5331/Honour guards and honoured guards.

Honour guards and honoured guards.
Date of Scene:	09 September 2018
Location:	New Asgard, Kvalvika, Norway, Midgard
Synopsis:	Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
Cast of Characters:	Thor, Vintridr

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Thor has posed:
    The morning is brisk in Kvalvika, with a hint of chill in the air as Autumn's first tentative steps are made. The people of New Asgard rise early to get a jump upon the tasks of the day and most are off to their tasks, still putting their efforts into the continued construction that progresses slowly albeit steadily. It leaves most of the settlement itself fairly quiet, with the large open communal area of tables and benches empty. Or rather usually empty, for today just a few hours before the lunch hour, Thor Odinson has claimed one of those long tables for himself.
    With a now empty mug upon the tabletop and various papers, scrolls, crystals and other objects spread about before him, he has hunkered down to put a dent in the aspects of rulership that awaited him during his absence. Mjolnir rests in a place of honor by his right hand, hammer head down and grip pointing upwards. It is with a furrowed brow he levels his concentration upon messages sent, questions asked, and even some small rulings needing to be made regarding conflicts between Asgardians. For the former Prince it is enough to make him scowl and for the clouds to darken high above but not terribly so.
    Pushing away one of the scrolls, it rolls curls back up without his hands to keep it open. He leaves that for now, reaching for another piece of paper that he takes a moment to consider.

Vintridr has posed:
    The first sign Thor has of Vintridr's presence is when his mug is efficiently refilled. "You need to pace yourself, Thunderer. Asgard needs you hale and hearty, not working yourself into an early grave..."

Thor has posed:
    Thor gestures absently to the side with one hand, "Bah." He continues to read his paper.

Vintridr has posed:
    Vintridr is entirely too professional to smile fondly. Even if the twitch of the corner of her mouth suggests she wants to. "The crisis is... Not past, but abating. Your people are safe, and rebuilding -- and they will breathe much easier when they see their lord confident enough to take his rest."

    She moves around the desk to look the Odinson in the eyes. "Asgard looks to you, now more than ever. When you are at peace, your people know peace. When you fret yourself into sleepless nights, your people worry. If you won't take rest for your own sake, do it for theirs..."

Thor has posed:
    Holding up a small crystal of rosy colour, Thor lifts it generally in Vintridr's direction, "Did you know we have a community of Asgardian expatriates on Knowhere?" The blonde man with the strapless eyepatch shoots a glance her way, his eyebrow cocking with something between puzzlement and annoyance. "And they apparently have a leader who was exiled some time ago yet refuse to name him."
    That small crystalline object is set down and pushed aside. Then he brings up the scroll he had been considering before. "Also there are matters regarding a sports team in the land of Minnesota that wish to have some of our people lead them in cheers?" He shakes his head and grimaces, "Did you ever see my father dealing with such matters? If he did then he was more gifted at obscuring such matters, much better than Loki ever was."
    But then with that out of his thoughts he only them seems to catch what Vintridr says and gives a nod. "I rest, when time is available." He turns his hand's wave to the side gesturing absently in the direction of the quarry. "I took some time to deal with matters mortal at Bjarke's behest. I am returned, yet these..." He holds up the scrolls, "Seem to have multiplied."

Vintridr has posed:
    Vintridr actually manages to blink. "... The Minnesotans call their sports team the Vikings. I would not take the request seriously, although having someone pen a polite refusal on your behalf might be wise. Answering personally would give the request more weight than it truly deserves."

    She hesitates for a moment at his next question, then takes a deep breath. "My lord... If I may speak freely?"

Thor has posed:
    That earns a hint of a glare, and for a moment, a brief moment, the Odinson looks more than just a touch like his father. The scroll rustles as he sets it down and folds his arms over his chest, shifting his posture to the side and resting an arm upon the tabletop. But then he rumbles a low response that's akin to a growl, "Granted." Yet with the way he eyes her sidelong it seems he might well be terribly wary.

Vintridr has posed:
    "Your father kept his own counsel, and none other's, for as long as I recall serving him. Such was the gift of Mimisbrunnr that he had the wit and wisdom to do so and still rule well... But even so he found it hard to balance the ruler he felt his people deserved with the all-father his people, let alone his sons and daughter, needed of him."

    She pushes on before Thor can decide whether or not to be upset at the implications that Odin was a poor parent from time to time. "I have walked Midgard for nigh on four centuries; I've seen kingdoms and nations rise and fall, and I tell you this. The weight of leadership will crush the strongest back eventually -- unless he chooses to share the burden. The best leaders I've seen remain aware of their limitations, and choose advisors they trust to take the burdens they can't -- did not even your friend Tony Stark delegate his business empire to his chosen companion, the lady Potts?"

Thor has posed:
    A breath is taken if only so he can focus it on another rumbling growl though it's unlikely it's aimed at her and more the situation. He eyes the scrolls askance and then shifts his good eye back towards Vintridr, "Tis good advice, and in truth I have delegated some aspects. Bjarke's leading the construction efforts for the most part, and it was at his behest that I left for some small time as he claimed I was... hovering."
    Thor takes another breath then shakes his head as he looks across the way towards Vintridr, "Yet you bring up other issues that have troubled me, though I doubt you realize it." He flares a hand to the side and murmurs, "I have been reminded that with our people at rest and at peace... then my obligation shifts to that of finding a queen, and providing the realm with an heir."
    That causes him to only then take up the refilled mug that Vintridr had been so kind to provide him. He takes a swig then sets it down with a /clunk/. "And that is a difficult subject."

Vintridr has posed:
    Vintridr is /also/ entirely too professional to feel daunted, no matter that she'd rather go another three rounds against the entire demon population of Surtur. Fighting a small war is far preferable to considering matters of dynasty. "I'd wager that very few of the unmarried women of Asgard would say no, were you to ask them, and many would accept even were you a penniless vagrant rather than Odinson and King of Asgard... But kings are rarely so fortunate as to be able to marry from the heart. Doubt not for a moment that your father truly loved your mother -- but by the time he wedded her, his power and Asgard's strength were both beyond challenge and he had no need to barter for a dynasty. Thankfully, on Midgard that particular custom has long since declined, and your people love you well enough that they would open their hearts gladly to whoever claims yours... But for their sake, I would ask that you make sure that whoever you choose would love your people well in return."

Thor has posed:
    "Indeed," Thor says as if that covers the entirety of the topic but she can likely tell his thoughts are elsewhere for the moment. Yet it does not take too long for them to snap back to the here and now as he dismisses the difficulty with a wave of one hand. "When all was good with our world, when I felt that Asgard would ever be Asgard no matter what I did... ultimately, I felt that it was acceptable for me to follow my heart. But now, I feel the weight of such a decision and it casts a long shadow over whatever business my heart might allow."
    Another moment passes, but then he puts what is perhaps the end of that topic into words as he says, "Something I shall think on. But I thank you for your advice." His brow knits together, "Was there aught else you needed?"

Vintridr has posed:
    Vintridr nods. "I would once more strongly recommend you accept at least a minimal honor guard of your own people when you negotiate with the Jotun, for several reasons. Firstly, as a reminder that Ragnarok or no, Asgard still stands strong. Bringing some of Midgard's warriors along as well will serve as proof that we stand as allies, as well. Secondly, the Jotun respect strength, and /to be respected as strong/, above all else. If you were to show up without an honour guard, they might take it as an intended insult -- a sign that you do not consider them strong enough to merit an honour guard. And thirdly..."

    Vintridr trails off, then drives the point home. "Your people lost their All-father, then they lost their homes, and then they almost lost you as well. Whatever the realities, no matter how puissant your allies here on Midgard -- and I have none but the greatest respect for Lady Romanoff's skills -- your people will rest easier knowing that some of them are with you, guarding your back, as is proper..."

Thor has posed:
    Another drink is taken from the mug as Thor looks at its contents. He grunts and ponders the depths of the drink for a time as he reflects on the words of Vintridr. One fingertip lightly taps on the side but then he turns his head to tell her. "Were this purely a delegation of Asgard to the Jotun then I would agree with you. For a full retinue would be fitting. But here, Vintridr, we are a nation on a world of nations. The delegation is not Asgard's alone."
    He pushes the mug away and then himself to his feet, rising as he takes up Mjolnir off its place upon the table. It's set upon the hook of his belt even as he turns to face her, "There has been discussion that my presence might even be a hindrance considering the long history of war we have with Jotunheim. I may have to force my will upon matters if only to insure I have a voice at..." He scowls a little, "At whatever table is brought together. Though I feel this will fall ill. Yet some of the mortals may have to see the wrath of the Jotun first hand before they accept that conflict is their nature."
    A pause, "So I shall be there at the least to protect them. Such is my plan. A guard of honor would be a step too far, though if I see an opening I may well advance the notion."
    His lip twists slightly, "As for needing protection, I understand the sentiment. But shall I hide myself e'er in the halls of the castle once it is built? Shall I govern from a place of fear? I know it may mollify some to feel I am protected moreso. Yet those are the people I feel must have their confidence rebuilt. And so no, for now, I must push onwards."

Vintridr has posed:
    Vintridr nods. "And in time, your people will learn to see these other nations as their allies and brethren -- and that, too, is why I urge you to accept at least one companion, who will be able to speak firsthand on the strength of our fellow Midgardians. The more such tales we have to tell, the faster your people will learn to trust and admire those of Midgard -- and feel more secure trusting your life in their hands."

Thor has posed:
    Nodding once, Thor replies. "I shall think on it, and if the opportunity is there then I shall seize it." With that said he gives a nod. "I am to the work site. Until later, Vintridr." With that said he turns and starts his way down the graveled path that leads towards the quarry. For now, at least, he will distract himself with more immediate matters. Perhaps after a day's effort he will have had time to think.