|
  |
The Second Floor of what is being loosely called 'The Asgardian Embassy' is dedicated, sort of, to the 'living area' for the God of Thunder. There are a few thingst that cound be identified as uniquely his; armor stand with armor, a couple of outfits that could fit no other, and, of course, Mjolnir, but he is behind closed door of his bedchamber, in bed. (Blankets tucked up..)
As for the God of Thunder himself, he is taken to pacing. Soon to depart for home once more, there are a few things that must needs to be discussed, and a conversation with Loki and Sif had already occurred. Now?
Words have never, ever been his strong suit, and the chances are better than even that they'll fail him yet again.
*
Crystal seems to have settled in the last week or so into the routine of this courting procedure. She's put in effort to take time for casual meetings when she can, venturing into the area around the Institute even if the grounds themselves are off-limits to visitors. She's been opening up, showing more of herself rather than just the political facade.
So while she normally wouldn't venture into private quarters, today, at his invitation, she dares. When she steps inside, she turns a slow circle, taking in some of the details, before looking back to him with a small smile. "You look nervous," she observes. "No problems, I hope?"
*
To be honest, the decorating of the first floor is a great deal more impressive in its archetecture and styling. This second floor is rather spartan in its pieces and should the Thunderer 'move out', it could easily be pieced for another resident easily. Asgardian resident, anyway, what with the fireplace, and the table that is decorated for the fall and, yes.. food and drink, though now? Pies. Tarts. Fruit puddings…
Fit for a prince.
Crystal's arrival brings Thor around, and a smile rises upon his face, and he strides the short distance, holding out a hand in typical Asgardian greeting. "Did you meet with any problems in your travels here? I've noticed the evenings draw darker and the air is cooler. I thought sending the goats would be a good idea.. did they cause disturbance?"
*
"Only to anyone who happened to look up," Crystal chuckles, stepping forward to take the offered hand. "I could have had Lockjaw bring me in, you know. Or flown myself. But I appreciate the gesture. And no, no problems coming in." She gives his hand a squeeze, stepping in a little closer to reach her other hand for his chin. "That wasn't an answer to my question, though. Is it all of this with Amora?" she guesses. "Has someone gone and made things worse?"
*
Thor takes hold of her hand and returns the squeeze before he meets that step in to lower his face and draw a kiss to her cheek. "You could have, but it would not have been right." He pauses, looking at her for a long moment before shaking his head. He takes the step away once again and takes a breath, only to hold it. It's exhaled softly in the next moment with some explanation. "No, not to my knowledge, though I have spoken to Loki about her, and as always, he makes good points that I had not considered previously." His tones are low, considering, but a little distracted for the topic. "So, when I speak to Queen Karnilla, he has given me some advice by with which to handle her and the entire topic of the Enchantress.
"Soon enough, I make ready to depart first to Asgard to speak with the All-Father, then to Nornheim, and then Vanaheim to speak on the Muspell." And Thor doesn't really sound happy about any of it.
"
*
"You'll be busy." Crystal tips her cheek to the kiss, but she lets his hand fall as he steps back, still watching him. After a moment, she moves to lean against the edge of the table, making herself at least somewhat comfortable. "Is that what you're worried about? I could come if you think it would make things easier. Though I suspect you might be better off without me," she smiles crookedly. "One change at a time might be easier for your people to deal with. Meeting the prince rather than the king may be enough without adding a strange princess to the mix."
*
"Lady Sif will be accompanying me back to Asgard. We have spoken at great length about it, and she revealed to me that she had offered her sword to the Enchantress on that same evening when the All-Father sent her to apprentice with Karnilla." Thor wanders about the room before he settles in a seat, his eyes first down before they lift to land upon the Princess of Attilan. "I fear that I owe you an apology for my rashness."
Slowly, he rises once more, and there Thor remains. "I have put you in a position that I should not have. Your heart is for another, your sister cares for me not, and her conditions for my courting are .. well, I would assume she has never spoken such words to the man who holds you so dearly." He's not about to lay the blame, however, and his shoulders rise as he takes his next breath. "When I fought a creature in the Park called 'Central', Sif was there as well. At first, I thought all was well; she and I spoke few words, but as the fight took us, she sheathed her swords and was consumed by the creature. She would not fight. Instead, she preferred to die." Which.. is pretty big stuff for an Asgardian!
*
"My sister has hardly met him," Crystal notes in a gentle tone. "But I'm certain she would judge him just as harshly. She is my sister, and protective. The same way your brothers are protective of you." At the latter words, though, she frowns, crossing her arms over her chest. "What happened? Was this after the giants, and Hell's Kitchen? She seemed fine then, if…Well. I don't know her well, but she seemed much as she always has to my eyes."
*
"I do not believe that. She wishes you happy. And if you your heart is held by him, and his by you, then she will be content."
Thor looks away again and wanders towards the table, but doesn't actually take anything. No bread, no cheese, no pies (Pumpkin!), no MEAD. "It was before Hell's Kitchen. It was what someone called a 'demon'. She simply wandered in and was consumed. It was in that moment where I'd lost her, when I'd seen the warrior that I had known since childhood truly wish to die rather than remain in my company any longer. It was then when I realized that," Thor turns around and offers a half-smile, and his expression is pained, to say the least, "I could not bear the thought of not having her with me."
*
"Oh."
Crystal is quiet for a long moment, glancing down toward the floor. Here is her excuse. Her opportunity. What she told herself she hoped would happen before the year was up. Why, then, is there a sinking sensation in her stomach?
She reaches up to tuck a piece of hair behind her ear, and when she looks up again, the polite smile is in place. "Well, the timing is rather poor," she says, forced humor in her voice. "But." She pushes off of the table, reaching her hands for his shoulders. "I am happy for you, Thor. And I wish you well. So. How shall we proceed, then?"
*
Thor watches as understanding comes across Crystal's features, and he can see that moment when courtesy locks into place, hiding any hint of disappointment, while the prince wears his emotions on the sleeve. It's one of his flaws, really, though it could be one of his greatest assets one day. "The timing.. you would find more adventure here, on Midgard, with Loki than with me, locked as I am with inaction that poses as action. I am now forced to a position where it is any day that I may be called to the Throne of Asgard and the grand excitement will be the blessing of triplets of Sigurd and Olaf."
Thor chuckles softly, though it lacks amusement. "I wish I'd met you a thousand years ago when I had little thought for anything but grand excitement. The raids, the battles, the life!
"Attilan is still a priority for me, particularly after our discussion regarding Blackagar. We will win the day for your sister and yourself and you shall have your land back from the usurper. Should we catch him, we can house him in the dungeons if it is your wish." Nothing like being locked away in the high security dungeons of Asgard!
"
*
"That's…kind of you, yes." Crystal gives his shoulders a squeeze, stepping away. "You should speak with Lady Sif. Understand, I- I am happy for you, Thor. I had hoped that you would find your heart, find someone who could love you the way you loved them, and I hope that Lady Sif can be that for you. But understand that if we end this, then it is over. I won't come back and try again because in two more weeks you realized why you and Lady Sif had never taken that final step." There's a gentle warning in the words, though she's looking more for the door than at him.
*
She won't take him back if he asks.
Thor inclines his head, "I know. Should none of this come about, it is my own fault. You are worthy to sit upon the Throne of Asgard, and one day, you will find a place that will hold you in as high an estimation as the myself and the All-Father." He takes a step closer and he looks.. saddened. "You are still more than welcome to grace this building, and should you ever need me, or any of us, do not hesitate to call me. I will hear you. Heimdall sees all and he will tell me."
*
You said that you loved me. You asked me to try to love you. I risked the love I already had so that you could set me aside.
The recriminations are there in the background of Crystal's mind, in the hint of a flicker of flame around one fingertip, before she banishes thoughts and flame alike with a deep breath and looks back to him with a small smile.
"Be careful, Thor," she advises. "Your heart can be your greatest strength, or your greatest weakness. And remember that you'll make no one happy by making yourself miserable. Keep your wits about you. And don't let duty become everything." Taking another deep breath, she turns toward the door. "Asgard will be pleased, I think."
*
Thor exhales in a sigh; he isn't fighting. So many things he'd like to say, but there isn't anything that does come. He fully believed that he would ultimately be the loser because any of his children, any prince or princess would not fall under Attilan sway. That he may not ever truly win the fair princess' heart because ultimately Asgard's needs weren't going to reflect Attilan's…
No. As much as Thor cared, he simply didn't see anything ever changing for the better. Until, of course, after he'd made his decisions.
"I don't know what lies before me. I am still searching for my path now that the All-Father has spoken." Though, he has a chance, maybe, of finding his way. Slowly.
"I am sorry, Crystalia. Forgive me."
*
"I do," Crystal replies, looking back over her shoulder with a small smile. "But I would be lying if I said it didn't sting my pride a bit. And we promised to be honest with each other. So." Sighing, she comes back to him long enough to take his hands and brush a kiss to his cheek. "Be happy, Thor. Be happy, and I will forgive everything. Screw this up, and I will drop a mountain on you just so you have a few years to think about your actions while you dig your way out." A glimmer of humor flickers in her eyes, hope for the future, before she gives his hands a squeeze and turns to depart.
*