I must confess I feel like a monster.

Almost as soon as Sif had dropped her bags and continued into the room, Idunn exited the bedroom in her mad dash to find her. The impact knocked the smaller of the two back and onto the floor, seemingly not affecting Sif in the least. Momentarily stunned, it took Idunn a few seconds to realize that she had run into a person and that person was Sif. Green eyes ran over the new outfit and hair the shieldmaiden had on, taking it all in.

Standing back up, Idunn hesitated a moment before bursting into tears and hugging her tightly. Certainly, this must have been an odd sight for Sif, but to Idunn, it was just a way for her to release all the worry that had built up within in moments of her realizing she was gone. "You're okay. They did not take you away. I'm so happy," she sobbed, not wanting to let her go. She wasn't even about to question why Sif looked so different. At least not at this point.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of her crying and clinging, Idunn calmed herself down enough to look back at her future wife. Eyes red-rimmed, she tried to speak but found herself unable to do so. Instead, she pulled Sif into a deep kiss as a confirmation that she was truly there, as if the hug wasn't enough. "I love you…" she whispered, barely audible. "I didn't want you to be gone. I would have… I would have confronted the All-Mother if you were." And for a third time, she looked at Sif, finally acknowledging her appearance. "You're blonde. Why are you blonde and dressed… like this?" she asked, letting out a sobbing laugh.

Idunn curled up against Sif as they sat on the couch together, her head resting on her shoulder. "I worried. I worried that she though you had run off, thinking you did not want to marry someone. I worried that she was like her father is some respects, going back on his word. I worried that you…. I worried that had second thoughts about whether we could be together or not." If Sif had decided to leave, Idunn wasn't certain what she would do for many reasons, most importantly how she would get back to Asgard. She could not teleport herself, nor could she fly, and she doubted that it was as easy as yelling for Heimdall to bring down the Bifrost. At the very least, she would have to travel north to where the vikings were and try to find one of Odin's sacred trees or a root of Yggdrasil. It would have been a terribly long journey.

"I was foolish. I should have realized you would not have left." Had she just slept for a few minutes more, Sif would have been back and there would have been no reason for such a panic. But, the little goddess of immortality was happy to have said those three words in her emotional state. She did love Sif. Perhaps not a love that was one filled with passionate nights and sore bodies in the morning, but one where she could not bear to think of a life without her. She was starting to love and care for her much too quickly than what was normal, but Idunn always had a tender heart.

"A makeover… must I get one too?" she asked, holding up a lock of Sif's hair. "This was a surprise for me, was it not? Does this mean you are giving up your sword and shield?" Idunn was just now beginning to enjoy the idea of a sword wielding Sif, so she certainly hoped this wasn't the case. "How should I look, or need I ask Zarda and her daughter?" She knew she was bombarding Sif with all these questions, but Idunn wanted to do the right things when it came to this world. After all, much had changed and she wanted to fit in as much as possible. Besides, more knowledge about minor things meant that she would be less likely to take offense at a comment given to her. Midgardians had so many different sayings that, though they sounded crude and wrong, apparently were a positive thing.

"I'm glad the All-Mother is not like her father." It was rude to speak ill of the dead, but then again, if she didn't behave as was expected, Idunn worried that it might displease Aldrif and then…. it was never wise to displease your ruler. "It is good that she is honest. Honest rulers tend to live longer than dishonest ones." And, from what she knew, Odin had lived and exceedingly long time.

"I think I like your change. You seem happier, more relaxed," Idunn commented, noting that, in the brief time since her return, Sif seemed more at ease and far more talkative. She smiled when Sif said she would not give up begin a warrior. No matter what incarnation she was, Idunn had always seen Sif as a strong woman, warrior or not. At the offer of going shopping, Idunn perked up. "You would take me and give me a makeover? I think I would enjoy looking at the various clothing there is. Not that I dislike the first dress you bought me," she added quickly. "It is a gift that I shall cherish always." She did not want to appear ungrateful for the dress, after all, Sif had no reason to buy her such a present then. They had not been betrothed yet. But she also did not want Sif to give the impression that she was poor or stingy. It was a sign of a good marriage if the spouses gave each other gifts every so often, or at least that was what she had heard.

"I would very much like to do all these things with you today. I will be ready in an instant," she said, giving Sif a gentle and brief kiss before ducking back into the bedroom to change.

The afternoon was a wonderful one to spend together. At first, Idunn was reluctant to try anything on as the first few shops they visited specialized in tight pants, shorts that barely covered what they were meant to, and simple tops. But eventually, as they made their way towards the center of town, shops began catering more towards skirts and blouses that were to her liking.

In the end, the makeover didn't so much as give Idunn an entirely new look as it simply modernized her ensemble and showed off her figure a little better. The hair salon itself was an experience, as the little goddess was less than thrilled with the idea of completely changing her hair. Preferring to leave it as it was, the stylist was forced to settle with a simple wash and cut, adding only a few layers to Idunn's hair. The only major change the goddess truly enjoyed were the heels. Despite the inches they added, she did not come anywhere near to towering over her fiance, in fact Sif was still the taller one, but at least the height difference was less severe.

With a few new items of clothing in her possession, the two of them wandered about town, letting their feet guide them on their path as the viewed the sights the city had to offer. As the evening wound down, they found a quiet restaurant with a private balcony where the two dined as the stars came out. A few glasses of wine over the course of the meal made Idunn relax and scoot her chair over towards Sif, wanting to be closer. "I have enjoyed today, Sif. I wish we could live here instead of Asgard. Have a home in the woods where you could be yourself and not have to worry about anything," she said with a soft sigh. "But you have your duties to the throne. Perhaps we will find a quiet place on Asgard, a little distance from the palace?"

"I like how you are, if this is it," Idunn smiled softly. "If I can help you be any more relaxed, please let me know and I shall do it." By those words, Idunn was being truthful. She wanted to help Sif in every way she could. It was an unspoken, mutual understanding. Sif taught her about modern Midgard, which Idunn decided she would never call earth, as it was too plain a word to describe this realm, and the young goddess would help her wife to be to relax and be at peace with herself.

Idunn had noticed Sif's necklace as they shopped throughout the day, and though she was fairly certain that she was not wearing such a piece of jewelry when she came back from shopping, Idunn said nothing about it. It was a beautiful piece and Sif wore it well. Thankfully, or perhaps not, the necklace gave off no indication of what it was and what it could do. Or it could have simply been due to the fact that, unlike Amora and her skills, Idunn could not sense anything emitting from the Ember Stone.

"I would not give up Asgard, if that is why you worry. Asgard is my home and I do love it. I was simply…" Idunn quieted down, trying to figure out how best to word her frustrations. "I do not want to be a burden. The Jotunns wanted either myself or Freyja as prizes, and though I know it has been a very long time since they kidnapped me… at least for you… I do not want them to perform that task a second time. I do not want you to fear for me or worry about my safety." It was a foolish thought, Idunn knew that, but she couldn't help but think it. In her heart, she felt that Sif would protect her no matter, which made her happy and feel entirely loved.

Taking her hands and holding them close, Idunn was quiet once more, thinking on how best to word what she was about to say. "If…. If you would… if it would please you to have me tonight, I will not say no." She didn't add that she would have no idea how to participate, but she was fairly certain that Sif knew she was inexperienced in the bedroom. "All I ask is that you be gentle and do not hate me if… if I do not meet your expectations." All this she said while looking down at her hands, afraid to look her in the eye.

Idunn looked up at Sif as she talked about the rule regarding living in Asgard. She wanted to ask who had performed the cruel act of keeping her away, but she managed to hold her tongue and keep the question to herself. In her mind, she suspected that the deed had been done by Loki. Idunn was learning that, if there was mischief or trouble done to any of the Asgardians, particularly Sif, the god of lies and chaos was behind it. "I thank you for keeping me safe, Sif. I have never had anyone so valiant and brave in my life. Never one so honest. It makes me feel glad that I am marrying you," she told her softly. Although she didn't say it, Idunn would do the same for her shieldmaiden. She had little power and her size was almost laughable, but Idunn had a solid determination under her gentle softness.

"Please do not compare me to her," the goddess asked. "I know that she and I are the same, but that is like telling you a carving knife is the same as a greatsword. They may serve similar purposes, but there are differences. She is… she is not me." That was the best way to describe the circumstance. "I know you will be gentle. I know you willing be loving and kind and take things slow as you teach and guide me." The evening was young and for a while they simply walked together, hand-in-hand. There was street music which they enjoyed, dancing a little with the crowd, but no matter the activities, it always returned to the two of them seeking each other, or at least that's what it seemed to Idunn. Eventually, the crowds thinned, going to have late dinners or heading to clubs where the thrumming music hurt Idunn's ears and made her head ache, leaving the two alone for the most part.

Wrapping her arms around Sif's waist, Idunn rested her head on her shoulder, gently nuzzling the crook of her neck and breathing in her scent. "Please…?" she asked softly. She had never wanted anyone before, but here she was wanting Sif's skin against her own and be subjected to whatever sensations a night together would bring.

As Idunn listened to Sif's explanation, she grew still and angry. It was a combination she had rarely, if ever, felt before. "I have never found much of Loki's mischief to be funny, though the tug-of-war with a goat tied to his manhood was amusing, but this? He wanted you to die, Sif. If I ever should meet this incarnation of the god…" the anger in her voice faltered a bit. "I do not know what I will do. But if he hurts you, I will hurt him back and far worse. Odin never should have made him a blood brother."

Truthfully, Idunn was happy that she was not Amora either. They were too different for her liking, and the little goddess could not see herself being like her at all. She was passion and fire and ice, while Idunn was sweetness and comforting warmth and refreshing coolness. "I will not be her. I promise. If I do start acting like her, you have my permission to put me in my place," she smiled, knowing Sif would be gentle in her actions.

No, it did not take long for Idunn to want to be with Sif in such a manner, but desire and actual fulfillment were two different things entirely. The kisses were enjoyable and she did find herself lost in Sif's embrace as they neared the bed, but the moment the shieldmaiden's hand slipped beneath her clothes, the young goddess halted and froze. A small squeak escaped her lips as she began to grow uncomfortable, her mind returning the few times Thiazi touched her during her imprisonment. She tried not to show discomfort, but Idunn was almost certain Sif would notice. "Please… I-I don't… can you… can I…." She gently took Sif's hand and removed it, wrapping it around her in a tight embrace. She stayed like that for a few quiet minutes, waiting for the memories to fade. "Can I undress myself for these first few times?" she asked softly, feeling like a scared little rabbit. "I know it is not how things are done, but I would feel better if it is…"

Idunn kissed that little smile and laugh Sif was trying to hide. "It is all right. You can laugh. You did when he first did it." Everyone had. "Loki didn't walk for two weeks, and after that he limped for a month." But that had been a different Loki. With what Sif said, Idunn was glad that this version was dead. Or at least she hoped he was. It unsettled her that Amora would be so close to him. What did she see in him if he was so evil?

The look on Sif's face when Idunn asked her to stop pained the little goddess greatly. She shouldn't have asked that in the first place. She should have just quietly worked her mind through the memories, ignoring them as Sif held and kissed her. But she didn't and now the moment was ruined. Wanting to make it up to her, Idunn gently kissed Sif once more, cupping her face in her hands before pausing and changing her plans.

Mimicking the motions that Sif had started, Idunn tried her best to remove Sif clothes in a seductive and teasing manner, though the effort was laughable at best. The goddess honestly had no idea what she was doing, having never undressed someone for sex before. Sighing softly, she admitted defeat and laid her head upon Sif's shoulder. "I am sorry," she whispered. Nuzzling her neck, she she squeezed her eyes shut, keeping in mind that Sif was a wolf, not a frost giant. She would never hurt her. "What I want is you. I can handle it."