The smile he was giving her softened a bit, when he sensed he had struck a nerve. He was well aware that normally he would not care, especially with their other friends present; with just her, though, he knew he had to make sure he didn't land too strong of a sting. "I know," he said. "I was joking as well. You are most unlike her. I think I have more in common with her than you do."

"If I egged him on, it was only because I wanted to see him fail," he said, regarding Fandral. The memory made him laugh; at least he had never had the foolishness to bother Sif in such a way. Though maybe that was because, after awhile, Sif had ceased to be just any woman he found lovely to look at, and had become someone much more focused than that. Which was a shame; his hesitance was likely what kept the distance between them going for so long. "It was a dream come true, and a most impressive headbutt."