7319/Ding Dong: We Need To Talk

Ding Dong: We Need To Talk
Date of Scene:	25 April 2019
Location:	New Asgard
Synopsis:	Thor and Ellisandra have a discussion about the situation at hand and how it might benefit their people. And that it's all Loki's fault.
Cast of Characters:	Thor, Ellisandra
Tinyplot:	Ding Dong The Bells Are Gonna Chime

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Thor has posed:
    The hurried and hastily cobbled together celebration and welcome ceremony was most likely not the best experience that Ellisandra had in her life. She most likely was more comfortable with the upper crust of Shi'Ar society, where the soirees are refined delicate affairs with formal dance lists, and quiet polite discourse shared between hosts and guests. A typical Shi'Ar affair was one of brilliant crystalline decor and shiny metallics seeming like a festivity crafted out of ice and steel.
    New Asgard, however, is a different place entirely.
    Whatever image she may have had of the Asgard of the past, it likely is damaged by what she experienced here tonight. Oh the grand hall where the people gathered, with the long tables and the brilliant stonework would be impressive to some simply from an aesthetic and craftsmanship perspective. But it was nothing like the thirty seven festivities that are required attendance by the Court of the Empress.
    There was the fact that everyone seemed to feel it was alright to talk and laugh whenever they wanted. No formal order of discourse. No control or arbiter. Just people talking over each other like some common... some common /crowd/. But then there's the fact that everyone moved around and met with everyone else, at RANDOM. That was madness. Some felt it was acceptable to introduce themselves entirely out of order from their position. While others even offered her a drink, and what's worse the ones she assumed were servants weren't, and the ones she thought must clearly have been nobility... had been servants.
    It was madness.
    But through it all Thor had conducted himself well. He had kept things moving, made the needed introductions, informed Ellisandra of each step along the way. Until it was near the end of the evening when most of the celebrants had departed. The guards were still in attendance, and there were still a few people in the great hall, but it left Thor and Ellisandra the lone individuals seated at the head of one of those great white stone tables.
    "Well," The tall blond man says with a small smile, "That was enjoyable." He had not indulged in drink too much so, and what little she had tasted likely had been watered down immensely. But the Asgardian monarch still had a ruddiness to his cheeks, "What say you that we adjourn, Ellisandra and speak more to this matter of marriage?"

Ellisandra has posed:
    "I believe that would be for the best," Ellisandra agrees. She rises to her feet, her own guards standing a bit away from the pair snapping to attention with her movement.
    The Shi'ar who had arrived with her had joined the celebration. Despite their slimmer builds and lighter frames, they did put away quite a lot of alcohol. Many had wandered off back to the ship, staggering as they made their way through the building then down the road. A couple had to be carried by their friends. At least one or two had left with Asgardians to who knew where, though guesses as to what could be made.
    Her two guards moved to flank the duo wherever they might be headed. Ellisandra glanced over and up at Thor, gauging him through her lashes. They looked like regular lashes, long and thick, but like her hair were made of feathers.
    He had been quite an enjoyable companion through the evening but she knew that things were off. He had no idea who she was or why she was there until she had made her announcement. Now, she would be finding out if this would still be happening or if all this had been for naught.
    If it had been for naught, she was going to be quite peeved when she went back to the Shi'ar Empire. "Lead the way."

Thor has posed:
    Before he can fully depart he has to give a signal to the guardsmen, who then officially announce the closing of the court for the King is retiring. Some of the courtiers depart from the long hall as other citizens begin to pick up what there is to be recovered. Servants and soldiers alike both focus on the tending to matters leaving Thor the freedom to depart towards one of the large wooden doors that has been so lovingly crafted for the great hall.
    Once outside and moving to the study, in that large stone hallway, Thor slides his hands into the pockets of his breeches and says sidelong towards her, his good eye widened a touch. "You are a brave princess it seems. Setting to this course of action with little knowledge of what awaited you. It shows a strength of character that you can endure our humble ways."

Ellisandra has posed:
    She hasn't reached the point she's at in the royal court by being crass. Ellisandra knows how to play her role well. She walks along beside him, graceful and at ease. "Your ways are not humble," she protest with a smile and a shake of her head. "Your people are amazing. So strong of spirit. And your celebration was a true spectacle to behold. It made my own arrival seem to pale in comparison." There had been much enjoyment and revelry.
    In truth? She's horrified. Truly, they are a strong people, but she is used to a very different atmosphere. Beautiful and clean. Here it is as though they are all camping. Forever. Rough. Hard. It will take some getting used to but she will never let that be known. In time, changes will happen to bring them into the modern world, if she has her way.
    She does give a nod as she turns her head, lowering her chin and putting on the perfect embarassed air. "You make me blush though with such compliments. It is my duty and my pleasure to be of service to my Empire by coming here. All the tales I heard, I did not feel fear to meet Asgard. It was excitement." The words fall easily off her tongue. Whether they are true or not? Impossible to tell.

Thor has posed:
    "Be that as it may," It might surprise her that Thor is capable of the courtly dance, the casual turn of words to offer the positive as one can while also embracing the subtext. It's a give and take that she is a natural with, but he is no stranger for. It is very clear when he replies, "I would argue it is a courageous act to embark upon a ship across the galaxy and to tie yourself to one you know naught of save for their name and what tales may have reached you."
    Thor reaches the side study and gives a nod towards one of her guards who likely is set to take up a place outside the door. He'll leave the door open as is proper to insure that they are not unsupervised in their time together. Once they're through he'll move into the ornately furnished room. The shelves are built within the walls of the library and there is a partially terran feel to the decor. Natural woods are prominent, terribly rural and looking almost as if the place would belong in a cabin better than in a castle.
    "I did speak briefly with my brother, and he told me of the dialogue shared with your people and the ambassadors. It seems there is great potential here and I would be a fool to not weigh this matter heavily."

Ellisandra has posed:
    "Perhaps when viewed that way, it is," Ellisandra agrees, for the sake of not arguing the point. Easier to give way than to press further. It makes her seem reasonable and willing to concede when she's wrong. Even though she isn't. She had no fear because she has too much confidence in herself.
    As they enter the study, her guard does take up a position to one side. They will await her exit but keep an ear to the room for any sort of danger to their mistress. Not likely but that is their task.
    "Prince Loki?" That is the name Ellisandra was aware of. The one who had negotiated this arrangement in with Empress Lilandra. "I am glad you had the opportunity to speak. Again, I truly apologize for catching you unawares as I did. I thought he had made the arrangements with you prior to seeking out my people." She moves around the study, careful not to cringe visibly back from the shelving and cabin feel. She finally seeks a seat as she continues speaking.
    "It is a great opportunity for both empires. The Asgardians will have the support of the Shi'ar as they rebuild. Though, you have achieved so much already, perhaps only our tech may be of interest to you." Implying they don't really need help and giving the indication they are already strong and in a position of power. "The Shi'ar gain allies who are well respected and have their own gifts to share. It truly is a good arrangement for both sides."

Thor has posed:
    There's a drink cart there, and it's there that Thor stands around, looking a bit pensive as he ponders something. Though it doesn't stop him from undoing the glass cap from one of the decanters. It seems drinking is a large part of Asgardian society, for it even has its place during discussions of state.
    As he fills two glasses, one with a swish of water from a crystal clear jug, he says to her. "If you spend time in court, eventually you will realize that my brother is... unique." He says in lieu of other more colorful terms. "He at times takes it upon himself to... make life more interesting. Though at the heart of it he means well."
    There's a beat as Thor looks off into the distance beyond the wine as he chews his lower lip briefly before he appends. "Usually."
    That said he turns away from the cart and holds two glasses of a refined wine that might well be reminiscent of a vintage that her own people indulge in. "For now, however. I think what you and your family are offering with this alliance... it is a great opportunity for our people to grow stronger together."
    He offers her one.

Ellisandra has posed:
    Ellisandra does settle into one of the seats, drawing her skirt around her legs as she does so. While he fills the glasses, she watches as he adds water to hers. Interesting. She wonders why but waits while he continues to speak of his brother.
    "Unique." She echoes the word when he chooses it. Then he goes on and expresses that his brother means well. She has to echo his choice of word again. "Usually."
    A bit of amusement is there in her expression, reflected in her dark eyes as she takes the offered glass and swirls it to watch the play of the drink in the glass while allowing the aroma to fill the air. "You speak very carefully but I believe I understand now. This was for the benefit of Asgard yet, by not telling you, he gains his amusement?"
    She takes a sip of the drink and swirls the liquid around in her mouth a moment before swallowing. Very good and smooth, despite being watered down.

Thor has posed:
    "I believe so," Thor smiles, a little embarrassed as he sits down in a chair perpindicular to her own, easing into its overstuffed depths and crossing a leg over his knee. He holds the glass in hand and lets it rest upon the arm of the chair while he looks to her. "When one has a brother who knows him so well, it comes with some extra repercussions to it."
    He takes a deep breath, "So I admit, I was taken aback. I was also unready. But the elders have perused the marriage contract. It is quite generous considering the difficult times that have befallen my people. But even as we are none would turn us away from their side in battle. Hopefully our two people together will grow all the stronger."

Ellisandra has posed:
    "It should. Asgardians are legend in their abilities and fierceness in battle. Shi'ar, while we are not to be trifled with, can benefit by having your people to help us should it be needed. The Empire does have those who would enjoy seeing us fall. We must be on guard at all times to maintain our place in the universe," she says with a nod, raising her glass and taking another tiny sip. No show this time, just enjoyment of the smooth liquor.
    "Our technology is fairly advanced, perhaps even surpassing what you had prior to your arrival on Earth." Very carefully phrased so as not to stomp on feelings though still making the point.
    She sets her glass to the side on a table, hesitating only a moment as she looks for a coaster. Not one in sight. She sets it directly on the table top and looks back to Thor. "When your brother does such things, do you return the favor in kind? What is the word on Earth..." She hunts mentally a moment then nods. "Prank?"

Thor has posed:
    The Asgardian monarch nods along with her words as she explains about Shi'Ar strength in the galaxy, which isn't really a point that could be argued. They are a powerful people but not simply through force of arms, but diplomacy as well. As proven by this agreement between them.
    But Thor accepts it, nodding in time with her words and accepting the carefully couched statements. But when she returns to the topic of his brother he lets a small smile come to the fore, a laugh slipping away just barely as he shakes his head. "I was not one usually for playing pranks on him."
    His brow knits for a moment as he looks at his glass, "Usually I would just hit him." His eyebrows rise as if he were not that pleased with his past self about that, then he said. "But today things are different." He smiles openly, pleasantly. Then adds, "Mostly."

Ellisandra has posed:
    That makes her blink. He's joking. No, he doesn't seem to be joking. Ellisandra's confusion is there for just a moment when she remembers: Asgardians. They tend to turn to violence at the drop of a feather. It's quite well known as their reputation precedes them.
    When it sinks in, she lets out her own light laugh, like a tinkling of bells instead of a nice deep belly laugh. It probably could get quite annoying if she does that too often. Thankfully, she hasn't done it before so maybe it won't.
    "I see. Mostly. Perhaps this could be an exception rather than the new rule? I think it may be fitting all things considered. The joke was not only on you but myself and my entire entourage, after all. Though I would ask one favor. That I be present when you deliver the blow? Perhaps unexpectedly when you are making introductions between your brother and I?"

Thor has posed:
    "Oh, I'm not..." He holds up a hand and actually gets some colour to his cheeks, "I was more referring to when we were youths." Mostly. He laughs it off and shakes his head as Thor looks to her then looks away, distantly over her shoulder. For a time his thoughts are kept to himself, just his own as he considers the matters before him.
    It's the space of give heartbeats and then Thor's good blue eye returns to her. "Unfortunately I have already admonished him, so you will not get to witness that. But he is also to be congratulated."
    That said Thor extends his glass to her and says, "For if it were not for his efforts we never would have met." And should she meet him he'll clink his glass against hers to solidify the moment and the agreement.