238/What's a Few Centuries Between Valkyries

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What's a Few Centuries Between Valkyries
Date of Scene: 02 March 2020
Location: New York City, New York
Synopsis: Heidi and Sif find one another on Midgard and Sif treats the younger Asgardian to lunch. Loki briefly shows, charming as always, before leaving the ladies to their tete-a-tete.
Cast of Characters: Sif, Heidi Ingerdottir, Loki




Sif has posed:
A sunny spate of weather almost teasingly balmy has taken over the city today. Rain is expected tomorrow, but it means more of the natives and visitors alike are out on the streets doing their shopping or daily errands. Sif has taken to the sidewalks as well, her knee-high hunter-boots making a brisk sound upon the cool pavement.

Her travels from the neighborhood of Chelsea have brought her in the direction of the nearest gyro shop, a little family-owned nook in the wall she's grown to love over the years of visiting Midgard on and off. The little pufflets of winter wind are kept off by a lined winter peacoat in a deep near-black shade of blue; breezes play with loose strands of hair escaped from her braid down her back, this clasped at the bottom by a genuine ringlet of gold. Sif herself wears her usual social mask: 'resting bitch face', also known as 'the crowd parter', and it works well when she's got her ice-blue eyes half-lidded like some considering panther on the prowl.

She certainly isn't expecting to see any familiar faces while out on her route!

Heidi Ingerdottir has posed:
"Lady Sif!"

There's an overly exuberant and perhaps overly /loud/ cheer from nearby. The source is a pale haired Asgardian, one who is usually busy training horses and certainly rarely (never?) on Midgard. She's dressed, at least, to blend in with the locals. A long skirt, long-sleeved shirt and long brown jacket over boots. "/Lady Sif/!" The second call is to make entirely sure she's heard, as if she wasn't the first time. The woman realizes only after a moment that she's yelling a little too loudly as she approaches from the opposite direction--Sif can see her coming. "I knew it was you, you're unmistakable," she screeches to a halt nearby. "What are you doing right now? Please say something remarkable." Nevermind what /she's/ doing.

Sif has posed:
Was that her name?

Sif pauses. It was her name, yes, especially the second time, and still loudly enough that other passerby turn to look over their shoulder or up from their phones towards the approaching Aesir horse-trainer. Taken off-guard at seeing the younger woman on Midgard, the Goddess of War simply stops in the middle of the pathway for a moment and blinks. A man bumps off of her shoulder and throws an obscene gesture at Sif for suddenly blocking the path. She levels a flat, cold look at him, more than enough to make him walk a //little faster// now.

By the time Heidi is greeting her properly, Sif has rearranged her features to something more pleasant and less startled. "Well met, Lady Heidi," she replies, unable to keep the small smile from appearing on her lips. The enthusiasm is ever charming from this one. "I do not know that walking to my favored gyro restaurant is remarkable in itself, but their fare is. Please, join me? We have not spoken in some time." A handful of centuries or so, give or take. Sif begins to continue walking, though at a pace to let Heidi join as she likes.

Heidi Ingerdottir has posed:
"Is it not remarkable when you feast in the company of ot--" Heidi stops herself when she realizes that, indeed, Sif is alone. "... when you feast in the company of yourself, as sometimes that is all you need." She corrects herself, then flashes a winning smile at her smooth recovery. "And now you have me!"

Her gaze holds on the restaurant ahead of them. "You said your favorite restaurant? It certainly doesn't look very impressive... but sometimes those are the best surprises." After all, if Lady Sif finds it good enough to be a /favorite/, it must be good, right?

Sif has posed:
More of a smile grows, enough to flash a sliver of white teeth. It takes the keen edge from Sif's mein as a whole and makes her approachable rather than to be cautiously encountered, even if her courtly status remains 'untouchable'.

"Indeed, I have you as fine company." Sif glances over at Heidi as they walk the not so far distance remaining between the corner of the sidewalk and the little gyro Shoppe. "That it is well-hidden and lesser-known gives it much of its charm," she promises the younger Asgardian even as she reaches to pull open the front door. Wafting on the warmer interior air is the scent of oregano and allspice along with cooking meats and bread as well as fries; music plays softly from the overhead speakers with tambourines and drums alike, providing atmosphere.

"Would you like something? I will pay for it. I called in my order earlier in the day and they are expecting me," she says, momentarily lingering back from the counter as to let Heidi look at the mounted menus if she pleases.

Heidi Ingerdottir has posed:
"Ah, so it is a /secret/ gyro shop. I shall tell no one of its location," Heidi seems to understand. Only those bestowed with the secret knowledge may eat there. When she enters, breathing in the scent of the food, she takes in the place. Tables, chairs, music... she nods her approval, then casts her gaze on the menus. Certainly, she can read what they are, but this is food she's unfamiliar with. So she goes with what seems like the safest option.

"... I would be happy to eat the same thing that you are having. If this place is your favorite, then whatever you're having must be good indeed an worthy of a taste."

Sif has posed:
Sif nods to the young man minding the till while Heidi ponders. He returns the greeting, familiar with the stoic Valkyrie and not longer uncertain about her usually cooler personality.

"Then I suggest a lamb gyro with the fries sprinkled of feta cheese." Stepping forward, the Aesir Goddess makes to amend her previous order and then pulls a collection of bills from the interior pocket of her peacoat. They're more than enough to cover the cost of food and a generous tip to boot. When she steps back from the till, receipt in-hand, the young man goes around the corner to holler at the kitchen staff about amending the order.

"It is not a critical secret, but the place is private, yes? Not modernized and full of gaudy attempt to make one buy more and more food." The dark-haired woman gesture around the place before looking back to Heidi. "I have yet to entirely convince Prince Loki of its worth, but he is coming around." Her pale eyes search Heidi's face without seeming overly-intrusive. "It has been some time. How have you fared, Lady Heidi?"

Heidi Ingerdottir has posed:
"I am certain if anyone can convince Prince Loki, it would be you, Lady Sif," Heidi insists, a glance taken around the room again. "I suppose it has its charm. It sounds as if they operate on the merit of honesty. It's good to see such places." She glances back to Sif, looking almost mildly surprised that /she/ was asked about.

"Ah, I fare well. The stables have been running smoothly. I have fought many battles, though I am hoping that Midgard would present me the opportunity to prove myself worthy at last of the title of Valkyrie." Perhaps the official title escapes her, but she has fought alongside them long enough it feels as if she already is. "It is hard /not/ to be noticed with a large victory under your belt. What better place than Midgard?" Surely some chaos will go down here that needs her aid.

Sif has posed:
Sif nods, the gesture making her braid shift along her spine. Ambient light gleams off the golden cuff at its base which keeps it from unwinding.

"I have always known that Typhon was comfortable in your capable hands." This name belongs to the Valkyrie's own pegasus, a sassbucket full of vim and vigor and a penchant for loving two groups of beings: Sif herself and anyone who feeds him apples -- otherwise, his is a tendency to snap, proper for a war-mount. "I do not know that Midgard will supply you your necessary battle, Lady Heidi, though..."

Sif only briefly pauses. "Not so long ago, there was an incident here on Midgard resulting in great devastation and grief to those who call this world home. I expect that while there may not be another incident so soon, it may come in the near future. The Princes both are aware of it, though Prince Thor moreso with his friendship of the Avengers."

Heidi Ingerdottir has posed:
"I have always been fond of Typhone," Heidi grins a little. "He has tried to bite me more than once, but I'm used to it. Most creatures snap when they are hungry or grumpy because they are denied a treat. Just some creatures more than others." She seems amused at her own analogy, though Sif's mention of devastation and grief causes her to sober a bit.

"Perhaps not battle, then, but I at least hope I can offer some aid in whatever way I can. I would like to make myself of use until I get my chance. A title can wait, I've worked long enough towards my goal that a little more time is nothing."

Sif has posed:
"A wise manner to approach it," the Goddess of War says in rare laud. "While I like a good battle as much as the next warrior might, this world is still new in its power. I would not wish another catastrophe so soon upon it. Asgard can only do so much to protect it, even from itself."

Her order arrives and after giving the young till-minder a small smile, the Valkyrie turns to walk away from the front counter. "Let us sit and enjoy our repast here. I do realize that I ordered it 'to go', but your company is excellent."

She takes up one half of a booth and doles out their relative food. "Your aid would be greatly appreciated as well, Lady Heidi. I cannot speak for the Princes, but to keep good relations with this world remains paramount as always," the Aesir warrior notes, sure as always in her diplomatic upbringing.

Heidi Ingerdottir has posed:
"Agreed. I would rather there be peace if possible, but if there is battle, I am here to fight it," Heidi offers, moving to slide into a seated position on the other side of the booth. As she takes a fry, she tosses it into her mouth before making a tiny pleased sound. "Should have come to Midgard sooner if I had known the food was like this." Seems she's a fan of fries.

"If, my Lady Sif, I were to give a personal opinion... the Princes are wise, but also headstrong. I am sure they will /mostly/ keep good relations intact... but they also have you to keep an eye on them. Sometimes people need someone to balance them."

Sif has posed:
"I cannot help but agree as to your observations of the Princes." Sif too appreciates the feta-laced fries by how the white and crinkly bag of them is mooched first from her own order of good. "Both have their inclinations," she allows fairly. "And you are kind, Lady Heidi. While it is not my job to act the nurse-maid to either of them, I do attempt to at least provide my own wisdom on matters when it is required."

Even if Queen Frigga most definitely tasked Sif with keeping half an eye on Loki as it stands, a fact kept private. Impromptu babysitter, huzzah!

"You are, of course, perfectly allowed to offer your wisdoms in turn, though I wonder at them listening. They are...hard-headed at times." Sif's brows knit in a moment of self-aimed sympathy.

Heidi Ingerdottir has posed:
"I would hope them both better behaved that a /nurse-maid/ is not necessary," Heidi laughs. "But to have someone to offer wisdom and perhaps aid should they need a clearer head to diffuse the situation? That's priceless indeed." She eats another fry.

"But I wholly suspect that any wisdom I might impart will go unnoticed. What little wisdom I have usually does. Doesn't stop me from giving it, but I simply assume the grain will fall on rocky soil, difficult to grow." Another fry. "They will still benefit from your wisdom most of all."

Loki has posed:
The little bell from the door sounds, and one of the employees looks up and over. Abruptly mood changes, into a mix of tension and low fear. The employee partially draws back, and then slips 'nonchalantly' into the back, where some hurried words are traded.

Why? Sleek in a black suit, Prince Loki has sauntered into the establishment, with an aura of extreme entitlement. Patrons look and don't recognize him, going back to their meals, but the staff does. They've had Loki a number of times before, and there's cautious treatment related to the Asgardian that wrecked the /city/.

Loki strolls over to Sif, resting a hand companionably on the back of her chair like a giant spider, fingers splayed. "Thought I might find you here, Lady Sif," Loki observes with a reserved tolerance, as if he were pleased with his obvious correct guess, but mildly bored. Emerald eyes curl from her to the other Asgardian, a silence drawn out as he expects her to react: and judgement will certainly occur depending on what she does. While aware of her, it is not like Loki speaks to general Asgardians - at least, not as himself. He shapeshifts and mingles quite often, without their knowledge...

Sif has posed:
Sif shifts her frown to Heidi now. It's concerned, gently so. "Do not ever let anyone convince you that your wisdom is not worth sharing. We are long-lived and as such, have seen more of the interplay of life and Fate itself than most of those who live here on Midgard. They would be wise to listen to you, even if the Princes are more inclined to their own opinions on matters."

She's taken a moment to eat a few fries by the time the door's front bell rings. That one of the staff members attempts to slip away without notice has the Aesir warrior sitting up a little taller in her booth? Did trouble arrive?

Ah, no, Loki did. She wipes at her mouth with one of the paper napkins before she glances up at him, her expression both curious and vaguely amused. "You know me too well, my lord." A glance over at Heidi across the table is accompanied by the continued thought: "Lady Heidi, I believe you know of Prince Loki well enough. My lord, if I may introduce to you the Lady Heidi Ingerdottir. She is responsible for the welfare of the Valkyriad's mounts amongst other things and nearly a Valkyrie in her own right. We found one another on my travels here." A finger taptaps in a familiar gesture at the tall white bag where another order of food awaits Loki if he feels so inclined.

Heidi Ingerdottir has posed:
Heidi's laughter is warm, genuine. "Then I suppose I will take to sprinkling my wisdom amongst the Midgardians." She does, however, clam up a bit with the appearance of Loki. She's not addressed by him, but makes a move to before thinking better of it. She's about to let it slide entirely when Sif goes on with the introduction.

"Prince Loki," she offers, simply. She may be generally chatty and joyful, having no problem conversing with Sif, but she's hardly had any contact with Loki at all... other than in the literary sense.

Loki has posed:
The store owner comes over tentatively, and hangs out to one side, twisting her hands into the sides of her pants pockets just a little. She's very tense, and doesn't interrupt, she just waits, with a quality of hoping she doesn't bother Prince Loki. He's extremely dangerous in her mind, and she's not going to intrude, but also wants to be available once he's ready to notice her!

"'Lady'?" Loki echoes. "Has there been a new appointment to the court since I've been away?" Loki asks. There isn't a distain in it: he's actually looking for information about if the title is accurate. "What brings you down to the /Midgardian/ level, Heidi?" Loki asks, tone smooth and silky, examining her. He entirely ignores the store owner for the moment, and remains standing, hand on Sif's chair ever still.

Sif has posed:
Sif chooses to speak of the young Asgardian's presence on Midgard rather than her social standing; that is for Heidi to explain or defend as she feels appropriate in the opinion of the Valkyrie.

"She is visiting of her own volition to see how Midgard fares," offers Sif even as she lifts up the small crinkly white satchet of fries to Loki. "It has been some time since we've all spoken, has it not? A century if not more." Catching sight of the shoppe's owner, the Valkyrie offers the woman a kind, small smile of understanding.

Heidi Ingerdottir has posed:
"My mother has been recognized for her accomplishments," Heidi comments. A title change, and little else. She's not particular fond of talking about her social standing, so she moves on, thanks in part to Sif's discussion of it. "If there is battle, so be it, I would revel in the chance to earn the title of Valkyrie. But, should there not be something worthy of that, I would find myself aiding those trying to keep some peace here."

There's a tiny smile. "But not too much peace."

Loki has posed:
"Ah. Lady Inger, yes," Loki answers simply, giving Heidi a good long stare before a smile emerges. He was, in fact, listening, despite his disinterested expression. Slippery? Maybe, but Loki can be entirely charming and pleasant when he turns it on. Silver tongue notwithstanding. He aims a look sideways at the store owner finally, and just stares at her. She wrings her hands and volunteers, "We are preparing your regular, sir. It is on the house today. We very much appreciate your business."

Loki stares at her for a beat, before giving her a proud smile, like an intern that finally brought the correct coffee order. "How /kind/," he replies, and looks to Sif and Heidi as if to encourage them to agree how kind the business owner is. Kind, not absolutely terrified, clearly. Loki acts as if he wasn't aware he's scared her: but he knows, no doubt. Loki's like that. "Do bring that out, to-go."

And then the prince re-orients on Sif and Heidi. "Something worthy? I am certain that opportunity will arise. Should I require backup, I'll keep your quest in mind," he says, with regal /generosity/ to Heidi. The food is brought out, and Loki accepts it evenly. "Enjoy your catching up, ladies," he says, gentlemanly at last, and vanishes.

A few patrons react with a start to the vanishing person, but the staff doesn't. They just are relieved it wasn't worse.

Sif has posed:
"Thank you," Sif mouths to the store owner before she turns to deliver Loki's order to the back. The Valkyrie's attention returns to both of her companions in time to impart her own thoughts on matters of peace.

"I believe you will find a worthy battle here, Lady Heidi, in good time. Do accept Prince Loki's offer if you are inclined." Out comes Loki's food, away vanishes the mage, and even Sif takes a moment to squint at the empty space where he once stood as if still impressed after all this time with his adroit magical ability.

"Would that I could such a thing," she says with a smirk back to Heidi. "Imagine: the ability to vanish on a whim. Such //pranks//." Lady Sif? A prankster? She must have absolutely been up to trouble with the Princes so long ago as known. "But tell me more of your time in Asgard and elsewise. Rather, remind me of your last battle. I am certain I was present, yes?"

The restaurant falls back to a comfortable (mostly comfortable) buzz of conversation and the rest of lunch is filled with reminiscing over old glories of sword and shield.