When War and Lies Collide

Like a Queen

Sif was training in the arena when Fandral found her.  He didn't interrupt her work because that would likely result in a lost hand but he did watch for awhile.  Anybody who got the privilege to watch the skill and dedication she had was blessed, while anyone she used it against was damned.  She herself was like her most favored weapon, a double edged sword.

the warrioress sliced into yet another mannequin with a flick of her arm, leaping to the next.  If records were kept, she would no doubt be number one on the 'amount of mannequins annihilated', it seemed to be her favorite thing to do when relaxing.  To Sif, action was relaxation.  If she wasn't doing something, she paced like a caged animal until someone gave her a duty.  You could see the stress in her eyes when she was trying to sit down and not do anything, she'd furrow her eyebrows or tap her knee.  Many times she would bite her lip.

Nobody knew exactly why or how this happened, but the thought of not being useful seemed to frighten her to some extent.  Sure, she could behave during a royal ceremony and look totally fine but if you asked her to read a book, she would take breaks every twenty minutes to workout or clean her blades.

Fandral couldn't help but think that she should try yoga or meditation.  He couldn't imagine having that much caged up energy all the time was healthy, especially for someone who barely slept.

Sif took a moment to wipe a bead of sweat from her forehead, and that's when Fandral decided to pounce.  "Greetings, Lady Sif!"  He called out with a generous smile.

Her head snapped to him but her demeanor instantly relaxed once she recognized who it was.  "Fandral!  It seems I have been seeing more and more of you recently."  She replied as she walked towards him, sheathing her sword.  

"That you have.  How has your day been treating you?"  She sits beside him, stretching her legs out on a bale of hay.

"Alright.  I find myself a little overwhelmed by exhaustion but I push through it."

"That's a danger for your health, Sif.  You need to slow down a little, relaxing won't kill you; or anybody else!  I mean just look at Volstagg.  He's the laziest most jolly person in Asgard!"  Fandral is genuinely concerned, but he knew that he couldn't convince her to stop doing the thing she loved, even if it was just for a moment.

"I've been busy."

"I don't doubt it."

There's an awkward silence for a few moments as Fandral tries to figure out how to word his question.  "So, you know how you went to Midgard recently?"  He starts, already feeling nervous.  If she were to lash out at him for even suggesting, there would be no hope for Loki's plan at all.

She gives him a cold stare but continues the conversation.  She had a strong feeling she knew where this was going.  "Yes, that I did."

"Well, I found some drama on that girl that you might want to know.  Heimdall Showed me.  It would be perfect to help plan your revenge that you spoke of."  He knew bringing up revenge would intrigue her more than anything else.

"Did he now?"  He could hear the curiosty in her voice as he held back a smile.

"He did, and he offered to Show you, also.  You can travel there any time, just mention that I told you."  Fandral replied coolly, looking around the arena.

She nodded simply, deep in thought.  She couldn't tell if this was a trick, but her eagerness to get revenge overpowered much of her doubts.  "I'll think about it."

Although she voiced that she may go, Fandral could tell that she would end up going.  He knew he was risking their friendship by doing this, but he cared for Sif.  Sif was the closest thing to a sister he had, and he didn't want to lose it.  But for the sake of her happiness, he would proceed.  He would much rather have Sif end up with Loki, who genuinely cared, than a warrior who's only interest was to sleep with her.

He heard the way the soldiers spoke of her.  As a friend, it disgusted him.  The thought of her ever touching one of them made him shudder and his lips curl back in repulse.  But, as any God or Goddess has, they give in to the urge someday, even the strongest willed of them.  

Needless to say he didn't want anyone going near her in that way, but if he had to settle for someone, his first choice would be Loki.  Seeing the man almost cry over the loss of her was enough to convince him that he had a heart, and one that was full of Sif.

"In my opinion, if I may say, is that you should go.  Anything that you can get to go against her will only make the revenge better."

"'Tis true.  I suppose I will make time for it."  She said as she got up, swinging her sword in front of her and leaving the man to himself.

After a few more minutes of watching, he set off to find Loki to inform him of the great news.  His mission was a success.

***************

"Loki, I come with wonderful news!"  He called out, running to his dear friend.  As he neared, he spotted the hope shimmering in his eyes, and the fact that they were a little blood shot from what he believed to be tears.  He pretended not to notice as the God greeted him.

"Hello, Fandral!  Let me hear it."  He smiled, patting Fandral on the back.

"She went for the bait, she wants to See it.  Of course she thinks it is to find some dirt on that hag to get revenge, but I'm guessing her outlook will change after viewing the scene."  Fandral couldn't help but grin back as Loki looked genuinely pleased.  

Loki had a very good chance of getting her back, and he knew it.  Already, his day had gotten brighter.

"I can not thank you enough, Fandral.  How may I repay you?"  His emerald eyes searched Fandral's for any possible signs of desire for something, and Loki promised himself to get whatever he may want.

"Treat her well, that is all I ask of you."

"Like a Queen."  He answered, and for once, his eyes held no tricks and his silver tongue was nowhere to be found.  He spoke only with pure honesty.

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