7808/At the Stage Door

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At the Stage Door
Date of Scene: 13 September 2021
Location: Radio City Music Hall
Synopsis: Lots of Chinese food is eaten by all.
Cast of Characters: Zatanna Zatara, Balder




Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Stage makeup removed, face restored to a softer look for the street, Zatanna gives her shoulder length hair a final brush before heading out the door. Security at the backstage door is tight at Radio City Music Hall. Zatanna counts on it, as do all the other performers. She slips out of her dressing room, wearing a Fendi trench coat over black trousers and a soft white blouse - classic offstage Zatanna.

"Anyone left outside Fred?" she calls down the hallway to the backstage security manager.

He checks the cameras that surveil the street and gives her a high sign. "Nope, Ms. Zatara. You're good to go."

The heavy door closes solidly behind her. She is eager to work off her nervous post-performance energy in a long walk and then maybe a stop in China Town for food.

Balder has posed:
Balder was in attendance.

It was a good show, lovely and filled with both actual magic and sleight of hand. Rather amazing performance. Yet he waited outside of the theater, simple magic covering his visage to give him the appearance of a man in simple clothing.

"I never got the chance to thank you." He tells her by way of a greeting. "For your help against the dark powers." Balder clarified as he moves away from the wall.

"I'm Balder, son of Odin."

The God of many that is good in the Norse pantheon.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Magician that she is, Zatanna doesn't walk through life armed with talismans and wards. She is taken by complete surprise and steps back with a startled glance up and down the alley to see if there are more people before taking her hands out of her pockets and squaring her shoulders.

Blue eyes snapping, she repeats his words, "Balder, son of Odin?" Now, she senses the magic in the air and still on alert looks closely at the man. "An Odinson?"

Balder has posed:
"Among them."

Balder tells Zatanna with a soft smile, offering a bow of his head as he bent at the waist in a friendly greeting to the magician. Straightening out, Balder clasps his hands in front of him. "And you are the great Zatanna. You had quite the show tonight."

He smiles at her warmly, as if his face reflected the sun.

"I pray I have not stopped you from going about your day? I did not mean to...how do Midgardians put it...throw a wrench in your plans." He turns as if to let her pass.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
A slight move of her hand tunes her senses. The man before her has the breadth and brawn of one of his brothers. She imagines that there is a stir of cold air Asgardian air in the alley, fresh and untainted by the miasma of New York. Certainly, he has the family charm.

Zatanna dips her head, smiling faintly, acknowledging his compliment, "Pleased to meet you, Balder, son of Odin. Perhaps not so great but thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the performance. It's a family tradition."

Gesturing to the street, "I was going walking. A habit of mine after a show to work out the kinks and let things go for a while. So, no, you're not 'throwing a wrench' in my plans.

Still slightly off-kilter she returns to what he said when he introduced himself. "I had heard that Asgard was pulled into his plans. No surprise. Come! You're welcome to walk with me if you'd like. I'd like to hear your side of things."

Balder has posed:
"Excellent." Balder appeared pleased by Zatanna's words of not interrupting her. "So long as it is not a burden, I would have very little hesitations to this." Balder begins to walk with her with a soft step. A charm shared by....literally every Royal in Asgard, Balder has a strange air about him. Familiar yet not.

"Family tradition? Do you normally cast magic in your shows? It's my understanding most Midgardians indulge in simple tricks of the eyes." Balder smiles at her. "Are you showing them what many are unprepared to see?" It's not disapproval, but some amusement in his eyes.

"Ah, yes. Asgard was pulled into a fiendish plot of Hela and other death gods into unleashing an ancient evil. Thankfully we were able to turn back the unmaker, but only barely.""

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Of course, Zatanna thinks, Asgardians and their lilting cadence. She likes the formality, and the music underlying their words.

"No," she laughs softly, shaking her head, stepping out with a bold stride, "I wouldn't have invited you if it was."

With a quick sideways look at him, she holds up a hand to set their direction, then marches off without checking to see if he keeps up with her. "No, most Midgardians don't come from magical families. But, I do. An old one. We start losing the thread of our ancestors around the 13th Century. Which, to someone like yourself, must seem fairly recent in time from what I know of your land and people. Which is not much."

She can feel him by her side. "So, I hope I show the audience what they don't expect. Some sleight of hand, some real magic, some contraptions that have been handed down through the generations make the show. Our tradition, you see. That and helping those in need."

As quickly as they set off her conversation veers back to his last words, "Tell me about Hela. I was in Mexico and was almost certain that the world was ending."

Balder has posed:
Her words are like sweet honey to Balder's ears.

She laughs, and it's like music fills the air and this night suddenly is a bit brighter. A rare thing, or a common one, Balder isn't quite sure. But he hopes that spending more time with Zatanna will give him the answer. A lift of her hand and they set out towards parts unknown!

Or known, and Balder was too busy focusing on conversation to pay too much attention.

"The thirteenth century...interesting. It's been some time since I knew people from that time." It was true. A century was a blink in the life of an Asgardian, especially their more older members. Balder himself was at least a thousand years old. "But you must come from a powerful line. Even strong magicians of this era have little familial ties or even a bloodline to call their own...yet you do."

Balder gives Zatanna a long look. "Unique."

His voice was soft, though he seems to nod in understanding that she wants to show the audience what they don't expect. "Admirable and noble, to bring joy and wonder to so many."

He shrugs though as she asks about Hela. "Hela is my niece. The daughter of Loki, and the Goddess of Death in Asgard. I don't believe her to be truly evil...rather just following her nature like so many people do. She keeps a close eye on the occupants of the land of the dead, Helheim, but...well, she always hungers for more souls."

He frowns even deeper.

"I just hope that what had occured was finished that day."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"We won the battle." Her steps slow as she relives the final moments. "We sang to death. Sang of our imperfections, our foibles. Atun and the Judges of the Underworld heard us. We sang of love. It tipped the scales and restored the balance between the two realms. For now." A deep breath lifts her shoulders and she shakes herself. "It was very close. Hela was feeling greedy that day, I think. Your niece. Quite a family, Prince."

Around them New York streams with the light of taxis. Store windows vie for attention and the few people on the street rush toward unknown destinations. Zatanna resumes her former pace but not before adding, "It is not over. Or I have no intuition."

She walks a few steps, and smiles in wonder at the man matching her pace. Zatanna and her family have performed before royalty and fought next to and against the gods so she is not overawed. "Thor is the God of Thunder, is he not? Loki, well, Loki is Mischief. Your niece the Goddess of Death. And here you are and I don't know what realm you rule."

Balder has posed:
"But not the war."

Balder comments and simply shakes his head. "But...what if one day, the love we sing, as a species, as representatives of life...what if one day, that won't be enough? We will need to be prepared for the next wave." Balder suggests to Zatanna, shrugging a moment. "Too close. Hela has always been greedy. Greedy for souls if but for the sole purpose of possessing them."

He shakes his head.

"I apologize for that. I'm afraid the House of Odin is filled with many...out of the box personalities." Balder chuckles ever so softly, even as he watches people who live their lives in perfect bliss, completely unknowing of what had occured. In many ways, Balder envired them. Prized them for their naivety and ignorance.

Though Zatanna's question of what he rules over makes him chuckle. "I rule over nothing. I merely was given blessings over aspects of creation. To Asgard, and to the history books of Midgard, I am the God of Light, Peace, and Prophecy." and fearlessness, but he doesn't mention that.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"That explains it," Zatanna murmurs, half to herself, still digesting how quickly he caught on to what she was saying and why.

"Merely?" That makes her laugh out loud. Frowning, but not in disbelief, she asks, cautiously without looking behind then, "Where is your entourage of worshippers and people seeking your blessings? That could be a burden, I think. I mean prophecy."

The streets change from large stores to smaller mom and pop markets, signs in both Chinese and English become prevalent. They pass a storefront with ducks and chickens hanging in the window. "The place I like is not far from here. Would you like to eat something with me? Do you like Chinese? Dim sum?"

Balder has posed:
"What? Have I said something humorous?' Balder seems to smirk at Zatanna as she perhaps somewhat mockingly about his entourage of worshippers and people seeking his blessings. "It is, sometimes. I had multiple visions about Hela's antics...but, sometimes, it is difficult to tell if they will happen, or if it is simply a road less traveled."

Time was always in motion. Prophecies were too...and not always were they right.

Though Balder shrugs. "As for worshippers and blessings giving...I'm a simple man, Zatanna." Balder tells her. He wasn't larger than life like Thor, but nor was he mischievous and misleading like Loki. He was as he was, and perhaps the most normal out of his siblings.

As they keep moving, Balder occasionally bumps her once or twice.

"I'd be delighted to eat with you. I have not had Chinese food in twenty years." Balder chuckles in amusement. "Dim sum sounds lovely, as does the company." Balder gives Zatanna a genuine smile. "Lead on."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna steals a look at the handsome man when he bumps her, he didn't strike her as being clumsy. It amuses her which is saying a lot. She would have sent most men trotting. Again, shaking her head, thinking that she would do that often around him. "I was not mocking you, you know? Those are not mere attributes, my friend. And living with prophecy takes a robust soul. I do not envy you."

The Homo Magi is not a small women but she has to look up at him. She points to a restaurant, full of people at 10:30 pm. "Here. We can probably find a place at the counter. I haven't had Chinese food in a week which is a long time for me. I could live on it and Japanese food."

All of the booths are full. The place is loud with Chinese and New Yorkers talking over one another. Woks sizzle and ladles bang as the cooks toss food. "They make their own dim sum which is rare now. Most places buy it from a central kitchen. Look, there are two places at the end. Let's grab them."

Balder has posed:
He would certainly hate to be sent trotting. Honestly, its perhaps one of those things where most men are probably sent to some kind of weird teleportation spell to a place of Zatanna's choosing if she truly wishes to be left alone. The fact that he's still walking with her alone is a good sign. She states that she wasn't mocking him, Balder shrugs. "You are kind to me. There are days when I do not envy myself, but...well, fate moves in strange ways.'

Or his father's machinations. Whichever comes first.

She may not be a small women, but he's a large man, even by human standards. "Here we are." He confirms with Balder, tilting his head at the place. "I thought Midgardians slept at night." He smirks a little bit, but he nods. The booths are fool.

But that doesn't mean that they can't find a spot.

The two places at the end? No problem. "I will take care of it. Shall we?" Balder offers Zatanna his arm as he leads her over to the location. Even as people talk over one another, Balder seems to wince. "...how do they understand each other? They're talking -at- each other, and not -to- each other."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
With a gracious nod, Zatanna places her hand lightly on his arm, and they walk into the restaurant. She feels like they are entering a stately dining hall after dancing, the overhead florescent lights softened into candlelight, the cacophony of the woks crashing, and loud orders between the cooks, muted. She knows magic when she sees it. Eyebrows raised, she nudges him.

"Are you doing this?"

Two seats await them at the far end of the counter, a little eddy of quiet in the restaurant awash with noise.

Balder has posed:
Sometimes, a subtle change is enough to catch the eyes.

Other times its the result of a God on their surroundings. The lights seemingly dimming and softening, as if they were kneeling to Balder...or perhaps, more accurately, his power is being enacted.

...without his permission.

"Not intentionally." Balder tells Zatanna, narrowed eyes looking at his surroundings, especially since the loud talks have seemingly muted and silenced. Was this some sort of acknowledgement? Or simply an after-effect of the battle against the Demogorge? None might know the answer.

He pulls out the chair for Zatanna, remembering chivalry of Asgardian quality, and gestures for Zatanna to take her seat.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
After removing her coat, Zatanna takes the seat he has pulled out for her with a faint smile for his courtly manners.

Suppressing a sigh, she sorts through the questions crowding her mind. Biding her time, "The duck noodles are marvelous. Like I said, their dim sum is worthy of Hong Kong, certainly among the best in the City. Would you like to order what they call their 'Midnight Spread' or pick individually?"

Magic is her element. Zatanna regards Balder thoughtfully, one tooth biting her bottom lip. "Not yours, then?" She waves a hand at the softened lights and the calm in their corner of the bustling restaurant.

Balder has posed:
Balder gently pushes in the seat after Zatanna takes residence upon it, giving her a smile as he moves around her to his chair, resting in it easily. Asgardians weighed more than people due to dense muscular and bone structure, but thankfully, the chair seems easily able to hold his weight.

"Duck noodles?" Balder questios, like this is the first time he had ever even heard of such a thing. He rubs his chin with his hand as he thinks. "Midnight Spread...that seems interesting. I believe I'll go with that. What about you? What are you getting?'

Now to the mystery at hand!

"Potentially." Balder suggests. "Though...I don't quite know who would have access to this kind of influence. It all seems a little too convenient. Maybe a spellcaster trying to get our attention?"

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Let's do a double Midnight Spead, there is a selection of their best dim sum." With a doubtful look at his physique, and a brief, bright smile,"An appetizer for you and a huge meal for me. I'd add the Duck Noodles which we can carry out if it's too much for us. What would you like to drink? You'll have to pick from Midgardian beer or baijiu which is like vodka. I'm going to start with baijiu on ice and then maybe a Snow Flower beer."

All of which gives her time to consider what is going on around them on an occult level. In an undertone, she says, leaning his way, "Both of us could have enemies. This," she waves at the room, "does rather feel like a bid for your attention or our attention. Interesting that you would say a spellcaster. Do you have anyone in mind?"

Balder has posed:
Balder nods approvingly to Zatanna. "Then I will happily indulge i this Midnight Spread, Zatanna. Though I have never tried this 'dim sum', I'm excited to see what it tastes like." He smiles ever so softly. She looks at his physique and makes the comment about food proportions, and he chuckles. "Thor could eat more than me, probably. But our stomachs still work the same as Midgardians." He chuckles, shaking his head amusedly.

"Perhaps I will try some Midgardian Beer. It's been some time since I've had any."

His gaze then turns around the room. "Magic seems to be becoming more and more prevalent in these dark times. It is an assumption, nothing more." His eyes continue to scan the place. "Of course, it could just be my presence here." He looks around a moment.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna catches herself shaking her head at the man. A server with a pleasant expression, which is plain magic in this restaurant, waits for their order. She tells him what they want, adding the beer and baijiu. When he is gone, she narrows her eyes at the man next to her, "Are you suggesting that you have laid a godly glamor on this place? Feeling light hearted, are you?"

Balder has posed:
"Light-hearted? Hmmm, perhaps."

Balder nods softly to the waiter as Zatanna completes the order for the pair. His eyes then turn to Zatanna with a bit of a grin. "Perhaps its your effect on me. Lovely company does a soul wonders, wouldn't you agree?" He asks her with a bit of a warm smile touching his face. He hums ever so slightly.

"I may have." On the Godly glamour. "Though perhaps it was simply to adjust the scenery."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Hand rubbing her forehead, Zatanna laughs helplessly. "Oh, you Asgardians and your infernal charm." She sighs in happy exasperation, still chuckling.

"Yes, lovely company does do that to you, though I would have to set a spell on the restaurant to lay a beautiful glamour on it. You, on the other hand, seem to able to do that on a whim." The magician gestures a protest, palms out, saying, "Not that I'm criticizing. By no means. I accept the compliment with thanks. And return it. Lovely company."

Beer and baijiu is set before them along with the first course of their Midnight Spread - puffy white clouds of BBQ pork buns. The waiter moves the chopsticks, napkins and condiment stand closer to them and surprises Zatanna by saying, "Enjoy!"

Balder has posed:
Balder seems to chuckle a little bit. "I cannot help it, we Asgardians seem to be infernally friendly." he winks at her softly, though he seems to shrug a little bit. "Perhaps it is simply the result of origin. But just because I can do things like this, of course, does not mean that I have the versatility that you do, Zatanna." Which is a compliment in and of itself.

Though as the food arrives, Balder smiles. "Lovely. Thank you." He tells the waiter and then Zatanna with a soft nod as he begins to eat. "Mmmm...this is delicious." He smiles happily. The way to the heart is through the stomach!

Though his gaze then returns to Zatanna. If she allows, he'll softly reach over to her to move a stray strand of hair from her face.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
With a skeptical rise of her eyebrows, the magician asks, "How do you know how versatile I am?" The warm, steaming buns distract her for the moment. Neatly, she breaks apart a set of chopsticks and deftly picks up a bun between them with a hand held underneath the bun until she takes a bite out of it.

"MMMhhhm, they really know how to make these here." The waiter flashes by setting the next course of fried taro dumplings behind the buns.

Mouth full of bun, holding the other half suspended in the air, Zatanna blinks, one side of her mouth curling up at his tender gesture. She makes no comment on it after she swallows, glancing at him sideways.

"Oh, the charm of the gods," she says, without further explanation. "Thank you." That for moving the pesky lock of hair out her way. "I'm glad you like the food. Skol!" she lifts her baijiu to him.

Balder has posed:
"I saw when we faced the great serpent and Seth." Balder suggests then. "Besides...I have come to learn that human wizards and sorcerers tend to be extremely talented, often focusing their expertise in multiple fields of study. We Asgardians tend to focus on one thing for the majority of our lives. Loki spent much of his days mastering illusions and other magics. Thor, his battlecraft, Odin his knowledge."

The smile from Balder is as awarm as the sun. "They really, really do." He seems to smile as he eats a moment, he notices that Zatanna seems to admire the charm of the gods, or at the very least, seems amused by it.

"Anytime." He replies on the hair moving.

When she lifts her drink and seems to say an old Asgardian toast, Balder laughs. "Skjal!" he says as he hoists up his drink and clinks it against hers, only to quite literally down the rest of it.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna can feel the glamour he is working on her. A part of her wants nothing to do with it if only out of a need to be independent. She also has no real idea of who he is, only knowing he is /not/ Loki. Another part of her wants to go with the sunny flow.

Following suit, she finishes her glass but does not throw it over her shoulder the way she imagines some Asgardians do. Instead, she turns it upside down. Then, she catches the waiter as he puts the third course of lotus leaf wrapped sticky rice in front of them and clears their first dishes away. With a circling gesture, "Two more beers, please. The same." She looks a question at Balder. "The same, right?"

After the waiter has gone, "I forget, you did see me and others in action that day. Thank you for what you said." She pauses, her gaze lost in the middle distance briefly. "Something is stirring in the world. But, I haven't figured out what it is. Do you feel it, too?"

Balder has posed:
What emotion did it fill in Zatanna?

Was it alluring? Was it frustrating? Was it simply a neutral feeling in the glow of a living sun? Who could say but Zatanna. She finishes her drink and Balder looks impressed that she downed the whole thing, and he smiles a little bit at her. "I am impressed, Zatanna. Yes, the same. Thank you very much." Balder bows his head ever so slightly to Zatanna.

The food was getting massacred by Balder and Zatanna both. Was this a bit of a contest?

It'd be one to pay to see, if so. Though, all the same, Balder hummed. "Yes...I've felt it. It's an awakening. Forces long since dormant are moving once again. Seth and Atum were the first...and the Demogorge was the most recent...I'm waiting for the next wave to strike."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Conflicting emotions, if she were to stop and consider them, course through her - the sunny glamour of the Asgardian by her side and the darkness that the words Atun and Seth fill her with. "In case you are wondering, I had no lunch today and a piece of toast and black coffee for breakfast. I was running on empty."

Two beers are placed in front of them, more dishes are cleared and huge soup dumplings in their round dishes are lined up behind the last course. She pours his glass for him and then her own. "I'm beginning to slow down though. But, these are so incredibly good. Be careful eating them, they put soup stock in them which makes them squirt." She nods as if to say, magic isn't it?

Before she starts her dumpling, "Did I tell you I met a goddess busking in Manhattan. Persephone." A wistful smile passes over face, "She's a tricky one. A beautiful trickster. She sent me to Mexico without a by your leave. I know you're right!"

Balder has posed:
Balder seems to frown a little bit as she mentions she had no lunch today. "Zatanna, it is unhealthy to not eat. You are talented,but it is unwise to starve yourself, even if you are lacking in time." Balder tells her with concern written on his eyes. "Eat, please. Eat and be merry." He smiles a moment.

Of course, as one course ends, another happily begins, and Balder indulges. She may be slowing down, but to him? This was still part of the appetizer. Asgardians have insane stomachs. Where in Odin's name does it all go? "Fair enough." Balder replies on being careful with eating them.

"Persephone?"

The name is foreign on Balder's tongue. "Must be one of the Theoi - The Olympians. Though Manhattan of all places? That is a strange combination. She is the wife of the Olympian death god, I believe." He sighs a moment. "I am...uncertian what to make of it. Perhaps a vision will make it all clear." He informs, though his attention eventually looks upon her. "...out of curiosity, Zatanna, is this what mortals call a 'date'?"

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Yes, you're right. Not eating isn't good for anyone. But the benefit is how hungry I am right now, able to eat a gigantic meal of Asgardian proportions with my new friend. Are you like this with all your friends?"

"I figured that one god might know another" Zatanna says with a smile and a good grip on a soup dumpling. She brings it to her mouth with a napkin cupped in her hand to capture any stray soup that might drip. A course of minced pork potstickers awaits them as well as a dish of beef spareribs. The Chinese can eat and after a glance at Balder so can the Asgardians.

"Yes, that's the very one. Singing beuatifully in an alley in Manhattan of all places. She was singing in wait for me, so to speak."

HIs last questions gives her pause, with a smile tugging at her mouth she replies, "Generally they are arranged by both parties in advance. So actually no. Though this could be a meeting leading to dates, if we'd like."

Balder has posed:
"Typically, yes. Sometimes, you just need to eat in order to acceptably bond with another person. The quickest way to the heart is through the stomach. This is true of diplomacy as well." Balder smiles a moment. "Though like -this-? I fail to understand your meaning. Are friends not intended to be friendly with one another?" He questions her softly.

"Know of another, yes. But to truly -know- another God, especially of different kingdoms, is a rare feat indeed. I believe Tyr accomplished this in the past, but I cannot say for certain." He shrugs, though he looks at the food and his mouth seems to already be watering at the sheer food that was coming their way.

What a great time.

"In wait for you? She laid a trap?" He asks of Zatanna, though her words about the date seems to make this a smile. "I would like that, I believe. You are a lovely woman and great company."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Friends are indeed intended to be friends to one another. You were mothering me which is generally reserved for people who have known each other for a while or have great affection for one another, is all."

With a deep nod to Balder, she says decidedly, "She did indeed lay a trap for me and a glamor on me. I was completely enchanted by the singing. Enough to not even ask myself why she was singing alone in an alley. With a frown, she asks, "Then you know what she did?"

"You of all people or god should know they can be a tricky lot and hard to know, as you say," she adds quickly.

Pretending dismay, "You would like to lay a trap for me?"

Balder has posed:
"I can't help it - sometimes I care too much for people, Gods, mortal, immortal...matters not to me. A person is a person regardless of title, fame, or power." He offers a gentle smile to Zatanna. "I am not one who has such reservations. I simply care...which, admittedly, confounds most people."

Hearing more about Persephone, he tilts his head at her. "I do hear she has a wonderful voice. Though it is often those who possess such a thing that can be the most dangerous. As them simply speaking is a threat to you." He shrugs. "What did she do?" He questions her.

Though as Zatanna pretends to be dismay. "I could lay a trap for you, aye. The only question is, would you spring the trap or simply pass it by?"

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Most think of what is in it for me? Hence their disbelief. But I don't need to tell you this. You are not some boy, wet behind the ears. I will not willingly walk into a trap. I hope I would spring it. The goddess beguiled me and sent me to deal with death who was on a rampage. Surely she knew that I would lose my access to magic if I kill someone even for a good cause."

Ignoring her food, she turns on her stool toward him, "At least you're honest and not trying to trick me. Have you no other women in your life? Do they not go on dates in Asgard - is that why you asked me if this was one?"

Balder has posed:
Balder nods softly to Zatanna. "Many are like this. This is out of a selfish need to acquire and gain, not realizing that the feeling one experiences by caring as they do is reward enough. But, perhaps that is the darkness of the world that many choose to indulge in. Perhaps, if people valued home, friendship, and care over the material and greed, the world might yet be a much merrier place."

Balder seems to frown a moment. "I'm sorry. Death bears many faces, and I cannot imagine how difficult it would be to even deal with one of them." He can, he's just being polite and humble. "Tricksy indeed."

Though as she ignores her food and focuses on him, he raises a brow. "Asgardians...date, as Midgardians understand it. To us, it's a courtship. Typically it is done as a precourser to marriage. Serious relationships are common, but just as common are trysts and flights of fancy." The question of women makes Balder frown. "There was one, yes."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"And she is no longer the guardian of your heart?" She asks with a lift of her chin, mirroring his lifted brow, "Someone in Asgard I, take it? Now, you dally with Mortals. Courtship is no different among the mortals, even those that wield magic like myself," she says in a low, intent voice.

Balder has posed:
"I do not believe she was the guardian of my heart, no. But for a long time I pined for her...but I know that she seeks my brothers, not I. I know in my heart that I am not the one for her." Balder sighs softly, but he shrugs. "Yes...someone in Asgard. I have never once dallied with a mortal, as you claim it." Balder shrugs softly.

"Is this interest I detect in your tone, Zatanna?" Balder asks with a soft smile towards her. "I would have assumed that you were already with another."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna knows the pantheon of Asgardian gods and something of Balder's place in it though he doesn't have the renown of his more showy brothers. Personally she thinks that someone of his gentle intelligence deserves to be known in his own right. "You met the man that was my first that day that Set and Apep fought." She shakes her head at her won folly, "John Constantine." Then turns to pick up a pot sticker and dip it in soy sauce mixed with hot sauce and vinegar.

Balder has posed:
If she told that to his face, he'd probably be extremely flattered.

But alas, Thor and Loki have always been more showy, more heroic and even more villainous. Balder is not the one chosen to fight the cosmic dragon, especially since his death starts Ragnarok. Its a wonder at all why Odin lets him wander free. He's the one in the stories who would go and save the one person amongst the field of destruction and ferry them to safety. He's the savior, not the destroyer.

Yet oft do those two things walk hand in hand.

She tells him about her first, and he nods softly. "As did you. Her name is Sif." Balder tells her then as they seem to settle their firsts. "Though John Constantine is a name I've heard before. Swindler of demons, yes? Dangerous to accompany." This is not said in judgment, merely in observation.

His eyes lock with hers, however, reaching to sip some of his drink as he looks upon her. "Need I be worried about him bargaining for my soul if you decide to be interested in me as I am interested in you?"

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Yes, he dabbles with demons. His heart is given to one Meggan or was. They were planning marriage until recently. Now, I think another has taken her place so he has no interest nor can he claim to have any in me. I did not realize that you two were close but my thoughts were definitely elsewhere at that battle. I thought she was Thor's wife, in fact," said matter-of-factly with no undertone of judgement. She shares his gaze, green eyes riveted on his azure, food forgotten.

Balder has posed:
Balder nods ever so softly. "I'm sorry. That must be painful for you." Balder is not deaf tothe wants and breaks of the heart. He recalls comforting Sif whenever Thor denied her or was rude or cruel. Same for his mother for Odin's case. Though, as she speaks of him and Sif, Balder shakes his head.

"It is in the past. She's betrothed to my brother...and I have no desire to be the middle man, as mortals call it." Balder seems saddened by it, but firmly aware of what is and what isn't. Yet as she shares his gaze, he begins to lean in...

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Oh, not at all!" she exclaims with genuine surprise. "Just look at him with your prophetic abilities and you know that his soul has been twisted by his treating with demons. Recently something blasted a hole in his heart so that it was laid bare. I felt sorry for him but no longing to walk by his side. I will always protect a fellow magician but do not need to love him." She feels like she is falling into those azure depths as she leans forward enough to touch knees with him.

"I can't imagine you tangled in something with the potential to embroil your family in trouble. You don't strike me as the type. You don't have any darkness that I can sense."

Balder has posed:
Oh my, she seems to be quite adamant about John Constantine.

In a very 'hell no' kind of way. "I understand." He does? Well, morel ike he sympathizes, maybe less understands. John Constantine is not something you really understand and more of something you deal with on occasion. "Nor will anyone be pressuring you to do such a thing.."

Their knees touch, even as he feels himself falling into the colors of her own eyes. He leans closer, ever so closer. It's clear he intends to seal their courtship with a kiss, if she permits such a thing.

"I try not to endanger my family or those whom I care about. It's not in my nature. I would rather fight the armies alone than permit my family the chance to suffer." He informs of them.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
The waiter standing on the other side of the counter clear his throat and repeats his question, "Lady you ready for the sweet dim sum?" It is not the same sweet natured server that had waited on them before but a balding man who looks like his feet hurt from standing too much. It straightens the lean out of Zatanna's back and she gives the man a startled look. Ignoring the server, she turns her head back to Balder to lay a hand on his cheek in apology for the missed opportunity.

Balder has posed:
Balder seems to jump a moment at the waiter's interruption. Even his sight was foggy from the intensity of the moment. A moment that may have been ruined by the impatient waiter, though Balder's eyes turn to him as he addresses Zatanna so rudely. 'We would, thank you." and passive-aggressively watches as he hopefully takes off. The touch of his cheek by Zatanna seems to make Balder a little surprised.

He wasn't expecting the contact, most likely.

Though he looks her in the eyes and he smiles. "It is alright. There are other times."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna watches Balder give the insouciant waiter the evil eye with satisfaction, she adds her own glare to his, hoping to drive him away. "Dessert, huh?" she remarks with a smile. "I didn't mean to startle you." She reaches up to touch his chin with a finger, "You jumped like I gave you a static shock."

Balder has posed:
Balder's attention is stolen by the slight touch of Zatanna's finger. He doesn't stop her touch, rather he seems to indulge in it. Just like, perhaps, she might when his hand reaches to gently rest on her thigh. He keeps his attention firmly on hers, like the world turned to shadow...and he no longer was light, but rather she was.

"I apologize, I merely was lost in your eyes." It would be a cliche, cheesy thing to say if it came from someone else. But Balder's words are genuine.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"It's all the magic in the air tonight." She covers his hand with her own, and entwines her fingers under his broad palm. "I could walk to the moon with you this evening", she murmurs. The clack of plates being placed on the counter announces Mr. Sourpuss waiter's return.

Balder has posed:
"It must be."

Balder smiles at Zatanna ever so softly, though when she offers her idea of a date, Balder smiles to her. "A lovely idea, but there's a problem...I wouldn't notice the moon. I'd only see you."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna despite her natural aplomb can feel the heat mount into her face. She catches her breath, and breathes a laugh, "I've never been compared to the moon before. That is incredibly romantic... thank you." She places her free hand on his knee positive that her skin is flaming.

Balder has posed:
"That is because you and the moon have never been in the same light." It's not the same as him telling her that she's just never seen the moon. Balder is telling her that her light dwarfs the moon in its entirety, even as he feels her hand gently rest on his knee as he looks into her eyes. "I realize I have not seen much of this city. Perhaps we should ask for the bill and you could show me around?" Balder asks of Zatanna, his free hand lifting to move some hair from her face.

THe presence of Mr. Sourpus is all but ignored by Balder, who seems to be far happier keeping his attention on Zatanna.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Let's ask for the check. We can wrap the custard dim sum up and take them with us. I'll show you the sights by the light of the moon. I want to get to know you, Balder. If it is possible to know a god as you said earlier." She withdraws her hand and looks down the counter to get a waiter's attention. Perhaps it is the magic in the air? Miracles of miracles, a waiter sees her lift her hand and nods acknowledging the request.

Balder has posed:
Balder nods approvingly. "Very well. After this, I will follow where you lead." he suggests to her then as he leans back in his chair. "If it is possible, above all else I welcome your attempt." Balder smiles as he looks at her. Even when her eyes turn away from him, she'll notice that he's still looking at her.

Still admiring her.

"What do you like to do for fun, Zatanna?" He asks her. There's no lust in his eyes, not that she can see. But there is amazement. As if he were wondering how someone like her could be trapped in a place like Midgard.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"I like to do a lot of things. Wintertime, I ski and go to Broadway shows. I like to get away from the city. I live mostly in Gotham, you know. I ride horses when I'm here in New York. Central Park has great stables in fact. I read and go to Broadway shows and the opera when I'm not performing. I like to keep up with the arts and go to the museums. I support a number of charities and attend their functions. What do you like to do in your spare time?" The waiter lays their check on the counter which Zatanna covers with her free hand. "Give me my hand Balder," she urges with an amused smile. She searches in her inner coat pocket and removes a credit card that she lays in the tray with the check.

Balder has posed:
Balder nods ever so softly. "I understand that. I do not hold any attachment to Gotham or New York City, though I can understand why they are pleasant to live...and why they can be unpleasant." Balder shrugs ever so softly. "I have never been to a Broadway show. I hear they are rather magnificent." He smiles.

"Charity?" Balder seems confused by the term. Classic Asgardian detatchment from the activities and interests of Midgard. Though he does release her hand so she may dig through her pocket. "I could have paid. Is this called being 'ungentlemanly'?" He questions her with a raised brow.

Though he nods to her. "You are a woman of the arts, then? I enjoy observing life. Singing, playing instruments, and having nice talks with others. I like new experiences, out of the norm." He shrugs softly. "I am...boring, as other Asgardians would define it."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Her eyes move over his face in an attempt to gauge if he is joking with her. "Yes, charities to support research into rare children's diseases, for example or to help people to feed themselves after their countries have been torn apart by war. There are so many poor and hungry in the world." Her smile returns, "Oh, you play an instrument! What do you play? I play the piano - far from a virtuoso but perhaps we could play together some time.> The check is returned which she signs after adding a tip. "Ready?" she slips out of her chair and looks back at him as she readjusts her coat, arranging her drape of long dark hair over the collar.

Balder has posed:
He wasn't joking.

The blank look on his face said it all. Though as Zatanna explains things to him, Balder smiles happily at this news. "Very noble, Zatanna. It is a wonder why you are not a leader of the people. YOu have a big heart." He smiles at her even warmer, though he hums.

"I play the lute and the harp very well. I am told I sing well, but I think they are being kind."

Then again, there's a story where the trees knelt at his song. Maybe it's his importance or talent, or maybe it's just a story. "I wouldn't mind playing together." He smiles, before he stands to his feet. "Ready." He offers the raven-haired beauty his arm if she so chose to take it.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna's face lights up at his blank expression, thinking, he is adorable! He really didn't know!" "I am not so special, I could do so much more. I have the resources, just not the time." She laces her arm through his, leaning against his large frame and smiles up into his face.

"Playing music with someone you like is a special thing. I hope we can. I bet you are a finer player than you make yourself out to be." They head for the door and are out on the cold street. "Let's walk this way," Zatanna nods in the direction she wants to go. "New York and Gotham are often not safe at night in some neighborhoods", she comments as she fits herself closer to his side.

Balder has posed:
He really didn't! Maybe it was just part of Balder's charm. But, it was what it was. "We all have the resources and the time, we simply just do not realize what we truly have and what we don't. All it takes, truly, is a small bit of ingenuity and a spark of something special. I believe you have that something."

Balder follows with Zatanna as they head for the door and are out on the cold street. He notices her fit herself closer to his side, which makes him smile ever so softly. He enjoyed being this close to her. Though she tells him that the neighborhoods are not safe this time at night, he simply speaks. "Then what is a safe place that you know of?" Balder questions her as they continue to walk.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
She leans against him to guide him left into a side alley behind some restaurants. Hardly a romantic spot with the trash dumpsters lining the walls. Lifting her free hand, Zatanna makes a spiral gesture with it, saying, "emoH". A faintly lit plain wooden door appears down the alley, which she walks toward,pulling Balder along with her.

They walk through it into a sitting room with a large wooden antique desk with a heavy open book laying on it. A fire burns in a fireplace on the far wall lined with books. The room smells of fine Japanese sandalwood incense, light on the senses. A doorway leads to a bed chamber with a barely discernible poster bed visible through it.