Frostbitten

The Children of Chaos

"Yes, and who are you?" The blonde man questioned as his eyes narrowed. 

Sif decided to force a smile and be polite, although all of her instincts told her to avoid these people at all costs. "I am Lady Sif, a companion of Thor."

The blonde nodded, "My name's Steve Rodgers." He pointed to the red haired woman, "That's Natasha Romanoff," Next, came the man who had stood, "Clint Barton," Lastly, a man she hadn't even noticed who had dark, curly hair and was clad in a purple dress shirt, " And Dr. Bruce Banner."

"Pleasure to meet you," Sif replied curtly, though still she felt uncomfortable. The eyes of each Midgardian before her seemed to analyze the Goddess' every inch from head to toe as if they were sizing her up, making sure they were prepared for any sort of arbitrary scuffle, or  perhaps worse.  

The one named Clint was the first to break the silence. His tone was dripping with venom and malice, leaving Sif to make her own assumptions that this man most likely had his own grudge against the detestable Loki. Not that everyone didn't, but Clint's bitterness looked to be more...personal. "You seem like a nice enough girl. So, what are you doing with him?" He wagged his finger at Loki, then continued on, "Same goes for you, Thor. From what I've seen, you've given me a very good impression. You're a first-class guy. Though I can't say the same for your lunatic brother."

"He may not be perfect, but we are not here to appease you. He is one of us and it will remain that way." Sif exclaimed with narrowed eyes. Even though at the time being, she was quite angry with Clint, Sif already liked the man for his undeniable courage. She sighed talking to each of them with a much softer tone, "Honestly, we are just as unenthusiastic as you are that we have to be here. The thing is, Midgard was our best option for safety. Tyr and his forces will most likely have already sent out warriors in search of us on the other realms."

Natasha rubbed her chin, "What's stopping them from looking here?"

"Nothing. Although, it will be far more difficult for them to find us here than on any other planet," Thor responded. "The main reason we are here though, is because I wanted to ask for your assistance." Silence captivated the entire room as not a word was uttered. 

This time, it was Steve that spoke up first, "I'm in." Following that, a chorus of 'me too's' broke out around them, making Thor grin delightedly. "I guess the team's back again," said Steve with a slight chuckle. 

After deciding to begin early the next day, the Avengers and the Asgardians both had one last night of repose to enjoy all to themselves. Sif wondered where they would stay, yet according to Stark, each Avenger had their own personal floor, like Thor. They must visit often, she thought. 

Hearing the soft chatter of whispers outside of her door, Sif wondered if the Avengers were still present on their level. When she paused at the entryway, Sif pressed her ear against the door, immediately gaining clarity of the conversation outside. 

"Loki, you can't keep avoiding me," she heard Thor grumble.

Loki's distinct tone replied with annoyance, "Actually, I can. So, if you'll excuse me..." Loki took a few steps forward only to be promptly cut short. 

"Stop this! You still haven't even explained to me how you survived! The last memory I had of you was you dying in my arms! It never stops, does it! It's all just a game to you!" Thor fumed. 

Sif heard nothing for a moment, until finally Loki remarked, "I genuinely think you want me dead."

Thor took a deep breath full of pushed patience. "I never wanted you dead. But, you can't just keep dying, then coming back with a new surprise every time and what's this that you and Sif are getting at?" he  demanded. "Whatever sick thing you're playing at, it better end before you hurt her!"