14597/Home from the battle

Home from the battle
Date of Scene:	03 April 2023
Location:	Palace - Asgard
Synopsis:	Thor comes home to Asgard in the middle of celebrations, and his return is reason for even more celebration! But first, a story.
Cast of Characters:	Thor, Loki, Frigga

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Thor has posed:
    The Bifrost had been firing over and over the last few days. Its brilliant energy lashing out into the heavens, hurling people and supplies across the galaxy at a brisk pace. Its great stone and metal surfaces twisting at times like a great orrery as it aligned itself with the worlds beyond then unleashed the might of Asgard.
    All of these times it had been at the behest of Heimdall. Keeper of the rainbow bridge. All these times save one. And then the second time. Which was now.
    The surge of the mystic engine that powered the Bifrost roared and the gateway opened as the energy was not sent out, but instead was drawn within that magical device, drawn toward Asgard as the gateway remained ablaze with the power of the Odinforce. And through it stepped the wayward son.
    He had had time to change. To clean up to a degree. To put on Asgardian garb that he had left at the Embassy and had been put into storage by Hedla. It was thus that he wore the black armor and the crimson cloak that he had last worn at... what was that ceremony so long ago? The changing of the guard. Another time and another world away.
    "Heimdall." The prince of Asgard smiled, a smile that was a hint guarded as he knew it was possible he had drawn the sentinel's ire.
    "Prince Thor. We will need to talk in the days to come." He said calmly in that resonant voice of his.
    "Aye, my friend. There is much to discuss. I am to the palace. I intend to... walk."
    "Very well, my prince." Though it is likely that word had already been sent. For Heimdall tends to keep his word.
    Yet after those ones shared with Heimdall, Thor emerged upon the rainbow bridge, taking that long walk into the city. To most he seemed just another traveler. For he had that black armor though the heavy cloak and its hood obscured him somewhat. The crowd did the rest. A celebratory crowd, enjoying the end of a war that had lasted thousands of years. That had the taverns overflowing, spilling onto the streets. A celebration that had been going for how long?
    Difficult to say. Yet as he moved into the city Thor did manage to smile a little, to see his people happy. That was... a fine thing. Eventually he reached the palace and he might even be preceded by whispers for there could be those that recognized him in that crowd despite his current state of... difference in look.
    The guards faced him, challenged him, then admitted him. Their manner had suddenly snapped to when they saw who it was, or who he claimed to be. Which is when he made his way into the palace proper seeking his family.

Loki has posed:
Loki, of course, is always in the know. Particularly over what is going in and out of the Bifrost-- so there's no chance of the prince being caught off-guard here. Besides: Thor is expected. At least by Loki. So there is a little sparrow that accompanies Thor, flitting and subtle, at least until he reaches the main doors. The sparrow alights on an area above the guards challenging Thor, though it did not need to intervene. It does watch Thor and come along, like a funny little feathered escort. It's just one of Loki's eyes, though-- not Loki himself.

Loki is present in the feasting hall, relaxed amidst a group of allies from other realms that were given some entertainment via Asgardian dancers and poets, and are now relaxing. Loki has taken the seat at the head of the tables, a place he has held as Prince Regent for multiple months. It is normal, by this point, and Loki reclines there serenely, though his attention is not on current conversations...

Frigga has posed:
If Frigga had known when her son would be returning, she'd have made certain there was a horse in stable there for him. Walking doesn't suit a Prince, after all...
The celebrations are in full force. The bonfires at night light the Asgardian skies, the skalds tell of the bravery of the battles, of those fallen and thus joined the company of warriors in the Halls of Valhalla, and then there is the singing and dancing. And lots and lots of food. Lots.

The Palace is filled with visitors from the other realms; the feasting halls overflowing with food and drink from not only Asgard but also from the outer realms brought in by others.

The Queen of Asgard is also seated, though in her own seat, one set to the side of the 'reigning monarch', its deep rich brown wood carved in intricate pattern, draped in rich emerald brocades. She wears a gown suited to such occasion, her blonde hair plaited up and away from her face, with cabechon jewels hanging from her ears, in droplets in her necklace, and woven into her hair. In the corner of her eyes, it's the only indication of her care-worn weariness, and evident only to those who truly, truly know her.

The signal of the Bifrost, the intake rather than egress isn't lost on her, but there is the necessity of word. For the moment, she is attentive to the stories, to the compliments and accolades given their combined troops by their honored guests.

Thor has posed:
    The cloaked figure enters, and of course there is the announcement from the major domo who stands at the front of the hall. A rich deep voice that calls out.
    "Prince Thor of Asgard, Long Away on... Campaign!"
    Which might be the best way he could formulate to explain the absence and what has passed. It likely would do for now.
    Thor, for his part, smiles and draws back that hood as there is a moment of break in the conversation, in the festivities. Those who haven't seen him in such time would not be ready for the difference. The short-haired scarred visage and the eyepatch tell a tale of 'campaign', as do the two weapons now at his side. He lifts his chin, nodding his thanks to the announcement. Then he says, "Please. Forgive the interruption."
    Which is said moments before people start to come out of their shock.

Loki has posed:
There's going to be eyes on how Loki reacts, and Loki knows this. And, well, Loki could have done a lot more prep, or 'ruined' the surprise by warning everyone -- but what's the fun in that? Still, Loki was well prepared personally, and had his own reaction and approach decided. He has already met with Thor, and was able to get a scope of what to expect from Thor's return. So, yes ... Loki is serenely smiling in a way that broadcasts that he was /well/ aware that Thor was returning, well in advance, and is relaxed about all of it... an important tone to set over the Asgardian court and the allies present.

Loki rises smoothly, though he doesn't come out or approach. He stands, and sends a flare of magic through all of the torches and lights-- causing them all to flare, to glow further, to alight all of the room with gold.

"I claim the right to be the first to welcome you back home, Prince Thor," Loki smiles, with a grand gesture. Loki is in kingly fare now, with his own horned crown curving backwards sleekly, black edged garb with gilded Asgardian filigree; no green today. His look around the room, then, requires those present to celebrate and cheer.

"Come, interrupt us."

Frigga has posed:
The moment the announcement is made at the edge of the Great Hall, it is true, all fall silent. Words that were to be spoken of valor upon the field of battle are stayed, and all eyes move to the form and figure of the returning Prince. Those eyes are looking upon Thor, and thus miss the immediate reaction from the High Table, or at least most likely miss that of Frigga's in preference to watching Loki's reaction closely. The polite, regal regard given to one guest at the table shifts, and there in those eyes of hers is a reflection of a mother upon seeing her son return home. He'd said he would come when he could find a time to free himself from obligations on Midgard, but when?

Frigga rises slowly from her seat after Loki, a smile set upon her face that causes her face to shine from within. She does give Loki his moment as well, and a glance is given to her younger son before she looks back to the newly arrived, "It is a welcome interruption."

Thor has posed:
    Thor starts forward, his smile curving a little upward at Loki's words. Though as he advances to that end of the room he spares a moment to glance at the courtiers and give them a nod here, a raised hand there for a wave. Eyes follow him. And in his wake... quiet murmuring.
    For many are the faces that turn from one to another and the whispers. The whispers trail upon his heels.
    It is likely mostly positive sentiment. Though soon after there are also hints of surprise. Trepidation. Some of the ladies in waiting seem split between displeased and others with such sadness.
    But it's his brother that gets the first greeting of his return and the first handclasp. "Brother."
    Then a kiss to Frigga's cheek in greeting as he draws her into a brief embrace, "Mother."
    He takes up a spot that is cleared for him at Loki's right hand. A chair that is ready. Though he doesn't sit in it yet. Instead he says to Loki, then the court. "Please, do continue." And if he catches Loki's eye and his approval, then he will take that seat.

Loki has posed:
There's certainly a question of what exactly will be the dynamic here -- there's too much history of a power clash between the brothers for everyone NOT to be watching for it, or what might happen. Loki's path seems to be to be warm, relaxed, and unconcerned. At least on the surface. Loki doesn't give Thor a chance to wait for any cue, he'll get the gesture of 'do sit' with one hand, before there's any time for something awkward to occur. Loki doesn't sit yet, he waits for the guests -- and Thor-- to do so, before giving a direct look to the silent, surprised musicians off in an alcove. They get the point and begin a celabratory medley, as Loki gives Frigg a side-smile and seats again.

"Bring refreshment immediately," Loki also commands to the shocked helpers, kicking them out of their confusion to rush off and get busy -- busy telling everyone else, of course, but hopefully also to bring back things for Thor!

"I gather the problems of Midgard are left well in hand, that you're with us?" Loki queries. If he doesn't care about it, he's doing at least a reasonable job of pretending and having a face of diplomacy here.

Frigga has posed:
There is no greater satisfaction for a mother than to see her grown children get alone; particularly when things had been somewhat contentious in the past. The bond formed between the brothers in childhood seems to be holding, even now.

Frigga's hands draw forward before her, fingers lightly entwined as she watches Thor's approach to the table. Just beyond, in his wake, come the furtive whispers, and some of the looks of the ladies of the court do not go unnoticed. Some are approving, some.. simply don't understand. To love a warrior means they must leave home on occasion to fight; such has it been for Asgard for millennia and so it will always be.

Frigga need not be concerned, not in public anyway. Subtle messages are passed between the pair in manner and bearing, given and received and accorded courtesy, and there is nothing to see here other than a Crown Prince returning home from war. (In other words, everyone is watching!)

Frigga leans forward to the kiss, her hand lingers on his arm before it is retrieved, and a murmured greeting is given before he moves to his chosen seat. When encouraged to sit by the Prince Regent, everyone does so slowly, as if they'll miss something once down, but as things begin again, that is, music and the servers, the volume in the hall begins to rise once more. Frigga, for her part, also sits, though now there is a slight lean in the direction of her sons, the Princes, to catch at least some of the conversation.

The High Table is attended once more with meat, cheese, fruit and breads served.. as well as mead.

Thor has posed:
    There is a curious dichotomy seen in the courtiers in this moment. There is some sentiment to leave the family to themselves, to let them have this public meeting, this display of unity. And yet... so many wish they could eavesdrop well. In times past when Loki was not as prominent there would even be a spell-caster or two that might try a simple enhancement spell to see what they could pick up. But with Loki and his mother there and their techniques so well known... discretion is respected.
    Thor turns to the two of them and smiles a little, "As well as can be, though I likely will need to return in the coming days." Which could mean anything from tomorrow to next week.
    His brow furrows and they can likely see that he is already mentally going through that checklist of what must be done. And to whom he must speak. He then looks to Frigga as he's about to say something, as if not sure if he should say it in front of her. But then he decides to anyway as he tells Loki.
    "You recall ages ago when we were both..." He holds out a hand, indicating some time in their youth. "Before we went to Midgard our first time. I had complete confidence that we would end the war and slay Malekith. Now that it is done..." He looks across the room. "It feels nothing like I imagined."
    In that moment a servant presents him with a flagon which he takes hold of, though he drinks not yet.

Loki has posed:
"I imagined it rather like this," Loki deadpans serenely, but it's /too/ deadpan, too flat: so it is, in truth, an obvious joke and one he expects the others to immediately discover and be amused by.

"We'll need to work on your imagination, now that you're back." Loki can't resist just being a little bit 'stabbing'. But there's no dagger out, this is about as mild as it /gets/, and Loki remains regal and behaved...

"Though I think I'll be working on mine as well. Lots of other things happened and did not turn out the way I assumed, either. Lessons all around in that the world /will/ and can, and does, surprise us," Loki observes. A hint perhaps that his own experiences were not what he felt they would be. Thor's death wasn't wreathed in what he thought it would. Or Odin's sleep, or ... a great number of things have played out much differently.

"I did think father would be here for it. But he's just making us wait a bit," Loki comments, with a relaxed drink of wine.

Frigga has posed:
There is little that is more exciting than to be in the presence of (almost) the entire royal family of Asgard. There is always //something// unexpected due to happen to those who are patient. It is true, however; there are no spells, no cantrips, nothing that could give someone the ability to listen in as two of the three seated at the High Table are accomplished in the magical arts. Understatement, of course.

The words are for Loki, reminiscing with purpose, and she remains silent in the telling, and in the response. A hint of a smile ghosts upon her face, however, in her slight lean, nodding her acknowledgment, agreement and encouragement where needed.

It's Loki, the one with the most .. challenging relationship with Odin that mentions him first, however. Frigga nods her head and exhales in a soft, understated sigh; she, too, thought he'd wake in the knowledge that Thor yet lived and even more, has returned home to them. "If he waits too long, he shall miss Thor's visit." Frigga knows full well that Thor has every intention to return to Midgard when he can, and she understands fully. There, of course, will be serious conversations later, however, regarding the throne, and proper succession.. and responsibilities therein.

Now is not the time, however.

Thor has posed:
    The Thunderer's answer to Loki's joke is a soft exhalation that was not quite a laugh, but a close enough thing. He shakes his head, then looks back at his brother as if scolding him silently, but the smile takes any sting from that expression.
    Then the mention of their father has Thor nodding slowly, "We'll go and see him after this." He looks at Frigga with a warm smile then elaborates, "I can tell you what had passed for me when I was lost to Malekith's spell. Though I fear my tale will be... a poor thing for I was unaware of much while experiencing it."
    His eyebrows rise as he glances toward each, as if seeking guidance as to him telling that tale or saving it for another time. Curiously enough he does not seem inclined to voice it to the gathering as is often the tradition amongst those of Asgard for they are a people with a strong appreciation for the telling of tales.
    Then he offers a hint of insight into what passed for him, "Though I did discover what happened to King Sindri of Nidavellir."

Loki has posed:
"Father set upon me the task of protecting Asgard," Loki says, in a ...way that isn't /entirely/ defensive. But important to Loki to clarify a point. He was handed this mantle, he didn't sieze it the second Thor disappeared. "With a healing relic I have yet to use. Perhaps it will play a role in returning him to us," Loki comments. He looks to Frigga, then.

"I'd like to put it in your care for now, mother." Loki's held onto it, but perhaps the point of it IS to put it where it's needed, when it's needed, and Loki has a little feeling about this. That he's supposed to not hoard things, but delegate...

"But I'm continuing that task, until there's reason not to." Loki needed it out in the open that he is taking his current role seriously, to at least clear the air on his intent. Which is that he certainly expects Odin to return.

Frigga has posed:
There have been few as supportive as Frigga in this particular matter. Her path is gentle counsel, and either Loki is intelligent enough that he knows all the correct words to say, or he fully believes that which he does say, or both, which is the case. It's in the little things, not the grandiose gestures, truly. And she's noticed. Mind, there are none that would dare speak out in her presence, but she makes certain that every word, every gesture she makes supports him and his efforts.

"He would like that," is uttered softly for the boys only. "I have no doubt he can hear every word." It's her faith, anyway.

Now, however, the dangling bit of information regarding King Sindri is given, and Frigga's brow rises elegantly in askance. "What happened? What news?"

Loki's offer that comes on the tails of Thor's hint of information has Frigga's attention; she's giving both her attention equally; she's well aware of some thoughts of the court as to her preferences. "I will hold it and use it as it should." Fair warning there, Loki!

Finally, however, there is the delicate hand that reaches for the glass of mead (no tankard for her!) and lifts it to her lips for a sip.

Thor has posed:
    "That is fine, Loki. You have done well in this time I have been gone, no reason to change mounts in mid-gallop. As it were." The Thunderer's smile is subdued as he looks between them. "I look forward to hearing all that has passed since I've been gone. I feel like every moment I turn around someone is telling me something terribly important."
    Which has been fairly true.
    Then to Frigga he spreads his hands, "Well as you know Eitri rules in Nidavellir. His father Sindri was lost to some disgrace but we never learned what had passed..."
    He smiles a little, "Yet I put the cart before the horse." A deep breath is taken, then he murmurs, "That first battle at the Starport, when Malekith cast his spell and... Mjolnir was shattered." And he had been thought lost.
    "Eventually I would learn that he had sought not just to undo me. But undo my... role. My prophecy. My fate."
    And slowly, over the next course of the hour, the tale was unfurled with much back and forth, questions and answers given. It was quite the telling, though in the end the main thing was... that they were once again together.