Huntress (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

7

I find Steve on the training field with Bucky, Sam and a few others once Sarah and I have finished what was probably the most random conversation that I've ever had in my life.

"Here she comes! The protector!" Bucky announces, and some slight irritation crosses me as I know he is trying to provoke.

"Don't forget who else couldn't save their own ass back in that forest". I remind him smugly. "That Chitauri could've cut you to ribbons, and if I'm honest - perhaps I should've let it".

Sam is smirking at this, "Oh now that is cold...I like her".

"He's just nursing a bruised ego that a woman had to protect him. At least Lord Steven has the balls to thank me for it".

Yep, that is a comment that would probably have me killed or at least put me in a dungeon cell for some time out, considering how high of a rank Bucky is within the household, but at this point I'm simply stating facts.

Right now he's looking rather sheepish and mumbles his next words. "I mean, I could've taken it..."

"The Chitauri? Or the painful death you would have endured?" I ask innocently.

By now the men aside from Bucky are all looking rather amused. It appears that not only can I make a man fall just from my power in general, but also words are just as effective.

Steve now chooses this moment to intervene. "Alright, I think we get that Buck was having a bad day then, you guys carry on - I need to speak with Hale". He orders, and the men go back to whacking the training dummies with their swords. Taking my arm, Steve pulls me to one side. "Was my mother ok? You were a while".

I nod. "She just wanted to introduce herself properly, saying she didn't really have much of a chance to yesterday".

I am also very good at lying...

"She's nice, I told her that I'm at her service should she need it".

Technically not a lie considering I told her those exact words on my exit from the room. Our conversation is still baffling me somewhat. A siren who managed to get out of the life and turn mortal - she must have been a real favourite for the water to grant her that.

Speaking of which, the cry of the gulls sound as a couple fly over in the direction of the harbour. Now that I'm actually in the city firsthand - the sea is nearer than anticipated, with tradesmen docking daily as well as supply ships being loaded or unloaded. Part of me wonders whether Auburndale trades with not only the lands of the six houses, but also with the Eternal lands as well.

I have heard of the ones who control those. Their houses just as mysterious and unknown as their heritage. Apparently they do not age and the extent of their powers are unknown. Once they were worshipped by many, until they became distant and reclusive as the population of humans as well as other beings grew by numbers. Now anyone who crosses their boarders and enters their territories never returns to tell the tale. However the rumours are rife that the Eternal ones simply slaughter you on first sight. They abide by their own rules and it has been said that sacrifices are involved. Whether they are human or not.

Blood is blood I suppose.

Even when we dwelled in the water, the Sirens would never venture to the seas that surround the Eternal lands. For all we know there could be some like us there that possess a far greater power - but it is highly unlikely.

Steve now simply nods. "It will be nice for her. She never really has anyone to talk to other than myself or my father. Sometimes Sam and Bucky, but it's nothing like the company of another female".

He has no idea.

"I'll do my best to see she doesn't feel lonely". I promise him, but if anything then it will be Sarah who will be doing exactly that for me. After all. I'm alone here technically and in a strange place. Only now does it dawn on me that perhaps this has been the most stupid decision that I have ever made - and all because I wanted to prove myself.

"Come on then Hale! Let's see what you've got!" Bucky now calls over challengingly and Steve and I both look in his direction.

He clearly wants to show that he will not be beaten by a woman, and now needs an ego boost. "Are you sure?" I ask.

"Are you not? Or is it that you'll know this time around I'm not gonna be caught off guard".

"I wouldn't get too smug too soon". I now walk towards him and unsheathe my sword. I'm not the greatest when it comes to this, but at I can still deliver a blow so it's something.

Bucky now circles me as I stop on the field in front of him, sword swinging around casually in circles. "You need to train too right? It's just a training session".

I look at him. "Somehow to you I think it's more than that". Now going to strike him. The clash of metal on metal fills the crisp air that's turned my cheeks red from the cold. Even in the winter months the men will need to train, especially if they were at battle in these conditions or worse.

Bucky takes a couple of swings, but doesn't anticipate that I am rather quick on my feet. It's laughable really when I'm accustomed to swimming more.

Still, I don't want to raise suspicion or questions and simply let him win this one - even if I did have the upper hand. He sends me to the ground, the light snowfall sending the cold through my hands and making them pained from the chill, but he offers me his hand to help me up.

Instead I pull him down and then get to my feet, Seeing Steve and the other men clapping. Bucky gets up and we shake hands. "Not bad...need a little work though - if Steve lets you have five minutes then feel free to come train with us".

I smirk. "Maybe", and sheath my sword once more. This time I am more than happy to watch from the sidelines as Steve carries on training.

With any luck, I won't need to step in when it comes to battle. Not unless it's absolutely necessary.