12163/Resonants: Alfheim pt. 1

Resonants: Alfheim pt. 1
Date of Scene:	04 August 2022
Location:	Asgardian Embassy
Synopsis:	The delegation arrives in Alfheim and are greeted by the people and then the queen!
Cast of Characters:	Thor, Jane Foster, Lara Croft, Zatanna Zatara, Sif
Tinyplot:	Resonants

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Thor has posed:
    The next sojourn had been planned and the heroes gathered. Word was sent that it would likely not be as wild as the trip to South America that Sif embarked on. Hopefully it would also not be as contentious as the trip to Northfort in Asgard. Yet when the Elves of Light and the Fae are invoked there are still hazards to be avoided, etiquette to attend, and pitfalls to be leapt across.
    It is good that the worthies here were all experts in their chosen field, pitfalls included.
    The appointed hour arrived, two of them past noon. The gathering point? The Asgardian Embassy's courtyard where those who arrive are shown to the heavy marble platform that now serves as a 'landing pad' of sorts for the Bifrost. It was there that Thor stood and for some 'twould be the first time they'd see the Thunderer in his courtly best. For he wore brilliantly sharp ebony boots that complemented the bright red breeks upon his legs. A broad black leather belt with delicate inlay of gold, and then a formal tunic with black panels upon a deep crimson undershirt. Over one shoulder he had a cloak of burgundy and at his hip the Uru hammer of old.
    "Before we go," The tall Asgardian turned, nodding to Sif and Jane at first. "I would share words of advice for we are about to travel to the realm of the Fae. Words. Names. They have great meaning there and weight of import. Allow others to introduce you if possible. Do not give your name, or give a name that you feel suits you. A title. Perhaps even something that..." He looks to Jane, "That fits your fancy. Never the same name twice to the same individual in the same meeting."
    He takes a deep breath then murmurs, "Do not accept gifts. Refuse them at least three times. If they offer a fourth then you can accept but I would /still/ advise against it. Do not make promises. Do not make wagers. You will find that your actions will carry... a great weight in symbolism."
    Another deep breath taken, then peers at his reflection in the shield of one of the Einherjar.
    He asks of Jane, "Am I forgetting aught?"

Jane Foster has posed:
"I can't believe I'm doing this," a salient description of all that's gone wrong with the world, ends up faithfully recorded into a voicemail to two SHIELD agents and a third former intern-turned-SHIELD agent. "If in the event things go awry, check my seminar on Earendel and the excitement of gravitational lensing in galactic superclusters. Also, put in a good word with Doctor Strange. Bleecker Street. You can't miss the building, it's the only other mansion. Toodles, bye."

With that, Jane drops the phone into her pocket on airplane mode because searching for a signal in another realm really constitutes a lost cause. She isn't underdressed, nor dressed casually at all. No jeans here; for once, there's a gown of scintillating warm reds to match Thor's pants all the way down to the inkiest of violets at the hems. A net of stars gives an impact for the twilight sky, and a pair of spiralled armbands are definitely inspired by some kind of fae, Wiccan or elf-like element. Add a pair of bright iridescent earrings and she's set to play the part, really! Undrjarn might protest being an armband but stranger things have happened, and the golden relic looks positively silvery and hardly worth concerning oneself over.

She taps her impractical sandals to the ground, something of pure summer and wrapped with so many ridiculous twisting ribbons as to make her shun puddles. "The people of Alfheim do not lie and they place immense value on promises or contracts. The old saying, 'my word is good as my oath' or 'my word is as good as my promise?' That's real in Alfheim, and their courts and social structure enforce it. They are a proud, friendly people and... we should warn them about the triple-jointed elves, shouldn't we? But they value hospitality and charming company like anyone. But don't mistake the dislike for lying as an inability to lie. They absolutely can. And if you promise them your firstborn, expect to pay." A pause spills out as she shifts, foot to foot, caught in her thoughts for a moment. So many lifetimes, so much borrowed memory. "Don't test how far they might go to ensure that matter is fulfilled. Removing obstacles for you to see your word done is an honourable thing, but you might see the consequences for that. A promise doesn't sound like one, always. They aren't out to be harsh, it's just the nature of their society and their world. Oh. Avoid insulting their queen, too. The Queen of Alfheim is held in high esteem by most of her court, so I've heard. We may judge our leaders a bit harshly but Alfheim doesn't come right out and say it. Or else someone named Peaseblossom will burn your ego down around your ears with fabulous poetry or possibly a duel of flowers to the near death."

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara had been preparing herself when the others started talking. Crouched beside a backpack, she'd been slipping a pair of fingerless gloves on to her hands then pulling a dark grey hoodie on over her sleeveless black top. The hoodie gets zipped up to mid-stomach level, before Lara starts to rise, gathering her backpack up to sling it over her right shoulder, before she stuffs a black beanie cap in to one of the pockets on the front of her hoodie.

Her eyes go from Thor, to Jane, and back again, as she absorbs the offered advice for this ... other realm... they are headed toward. "Right. Well. That all sounds rather standard for me, all things considered." She dryly quips back to the both of them before she slips her backpack on to her other shoulder as well.

Now with her black boots, and slim fit drab green cargo pants, Lara nods her head to all those gathered around. "This should be quite the experience..." She adds softly.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna never dithers. But, she wasted the morning deciding on how to dress for the elves. Her thoughts flew to Meggan, but she decided that a short dress and heavy boots would not meet the criteria.

     A consultation with a certain magic mirror ensued and a gown, elegant and blue as her eyes, was chosen. And slippers with hard soles, good for dancing and making escapes. It met certain anticipated needs, it spoke of wealth, the hem could easily be picked up, allowing her to run if need be and it had fitted sleeves that wouldn't catch on anything.

That out of the way, she portaled discreetly to the Asgardian Embassy and was led into the marble hall where Thor, resplendent in red and black, waited. In time, to hear his advice on Alfheimian comportment.

    "They hold names in high regard. Names hold the soul and can be used to chain you to someone's will as can gifts and in some realms food." The magician offers, adding, "I am far from an expert on the fae. Thank you for the timely advice, Thor."

    Zatanna smiles when Jane evokes the triple-jointed elves and raises an eyebrow in question to Thor, "No stealing locks of hair this time, I would think."

Sif has posed:
Those final words from Jane gave Sif pause. She'd dueled a lot in her time. But how exactly did one duel with flowers. More importantly, to the near death. Many visuals were going through her head and none of them made a lot of sense. Perhaps it was more a battle of wits and less a battle of combat. Eat the pretty flower and don't get a poisonous one? Inconceivable.

She was taking in all the instructions, realizing that her best bet was likely to stand back and play the role of silent observer. So many rules. So many things that could go wrong.

She was dressed as she usually was, though this was her dress armor. Red, white, silver. The signature colors. Everything polished so it looked appealing, but she still was ready for combat if it came to that. She had on a long cloak with a furry trim.

She gave a nod to both Thor and Jane once she felt she had the idea of the instructions down. Though she has to ask the other question. "Triple-jointed?"

Thor has posed:
    "Indeed," Thor smiles sidelong at Zatanna, "Ideally we shall need to pilfer nothing a'tall." One last check taken by the Asgardian prince as he pushes a hand through his terribly short hair, frowning to himself again in that reflection of the shield. Stepping onto the platform then he turns back to look at the others and smiles a little, expression warm. A gesture to urge them up as he murmurs, "Such a delegation, I am proud."
    He spares a look at each, hands resting on his hips as he ponders them for a moment, then he says. "If all goes well we will be presented before Queen Aelsa's court. We tell her our goals, they are long our allies hopefully they will be able to aid us. Negotiations will likely begin."
    His jaw tightens a little, tendons bunching before he adds, "When that happens you will likely be given the run of the castle. I know some of you will wish to spend a good amount of time in their library for hopefully they will have some wisdom for us that may lead us to an artifact that will fit our needs." Then his blue eyes fall upon Lara and Zatanna, "They may also give us insight into a place where it may be best for us to perform the ritual and build the visitor center."
    He snaps his fingers as if remembering a last moment word of advice, likely spurred by Jane's, "Ah, also if you are challenged to a duel, I would recommend deferring and allow Lady Sif to stand as your champion for our delegation."
    At that point is when Thor slaps his hands together. "Are we set? Sufficiently? Then very well!" He turns and lifts his voice in that battlefield roar, "Heimdall!"

    Suddenly the sky above twists into whorling tendrils of clouds darkening, then abruptly brightening. There's a multi-colored cascade that starts to slash through the gaps and then explodes through creating a rainbow waterfall of energy that explodes into life fully. The shimmer is brilliant, like thousands of stars dancing across a river of power.
    Yet as it washes around them the travelers have no time to witness nor admire that beauty. For it is as if the universe opens up around them and they have taken flight, hurled at great speed through a brilliant tunnel shining with that same power though somehow solidified, as if multi-hued ice crystals created the entirety of the world around them. Beyond the power they can see the very cosmos hurtling by at a phenomenal speed, amazing to behold.
    Yet for all the amazement of such a journey, it lasts mere moments before it ends in a crashing exclamation of power that deposits them suddenly before a tableau that is just as wondrous though for entirely different reasons. For Heimdall had set them down before the grand castle known in the past as Oberon's Respite. Titania's Refuge. Though under the current queen? Featherwine Fortress.
    Each iteration it would change, and now it was beautiul and white and gold, tall towers reaching to the heavens with grand vines curling from each window as if expecting cavaliers to assail them to free their fair maidens. Though as impressive as the castle is, and the moat that surronds it, it's the heavy /crunch/ of the portcullis and drawbridge opening that might draw the eye immediately...
    As the elves are ever mindful of timing, when their guests appear they march forth. Four trumpeters sounding the call. Behind them four armored horsemen with beautiful mounts stepping forth in perfect formation. Behind them four musicians gifted with lyres...
    And so on as the procession advances, so many elves. So many fluttering winged pixies. So many cheering woodland creatures celebrating the return of Asgard and their mortal allies on this day.

Jane Foster has posed:
Jane softens to a laugh. "A reasonable conversation, maybe an archery competition, and possibly a walk around the gardens to resolve things. Wouldn't that be nice? We even dressed up for it." The weightless fabric around her serves as a cocoon and armour fit for Aelsa's finest trappings, though she catches herself in profile amongst the Aesir, British noble, and legendary magician. "Good company, I have to agree."

Sif as their strength of arms warrants a brightened smile. She gives the brunette a polite nod of assurance before the summons to pull them through reality the easy way follows. What secrets Midgard's representative has deceive even Heimdall's golden eyes, and that regret carries her through the prismatic tunnel tearing at speeds barely imaginable. Sparks dance in front of her eyes when Alfheim slowly resolves, and that naturally requires more seconds to adjust to. Her fingers touch her throat, steadying through the familiar. So many elves. Pointy-eared elves, pale elves, gold and silver and fair, lovely as ever.

A wise time to curtsey or make a passing effort at it, though if anyone is crashing on ahead, she has to follow them through sound alone until her sight clears.

Lara Croft has posed:
A quick look is given to the others with them prior to the journey beginning. Lara shoots a grin toward them all. "I feel... underdressed." She says, adjusting her hoodie a little where she has it zipped up to her stomach level. "Oh. I like your ribbons." She adds, upon seeing them flutter around Jane's feet.

When she looks up again, she gives a smirk to Thor. "When you said 'come, prepared for adventure' I... guess I had a different imagination for it." Her smirk lingers then as she shares a look toward Sif. "Our valiant defender? I would feel a bit odd shoving danger off upon you, but.... you are probably better prepared for it than I am. The library is indeed where my interests here ultimately lie..."

And as the journey begins, Lara just closes her eyes and accepts the madness after a few moments of rainbows, and swirling winds.

When she looks again, they've shifted realms, and her brown eyed gaze starts to go flickering from odd view, to odd view. There's so much... how can you even observe it all quickly.

The cacophony of noises, and celebration, has her just raising her right hand up then to wave gently...

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
    A last minute thought adds a cape in midnight blue sown with silver stars to top the gown, it slips over the magician's shoulders and is in place by the time Thor calls upon Heimdall.

    With a nod to Sif, she gestures for her to pass in front of her with a warm smile. Then sharing a look and a nod with Lara and Jane, she steps forward.

     Zatanna is not quite breathless at the journey, though it is her first time using an Asgardian portal. Later, she will liken it to dancing through the riffling pages of a colorful book. She remembers not to gape upon their arrival.

    Drawing herself up straight, she witnesses the pomp and glory of the magic realm passing in review. Certainly it is meant to honor Thor and his delegation. Behind her carefully composed expression of calm dignity, the homo magi wonders if it is not meant to overawe them, as well.

Sif has posed:
He did not just volunteer her for flower duels! Because she had no idea what one was! Or triple-jointed elves. That had to be more challenging in a fight. Sif's brow furrowed but Thor just moved right along before she could ask anything. It wasn't that she doubted her ability to win a fight. It was more was it going to be a fight she would recognize.

Upon arrival, there is no chance of asking as everything is ceremony and excitement. Four by four. It fit with the refusal of gifts rule. Apparently four was an important number in their society.

Thor has posed:
    The procession continues until the delegation is encircled with musicians all playing the same jaunty tune of welcome, all rising to a trilling height aiming toward a crescendo. In the crowd there are so many shapes, animal-like beings, tiny creatures, tall willowy beautiful men and women, hunched over severe looking monsters.
    The music ascends, reaches the harmonic moment, then ends.
    Silence.
    Perhaps the scuffs of feet.
    Perhaps a snort from the nose of a man with a bull's head. So many elves. Yet so many others as well.
    Then a figure in black plate armor laughs holding a hand against the only black steed. A steed that tosses its head and chuffs even as that figure takes off his helmet. "Is it Thor Odinson I see?"
    "And the Lady Sif?"
    The figure revealed is beautiful, androgynous, with that perfection of form that all elves seem to possess. Dark hair. Dark eyes. In a land of gold and ivory. "Oh and some others I do not know?"
    "Liam Thorns of the Red River." Says Thor, smiling a little. Yet there is a wariness to the Asgardian prince.
    The figure in black bows. Rises. Around them the other armored elves straighten from their bows, their features touched with smiles.
    "I am here with the Finest Sorceress of the family Zatara. The Wisdom of Midgard Embraced in one known as Foster. And the Scholar of the Ancient, Reveler in Freedom as one called Lady Lara."
    "Oh is this to be?" Liam asks, tucking his helm beneath his arm and walking forward with a soft clank clank clank of metal boots. Then he turns to the crowd, "Shall I conduct them to the Queen?!"
    The answer he gets from the Fae is one of rampant shouts of 'yes, yes, yes!' Which has him bowing again. "Then does not Liam Thorns do as he is ever bidden?"
    The beautiful elf in black bows again and then turns, proceeding into the castle proper while the heroes are bidden follow. Though luckily... the crowd remains behind.

Jane Foster has posed:
The collection of lyre-players, singers, and bystanders goggling at them doesn't make Jane shy the way it would have once. She only adopts the smiling, bright exterior to reflect their enthusiasm back while her pulse kicks up just a bit. The many different faces could be bewildering, but it's also a fair bit exciting. "How fine a reception this is." Praise doled out sparingly but meaningfully probably melts into the chorus of replies.

She then turns a little, triangulating after Liam Thorns -- a name that's telling as any. The whispers of stars ripple around her on a skein of the night painted in the finest creations that lunar designers can muster, flowing with an uncommon cut that emphasizes height in different ways. A smile remains in place while taking after the elven lordling.

Further comment can wait.

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara's eyes scan over the various types of Elves that she can see, let alone the monstrous figures that are all eyeing them expectantly. It's a little intimidating... but at this stage of Lara's life, and career, she's growing used to the more odd things 'out there'. Her hand drops back to her side, as she watches the armored Elven man make his approach. She considers his good looks, his beautiful appearance is quite the sight. Her eyes dart to those that Thor introduces amongst their party, before she looks back when her name is given. She just gently dips her chin toward him, and offers a soft smile. "Thank you When they start to walk, Lara's half-gloved hands are stuffed in to the side pockets of her dark grey hoodie, her eyes go toward Zatanna and Sif on her right, then back forward again. Now she's just looking around their environment, and taking in the wonder of it all as the royal palace is approached.

Very intimidating, in a good way.
for having us amongst your people, and home." She says in her calm tone.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Relief for when the music reaches its crescendo and falls into silence. The plethora of types, body builds, feathers and wings is dizzying.

    Zatanna covertly watches Thor during the introductions, catching his courtly, guarded expression which sets her on edge. The merest blink of surprise at the use of Thor's real name. Then, her own family name to which she inclines her head with a faint smile. The black elf, as she names Liam, has an edge to him, so sharp that one might not know that a cut was made until blood wells from the wound.

    To popular acclaim, Zatanna falls in behind Thor, next to Lara and crosses the portcullis into the realm of wonders, fighting an insane urge to hum "Big Rock Candy Mountain".

Sif has posed:
At being recognized, Sif does give a polite bow of her head as she smiles a greeting to Liam Thorns of the Red River. "It is good to see you again, Liam Thorns."

They had met in the past. He was a good warrior, loyal to his Queen. She respected him. But that didn't change that she preferred not to do a lot of talking here. Others were better suited. Not that she couldn't be diplomatic. She was trained, after all. She just preferred not to when others were better suited in her eyes.

She glanced to each member of their group, giving a brief but reassuring smile. Then continued to follow Liam Thorns inside, presumably to meet the queen.

Thor has posed:
    Across the drawbridge, into the courtyard they were led.
    Winged pixies floated before them, small wings fluttering quickly as they set white magnolia petals down before them as if guiding their path with those tiny gifts of sweet-smelling beauty.
    Liam answers over his shoulder with a question of his own given to Jane at first, "How could so fine a cadre of travelers be drawn?"
    Then to Lara the hero of the Red River speaks, "How could Liam deny them anything when their presence is such a gift?"
    And finally to Zatanna, "How is it the Thunderer can bring forth such beauty?"
    Again he laughs as he turns to walk backwards for a time now, to the curved arch of the double doors that lead inward. The pixies all flutter higher toward the sky, their work done for now as now the party makes their way. The Knight of Thorns steps up to the entryway and /pulls/ the doors open, exposing the bright marble hall to them, the rich crimson rug matching the tapestries on the walls depicting images of what one might consider battle, yet always twinned with classic pictorials of courtly love.
    "Oh she remembers him, this poor Liam with heart so broken? How would she remember him if those memories were cherished ones?" Yet as the knight in black says these things to Sif he steps back and sweeps a hand gesturing inwards even as he calls.
    "Visitors for the queen!"
    And suddenly behind them the doors slam, thundering closed with a heavy impact of such weight carried by wood and metal bindings. The hall within is brightly lit, halos of light in glowing lanterns that lead inward to a raised dais with a golden throne. No figure seated there, but instead a shadow that draws long and then slips from behind it. Willowy, silver-haired, regal, beautiful. Queen Aelsa stands in profile for a moment, none of the light reaches her and yet she glows.
    Which is when Thor kneels before her.

Jane Foster has posed:
Who is the one to cross tongues and blades with one of the ljosalfjar? In some ways it's easier to deal with their darker counterparts; shoot and stab, basically. How very different to evade the razor-fine cuts of wit and the ripostes of a skilled bon mot. That Jane is not, and thus she spreads her hands. "I leave the choice of media to our most artistic hosts," she replies. A good scientist isn't without a pen, though. If it comes right down to that, she can supply them with the means. She takes care not to track in magnolia petals to the castle, nor step on anyone's capes or the ribbons around her legs. Lara's kindness on that front isn't forgotten but she has to wait until an appropriate pause to mouth 'thank you' in the Englishwoman's direction.

Visitors for the queen indeed. The star-clad astrophysicist knows the role to play here, which is quiet, behind Thor, and not about to inflict some devastating faux paus like accidentally stepping on a prized vine or tripping. With the crown prince of Asgard paying homage to Alfheim's liege, she tucks her foot behind her and dips deeply in a way that shows just how absolutely foreign the cut of her dress is. And it would be, developed by a society many, many thousands of years old who also incidentally have a rigid monarchy. Helpful as she gives proper obeisance to Aelsa, the lovely and radiant woman so inherently /friendly/ and appealing in her way it's hard to stay down.

She knows better. Down! Count. Ten, nine, eight.

Lara Croft has posed:
Needless to say the fluttering faeries sprinkling petals to guide the tourists toward the destination, has Lara's eyes watching quite curiously. She tries to reserve the smile at the show, and when the winged little ones all swirl up in to the sky, Croft's eyes goes to follow after them for a lingering few seconds...

But the passing in to the grand chamber interior has Lara once more looking down again. She runs her eyes over the mural paintings within, studying the imagery of it, the beauty within its design, and the story that it is trying to weave within one's mind...

The heavy thud of the closing doors behind them, and the parting Elven Lord has Lara wondering a moment on the sayings he'd just told them each in-turn, before she realizes Thor is kneeling out of the corner of her eye. This draws the Archaeologist's eyes forward again, where she lands her stare upon the Queen, or what she assumes is as much.

With a bit of hesitation, Lara starts to kneel as well, down on to her right, with her left forearm resting atop her left knee now... She'd gone through years of etiquette training back home, much to her own chagrin, and much to her parents' at just how much young Lara resisted such education... but here she is, doing her best to display at least some measure of it out of respect...

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Petals flutter and one catches on the hem of Zatanna's gown as they tread slowly, a pace meant for a royal wedding or funeral, perhaps, into the ivory fortress.

There is no answer to the courtly compliment beyond pressing her hand to her heart and a regal nod in acknowledgment. Her gaze flits to Sif. Now, she has to not only suppress the song rattling in her head, she must quash a smile at Sif, the heartbreaker.

When Thor bends his knee, Zatanna sinks into a curtsey, thankful for her father's insistence on learning how.

Sif has posed:
Sif doesn't have that opportunity to respond to Liam Thorns and his teasing. He had developed a crush in their last meeting. At least, that is how the Asgardian viewed it. After all, the elves was difficult enough to understand in the best of times. They also tended to get distracted easily. Particularly with matters of the heart. Thus, nothing had ever come of it. Nor would ever, in her mind.

As they were brought into the presence of the queen, the closing of those heavy doors behind them was ominous. She tried to push that from her mind. Focus on the situation at hand. As Thor took a knee, she did as well. Had she been in a dress, she'd have curtsied. Being attired as she was, the kneel was more proper. She braced an arm over her leg and bowed her head, eyes dropping to the Queen's floor to show the proper respect.

Thor has posed:
    Aelsa's voice is Summer with the day's dust washed away by the rain. Such gentleness, such warmth, bright and alive as she turns to them. "Oh rise, dear friends, rise."
    She is young for the Fae, it can be seen in the way she rushes down the steps, holding the hem of her dress oh so perfectly, each stride precise and graceful as she approaches, "Please rise. I have so looked forward to this visit, so thrilled to have company."
    And then she is there as Thor gains his feet, her features so perfect and that smile beaming like the sun. "Do rise. Please do."
    She moves to take Lara's hand and guide her up, smiling so full of life as she murmurs, "And you have brought /friends/, Thor. How long it has been since I have met anyone new?" She turns to the Asgardian prince and sweeps him into a hug that has her lifting her feet off the ground as if thanking him before she moves to Jane and Zatanna, offering her hands to each and starting to walk with them, "Sif of the Sword, I see you hiding over there, we shall have so much to talk about."
    And like a force of nature she /sweeps/ away toward the dais again, guiding her newfound guests with her and then taking a seat on the top of the dais and then pat-pat-patting the steps around her, "Please, join me, we shall have peace and friendship and none of the stuffiness I am forced to endure day in and day out."
    While she speaks Thor follows along smiling, though he steps to the side and remains off the dais, knowing perhaps that Aelsa more wants her new friends around her. "We are come on a matter of some import, Queen Aelsa."
    "Of course you do." She answers, "First tell me how you wish me to call you? Tell me what I can do for you, tell me it all."
    Which has Thor looking a little pensive as he turns his gaze to the others. "Ah as to that, Queen Aelsa..."

Jane Foster has posed:
Sometimes, the bewitchingly perfect and effervescent sorts can make everything else seem incredibly real. Homely, threadbare in places, imperfections plucked like a spare bit of thread from the weft. Another time, Jane might have swallowed those doubts behind a quip and a lift of her chin. Life has rounded her out a little better to not panic... because she really has spent too much time in Amora the Enchantress' company to be immediately self-conscious. Even around really lovely light elves, her default mode isn't a quip and staring at her scuffed hiking boots!

A mark of personal growth that she actually smiles and means it. Aelsa, queen of Alfheim, does /not/ make her swallow her own tongue! Instead, she rises after the blond Thunderer does with the light touch of the queen's hand. A look briefly given in Zatanna's direction sees how much better she deals with it; being prepared for the stage is helpful for this sort of thing.

"I come as an emissary of Midgard and a friend to Alfheim," she says, finding the words after a pause. "Thor has conceived of a fine idea to promote diplomacy and safe passage for travellers throughout the Nine Realms who seek to visit Midgard. We would seek to offer hospitality and welcome to those unfamiliar with our customs, languages or ways, as surely you know how easy misunderstandings may arise purely by accident. The method thought most appropriate involves a ritualized gateway, as it were, a place that would ensure harmony and a stabilized point that would remove many of the perils that those of good intentions and spirits might encounter, were it not marked so clearly."

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara's eyes rise when the hand of the Queen comes in to view within her peripheral. She summons a warm smile, reaches her own up to meet it and accepts the offered to rise up again to her full height. "Thank you, Your Highness." Lara responds softly, as she watches the elegant woman sweep off to tend to the others.

This is amusing in a small way, the innocent happiness that the Ruler of these lands displays. Lara admires it, getting thoughts of being a happy youth herself, once upon a time.

When the Queen bounds up the steps, Lara watches the others with her, but will soon follow, taking one step after another before she finds herself a place to sit where prompted... Her brown eyed stare goes to Jane who starts to explain some of what has brought them here today, to which Lara gently nods a single time toward. When she looks to the Queen, she speaks up herself then.

"I am an Archaeologist upon Midgard. An exploerer, and a seeker of... rarities. I'm here to offer insight in to the past of our homelands, as well as hopefully learn a bit more about your own whilst here." She then affords another nod toward Jane. "What knowledges I have, I hope could make such a goal easier for all involved too... if at all possible, of course."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
    And so it is that Zatanna learns what it is like to fall under a spell. It is only the memory of the Prince of Thorns that keeps her from being spellbound by Aelsa's grace. The knife sheathed in the glorious beauty of the realm and its Queen.

Rising from the curtsey, Zee tilts her head slightly when she catches Jane's eye. Then, trails after the Queen, ascending the steps to take her place among the Court of Ladies arranged around her like so many flowers that glorify the central point of the bouquet. Stagecraft has held her in good stead more than once in the streets and in the palaces of the mighty.

Jane and Lara have already addressed the salient points. Tiptoeing through her choice of words, looking for traps she might lay for herself, Zee answers in her calm contralto, "Thank you, your Highness. I also come as a friend to the realm at the behest of Thor and the portal we seek to open. I am a prestidigitator in Midgard and have a modest hand with magic. I hope that I can harmonize and stabilize the portal when it is created."

Sif has posed:
"Thank you for the warm welcome, your majesty," Sif said with a smile as the Queen urge them all to their feet. She'd always liked the Queen, even if she still tended to be very careful here. They were friendly folk. Until they weren't. And one had to ever be on their toes to be certain not to cross some strange unknown line in the rules of engagement.

She followed with the others and took a seat upon the steps. As they filled in Aelsa, she added, "Once the location is found which is perfect for the purpose, and stablized by those skilled in such things. We will also be seeking to find a relic of some type that bears importance to both Midgard and Alfheim, to create a focus in the stabilization of the portal."

Thor has posed:
    When Jane suggests it was his idea, Thor speaks up though lightly. "It was an idea brought to fruition by several of us." Though he smiles with a nod.
    Just enough to steal an oh so brief moment of Aelsa's attention as she smiles adoringly in Thor's direction before she looks back to Jane. The Elf Queen listens with such earnest intent, her eyes holding Jane's as she follows along, "Oh of course." She says.
    Then she interjects, "Oh that would be wonderful. My people do enjoy to wander."
    She then nods more firmly at the end, "Such a wise choice, he can be so intelligent can he not?" Aelsa says of Thor which has the Asgardian clearing his throat a little and then giving a small strained smile to the others as if to say, 'I did not put her up to this.'
    Then when Lara speaks Aelsa straightens up, "Oh that must be exciting. How I envy you, free to rush about and explore and find such marvels. Yet I must be content, for I know I serve my people best here. Still how I dream." Her melodic voice rises almost... but not quite giving a soft sigh that one might not hear in those words, but can definitely feel.
    She turns her hips to the side and rests her hands before her with long fingers interlaced, "Wise Foster. Sorceress of the Zatarans. Lady Lara. I hope we shall be friends, and if I can win your love with something so simple as granting access to the works of my people, then how could I say no? For I do want to be friends."
    She bites her lower lip gently, then says. "Oh I must decide and decree." Then she gets a mischievous look as she reaches out to lean closer to the others, her heart-shaped lips twisting into a grin that shows a hint of wicked playfulness. And perhaps even a hint of a fang for a moment.
    She whispers, "Oh Liam?"
    So very soft, barely able to be heard. In fact Thor looks a touch puzzled as he did not hear it.
    Yet the next moment both doors are drawn open by the knight in black, his manner almost like a suitably dutiful butler as he stands there with quirked eyebrow, "My queen calls?"
    Aelsa giggles, then she clears her throat. "I am to decree!"
    Which he echoes as he calls out, "The Queen is to decree!" His tone strong and formal, as if performing a rite so properly.
    Aelsa then rises up to her feet and takes a deep breath. Then her voice lifts and her words are /strong/. No longer the tittering giggling of a youth, but a voice that has carried the weight of thousands of years of rulership. "The Queen recognizes the delegation from Asgard as friends of the Fae Folk. They are to be accorded all rights due honored guests and all respect shall be granted them. They have free run of my holdings and they shall want for naught as they seek answers to their quest!"
    The lamplights flutter abruptly, flickering, guttering. Then growing strong once again. That said she then smiles gently, playful again as she adds. "As for an artiact or relic?" She looks to Sif, "Well..."
    She clears her throat then beams at Thor, "We shall have to negotiate this matter at great length, Prince Thor. Shall we not?"
    Thor gives a nod and bows once again, an arm behind and an arm fore as he lowers his eyes. "If Queen Aelsa says we shall, then we shall."
    Which has Queen Aelsa clapping her hands twice.

Jane Foster has posed:
Jane pushes her hair back from her face in a small gesture but one that speaks to a dash of unease. It won't pass away immediately, a factor sinking under the rippled surface of her friendly calm. The skillful dance of queenly games and elven riddles is absolutely for the explorer and the magician to ponder over, now isn't it?

Honeyed games and toying amusements are absolutely not the thing of her experience, unless they're all fit for a display of how to twist a black hole in the middle of a court. The silvery amusements are best met with the steady look despite lights rising and falling, then settling once more. "How fortunate we have experts at hand to provide their input and thus direct everyone to a satisfying, mutually beneficial outcome," she adds. No, that prince doesn't stand alone. Or recline alone, as it were. "We would never want to leave an impression of Midgard lacking gratitude for the boundless kindnesses shown to us by our friends." A pause, ever fleeting, and the soft strains of an airy refrain are plucked with a singular ease.

"We know what it is to dream, and perchance to make those dreams real, after all."

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara's stare is on that of the Queen throughout her thoughts on the information supplied. She does spare a look toward her companions on this little journey, but is soon to look over her shoulder at the returning Escort that had guided them here. The calls to the Queen's decree have Lara gently raising her dark eyebrows up, and the flickering of the light sconces have her looking around the chamber once more.

But when she returns her gaze, this time taking in Thor as he replies to the Queen, Lara is quick to offer another soft nod. "This is truly an Honor, Your Highness." She tells the Fae Queen. "One that I'll certainly never forget, and hope to help a friendship flourish." She adds, before falling silent again, with her hands still resting atop her lap, her bare fingers touching tip to tip above her knees.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
The steel inside the flower is heard when the Queen loudly proclaims them friends of the realm. Zatanna bows her head with a hand over her heart. Raising her chin, thanks are winged to Jane for her sharing the burden of the quest.

    "Your kindness and wisdom is boundless, Your Highness. Thank you."

    Still when the Queen insists on protracted negotiations, a dangerous laugh wells up inside her to accompany the refrain of the song circling in her head.:

    And the hens lay soft-boiled eggs,

    In the Big Rock Candy Mountains.

    The magician does not break character and lowers her eyes impressed by the Queen's wisdom.

Sif has posed:
The sudden change was something Sif had experienced in the past, else she might be dealing with whiplash of a sort. Though she was surprised at Liam's return to the low whisper summons. It made her wonder what else he could hear. Or was he linked with the Queen in some manner? After all, magic was at the core of the people in a lot ofways.

At mention of the negotiations, Sif smiled a bit. But she said nothing. She remained silent this time, positive if she said anything, it likely would cause more ill than good.

Thor has posed:
    "Of course!" Aelsa's smile blossomed, "Oh I look forward to this, you must stay as long as you can," In those words she gives of such to Zatanna.
    "You must learn of everything you need," Then those are so meant for Jane.
    "You must have anything you want." So given to Lara as her features brighten.
    Yet such light has its shadow despite the Summer Queen's smile.
    She sweeps around, her dress flairing beautifully in a singular perfect moment as she turns. "Oh Liam, conduct them so for me. Take them where they wish, we should have a banquet shouldn't we? And a hunt? Tell me we shall have a hunt?"
    The dark figure in the door answers, his perfect features smiling, "If my queen wishes a hunt then who would deny her?" Yet after he says that he steps back, "If the visitors will follow me?" And as he says that he sweeps with one hand gesturing outward to one of the side halls and likely away from the throne room.
    "I find I am tired." Aelsa says softly, turning...
    Then she rises and starts to walk away, back to the throne as she drifts her fingertips along its arm, suddenly eyes distanced and unfocused as she frowns for a moment. Then steps around behind it, disappearing from view though two more words linger in her absence. "So tired."
    For his part, Thor's eyes follow after her, a glimmer of concern on his features then he turns to his comrades and says with a hint of a smile, "Shall we?" And if it seems they are so inclined he will follow with them toward the Black Knight.

Jane Foster has posed:
"As the All-Father allows." Jane breaks into that smile again. She asks Sif, in just a soft enough voice to be heard, "Does Alfheim have any manner of travel or identity documents? I had not thought to inquire beforehand, my lady."

She may not have orange hair, but she does have multi-pass!

The queen's retirement lingers in the back of the mind, for there is something to be discussed about making dreams a reality. Likewise, how not to agree to anything proffered while appearing to agree to all.

If only that phone worked. A text flying to somewhere in New York going <<I met your brother, but he's an elf!>> would probably go well.