"You heard..." It was the only reply he had, to simply repeat her words, hollow; though they sent a sharp pang of agony through him.
He didn't look up from his task, preferring instead to keep his gaze on the gradually building embers instead of what pity or judgement he might find on her face. He couldn't bear to see it. What she must think of him; spending his days and nights hidden away in this desolate forest. This was nothing like her home. Nothing like the orchard she shared with Bragi, where there had been so much laughter, light, and warmth. The things that typically drew him in and made him feel at peace were the things that only made the ache deepen right now. Her presence alone was a stark reminder of everything Thor had just lost with the collapse of his marriage. Though he did not know her very well; any one who observed his brother and she for more than a moment's time would have been able to see how happy they made each other, just with a simple gaze or a touch. That kind of love was impossible to contain; it was spoken in unmistakeable volumes with the way they regarded each other.
It had brought Thor great joy to see his brother so content, so elated. So appreciated by someone, as Bragi deserved to be appreciated. Thor delighted in that bond because he thought he understood it; he thought that was the kind of love that he shared with his own wife. The knowledge that the intensity of his love and devotion had been so one sided hit him with a devastating force, and he was completely unequipped to deal with it.
How had he been so blind, so stupid?
He spun around at her next comment; all the pain firing to life suddenly as he jumped to an accusation that had no real basis.
"How did you hear? Did you know of any of this?! Or was I the only fool to be completely unaware of my wife's---" He couldn't finish it. Instead he just dropped his gaze from hers, jaw tightened. Betrayal. Affair. Deceit. There were a number of words he simply couldn't vocalize, as none of them were things he'd ever imagined he would associate with her and he hated that. Hated that just the thought of her name sent him into a rage. Sif. Hated that he could barely speak it without it sounding like an insult.
The sound of her name use to pour out of him with reverence whenever he spoke of her, like he could not believe his luck. Now he could barely hold himself together at at the mere reference of her. He was certain Idun would soon come to regret asking after his well being, as he couldn't seem to stop everything he felt from spilling out gracelessly.