She's been there for all of, like, two minutes before she decides she totally regrets agreeing to come. Which - well, duh, what else was she expecting? It's in one of the gorgeous open halls of the palace, and everything is lit with firelight and the music and food is all Asgardian, but really it's pretty much like every other party she's ever been to and hated: a bunch of rowdy drunk people crowded into one room and talking so loud she can't hear herself think.
But here she is, and she's Thor's guest, so she can't exactly back out now without looking rude at the very least. Dammit.
At least he's there, and sticking close to her side. She presses herself up against him and manages a shaky smile, even though she's fighting the urge to run full-tilt out of the dining hall.
"I'm pleased to have you here with us," he says, smiling gently back, and puts his arm around her shoulders.
She relaxes a little at his touch, though when she goes to rest her hand on his she finds her fingers are still trembling. "Yeah," she agrees, hoping her smile doesn't look too obviously panicked.
He takes her hand in his and squeezes softly, rubbing his thumb back and forth across her palm. "Shall I fetch you a drink?" he offers.
"Sure," she says, nodding vigorously. "Yes, that - that sounds good, thank you. Thanks."
He chuckles and guides her towards the edge of the room. "I shall be only a moment," he promises, and ducks away to get a drink for her.
She stands awkwardly alone in the corner for a few seconds, rocking back and forth on her toes and tugging on her tunic with both hands.
"Lady Jane," says a cool voice nearby, and she turns.
It's Sif. Of course it's Sif, because who else should come greet her while she's a total wreck? "Oh," she says, and gulps. "Um, Sif. Hi."
The warrior gives her a small smile. She's all dressed up in some kind of ceremonial armor, not the kind she actually fights in but something gold engraved with swirling patterns. It's devastating. Jane tightens her grip on her tunic until she can feel the pressure of her nails through the fabric.
"It's a pleasure to see you here," Sif says. "Are you enjoying the party?"
"You, too," Jane says, which doesn't actually answer the question. She opens her mouth to say more, and closes it again. "It's okay," she says finally.
She might just be overheated from the crowd and the burning fires, but she's pretty sure instead she's blushing furiously.
"I mean, it's nice," she continues. "Thor is, um, he's getting me a drink, he'll be back...soon?"
