3954/Up from the pit, 7' high

Up from the pit, 7' high
Date of Scene:	27 October 2020
Location:	Palace - Asgard
Synopsis:	Hela meets Thor to talk of peace between them. Meanwhile the snakes gather around them.
Cast of Characters:	Thor, Hela, Amora, Loki

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Thor has posed:
    Asgard with its majestic skyline stands tall, a beacon of hope against the dark that surrounds it with its great sea reaching out toward the horizon and cascading over the edge into nothingness. It is a beautiful tableau that creates a peaceful visage for one when contemplation is sought. Such as it is now by one of the palace's princes who holds his place of repose at the lip of a grand sweeping balcony some thirty stories high.
    Garbed in the silver and black armor he uses when traveling between the nine realms and unsure of the requirements needed for his presence. He has his arms folded across his great chest, gaze distanced even as the Mighty Hammer Mjolnir hangs at his hip with little to draw eyes to itself save perhaps that subtle feeling of portent one gets when around it.
    A servant rushes up in his page uniform, extending a single small scroll to the tall man who spares a small smile as he accepts it from the youth before seeing him on his way. The scroll is unfurled, and he considers its contents for a time.

Hela has posed:
And below Asgard, concealed by the mists, is Niffleheim, land of dark, mists, cold and the dead. And somewhere in that land, Hela gazes into a pool to see where the dear Prince is. Oh, easy enough.

The balcony goes a trace colder, and a trace darker too if only because of her spreading antlers and looming shadow, as Hela appears behind him, making sure she's quite a long way from the youth as he runs past.

"Not in Midgard today, then." she observes quietly. "I trust nothing important is being disturbed by my presence.". And she tilts the antlers slightly to indicate the scroll briefly. With them being so long, she only has to move her head almost imperceptibly.

Thor has posed:
    The scroll is held in his hand, allowed to roll back into its cylindrical shape. His head turns, and the bearded man focuses more upon the shadows as they grow longer, deeper in shade. There is the faint creaking and groaning of the palace around him, not so much the great building settling and more the reality adapting to the presence of one such as Hela.
    Then there is her voice, rich, strong, chilled like a graveyard whisper. It ever makes the Thunderer's back dimple with goosebumps. He shakes his head and then turns to face her, brow furrowed but his tone level and neutral. Not warm. Yet not condemning either.
    "Hela." Greeting dispensed. "No. My time is my own. For now. What brings you to the grand city and the palace within? What tidings bear you?"

Hela has posed:
"You, Thunderer.". Hela moves to the balcony fairly near him - not TOO near, though. "You can see far indeed from this spot. The air is clear.". There's a slight pause - okay, quite a long pause, before she puts her icy hands on the balcony a bit tentatively. It'll probably leave a mark given it looks quite burnished and shiny.

"The past thousand years we have been at odds. I would like for that to change." she admits. "There has been much unpleasantness between us... each hurting the other. What say you?". She turns her head slightly so she can give him a sidelong glance.

Thor has posed:
    A chuff comes from him before he can check it, disbelief in the purity of sound. Yet it is stifled after the instance of its life all told. He folds his arms over his broad chest, the scroll tucked in under one bicep as the scale mail clinks with a faint sound. His head tilts to the side, "I would have it be so, of course. Peace between us, between Asgardians is always preferable. Yet please do not look on me ill if I will withhold judgment until some time has passed when evidence of your intent grows clear."
    He steps forward, however, resting his hands upon the same balcony railing. And were one to view them from afar it would seem as if Thor was speaking to naught save darkness.

Amora has posed:
The view is indeed magnificent, beautiful gardens, high towers..., beauty almost unparalleled. Something does disturb it, from a nearby tall tree a shimmering appearing on it's strong oak that turns to glass. Beyond the Enchantress comes walking in that elegant manner of hers, all poise, chin high, dressed as an high lady of Asgard. She steps out through the portal, it shimmering close behind her and she regally looking towards Death and Thunderer nearby. Such differences between them. But yet here they are, side to side.

"Such a turn of heart.." she comments. Which does make one wonder for how long she has been listening. "What would make a thousand years of strife be so easily surpassed? We are of a stubborn nature." she says in a mellodic tone, "And words can often turn to wind."

"An actual agreement is always how we do things. With consequences for breaking said truce." by the way she says it it's as if she has an idea of what the agreement should be.

Hela has posed:
A thousand years at odds, and a thousand years of getting nowhere. Times past sometimes Loki would be involved too, and knowing him he will be again. "And if I vanished back to Niffleheim, you would have no evidence." she notes.

"You are very active in Midgard, still. While I have had little to do with that realm in all my existence. You bring some of your companions from Midgard to Asgard, to visit our home, even.". Our home, well, she has her own home, technically.

She would go on, but suddenly Amora is there, scheming, and she turns quite abruptly with a scowl. "Amora of the golden hair and silver tongue is here. I wonder for how long.". She lifts one hand from the balcony as she turns - and yup, there's a mark. Someone will have to get the polish out later. "What sort of consequences. What sort of agreement?".

Thor has posed:
    Turning with his back now to the balcony, Thor rests his weight against the railing and quirks an eyebrow as he looks from one to the other. "Life and Death on either hand." He comments perhaps mainly to himself. Then he lifts his chin, "If you wish it to be so, Amora speaks true. And indeed if a binding agreement is to be made, mine father would not hesitate to grant the strength of his word and power of his wroth to whatever terms are set."
    The prince looks to Amora, eyes meeting hers, then he looks back. "My terms would be simple, no souls nor schemes to be had, here nor Midgard, nor the nine realms. Seek you further beyond the scope if you so need to bind others to your will. Rule Niffleheim, rule as what is rightfully yours, accept that as one's place."
    He takes a deep breath, "Otherwise I would feel your wishes would lead you to malice."

Amora has posed:
"Why have it be set before Odin if instead it's an agreement that does not encompass him?" Amora's deep blue gaze then turning to look at Thor. "And besides, I am certain he'd wish you to show initiative, as we spoke before." an encouraging little smile on the silver-tongued one. Her motions are all calm and smooth, no hurries there, she making way to be closer in to the duo so as to make it a trio.

She listens to what Thor sets as his own demands to create the alliance then she casts a look at Hela. "It does seem our Prince has spoken his terms. Would you have yours to share?" she questions.

Truly, she looks the image of diplomacy now. Maybe she is training for her times in Midgard at the Embassy.

Hela has posed:
"No souls?". Hela almost chokes at that. At least her eyes go wide. "Thunderer, I feel you do not understand what my rightful place is. The souls of all Asgardians are, in time, rightfully mine - unless they earn a place in Valhalla, under Odin's lordship.". Her lip twists at that. 1200 years and still sore.

"And those in Midgard who follow our ways too. Though that has not been for some time." she admits.

"But I will not curse you, seek revenge for past slights, scheme against you. I shall confine myself to my divinely appointed task. With an exception.".

She smiles a little. "I would like to assist your efforts in Midgard.".

Thor has posed:
    "For Odin is our ultimate arbiter," Thor tells Amora steadily, his gaze shifting toward her and narrowing slightly. "Our laws derive from his reason. Our strength from his power. Our honor from his reign." The words said he then turns his gaze upon Hela.
    "Yet we need not an agreement before the court. I would accept Hela's oath, sworn on something of value to her. And if she breaks it the dishonor such an oath foresworn will weigh heavy."
    Eyes narrowing he says, "No souls beyond your normal purview. What comes to you through the course of their so written destiny. Lives all into your hands, and such is the right of things. But no attempts to take more. You know of which I speak and what has passed between us before. This is what would set my mind at rest and hopefully build peace between us."
    His brow knits as he ponders the last of her words. "Perhaps then, such an oath sworn and witnessed. Then yes. There would be a place for you with us." A glance is given to Amora as if to see if there was aught she would add.

Loki has posed:
Witnesses? Oathes? Bonds forged of a very /interesting/ nature? It's attracted another, who until recently was on a sort of 'vacation', which kept him away from both Asgard and Midgard for a time. Though those that thought he'd entirely lift his gaze away from matters in the palace would certainly find themselves corrected.

Loki's image materializes out of nowhere, just back and to one side of where Amora is positioned, in her peripheral vision. He flicks a relaxed, confident wink sideways at Amora, but otherwise acts as if he'd been there the whole time, not just //appearing// into the conversation in that way.

But then, maybe he was.

"Such interest in Midgard. You'd think the land was actually interesting," Loki observes, amused but not actively judgemental.

Amora has posed:
The Enchantress listens for a time, allowing each to speak of their own justice on what they would demand of the other, each pulling to their own view of things. She mmms in a neutral manner, not really seeming to favor one or the other, one hand being brought up to her chin. "Such strong views of the world both of you have." she finally muses, voice almost like music, lyrical.

"And so should the consequence to breaking such agreement be as strong." She looks at one and the other, as if considering one, then the other. Not that what she has to propose hasn't already been thought of before. But it's good to give gravitas to the moment.

"Break such and you would have to witness the world in the eyes of the other for a total of two moons." she says. And if anyone has any doubt of her magical capability to do this she offers just the faintest of grins. And besides, here is Loki! Whose magical capability is also legendary.

She casts a look towards the arriving Prince. "Be welcome, Prince Loki. And I agree. So much interest in Midgard. I have warned them of the place being dull but .., they are set in their ways." a dramatic, brief sigh escaping her lips.

Hela has posed:
Hela looks a bit dismayed when her meeting with the straightforward one is suddenly clouded by not one, but two, serpents. "I will not use my magics to claim any more than is my right. You seem to drive a hard bargain to one who only wishes to help you. What better way can I demonstrate my good intentions than fighting at your side? If I offered my services to the Midgardians would you have them send me away?" she asks, a little incredulously.

There's a frown at Amora's suggestion. "Witnessing... or living?" she asks, wondering what Amora has in mind. "I can about bear Thor witnessing me for two moons, but the thought of Thor running my orderly realm...".

As for Loki, she rather imperiously, and pointedly, ignores him.

Thor has posed:
    Chewing on the inside of his cheek, Thor looks thoughtful, until Loki appears. And curiously enough that appearance has the Thunderer lifting his voice and a smile appearing on his lips. "Brother, welcome home. You've been missed." For their last parting did have some weight to it, and Thor's thoughts had drifted along the lines of the Trickster's journey several times.
    He does peer at Amora's suggestion and his eyebrows rise. There's a first instinctive shake of his head, but then he looks to Hela to see if she would accept such a deal. He then says toward the Enchantress, "I fail to see how that would be a deterrent, Amora. For who would not want to be me?" His lip twists a little, a glimmer of his old arrogance there. So often appears when he's around his childhood friends.
    Then a nod is given to Hela, "And indeed, changing my place to hers if she breaks her oath seems... open for what could be considered abuse of the agreement."
    He looks at Loki.

Loki has posed:
"Well met, Enchantress. Brother. This sounds more of an //empathy// curse than an actual position shift to me?" Loki asks of Amora lightly. "But no, perhaps less of a deterrant than could be desired. Perhaps more of a page out of Father's book for punishments would be more valid should you want something severe," Loki says, though //that// tone, absolutely, is far more sarcastic. That's more the land of realm bans and power restrictions. As much fun as Loki had recently with one of Odin's punishments -- he's willing to share said 'fun' with others. "I am entirely willing to speak to him should you want something like that." Teehee.

Loki is not actively suggesting anyone be punished either way, in particular, he's just 'helping'. "I am not yet home, though I know that could be confusing." Loki's illusion, is the inference. "I expect to be 'occupied' for another two weeks."

And as if he didn't notice Hela's snub whatsoever, Loki adds, "Looking lovely as ever, Hela." Pristine, pleasant, patient and apparently accepting, with perhaps an intention to expose her snub as being entirely inappropriate.

Amora has posed:
"One would think that our years would had made us wise of abusing and breaking agreements, specially when done in seriousness and upon such illustrious witnesses." Such as Amora and Loki, of course. "Lest they'd call upon the wrath of the Allfather himself, or even mine." almost as if she'd put her wrath above Odin's. Yes, she is an arrogant little one this Goddess of Beauty.

"Or do you not believe our magics strong enough to prevent just that?" At least she appears to believe so. For where it comes to terms of enchanting there's noone in the nine realms that can surpass her! "Unless, of course, if you are not truly set upon calling for a truce. It is important to have a strong enough consequence as I said at the beginning of this conversation."

Attention then sets on Hela and she dips her head in a grave manner. "Witnessing. Even I know you would never even consider relinquishing control of your realm, no matter how brief it would be. It has always been a chain about you." she says to the Death Queen. "And exactly as our Prince Loki says. An empathy curse." a glance then given to Loki, the corner of her mouth curling in amusement. "I believe we have had enough of Lord Odin's punishments for a time. This needs not His touch."

Hela has posed:
Hela shifts so her back is to the balcony, though she doesn't lean on it, she's pretty big after all. With Thor's comment about wanting to be him she just shakes her head in disgust. Though she's fairly sure he would hate being her even more, it's just the damage he... she... would do!

"Apologies, Father." says to Loki, now she's more fully facing her, and bows her head for a moment. But then looks up with narrowed eyes. "Were you presenting yourself in Helheim, I would lavish upon you every hospitality on offer there. Some draugr brewers have made a pleasant enough mead this year.". Yes, there's some sarcasm there.

And rightfully so. "Somehow a pleasant meeting with Thor about future peace between us has become one laced with menace and ... tricks.". She's been screwed by Odin's judgments enough already, and no, they weren't fair, at least in her mind.

She laughs a little at Amora, then. "An empathy curse? I fear the heavy burdens I bear would be quite the unpleasant surprise to the Thunderer, who after all, is the happiest recipient of the love of his father, and indeed almost all around him, while his divinely appointed tasks of late is accepting the adulation of the Midgardians.".

Her voice becoming more and more venemous as she goes on. Old habits and jealousies die hard. She has to turn her head and look out over the balcony for a moment to collect herself. Fortunately the antlers are swinging around somewhere above everyone elses heads.

Thor has posed:
    Thor's answer is a simple, "Ah!" In response to Loki then nods once. He for a moment seems about to say something else, then decides against it. He instead focuses mainly on Hela and Amora, arms crossed over his chest still looking pensive and nigh thoughtful.
    At the Enchantress' admonishment, however, Thor holds up his hands. "I meant no disrespect to your abilities, Amora. More that it reminds me of our youth when we would be... o'er hasty in our oaths and find them biting us after the fact." He spares a glance for Loki as if seeking for his brother to back him up on this fact.
    "But," He says as he looks to the others, "I would not be adverse to taking an oath should something suitable be forged between us."
    Yet it's when Hela speaks of those possible curses, an empathy curse, and how it would be a great burden for him and how he might not be able to endure. Then she also speaks to his adulation received in Midgard that he frowns a little and looks over at his brother once again. "I feel like I am being attacked." For once a method of speech from Midgard entering his parlance while in Asgard.
    "Hela, if you wish to do good." He spreads his hands, "Then do good. None will stop you." That said he pushes off of the railing.

Loki has posed:
Loki is aghast. Aghast! "/Far/ be it for me to restrict anyone their private, secret deals," Loki says, as Hela dares suggest there are meance and tricks coming in with him and Amora. So offensive. To Thor, Loki only lifts his shoulder a little bit. He is making a big point of //not// meddling, which is perhaps the objective. It's weird for Loki to not meddle, and may create a level of entertaining paranoia.

"But if I /may/: perhaps allow the Lady Hela to show her good intent with the mortals, not punish imaginary slights that have not yet come to pass." Loki smiles sleekly, reasonably.

Loki averts his attention to Amora, then, as if the deal being hatched between Hela in her attempt to breach Midgard were of little further interest. "/By/ the way, I have come to find multiple weavings of ancient spellcraft that you might find entertaining, during my recent travels. I'll send you an invitation, if that interests you, for a look or three." He casts his eyes from her back to Thor and Hela. His smile is radiant. "I think I will take my menace elsewhere, for now." With a chuckle, Loki starts to fade out. As, of course, he was illusion in the first place.

Amora has posed:
Both Amora's brows rise up at Hela's suggestion as well. That she'd come here full of tricks and menace! She is but an helpful soul.., and her lips part in just that indignant manner that needs to no words to show what it means. "I but wish for each to understand what the other bears. For how else can you wish to make an agreement if you do not at least have a glimpse of one another's soul?" she inquires, her tone as if her wisdom was immense.

"Though if it'd not be such a great burden to you in witnessing Thor's life for two moons then .., I see no reason why you would not wish this deal." she says. "Unless of course you both do not care too much about coming to an agreement. It is such a simple condition too."

Her blue eyes turn to watch Loki, considering his talk of spellcraft. "Indeed..?" spellcraft, that was a way to get her interested instantly. "I shall look forward to it. Perhaps I shall share with you a recent venture. In Midgard too of all places." she then looking back to Hela and Thor.

"What say you, then?" She clasps her hands together. "I feel we are coming to an agreement."

Hela has posed:
Hela looks out over Asgard for a while. Maybe she's imagining a legion of draugr pouring through the streets, dragons of ice flying overhead. Eventually she smirks a little, and turns around to face the others again.

"It would appear that no curse is required, silver tongued Amora. For Thor has already said freely that he would support me in my task. Perhaps the next time Thor and I meet, it will be in Midgard, along with his companions there.".

She can't really help herself when Thor is right there. "And if he dies in his task, I will be present to guard his valuable soul from the rapacious thieves of the multiverse.". Like Pluto, that scoundrel.

"I had thought that Thor would be surprised if I appeared in ihs midst in Midgard without warning, hence this meeting. Now he will no longer be surprised.".

Thor has posed:
    Lifting his hand, Thor points at Amora and Hela and says, "Formalize what it is you wish, and I will say yea or nay at that time. For now." He takes that scroll from under his arm and tucks it into his belt. He looks between them. "I am off. But Hela, if this wish you hold is true, then we shall make it such. Do not shy away from this turn of motivation. You know what I would have of you. If you can grant it then well and good."
    That said he starts to walk down the hall way, one hand shifting to push his cloak to the side. "And if I do see you in Midgard, let it be under peaceful circumstances. But if I find your efforts villainous then we shall have words."