14919/I Lead Therefore I Drink

I Lead Therefore I Drink
Date of Scene:	14 May 2023
Location:	Long Night Bar
Synopsis:	A chance meeting with Thor in a bar leads to new friendships.
Cast of Characters:	Thor, Melissa Gold, Jennifer Stavros

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Thor has posed:
    The Long Night has a history in Brooklyn that indeed many a long night was passed in that small bar with its single aisle of booths that lead back toward the hall and the more elaborate pool and arcade area. A history of locals and townies jealously protecting the place from the filthy casuals of the world and trying to make sure that only people with a _right_ to come to the Long Night actually did so.
    Needless to say management did not care for this position.
    Which was when Marty, the current owner, put up the 'Long Night Wall o'Fame' which had images of various famous individuals who had visited the place. Sure the first handful of them might have been... creatively interpreted and acquired. But still, having Deniro on the wall helped some. And also when some actual semi-famous people showed up. Sure they were capes, and sure they had a reputation in the city that some of the locals didn't care for. Still, foot-traffic increased.
    Until finally, today, the Long Night was known as a place where Capes and weirdies would sometimes go to get their drank on. And which people who wanted to see these weirdies? They'd come on by. Leaving the locals to grumble about it. Usually in the back rooms, or at the pool table.
    Which might explain why certain someones might be there tonight.

Melissa Gold has posed:
It was an interesting phenomena. Townies would be very protective of their bar. Unless it was a hot woman coming in the door that was the stranger. Then they were far more understanding and accepting. Not exactly welcoming, no. That would be pushing it. But at least they enjoyed the view while bitching. And a few might even begrudgingly approach said women. But alas, it wasn't until the wall of fame and that this was becoming a Cape Bar that things changed. For the better, from Melissa's point of view.

Currently, she was sitting at the bar, poised atop a barstool with her feet tucked into the lower rung of it. She had a bottle of beer in front of her that she sipped from. Cheap beer, American made. Because that's what she grew up on and that's what she liked because of it. It was strange no one ever carried PBR though. She was dressed casually, not in costume. Because really, she didn't need her costume. If someone was a Cape Fan or Groupie, they usually would pick up on the hair. So she was in jeans and a t-shirt, with a hoodie over the top. Her hair was pulled back in high ponytail, making it a little less obvious hopefully.

Jennifer Stavros has posed:
The young woman with the platinum hair, false eyelashes (perfectly applied) and flawless makeup is still new enough to hanging in bars to feel self-conscious when the locals eyed her. Being carded didn't help even if she is accompanied by the cool Melissa Gold. She grudgingly handed the bartender her impeccably fake ID and grimaced at him.

"I'll have the same thing," she says when he hands it back. She pops it into the pocket of her red hoodie and puts her elbows on the bar.

"So this place is famous, huh? I don't see anyone. Do you?"

Thor has posed:
    And, indeed, this time of night there seems to be all of... no one within.
    That is to say nobody famous or noteworthy who has appeared in a magazine, or a movie, or a tv show, or a podcast... well except Teddy, he has his weekly podcast about fishing. Though the viewership for it is in the single digits. Still. It's a podcast.
    But a glance up and down the bar might not give any insight into why Melissa might bring Jen somewhere like this. Except that... it's reasonably calm. It's quiet. It's nice. The vibe there is at ease. As if the bar captured the spirit of the Dude and made it into a brick and mortar bar. It even has a halfway decent rug that sort of pulls the whole place together down by the streaming jukebox.
    They're given their drinks quick enough, however. And they're also given some menus in case they wanted to have any appetizers. On the menu it's advertised that they have the #1 Pizza in all of New York. Which is a strangley ubiquitous claim that many restaurants seem to make.

Melissa Gold has posed:
"Supposedly," was Melissa's response to Jennifer's question. "I've never seen anyone really famous in here outside a few capes." She gave a little shrug as she admitted that. A nod of acknowledgement to the bartender as she got her beer and took a big swig from the bottle as she glanced around before focusing back on Jennifer at her side.

She didn't even glance at the menu. "I've seen the kitchen here. They actually keep it clean so it's safe to eat." Other places? Not so much. "Chili cheese fries are the best." Which is what she would be ordering when the time came.

"This place is just usually quiet. People leave me alone. After the last bit with the Squad, I could use quiet."

Jennifer Stavros has posed:
Wow, straight from the bottle. Okay. Jennifer takes a pull from her bottle and nods at the kitchen advice. "Chili cheese fries?" she is too smooth to squeak but the enthusiasm is there. "Wicked. Let's get a double order."

She turns slightly on the stool to peer at the locals lining the bar, saying with less enthusiasm, "Quiet is nice. I didn't feel like clubbing tonight." She gives Melissa a quick side long look, "Ah, it wasn't that bad, do you think?"

Thor has posed:
    The doors open and a group of three locals wander in. One can identify them that way by how some of the people at the bar greet them and smile and look pleased, even as they give each other a bit of grief. Though that surge of activity is short-lived. However it might be enough to obscure the arrival of a fourth man through the door. Though that man overshadows the others at a glance purely from his height. Which is a good ways beyond six foot.
    There's a ragged scruff of blond hair on his head, and his beard looks like it could use a good trim. He's big, broad of shoulder and wearing a loose grey hoodie that obscures his frame a bit. Blue jeans, brown work boots, he looks like he is a construction worker fresh off the work site. Though the eyepatch stands out.
    Which is what gets him the second and third glances from the locals at the bar. He steps into the room, past one booth, past another as he sidles up to the counter. The sound of his voice is muffled though a hint of an accent might be discerned.
    Yet that's the moment when the waitress comes by with her notepad to take their order.

Melissa Gold has posed:
"I just am at a loss. I'm not sure about this whole leadership thing as is," Melissa admitted as she glanced toward the activity by the door. Then she looked back to the bar before catching sight of that fourth wandering in behind the locals. Nor does she seem to notice when he sidles up to the bar near them.

"I might not be cut out..." And that's the arrival of the waitress. "Two orders of chili cheese fries. Don't skimp on the jalapenos on mine," she added with a smile. For she treated those who worked in such positions with extreme politeness. She was also a big tipper. Because she knew their lives. She'd lived it. She knew how hard it was and that they didn't need people being assholes to them.

Jennifer Stavros has posed:
Jennifer watches the flurry of arrivals, catching sight of the dude with the eyepatch. She can't quite decide if he's good looking or not for an old guy. But, the waitress is waiting before she can make up her mind and Melissa seems worried about how she is leading missions.

"Yeah, I'm good with jalapenos, too, please."

Jennifer for all her snarkiness, feels for Melissa who seems pretty together to her. It's Wade that makes her wonder about being in the group. Even Domino seems whacky to her after not seeing her for two years.

"I think you are doing great. It's just hard to keep us all going in the same direction is all."

Thor has posed:
    The waitress heads on her way with the order, smiling back at Melissa. You get vibes about people and tips and folks who might share your same position at retail or customer-facing jobs, so she catches that vibe and moves off to get those chili cheese fries for her table.
    As she heads off it leaves the two women a chance to chat. Which might be another reason why some of the locals haven't come over and introduced themselves. There is a distinct 'do not disturb' vibe on that energy between the two. Definite work problems going on. Yet as they talk the room continues to bustle a bit, people moving back and forth. A group of townies wandered by and grabbed some of the chairs as several of them sat around the old Galaga video game in the back, leaving a few of the tables bare.
    Then about five minutes later that tall man walks by and rests a hand on one of the two extra chairs at Melissa's and Jennifer's table. He turns and looks at them with that one good blue eye then says in a deep voice with an accent that is very... British. Or English? Or Ye Olde Englishe to think about it. For he says with an easy tone.
    "Pardon, are you using this seat? Might I, perchance, borrow it?"

Melissa Gold has posed:
"Very hard. It's like herding cats. And I'm allergic to cats." She isn't. But it was amusing to her the phrasing so she said it but the giggle that followed showed she was making a joke. Melissa gave another shrug.

"We're actually doing well. Our missions have been successful if a bit...unorthodox." Big words. Yay for Melissa. Actually that was the word that Flagg had used when talking to her so she stole it. Which might explain why she tilted her head and said. "What does Unorthodox mean?"

And she heard the question, glancing over at the man wanting the chair. "Yeah, go ahead." Even as she took a swig of her beer. While thinking he looked awful familiar for some reason. Why was he familiar? Then it clicked and she inhaled. While trying to drink. Which resulted in the spittake. Not quite literally but the sudden change of intake had the liquid going up her nose from her sinuses and suddenly she was choking and turning away, putting a napkin over her face and making sure nothing was dribbling out as she coughed a bit.

When she finally managed to peek over the napkin, eyes watering, face very pinkish red now, she managed to get you. "You're you!" before coughing again.

Jennifer Stavros has posed:
One of the things she likes about Melissa is that she treats her like an adult. Okay, she's the boss, and she might have more of an education, but she's got a down-to-earth quality that Jennifer, for all her prissiness about appearance and social status might have, has begun to appreciate. Being someone a bonafide adult is confiding in is flattering.

So, big guy comes up and asks for a chair in a weird posh accent. It gives her a chance to stare, and she still can't decide. That eyepatch.

But, then Mel is choking on her drink. Bad show in front of a kind of cute older guy, more in her league than hers. But okay. She hands Mel a couple of napkins from the holder.

With a shrug, she chimes in, "Yes, go ahead."

Thor has posed:
    When she had said for him to go ahead he gave a nod and started to pull the chair away, the legs scraping slightly. Only for his progress to be arrested by the sudden seeming of Melissa's oncoming choking death. He had started to lift a hand and stepped toward her, but then she seemed to get better. He lifted his chin a little, regarding her worriedly, then she said those last two words.
    And he smiled slightly. "Sometimes. Of late." A hint of... sombre reflection in those words curiously enough.
    "But thank you for not... announcing it." He rests a hand on the back of that chair, the legs tipping back down to the ground with a faint thunk.
    Then when Jennifer reaffirms that he should take the chair he smiles and nods a little. "Thank you, much appreciated." And as he says that he turns and starts to carry the chair away toward one of those empty two-tops against the further wall.

Melissa Gold has posed:
Thank goodness that Melissa wasn't worried about makeup tonight. She'd come out without it and thus she didn't have half wiped off the lower portion of her face by the time she was able to remove the napkin. It was balled up and tossed on the table as she gave a little nod. Apparently he was trying to be incognito. Thus, no fanfare or hammers.

As he turned away, Melissa looked at Jennifer and jerked her head toward the man. "Thor," she whispered very very softly to be sure the woman knew who it was. She'd heard he was back but the short hair and the eyepatch, one would almost miss who he was.

Jennifer had hoped to see someoone famous so here they were! And whispering it to someone wasn't announcing it so it was okay, right?

Jennifer Stavros has posed:
Jenn squinches her eyes up at Mel, looks at big guy, then back at Melissa. Her eyebrows rise in question and her mouth opens ready to ask who the guy is when he turns to carry the chair away. "You okay?" she asks, handing her even more napkins.

She mouthes silently, "What the fuck?" looking at the guy's broad back. "Thor?" she repeats.

Thor has posed:
    That chair is drawn over, lifted almost effortlessly with one hand grasping at the back of the seat, looking odd simply by the difference in leverage needed for that grip. He sets it against the wall with a slight thud, then takes the seat as he settles in at the two-top table near the end of the bar and turned away so he was seated in what could possibly be considered a small alcove of sorts. For it granted him a measure of privacy.
    As the two women looked on, they likely would see the waitress step over. Her posture, her manner, and the brevity of her replies likely gave some insight that she didn't recognize the man. Though she was not unfriendly, perhaps just harried by the steady stream of orders from the locals.
    'Thor', however, placed his order and let her be about her business. He seemed to take a deep breath, resting his hands upon the tabletop. Then when he exhaled he seemed more at ease for in the next moment... he took a handful of peanuts from the container in front of him and started to pop them into his mouth as he looked up at the television in the corner of the bar... and the KINO lottery game as well.

Melissa Gold has posed:
"Yeah," confirmed Melissa as she tried not to stare. Which ended up with her repeatedly casting furtive glances in the direction of the incognito Thor. Guy was just trying to have a drink and eat some peanuts. He didn't need people fangirling.

People meaning Mel. Because she was really trying not to fangirl here.

She was not normally one of those people. Yet there was something about seeing a literal god. "He's a lot taller than he looks on tv," she murmured as she glanced back over to Jennifer. Her thoughts were a bit more graphic than what she actually voiced. They involved a Thor Jungle Gym <tm>.

Jennifer Stavros has posed:
Oh, this is just like Xavier's without the girlish giggles. Eyeing Mel casting glances at Thor, she gestures at him with a shoulder (very low key), "Yeah, he's tall alright." It's an effort not to stare. "So, what's with the haircut?"

Leaning closer to Melissa, she whispers, "And his eye? Pirate Thor or what?"

Thor has posed:
    There were no monkey bars in evidence, no seesaw, nor merry-go-round. So few of the usual amenities for such activities, monkey bars be damned. Though there was perhaps a slight element of the playground to the moment with the ever so subtle glances and the furtive words. Sometimes they would catch him with him twisting one of the peanut shells open and taking the meat of the nut and popping it into his mouth.
    Then there was the moment the waitress brought over his beer which gained her an earnest closed-mouth smile with his good eye narrowed a little in one of those polite smiles. He took his mug and chuckled faintly about something then took a sip.
    He swallowed, looked at the mug then slightly tilted his head as if to offer silent critique that it wasn't entirely horrible. The evidence of such? When he took another sip, then he eased down a little more into his chair comfortably.

Melissa Gold has posed:
It had turned into high school. Though Melissa had dropped out so she wasn't sure how high school ended. But they had turned into a pair of twittering teens staring at a hot guy and whispering about him. All while trying not to obviously stare at a hot guy while whispering. With passing success since they were older and had more practice.

Melissa ordered a refill on her own beer then leaned a bit more conspiratorally toward Jennifer. "I heard that he was out in space fighting on some gladiator like planet to help overthrow the evil dictator. And in the process he lost an eye." Which was absolutely NOT what had happened to Thor. The only thing that she had right was he'd been in space.

"That's how he lost an eye. To a Kryptonian!" She shook her head a little and looked confused. "Not sure about the haircut. Maybe his barber had a seizure?"

Jennifer Stavros has posed:
Jennifer's mouth gapes at Melissa's explanation. "Noooooo. Really? Gladiators were slaves, right? So did they catch him and cut off his hair then poke out his eye?" She can't help herself, she has to take another look.

To cover her stare, she takes another drink. "He's still kinda good looking. Yeah." With a conspiratorial smile, "Want some luck? Want to talk to him?"

Thor has posed:
    As if on cue at the offer when Roulette dares tempt the fates, Thor turns and looks about the room, his one-eyed gaze sweeping from table to table as he holds the now empty peanut basket in one hand. He bites his lower lip thoughtfully as he considers the nearest table... no no peanuts there. Then he looks to the next. None. Then he looks toward Melissa and Jennifer...
    That smile eases a little wider as they make eye contact across that distance. He lifts the small basket as if in explanation for why he's looking about the room.
    Then he leans over a little more in his seat to emphasize he's talking to them. "I beg your pardon," He says.
    Then he motions toward their table with a nod and as chance would have it...
    Their table is the only one nearby with another bowl of peanuts. Then they hear his voice in that casually cultured tone, "If you would be so kind... they are quite good." He holds a hand out.

Jennifer Stavros has posed:
Gaze still on Thor, Jennifer says in an aside to Melissa. "He's got taste. He picked the best looking women in the room." Unconsciously, she twirls a lock of blonde hair with a finger, smiling she lifts the bowl of peanuts.

"Do you want half?" She is racking her brain on how to get him over here to talk to them and not just abscond with the peanuts. "Not many places get such fresh nuts, they're good."

Melissa Gold has posed:
Melissa glanced over at Jennifer, considering the possibility. Then Thor asked that question and Melissa blinked, looking suspicious of Jennifer now before she carefully schooled her expression. Then Jennifer offered half the peanutes and she had to grin.

At that precise moment, another woman started to approach from the other side of the room. She was headed directly for Thor. Red mini dress that looked painted on and would likely show everything she had if she bent over. Or even sat down. They'd all be able to see Paris, France and...if she had any underpants! Melissa tracked the woman's approach to Thor and waited to see if the god went for it.

Thor has posed:
    "I doubt I could get a more fair offer than that," The tall man said with a smile as he regained his feet and started to cross the distance toward the two young women. That lady in the red mini dress slowing her roll just enough as she makes that approach. She even has time to smile toward Melissa and Jennifer as her quarry leaves her behind him for the moment.
    The tall blond man with the ragged haircut draws near. "Please forgive the intrusion, something about the crackle of the shell is almost compelling, I know not why."
    Yet as he says that he lightly lifts the bowl if he's allowed to and starts to tap the side of it to let some of the peanuts pour into his hand. He does take less than half if left to his own devices. Though he does look at them both and says, "Thank you."

Melissa Gold has posed:
"No problem. Though, if you want to avoid unwanted attention, you might be best off sitting with us. Instead of over there looking lonely. You'll have every thirsty gal, or guy, in this place coming over to try to chat."

And Melissa decided to sweeten the deal as she made the offer. "We'll even let you have more peanuts. And your next round is on me."

And then she can stare at him without it being improper. Smirking at the other thirsty--er, THE thirsty women in the bar would just be a bonus.

Jennifer Stavros has posed:
They had barely touched the peanuts before Thor asked for them. It's all Jennifer can do to keep it buttoned down and cool when he pours them into his hand.

When the red dress sashays over to Thor like she already owns him, her lips purse in amusement. Something tells her that he might not take the bait. But you never know.

Damn, Melissa has it down! She gives a small nod to Mel. Stay with us. We'll protect you.

"First round on us. And all the peanuts you want."

Thor has posed:
    A low chortle comes from him as he looks between the two Suicide Squaddies, his smile warms as he lifts his chin then murmurs, "There is likely wisdom in your words, and so I shall accept it. It is a fine thing you offer, trust I do not join you merely for the comestibles."
    As he says that he settles into the third chair, since he had already taken the fourth. The chair complains with a fair creak at his weight even as he settles in and looks between them. "I am..."
    Which is the moment the woman in red made herself known, "Thor! I've always wanted to meet you."
    Turning to face the new arrival, Jen and Mel see the calm in Thor's manner as he addresses her. "And now you have. A fortuitous day. Though I would beg your forgiveness for you see I am engaged at the moment. I owe due attention to my good friends..." He gestures to them in case they might want to offer their names.
    Then he turns back toward the Sashayer and he smiles to her gently, "Though if you are about when I depart perhaps we can share two words. But for now..."
    He does not finish that sentence though the ending is implied.

Melissa Gold has posed:
"Yeah, he's definitely engaged. Though it was nice you got to meet him," Melissa echoes with a saccharine sweet smile at the woman in the red dress. Then she glances over to Jennifer, positive her companion has her back in this situation.

Though she has to fight her nature to behave. Because she really wanted to just grab Thor's hand and call him baby or something equally pet-name-ish. But he'd said they were friends so she followed his lead.

"I'm Mel. This is Jenn," she offered to the woman. "And we really need to catch up with your good friend so..." And she wiggled her hand in a dismissive gesture that screamed move along.

Jennifer Stavros has posed:
Jennifer hasn't known Melissa long but knows she is a scrapper. She gives red dress a little finger toodle, brushing her off, "Definitely. He wants to spend time with his -good- friends. You'll get your two words later. Bye."

Up close Thor is swoon worthy but he feels a little old for her tastes. But if Melissa is into to him, she has no problem playing her wing woman. She cracks a peanut open and fishes out a nut. And to think, she didn't even have to use a good luck disc.

Thor has posed:
    "That's very kind of you, _thank_ you." The woman in the red dress smiles pleasantly to Thor and when Thor gives a nod then turns around to look at Jen and Mel, the Sashayer's eyes narrow dangerously. It is clear in that moment that Mel and perhaps Jen have likely made an enemy. For life.
    "Well I'll leave you to it then, have a good evening." Then she looks to the Suicide Squaddos. "Girls."
    She turns to depart.
    Thor looks back to her and lifts a hand in a friendly wave, then his attention returns. He starts back where he left off, "So I am Thor. You are... Jen." He points to her, then points in turn toward Melissa. "And Mel. Jen and Mel. It has a ring to it, of life long friends perhaps."
    He then avails himself of one of the peanuts, cracking the shell with one hand. "So Mel and Jen. Jen and Mel. Tell me of yourselves."

Melissa Gold has posed:
If Melissa is concerned, she doesn't show it. Red Dress can be waiting for her outside when she leaves later and Mel would be ready for it. Hopefully she's not. For her own sake. Mel would hate to have to go to jail. Again.

"We're newer friends but I do hope that it reaches those levels. Life long." Mel grinned over at Jenn as she said it. Then she gave a little shrug. "Not a lot to tell about me. I work as a contractor. It's how Jenn and I met, through work. Keeps me pretty busy. Have a very...checkered past?" She wasn't positive if that was the right term for it so she looked to Jennifer to confirm she was saying it right.

Thor has posed:
    Thor had listened to the words shared between the two women, introducing themselves, telling what they chose of their life stories. The Asgardian was a good audience, he was attentive and asked questions. At times he would look duly incredulous, at others he would smile in what could be considered a supportive way. When Jen stepped in with her own insight he regarded her with that same curious look.
    All the while behind them the world continued on, and eventually the woman in the red dress left for the evening with another individual on her arm.
    It wasn't until the pitcher was depleted and Thor had had a few mugs that Jennifer had made her departure, likely giving Melissa a knowing look of some kind that signified something... that Thor entirely missed. Yet they continued on, getting another pitcher though it was not touched as much as the conversation continued.

Melissa Gold has posed:
He liked hearing stories about her fights. That was unexpected. It was something that she'd never really thought was for polite company. And he was both an Avenger and a god. Well, an Asgardian. Which they understood now. But at one time, he'd been worshipped as a god and likely still was here on Earth.

Yet he'd laughed and seemed to appreciate when she told tales of her wrestling days. Not like she was a 'real' warrior. An athlete but not a fighter in the sense he was. Though she had been a criminal too so perhaps she did fall in that category too but she tried to avoid those tales. And the Squad itself was forbidden to chat about so she hadn't shared it.

"A lot of people are still into wrestling. It's a show, a stage, lights and roles to play. But the physicality of it never gets old. It's a lot of fun. Though life does have me on that new path now," Mel said, winding up that part of the conversation.

"Anyway, you've had me talking a lot about myself. What about you? Tell me something that the general population doesn't know."

Thor has posed:
    "There have been Skalds in the past..." Thor offers, then he adds as if clarifying, "Storytellers who in the act of conveying their tale they would battle each other, physically struggling as they would retell some sordid story, taking on the likeness of those they described. It sounds not unlike what you tell me. And this Vince McMahon is likely a truly great Skald in his own right." The Thunderer nods once as if that had settled it, then his eyebrows rose.
    "Perhaps I should go witness one of these contests. That could be intriguing." Yet as he said those words those thoughts faded and she offered her own question and inquiry.
    "For myself? Something the general population does not know?" That causes his eyebrows to rise as he pulls his mug closer to himself, the glass scraping over the wooden table softly as he considers. "Hm."
    "Well it is not for lack of trying. But I have been interviewed at times by various journalists. They often ask me things about what it is like being a God. I tell them in some ways what we are, what we aren't, and they never convey those words. I do not understand why, but I am told that the newsmongers of this era are unlike others from elden days."

Melissa Gold has posed:
"Fearmongers is more like it. Yeah, they don't have integrity anymore. It's all about agenda and trying to prove their side right. Everything is ridiculous and it's sad when you can't trust your media."

Melissa gives a little shrug as she lifts her mug to take a brief sip before setting the glass back down on the table. "Don't get me wrong. All that the media was ever about in the past was getting people to read them instead of their competitors, back when there was print only. And they did the same sort of outrageous lies and headlines sometimes. But it wasn't as rampant as it is nowadays. At least, in my opinion."

She titled her head slightly as she looked at his good eye. "You don't consider yourself a god, right? Just a different species. But I am curious to hear what your answer is that the press ignores."

Thor has posed:
    "It is difficult to explain." Thor says simply, "There are... Gods. Though some that arise from the souls who have belief. But then there are other entities who exist beyond the beliefs of those who place faith in them. We of Asgard are the latter, for our time and influence reaches beyond just that of Midgard. Our families reach into the distant past, and the All-Father is... well he has insight into existence that is beyond even us."
    Thor smiles a little then takes a deep breath before sipping another taste of his beer, not entirely enjoying it, but it is there and so it shall be drunk. "I tried to explain this to those who wished to interview me. Explain that to us our visit to humanity in those ages past, it was to help the people of this realm. If you look into the tales that have been told, aye some do reflect our lives and our future. But there is no small part of the tales told of myself, my father, my brother... that are wholly the imaginings of the people after we had already departed."
    His smile was a little lop-sided, then he gestures to the side. "It matters little, but there, now you have insight that many others do not."

Melissa Gold has posed:
"So they made up shit when you weren't here to argue about it."

If there was one thing Mel was, it was blunt. She was grinning as she said it, kind of amused at how it was so...normal. She hadn't expected normal. She had fully expected it to be this great, amazing thing. Instead, it was people being people.

"Want to bet that some of them were like 'Oh Great Thor has told me you should give me your best oxen' and stuff? People really are the worst." And she wrinkled up her nose in distaste.

For Mel, it wasn't automatic to think the best of people. Her life had not been an easy one. She'd seen the worst humanity had to offer. And thus, that had colored her view. Unlike someone who perhaps had better experiences.

She picked up her beer and took a large swig of it. Though she noticed he wasn't nearly as interested in his own. "You wanting something else? Not sure if they have stuff strong enough for you to get a buzz. Unlike me. Not that I'm there yet but definitely on the way."

Thor has posed:
    "Oh likely, indeed." Thor gestured to the side, "A great many things were done in the name of our people, some we might not have agreed with at the time, but our ways are not your ways. We do embrace the concept of war, of battle, and at times conquest."
    The Asgardian looks to the side, brow knitting. He looks back, "There were warriors in the past that so wanted us to look upon them again that they sought battle even when there was no honor in it. Believing if they fell they would go to Valhall." He shook his head slightly, rubbing a finger along the scruff of his beard.
    Then his thoughts are distracted by her offering something else to drink. He shakes his head, "No, I am fine. For what this is the beverage is not so bad." Thor smiles to her as he lifts the mug in salute to her.

Melissa Gold has posed:
There was a nod to his decision on the beer but then she followed up on the though from before that. "Did they? Go to Valhalla? If they believe in you, since you are gods to us but aren't really gods in the other sense of the word, do they go to the same afterlife as Asgardians? Or is that reserved for your people?"

Before he answered, she would continue though. "Cause I have to be honest. I like fighting. I feel like I'm good at it. Sort of something I had to learn when I was a kid." No details. Better not to share details. It's better left forgotten entirely in all truth. Course, those sort of demons don't just go away for a person without a lot of work on themselves. Sadly, Mel wasn't one to put in that sort of time to try and fix it.

"Pretty sure I'm not fitting with the morals of other people's afterlives so that sort of leaves me in the what the hell happens to me field. Do I go to hell? That's not a pleasant though at all. So going somewhere I could fight and party with friends all day? Yeah, I could get behind that if it works for humans."

Thor has posed:
    "It is not up to me, some may have. The Valkyr choose and are the conveyors of the dead to their rightful place. Some even who have no belief in us have been offered a place at my father's table. For we are beings of the universe, not just of Midgard." Thor rubs the back of his neck thoughtfully then adds, "Though in truth I am not as learned in these matters as the rest of my family. You would have better luck putting these questions to them."
    Then as she speaks about her past, but also her wish for an afterlife that would be suited for her, his smile broadens just a touch. "I cannot give you a path that would assuredly lead you to Valhalla. So much matters upon the circumstances surrounding such a fine death. I will have to introduce you to Brunnhilde. She might have better insight."

Melissa Gold has posed:
"Brunnhilde?" It isn't a name she knows. Though she might've known her as Valkyrie since that is what she was called here in her hero name back in the past. Mel did nod though. "I'd like that. I mean, I guess it's silly to even think about it. But when I'm sitting having a beer with a literal god, Asgardian or not, that sort of puts some things in perspective. And I'm pretty sure I'll end up dying in a fight at some point. Dying in my sleep seems absurd with my life."

She just would need to be on the right side of the fight probably. Which had her wondering if the Suicide Squad was the right side. They did bad things but it was for good reasons. Was that so different from what Asgardians did? Probably best not to analyze that too closely.

"Changing topics cause that one is far too heavy for over beers on a weekday," she said with another grin. "What do you normally drink?"

Thor has posed:
    Thor laughs as she changes topics, shaking his head a little as he looks to the side and lets his gaze wander the room. "Whatever is available in all honesty." The Asgardian Prince replies. He looks back to her and gestures with a smile. "The people of Asgard we are..."
    She'll see his gaze distance a she considers how to phrase this, then he lifts his chin. "We are a joyous people, and we enjoy to celebrate. We also like to find whatever reason we have to celebrate. And at our celebration there is always... always... something to drink." He rubs the back of his neck thoughtfully and then adds, "In most homes there is liquor on hand, nobles hold sway and there are competitions who has the finest spread of what to drink, as well as how fine their conveyance is for whatever they use to hold their bottles and flasks and flagons."
    Those blue eyes shift back to her and he smiles, "Though what do we as a culture drink the most? I'd say it's equally mead and ale, though wine has been coming on stronger of late."

Melissa Gold has posed:
"Somehow I suspect your ale isn't like our ale. And I've heard of mead but never had it. Isn't that like something they serve at Ren Faires and stuff?"

Mel isn't trying to be contentious, she literally just has no idea on mead since it's so far out of her wheelhouse. "I'm used to beers and hard liquors. That's generally what I was around my whole life." Meaning before she was even of age. Another little peek behind the curtain that hides Melissa Gold.

Then there was a little giggle. "I do believe seltzers are the work of Satan. The devil. I have no idea the equivalent in your belief system. But they are evil. Disgusting and people who like them are definitely possessed by demons or something."

Thor has posed:
    "Seltzers?" Thor looks to the side, "I think Stark shares your sentiment, though I believe he did protest that it was impossible to make a proper..." He frowned and looked down, his brow furrowing as if trying to get his brain to work properly. "What was that drink? Hmm. I cannot recall. But he said there was some use for them. Though by and large I agree with you."
    He shakes his head then takes a deep breath. "But, alas, I fear it is reaching that hour when I likely should depart. The next few days may well be contentious and I could use some measure of rest at the least." He rests his hands upon the arms of his chair, that universal symbol of one who is about to get up.
    Yet he hesitates, "Oh I will pick up the tab if you would not object."

Melissa Gold has posed:
As he moves to get up, she stays where she is. Although she does give a little shrug as he offers to pay. "If you're sure you want to." She isn't one to look a gift Asgardian in the mouth. After all, she wasn't exactly rich. Sometimes it was difficult to make ends meet, even with her spot now in the Squad and the income that provided.

A pause as she pursed her lips, realizing that she still wasn't sure how that was all going to pan out in the end. Which perhaps prompted her next words, since she wasn't sure where life was headed and probably should live while she could.

"If you want some company sometime, let me know. Don't want to interfere with your work and stuff but we can all use a friend at times." But the way she said it did imply a bit more than a buddy to share a beer with.

Thor has posed:
    "Certainly," Thor answers almost instantly, perhaps not picking up on that nuance, or perhaps he's just that open about his plans. He smiles and pushes himself to his feet then, the chair creaking with the blessed relief of his weight being off of it. He stood up and rolled one shoulder, his free hand covering it as if trying to work out the kink. "Though I would recommend you call the embassy. I would give you my cellular telephone device number, but I fear it would likely be frustrating as I do not pay it as much attention as I have been told I should."
    Which is true, the Avengers have a hard enough time getting a hold of him through it that there are a myriad of other ways they might well find more reliable.
    Then as he stands he spreads his arms, offering an embrace for departure. "This was a fine evening, however, good Melissa. We should indeed do so again another time."

Melissa Gold has posed:
"We should. Thanks for hanging out with us."

Melissa looked at the pitcher of beer that was still mostly full. Never one to waste a good beer, she didn't bother getting up out of her chair.

And if Thor happened to pass her, he'd get a little boop on the backside to be sure that he understood that she was serious in her offer of future company. In case he needed a clue-by-four to the head.

"Be safe out there, Thor." And she picked up her beer.