"I alone know, as I think I do know, your love beside Thor..
   .....and that was the wicked Loki."
                            ~ Loki to Sif
         ('Lokasenna' The Poetic Edda)

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

Sif barely slept that night. Try as she might her thoughts would not allow her any peace. Many things were troubling her and much to her dismay, Loki was of course the main cause.
Why had she reacted in such a way to his dramatic revelation of Odin's plans to find him a bride? Surely she should be honoured by how the Allfather had taken her advice about Loki needing to be loved. And even though Loki had seemed none to happy at the prospect, maybe a spouse would be able to tame the fallen Prince's wild heart.

Images flashed back into her mind's eye, of him languishing in the pool and the way the light had reflected upon his supple, wet skin...of his deep staring....of his inappropriate banter...
She shivered, not wanting to dwell on the meaning of these strange new feelings and thoughts that were awakening within. Nothing made sense to her anymore. And the realisation that he no longer possessed any powers, had come as a blow too.
If Loki was not causing these thoughts and feelings by using magic, then what was?

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

Over the next few days that followed, Sif fought hard to ignore the worries that were gnawing away at her. She put on a front whilst in the company of others, throwing herself into her training as a way to distract her and keep her mind occupied. It did not help matters that the palace was buzzing with gossip about Loki, from idle chatter concerning his return, to questioning the rumours they'd heard regarding his betrothal to a mystery woman.

Thankfully, and much to her relief, Loki himself seemed to be keeping a low profile. She hadn't seen him since her impromptu visit to his chambers and she found herself constantly on edge. Yet at the same time, she knew the sinking feeling in her stomach was disappointment, whenever someone entered the room and it wasn't the trickster God.
Thor had also been absent, and the word was he had returned to Earth in order to visit his mortal lover. Sif hoped that this may lighten his mood, and found herself pondering on the bizarreness of the situation. Years ago she would have been jealous of the attention Thor lavished upon this Midgardian, yet now she found herself genuinely hoping that the Thunderer might commit himself finally to one woman alone.

She herself, though having been his lover for a very brief period, had not been enough for Thor. Neither had the beautiful Freya, who ironically had since chosen to bestow her affections on Balder, who bore quite a striking resemblance to the God of Thunder.

Was it possible that a mere mortal could be enough to curb Thor's lustful, fickle nature? Only time would tell.
Odin obviously approved, for it was he who used his mighty powers to enable Thor to leave, now that the Bifrost was shattered.

Early one morning Sif was sparring with Volstagg in the arena, as Hogun looked on, when Fandral came hurrying over.

"Friends, such news!"
He declared, somewhat breathlessly,
"Thor is to return this night and the Allfather has announced a ball is to be held!"

Volstagg frowned disapprovingly,
"A ball? What is wrong with a banquet? I would much rather attend a feast than a ball any day!"

Sif and Fandral laughed, even Hogun managed a smile. It was typical of Volstagg to be concerned only about his stomach as usual.

"Admittedly though, it is rather short notice for a ball, usually they are announced months in advance and for special occasions only."
Sif pondered aloud.

"Do not fret Lady Sif.."
Volstagg joked,
"...I am sure you will be able to decide what to wear in time, though it may be quite a challenge."

Sif gave a wry smile, choosing to ignore his teasing. They all knew only too well that she never dithered over such trifling matters, unlike most other women.

Enthused, Fandral continued,
"Well rumours are rife within the palace that this is due to a special occasion...there is talk of Thor's mortal wench returning with him!"

For the first time in a week, Sif found herself smiling genuinely, Fandral's excitement was contagious. Volstagg also admitted to looking forward to meeting the human again, under more relaxed circumstances this time. So the four companions parted company in high spirits that afternoon.

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

Much to the annoyance of Sif, for the first time since she were a young girl she found herself struggling to decide upon what to wear. Cursing Volstagg for seemingly jinxing her, after discarding several different gowns, she eventually settled on a midnight blue one, that was made of the softest material.
Sitting down at her dressing table, she began entwining small diamonds of the same colour into her hair. It was a lengthy task which took a great deal of patience, but the effect once completed was stunning.
The whole process was not typical of Sif; usually she never took this long to dress, nor did she tend to spend so long on her hair. She was not sure why she had gone to such great lengths, but surveying the result of her efforts now in the long mirror, she was pleased to see it had been worth it.

Her appearance did not go unnoticed that evening and caused quite a stir amongst the Aesir. However she paid no attention to their appreciative glances, never having considered herself a great beauty, though most would strongly disagree with her.

The great hall was filled with the sound of music and laughter. All of Asgard's elite were gathered. Nobles, chieftains and Gods alike, mingled, danced and chattered.
Goddesses twirled around smiling, their decorative gowns glittering in the candle light, causing a swirl of colour which captivated the eye.
Both Fandral and Volstagg had been standing with Sif, but now Fandral was engaged in a dance, and Volstagg had gone in search of food.

Thoughts lost in the scene before her, she never noticed Loki approaching from behind. She never had been able to detect his presence; his ability to sneak up on people was baffling but admirable. It was only when he spoke finally, was she aware he was standing so close. And looking devastatingly handsome in his ceremonial armour.

"Why Sif, you look ravishing...."
He crooned,
"....and you are not dancing? Tell me, why stand admiring when you could be participating?"

His tone did not sound mocking, but still Sif was slightly irritated that he had undoubtedly seen the affect his sudden appearance had. She physically jerked, heart instantly hammering at the sight of him.

He smiled seductively, registering her surprise,
"My apologies for startling you....but I couldn't help noticing that you are in want of a partner."

Sif narrowed her eyes, immediately wary of the sly one. How long had he been watching her?
"Your stealth hasn't waned any I see.."
She quipped, in an attempt to display a nonchalant attitude.

She was still embarrassed by the memory of her actions the last time she had been in Loki's company. Remembering the way she had fled from his chamber still made her face flush. He must have thought she'd lost her wits.
"As for lacking a partner, I merely choose not to dance."
She added truthfully.

Before she could register what was happening, he had decisively taken hold of her hand and began leading her towards the other dancing couples.
"Well, surely you shall not refuse to stand up with a prince of the realm?"

He spun her around then snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her in towards him.
Sif could not quite comprehend why she did not bother to put up any resistance, it was as if she knew within her heart of hearts it was futile.
She reluctantly rested a hand upon his metal-clad shoulder, cautiously placed her other hand in his, and allowed him to begin moving her around the floor. She could smell the leather of his armour, and combined with his own sweet musky scent, it was intoxicating.

Angry at herself for even noticing, and the way his recent battle scars added a certain ruggedness to his already attractive features, she attempted to be angry with him.
"It appears the disgraced Prince is in need of a partner, therefore I shall not refuse on this occasion."

For a moment Loki's face appeared to darken, but then he smiled devilishly,
"You wound me Sif.....fallen Prince I may be, but I am still to be your brother-in-law some day..."
He locked eyes with her momentarily, and added pointedly,
"....So you would not deny me the pleasure of dancing with you surely, sister?"

Inexplicably Sif felt as though an icy chill crept down her spine at those words. Instinctively she tried to pull away from him but he merely pulled her closer; gripping her hand tighter he entwined his long fingers through hers, adding to her irritation due to the intimacy of the gesture.

"Why say such things Loki?"
She hissed, trying to keep her voice low so as not to be overheard by the other couples,

"I am merely stating a fact my dear Lady, every one knows you belong to the mighty Odinson...."
He glanced around the hall briefly, taking in the disapproving faces around them,
"....so you need not fret further over your reputation. No one will think ill of you for partnering me in a dance, we're practically family after all!"

Sif sighed in exasperation,
"Every one also knows that Thor has returned to Asgard with his mortal woman. For Odin to permit that, then surely he does not still expect Thor and I to marry!"

Loki halted abruptly now, but continued to hold her,
"What makes you believe that Thor has returned with the mortal? Do you honestly see Odin allowing a human into the eternal realm?"

Oblivious to the curious stares they were attracting, Sif argued defiantly,
"He must have allowed her to enter Asgard, otherwise what would be the purpose of this whole event? Is it not in honour of the woman and Thor's return?"

"I'm afraid your foolish companions listen to too much gossip Sif. Thor did not go away to visit his mortal wench. He went in search of a possible bride for me. Though I highly doubt there was a line forming of potential candidates, so he won't have succeeded-"

"W-what?!"

Loki made to speak again but was silenced by the sudden blast of trumpets; the fanfare which announced the arrival of the Allfather.
The music ceased, and all of those who had been dancing now moved aside in order for the King and Queen to make their way to the far end of the hall where the thrones sat.
With bowed heads, the gathered Aesir applauded as Odin swept by grandly, with the ever demure looking Frigga on his arm.
It was then that Sif noticed Thor trailing behind them, at his side a petite woman dressed in a pale pink gown, with matching veil covering her head.
Sif's  heart was in her mouth.
Surely Loki was mistaken. He was taunting her. His words  could not be trusted. Maybe this was Jane returning with Thor. Wasn't it?

Sif noted Thor's smiling face, the attention from the crowd pleasing him as always, but he did not appear tentative towards the mystery woman by his side as the four reached the end of the hall, and Odin addressed his subjects,
"On this day, I Odin, Allfather of the nine realms welcome you all here to bear witness to a most joyous event!"
He reached out and took the lady's hand in his own,
"It is with great pleasure and honour that I introduce to you.."
He paused whilst she reached up and carefully removed her veil. The crowd gasped and Sif was taken aback at the sight of a pretty young woman. That most definitely was not Jane.
Her heart sank like a stone.

"..the Lady Sigyn of Vanaheim!"
Odin continued.

Every one applauded and Sif could hear those around her muttering amongst themselves about how beautiful the maiden was. The Allfather raised his spear to silence the hall once more,
"The Lady Sigyn has left behind her realm and fellow Vanir in order to join us here in Asgard. From this day forth all shall embrace her as one of our own.."

A gentle smile spread across Sigyn's delicate features, her large blue eyes shone like her long, chestnut brown hair. Odin turned to her and went on,
"...as a member of the Aesir, you shall bear responsibility.....I proclaim you Sigyn, Goddess of Fidelity.."

He now turned in the direction of where Sif was standing with Loki still at her side.
His good eye fell upon his adopted son, and Sif watched with growing apprehension as the Allfather gestured for him to join them on the dais.

Slowly and cautiously Loki made his way towards him. Once he reached his side, Odin delivered the blow that floored Sif completely...
"..And the intended bride of our Prince Loki."

The room erupted in applause once again, but the shock and uncertainty was clearly visible on the younger prince's face. Indeed many who were gathered there were equally as shocked and uncertain. They obviously did not envy the Lady Sigyn's plight. Having such an unruly and volatile husband would no doubt be a mighty burden for anyone to bear.
The malicious gossiping already filled Sif's ears,
"Has the Allfather lost his wits? How can one so young be expected to cope with the wicked Loki?"
"Would none of the Aesir be willing to marry the sly one, is that why a bride has been brought from another realm?"

It suddenly felt very stuffy, hot and crowded in the large hall. Sif found herself struggling to catch her breath and her chest tightened as if in panic. Hurriedly she stumbled for the doors that opened out onto the palace gardens.

She desperately needed air.