15527/ASGARD ASCENDANT: My Dinner With Taal

ASGARD ASCENDANT: My Dinner With Taal
Date of Scene:	23 August 2023
Location:	Palace - Asgard
Synopsis:	A long talk at a large table.
Cast of Characters:	Thor, Brunnhilde, Sif

---

Thor has posed:
    It is a sign of a good meal when voices are raised and the sounds of the people enjoying are heard. When laughter rings in the hall of lords. When there is music raising spirits. It is a sign of good souls enjoying good company, indulging in the best facets of life and feast. And the long hall that lies in Asgard's Golden Palace, though not the main hall for the royalty, but the one used for guests and travelers... it had seen many a brilliant event with the loud raucous sound of the crowd echoing in its depths.
    But tonight it had none of it.
    The room was subdued.
    The servants brought in the food in a hall that was shushed. Quiet. There was the faint clicking of knife and form upon the ceramic and metal plates. There was no music. There was no laughter.
    Many of the nobles had begged off that night. A formal celebration had not been called. No toasts were made. The guest had been shown in and been given guest rite very visibly. The Prince was in attendance and he formally spoke the words. Giving the one known as Taal DeVirren the safety of a fortnight and pointedly breaking bread and the sharing of salt.
    But then the handful of nobles there and he settled in their chairs.
    And silence reigned.
    Just that steady click and tink of silverware.
    Until, after a few moments. The visitor attempted conversation.
    "The meal is excellent. Thank you."

Brunnhilde has posed:
It was the kind of tension you could cut with a knife. Or a sword. Hilde surely preferred a sword if things came to it, but then again it's not as if she had expected otherwise, receiving an ambassador of the enemy so close after the war, where so many had lost their lives. The Asgardians were a people of war after all, not of peace.

To contrast with the rest of the stuffy nobles Hilde was well into her cups now, tossing an empty mug over to the side. "Next!" she calls out for someone to bring her another mug of Asgardian mead. She had eaten, drank, pretty much normal Hilde behavior, but been quiet enough as well. At least until Taal finally speaks up in an attempt of conversation. She laughs.

"A meal is only a good meal until the mead is broken and drank. Such is our tradition." she slides a mug over towards the elf.

Sif has posed:
Sif was present as well. She was settled at a table a little down from where their guest and Hilde were seated. Far enough that she wasn't right next to them but not far enough that she would miss any of the conversation. She even could participate if she chose to do so.

And there had been witnesses that Sif began drinking before the formal dinner. A couple of hours before. Thus, she was already considered to be in her cups before things even started. All the formalities were performed and she had maintained her silence--and the speed of her drinking.

Thus when the quiet of the room became too much and the Dark Elf finally spoke, she peered over the edge of her tankard of mead at him. Hilde's words were followed by a snort. "Such is our tradition amongst friends," she muttered, assuredly loud enough to be heard by the guest. "Not those that have killed our friends and kinfolk for centuries." And she pulled over the jug of mead to refill her cup.

Thor has posed:
    The clang and clatter of the mug hitting the ground danced across the hall. Brunnhilde was not the only one drinking, but she was perhaps the one most... audibly doing so. And when she called for more the servers in attendance did provide.
    Then her rejoining words given to the 'ambassador' were greeted with a nod from the pale raven-haired elf. He had dressed well for the dinner. Whatever stood for fashion in Svartalfar was likely not known too well in the halls of Asgard. But the deep sable and indigo colors of something akin to a uniform had a favorable look to them. The visitor wore no emblems, no insignia, yet he did seem to have a measure of... pride behind it.
    At Brunnhilde's words Taal nodded once and answered, "Of course." And as he said he reached over and accepted the mug. He had a wine before him already but he seemed to not balk at having two drinks.
    Then Sif spoke and the ambassador lowered his eyes. A servant stepped by and offered to take one of his empty plates. The elf looked up and shook his head slightly. The room had some sense of tension to it that served only to build in that silence.
    Until Thor cleared his throat and seemed about to speak. Surely with some princely saying as he is wont to do. Yet that moved Taal to words lest he be thought to let that pass in silence.
    The Svartalfar looks over toward Sif and answers, "For the ending of grudges, Mead is a poor substitute for blood. Such is the way of my people as well. But we all have... had entirely too much blood. And the drink here is so sweet. I am honored to partake."

Brunnhilde has posed:
The Valkyrie leans back on her chair as if waiting in that silence to what will happen. But then again she also knows that the elf isn't drunk enough yet, and he surely seems trained in the art of diplomacy so this will require time and patience.

All qualities that this Valkyrie has..., or not.

"You won't have tasted a better drink, Ambassador." she tells him, sharp eyes still on him, studying the elf over the rim of a new tankard she gladly takes in hand and has a good swig from, "And in true Asgardian fashion you should drink it like this.." she demonstrates by draining the full tankard in one go in the practiced manner of someone who has done it for centuries.

"We are not stuffy like most would want to believe, and if you truly wish to show your willingness towards this .., peace.., I am sure you won't want to disappoint." she grins. Toothily.

"Maybe then you can tell us some story of your people. You look proud of who you are even if I see no symbol of allegiance in your clothes."

Sif has posed:
There was a rude snort from Sif but nothing more was said. For now.

Her role was simple. She had started drinking early so she could play her role effectively. In truth, she wasn't the least bit drunk. Perhaps comfortable. A slight bit tipsy mayhap. But certainly not to the level that she was pretending to be.

But for now, she would bide her time as Hilde plied him with alcohol and sweet words.

Thor has posed:
    "Forgive me." Taal says, no hint of smile upon his features though his brow is furrowed slightly. His features look very much like those of the dwellers in Alfheim, that same too perfect curve of lips and chin. Paler than the Light Elves, their skin not so kissed by the sun. Yet it is clear to see where they both share some kinship with each other.
    "While I celebrate that peace has come, the cost was too high. And while I will toast the fall of Malekith..." Which is said with a gentleness of tone though he raises his mug...
    And that subtle social movement causes others at the table to raise their drink as well. He drinks then.
    Others do so as well, and Thor does to be fair though he does not drink deep. When the mug is lowered the elf continues quietly.
    "I cannot find myself moved too strongly toward celebration. Please do not let my solemnity curtail your joy at your victory. And if you would hear the tale of how we came to be... I can in my own plodding fashion try to relate it."

Brunnhilde has posed:
"Asgardians are a people of war." Hilde notes, leaning forward on the table as if to make her point, "We live, we fight, we die and join Valhalla. We celebrate the dead in the same way we celebrate the living. Mug in hand, a song, a memory."

The Valkyrie gestures for someone to bring in a jar which she takes from the servant and goes around the table to refill the Ambassador's mug. "So indeed, we would hear a story. It can be a memory, or a tale of how you came to be. Entirely your choice, the more epic the better." she nodding. "And do not forget to drink, in true Asgardian manner."

There's even a faint, slim smile on Hilde's usually sharp expression. Time to see if this elf takes the bait.

Sif has posed:
During the toast, Sif pointedly does not join in. She did at least raise her cup but that's about as far as she went. Though as Hilde encouraged him to drink as Asgardians do, she followed by lifting her cup again and draining it just as Hilde had demonstrated a few moments ago.

Before filling her cup again.

"Do entertain us. We will see if your kind can spin a tale better than you can fight." A smirk. "Not that high of a bar, in truth."

Thor has posed:
    It's then that Thor speaks from his place at the head of the table in his father's absence. He lifts his own mug and then murmurs, "Indeed. I would hear this tale as well. For we here in Asgard only have the words given us by those who dwell in Alfheim, and their tale so woven is a tale of woe."
    Taal looks up and down the way toward Thor, then his eyes linger on Brunnhilde. His attention drifts over the rest of the nobility present, before he gives a nod. Another drink is taken, but a sip in truth for he does not seem to imbibe as quickly as the Asgardians. He straightens up in his seat a little more, perhaps lending some steel to his spine as he says. "I was not alive when the schism occurred. Only a few left among us were. It is strange that it is not a tale known in Asgard for Asgard plays a prominent role in some ways. At least I have been told."
    A pause as he touches his fork to a piece of the flank steak that rests upon his plate. He then lowers his fork and raises his voice. "It begins with the rise of Bor's son, Odin. He who in those days was named Warmonger amongst our people."

Brunnhilde has posed:
Hilde, being Hilde, does move a finger over to elf's mug when he makes to just sip. Lifting it just so as if to have the man drink more. At least a mouthful of the liquid! Yes, no one sips in front of the legendary valkyrie. She nods once she is satisfied and when the elf gets up to start his tale is when Hilde returns to her seat.

A nod given on the way towards Sif. The plan seems to be working. So far at least. She rests heavily back on her chair and listens to the tale.

The mention of Odin gets Hilde to hit the table with her palm a few times, as if in salute to the mention of Odin's name. Warmonger? Even better.

Sif has posed:
The stark contrast in reactions is impossible to miss. Sif's reaction to the name of Warmonger is a dark frown. A narrowing of the eyes. A slight pursing of the lips as if in contemplation then letting out a brief sound of dismissal.

She slump a little in her seat, feet stretched out under the table in front of her. She was in her warrior armor, though no helmet, with her sword at her side. She crossed her boots at the ankle as she pulled her tankard closer and lifted it with both hands, taking a long draw on it.

All while glaring over the rim at the guest.

Thor has posed:
    A few grumbling words are heard from the nobles gathered around that table. For few like to hear their liegelord so impugned. Yet there is acceptance as well, as Odin did wage war to unite the nine realms.
    When she lifts his drink, the elf smiles slightly toward Brunnhilde, just a small smile as he does imbibe a little more with that slight lift of her fingertip. Though when she looks away she likely catches Thor's eye as the Asgardian prince gives her a _look_, silently asking what it is she thinks she's doing. But then his attention is drawn away by the following words from the Svartalf.
    "I believe your grandfather ruled in those days, Prince Thor. Bor, Father of Odin. Responsible for giving Malekith his first defeat on the fields outside Svartalfheim. It was that defeat that spawned the schism. In those days we were still joined with our cousins across the realms. We were one culture, though we had settled along the lay of the land from sun to moon." Taal takes another sip of his mead, his pale features coloring slightly. "It was after the battle when war was sought that the queen of the time in Alfheim would not stand with us. Most feel that if she had then the war would have fallen out differently."
    He looks down at his plate again. Then turns to look back upon the others around him, smiling a little. "It is easier for a warrior people to accept defeat from an enemy. In some ways at least. Than to accept betrayal from a brother. There may be peace between us. But Dark and Light may never be made whole again."

Brunnhilde has posed:
The _look_ out of the Prince just has Hilde roll her eyes in his direction. Which is perhaps a reminder on how 'well' Hilde has maneuvered court in the years she was around, always bashing heads with Odin and pretty much against a lot of his decisions. Maybe now that is passing from father to son. Inheriting Hilde's wrath. Only good things.

She only smiles when Taal speaks of the war maybe having gone different if the elves had joined together against Asgard. Oh, she has her opinions on -that-. But she doesn't share instead just taking some more mead.

"Just like your people we also have long memories. We do not forget betrayal."

Sif has posed:
"Nor should we. And the tricks people play when speaking of peace but sharpening their daggers to stick in our backs."

Sif is not shy about sharing her opinion. "Sounds like the Queen was the smart one of the bunch," she added with a smirk. Then a glance to Thor and a bawdy wink following it. Though it was his guess why she was winking.

Thor has posed:
    Brunnhilde's and then Sif's words cause a small look of confusion to touch his features. The drink seems to be affecting him, for his cheeks have a ruddiness to them, the tips of his pointed ears as well. Yet he maintains that steady stern upright posture, and he breathes regularly as he speaks in that same considering tone.
    "I was... unaware of any betrayal that we as a people have committed against Asgard. Ours was a... strongly contested war. But we were ever at war..." As if that was the only way one could be so betrayed. He looks in turn toward Thor as if seeking some sign or insight into how he might be misunderstanding.
    Thor merely nods his head then murmurs, "There have been times of truce that the Svartalfar did not honor. Perhaps Brunnhilde speaks to those moments of our shared past."
    Which seems to surprise Taal as his brow furrows. "I was not aware. Though..."
    The Svartalfar pauses, and does not elaborate.
    Thor looks between the two warrior women and his eyes narrow slightly as if coming to the awareness that they are perhaps... up to something. He voices no apprehension yet, however. Instead he says, "Forgive our wariness, Baron DeVirren. The war has been long and we are not always quick to trust. Peace, hopefully, will ease our tempers."
    Then he squints sidelong at Sif, "And perhaps temper our ease." He says pointedly.

Brunnhilde has posed:
"And no one likes daggers..." Slow head shake out of the Valkyrie. She always preferred the larger blades herself. There's something to be said about size after all. She takes another good, hearty drink from her goblet before doing a refill. All so naturally made, the experience of someone who has filled up goblets for a few lifetimes. Which in Hilde's case she has. Taal's goblet gets a nice refill too and then she arches a brow.

"You were not aware of past betrayals? But please elaborate." she pressing on the matter to see what more he would reveal of it.

To Thor's words she sideeyes him, "Trust is earned."

Sif has posed:
There was nothing wrong with smaller blades, as long as one knew how to use them properly. Sadly, too many lacked the skill necessary for such a weapon. All fumble and no finesse.

Sif had pushed her cup over to be sure she got a refill too. Then she sipped at her cup as she eyed the visitor. But this time, she held her tongue. After all, the looks and words from Thor had her realizing perhaps she was pushing a little too hard.

Besides, she actually wanted to know what he meant about being unaware of betrayals after peace had been agreed in the past between their peoples.

Thor has posed:
    "I don't mind daggers," Thor offers to the side in his typical honest manner, giving some actual thought to the matter. He rubs his chin for a moment though after that his attention slips back toward the Dark Elf and to Brunnhilde and her words.
    Taal's head turns between each of the prominent Asgardians in turn, realizing that most of the attention in the room is upon him. He seems thoughtful as he then again slightly lifts his goblet in the direction of Brunnhilde in that silent thanks offered for her so duly seeing to his drink.
    After a moment he swallows, clears his throat, then murmurs. "For those of us in our clan, our view of the war was limited to our own experiences." He looks around the table, "DeVirren fought honorably, though subterfuge and deception are ways of war. We held to whatever agreements we made with Asgardians. Though to speak with the plain truth I know is wished for, we rarely made such agreements."
    He clears his throat and for the first time of the night he seems more animated, "Forgive me, nobles of Asgard, but perhaps you do not understand what life was like under Malekith's rule. The only news we shared were whispers that if they were noticed meant death or impoverishment for entire families."
    He turns his head toward Brunnhilde, "Our people went entire generations with accepting that it was our ruler's right to have a part of his consciousness within our very minds. There was no privacy, no self. There are younger citizens who have known no other life. And now bereft of Malekith's oversight... they find themselves lost. I am older, so I know exactly what we lost. And what we have regained."
    A nod is then given, "No small thanks to you and yours, Prince Thor."

Brunnhilde has posed:
"Figured you wouldn't.." The corner of Hilde's mouth curls up in that knowing smile that seems to be into some kind of joke that the others aren't. Or maybe Sif is considering she gives her a look before looking back at Thor, those eyebrows high up as if she was rather amused at the whole situation.

It's an amusement that dwindles considerably when she begins to listen to what Taal says. Blue eyes narrow in natural suspicion though she also knows her powers of drunken comraderie has a way of loosening tongues. So how much is truth is there on what the man says? She considers in silence for a bit longer until she eventually speaks.

"The life of a slave is no life at all." she nods just so, "What do you expect to gain for your people in coming here to our Court? What can Asgard get you now that you are free of Malekith's will?" for someone who has been drinking non stop her eyes look rather sharp at the moment.

Sif has posed:
And that completely messed up the entire plan for Sif. Because she sat there listening to a tale that, if true, was horrific. To never have peace on one's own thoughts, no privacy from the others, to know even a random stray thought that one might have could be used to destroy a person. It was insanity. After all, everyone had ill thoughts from time to time. They would quickly be dismissed but in the situation of a hive mind, that fault would be seen and acted on, even if the person had no intent.

She frowned. "Do you lie? If you are spinning such a tale to try to gain empathy from us, that is the foulest of foul." Then she paused as she tapped her cup with her index finger, regarding him like one would a foe on a battlefield as she looked for a tell. Somethign to indicate he was making it up.

"How are we to know your words are true? Easily said but can it be proven?"

Thor has posed:
    "Peace, of course." Is Taal's answer for Brunnhilde, his brow furrowed slightly as if he felt he had been clear before. "Respite. Time to recover. We have lost not just ourselves, but our heritage." The Svartalfar looks between them and then shakes his head. "I know it is not to Asgard's benefit to render us aid. But to allow us to be? Surely that costs nothing."
    Thor leans forward a little, "That is all well and good, Baron DeVirren. Yet I believe what my colleagues are wary of is... more deception. That this respite will be used for ill gains."
    Taal looks between them, "Milord Thor, I have been here only a handful of days, such is true. But Asgard seems not to me a nation celebrant. It is a nation releasing a breath it has been holding for over a thousand years. Perhaps we both gain something with this peace, and by making it a stronger one."
    Though then his attention turns to Sif as he listens her doubt his words. "I know not how I can prove it to you. Perhaps you have words with other Svartalfar who might echo what I say. Or perhaps..." He shakes his head and looks thoughtful, yellowish eyes distancing. "When you were at the battle on Midgard. When Malekith fell. Could you not see how his death brought a sudden change to our forces? Faster than word could spread between our warriors?"

Brunnhilde has posed:
"You mistake us." If Sif is the good cop then Hilde is the bad cop. But wait, weren't they supposed to have reversed roles today? No matter! She taps a finger on the table. "We are a nation that revels in war. Our dead are honored in Valhalla for eternity." so sayeth the Valkyrie. "And Lady Sif is right, such a tale when we have known you to be deceitful for the longest time means we have our doubts."

Pregnant pause as Hilde eyes him thoughtfully. "Doubts that I do not believe words can quench."

"Perhaps something that can be seen by a trip to your own lands." She then suggests, taking another drink.

Sif has posed:
And here they are swapping because Sif was supposed to be bad cop. But thinking back to the battle and the fact the fight literally stopped as soon as Malekith died was not lost on her.

Why would they stop fighting in that exact instant if they weren't linked in some way? Even the ships that were in the sky and could not see the death had ceased their attacks. Everyone had either escaped or surrendered.

Not a single body had kept fighting.

"Fuck," she muttered under her breath so it just sounded more like a growl to those around as she pulled her drink to her lips and drank deeply. Very deeply. She finished off half of it before she set it back upon the table top.

Thor has posed:
    "If Asgard chose to march to Svartalfheim, they would face little opposition." Taal says pointedly in response toward Brunnhilde's words. He motions with his flagon and murmurs in a slightly stronger tone. "There we are focused inward. So if it is conquest you seek, and war you glorify then indeed."
    Though in that moment Thor says, "Indeed, Baron. There are voices strong in Asgard that feel it may be best to do so. To seek a forced reunification of your people with those under the Queen. To strike now while it is best. Better to act now than see a strong enemy in the offing."
    It is that moment that the Baron's temper finally frays as he says, "Then do so. Unless you seek some form of genocide, then it will be helpful for our people."
    He looks toward Brunnhilde and says, "You attack. Very well. We surrender. I am your prisoner. Hold me here as you like. But if not then let me return home to at least try and feed my people."
    He looks back to Sif, time enough to just hear her single word of contribution to the conversation before he addresses Thor. "Whatever you wish to call it. Conquest. Peace. Victory. It makes little nevermind to me."

Brunnhilde has posed:
The Valkyrie scoffs at Taal's suggestion that she was talking about conquest, "If it was conquest I was talking about I would say it openly, Ambassador. You are no prisoner here unless Prince Thor says so." she looks at Thor then back at the Ambassador, "I was talking of a trip to your lands, to Svartalheim. To gauge if your words match what is happening. It is no hidden indication about attacking.." her shoulders rise in a shrug. "But take it as you will."

First she rises the elf's tempers. Now she plays it as if she had nothing to do with it. Classic Brunnhilde. But she cares not for polite, backstabby talk.

"Or is there something we are not meant to see if we take a trip to your lands?" She takes another swig from her goblet, "What do you think Lady Sif?"

Sif has posed:
"I think we haven't enough mead for this discussion," Sif answered in a grumpy tone, slumped down slightly in her seat and glaring accusingly into her cup as though it is to blame for the state of the discussion.

She was supposed to drive the guest to anger so he would demand a duel. Yet now she felt sorry for him. If what he said was true. But how to tell if it was true. Go to their land? Would that really reveal anything? The only way to know was to see inside his head.

And that is where Sif's thoughts went. "The Hive mind. This is not normal for your people but the doing of Malekith? Or is it something you can do at will?" Uh Oh.

Thor has posed:
    "It is a magick only Malekith seemed to wield, Lady Sif." There's a turn back toward Brunnhilde. "And I doubt you will find what you might imagine you are expecting, Lady Brunnhilde." Taal straightens the hem of his jacket and then sits up a little straighter. "Now, if you will excuse me." The Svartalfar looks toward Thor and says calmly, "You enjoy my thanks for such a lovely dinner, Prince Thor. My compliments to the chef. My Lords."
    Those yellow eyes shift toward the gathered nobility, then to the women nearby. "Ladies."
    He pushes himself to his feet.
    And contrary to his normal manner, Thor does not seem inclined to stay his departure. He instead sits back in his seat and nods, lifting a hand palm out as acceptance of the envoy's wish to end his dinner experience. Though now, once the Dark Elf has departed, it leaves him to rub thoughtfully with a fingertip along the curve of that strapless eyepatch, his own attention somewhat distant.
    There's a token effort to return the conversations to normal as one of the lords clears his throat. "Well, this ale is... quite fine this e'en."
    "Indeed. Quite fine."