Among the Stars

Chapter 3

Thor sat on a high, precarious chair by a reflective granite table, looking around at his five companions. The one called Steve had insisted that since the Avengers were now a team, they should spend time together and get to know each other. The one called Tony had replied that if that had to be, they should at least do it at his place since he had "A leet pad". So the six of them were gathered at his penthouse, chatting with varying degrees of success. But there was coffee, so as far as Thor was concerned it was worth it.

Jarvis' voice interrupted.

"Master Stark, four visitors are at the door. Shall I let them in?" He inquired.

"Tell them we're not here," Tony said. "No, wait. Tell them we're off defending some villagers or getting kittens out of trees or something. Something heroic."

"Sir, they insist that they must see Thor. I do not think they will leave easily," Jarvis said.

Thor stood up. Surely that meant it was Sif and the Warriors Three. He was enjoying his coffee and the company of these Midgardian warriors, but there was much to contemplate, and some things couldn't be understood by outsiders. He strode to the door and opened it.

Sif and the Warriors Three faced him, looking slightly overwhelmed by the gadgetry and flash of Stark Tower. They were wearing battle gear, and Thor felt his blood quicken at the thought of an adventure.

"We are most reluctant to disturb your revelry, but there is unrest on Alfheim." Sif did not look reluctant at all. She smiled impishly at Thor.

Thor turned back to his friends, who were looking on interestedly.

"I have enjoyed your company and stories greatly, but I am afraid I am needed elsewhere," He said. "I am sure we will have many more feasts and tell many more stories soon."

Steve stood before they could get out the door.

"You need any help?" He asked.

"That is most valiant, but this is an Asgardian fight. We will fight together another day," Thor replied as he closed the door. He faintly heard Tony saying something about Sif certainly being an Asgardian, but he pronounced it altogether incorrectly.

On Alfheim, all Hel was breaking loose. According to Sif, there were two main elf clans and fighting broke out over some political matter. She was a lot more specific, but Thor wasn't really listening. He was just there to smash things and get his mind off of other problems. He threw himself into the battle, trying his best to restore order by pounding any elf that wouldn't stop fighting.

As he and Sif fought alongside each other against an elf in a particularly well-built battle suit, they conversed good-naturedly.

"So, you seen that woman of yours lately? Jane, isn't it?" Sif said as she battered at the robot with her sword.

"I've been preoccupied," Thor said shortly. The truth was, he didn't know what to say to Jane. He worried that bringing up what had happened would just cause her more pain, and he had no idea how to discuss his lingering love for his brother with a woman who knew him only as a maniac.

"It would do you good. You've been so moody lately. A woman's touch is just what you need." Sif said, pausing now and then to dodge and strike.

Thor drew back his hammer and sent it straight into the battle suit's chest, sending it flying a hundred feet back, where it crashed in a heap. He held out his hand and it flew back, landing solidly in his grip.

As he turned and faced a charging group of elves, Thor thought about what Sif had said. She was right about a lot of things. His heart wasn't really in this battle. It didn't fill him with valor and stir him up like adventure usually did. He found it hard to concentrate when there so many things on his mind. There was Frigga. He didn't want to think about that. There was Loki. He was always complex to fathom. And there was Jane. He had nearly lost her. Just the thought made him want to protect her, even if she wasn't being threatened right now. He'd just protect her anyway.

Sif was right. As soon as this battle was over, Thor decided he would go to Jane's house and visit her. He'd feel better just seeing her and knowing she was all right, and maybe she could help with some of his jumbled feelings. She was a sensitive sort of woman. She'd know what to do.