7042/Sad Peanuts Piano Music!

Sad Peanuts Piano Music!
Date of Scene:	26 March 2019
Location:	New York City
Synopsis:	Thor and Silver argue!
Cast of Characters:	Thor, Silver Sable, Captain Marvel (Danvers)

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Thor has posed:
    Club Mjolnir during this late hour is happening. The crowd is alive with people laughing and enjoying the thump of the music, the drinks, the food. It has that vibrant vibration of people exulting in life and the shared moments stolen from the cold outside. There are small pockets of people, conversations shared with partially shouting voices to overcome the volume of the music. Some servers wander between the tables taking orders and bringing food and drink. And even at this hour the door men still must kep vigilant such is the crowd.
    Of course the Mighty Thor only partially notices all of this as he finds himself there. For some reason drawn back to this club named after his hammer which rests in his hand in its guise as an umbrella. His arrival is noted and he is greeted with such warmth and enthusiasm. The door men let him through and people laugh and wave, pictures are taken. And, to be fair, Thor lives up to his reputation for the most part...
    To most people he's still friendly and jovial, gregarious as he allows selfies and smiles, gives a thumbs up when needed. But then he moves towards one of the more isolated 'ships' away from the crowd. Most would not be able to tell but the Thunderer... seems a touch more subdued than normal.

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver spots Thor sitting at his table. It's not hard to mark his posture or his subdued attitude, or the sure hunch of shoulders. But then again-- people don't come to bars to sit silently. They come for companionship.

Silver gets to her feet and heads towards Thor's table. Business clothes again for the silver-haired mercenary, a pillow-yoked, cream knit shirt and grey dress trousers. Red pumps with a round toe peek out from under the cuff. The shirt leaves her arms bare, revealing several faded old scars she wears with pride.

"You look unhappy, Lord Thor," she tells the normally boisterous blonde fellow. She ventures a flickering smile at him and rests her beer on the table, but does not immediately sit. "Are you here to drink your sorrows away alone?"

Captain Marvel (Danvers) has posed:
Carol wasn't at Avengers Mansion all day, she had all sorts of headaches with Alpha Flight, to the point where she decided tonight was a perfect drinking night. Besides, she's been meaning to try this new club named after Thor's hammer. It sounded ridiculous and like quite the good time. Just walking in the door she's greeted by something new, the atmosphere, the theme of the place, and the blasting sounds of Ensiferum's "Deathbringer From The Sky" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s6Fz8BATWE). She didn't even know Nordic music came in metal. While it may not be perfect for drinking sorrows away, it's perfect for letting out frustrations of a mindnumbing working day, so she starts nodding her head to the music, shaking her hips and elbows a bit while progressing further into the place.

She rather likes this conjoining of strangers into larger talking groups along the long communal tables, but then before she reaches an empty spot, she catches sight of a good friend from work. The ones that comes with less headaches.

"Thor!" She calls out with laughter as she advances on him, "I knew the club was named after you, but didn't expect to find you here," she grins at the coincidence, but the closer she approaches, she spots Silver, and calls out, "hey...if you're here with a date I can scoot."

Thor has posed:
    Along his way Thor had waved off offers from others, drinks held up as if being given, but he had conducted himself with a smile. He held out a hand as if to stay them from their offer and smiled while he shook his head. But when he took his seat and the server had left after having deposited the drinking horn of mead, Silver likely saw him take a deep breath... hold it, then let it free with a slow exhalation.
    But it's a breath that catches when he spots Silver and hears her voice, a more sincere smile slipping into place as he looks up with that one good eye.
    "Ah, Silver Sablinova." He rises partially from the bench seat and then gestures to the side with a sweep of one hand, motioning her towards one of the seats nearby and says with warmth, "Never would I turn you away, Lady Victory, even in the darkest of hours."
    That having been said he nods again and murmurs a please under his breath as he retakes his seat. "Tell me how you fare this day."
    He asks that and seems intent to hear the answer when another familiar voice is heard and he looks over. It's enough to draw a laugh from him as he looks to her and waves her over. Once she's near he'll rise enough to embrace her with one arm upon her shoulder and drawing her in for a thump on the back then sliding down on his bench seat so she can join them.
    In answer to her words he says, "Lady Sablinova I would introduce you to Carol Danvers." To Carol he says with some formality, "Lady Sablinova is a warrior strong in my esteem, and I am fortunate she has chosen to pass some time with me."
    Then to Sable he says, "Carol is one of my team-mates and has fought together with me many a time."

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver examines Carol with a cool detachment when the blonde shows up. She doesn't move a muscle but it's hard to miss the shift in her attitude to the woman speaking to Thor in such a familiar fashion.

But then Thor says 'Carol' and by the time he's done speaking, she's giving Carol a flickering up and down. It's the sort of examination that's looking for concealed weapons. But she smiles politely when Thor makes the introductions, and offers a politely firm handshake to Carol, making no effort to crush her grip.

"Then that makes you Captain Carol Danvers," she tells the athletic blonde. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance. Colonel Silver Sablinova, Symkarian Royal Army," she tells the aviator. "Your reputation precedes you, madame."

Captain Marvel (Danvers) has posed:
Carol is quite happy to be drown into Thor's mighty embrace, returning the favor with a complimenting thump on his back, very happy to have their short lived issue behind them, as she slides to sit next to him. Before turning to look at Silver.

"A lady that Thor calls a 'warrior strong' in his esteem, is a lady nobody should mess with, proud to meet you, Silver." She extends her hand for a firm handshake (editor's note: Silver made such a wise decision not going for crushing). "I'd introduce myself, but Thor beat me to the punch," she nudges Thor playfully as she quips, "with all these manners you might teach some of the creepers that lurk in bars some manners, huh? Janet would be proud." Did anyone catch Carol up about the whole Janet affair? Because she's been away for a while...

"Colonel actually," Carol corrects Silver with a wink, as she draws her hand away, "but it's easy to mistake, because my codename is Captain Marvel. There's a reason for it, I assure you." But as Silver Sablinova reveals she's a fellow Colonel, even if in another military force, Carol shifts to give her a more officious salute. "In that case the pleasure is double, always love seeing high ranking women in military forces, the sad affair that it is, it's still a rare feat for a woman to achieve even today...did you have to face assholes, bias and sexism in the Symkarian Royal Army?" Carol muses, seeking to compare her own experiences with those of a foreign country, wondering just how wide spread is that particular issue. (Spoiler alert: Carol has a rep for being something of a feminist, heck, she butted heads with JJ while working at the Bugle!)

Thor has posed:
    Perhaps catching some hint of the tension, Thor looks to Silver and gives what could be considered a mildly apologetic smile but he shifts a touch to the side so he can see both of them and then he says to her, "Please, Lady Sablinova. Do sit with me," The choice of words precise and thoughtfully selected with a subtle touch that some might not attribute possible to the Asgardian. "We shall share a drink together after I grant what news I have to Colonel Danvers."
    That having been said he smiles to Carol and tells her, "A matter has passed that I would be remiss should I not take the time to tell you." He pushes his drink to the side, not partaking for now as this is business on some level.
    "Janet was taken against her will, captured by those whom we have faced so recently." He holds up a hand to stay questions should there be any as he offers, "In so doing we have acquired another entity who... is a twin of her. And so this has made things... difficult."

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver returns the salute crisply enough, though it's more European than Carol's American style rendering. "Apologies, Colonel," Silver tells Carol. "It seemed unlikely one of your distinction would still be a lowly company officer."

She settles into her seat at Thor's invitation and rests her elbows on the table, cradling the beer protectively. At Carol's quesiton, she flashes a smile. "Not for long," she assures Carol. "A few dislocated collarbones has a way of silencing your critics."

Is that a wink? It looks like it. But then she's sipping her beer and listening to Thor. She frowns heavily at Thor's story but doesn't chime in. It's not her friend or her business, after all.

Captain Marvel (Danvers) has posed:
Carol seems utterly oblivious of any tension, but perhaps it's because she's taken with the music, or maybe she just doesn't show it. Regardless, she looks concerned when Thor has some news to share he thinks cannot wait. When she hears them, she has to agree, she furrows her brow as all sorts of scenario and reasons run in her mind. "This is troubling news, Thor, and far more than difficult...it could well be a threat. I'll make sure to fly by Avengers Mansion at the earliest. I need to see both Janets..."

She does nod at Silver, however, "and so it is. Though more than one tried to block my promotions every single time, I just crushed their blockades by being the bery damned best."

Carol laughs as Silver explains her method of dealing with military assholes who frankly hate women. "I like your style, Silver Sablinova," she nudges Thor against his arm and gives him a thumbs up, "I can see why you'd vouch for her the way you did."

Carol then takes a moment to look around, to appreciate things like, the Faering boat they seem to be sitting in, before asking Thor, "on a different note, how Disney and how legit is this place? I mean, you'd ask me, I'd say sure, whatever you say...but I happen to know a guy who lived that viking age, no? I'm curious...heard the lady in charge is that miracle lady from Norway, and I'm wondering how authetntic is she? Did you meet her at all?"

Thor has posed:
    Thor's answer to Carol is a simple, "Well," A glance over at Silver, "Yes." As to why he seems to think well of the European Colonel. He offers a small half-smile to her before he looks back towards Carol to elaborate, "As for this locale, it is... passingly decent."
    He takes a moment to look over the room, the people, the servers. He can't help but smirk a touch before he turns back towards Silver and Carol, "It does not match my memory of things, of course. But there are elements of it that..." He lifts a hand and scritches the back of his neck, "It gets the /feel/ of things correctly." A nod is given, "The good cheer, the camaraderie." A breath, "S'why I came here I imagine."
    But then he shifts gears, "I would advise you, however, to return to the mansion and speak with the others. Things are afoot and I did my best to discern the details. But I admit before you both that some of it escapes me." He gives a nod to the two of them solemnly.

Silver Sable has posed:
"She stikes me as very sincere," Silver tells Carol. "Her sensibilities are very Norwegian and she has taken pains to point out the meaining of her art and decor," she clarifies.

The lean mercenary sips her beer and listens with a quiet sort of focus to the discussion ranging about the Avenger's mansion. It's not somewhere Silver's likely to get invited anytime in the future, of course. She nods sympathetically at Thor when he confesses his ignorance of the situation. A straight face betrays none of her inner dialogue.

Captain Marvel (Danvers) has posed:
"That's good to know...at least I can feel like I'm taking in some of the experience," Carol notes, and when a waiter passes by she asks for whatever is considered the house's drink. "Thor, if I was alive at the time of the vikings, do you think I'd be allowed to be a warrior? I've seen movies depict it different ways. I know Asgardians have the Valkyries, but what of those Midgardians? Would they allow it?" She does nod gravely at Thor's concern, "I want to find out why it happened, who is behind it, get in their faces and force them to fix it. And if that's not possible, I want to get Strange to, so he can bring them to live every time I kill them, so I can kill them thousands different ways, until I've decided it's a worthwhile revenge..." turns out Carol likes Janet, and loathes people who mess with Janet.

"You met her!?" Carol seems surprised, as she turns her attention to Silver, with her revelation. "I was half thinking she's a made up myth, and Fisk was just pulling everyone's chain." Listening to that bit about the art and decor, Carol looks to and fro, spotting Mjolnir's replice and scoffing, "Thor, you think that fake will come if you call for it?" Then she looks over the tapestries depicting the Edda, and then looks back at Silver. "If you hadn't said it, I'd never have guessed all these props are art."

Thor has posed:
    "Oh there were a few," Thor says with some authority as he nods to Carol in response to her question, "There were shield maidens who set their blades to the war we had with the Svartalfar. There was even one young mortal woman who..." He gets a small wistful smile as his eye distances a touch. But then his eyebrows come together as he remembers her fate, "Well..."
    A pause, then he says with a small sad smile. "She was very brave."
    But the topic shifts and he chuckles a little at the thought of the faux Mjolnir's summoning. He reaches with a hand out and motions in its direction... no wiggle from afar. "Alas, it seems not." Though the umbrella resting against his leg seems to shift slightly.

Silver Sable has posed:
"Ooh, I like her," Silver murmurs to Thor, of Carol. "She does revenge quite well." She flashes another tight grin at Carol, brief but real, and focuses back on Thor and Carol as a gestalt.

"Tell me more of what was expected of the shieldmaidens of yore," Silver urges Thor. "I am curious. There are many stories from the old days that we were not merely sword-bearers, but stood should to shoulder with the men in battle," she says, genuinely curious about this aspect of her heritage.

Captain Marvel (Danvers) has posed:
Carol listens intently to Thor's reply, looking very pleased to hear of shield maiden and even a human woman. But then she breaks into laughter when Thor actually follows on her joke and attempts calling the fake replica. "Can't believe you tried it!" Carol continues to laugh a rolling laughter, "I'm so relieved it didn't work...."

"I found out that any one friend of Thor is bound to like another friend of Thor," Carol says to Silver, "Thor doesn't like weak people, or false people, so he keeps good company." She also turns to listen to what Thor has to say, while it's not her heritage, she'll take any stories about women that defy what history teachers say.

Thor has posed:
    Another smile is granted Silver as he looks at her and for a moment he peers at her as if wondering if she were perhaps making light of him or teasing him, but the thought passes almost instantly as he lets a small chuckle slip from under his breath as he shakes his head and looks away. "My window into that time with your people was small, a narrow view into a good folk."
    He straightens up a touch and he says, "I feel we influenced each other, shared much of our cultures. I know after the war was over I still felt fondly and found myself using turns of phrase I learned from amongst them."
    A look to Carol is given before he continues for both of them, "But what I did experience was that some fit well in the role of warrior. There was one woman whose husband had passed and she took over his smithing. She was strong of arm, with such intent and she fought when needed in the shield wall."
    A thought occurs to him and he holds up a finger, "There was one woman who had been trained to range through the wildnerness and was one of the few that could stalk in the steps of the Dark Elves unnoticed." His attention slips to Silver, "She had hair not unlike yours, though it was short and she kept it hidden beneath a dark scarf. She was very deadly, and fell upon them with such a wild abandon."
    There's a pause as perhaps the memory takes him for a moment. Then he returns to the here and now and says to them both with a warmth, "She was glorious."

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver smiles at Carol. "Then that speaks promisingly of you, Colonel Danvers," she compliments the blonde aviatrix. "I am pleased to find myself in such refined company."

"The hair is good branding, but not very tactical," Silver agrees, and touches her bob cut. "A black beanie goes a long way towards keeping my mystique alive. It would be embarassing to catch a sniper's bullet while digging trenches."

Captain Marvel (Danvers) has posed:
Just as she was about to ask more of the glory of old performed by women at a time most today think such things were not possible, Carol gets a text, and looking at it she frowns. "You know what sucks? When your underling is getting roughed up by someone who thinks they can call jurisdiction on them, but they really can't, because now I'm going to drop on them like an H bomb." Carol leaves some bills on the table to cover for her drink, and turns to walk out, far less jovially and not at all dancing, unlike when she came in. Someone is going to be really sorry, really soon.

Thor has posed:
    "Farewell, friend Carol," Thor says as he lifts a hand to wave towards her retreating back, a wave she isn't likely to see. But he does all the same. He takes a breath and crinkles his nose a touch, then turns to look back at Silver and he says levelly, "She spreads herself more thin than I, and yet I doubt she would have it any other way."
    But after that confession he shakes his head and smiles as he reclaims his drink now, extending it towards Silver to lightly click against the lip of her own should she allow it. "But now, as to that drink." He says and then tilts the horn back to take a nice... long... pull, his Adam's apple working as he swallows and swallows, then sets the empty down upon the table and thumps the flat of his hand upon the table.
    His voice lifts as he calls to a passing server, "Another!" Though he takes an instant to look at Silver with a quirked eyebrow as if asking if she would share another as well.

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver clinks glasses with Thor and goes to take a swig. Gulp. Shit, it's a chugfest and she grimaces into her stein but doesn't quit! She's not far behind him, though the last gulp takes a little extra work to force down. The point of her chin wags up and down in a nod and she swallows with an audible gulp.

"Da, yes. Another," she says, once she's caught up. "I know Colonel Danvers' feelings on duty," she assures Thor. "It is a quality good leaders must have in abundance. Particularly for her I think, there is other impetus. It seems she has struggled mightily with the patriarchal nature of your military," she tells Thor. "It seems to have left her ... what is phrase, with the thing on the shoulder," she says, dusting her bare arm.

Thor has posed:
    "A chip?" For once Thor gets the colloquialism as he nods, most likely as he's had the turn of phrase used on him as well. "Perhaps." He says as he looks after Carol, though by now she's disappeared off into he crowd and likely out the door.
    The server comes by and she smiles pleasantly to them both as she deposits another round for them, though Thor doesn't immediately imbibe this one, simply draws it closer to himself as he speaks to Silver with that open smile he is so known for. "She has fought for her place, and continues to face all comers, it is a noble outlook. One of her greatest qualities is she shies not from a fight."
    Then he pauses for a moment and looks thoughtful, "Though, in all truth her ire has been turned upon me at times and perhaps intensified because of my gender. But I hold it not against her."

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver frowns. "That seems unreasonable," she says, in a perfunctory fashion. "I have met men and women both who opposed my leadership in the Symkarian military. Both are threatened by someone resisting the traditions of the aristocracy and the church alike," she shrugs. "The women were at least smart enough not to say such things to my face." Lips curl into a sly smile and she sips her beer. "And the men fell in line after a few were crippled during a friendly wrestling bout," she adds. "Collarbones are as fragile as egos. Many were ready to decry me for my gender, but few were willing to take up my gage."

Thor has posed:
    "Ah, I do not speak ill of Carol," Thor says as he gestures with the tankard, "She has faced many who spoke in one way and then acted another, so she must be vigilant." The tall blonde deity nods solemnly as he speaks and then takes another drink, smiling as he listens to Silver explain how she handled just such other HR difficulties.
    "You see, you clearly have the way of it." His features are warm, a small hint of flush to his cheeks from the drink. "I am sure were I under such threat as facing you in the ring I would assuredly quail in fear at the idea."
    He lifts his mug to her as if offering a toast, "You are a formidable woman, Lady Sablinova. I am pleased we can consider each other friends."

Silver Sable has posed:
"Of course," Silver murmurs, agreeably. She's not going to sit there and argue with Thor, and the compliment he pays her fighting abilities provokes another small smile that's hidden by her mug.

Then he's offering her a toast and the mug's in mid-swing when he says 'friends'. Silver's eyes widen. "I... am flattered beyond words, Lord Thor," she says, pinking on her pale cheekbones. "I am cer-- I am unsure I am worthy of the friendship of a god."

Thor has posed:
    "Lady Sablinova," Thor starts but then he lowers his tankard and asks with a quirk of an eyebrow, "Silver?" As if it was acceptable to use her first name. If given permission he uses it and continues. "I understand that your people hold mine in reverence. And, in truth, there are elements of magic that affect my people strongly, we are bound to service in ways only the Norns could speak of."
    A pause, then he continues. "But you should know that in the years I have lived I have seen no difference in the souls of those I have met, no matter where they come from. I have seen such piety and love for their fellows come from those of your people. And I have seen such darkness come from my own. Aspects of us may be different. But at the core we are the same. It is just..."
    He looks down, and takes a drink of his mead, then sets the tankard down with a faint clink. "That we have experienced the world differently at times. So you may as well ask if I am worthy to be your friend. For, in truth, I feel I am fortunate."

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver shifts uncomfortably. "Lord Thor, I admit this is... makign me feel conflicted," she confesess to the blone Asgardian. "I do not wish to sound ungrateful, for I can think of no greater honor than to be numbered among your friends."

"But I have prayed many times for your intercession. For Odin's wisdom or Freyja's harvest. I have thanked the Valkyriad for the safe passage of my friends and brethren to Valhalla. Is... to speak to you thusly... did my prayers mean nothing? What was the point of piety?" she says, looking a little baffled. Even vulnerable and disheartened.

Thor has posed:
    She can see the flicker of concern flash across his features, the hint of a mournful depth to his dark blue eye as he looks between her own. He takes a deep breath and says quietly, "They would never mean nothing. If they were there for you, their utterance brought you the focus or strength you needed to survive, to push past the hard times you faced. Then your belief has been a support for you."
    She might see the impulse in him, his hand slightly starting to reach forward then he checks the motion, as if not wishing to presume. Instead he continues in this lull of music and laughter in the room, as if somehow the very moment in time was paying respect to the words they were sharing.
    "As for the others I could not speak for them. As for myself, I am not as perceptive as my brother, nor strong in the arts as my sister. But I can tell you this. Your belief is a kindness to me. For someone as strong as yourself who has endured what assuredly life has set before you? I am honored to have played some small part in it."

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver misses the gesture, eyes dimming. Her gaze flickers to the side and she stares at the floor, trying to process Thor's words.

She shakes her head and shoulders like an otter coming up out of the water. Her beer's drained and she slams the flagon down, waving at the passing waitress. "Whiskey," she tells her, curtly. "Scotch. Bottle."

Silver looks back at Thor, eyes a little unsteady. "I think I am too sober to handle this rationally," she informs him.

Thor has posed:
    Chewing the corner of his lip, Thor looks on at Silver as she seems dead set on the course she intends to take. The server shoots him a look as if asking him if he wanted anything and he gives a nod, just gesturing to his empty tankard. "Please,"
    He tilts his head to the side, looking across the room as if seeking someone or something, but then returns his attention to the European woman whom he has caused such ill. "I apologize if my words have caused you ill." Which, assuredly they seem to have done so.
    "Is there aught I can do to..." To help, to aid, to tell her the world is different than she likely thinks.

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver gives Thor an uneasy look. "My Lord Thor, that is I think the problem," she says. She purses her lips, carefully, and pushes her hair behind one ear with a rake of short-trimmed nails. "There's nothing you can do, and that idea troubles me more than I can say."

"I have taken great comfort in my faith for many years. It provided me reassurance to know that the faithful could ... beg you for intercession. For favorable weather or courage in battle. Always, you were removed from us as this..." She purses her lips. "Icon. A myth, a- a god. And now you share a seat and break bread with me and I am realizing I did not know you at all. Not like I thought I had."

Thor has posed:
    Of course Thor's first response might be seen as his features light up as if a glimpse down the tunnel revealed a wonderful hint of sunlight. He even starts to say what he thinks might help, "Oh but I can..."
    But then she presses on and elaborates and he holds his tongue and then subtly wilts as his eyebrows lift, and he finishes his statement, "I mean... oh but I can see how that is... not useful. At all."
    He stifles a cough and rests his hands on the table, fiddling with the silverware now as he looks at it with his one good eye, no answers being provided by the cutlery. A small deep /hm/ is heard under his breath then he looks towards her.
    "Would you know what... how things are for me? Who I am? What I am?" He looks towards the door, then back to her. "Or would it be best if I departed?"

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver's hands flex, palms pushing forward minutely. "Please, I do not mean to make you uncomfortable or upset," she assures Thor with a worried haste. "I am speaking out of turn, perhaps. You asked; I answered. Diplomacy is not one of my more refined skills."

She exhales, hugging her elbows over where they rest on the cool tabletop. "I know that spiderwebs cannot be repaired, lord Thor. And though part of me wishes I could return to my ... earlier ignorance, I know also that is not possible. I have always taken pride in facing my fear head-on. I should face this as well."

Thor has posed:
    Yet even with her assurances, Thor looks to her with that wariness or concern, as if not wanting to do yet further harm. But at her words expressing such brave sentiment, he seems to accept them and answers her with a nod.
    But still a fingertip taps upon the fork under his hand, lightly poking one of the tines causing it to lightly jounce a few times, then he covers it with his hand and sets it aside.
    "I would be speaking an untruth were I to tell you that things were the same for one who wears the mantle of God and one who does not." He straightens up and seems to be affecting a tone that is serious, perhaps trying to be authoritative or instructive. "For you see, it was not long ago that in my arrogance I drove my father to action, where upon he stripped me of my godhood, and cast me down."

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver's brows lift. "Yes, I'd heard this story but I thought it 'twas more ... well, another myth," she admits. "More parable than reality." She rests her fingers on her elbows, looking at Thor with intense curiousity. "Tell me more of this, then. What did you do to offend the All-Father so greatly that he cast you down from Asgard?"

Thor has posed:
    A wan smile touches the tall man's lips and he's not looking at her at first, not yet. More his hand covering the cutlery. "I was arrogant. We had words. He had for a time been preparing me, I thought, to rule. I felt I was ready and said as much."
    It's then that he looks up and the smile is there that she has likely seen on the televsion shows, or in the news, or on the internet. Just that open smile though now it's got a hint of self-deprecation. Which is rather rare with the Asgardan. "Needless to say he disagreed."
    He flares one hand outwards a touch, "So he took Mjolnir from me, and declared that I was no longer worthy to be Thor, God of Thunder. That 'twould be best I live for a time as simply a man until I learned humility. And what it meant to be a leader of men."

Silver Sable has posed:
"And what did you take from that lesson?" Silver inquires, rather shrewdly. "Were the lessons you learned as a man useful to your life as a God? Or did you find your godhood made you altogether a better man?"

Fingertips loiter on her empty shotglass, rolling across the rim and making the narrow base rotate back and forth along a lazy arc.

Thor has posed:
    "I learned," Thor stops speaking for a moment as the server returns with the bottle, thunking it down in front of Silver along with a glass. The Asgardian gets a refreshed tankard of mead and he smiles his thanks to her, then she's off.
    He returns his attention to her and says, "The importance of sacrifice." His brow knits as he rests his hand around the mug and then the Thunderer says, "That power is best used to protect that which you love."
    But then he holds up a hand and he says, "But the point I was trying to make. That stripped of my godhood, I was still myself. Still who I am." Of course then, being a stickler for the truth, Thor explains. "I mean being a god again sure I sometimes get visions, and there are magical things, and sometimes I have this destiny to fulfill."
    He cuts himself, "But /other/ than that. I am just. Me." He says that word with emphasis and shaking his head.

Silver Sable has posed:
"You know... that is not what a God is," Silver says, with the utmost delicacy. She looks up at Thor, meeting his eyes. "Not to us."

"A god is hope. An absoluteness," she clarifies. "Knowledge that all things will pass and there is a benevolent protector who looks over us at all times. One who steers us with a sure hand and ready wisdom. We pray to gods for intercession because..." she purses her lips. "Because the world is a frightening and chaotic place, and it brings comfort to know that there are beings of unfathomable power and grace looking for our interests."

Thor has posed:
    A nod is given as Thor takes a deep breath, "I know that we are not what many would wish us to be. For many reasons." He still holds his tankard and looks down at the contents, swirling it a little before his blue eye lifts back to catch her gaze.
    "My father may have been closest to what you wished, for his sight ranged far. He seemed to know so much more than I do." His lip lifts slightly, "I fear I will likely never be his equal."
    He then leans forwards, "But I do know how dark the world may be. And all I can tell you is that so long as I draw breath I will be there to face it. I will stand by you and your people of Midgard. Against any that would threaten this planet."
    Another pause then he says, "I know it is not perhaps as comforting in some ways. But I hope it is /moreso/ in others."

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver glances up at Thor's one eye, and a smile tugs at the corner of her mouth for a flickering moment. "It's... better than the alternative," she concedes. "Or that you're solely here for the mead and company. You're welcome to both, of course, but it does make me feel better knowing that you're looking over us."

Her expression grows thoughtful. "If it's not impertinent, then-- why us? Why humans?" she inquires. "The universe is so much bigger than I realized. So many worlds and aliens and living creatures. Why humanity? Why dwell here among the mortals scrabbling over petty jealousies?"

Thor has posed:
    The Asgardian smiles, surrounded by the trappings here in the club with the results of his people having met the people of Earth those many years ago, explaining to a young woman whose family had worshipped him and his throughout the ages. Now, having to explain the why of their choosing, he looks up a touch and shakes his head a little as if the very prospect of conjuring an answer worthy of all that has gone into the fact of them being there at this time... it daunts even him.
    But only briefly, for Thor is ever one to assail properly crafted windmills before him. He tilts his head to the side and meets her gaze levelly. "That answer requires so much, Silver." He uncurls a hand towards her as if asking her to take the words from him in sincerity, gesturing as he speaks.
    "I remember the days when we had little contact with you and yours. I was young, quick to anger and battle. And my first thought..." He smiles a touch, looking a little embarrassed. "Was what a wonderful battlefield. To here, face the Svartalfar."
    The rest of his words are hurried as if to stave off an objection on her part, "But it was upon knowing your people. The ones that decided to join us and fight at our side. Such a strength within. No others had greeted us so, nor were so willing to... to risk the entirety of their being, in support of a cause that they felt worthy."
    He straightens, "When my father, upon returning from the war finally finished, he declared that we would protect Midgard from all ills. He did so because of no other reason than how the people impressed him. Their spirit. Their resolve."
    He tilts his head to the side then, that self-deprecating smile appearing. "As for me, well. It was love."

Silver Sable has posed:
"The maiden of which you spoke," Silver murmurs. "Was it her? The one you spoke of?" She focuses on Thor's face with intense curiousity. "The stories have been a ... little unclear as to your romantic dalliances," she tells him, lips quirking. "Some said Sif has been your companion. Others that you've had liasions with the evil Enchantress, Amora. Or are the legends all misinformed?"

Thor has posed:
    "You misunderstand," Thor says, looking a touch uncomfortable as he straightens up in his seat, boot scuffing as he shifts to lean forwards with his shoulders hunching a little.
    "That is to say, I mean. Of course there was romance," His smile shifts subtly as if he were making a confession, "I was young, and indeed. Kari, the Blacksmith's widow caught my eye but I did not pursue her at first." She can likely see in his gaze as his thoughts distance, drifting nostalgic as he takes a deep breath. "She pursued me." He admits with a nod, falling silent for a moment with a smile still there.
    But then his gaze returns to Silver and he coughs a few times then says, "But what I speak of was more the love that I felt for your people. To me it was so wonderful, so different. We of Asgard, we are long-lived, aye. We spend hundreds of years exploring who we are, what we do, when an Asgardian passes into adulthood they are expected to have found a... a truth to themselves."
    His lip twists as he then points at her, "Your people, however. They rush and flit to whatever takes their eye. You pursue your passions with such... abandon. That to mine eye, it was the people of Midgard that knew how to live. How to experience the world."

Silver Sable has posed:
"Short and fragile lives, like honeybees," Silver says, flashing a tight grin. "Or fruit flies, who live for a day and don't even mate for life."

Her smile grows thoughtful again, flickering to the door as if looking for someone to come inside.

"I could not help but notice your slip of the tongue, though. 'At first'," she tells Thor. Liquor's delivered and she promptly drowns her first shot before pouring refills. "Love for man is a lovely, if abstract, sort of sentiment. If you are as much akin to mortals as you profess, I wonder if you too find an ephermal concept like a 'love of humanity' difficult to cling to," she observes with a delicate sagacity.

Thor has posed:
    He takes a moment to tilt back a sip of his drink as he looks off in the direction of her gaze, then back to her as he says. "With time I have found it easier to hold to, in truth, Silver."
    Thor sets his tankard down with a faint clonk, then meets her eyes. "The more I have seen, the more I have experienced. It has shown me how wonderful it is, what is had here. How it could easily be lost. And how important it is that it be protected." There is a faint edge there as his tone becomes more somber. A brief window into the weight that has settled on his shoulders these years past.
    But then he clears his throat, pushing past those thoughts as he can and says. "In truth, however, you are right to some degree. When I think of... of protecting Earth and our people. I do not think of some high concept. I think of the faces of those I care for. And those I have lost."
    Silence, as it is in the crowded room with the low music, reins for a time. Then he looks again towards the door. "You look to the door as if hoping your paramour were to pass through." His lip curves faintly as he looks back to her.

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver flexes her fingers in apology, sensing she's pushed Thor into a place of moody contemplation. "I have been a soldier all my life, Lord Thor," she tells the Asgardian. "I am a member of my nation's peerage and a commander of thousands. And yet I find myself in the battlfield not thinking of patriotism, but of the well being of my people." She shrugs. Silver gets it.

"I am looking, perhaps, not for my paramour, but yours. The lady Jessica Jones seemed keenly taken with you." Her blunt, manicured nail taps on the edge of her shot glass with a dull chime. "Moreso than mere fanatic infatuation from your, er. Fan club."

Thor has posed:
    Listening to her, Thor follows along looking a touch confused at first as she speaks of herself, then giving a nod as it connects with his own experience. "It is ever so," He tilts his drink back and takes a few swallows, then brushes a forearm over his lips as he sets the tankard down.
    But then she speaks on Jessica and he at first lifts his eyebrows with a hint of surprise, but then it causes a moment of reflection upon which he cannot disagree. He tilts his head and looks again to the door, as if seeking to espy her, then he shakes his head and looks back.
    "Lady Jessica is a remarkable woman, and were matters different I could see us being close." He does not speak lightly, each word seeming to come with some deliberation and a touch of reflection. "But..."
    He looks back to Silver and he says with a regretful undercurrent to his tone, "I am King. And my first thought cannot be for my own wishes in the matters of love." Thor straightens and takes a deep breath. "I must find a queen in these coming years. There must be an heir. And with New Asgard in such a state..."
    He tilts his tankard back and empties it with several swallows, then sets it down heavily. His mood has darkened a touch, to bottle level as he reaches for it and asks Silver silently for her permission to drink, just by quirking an eyebrow. If she grants it he'll drink and then add, "That it would also need to be an alliance of strength. Of some kind."

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver offers to pour Thor's shot for him, and waits patiently for him to conclude his explanation.

"If it's not presumptuous, Lord Thor," she hedges. Eyes flicker to him. "Your own legends and histories tell us how badly things have fared when marriages are arranged other than for love. My own nation has historically not borne it well. Marriages of political necessity are never strong ones."

And then she frowns. "And you are confusing me, because I think you use the wrong word. You said 'heir', but you are thinking 'child', I think," she tells Thor. "You do need an heir. Someone raised with a strong value of family. And fidelity to the nation."

"Will you sire your get on a concubine, then? Or let their mother be a queen you do not love or want? Who would make a better monarch, a child borne of love and grace, or one borne solely of political necessity?"

Thor has posed:
    Taking the shot, Thor smiles and shakes his head, then he laughs a low rumbling chuckle as he gestures towards her, "Lady Sablinova, you throw my own arguments back upon me, and here I sit in my father's chair looking dourly at you with my one eye in judgement."
    For some reason that makes him laugh all the more, enough to draw a few looks from people who smile as if it was nice to see Thor laugh.
    But he sets the empty shot glass down and gestures for her to refill it if she would. "And, in truth, were matters less dire I could see the wisdom in your words. But with the loss of our homeland." His brow creases as he takes another breath.
    For a moment all conversation stops, and Thor brings a fingertip up to the strapless eye patch and he runs his thumb along the edge, then rubs the thumb against the side of his forefinger.
    He remembers himself and clears his throat, then looks back to her. "But the immediate need is an alliance of some strength. A Queen, to show my people that there is a future and stability. And an heir, to secure it."
    He smiles a little at her and says perhaps trying to convince himself more than her. "Love must come later."

Silver Sable has posed:
"Well. It would be arrogant of me to argue with your divine wisdom, my Lord," Silver tells Thor. Her smile, a surprisingly feminine expression, flashes for only a moment. "Perhaps it is merely my mortal sentiments. I can think of no more stable or trustworthy leader than one who sees the value of love."

"But, as I said: I am but mortal." She hoists her drink at him in toast and sips the expensive old scotch.

Thor has posed:
    For some reason that sits poorly with him, and she can see it. He leans back and slouches down in his seat a little, his lip twisting a little as if perceiving her making light of him. But what does Thor do when he feels under pressure?
    Well he attacks.
    Holding his drink up to her in response, he then says levelly. "You realize I had considered courting you, Lady Sablinova." He says with such frankness, such open outright directness. "For you would fit the criteria would you not?"
    He lifts a hand and ticks off fingers, "You come from a noble house, neh? You are a woman of such strength and character that you would impress the court. You could hold your own against most threats. An alliance with your people would help mine. And I find you staggeringly beautiful, that I could see you on a winged steed gathering the souls of men."
    He plants his hands on the table and then pushes himself to his feet, "But yes, you're right. I should abandon all such criteria and seek naught save love. Foolish me."
    Outside there's a rumble of thunder, but only brief. For now, Thor is stepping away from the table and walking towards the door with an angry step.

Silver Sable has posed:
Thor makes it two steps towards the door in the stunned silence he leaves in his wake. There's a crash of a shattering shot glass hitting the wood ahead of him. It punctuates the sudden silence in the bar.

"<Asshole!>" Silver declares, using the Symkarian analogue. She's on her feet, the picture of cold and haughty fury despite her office dress attire. Weight over her left hip, hands akimbo, right knee slightly turned out. "<How dare you! You speak of courting me in one voice, and then in the next admonish me for daring to encourage you to follow your heart. Are you a man, or are you a god?>" she demands, with brassy querulousness. Her chin uplifts in pointed challenge, fingers flicking upwards through the air. "<Slink out and sulk in the street if you wish. Or face me on your own two feet and profess your intentions without fear!>"

Her allies edge backwards a half inch. Fearless and implacable the Wild Pack, but no one's willing to step into the middle of *this* particular fight.

Thor has posed:
    Rounding at the shattered glass, Thor turns sloooowly to face Silver. The eyepatch now, the glower, the grim features of the Asgardian all look somehow ominous considering that there's a rumble of distant thunder right in that fallen silence. Great thick arms cross over his chest as he draws himself up to his considerable height and looks upon her with such a stern severity that has caused elder beings of the universe to wilt under such consideration.
    But he expects her to stand strong, for such is part of the reason for his admiration. Unfortunately he speaks not of it.
    "Why do you not tell me then, Lady Sablinova?" He gestures with one hand upon his bicep, fingers uncurling as if beckoning her to do so. "Which I am to you now."
    His eyebrow cocks regally, "As for my intentions towards you, I have none."

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver stalks towards Thor at his question, eyes narrowed to angry slits. She jabs a forefinger into his sternum and stares up at him, heedless of the near one-foot difference in their height-- or the fact he could snap her back like a twig.

"<Now? You are acting like neither god *or* man,>" she scolds him. "<I am not a blushing child to be overawed should you grant me the merest of your glances. Nor am I some prize to be collected for diplomacy.>" Her hand flicks through the air again, an imperious sort of dismissal. "<If you have no intentions towards me then tell me not of how you 'thought' of courting me. I am not here to be impressed by your 'thoughts',>" she says, with the height of indignation. "<If you wish to flatter me, do so in earnest.>" Her chin uplifts again, giving Thor an arch, challenging expression.

Thor has posed:
    She can hear the rumbling growl of an exhalation that comes from deep in his chest as he looks to her, a displeased deity with such a stern facade. Tendons bunch in his jaw line as he grinds his teeth and nods slowly as if he was deciding her fate.
    But then his good eye widens and he says simply. "You are right." And a hint of that tension slips away, perhaps even from the room. "I have made myself small and it is a poor matter."
    "My apologies, Lady Sablinova. I sought to hurl back sharp words, and in so doing I advanced myself and my attentions as some prize to be won."
    Another pause, then he repeats. "It was small of me."

Silver Sable has posed:
Silver almost looks disappointed when Thor resolves the moment so calmly. "<Yes, well... it is, in the end, a small thing,>" she says, with a careful urbanity. "<You did not intend to be rude, so of course it would be boorish to stay angry.>" She brushes her hair back from her face and tucks it behind her ear, eyes flickering to the rest of the bar as she gathers her aplomb.

"What are the rest of you looking at?" she snaps.

Thor has posed:
    "Until another time, Lady Sablinova." And with that Thor lowers his gaze and his head in what would be a bow in more formal settings. He then turns and he continues his stride towards the door, though the clouds high above the club remain darkened and swirling, testament to his mood despite his reasonable words.