6669/Council of War

Council of War
Date of Scene:	26 February 2019
Location:	New Asgard
Synopsis:	Thor explains the situation to Hela and Balder and everyone has their jobs ahead of them.
Cast of Characters:	Thor, Hela, Balder Odinson

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Thor has posed:
    Some days past the general peace of New Asgard had been shattered. The people had grown used to the routine of rebuilding and construction, focusing their efforts on making their new home something akin to the home they left last year. The people had settled into their duties, and a great progress had been made.
    But then several days ago the ship of the hero, Lady Nuala Duvall, had been seen lifting from the airstrip without warning. Several Asgardians as well as Nuala herself had been seen rushing inside as the ship lifted off. Lightning bolts lanced down from the heavens and struck the ship as the clouds had darkened and the side had been blasted open most violently. But then it lifted off, breaking out of view with a burst of speed...
    Yet luckily Nuala was saved at the last moment by the efforts of Thor, Loki, and Lady Vintridr. But word quickly spread throughout the settlement. The People of Xandar, their Nova Corps, had tried to kidnap one of their own. They sought to punish Nuala Duvall for her sacrifice in helping the Asgardians in their time of need.
    And so there was only one answer to this. To Battle.
    A moot had been called. Some would say Thor called it together. Others that Loki might have. Even others felt it came together naturally as all of the people gathered in the town square. Voices were heard, arguments were held, opinions shouted low and high. Yet none were for turning Nuala over. All were for resistance. It was merely deciding what form this resistance would take.
    And even now, that handful of days since, it was still a topic of contention in the Broken Antler and amongst the people who were split with the reconstruction efforts but also with military drilling and exercise. A people struck low by such ill times often hold what they manage to save during such a crisis. And for Asgard, one of the main things they still hold strong to...
    Is their pride.

Hela has posed:
Hela had been keeping mostly to herself, so for most Asgardian, her return from banishment and some snippets of the glorious history she claimed was wiped from collective memory by Odin, has been mostly the subject of rumor and gossip. Few had actually seen her, fewer still shared words with her, so Hela makes sure to make her entrance notable.

Fashionably late, as one might expect of an individual who considers themselves above the crowd, she arrives through a swirling dark portal that opens to the place of the moot and closes behind her. Regal, she appears, with her dark green cape billowing behind her as she turns to survey the crowd. Her hair wore down with no adornment, silkily flowing past her shoulders. Her royal armor is black and green, form fitting, and sparkling in what light it does catch.

Her intense green gaze sweeps over the crowd, before she announces herself, "I am Hela, Princess of Asgard, and a sister to King Thor, where is my brother...?"

Balder Odinson has posed:
The return of Balder the Brave, the God of Light, had been part of the various rumors of the mill in the workings of New Asgard. Having literally fallen from the heavens, Balder has taken to exploring midgard, a world he has only visited once or twice in the past. Alas, he had heard of the call given by King Thor and thus, he arrives. Though of course, there is a crowd.

He hears the call of Hela, and Balder approaches. "Hela." he takes a breath.

"Thor told me of you, and I don't know if he told you of me. I am Balder, Prince of Asgard and Son of Odin. I am brother to King Thor by blood. It appears we seek the same person."

He takes a glance over to the crowd, attempting to use his keen eyesight to find the God of Thunder.

Thor has posed:
    One of the guardsman on duty advances upon Hela and Balder, moving from their place of standing sentinel near the raised platform area in the town square. He is youthful, for an Asgardian, and smiles openly to her. "Princess Hela, Prince Balder! King Thor had left word he would see you at your earliest convenience."
    He stepped backwards, even as the crowd looks upon Hela's arrival and Balder's with open curiousity though some give due respectful nods in greeting. Gesturing with his spear upwards towards fortress, he tells them. "He is in the castleworks above. Shall I lead you to him?"
    Whomever he is, he is enthusiastic. That much is sure. But he is perhaps barely a century in age and likely only completed his training here on Midgard. He does, however, offer this insight. "Prince Loki has also been about, though I am afraid his whereabouts are much more difficult to maintain."

Hela has posed:
"Well you're a regal sort, aren't you...?" Hela muses as Balder comes forth and speaks to her, catching her attention, as she looks him over in an evaulation of sorts. She truly does tower and inspires some awe at her presence, a habit of years elevated to legendary status, before Odin took it all away. "I've heard not a word of you, Balder, but it seems you would be another of the brothers I never knew of...I take it I'm hard to replace, if three are needed," she somehow skirts the line between mocking and singing her own praises. "What are you the god of, brother dear?" Hela asks of Balder, after all, a son of Odin no doubt is a deity of one thing or other at the least.

"I appreciate the formality, please, do show the way," Hela urges of the young Asgardian who came to see them towards Thor. "If I had to wager, I'd say Prince Loki would know of this moot even without sending word with a raven..."

Balder Odinson has posed:
Balder looks upon Hela, who was just a few more inches taller than him, though Balder was not called 'THe Brave' for no reason. "Indeed...I apologize for never having known of your existence. It breaks my heart to know I have a sister whom I was never told about. I seek to remedy that." her question makes him smile gently. "I am the God of Light." and Purity. "What are you the god of, sister?"

Then of course, the soldier comes bearing word of Thor requiring their presence. "Of course. Lead the way, my friend." he looks then to Hela. "I doubt Loki would make an appearance. He's usually more interested in his magics than in the matters of state."

Thor has posed:
    At her behest, but not before Balder gives a likewise sentiment, the young guardsman. "At once, My Lord. My Lady." He bows his head as he takes another step back then turns and begins to hustle into the crowd, calling out with a deeper voice than his normal one.
    "Make way! Make way!" His spear tip glows with a hint of golden energy and it serves its purpose to both illuminate their path towards the castleworks, but also to encourage the other Asgardians to clear the way for their ascent.
    Striding forth he leads them towards the turning rise, every three paces as the path wends its way around the hillside it goes up a step making for a leisurely climb. And through it all the youthful guardsman provides the bobbing sphere of light that leads them on their way.

Hela has posed:
Hela tilts her head a bit to the side at Balder's apology, "please...no need to apologize for father, he paid the price for folly all on his own." She does incline her head ever so slightly, quite willing to get to know Balder, much as she tried to get to know Thor and Loki better. The one being busy, and the other being sneaky, though still, each has learned quite a bit of the other. "God of Light, good, we'd need some light shed on the many discrepencies that brought about Asgard's demise." Hela notes sharply, as they are lead towards Thor within the higher level of the castleworks.

"I am the Goddess of Death, and Queen of Niflheim." Hela answers sharply to Balder's question of her divine dominion, before snorting at Balder's words about Loki, "I wouldn't utter such nonsense, just because Loki is not present, and appears to care little for matter of state, does not make it so. I was most impressed meeting him for the first time. He has most certainly learned a great deal from father."

As they follow the guardsman, it's not lost on those with a keen eye, that Hela has longed for proper treatment among the Asgardian people, she drinks in the ceremonial formality while turning her eyes to and fro to take in the crowd, and read the reaction of the people. She's no doubt most of them known nothing of her at all, further putting a spotlight on the indignity Odin made her suffer. To be bereft of one's own well earned glory is one of the worst possible thing to happen to an Asgardian, far worse than death.

Balder Odinson has posed:
Balder simply follows slightly behind the guardsman, walking side-by-side with Hela. "Queen of Niflheim you say? If that is true, I still yet wonder why I did not pass into your realm. I still yet wonder why I draw breath." Denied Valhalla, and even the cold halls of Niflheim. "I died." he puts simply. "Yet I live and breathe again. One day, I will discover why."

"Indeed." is all Balder says in response to Hela's defense of Loki.

Balder's eyes shift from Asgardian to Asgardian, but he notices Hela's cold gaze. "Are you alright, sister?"

Thor has posed:
    The course they trod continues to be steady, wending around the hillock until they reach the stone wall that serves to mark the planned boundaries of the fortress. It's beneath an arch that they'll walk, the guard leading them along the path with that steady pace and with the sphere of light jouncing with each stride.
    But once they reach the courtyard area they'll likely have no further need for the guardsman since their target is quite obvious before them. It's where there's the only other light resides, a campaign tent that has been erected inside the castleworks proper. The glow of several lanterns can be seen without and within, and the silhouette of a figure within can easily be discerned.
    The guard smiles to the two members of the royalty, "Bide but a moment, Your Highnesses, and I shall announce you." With that said he advances, to put words to action, stepping to the first tent flap and drawing it open to step within. They'll likely hear the youth's voice as he makes the required statements and then Thor's rumbling tone as he waves towards him.
    With little time lost at all they'll be seen inside, where they'll see Thor standing in the open room, several chairs and hammocks in evidence as well as a large old wooden table that has multiple charts strewn across it. And there is Thor in his red and black armor, Mjolnir at his side, and his voice rises. "Brother, sister. I bid you welcome."

Hela has posed:
"Simple, if you wish to know..." Hela remarks as she gazes at Balder from the corner of her eye in a manner that suggests she does not approve of a perceived insult. But she makes no mention of it, beyond offering to explain if Balder must know.

"I am walking on Midgard, in a place proclaimed New Asgard, because the Svartalfar destroyed our home." Hela puts it sharply, in a tone that suggests she has not forgiven that slight, despite it being the catalyst to her release from Odin's banishment. "Would you expect me to be alright, brother?"

"At least the construction is showing progress," Hela remarks to Balder, having no clear idea of when was the last he saw it. She waits by Balder's side with patience, "what was it that fell you? Svartalfar?"

When called upon to come in, she does just so, walking up to Thor and offering her hand in greeting, fully intending on a warrior's acknowledgement. Her eyes do seem to linger a moment longer on Mjolnir out of everything in this very tent. "It is good to be in your company, brother, from the crowd outside I understand Asgard as once again been put under threat by an offending force?"

Balder Odinson has posed:
Balder looks upon Hela, and he listens to her tale of woe. "I see. I too am experiencing such a slight...such pain." Balder says nothing more of it. Though as she asks him what felled him, he shakes his head. "The memory is hazy. But yes, I believe so. I cannot remember if it was Malekith, or some other enemy."

But then, the Gods assemble.

The Goddess of Death. The God of Thunder. The God of Light.

Siblings through terrible trial and circumstance, as well as the blood of Odin. "Brother. You summoned us?" it does't take a genius to know that their home is once again threatened.

Thor has posed:
    In the lamp light, Thor's features seem stern, severe. He accepts the greeting from Hela and clasps her forearm firmly, then looks towards Balder and spares a half-smirk at his brother's greeting.
    "It seems so," He answers even as he pushes the charts off to the side, as if setting those matters out of the way for now. A glance spared for them would see they were plans for the castle itself, likely for the oncoming work that is to be undertaken. "With our vulnerability it does not surprise me that another culture has sought to test us in some way. Though I admit that I did not expect it to be the Xandarians."
    The guardsman stands there expectantly looking between the worthies and then Thor perhaps picks up on his discomfort and says, "Back to your tasks, Harald. We shall summon if needs be."
    Quickly, "Thank you, Your Majesty!" The youth bows again and withdraws towards the flap of the tent, then disappears from view with the sound of bootsteps receding.
    "I do not believe either of you has met Lady Duvall. She used to be of the Nova Corps, sent to observe humanity. Yet when our ship and our survivors arrived it was she who broke protocol and chose to aid us. Her help has been invaluable in saving the lives of our countrymen. Only now..."
    He takes a bottle off of a small liquor cart, three glasses, and sets them down on the table with one large clink. He waves a hand to them as if to offer them the drink should they so wish, but for Thor he simply steps back and takes one of the large wooden and over-stuffed chairs for his seat and settles into it.
    "They have decided to punish her for breaking protocol and granting us that aid. I do not intend to allow them to do so."

Hela has posed:
When Balder doesn't follow up Hela's offer, she drops the subject entirely, so long as her point was made, it was enough for her.

She casts another side glance at Balder when he asks Thor the obvious, but says nothing, instead proceeding to clasps forearms with Thor in a respectful exchange of acknowledgement. "Xandarians...? They know not who they meddle with," Hela makes a quick observation before even learning a single detail, then again, she'd have reached them sooner or later all those eons ago if Odin hadn't put a stop to her conquests.

Hela listens to Thor's words of Lady Duvall and remarks, "I shall endeavor to meet Lady Duvall, she deserves our respect and protection. If the Xandarian are offended by Lady Duvall's support of Asgard in our time of need, then Xandar's very existence offends us in turn. The foul work done by Malekith is one insult too many on its own, we will not be bested a second time, not with my return. I will -not- -allow- -it-." There's is great conviction in Hela's words, if there were ever to be held a discussion on what to do with the Xandarians, it is clear her vote would see to war. She had missed a great many things while in banishment, by the fighting and killing, likely most of all. She will relish to teach a lesson to one Xandarian or to thousands.

But this is a political world, and Thor is King, so it would be his voice that will get to make a final call and navigate just where Asgard's response will go, Hela for now turns to look sharply at Balder, waiting to measure his response before hearing what Thor has to say.

Balder Odinson has posed:
Balder looks upon Thor, humming very softly. "I see." He knew little of the Xandarians, only that they were one of hte great military powers of the cosmos. At least they weren't dealing wit hthe Kree. But he nods gently. "I have not met this Lady Duvall. But, if you intend to protect her from those who would seek to punish her, then Brother, I humbly ask that you send me to ward off our coming enemy."

The God of Light offers his blade in defense of his home.

"I failed to protect the original Asgard. I humbly refuse to allow New Asgard to meet the same fate." Though, Balder has always been selfless. his offer to simply go alone is not something to be taken lightly, given the seriousness in Balder's eyes. "Not to mention, I imagine that Xandar will not enter negotiations with us."

Thor has posed:
    "Aye, despite the loss of our home we remain a people of strength, albeit not as strong as we once were." Thor folds his arms over his chest and looks between his siblings, his one good eye narrowing a touch as he considers them. "The Nova Corps has stated they will not allow their technology to remain in our hands. I care not for this. They state they will not allow their ship to remain at our disposal. Again I care not for this. But declaring that they will deprive a soul who stood by us in our time of need... of her liberty. Then that I shall not stand for."
    His lip twists slightly, "Thankfully our people seem to feel the same way, Lady Duvall has made a strong impression with them. But here is what I have decided."
    It is then that he leans forwards and takes the bottle in hand, twisting the stopper free and proceeding to allow the amber liquor to gurgle faintly as he pours it in each glass. The three are set forth in the center of the table, though he chooses not one for himself. Not yet. "We are in a position simultaneously of weakness and of strength. Our new homestead has not the defenses I would wish for. Yet if they strike out at us so directly against our civilians such an action would be folly for them. We would have to abandon this home, true. But with such an attack they would lose position amongst their peers and would insure that those of us that remained... would rest at nothing to destroy Xandar. Then if they are thus hesitant to attack our people diretly... it leaves us free to strike at them with impunity."
    He looks towards both of them, one eyebrow cocked as if to make sure that is the case, "We are not beings to be dismissed nor trifled with. I trust they are aware of this."
    A look towards Balder, "But bide a moment, brother. There might yet be hope. I have dispatched our brother Loki to open negotiations with them. If only to gather information to know that they understand their position in relation to ours."
    "That leaves us, however, with much to do." It's clear as he looks to them he has something in mind for each of them.

Hela has posed:
Hela looks relieved at Balder's comment not going the way she anticipated based on their interaction thus far, but she does wear an all too clear expression of incredulity when he offers to take on the whole of Xandar on his own. "That is a bold and worthy boast, Balder," Hela offers with no sign of mockery in her tone, she is possibly being quite genuine in her flattery this time around.

Ultimately, it is Thor's call, and so her fully attention returns to him. "Aye, you speak true, they can have their toys," Hela apparently still scoffs at technology, and hadn't the time to fully acquaint herself with the technology of even Midgard, "but they will not have a protector of Asgard. Not unless it's to throw a parade in her honor, which I believe from your briefing, is as far as one gets from their intention of bringing punishment upon her?" Hela quiets down at that, but her visage tells all, she would strike down the whole of Xandar for this insult.

From the looks reflected in her eyes at Thor's words, Hela would have liked to go with Loki, sure, she respects his glib tongue and his gift of the gab. But she is uncertain if he can properly intimidate when needed, and that would be her approach to such a negotiation claim, show these fools why they should opt for negotiation in the first place. All things concsidered, Thor made a shrewed decision sending Loki.

"I see you follow in father's footsteps," Hela eventually remarks to Thor, offering a crooked smile his way. "If you will it, I am willing to attend the martial field and refresh our warriors sharpness towards an upcoming battle, assuming Loki fails to convince the Xandarian it is best for them to choose life."

Balder Odinson has posed:
Balder remains quiet as Thor gives his strong words. He does look at Hela as she appears relieved and sees fit to flatter him. Balder the Brave is worthy of his namesake. Though, it is Thor's words that he sent Loki ahead to see if any attempt at Negotiation with Xandar could be made that makes Balder narrow his eyes very softly.

"I see. I can only pray that Loki continues his sweet-talking nature. Silver-tongued as he is."

A deep breath as Hela claims to be able to teach the Asgardian warriors how to fight, and given her combat ability, Balder trusts this. "Tell me what you wish of me, my King. and it will be done."

Thor has posed:
    A hand lifts as Thor points towards Hela, his good eye meeting her gaze as if they were of like mind as he nods. "That would sit well with them assuredly, shake up their training and give them tasks that might aid them in facing such foes."
    He shifts in his chair a touch to lean forwards, resting his forearms on his knees as he looks upon the others. "Yet there is another task I would ask of you, Hela. And that is reinforcing what spellwork Loki has placed upon our settlements here in Kvalvika. With his absence I would have you take lead in making sure we are prepared to face down what challenges come our way. They are not well-versed in Arcane Lore, but their technology is considerable and if they do seek to do harm here... best we push whatever advantage we may have."
    There's a pause as he cocks his head slightly, as if seeing if that is acceptable to her before he turns back towards Balder. "As for you, brother, I would charge you with Lady Duvall's safety. Delegate if you must to a chosen few, but I will rest better in making what decisions are needed in this time of strife if I know you stand at her side in defense."
    He then rises and takes up the glass nearest him and holds it up. "Until we know more from Loki's efforts. We prepare."
    His blue eye shifts to each of them and he says sharply. "To victory." And he will await their echoes if offered to clink his glass to theirs.

Hela has posed:
Hela nods as Thor appreciates her offer, but smiles wider when he tells her what he would have her do, "have Loki told you of my prowess, or you've gathered a Queen of Niflheim would not be without magic all on your own?" While the phrasing could certainly be taken as a slight, it is no more of a tease, and much more an honest question. Because she showed Loki none of that side of her, meaning, if he was the one to share with Thor, he has found a way to glean it on his own. Meaning poor Vintridr might have a task or two on her hands.

"Oh I shall gladly weave some magical defenses to greet our would be attackers...it will be my pleasure, brother, King Thor," she goes as far as to lower her head in a subtle show of respect. She agrees with his decision and finds it a good one. "To victory," Hela joins Thor in his toast, clinking her glass in turn, "for there is naught else."

Balder Odinson has posed:
Balder receives his heavy task, and he lowers his hand to retrieve thte glass set out for him. His job, whether it be facing off against Xandar in combat to showcase he's just as good a warrior as his siblings, and being the personal defender of Lady Duvall, Balder is happy to accept this task.

"To victory." he clinks his glass with theirs, before he drinks.

"May we only ever experience such."