|
  |
Evening in the 'Village'. While people go their merry way, walking the streets of The Village, Thor's got different plans. Whether by design, accident or invitation, it really matters not at this point because he is within and was actually 'allowed' through. Maybe it's his charm, charisma, or the way he carries himself, complete with an easy smile and something of a gleam to blue eyes.
Who knows?
"And there I was…" comes in something that may be considered a little loud for the premises, "the fire giants coming forth, brandishing weapons aloft in flame…"
Thor is currently at a table, not far from the bar, drinks scattered all about, or rather, more to the point, empty glasses that once HELD drinks are scattered all about. It's difficult for the wait staff to keep up, surely. There are some around, though those not directly involved are giving the occasional stare at the blond Asgardian Prince, though none, at this point, are really willing to actually do anything. Or say anything.
*
Crystal isn't exactly a regular. She's not here every night. Or even every week, really. But she's shown up enough and been pleasant enough when she's here, chatting with patrons and employees alike, that she's starting to gain regular status. It's the sort of place where she can ask around about her sister without raising too many brows or bringing up too many unusual topics.
Usually, it's a quiet place. The ruckus being caused by the Thunderer, though, is enough to draw more than a few looks from the patrons. Crystal does a little bit more than look. Making her excuses to the couple she was speaking to at the bar, she heads toward Thor's table, a faint smile curving.
*
"At that moment, I knew that there would be something coming to bear behind me as well" Thor's hands are in the air as he recounts the story, though as Crystal approaches, he catches her out of the corner of his eye. ".. and of a sudden"
Pause. His hands remain in the air, and even as some others seem to wait on the next words, they don't come. Instead, Thor smiles at the approach, and one hand then raises a little higher, and he calls out, "Another drink!" Beat. "For the lady."
*
"Your highness," Crystal greets, keeping her voice pitched to a level that fits in more with the general tone of the club as she dips her chin in polite greeting. "It sounds as though you have been keeping busy." She doesn't tell him to keep it down. She just…keeps it down herself, waiting for one of his companions to pull over or surrender a chair before she slides into it herself.
"I'm glad to see that you've made it through all right. More trouble with Muspelheim?" Just an ordinary conversation. See? No need to call the bouncers. Something tells her that would end poorly for everyone.
*
If Crystal, as her self, doesn't get his attention (which it does), the fact that he is addressed as 'Your highness' certainly does gain it. His manner brightens, and he rises to be sure she does get a chair, not relying upon the others to do so. "Please.. Thor." There's no hiding there. And just in case the others didn't know or realize? There's probably no question now.
Courtesy dictates that he waits for her to sit before he does again, and when she does, he finds his own.
Brows rise in surprise, with it, lifting a smile to his lips even further. His head cocks, and there's that gleam, "You know of it, then?" Thor finds a soft laugh and nods, "More trouble, but nothing that could not be easily dealt with, as I was explaining to these," there's a handwave, ".. nice people."
Now, however, he's intrigued, and continues, "How do you know of them?"
*
"I was unfortunate enough to be present when they first arrived on this plane, actually," Crystal says with a rueful smile. "And I assisted your brother and some friends in bringing back one of their warriors for questioning." It's an interesting statement, given that she sits there as prim and proper as any princess, ankles crossed and hands folded in her lap.
"I'm afraid I was unwell shortly after, though," she shakes her head. "So I'd not had the chance to see how everything was going. From the sound of things," she looks around the table, "It's been going well."
*
"Bringing one of the warriors back for questioning?" Thor is still so very intrigued, "Does he yet remain here on Midgard?"
Though now, the more important question, or rather, a chuffed statement is, "So you've met my brother."
It is an interesting statement on so many levels, and now, as the waitress comes with a tray of drinks and sets them down one at a time, deliberately, Thor is given a chance to consider the words a little more. As best he can, that is. (He's not the brainy one of the pair!)
"You were unwell. For that, I'm sorry. I would have enjoyed having you fight with us." Thor dips his head and he continues, "The child was returned." Which means? The Prince begins to slide drinks across the table once again, and he takes hold of a glass with a paw, "And Midgard is safe once again. And for that, I have you to thank as well, my Lady…" Is that a search for a name?
*
"He was kind enough to intervene when the fire giants arrived," Crystal laughs, taking one of the drinks. "Which was for the best. I was a bit overmatched." She sips, shaking her head and waving a hand to the question of whether the giant is still in custody. Not her field.
Setting down her drink, she offers a hand palm down for a more formal greeting. "Crystalia Amaquelin. But Crystal is fine. I would have been honored to fight with you all, but if they've all been dispatched, then it seems you've had things well under control without my assistance."
*
Brows rise and Thor rumbles a laugh deep in his throat. "'Kind enough'. Midgard is making him soft." It's not something he's too upset about either! "I will have to speak to him about it." Tease as only a big brother can!
Thor, too, sets his drink down, and rises as the hand is offered. His own hand lays flat, palm up for her to rest hers upon his. He makes a half bow over it before, "Thor Odinson. It is a pleasure, my Lady, to make your acquaintance. And whether they'd been dispatched or not, I would not turn down either your assistance or simply your presence."
*
"A pleasure, your highness." Crystal reaches for her glass again once greetings have been exchanged, smile quirking at the sibling rivalry. "Siblings are precious things. And your brother seems…interesting." Which is to say he's been relatively kind to her, but she knows the look of a hungry younger brother perhaps too well.
"Although I must confess, no one ever told me why it was the fire giants were looking for you," she prompts, arching a brow with a small smile.
*
Thor lingers, and it's once her hand is back on the glass does he slowly retake his place. Sitting back in his chair, relaxing, an arm is slung across the back. "Most would consider my brother 'interesting'. It is something he enjoys, really." Though now, he's studying her; much talk of Loki. Is she interested? Would be a fine match, and comely! Loki would be well suited!
The question, or rather, the statement brings the Crown Prince from his reverie, and if his smile slipped, it's back on. "They thought they would take me as suitable exchange for a child. After all, they have been brought to heel more than once. My father, his father.. and now, they've endured yet another loss by myself and my brother." With the aid of others, of course! "I apparently cause them the most grief. It is a load that I can easily bear, however."
*
"A child?" Crystal asks, quirking a brow curiously. "That sounds as though there's more of a tale behind it than just one encounter." She takes another sip of her drink, glancing around the bar. It's something she does often, really. Scan the crowd, idly searching. She doesn't look as though she expects to find anything, but she's always looking.
*
"A child had been stolen, and the child was returned." It's cut and dry, yes? In Thor's mind, absolutely. And Loki did a good job of explaining it in terms where the correct information meant the correct outcome. (Of course it could lead to manipulation, but that isn't a consideration. Right? Right?)
Thor takes up his drink once again, or one of the many that still sits before him on the table. With one draught, he empties a glass and sets it back onto the table with a *thump* that may carry a good way through the bar. "Now, my Lady Crystalia. You do not seem as one of those from Midgard, but rather, one of the more special of their kind." Had the term 'mutant' ever been uttered in his presence? Probably not. "I was telling my brother that this Realm has changed much since we both were here last for any length of time."
*
"Special would be one way to describe it," Crystal laughs softly. "But yes. If your brother has mentioned anything, I'm sure the subject has come up. I have abilities that are…outside of the norm here. And you're quite right. Things have changed out here in the world. My own people have been isolated for some time as well," she explains, setting down her glass. "Though my family and I have been traveling through the world the last several years. And recently…"
Trailing off, she takes another look around the room. "Recently I've found that we're even less different than we thought we were. Humanity is changing, and soon they're going to have to come to terms with the changes. Though they don't seem to be doing a very good job of it so far."
*
"Loki mentions many things. It's all in a matter of time when I begin to understand the significance of it." It's a little self-deprecating, but not really. It simply is what it is. Thor doesn't seem to mind that his brother is the smarter of the pair, but ultimately, he is the one that falls into leading. (Mostly. In his mind.) "I have seen mortals fly without aid.." As if that's the most they've been able to do?
Thor watches her carefully, and when she starts to mention 'family', his reach for a glass ceases. "You are travelling. Then, you and your family will continue on?" That's a shame. "How long, then, will you remain in this area? I would be disappointed to make your acquaintance only to say 'good bye' after a short time."
For a long moment, Thor is silent before, "You know.. I was telling my father that humanity was not as he remembered it. That they are not far from us.. but, of course, he would not see that. He would rather believe they were still as they were a thousand years ago. Two thousand." He shakes his head, but brows rise soon after, "Is there anything I can do that could help them see this change as being worthy?"
*
"We're…" Crystal pauses at his question, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. "My family and I are in exile," she explains. "Our people have been apart from humanity for thousands of years. Which was all well, of course. Until my cousin's brother staged a coup, claiming the city and exiling the rest of us. My sister disappeared in the battle, and we've been searching for her since," she explains."
She leans forward to reclaim her glass, though she doesn't drink yet. "My family is continuing their search elsewhere, but I've found that…Well, you could say I've found something of a home here. I hope to find my sister, and I keep searching, but for the first time in a very long time, I feel at home. As for seeing a change in humanity?"
She shakes her head, settling back. "While things are changing, I don't even know that I could say humanity as a whole is ready. Some things are too big for them to consider yet. They'd only be seen as a threat."
*
The news of family in exile brings Thor's attention fully around. Brows rise, and there's a chuff of air in a soft 'Huh'.. "Not unlike us," is finally declared, and now, now he takes up the glass and empties it, placing the glass upon the table once more. "Then, am I wrong when I pronounced you 'Lady', my Lady?" He almost sounds contrite. "Are you perhaps a Princess of your Realm?" The way she speaks, and now her carriage is noticed? It was probably always there; he's just too, well… Thor.
He chuckles again, and points lightly, "Midgard does have that effect, does it not? It has that hold over Loki, and me. In fact, I'm here simply because I wish to make my father understand and realize that those here are deserving of respect. I told him that I would find my Queen here.. and, well…" Another deep laugh comes, "I know you can imagine the reaction of the Agardian All-Father when met with the statement that Asgard would be ruled by a Midgardian Queen at my side." A lopsided smile lingers after, and he straightens, and takes a breath, "If you would like, I can help search for you. It would be my honor."
*
"I am," Crystal dips her chin, regal. "My cousin is the rightful king, though as I said, we are…not as we should be right now. Still, I'm certain that once we find my sister and Blackagar is ready, then all will be set to right. Maximus cannot hold against Blackagar when he sets his mind to his course of action." She sounds certain of that, head held high.
"There have been many offers of aid since I arrived here," she smiles faintly back at him. "And I will not turn away another. I'm certain she's here somewhere. And I'm certain with all of the aid, we will find her soon. But coming here for a bride? That is a brave choice."
*
At the acknowlegement, Thor rises again, and offers a proper bow; one that shows that he was actually paying attention in his classes as a child, "Your highness." The lopsided smile remains, however. "More now than ever, I am at your service. Should you require it when she is found, I will call upon my friends and we can rescue your Realm from its pretender." Or sooner. "You need only ask."
Thor takes his seat once more, and leans forward, yet another full glass settled between his large hands, "There was one. Her name was Jane. Father didn't like her much, and we compromised. She had to go through some tests before he would accept her." The way his tones turn at the end, it may be evident that Jane did not pass these tests.
"I was angry, and I probably said things I should not have, but I am here now, in self-exile. There have been some that Father has tasked to bring me home, to give up my folly. But, I will not. Asgard must learn, and I think Midgard shall, should I be successful."
*
"I am sorry," Crystal says gently when he mentions his Jane. "I…will confess, I've had many of the same fears myself. Our people have been isolated for thousands of years, carefully cultivating bloodlines and watching genes. I don't think they'll be pleased to hear that I have affections elsewhere. It's very brave of you to press forward despite your family's misgivings."
*
Thor headtilts, nodding. "Asgard as well. My father has a vision where he still recalls the days when we walked this Realm as gods. People worshipped us, sang songs to us. Told stories about us. I think that is something he simply can't let go. That Odin's throne will be shared with a mortal." Even he has a little bit of that, apparently. 'Mortal'.
A chuckle sounds and he looks away, settling himself before he returns, brows rising in prelude to his question. "Then you have found someone here? Or do you simply refer to this Realm as captivating you."
*
"Mmmm." Crystal takes a sip from her glass, a small smile curving despite herself. "There is someone I find myself growing…very fond of," she confesses. "Though as I said, I worry what my family will say. I hate myself a little bit for worrying. I want to be braver than that. I want to be ready to stand up to them. But I would be lying to myself if I said it wasn't holding me back."
*
"If you were searching for advice, I would ask what harm would it do? You are already in exile. Should you return to your home, the man who you would wish to call Prince would be by your side to ride with you. Proof, then, in the battle for worthiness, and so any suspicions that he was only after your title should be gone."
Thor shakes his head before a half-shrug graces his shoulders. "For my part, I would risk all for a lady who, in my eyes, is worthy. Should you declare, you would be welcome in Asgard should you not return to your home. Or should you find that Midgard no longer suits you."
*
"It's…complicated." Crystal spins her glass between her fingers, weighing it over with a slight frown. "When it comes to my family, so much is about genetics. About breeding. And in a great stroke of irony, the person I care for is…uniquely sensitive to exactly that issue. I have no doubts about his worthiness. I'm honestly not certain if I can say the same of him."
She drinks, shaking her head as she looks back to Thor. "To be honest, I don't think I'd been able to put that into words before."
*
Thor leans forward, and his head ducks, blond hair spilling over broad shoulders as he seeks to keep his voice down. The importance of the declaration isn't lost upon the warrior. "Then, my Princess, you should look elsewhere. Your value should never be questioned, and any who believe a lady they are courting is not worthy of them?" The last bits are rumbled; it's not a happy sound. Or perhaps that is the sound of thunder rolling in for a summer thunder storm? Hard to tell, perhaps? "Think long and hard. A lady should be cherished. Even my father holds my mother in high regard. A King and his Queen. He, from Asgard, and a long line of kings, and she, a Valkyrie." He chuckles suddenly, and he shakes his head at the thought. "My brother, I think, learned the art of diplomacy through Mother. Anything she wishes, my father would grant." The chuckle continues, deep and momentarily amused. Happy. "She saved both my brother and I many, many times. And after? My father knows to seek silence from my brother because he's learned all too well."
Thor's expression sobers again and he looks considering. "Now that they've been spoken, what are your thoughts on it?"
*
"Oh, no," Crystal adds quickly, reaching out to set a hand to his forearm. "No, I've no doubts of the regard in which he holds me. It's the regard in which he holds himself that I worry about." A small smile curves, a little sad. "Such things can be delicate with men, after all. But someone who doubts themselves can be…difficult when it comes to a relationship with someone else."
At his question, though, she sets down her glass, considering. "Your mother sounds a very good queen," she says with a small smile. "It's how it's meant to be, I think. A king and a queen who complement each other. Each bringing something the other needs."
*
Thor 'aaahs' quietly, and again, it's more a rumbled noise than actual word, and he looks relieved. The warm hand upon his arm isn't lost to him, but he's loathe to make notice of it or mention it, now that it is there on the chance it will be removed. "A man who does not believe he is worthy is a difficult task. That.. that I have no words for." It's never been a problem of his, or his brothers. They've got confidence coming out the ears. In some cases, too much. "All I can say, then, is that he should have faith in you and your words. But how to instill that in a man?" Thor shakes his head and he shrugs. "I.. I know not."
Thor's brows rise, and again, he's looking in earnest. "I mean, does the speaking of those words aid you in its solution?"
*
Crystal gives his arm a squeeze, somehow both reassuring and grateful, before she leans back again. "That," she laughs, "Is a very good question. But I'm not sure it has an easy answer. I feel better for having been able to put it into words," she muses. "Though I'm not sure they lend themselves to a solution. Self-confidence, that feeling of worthiness…That isn't something you can get from someone else. Those have to come from yourself."
*
"It is." Again, a man who has never really questioned his self-worth. Thor shakes his head, and he does sound apologetic, truly. Genuine. "I cannot understand how a man can question such a thing. But, I come from a realm of warriors. Those who questioned their own worth were usually the first casualties in battle." So, they got weeded out rather quickly.
Now, Thor reaches over to take her hand to give that reassuring squeeze back. "Do not put yourself into a position where you need to continue to declare his worth if he cannot see it. He can't be there, then, when you need him."
*
"Mmmm, we've heard tales of Asgard," Crystal laughs, smile flashing. "A realm of warriors indeed. Though as it turns out, my own people were created to be warriors as well. Not all of us have been successful on that front, but we're certainly ahead of the curve for humans here. Even without our powers, we're considerably more durable. Another thing to be cautious of," she says, rueful. "Even mutants find it somewhat unsettling to see strength and speed added to other powers."
*
Thor grins at the admission of those tales. "Every one of them true, except for…" and he laughs as if he'll be listing many, many tales. "You do know that many of those stories were told after a week's battle and all the warriors were drunk and ready to drop of fatigue." Which he obviously relishes, and he barks a laugh, "Usually the best time to tell tales." A laugh exits again and he shakes his head, the memory a good one, even if it happened near 2 thousand years ago.
He cants his head to the side, and brows rise in askance, "Who exactly are your people?" Notice he doesn't say 'were'? "Perhaps I have heard of them. Are they of the Realms? Or.." Probably not. Thor is intrigued, however, and he continues, "Powers. Like those special mortals? Flying and the like?"
*
Crystal looks around for a moment at his question, gauging the crowd. Not so many humans, at least. And none right nearby, as the few who were interested in boisterous tales have wandered off by now. "Inhumans," she answers, looking back with a faint smile. "Kree experimented on early humans, engineering warriors for one of their many conflicts with the Skrulls," she waves a hand. "But they left, and we remained. And thrived. The great Randac engineered Terrigen crystals, and when exposed to the mists, we develop various powers."
*
"Kree.." Thor's taking the words, sounding them out as if searching his memory for knowledge of those folks. "Skrulls." He shakes his head, setting it aside for later, when he sees his brother again. "Inhumans." There's the third; last but certainly not least. "That's why you said you were created." Genetically. "Terrigen crystals.. and mists?" 'When exposed to the mists' they develop various powers. All this is very new, and after he sits for a moment, he's hitting upon something. "When we reclaim your Realm, show me around?" When, not 'if'.
"You must promise me, then, that should my Lady Crystalia require my aid for anything, she should ask."
*
"When we reclaim the realm?" Crystal replies, amusement bubbling up in her voice. "Well. When you reclaim the realm, I do hope you'll have the sense to keep it quiet. Humanity is not the least bit ready for the realization that there are other realms out there, I think. But yes."
She reaches out to set a hand to his again, taking her glass once more with the other. "Should I find myself in need of assistance, I shall certainly seek your aid." A pause, a flicker of a smile. "How, exactly, does one reach out and call you?"
*
"When we reclaim -your- realm," Thor corrects. "Unless, of course, you have designs on Midgard that I know nothing of." He's teasing her now, and it's in his light tones. "And, I might have to ask politely that you don't move against her. I've grown fond of this place, as has my brother."
Thor turns his hand about a little to grasp Crystal's hand gently, "To find me? It may sound dumb, but really, I can tell when I'm needed. Or, if you want to go the more mundane, mortal route, Loki knows where I am. He can find me easily. Though," and Thor looks thoughtful, "sometimes Loki is difficult to find." He chuckles and tries again, "How about, if you give me a way to find you, and when I have chambers, I will tell you where that is?"
*
"Chambers," Crystal repeats, the corners of her eyes crinkling with her laugh. "Ah, you…You remind me of home in a different way than the people I've been staying with," she admits. "Most people, when they hear the word royalty, have so much built up in their heads, so many assumptions. It is, I confess, sometimes a relief not to have to explain it or consider how they might take it. But should you need to reach me…" She reaches for her clutch, pulling out a small business card. Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. "My place of employment."
*
Thor grins in response to Crystals laugh. It's a nice sight to be sure! "There are things most would not understand," he admits readily. "Hours and hours of tutors instructing on how to greet someone of greater rank, of equal, of lesser…" He shakes his head, "Lessons my brother took too a great deal easier than I.. but I do try."
The card is taken, and the Prince looks at it.. and stares at it before he puts it in a pocket. "Thank you, my Lady. The moment I have a place of residence," which shouldn't be too much longer, considering the gold of the Realm, "I will come to you to tell you where that is."
*
"You…might want to call," Crystal suggests, a touch of amusement in her voice for some reason. "The Headmaster gets nervous about unexpected visitors. The children, of course," she offers in explanation. "But I will look forward to hearing from you. And wish you luck here. I hope that you find what you seek, Odinson." Her drink finished, she stands, dipping her chin with a small smile. "Until we meet again." With those words, she heads back toward the bar, taking another glass from the bartender and looking for her next conversational partner.
*