Sif

“You’ll always be my baby,” Sif muttered fondly, lips pressing briefly to the girl’s head before she pulled away. “As glad as I am to have you here, though, I am going to have to speak with your father.”

“I’m sure they didn’t. They would have just seen someone new around, and been curious as to your identity.” Understandable, really, considering it was always the same faces seen day after day around the palace. Anyone new always stuck out like a sore thumb for a while. “Admittedly some of them would take some getting used to the idea. As I’m sure you know, there has been some bad blood between Asgardians and Jotuns in the past. Others are more forgiving, though, especially where your father is concerned.”

“Unfortunately, that’s true, and probably something we should have made you aware of sooner. I suppose we just didn’t want to pay attention to the fact that you’re growing up and developing an interest in dating.” It was a parent thing, she supposed. She sighed at Astrid’s words, finally opening her arms to invite her daughter into a hug. “I am happy to see you. It feels too long since I last got a chance to visit Asgard. I’ve missed you.”

“Darling, your father and I were not that young when we got married.” If anything, at that age he had still been what Midgardians would call a playboy, taking full advantage of the number of women swooning over him. “It took us a long time to get together. A very, very long time.” And they certainly hadn’t been each other’s first relationships, even if Sif knew that Thor had always been the one for her. As Astrid defended Heimdall, she sighed. “He still shouldn’t have done it. You may be royalty, Astrid, but his orders come from my father and yourself. He shouldn’t have given in to your demands.” That said, it was unlikely she would be too hard on him; at least Heimdall had made sure Astrid had landed near Sif, rather than somewhere further afield. “Not right this moment, no. But we do need to have a serious discussion about what you’ve done. And I’ll have to talk to your father.”

“First, you are far too young to even be considering marriage,” Sif pointed out firmly. “Second, you’re a Princess, Astrid. I’m afraid he won’t be the last to attempt to crawl into your heart simply because of your title.” She wished it wasn’t so, and that people could be trusted more, but she’d seen it happen all too often with others of title and nobility. “Heimdall shouldn’t have sent you without consent from me or your father, and I’ll be having words with him about that. You cannot run from your problems, that won’t solve anything.”

The stern look Sif had been giving her daughter softened as the story unfolded, a soft sigh leaving her. “Darling,” she shook her head. “I know that must have been horrible,” it wasn’t a situation she had ever been in herself, but she knew a thing or two about the struggles of love. “But it’s not a reason to run away, especially not to another realm. Do you realise how dangerous that could have been?” 

Arching a brow, Sif shook her head, not even bothering to turn around to look. “Nice try, young lady.” Having spoken to Thor just a few days previously, she knew he wasn’t going to be able to visit for some time. “Now, explain. And save both of us time by getting straight to the truth.”

“Well, favourite parent or not, I’m afraid I’m somewhat obligated to ask you why you’re here.” Really, she would have asked sooner had she not been so happy to see the girl. “I thought we agreed that you were going to stay on Asgard until you were older?”

“Yes,” she nodded, smiling in a way she hoped looked a lot less awkward than she felt. Telling someone that you were married to their dad wasn’t really the easiest of conversations to have, although neither was finding out your husband had children with another. “That makes sense, I suppose. Jotunheim and Asgard are vastly different, and with your father being who he is there, I can imagine you would have got a lot of attention.”

"Ahh, I suppose that makes sense,” Sif nodded in understanding. “I’d have likely made the same choice if I were him. I always preferred being out training than stuck inside learning.” Much to the displeasure of her parents, more so her mother than her father. “I do. Your father... well, he’s my husband. I suppose he was planning to explain to me that you would be arriving, but you got here before he could.”

“I missed you, too,” she smiled, wrapping her arms around her daughter and holding her tight for a moment. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“No, you’re not,” Sif shook her head, smiling reassuringly at her daughter. “But it’s not so bad here.”

“Your brother hasn’t come here with you?” Families didn’t have to do everything together of course, but Sif couldn’t help but feel the transition from Jotunheim to Midgard would have been easier for the boy if his brother had been with him. “Well, don’t worry about asking people if you need help. I’m usually around myself, as well.” When he named his father, Sif realised exactly why the stranger bore such a familiarity. “I know him quite well,” she chuckled, eyes flickering momentarily to the ring she wore on her finger before she glanced back at the boy. “I can only assume your arrival here is why he has requested I return to Asgard to speak with him soon.”

“You’re part frost giant?” It wasn’t really a question, more a statement, but one she spoke without judgement. Life had long ago taught Sif that people couldn’t be judged based on such things as who their parents were, or where they came from. “Well, like I say, I’m sure you’ll figure things out, and there’s always people around to answer any questions.” Those who were used to coming to a new realm would be the most help, in her opinion, and she made a mental note to speak to her daughter and Haven to ask them to keep an eye out for the boy. “You say your father is from Asgard? Do you know his name?” 

The longer she looked at the boy, the more she found something almost recognisable in his face, though she was sure she hadn’t seen him around before. Smiling, she nodded at his words. “I’m sure you’ll figure things out here soon enough. Most people do, no matter where they come from.” Her head tilted slightly then, allowing her curiosity to get the better of her. “If you don’t mind me asking, where are you from? Most who come here from another realm are from Asgard, but I don’t recall seeing you there.”

“You see those buildings over there?” As she spoke, Sif extended an arm, pointing at the two dormitory buildings at the other end of the campus. “Those are the dormitories.” Everything else would be fairly self explanatory when he reached them, or at least she assumed so. “You’re new to this place, I take it?”

Sif’s brow furrowed as she witnessed the exchange, noticing the empty shot glasses in front of the blonde. Excusing herself from the company she had been with, she made her way over, uttering an apology to the person Katri had spoken to before pushing in between them, turning her body to the young Asgardian. “I think you’ve had quite enough to drink for one night.” Her tone was gentle, yet firm. “Why don’t we go outside and get some air?”