Owner	Pose
Thor	Thirty minutes ago and Central Park had been the site of a wild battle that had caused a surge of activity throughout the city. News crews were still present, broadcasting as they could what insights and testimonies were given by the witnesses who had been there. It had all started with the unstable vortex blossoming with power, the Avengers standing against invaders, and then ended... with cheesecake.     All told it was a success. The damage had been heavy in the area of the park's underpass, and there would be several months of repairs, but nobody lost their lives and in the end peace had been gained with the aid of dessert-goodness. All in all, it had been a good day.     So, as the sun was setting distantly behind the city's skyline, Thor Odinson found himself at ease and relaxing as he sat upon the edge of a half-crumbled fountain that had taken a blast from an errant missile. It too would need to be repaired before water would flow. But for now, the Asgardian Avenger used it as a bench.     And, to be fair, partially a table. For a whole chocolate cheesecake was set down beside him in its plastic container. Open now, and with a fork in hand, now and again Thor would lean over and take a small dainty stab at the dessert and pop it into his mouth where he would chew and chew and look thoughtful into the distance with that one-eyed gaze of his. His armored form seemed a touch dirty, spattered with dirt and debris, but for now... he was well.
Karen Starr	She was on her way home. It had been a long day working at the lab and then monitor duty at the Watchtower. Which she usually didn't mind as it allowed her time to catchup on her reading but tonight it had been torture. The one night she was wanting something to happen? There was nothing. Until that blip from Central Park. Some sort of a fight and she was pushing the alert button when she heard the radio chatter from the police that Avengers were on scene. That being the case, she went back to reading while listening to the police giving a running commentary about the goings on. Not exact things but she knew it was over pretty soon after it started and the Justice League didn't need to offer an assist. She hadn't even bothered typing that one up before she left. But she couldn't quite resist passing over Central Park on her way home. She spotted the damaged area and swooped in, hovering about twenty feet in the air and assessing. A mess to be sure. Damage Control hopefully would have crews available to fix it sooner rather than later. But then she spied that figure by the fountain. She floated down, boots settling to the ground a little ways from him, cape falling into place since she wasn't in motion. "I usually don't go for the whole cheesecake unless I'm really depressed. You guys won from what the police frequencies were saying so maybe it's celebration cheesecake?"
Thor	Looking up at her from around a mouthful of cake, Thor at first blinks a few times, then he swallows. A forearm brushes in front of his lips as a smile blossoms into place. He lowers his hands, dusting them off just in case some of the chocolate dessert got on them then he lifts his head to meet her with that one-eyed gaze.     "Power Girl, aye. Indeed." A glance is given to the side, not much happening at the moment, then he looks back to her. "Come, have some if you would." He turns his head and looks around, frowning for a moment...     Until he spies the small plastic wrapped baggie that had contained the fork he was using. He holds it up and offers it to her, since the spoon is as good as the fork with regards to cheesecake. "We had more before, but the Trolls took the rest." A pause, "And the van that carried them as well."     He shifts a little to make room for her, "Join me, if you would."
Karen Starr	"Celebration cheesecake then." Power Girl grins and moves to sit down near him, on the opposite side from of the tasty treat. She takes the little plastic spoon with a grin. Although admittedly, it was confusing what he was talking about really. The chatter on the radios had not been that detailed. "So there was an attack on a cheesecake truck by trolls?" At least that is what she was picking up from the few hints he'd dropped. She dips the spoon into the cheesecake, bringing the bite up to her lips and letting out a soft Mmmm as she rolls her eyes expressively. "So good. Is this Cheesecake Factory?" The woman knows her cheesecakes.
Thor	"Ah, well." Thor says as he straightens up a little, gesturing with the plastic fork, the utensil looking almost comically small in his large armored hand. "They were seeking land, and asked for tribute lest they lay waste and such. A comrade of mine jokingly offered them cheesecake. One thing led to another and well, here we are."     Then as for the brand his eye widens slightly as he looks around the area, then returns his gaze back to her. "Though yes, I believe it is from there. Are they exceptional amongst bakeries?"     As he asks this he leans over and lightly digs out another small forkful of chocolate cheesecake and then slips it into his mouth upside down to lick the underside of the utensil. He nods slowly then wipes at his mustache and beard as if making sure none had escaped. "But enough of that, what has passed for you, Power Girl?"
Karen Starr	As he explained, a faint giggle esaped her. "That sounds like something that would happen with the League. A smart comment gets taken seriously and you end up in weird situations." She looks around. "Like fighting trolls in Central Park then having cheesecake after." She takes another bite of the cake, letting it melt in her mouth and then swallowing. "I wouldn't say they are exceptional," Power Girl counters about the company. "Really good, obviously. But I have a little Mom and Pop place that I like to go too. Everything is homemade by Mama Joan. Well, that's what she has us regulars call her," she explains with a grin. At his question, she shrugs with one shoulder, the left so that short red cape lifts and falls with the movement. "Nothing much. Work then monitor duty then work. I did help take down the Absorbing Man the other day but that's been about it for action."
Thor	"The Absorbing Man?" Thor nods, making a small face as he looks out across the park. "He is a true villain, him and his comrades are some of the worst individuals whom I have faced in the past." And, indeed, the Asgardian's features are grim and distasteful at the thought of them.     "Not that he and his are talented, or skilled, or great warriors. They are just... individuals of low character and they speak to me of the worst aspects of Midgard. I do not care for them, they mislike me."     And with such a damning judgment pronounced, Thor seals the condemnation with another bite of cheesecake. But then he sets his fork down on the flap of the plastic container and gestures with a nod. "Have the rest if you wish, I have had my fill." And, to be fair, there is quite a good bit there.
Karen Starr	He really didn't eat much. Sad celebration level. He's usually one to enjoy and partake. Well, the one time she spent time with him. Which actually brought a thought to mind which had her looking away, off into the park. That time there had ben too much Ale. She hadn't realized the stuff could affect a Kryptonian so much. "The good news is he was by himself. His crew hadn't broken out of custody yet. So while it was a tough fight, it wasn't as bad as it could be with all of them together." She dips her spoon into the cheesecake again then flipped the lid shut. Not because she didn't want more but because she would sit here and eat the whole thing if she wasn't careful. "I appreciate it. And I won't keep you. I know you likely have things to do. Although I should apologize for the last time we saw each other. I kind of overstepped my bounds when I was leaving. I'd blame it on the ale but we know that's just stupid since I was the one that chose to drink it, right?"
Thor	The tall Asgardian gives a nod as his eyebrows climb, perhaps thankful for small favors that the Absorbing Man had been captured before he became too much of a real threat. But then she speaks again and he affixes her with a curious glance.     "Oh I have no demands on my time. Not at the moment at the least. If some such required my attention then Bjarke would..." He lifts a hand slightly to the side, "Contact me on the cellular device. I imagine." Which he may or may not have on him, considering technology and its benefits don't always register in his thoughts at times.     But then she says something else that grabs his attention. "Pardon?" He asks at first as she speaks to overstepping her bounds. She can the furrow touching his brow, puzzlement in that one blue eye as he looks back to her.     "How did you overstep your bounds?" Either he's forgotten, didn't view it as a transgression, or is being polite.
Karen Starr	Oh perfect. She should've kept her mouth closed. He didn't even remember it so why was she apologizing for it? "You know you are totally right. How did I. I mean, grown up and all that. I wanted to so obviously I did. And it's over and done and all good." Her speech is a little faster than it should be, a hint of nervous energy to it as she works past that as quickly as possible and pretends that it's all settled now. Cause it is. Totally settled. She just was making an idiot of herself. Maybe time to cut this short. With that she picks up the cheesecake as she rises to her feet. He did say she could have the rest, after all. "I should probably be getting home though. It was good to see you again. Till next time the trolls invade?" she says with a grin as she prepares to head off.
Thor	"Power Girl," Thor says with a smile, and in that moment he seems so at ease with her, and so comfortable... that he extends a hand and pats the space of the fountain next to him where that cheesecake once was. Though this time he gestures with a nod of his head and an uncurling of his hand as he adds the single word, "Please."     And then he shall wait for her to decide whether or not to accept that invitation. So that when she does sit down next to him he will meet her gaze. He may be immortal, but she will see wisps of age in his gaze. The way the skin crinkles around his good eye very subtly, the furrow to his brow when they come together slightly in focus or consideration. His single blue iris looking between hers.     Then he smiles and it is a thing that makes him seem so young almost instantly. An open and gregarious thing when he says to her quietly, almost conspiratorially. "Did you mean the kiss?"
Karen Starr	When he asked for her to sit again, Power Girl considered declining. Better to go home, put on her comfy clothes and settle on the couch with a cheesecake. What was left of it anyway. Not that she was depressed but that moment was kind of embarassing and it would help to ease her feelings. And it tasted good. She settled down and looked over at him, noticing those little hints of things. Maturity in those lines that marked his face. Some weight to his demeanor that probably was a reflection of being a king over a people who had to rebuild anew here on Earth. But the smile changed it all. Just lightened up everything about him in an instant. And then he said those words. Her eyes dropped and there was a nervous laugh before she forced her gaze back to his. "Well yeah. I mean, you're a king and I'm..." She was going to say 'just me' but that would never do. She was Karen Starr. Power Girl. She wasn't 'just' anything. "Me. Not royalty or the like. It was forward of me. I sometimes act before I think and that was one of those."
Thor	He doesn't interrupt her, doesn't press for explanation nor the line of her reasoning. Instead he just listens and follows along with her words. The smile remains with him though, albeit a ghost of one just hovering there in the shadows of his expression yet more alive in his one-eyed gaze. His lips twist up a little at the end.     Does he try to convince her otherwise? No. Does he try to reassure her about who she is and her role in the world? No. What he does do is he leans over just enough until she'll feel his shoulder lightly rest against hers. Then he turns his head and for a brief moment there is the brush of his breath upon the curve of her cheek, followed then by a small touch of his lips right there. Just a featherlight thing mirroring the same small offering of thanks as he took away from her kiss the time before.     It was only there a short time, long enough for his eye to close and for her to hear the soft sound of that touch. Then he eases back and will try to find her eyes again.     "There. Now we both have transgressed. We're even."
Karen Starr	Which he will be able to do easily enough. Power Girl is staring at him a little wide eyed. It really wasn't that big of a deal. It was a kiss. On the cheek. But again, he was a king and she was not of royal blood. No queen or princess. Sure she was Kryptonian but she was a regular person. But his words make her grin a little. "Sounds good. We're even. Guess I shouldn't have worried about it so much. I forget you are pretty laid back unlike most of the royalty on this planet." She balances the cheesecake on her lap, sitting very prim and proper there. Back straight, knees together, legs crossed at the ankles. Her hands rest around the little plastic container. "I appreciate the understanding."
Thor	"Good," Thor says as he then bites his lower lip and eyes the cake again, perhaps considering asking for a bit more, but then decides against it. His eyes lift to her and he says, "Aside, you place too much stock on role. A soul is a soul is a soul."     He lifts his chin and looks across the skyline of the city and smiles a little, "In Asgard, much more gravitas is placed upon one's actions than their birth. You would be lauded for your strength as a warrior, your counsel would not be ignored because of your birthright, and there are many number of noble born who would likely find you a fine bride."     Then he adds with a gentle smile, "And be lucky to have your heart."
Karen Starr	If she's going to be there, Power Girl is going to at least enjoy some more cheesecake. She flips the plastic cover off the top so she can pick up her spoon, which she'd left inside. His fork was still there as well, since he'd laid it in the top of the cover before she'd flipped it closed. She lifts the container up to offer him a chance at joining her in another bite if he wants. "I appreciate that. Someday I'll settle I figure. Just hard to find a guy that likes a woman like me when they aren't on some angle. Like having a strong woman fetish or some crap like that." Wait, should she say crap to him? She was always second guessing. Which is when she realized, she was the one acting weird. He was the same as he'd been that first meeting. Polite. She just needed to be herself. Stop trying to think if she would or wouldn't offend by a word choice. She smirks as she shrugs. "Not like there is a lot of free time on my calendar, between work and the League. Oh! I did put in for a supervisor position at the lab. So Rao willing, that'll come through."
Thor	She likely can see him pondering it, but no... he shakes his head and does not indulge in yet more cheesecake. Then again she might not realize how much he had before she arrived. They had a /lot/ of cheesecake available. But he eases back, resting his hands upon the fountain's edge and letting it take his weight as he extends his legs and crosses them at the ankles.     "You should never settle, Power Girl."     Thor looks away, letting his gaze drift across the park and the mayhem that was caused only a short time ago. With so much chaos and wildness, at the least in the here and now things will be passingly decent. "You should always strive for your passion, after all." Then he lifts his chin a little and smiles, "Though I doubt I need to tell you that."     When she mentions, however, putting in for a supervisor position he tilts his head back. "That is good then?" He asks, not entirely sure. Then he adds, "And what is Rao?"
Karen Starr	That gets a little laugh. "I don't mean settle for someone. I'm going to wait for love. When I know that someone loves me for me. The person behind the cape, so to speak. It'll happen when it happens." She takes another bite of cheesecake, chewing a bit then swallowing. A lick of tongue to lips to be sure there is no chocolate marring them before she speaks again. "This is very good. Our lab supervisor retired. So that leaves some of us with a rare chance to take his spot. I have good credentials and a great work history there so hopefully. Fingers crossed." She holds up her hand with her index and middle finger crossed. But his next question has her pausing. "Rao is god that was worshipped on Krypton. Kind of like a sun god from what I understand. Maybe cause of how our physiology works with the light from a yellow sun. Although that's more the scientist in me talking. But I picked up the habit of calling to him after being around my cousin a bit."
Thor	"Ah," Thor says as he brightens a little, "I am sure you will be considered positively for that position then." He uncrosses his ankles, then recrosses them reversed as he remains lounging there at his ease. His smile is a little crooked as he looks at her sidelong. "And it is good that you are maintaining that connection to your people."     His gaze distances as he ponders, looking thoughtful as he takes a deep breath. She likely can read the subtle changes of his expression as he has an inner dialogue with himself, about something unspoken. Until he decides to offer her that insight as he smiles.     "I still maintain... what connection I can with our old home." He takes a deep breath. "I sometimes visit the memorial we have in Kvalvikka. The flame that is lit in memory of those we lost. Of my father and mother."     For a brief moment there's a hint of sadness, then he washes it away with that smile as if not allowing him that time to grieve. Not now at the least. "I still speak to my mother now and again. To tell her what is passed, things I think she would have liked. My father as well. Though less so."
Karen Starr	"I didn't realize both of your parents were gone. I'm sorry for your loss." The words are those that people are taught to say. Though they sound sincere coming from her. And she is. She does feel bad that he lost them both. Not that she understand how that feels. Just that it causes sadness to so many people. She never had parents. Her only family she has is limited to exactly two people. Perhaps three in a way. Yet, it still wasn't the same as anyone she had met. The closest to her history was Superboy and she didn't know him well at all. She takes another bite of cheesecake to keep herself busy while she considers. "How does it work for your people and your beliefs? I have heard of Valhalla but I honestly don't know how that all works."
Thor	A nod is given to her as he smiles a little, accepting that sincere offer of condolences. He holds her eyes for a time then looks away as he takes a deep breath, then exhales it slowly before he answers as he can. "Valhalla is where our people go when they've fallen in battle, eternity in one of Odin's halls, to feast and celebrate the deeds of heroes. Others who pass from other causes find their way to Niffleheim where they are given peace until the great cycle begins again."     His brow knits for a moment then he says as he tilts his head, "Though it is different for my family, me and mine. For there are parts of us that are beyond what is bound in this and any other realm. My father is not in Valhalla nor Niffleheim. And his power as the All-Father still maintains much of creation that our lives have touched. So perhaps in some ways he still exists, but..."     A small look is given to her, not quite sad, but remorse or perhaps merely missing his father. "Not in a form we would recognize."
Karen Starr	She listens closely and frowns a little. So many questions. So many things she would like to know more about. However, this wasn't the time to ask. She had seen that expression when he thought about his father again. She needed to change the conversation away from death. "That's my belief, in some ways," she admits. "That we become something more than we are now. part of everything. Energy doesn't go away, it just becomes a different form. So whatever makes us go, our spirit, our soul. The body may stop but that energy goes on and becomes something else. Considering Asgard still exists, even if not in the old form, I can see your father just being different now. Still watching over. Until the next cycle." She does know that there is a Ragnarok and that existence, in his system. "Anyway, I didn't mean to be a downer."
Thor	"No," Thor says as he lifts a hand. "No it's fine."     A breath is taken, and that smile, that gentle smile. "You just... reminded me of something." She can tell, can feel as he seems about to let it rest there. But then he shakes his head and instead... he tells her.     "When... I felt all was lost. My father had passed. The Svartalfar had conquered Asgard. Mjolnir could not answer my summons." Thor straightens up, his boot heels scraping against the cement of the walk around that fountain while he draws himself up. "When I faced Malekith in my father's throne room. He had drawn the power of Asgard into himself, and we were fighting. When he had thrown me out of the room and onto the grand balcony, he was holding his blade against my neck..."     Thor turns to look at her and says, "I was sure I had failed. I felt the weight of everything heavy upon my shoulders. I knew then the first time... when I felt such despair."     He takes a deep breath, "And then... in the next moment. I saw my father. Clear as I see you now. He stood upon the cliffs overlooking the bay of where we now make our home. I walked to him." His voice carries a quiet solemnity. "And I fell to my knees before him."     A smile lifted the corner of his mouth, as he tapped a fingertip to the eyepatch, "He told me... that even when I had two eyes, I would only see half the picture."     "I told him that Malekith was too strong. That... without my hammer..." He shakes his head.     Thor takes a deep breath, then says quietly. "He then asked me, 'Are you Thor, God of Hammers?' And told me that Mjolnir... was never the source of my strength."     A soft laugh, very gently given, "I argued with him, told him that Malekith was too strong, he had already taken Asgard."     "He is the one that told me that Asgard... is not a place. That anywhere could be Asgard, so long as our people lived. And then he told me those people needed my help." Thor smiled a little, looking down for a moment. Then looked back up with a breath taken.     Then that breath was exhaled quietly, "I told him I was not as strong as him." Then that smile returns and he says quietly, "He told me something that lent me the strength to carry on."     He spreads his hands, "And then I returned to myself, I saw Malekith over me, I knew what I had to do. And I felt as if my father had shown me the truth of all he could."     Then he straightens up further, sitting tall and nodding then spreading his hands. "And then that is when we defeated him, and led our people here to find our home. So aye, I do believe... there is much left of us even when we pass. I have to."
Karen Starr	This is more information than she ever knew. About Asgard. About her fall. About him. She listens closely, expression shifting as he touches on each point of the tale. The horror of the attack on his world. The moment of such doubt, finding himself without hope. Then the message of hope, from the other side. The message his father gave him. The point of where New Asgard now rested being the place he had the conversation. Even then his father was helping to guide him and his people. No, no one was truly gone. Just another form. It gave a bit of peace to have that knowledge. It helped. "Thank you for telling me that. I had no idea. It gives hope really. That faith isn't just faith. I appreciate you giving me that gift."
Thor	"I know only the worth of that vision as it stood for me." Thor says gently, trying to make sure he does not presume too much. Then his smile slips a little as he says, "And my brother likely would tell me it was simply too many blows to my thick skull that rendered me senseless."     He smiles to her, just a small thing as he rests a hand on her shoulder then squeezes it softly. "I only know that it aided me that day."     And as he says that he rises to his feet slowly, streeetching as his back crackles for a moment while he grimaces ever so slightly. He gestures a hand to the side as Mjolnir leaps up off of the pavement and slaps into his grip with that quiet /whum/.     "In any case, I have taken up enough of your time, I am sure."
Karen Starr	Mentioning his brother has Power Girl making a bit of a face. But then she flips that lid shut on the cheesecake and stands up. "I think I'm the one that took up your time. It was nice seeing you again." She eyes as Mjolnir hops up to his hand. "I have to say I'm glad you got it back. It's quite the weapon." Could she lift it? Wasn't that what everyone wondered about it. A thing she would never be finding out or asking about. But there was just that moment of wondering what made someone worthy. "I wish you the best." She motions with the plastic container she's holding in her right hand. "Thanks for the cheesecake! My hips might not be as appreciative but my tastebuds are."
Thor	Thor steps back and sets the hammer to spinning slowly, letting it whirl through its arc cleanly. He gives a nod to her, "I would miss it sorely if I ever lost it." The Thunderer answers.     But then she offers thanks and makes that comment at the end. A comment that has him looking down for a moment, then up to her eyes. And for a moment, a single moment she'll see a half-smile flicker over his features, almost playful and then his lips part as he tells her...     "You are entirely welcome. Another time, Power Girl." And as those last words are said the hammer picks up speed then abruptly launches into the air and carrying him with it.