at the door. "You lead and I'll follow."

Sif nods sharply, then turns on her heel and heads back out. She holds the door open for Dudley before starting off at a brisk clip towards the Healing Hall. She doesn't go too quickly, not knowing Dudley's endurance levels, but she's still a bit anxious to get back and see Evelyn with her own two eyes. Despite having only known about her for a couple of days and just having met her an hour previous, Sif isn't too surprised that she's already placed Evelyn as one of her people. Right now it's mostly because Evelyn is Loki's, but she doesn't doubt that Evelyn will quickly manage that by her own worth.

"Ho there, Sif!"

And of course her luck at avoiding people has come to an end.

Forcing back the urge to grit her teeth, Sif doesn't bother turning as she calls back, "Fandral, I have no time for you at the moment. I'm expected in the Healing Hall."

There's the hurried sound of clanking boots before Fandral asks breathlessly, "Has something happened to Thor?"

"And who's this wee friend of yours?" Volstagg adds, causing Dudley to let out a startled meep.

"Nothing has happened to Thor or Loki," Sif stresses the name of their second prince, causing Fandral to give her a surprised look that she only just sees out of the corner of her eye. "However, their guest developed an unexpected fever, hence why I am bringing her cousin along so that he may see for himself that she is being cared for." Now she's the one shooting Fandral a look. "Queen Frigga insisted, as she was who I was sent to fetch first." She's rather pleased when stark understanding flashes across her fellow warrior's face and he subdues. Very few things can truly tame Fandral these days, but the Queen thankfully is one of them. "You may accompany us to the Healing Hall, but don't expect Thor to be willing to leave with you. He's rather protective of his brother and their guest."

"And would said guest be the one who all the guards are still gossiping about?" Volstagg inquires knowingly.

"You would be correct." Sif offers no further knowledge than that as they've reached the Healing Hall. The doors are open and she can see Thor, Loki, and Frigga by the bed that Evelyn's in. Frigga is sitting beside Loki, an arm wrapped around his shoulders, while Thor paces the length of the bed in slow, measured steps. Sif hears Dudley inhale sharply before he hurries past her.

"How is she?"

Sif finds it a bit telling that Dudley immediately looks to Thor for an answer. She also notes that for all that he appears to want to reach out and take Evelyn's hand, he doesn't.

"Healer Eir says that it's not a high fever," Thor assures him, and Sif can't help her soft sigh of relief. "She's just stressed herself enough that her body finally couldn't keep up with her demands. She will be well within a day or two."

Dudley collapses onto the bed next to Evelyn's. "She was told she had to rest, but did she? No, of course not," he mutters. "Bloody Potters and their bloody stubbornness."

That makes Loki's head snap up. "She was what?" he demands, finally coming back to life.

Dudley jumps at the sudden demand, but rallies himself reasonably well. "We had a Valkyrie come to us two days ago. She took a piece of soul out of Eve's forehead and warned her that she'd be tired and weak afterwards. That she shouldn't use magic for a while until she recovered enough."

Sif has a rather abrupt need to sit down, and only Hogun appearing at her side keeps her from dropping inelegantly to the floor. A piece of soul stuck in her. Sif remembers the stories. It's one of the many warnings that go along with the risks of Soul and Death Magic. The risk of splintering your soul, and the utter agony it causes is enough to deter most people from develling any further. The knowledge that Evelyn had someone's soul stuck in her because they were willing to risk that is sickening.

"Somehow, that does not surprise me," Thor says wryly, tossing a fond yet exasperated look at the girl curled up in the other bed. "Unfortunately, she is not one to care for herself as much as her companions."

"Yeah, and that would be my fucking parents' fault," Dudley grumbles, staring determinedly at the floor.

"You are my future daughter's cousin, then?" Frigga inquires, finally speaking. Her expression is rather alarmingly blank, and Dudley mercifully notices.

"I am," he returns warily.

"And did she ask you to come with her?"

He gives a jerky nod. "She did."

"And you came even with the history between you?"

Dudley inhales sharply, and it's only because Thor steps forward to lay a hand on his shoulder that Sif doesn't lurch forward herself. "The mistakes I made as a child are ones I'm still trying to repay, not that Eve makes it easy to do so. If that means following her to different worlds, then so be it. I've been behind her ever since I finally realized that my parents' version of normal is not something I want to aspire towards."

"Evelyn mentioned the same to me," Loki adds softly, reaching out to take one of Evelyn's hands in his own. "Rest assured, I will no more allow you to return than I would her."

Dudley chuckles weakly. "Yeah, I don't think any of us want to see what would happen if that happened." He stretches his arms above his head before looking over to Sif again. "You mentioned something about a bath?"

"I'll take you," Thor offers.

"Thanks."