Closed Starter
@mischief-x-mayhem
Sif was never one for these formal parties that the Allfather and Allmother loved to host. She would much rather have a small gathering with friends, during which they would talk, reminisce, drink Asgardian ale...and while there was something nice about dressing up, Sif found this particular gown to be a hindrance. She was not used to such frivolities; she spent most of the night worrying about tripping over the golden skirt.
“Wine, milady?”
Sif turned at the sound of a servant’s voice, and she gave the young man a polite smile before taking a crystal glass from his tray. “Thank you.”
She brought the drink to her lips, forcing her face to keep from twisting at the bitter taste. As she swallowed, she looked about the room, seeing a few familiar faces. Frandral and Thor were in a sea of women, looking completely in their element. Volstagg was talking with some fellow warriors, head thrown back in boisterous laughter as he lifted an hors d'oeuvre from his stocked plate. Hogun stood next to him, hands on his hips, a large grin on his face. Her king stood at the opposite end of the room, chatting with councilmen and other nobles. He, too, appeared to be in great spirits, and Sif had to wonder if she was the only one in this room that wished she were someplace else.
A soft touch on her shoulder had her turning, and her expression lifted when she saw the Allmother standing beside her.
“Good evening, Sif,” Frigga smiled, leaning in to press a kiss to her cheek.
Sif returned the gesture with a wide grin. “How do you fare, my queen?”
“I am well.” Her eyes moved from the woman beside her, searching the crowd of people. “Have you, by any chance, seen Loki? I stopped by his room on my way here, but there was no answer.”
Sif shook her head, brow furrowing. “I have not.” If he had skipped the party, she would not have blamed him. “Shall I look for him?”
“Would you?” the Allmother asked, looking at the woman warrior with pleading eyes. “I am late as it is...” She glanced at the king, who had already taken notice of her presence.
“Of course.” Sif had already thought of a few places he could be hiding.
“Thank you.” Frigga’s concern seemed to fade slightly as she took a few steps down into the main hall. She paused for a moment, peering up at Sif. “Let him know that both Odin and I were searching for him.”
Sif’s attention flickered to the king for a moment. She knew that Frigga did her best to keep the peace, but Sif was not sure she could blatantly lie to Loki about that. Odin did not seem the least bit perturbed by his absence.
But what did she know of the inner workings of the Allfather’s mind?
Giving her queen a smile and a small bow, she turned on her toes and headed out of the room and into the hall. She would check his room again, then she would go to the library. If he was not in either place, she would have to scour the palace grounds.
