When War and Lies Collide

Seal the Deal

The prince walked home in the shadow of the day's withdrawing light, a glum expression on his pale, chiseled face.  He had never wanted something like this to happen, especially not after he had begun to fix things.  Not many people were on the dirt road he now walked on, most Asgardians being home with their families and loved ones, oblivious to the disaster that was racing towards them.  His emerald eyes scanned over the houses, a helpless glint shining in them.  Because of him, these people could be dead in the next forty-eight hours.  All because of one of his mistakes that spiraled out of control.

With each agonizing step, he got closer to his own home- where Sif was.  He needed to talk to her, to beg her not to participate in the coming battle.  A lump formed in his throat just from the thought of it.

Moments later, he strode into their home.  He gently shut the door behind him and let out a deep breath he hadn't realized he was holding in the first place.  He turned heel to find himself gazing over at the dark haired goddess who sit in the middle of the floor cleaning her already gleaming blades.  The sight caused a small smile to form on his lips, oh how familiar she was.  Yet, the weapons were just a rude reminder on what he was going to have to speak with her about.  

"Sif."  Loki breathed out the word hesitantly, his whole body feeling tense.  She didn't look up from the blades but instead patted the spot beside her with her free hand.

Slowly, the prince sat down with a sigh, running his hand through his hair.  "You're stressed."  Sif stated, glancing up at his solemn expression.

"I am."  Loki admitted with a frown on his thin lips, his gaze meeting her own.

"Tell me what happened at your meeting, I've been dying to know." Sif replied, pushing her blades away so her full attention was on Loki.  So, Loki explained what happened.  He told her what he had told Odin, and then he explained the Allfather's reply.  None of the words came out easily and it seemed as if telling her the horrors he had caused and lived through were a struggle in itself.

"Tomorrow, Asgard will be forced to prepare for battle."  Loki finished, clenching his jaw in a worried manner.

"Then we will be ready, and we will send those beasts running off with their tails between their legs!"  Sif retorted in a determined tone, her brown eyes burning with anger she was saving for the enemy.  War was part of who she was, and it was moments like these that served as a swift reminder.

"Sif-" Loki started, only to be hushed.

"Asgard has always been triumphant, and this time will be no different." Sif said quickly, her brows set in a stubborn line.

"Sif, listen.  I do not want you to fight."  

There was a deafening silence right after the words left Loki's lips, Sif staring back at him with confusion.  She was caught off guard.  

"You're kidding."  Sif said quietly, lifting her brow.

"I am not.  I don't want you to participate in the battle."  Loki replied, watching with internal horror as he saw Sif immediately draw back.

"Not a chance!"  The goddess snapped back, lifting her chin defiantly.

"You don't understand, I can't let you do this!"  Loki said back in a desperate tone, his eyes wide.

"I have never asked someone for permission to do my job ever.  And don't you think for a millisecond that I'll be starting now."  Sif hissed back, eyes narrowing into suspicious slits.

"I won't allow you to die because of my mistakes!"  Loki growled back, his anger flaring.  Neither of them enjoyed being bossed around, and both of them were as stubborn as stubborn gets.  Both were more familiar with anger than any other emotion.