Thor was tense for a heartbeat more, then he let the hammer slip from his hand so he could wrap both of his arms around her, and not only for her sake. She seemed small against him, and he was struck again with that image of she and Loki curled on the floor.

He had wronged them both with his carelessness, but what worried him more was what Loki had intended for him to do, deliberately, knowing the consequences. He would sacrifice anything of himself for Asgard, but he would not have that luxury as king. He would be too important. He had always thought he would grow strong enough to defend all Asgard one day... but he did not know if he would ever be strong enough to allow those he loved most in it to come to harm protecting him.

But in Loki's place, would he have wanted to be allowed?

"I understand," He replied softly, even as his arms tightened briefly around her. For a long moment he simply held her, his chin resting lightly on the crown of her head, feeling the warmth of her through the light tunic he wore. It struck him too that she knew the truth of the matter, and still stood firm by him.

"And I am sorry, Sif," He added, voice thick. "For the pain this has caused you as well."