12628/Resonants: Muspelheim

Resonants: Muspelheim
Date of Scene:	01 September 2022
Location:	Harbourside
Synopsis:	The heroes go to Starling to recover an old amulet fabled to be of Muspelheim. But what they find wasn't what they were expecting, though that's the life of a hero.
Cast of Characters:	Thea Queen, Vintridr, Thor, Sif

---

Thea Queen has posed:
The industrial area of Starling City isn't exactly the most glamorous of places to visit in the city. Full of warehouses and factories. Yet there's also some construction, some good, some downright corrupt. It's where Thea finds herself tonight, lounging atop a building on one of those more seedy expansion zones of the city.

"Sure ..." She says to herself, "I get the gang to come to Starling and what do I show them first? The damn seedy area..." she is thumbing it up on her phone, a message sent to Vin.

> Vin! Me and Overwatch found the whereabouts of that deadly fire ..., ugh I can't type out that name fully. It's so cheesy. Anyway, can you get the Asgardian gang to come down so we have a *word* with them?

It's followed by emojis of hammers. And more importantly, a google maps location on where she is at.

With her message sent it was time to wait. A good old stake out. "I forgot the snacks..." *groan*

Vintridr has posed:
    Vintridr's response is almost immediate.

    >>> Well done. I will inform the Odinson. Do not engage until we arrive unless you've no choice.

    Her response sent, Vin wastes no time notifying the Embassy and impressing the urgency to forward her message to Thor immediately, then picks up a spare fire extinguisher on her way out the door, stuffing it into her pack before she sets out in a sprint.

    Battle calls, and it will not find her wanting.

Thor has posed:
    It takes Thor longer than normal to show up at the stakeout, for to his understanding such events are to be covert. Which means subtlety is the order of the day. Though he does get a late start as it takes Hedla informing him about the state of his cellular device and the message left upon it. And then he has to ask a few questions about what one does on a stakeout. But after that he's right as rain about the situation and so heads to speak to Sif with little further hesitation.
    Though he does change first. Midgard casual. Work boots, blue jeans, grey hoodie, white t-shirt. The last thing to complete the look? Blue baseball cap. Perfect. Now he is invisible to the naked eye.
    All that is left is to wait for Sif to be ready as well and then at her leisure... the trip will likely be fairly short.

Sif has posed:
Sif was in residence at the embassy at the time. It wasn't very long to get her woken up and explain the situation. Though she too had no idea what a stakeout was as the term didn't seem to translate to something she understood in All-Speak. She could get the word but what it meant? That was anyone's guess.

Thankfully Thor had done his homework. Thus by the time Sif was dressed and arrived in the study to meet with Thor, Hedla already had a bag packed for them filled with all the necessities for the trip. Or what they presumed were the necessities.

Sif was also dressed as a Midgardian. Jeans, a t-shirt in a dark color. A light jacket over that so that she could better hide her sword once they arrived. Because /of course/ she was bringing it. Not just because she wanted a weapon handy but because it was their method of transport to the site.

With the exact coordinates, Sif was able to use her practice with her sword--and a lot of luck--to cut through reality. Allowing the two Asgardians to step through that rift and onto the rooftop with Thea, albeit quite a ways behind her. No glowy lights, nothing to draw attention. Just a tear of darkness in the darkness. Then the rift closed.

Thea Queen has posed:
What is taking them so long? Don't they got the magical girl transformation going? Thea was *pretty* sure she had seen one or another doing it in the past. Yet she shoots a message to Vin..

> Hey, can you bring snacks?

So ..., hopefully..., Thea will be munching on some chips when that portal opens up and ..., there's subtle-Thor and subtle-Sif coming out. She stops munching half-way. "Oh kay." she might be a little impressed with the effort. And with the SWORD TELEPORTATION! "Good, casual threads. We could use a little work on the colors but ..." she stops herself before she begins talking fashion. Because you can't take the rich Queen girl out of Thea.

She's dressed in her black and red armored suit tonight but the hood is down. Close by are some loose clothes to go over the armor just in case and she keeps her bow close by.

"Thank you for coming all." She smiles softly at those she now knew she could call friends. "Vin has probably told you about it, but seems there may be either one of yours or someone with an item or powers related to Asgard. Or .." and she looks to Vin for confirmation. "Muspelheim?" then she pointing across. "Overwatch's algorithms showed that there has been intense heat signatures coming from the building across as of late. We don't know which apartment but.., this is why we are on a stake out.."

Of course she assumes everyone knows what a stakeout is!

Vintridr has posed:
    A muffled thump announces the arrival of the third Asgardian; Vintridr appears to have arrived on foot. She's once again dressed in the 'budget urban ninja' style Thea has seen her wear before: A grey and green hoodie, ditto jogging pants, comfortable running shoes and half-gloves.

     The accompanying scarf is currently down, as is the hood, and as long as she's careful not to pull any obviously superhuman stunts she's easily mistaken for a Parkour runner getting in some practice.

    "Odinson; Lady Sif. My thanks for coming," she offers the two with a nod, then turns to Thea, deferring operational command to the Young Queen. "Overwatch believes it matches the pattern you spotted?" she asks.

Thor has posed:
    Thor stops and looks over at Sif as he pulls his t-shirt out and considers the color before him, then he looks at Thea and seems to be comparing and contrasting, but he doesn't say anything at first. Instead his attention is grabbed by her offering them thanks and then speaking about the matter at hand. For now color coordination is forgotten.
    "Ah, Muspelheim." He repeats once she gives voice to the item's origin. "Interesting, what made you think it is so?" He asks as he walks across the way and peeeeers down toward the apartment building with a shrewd gaze. As if it would give up it secrets to him with just a steady glower and concentration.
    Then he looks back, "So someone clumsy with their magic or an apprentice perhaps? Or perhaps something else?"

Sif has posed:
"Well met," Sif murmured to Thea and Vintridr as she moved to join the woman who invited everyone to the stakeout. She set down a bag, one that was often packed full of things needed for a trip to the other realms. This one had quite a few snacks in it, though more of Asgardian variety and less potato chips or candy bars. Jerky, meats, fruits, nuts. Though a few Midgardian things might have been added since Helda knew they were joining Thea.

She lowered herself to peer over that edge at the apartment building, not quite sure what she hoped to see. It was unlikely there would be a blast of fire through a window to give away their target. Though when Thor asked about someone potentially new to magic? Maybe they would see fire through a window after all!

Thea Queen has posed:
"More than believes. It's the same pattern." Thea has full trust on Overwatch capacities. "This is their perch." she was sure of it. Or well, as sure as one can be in these situations.

But then Thor has to go and take off his shirt. Damn you! It has Thea stare at the man. STARE! The silence gets just a little touch awkward until she mutters to herself about abs and salmon ladders.

She clears her throat and then busies herself reaching to take some snacks out. Fruit this time. "Someone clumsy, this deadly fire prince had been around in the past. A good while back. He sort of went under the radar for some years but now just resurfaced. I dunno why though, his crimes never really ..., got anywhere. Always something happened that messed up the robbery. But he was never caught..." she brings out her phone to show the others where a rune is. It spells 'Rasr' in Asgardian. "Vin says it was from an old warrior, dunno if it might be the same or ..."

It's when Thea is talking that Sif is able to spot some flash close to a window. It's opened from the outside and a figure steps in, wisps of fire still around his wrists and face but slowly fading. The figure closes the window behind them quietly.

Vintridr has posed:
    Vin allows herself a slight smile at the byplay, then continues Thea's explanation. "From the footage the Young Queen shared with me, this 'Fire Prince' leaves behind flames in the form of Rasgr's sigil. It could be coincidence, or someone who somehow learned of the name and felt it would be an impressive name, but..."

    She trails off, letting the Odinson and Sif reach their own conclusion.

Thor has posed:
    A nod is given as Thor accepts Thea's conclusions, no reason to doubt her. He looks toward Sif as if sharing a silent question, likely about their prior encounters with the magic wielded by those of Muspelheim yet he says nothing about it. For now at least. Then he turns back, hands on his hips and his shirt decidedly untucked though with perhaps the slightest hint of abs.
    "Rasr." The name is repeated, rolled around, considered. Eyebrows rising as he considers then tilts his head toward Vintridr and Thea, "Razr, perchance? Though hm. I may be misremebering."
    A step away from the edge of the building and his lips part as he catches sight of the snacks. He'll cheerfully wander over and avail himself of one, this time a small bag of peanuts that he tears open with his teeth, then proceeds to pick one or two out at a time as he eats them at a leisurely pace.
    "Well," He nods to Vintridr, "We shall assume the worst perhaps, a formidable mage that is hiding on Midgard perhaps or has reason to present a false front of some sort. But it definitely sounds as a tale that warrants investigation."

Sif has posed:
"We can presume formidable but they certainly are not good at stealth," Sif murmured as she continued to watch the building. Because something had just caught the corner of her eye as she was about to turn back to the conversation. Though she'd guessed someone should have eyes on the building at all times so perhaps that was the only way she happened to still be looking.

"There." She gave the floor number and which window from the left side by counting. "Someone just went into a window there. For a moment, there were wisps of fire visible. Then it was gone." Now she did glance to the others.

"How do you wish to approach this?"

Thea Queen has posed:
"Someone wise won't told me we got to play to our strengths." Thea says, looking over the assembled group. "And we got some of the strongest warriors in this realm or any other so ..., let's take a frontal approach. I can go and keep an eye on the back. Yet if we are talking about someone from Asgard you are most the most likely candidates to solve this." a beat, "Just ..., let's be careful with the burning. It's a residential building.." tricky to do any kind of fighting inside, that's for sure.

And while Thea goes to watch the back she lets the Asgardians go through the front. The apartment in question is on the ground floor. There's trash on the hallway leading to the door, as well as outside. Certainly not the cleanest of the places. Inside the place, as they get closer, a voice can be heard.

"Fool, fool, fool. You can never do anything well.." Then a pause as the 'gang' is nearing the door. There's sounds of barking not far from the door. "What is it, Prince?"

Clearly this deadly fire prince appears to have a protector of some kind. Maybe a hound!

Vintridr has posed:
    Ah well; Vin hadn't really expected to land a perfect ambush. With the advantage of stealth gone, the situation calls for action -- she launches herself forward, her shield materializing on her arm as she charges, intent on crashing through the door and into the room beyond to make a path for her comrades.

Thor has posed:
    Walking along the hall, Thor seems curious at his surroundings, peering at the discarded rubbish as he passes, then lifting a hand to lightly touch one of the light sconces along the wall where a light bulb likely once had been there with a covering to mute its glow. Though it doesn't take long for them to advance those few doors to the ground floor apartment and once they reach it they can hear the barks of the hounds and that voice.
    "He does not seem to speak as a being from..." And that is as far as he gets when Vintridr /crashes/ through the door. Thor's lips part as if he were about to say something, but then he is moving as well since if someone breaks into action in a combat environment... you back their play.
    So he is through the door the next moment as well, stepping to the side quickly!

Sif has posed:
Sif follows a moment later, having practiced such tactics with her fellow warriors many times. Thor moves to one side, she moves to the opposite. As Vin seems to have the center fully under control.

She had drawn her sword an instant before entering. Immediately she was scanning the room for threats even as she spoke. "We mean you no harm. We simply have questions." Which may seem at odds with their form of entry but it was worth a try!

Thea Queen has posed:
Thea has finally found her perch near the window outside the apartment. Ufff, what a sleazy place. But now to wait, if he runs she will---

*CRASH*

Well, that was quick! Splinters fly everywhere as that door offers little resistance to the might of an Asgardian. There's a panicked cry from inside as a man that was standing not too far from the door gets thrown back and to the ground. Middle-aged. Glasses that are now on the other side of the room, growing a touch bald. The only suspicious thing might be that he's dressed in full black, including gloves. Which my go towards what Sif saw earlier, of a dark figure entering the place. "Who are you?! What the fuck!" he reaches over to get his glasses...

"Prince", or in this case a small pug that was barking at the door has also been thrown back, whimpering but as it notices threats it gets back up and closes in to the door, barks more intense out of that little ball of anger with protectiveness towards it's owner.

Dogs are certainly man's most loyal companions!

"Look, I already said I am gonna get the money okay? I am just .., I need some time." the man scrambles back up to his feet after putting on the glasses. Smell of sulfur permeates the air now though, whisps of power coming from the man but not yet active. As if readying himself if they attack him.

Vintridr has posed:
    "We aren't here for your money," Vin replies, dismissing her shield for now as she assesses the threat - or current lack of it. "But you hold something that does not belong to you, and you've already caused enough mischief with it."

    She rises from her crouch and moves to the side, letting the Odinson do the talking now that preliminary introductions are out of the way.

Thor has posed:
    Glancing to the side Thor merely says, "Sif."
    Then he moves forward into the room extending a hand as if to steady the man whose home they've broken into, though his other hand is extended toward the small furry animal that is expressing its displeasure most animatedly. Sidelong he murmurs, "Bide a moment, friend. We are indeed not here for any debt you owe us."
    He kneels on one knee, easing down and turning an upturned hand to the animal, likely willing to endure the needed bite if it seems it needs to do so. But his attention remains mainly on the man.
    "We are from Asgard. And it has come to our attention that as my comrade says, you hold something that does not belong to you, ultimately."

Sif has posed:
Since Thor has the canine threat well under control--is that really a dog here on Midgard?!--Sif focused on the man. She slowly put her sword to the side, letting go and putting her hands up in front of her as a sign she was not a threat.

"We only seek answers. Involving the fire you are wielding. This is not something normal for Midgardians in my experience and we believe you have possession of something allowing for it?" Not entirely true since she's met mutants but it worked for the most part since mutants were rare.

Thea Queen has posed:
Prince, the dog (https://i.imgur.com/hsK5kbJ.jpg), continues it's ferocious bark, front paws low, little nub of a tail up and swinging as that hand comes closer. Ah yes, come closer fool and feel it! *bite* No reaction. That's not how these things are supposed to go! Why isn't the human backing off? It barks again but it doesn't have that kind of sting as before and may even let Thor get it's hand around to pick it up.

The man standing near them looks at the weapons. Very archaic. It does remind him of the item he possesses. Old. "Not here for the money? I hope you aren't here for Prince." is he talking of the dog or the DEADLY FIRE PRINCE? His eyes follow Thor when he reaches for the dog. "And I need this.." he finally tells them, losing any pretense of not knowing what they are talking about.

"This is the only thing I got left, don't you see?" his hands catch on fire, "If I don't have this then how can I make sure they are okay?" it might not be too hard to figure out what he's talking about with the pictures in the living room (and one even on the floor after the door blew up) of a family of two kids and a wife.

Vintridr has posed:
    Vin tilts her head, apparently unconcerned by the flames. "From what we've gathered, those flames have brought you neither joy nor profit... And just who do you owe money to, that you expect them to come crashing through your door this late on the evening?"

    She's lived on Midgard for quite a while now. She knows exactly what kind of people he likely owes money to. She just wants the man to admit it out loud.

Thor has posed:
    Looking around slowly, Thor turns his eyes away from the man with the flames on his hands, leveling them upon the biting dog who wags the nub even as he plants that bite on the hand of the intruder. A bite that is endured, of course, then the reply to said bite? A pet, that perhaps serves to at least offer a hint of mollification as he picks up the small animal and holds it at his side. "Shh, little guardian. Shh."
    "We have business with your adopted father, everything will be fine." Thor says into the googly-eyed face, then moves across the room to set the little fellow behind the baby gate that seperates the living room from the kitchenette. Now safe behind his daytime barrier, Thor rises and turns to face the Fire Prince.
    Another look around and the Thunderer's brow furrows, then he tilts his head to the side. "You have much more left than this burden you hold. Tell me your name, sir." He gives a nod toward Vintridr, following her line of thought. "For I am Thor Odinson. With me is the Lady Sif, and Vintridr of the Valkyr." He makes a small gesture with one hand to indicate each.
    "You have an object that allows you this ability I assume? An object that comes from Rasr of Muspelheim? I would ask you for this object. We do not come here to take it from you, for we know likely how much of a burden it has been."

Sif has posed:
When she is introduced, Sif gives a nod as Thor motions her direction. Just that acknowledgement and a politeness to the man with the flaming hands. This could go very badly at any moment and she is trying to avoid that.

Owes money and wants to protect someone. "We can make an exchange. A way for you to protect your family or a way to resolve your debt, which I believe may also help protect your family?" She looked to his hands and back to him. "Please, power down the artifact. There is a danger to the entire building should you attack. This domicile is one of many with many families."

Thea Queen has posed:
The little fellow is picked up easily and the petting seems to relax it's nervousness. Specially as they keep a low tone and don't seem to be *that* aggressive towards it's owner. Little paws struggle a bit as Thor holds him up to his face to pacify him with quiet words. And what he gets in return? A lick to the nose. Prince is such a little traitor, from Hound protector to playful dog! Yet as he is then put away the focus is on the man...

The man listens to their names. Some glimpse of recognition for how could he at least recognize Thor's name? He's got an action figure! Vintridr's doesn't seem to ring a bell but he saw how the door was broken apart. And Sif is also well known for those who follow the old Gods. And this one surely does.

"Oh shit, I ..." his eyes on Vin, "I owe money to people, I didn't want to use this thing anymore but I needed to." he frowns, "He brought nothing more than trouble to me. That Rasr." he knows the name well. "I took it fair and square in a game of Poker. I thought it was gonna be the answer to all my problems but ..." he shakes his head. "I thought after years without using it maybe I could finally use it, at least for once. But no.."

He looks at Sif lastly. "You would help me solve my debt?" The fire slowly starts to dim.

Vintridr has posed:
    "We may have that ability," Vin replies, then glances toward Thor; diplomacy is the Odinson's purview. "I would know more of those you owe money to." She's relaxed her stance, keeping an eye and ear on her surroundings while Thor negotiates.

Thor has posed:
    When Thor had gotten that face lickies he had stopped and smiled, giving the little creature a slightly wide-eyed look as if to tell little Prince to behave. But then he had set him down and left him to focus on the man.
    As the man spoke, Thor's lips parted as if he was about to say something, yet he holds his tongue for a moment, instead just taking in that breath. Then exhaling slow. A nod is given as he steps forward, "It can be so with items of power, for they are often crafted with ill intentions. It is unfortunate that you endured such, and moreso that you took it to try and use it ill for yourself. Yet it is clear that..."
    Thor looks around the room again and then looks back, "It has come with a cost. Well we are here to ask you for your help."
    Which might surprise him. And the other Asgardians as well.

Sif has posed:
Sif doesn't answer the question directly. Instead, she turns to look at Thor since he is the one who can cut deals. And he is asking for the help of the man which was much aligned with Sif's thoughts.

Though she had given a nod when Vintridr asked again for information on who he owed money to. Because that, and of course how much, was key. Who these people were, their intentions, many things had to be known before they could help resolve them fully.

Thea Queen has posed:
"Oh, I am Edward. Eddie Hobbson." The man finally tells them with a small nod at Thor's earlier question on who he was. He looks uncertain for a few. Giving the item, then what will he have? And can he be certain these people will keep their word to a nobody like him? They are Gods after all.

It's all until Thor says those words. 'ask you for your help'. That has the man blink, surprised. "You would ..., want my help?" almost as if he had never been asked such in life. "Wh-- How?" but that seems to have captured him, the man starting to get closer and closer to accepting a bargain..

And Vin's question on who's looking for him? That's answered by a voice on the door. A stocky, short man along with what are a small band of thugs behind him. "Knock, knock." he says.

"We have come to collect. Tell your cosplay freaks to beat it. We got business."

A voice on comms from Thea as she sees what's happening from the window. "I know those guys. They are from the Vincenzo family. Bad news."

Vintridr has posed:
    "How bad exactly?" Vin subvocalizes into her own mic as she turns to glare at the interlopers. "You chose a poor time to visit," she informs them. "If you've wisdom, you'll depart and leave us in peace."

    She's not going to strike first. Not without word from either the Odinson or the Young Queen. But the first thug to draw a weapon or make a threatening move is going to wish he hadn't.

Thor has posed:
    Bad timing that.
    Thor turns his head to the side, brow furrowing as he takes in the arrival of the moment, bright blue eyes shifting from face to face to face as he considers the thugs and their presence. One hand lifts to point at them once... twice... as if he was about to say something to them. Then he seems to come to a decision, "Sif, Vintridr. If you both would be so kind?"
    A glance is given to each of the warrior women and then followed through in the direction of the thugs. The message is clearly is a simple one that asks gently and silently, 'Please see to that.'
    Which is when he turns his attention back to Fire Prince, "Edward," He says with some weight to the word, "Myself and other souls from across the nine realms are working to make Midgard. Earth. A safer place, and you are in a unique position to help us."

Sif has posed:
Just as things were going so well.

Sif turned to face the threat behind them, hand immediately picking back up that sword she had set aside. She considered the men as she formed ranks with Vintrider, putting herself between the bad guys and Thor. Which also puts her between them and Eddie, offering him the same level of protection.

"I suggest you listen to my friend. We have no quarrel with you. I am certain this will be resolved before the end of day. Step away, leave this man and his family in peace, and you will have what is due you before the morrow." Sif being all diplomatic and stuff. Maybe Midgard is rubbing off on her.

Thea Queen has posed:
"Look, they are talking all fancy." One of them says as Vin and Sif attempt to dissuade them from striking. They have the numbers though and they most likely don't believe those are real weapons. Maybe they should pay more attention to the broken door but alas, they aren't known for their smarts...

Thea's voice on the mic. "The kind that breaks fingers, that makes people disappear in the river." yep, bad guys all around.

When Thor then tells them to handle the guys one of them laughs, "That guy thinks he's Captain America or something, talking fancy and protecting the weak.." ouch, wrong Avenger. Knives are brought out, "Change of mind, time to cut people up." and they advance towards the two.

Eddie's eyes are wide but he doesn't go on fire at least. "I .., how can I help you?" he asks Thor.

Thor has posed:
    For some reason Thor seems not worried at all.
    While he speaks to Eddie he maintains that steady and calm tone even as he gestures with his hands now and again in a gentle way, despite what sounds of perhaps pain, or agony might be going on behind him. When there are thumps or thuds he will still be talking to Edward as if he were the only individual in the room and was the most important soul to him right now.
    "You see Edward, my friends and I are working on a way to make it safe for the world. To prevent beings from attacking across dimensions and galaxies and invading as we have seen these last ten years. To do this in part we are gathering items that connect this world with others. Like your artifact connects with a land called Muspelheim."
    A pause then, which might be fortuitous as behind him he has no clear idea of what is going on, but likely it is none too pleasant for the men with the knives.
    "So I would like to offer to purchase your artifact so we may use it. But also it will be important to have one knowledgeable about the item, and so I would like to offer you a job when we have matters settled."

Vintridr has posed:
    Well, no one can say that they weren't warned. What happens next is entirely their own fault.

    While Thor makes his case to Eddie, Vin has already moved, the floorboards creaking ominously under the force of her steps as she covers the distance between her and the nearest thug on the left faster than should be possible for a human, grabbing him none-too-gently by the wrist and squeezing until he drops the knife, then twists and flings him into the one behind him with enough force to send both flying through the front door and into the street outside.

    "A corridor like this is no place for a proper fight," she says offhandedly to Sif as she makes her way out after them. "Let's take it outside before anything important gets damaged."

Sif has posed:
"Spoken like a true Asgardian. Today is a good day to see Valhalla, yes?" Sif says to the men even as Vintridr charges them. She has a slightly feral grin on her face as she follows after the valkyrie. When one man tries to duck around, he finds himself slapped with enough force to send him flying out the door with the rest of them.

Once all five are on the street, Sif considers the five men and the knives they are wielding. Well, four seem to be wielding. One already lost his.

"I am not sure this is a fair fight," she said conversationally to Vin. "There are only five, after all." Which might let the men know she is positive the fight is weighed in the Asgardians favor, despite the numbers. So Sif then leans against the wall of the apartment building. Her job? Make sure no one gets past Vin and tries to get back inside.

Thea Queen has posed:
Thor may not be looking behind him to see what's happening but he gets a good picture from how Eddie's eyes move. First to the knife flying off that twisted wrist that Vin breaks, mouth dropping open when she then just simply kicks them both through the corridor and outside, all through the thrash in the corridor and ending in breaking the street door, it heard loudly.

Vin the door slayer?

His eyes go to the other shoulder of the Asgardian as he sees one of the thugs being backslapped hard enough to send him flying. He adjusts his glasses. "Yea, yea..., sure, uh..." he is having a hard time focusing on Thor's words but finally does so. "Purchase? I ..., I would be honored to do so." it makes his sense of self-importance grow but he swallows when he offers him a job. "I am not sure I am worthy of that..." but he does turn his hand, on the glove stitched on it is a large, dark scorched amulet with a rune. Rasr's. He takes off the glove.

----

Outside two of the thugs still get up while the other two are groaning on the ground. They wobble and look at Vin, "Who the fuck are you..?" guns come out, prepared to shoot.

The leader is actually still inside the room with Thor and Eddie but is petrified, not daring to move. He is listening to what's going on outside.

Thor has posed:
    That leader is not entirely ignored, for Thor is aware of him. He simply is not addressing him in this moment. Instead he still speaks with Edward despite the crackle of bones, the crash of broken wood, and the shouts of pain now and again.
    "It is important that we have you close at hand in case we miss something about the artifact, your experience may prove valuable. It likely will be difficult, for these are trying times and you deserve recompense. But it will assuredly open more doors for you than they close."
    "And, as you see..." Thor says with a small smile as he gestures to the side. "Lady Vintridr is an expert with the opening of doors."
    Which is in that moment his eyes finally fall upon the boss who has frozen. And it's like Thor just remembered he exists. He addresses the man, "Ah. Mr. Vincenzo. I had forgotten you were there. You may go now. Edward will pay you what you are due, The Avengers assure you of that. And I am sure that will conclude your..." A look is given to the broken door even as more cracks and smacks are heard, "Unfortunate business together peacefully and not seek further. Yes?"
    Then back to Edward and it's as if Mr. Vincenzo suddenly didn't exist once again as Thor actually smiles, "What say you, Edward?"

Vintridr has posed:
    "True, but I don't think we have time to ask them to send for reinforcements," Vin replies to Sif, looking over the remaining thugs as walks out onto the street.

    She allows herself a slight smile when the guns come out. It's not a nice smile to be on the receiving end from.

    "Little point giving my name to those who won't have opportunity to use it," she replies, raising her hands and slowly and deliberately cracking her knuckles for full effect.

    ... And while they're looking at her hands, they're not paying attention to her feet - right up until she kicks the trashcan lid and sends it flying into one of the gun wielders, knocking him to the ground while she uses the distraction to close the distance to the other pistol wielder.

Sif has posed:
Sif had considered going back in for the head guy. Though honestly, he looked like he might soil himself if someone said boo to him. She could be wrong though she doubted it. Besides, it was Thor in there. She was quite sure he could handle one little Midgardian.

So she remained where she was, crossing her arms while letting her sword dangle down from her left fingers. Not quite allowing the tip to touch the ground as she watched.

"Perhaps see if one has a cell phone? Toss it my way and I will see if we can get more?" she suggested as she winced for the poor man hit by the lid. Then she raised her voice a little. "You could give up, you know. Before she breaks something you might be fond of."

Thea Queen has posed:
These thugs are used to being the bullies. To not being challenged. It usually takes a flash of knife or gun to deter any reaction. It's how they win most of the time, the indifference, the fear. But now that they are being fought against? They don't know how to handle it... The trash can hits the thug with the gun right in the kisser, throwing him back to the floor like a domino. The other just drops his weapons at Sif's words. Crazy woman! Asking for them to call more people!

And when their leader comes running out of the house after nodding mutely in agreement to Thor's condition? It's when they all break, stumbling and dragging their other friends out of the place and away into the night.

It's right when Thea swings the corner, all ready for a fight and.... "Really guys?" She opens her arms to the side and looks at Sif and Vin. "You didn't even leave one for me?" shame! But she grins at them.

----

Inside Eddie continues listening to Thor, ignoring the rest, even the leader that peed himself on the way out.

"I accept the bargain, Sir Thor." there's a lift of shoulders to the man, straighter, as if by giving the amulet over unburdened him from what had plagued the man for years. He puts the amulet on Thor's hand.

Thor has posed:
    Accepting the amulet he smiles and gives a nod, "Excellent, I look forward to working with you, Edward. You have made the right choice." As he says this he slips the amulet into the pocket of his hoodie, then zips up that pocket because /important!/
    Then he nods, "Bide but a moment." As he says this he withdraws his cellular phone device from his other pocket then takes a step to the side slightly. While outside there's still... a good bit of commotion. He takes his time slooowly tapping out a text message. Then he says, "Edward... Hobbson." As he hits each letter, then quirks an eyebrow at the almost instant response he gets back from whomever he sent the message to. Proceeding to type, "Yes... in Starling. At my location..."
    Another pause, a bit longer now. He holds the phone in one hand then smiles to Edward as another /crash/ is heard that makes even him jump a little as he says in a conspiratorial way to Edward, "Sounds like they are enjoying themselves out there."
    Which is when he gets a response back as he lifts his head and reads the text. "Ah! There. Is that sufficient?" He turns the phone up to show what looks like an image of a wire transfer with... a good number of zeroes.

Vintridr has posed:
    Vin shrugs at Thea. "No one particularly worth your time or skills," she replies as she steps forward, casually flattening the dropped gun under her heel. "Although we may need to monitor this place for a while longer, in case their masters decide they need to make an ill-advised statement out of wounded pride."

    She cocks an ear toward the apartment, where negotiations seem to be proceeding apace. "This should be over quite soon, I believe."

Sif has posed:
"We will need to have the doors repaired. For the safety of Edward Hobbson as well as the other residents," Sif comments as she watches the bad guys hauling tail away.

She glances over to Thea's arrival with a smile. "Lady Thea, tis a shame there were but five. Not enough for any true sport." At least, when one can bench press a Chevy. Asgardians!

"Shall we return to the negotiations?" And she motions to the building, pushing off from the wall and turning to head back to the apartment that started all this.

Thea Queen has posed:
Eddie takes out his glasses, cleaning them on his shirt before putting them on again and squinting his eyes at the phone. That's a lot of zeros. He opens his mouth a bit unsure on what to say but finally says, "Yes. More than enough." thankful, earnest tone to him. He goes to pick up Prince just as the rest of the 'gang' is arriving, holding the adorable little pug in his arms.

"Did you hear that, Prince? We are finally going to be able to pay those debts and send my daughters to college..."

The wee one barks again but it's not an aggressive one, almost as if he was thanking them in his own way.

Thea grins at them and nods, "We will get you to a hotel for the night, Eddie, while the doors get fixed. As for the rest of you my thanks for coming to Starling and helping in this matter. Drinks are on me tonight."

They had one more item related to the realms but at the same time they had also helped save a man from the 'precipice'. Because that's what heroes do.