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Post by aquarius on Jun 14, 2021 11:19:37 GMT -7
The tone of the evening seemed to be getting steadily better, with the friendly demeanour of Volstagg being a good start, and once Odin had been distracted Thor felt that he could actually relax and enjoy himself more, paying a little more attention to his guest, rather than simply worrying about her. Not that she couldn't handle any trouble of course, but she was a guest, not a mere ally or comrade in arms. Even a god held some things sacred, and hospitality was one of them.
He took a large bite out of his generous piece of spit-roasted miscellaneous animal, washed it down with a swig from his flagon, and turned back towards Anne-Marie properly again, no longer distracted as he had been. "I confess, I know little of Midgardian customs for this sort of thing, I understand that a meal, entertainment, dancing, all are customary parts of it. There will be musicians, no doubt skalds will share great tales to any who will listen, if you wish for any other distractions you need only ask. A walk around the palace later, perhaps? To gaze into eternity from the end of the rainbow bridge? I... I know too little of you, so will likely simply keep trying until something I suggest appeals to you. Please, speak up when that happens."
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Post by Martyr on Jul 13, 2021 17:29:46 GMT -7
HEY, SUGAH! ⦻
Thor expressed a limited understanding of Earthly dating rituals. It wasn't really something he could be blamed for. It was a different place.
"Yeah, a lot of folks do that sorta thing. We do walkin' too actually. Usually not to get anywhere in particular anytime fast. Mostly to spend time alone. That sounds lovely. 'Course, half the time somethin' attacks the city durin' those walks, but that's an occupational hazard, Ah guess."
The Thunderer lamented that he knew little of her. Rogue was understanding. "Well, yeah you ain't an X-man; Ah ain't an Avenger. Even as heroes, our paths don't really cross unless we deal with someone with ties to both sides. Like the Maximoffs." This list might also include her former flings. Their father, Magneto definitely counted, and Joseph might, depending on how clones were figured.
"But, that's the point of a first date, ain't it? Ah mean, y'ain't gonna know a lot about someone else less you're the God of Dates."
Template adapted from Silv.
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Post by aquarius on Jul 20, 2021 13:45:48 GMT -7
With Odin no longer an immediate concern, Thor was feeling a little more adventurous in relation to his guest's entertainment options, as well as the conversation with her. Some things he knew better than to bring up with the All-father paying too much attention. "Truth be told, I knew more of such things many seasons past, but when Donald Blake was separated from myself, such memories became... blurred. It is a strange thing to have memories of another's life, and yet not enough to understand them."
His memories of that life were... difficult to put into words, even with the All-speak. The understanding that came from being of Midgard had gone when Donald and himself had become two beings once more, though each day Thor learned more of the endlessly fascinating realm and knew he would in time grow to that understanding in his own right. Knowledge that was earned, not simply gifted. Much like his father had had to sacrifice to the World Tree for his knowledge.
"This is Asgard, so an attack in even the most peaceful of places is always possible, however unlikely. But with Loki, Dark Elves, and so on out there up to who knows what, nothing can ever be described as perfectly safe. Still, I doubt any attack will happen whilst you are here, and you will remain under our protection, however little it would be needed. Certainly though, thy garb is surely less resilient than you are? I shall pledge to keep it safe from all harm, by preventing anyone seeking to harm it from doing so, my lady."
He grinned and raised his flagon slightly in her direction before draining what remained in a single gulp, and throwing the empty container to the ground, shattering it with a loud SMASH before declaring a little more subtly than this "Another!" which was promptly supplied by one of the serving wenches.
"Tis a shame though, that my time in Midgard is taken up so by battling supervillains that I cannot learn more about those who would be far more pleasing to learn about. Why, I cannot recall if we have so much as exchanged words since that day when you soundly thrashed the Avengers. T'was well fought indeed, and strange though it may sound a battle I remember fondly. I lesson I need to be reminded of many times, that I should not rely on mere power to defeat a foe. And... forgive me, I do now know if talking of such times distresses you. I am used to many of the Avengers who had... similar starts. Hawkeye, Black Widow, Falcon, many more... Even myself, arguably. I was exiled to Midgard at first..."
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Post by Martyr on Aug 3, 2021 19:12:17 GMT -7
HEY, SUGAH! ⦻
It was one of those things where she wasn't sure if his words were intentional or not. Some people knew more than they ought to. Mutants sometimes did. Mystical beings sometimes did. It might just be a case of shared experiences.
"Ah know that too well. Every time Ah touch someone, every time they touch me, Ah get some of their memories. Good memories, bad memories, okay memories, all of 'em. Even some of 'em from a long time ago stick around. Like somethin' from when you was a child just suddenly starts poppin' back up but it t'ain't you. It's someone else."
"It's how Ah got some of mah powers after all. Mah strength. Mah flight. Carol Danvers was in mah head for years. Ah was probably in hers."
She smirked when he mentioned her garb.
"Well, yeah. Ah don't think anyone has somethin' fancy like this made in Kevlar. Maybe SHIELD-types."
He then brought up that very same battle. She didn't particularly like to talk about those early days when she fought for her mother. She wasn't proud of them.
"For arrogance wasn't it?" She didn't mean anything by that, as on point as it might sound at the moment. "Lotta X-men started on the other side too. Y'all had Quicksilver. Then there's Mahself, Emma Frost, Gambit." She didn't dwell too much on that last one. Template adapted from Silv.
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Post by aquarius on Aug 8, 2021 12:56:35 GMT -7
It sounded like Rogue had a far worse time of it than many. For him with Donald Blake it had not been an intrusion upon his mind, and the absence of that other sense of self felt more like a lost friend who it was becoming difficult to remember fully. But Rogue seemed plagued by unwanted memories to the point where it sounded more like a battle with a foe than a reunion with an old comrade.
Such things were always sad, but tragedy was a central part of their lives as heroes. Asgard was usually at war with someone, often several someones. This meant even the young learned harsh lessons, and childhoods were often shortened as a result. When you lived so much longer than mortals a longer time before adulthood seemed only fair. But life not being fair was one of those harsh truths...
Still, there were some plus points to such a life, not least his potential to answer the apparent need of Rogue's that had so far probably not even been realised as a need. "Hm. By Asgardian standards even the finest work of Alfheim's Light Elves is flimsy and easy to damage, even by accident. But by the standards of a Midgardian? Mayhap it would withstand far more than might be normal. I know not if such things have ever been ascertained. We should ask my mother later, she is more knowing of such things than most."
As the conversation swung back to their previous meeting and how he had been in Midgard in the first place, he simply nodded. As he'd said it was a lesson he needed to be reminded of enough times that taking offense at the fact would only be a sign that he was overdue a reminder. "Aye. 'tis a good place to learn such a lesson. So many who lack the power of gods, sorcerers or inventors of endless wonders, and yet they stand alongside us without fear, ready to do just as much. More, perhaps. I know not if the X-Men have a rallying cry like the Avengers do, but each time I hear the call to assemble, I still find it as inspiring as the first time I heard it spoken."
Another flagon had been emptied by this point, this one not thrown to the floor but instead placed on his table upside down, a sign that it was empty but no further refreshment was sought by him. Asgardian table manners were perhaps different to that of Midgard, but that didn't mean they didn't exist.
"It sounds like we all have many allies who start in more... desperate circumstances, but a dark fate cannot keep too firm a grip on a good person. I still believe there is hope for Loki, even. Anyway, enough of such serious and gloomy matters! What say you to a walk, or a short ride, if you are experienced with horses?"
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Post by Martyr on Aug 31, 2021 17:08:54 GMT -7
HEY, SUGAH! ⦻
There wasn't too much of a point to dwell further on her own demons than had already been done. It wasn't that the personal wasn't important; it was that right now, the interpersonal was more so.
Thor brought their conversation back to her point on her own attire rather than on her powers.
"If any of y'all's tailors want earthly wealth, Ah'm sure a lotta hero folks'd love Asgardian-strength costumes and regular-lookin' clothes. Unstable molecules can only do so much for you."
The Thunderer reflected on his own past vanities and asked if the X-men had ever assembled.
"Kinda. Y'all rally round an ideal— truth, justice, avengin'. We rally around both an ideal and a person. When we are called together, it's usually by Xavier. He calls us telepathically with "To me, my X-men". Sometimes others have tried it too withor without talkin' in our minds, but it loses some of the gravitas."
He then suggested that they could go walking or horseback riding. She was well enough familiar with horses, although she was more so with jeeps. Rogue offered an alternative means of transportation.
"'Member that big ol' mountain yonder, when Ah first stepped off of the rainbow bridge? Ah'm sure you know the name of it. Ah'll race y'to it. If you're in a bettin' mood, let's call it the glory of Earth or of Asgard."
Rogue took flight before he could register his enthusiastic boast or hardy objection. She did not know exactly what the god's top speed was. She had no idea if she'd win or lose. That wasn't really the point. The point was to test his reaction to such a thing. Template adapted from Silv.
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Post by aquarius on Sept 5, 2021 5:42:32 GMT -7
Earthly wealth of course held no interest for most Asgardians, even those who had spent significant time in Midgard and therefore might have more desire for money usually had more efficient means of obtaining it. Loki's tricks, Amora's enchantment, Lorelei's magics... Hm. Thinking about it, was he the only non villainous Asgardian who spent meaningful time in Midgard?...
Still, hearing that the X-Men had their own rallying call was reassuring, even if it was tied to their current leader. 'Avengers Assemble' lost none of its magic regardless of who said it, be it one of the founding members or one of their newest members. "That must be inspiring, though it lacks as a... not battle cry exactly, but I cannot think of a closer word than that. Though from what I know of your professor, focusing on inspiring his students makes sense."
As the conversation continued and turned back to their next activity, Thor grinned at her challenge. He had flown between stars and knew it would not be even close to a contest, but he could still make it fun for the both of them. Aiming for an honourable draw seemed like a good challenge for himself, not least not concealing his true speed, even if it were limited within the confines of an atmosphere. "Ah, you mean Mount Skarsgård? I accept your challenge!"
When Rogue took to the air, Thor averted his eyes briefly, given she was wearing a dress and no doubt lacked the sturdy protective layers that any Asgardian shield maiden would have on underneath even such a delicate garment. Spinning Mjolnir around in his hand, after a few seconds of building up speed he hurled it up into the air without letting go and was instantly moving upwards at great speed, before turning to follow on behind Anne-Marie. He began to draw level with her, turning sideways to grin broadly when he reached her. "I should warn you, 'tis dragon season. They don't usually stray this far from their lairs, but it happens on occasion." This was mostly a jest, indeed he'd not seen a dragon this side of the mountains since before he joined the Avengers, but a little excitement would surely add to the experience for his date...
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Post by Martyr on Sept 16, 2021 17:39:11 GMT -7
HEY, SUGAH! ⦻
As they cut across the skies of Asgard like a pair of knives, the god of thunder said something about dragons, seemingly joking.
It would seem however as they soared that those very dragons saw it not as a little bit of jest but as an open invitation.
The smoke of a thousand bonfires billowed from its nose. Each scale of its mountain-sized form were as large as the mightiest rönd. Its wings were like the bows of two winding rivers. Its legs were like towering trees forever unfelled by mortal man. Its open maw seemed to be dwarfed only by its unfathomable famine. It seemed easily capable of swallowing either hero in a single bite.
"Sorry, Sugah!", she told the beast, "Ah can't dance with you right now. 'Sides Ah'd give ya a bellyache somethin' awful!"
The dragon tried to push in to have a few steps anyway. Rogue responded with a punch to its snout. Template adapted from Silv.
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Post by aquarius on Sept 18, 2021 12:43:31 GMT -7
What was it the mortals called it? Tempting fate? Whilst he knew the Norns were not so fickle as to react to idle comments of that nature, it certainly felt like it at times, indeed it seemed almost like it was the usual outcome on Midgard. Regardless, for a dragon to appear so soon after his warning about them seemed implausible to be mere chance. Regardless, he did not hesitate to ponder this but instead slammed straight into the side of the dragon, aiming to move it away from Rogue, and to keep its attention on himself.
"tis only a small one, barely worth the effort. But it has been less than gentle with you, and should be taught the error of its ways. And I know not how, but surely this will turn out to be Loki's doing by some series of contrivances. For now? HAVE AT THEE!!!"
With that he swung his hammer round as the dragon darted its head in to try and bite him, connecting with a near perfect strike. This sent it sailing backwards a decent distance in the air before it got its motion under control again and turned around to go for Thor again.
"Ah! Small but not so puny! Maybe this shall be a proper fight after all!"
Their race was seemingly forgotten, Thor's attention was entirely on this interloper into their pleasant afternoon together. Only once he was sure of Anne-Marie's safety would he return to the race, and only once she was under way as well.
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Post by Martyr on Oct 3, 2021 8:03:57 GMT -7
HEY, SUGAH! ⦻
After Rogue struck the creature in the snout, it responded with a sudden snap that was cut short by a thunderous strike. "HAVE AT THEE!!!"
He was trying to be valiant. It wasn't entirely certain where his concern came from. it might be her gender, although Thor knew many warrior women, Lady Sif more prominently among them. It could be that she was from Midgard. Even as a mutant, and one of the physically strongest ones due to her having absorbed the powers of Carol Danvers, she was still a mortal. It could also be that it wasn't an attempt at valiance at all but that the god was being vainglorious.
"Thanks for the assistance, Thor, but this don't look like more than a little nuisance."
The beast tried to right itself from the pummeling it was taking from the Asgardian. A billowing pyre burst from the creature's mouth. Heat that would seem to give the monsters of Muspelheim pause spewed toward the god.
"'Nough of that, sugah."
As the dragon was distracted, Rogue removed her long glove and placed a hand to its temple. The scales did not seem to offer resist. Perhaps its mystical nature had something to do with it.
The fire seemed to pull back before the dragon itself fell from the sky. Damn.
Rogue started to dive after him. Template adapted from Silv.
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Post by aquarius on Nov 10, 2021 13:12:07 GMT -7
Rogue seemed more than capable of handling herself in this fight, but that was not the point. There were rules of hospitality, duty and honour that you either understood or you did not. They could not be taught, not entirely at least. No, you had to be born to them, or to have a rare soul indeed, to truly understand Asgardian ways. It would be far from the first time that a Midgardian had not understood after so little experience, therefore.
"A mere nuisance, aye. But I gave my word your attire would be protected, and I would see my word kept..."
His speech was cut short as the dragon's fire surged forth at him. Mjolnir moved forwards, directing the worst of the flames either side of him and leaving him only lightly singed by the heat, his sturdy attire surviving about as well as he did. The Thunderer knew it should surely have burned hotter, continued for longer than it did, but until it had faded entirely he could not see the cause, which instantly made perfect sense.
As the beast fell and its vanquisher chased after it, Thor immediately followed suit. But he also used his divine talents to summon forth a powerful wind from below, slowing the fall of the dragon, whose sheer bulk offered a degree of lessening of this upon the pair of heroes.
For a moment he considered letting Rogue carry on as she was, but she was still bare armed. This would surely impede her being able to effectively catch such a massive creature. And so Thor surged past her, his cloak being loosed from his shoulders as he slowed up enough to reach out and slow the noble beast's descent.
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Post by Martyr on Dec 9, 2021 7:00:01 GMT -7
HEY, SUGAH! ⦻
He renewed his sacred and solemn vow to protect her . . . dress.
"That's sweet, sugah — Ah think."
The thunderous son of Odin tried to help her out after the creature fell out of the sky. He cushioned the dragon's fall enough that she could lift it more easily with one hand. Many hands made less work, or hand and gust of wind as it were.
The creature was brought down at the side of a river. Beyond that were a collection of hills.
"'Ah hope he can't do too much mischief 'round here when he wakes up. Course, he'll start off with a wallop of a headache, so that maight give him a pause or two.", she noted.
Suddenly, Rogue rubbed her temple with her hand. "Speakin' of wallops, that dragon was a bit more of a doozy than Ah thought he'd be. Maybe on account of his size."
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Post by aquarius on Jan 1, 2022 14:19:18 GMT -7
With the dragon safely set upon the ground, he could take stock of the situation a little better. Rogue indicated it would wake on its own - presumably relatively soon - which kept things simpler. He glanced upwards, and as his cloak fluttered closer to them a moment's focus caused a change in the winds to leave it literally falling into his arms. Rather than returning it to his shoulders though, he held it out in offering for Anne-Marie to put on. "If the beast should stir on its own, we can leave it here and it will seek the shelter of its lair after such a beating. We can continue with our race, or consider it a tie and proceed at a more gentle pace, whichever my lady deems preferable."
This was the kind of combat he so rarely got to enjoy. Something where he at least got to feel his blood begin to flow, but where nobody had been in any real danger. In short... fun. If they did this again at some point, maybe they'd find another opportunity for such relaxing times such as these!
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Post by Martyr on Jan 24, 2022 15:44:03 GMT -7
HEY, SUGAH! ⦻
The after effects of the mighty dragon continued on after Rogue had absorbed some of its life essence. Luckily, she did not retain too much of its hostile personality. She did, however, sent forth the conflagration of a great and godly pyre from her nostrils each time she exhaled.
Following the conclusion of their glorious battle, Thor offered the X-Woman his cape. This seemed to be related more to a certain sense of chivalry than anything else. It wasn’t particularly cold. If anything, the dragon’s fire left her overly hot.
She considered for a moment the possibility that this was all a trick. Her post-powers upbringing as the adopted daughter of a woman like Mystique left her fine-tuned to the possibility of treachery.
However, she was fairly certain that using the extra drag off of a heavy cape against his opponent during a race, particularly with a cape he provided, would never have even occurred to the son of Odin.
“Thanks, Sugah.”, she said as she accepted the temporary gift.
”Let’s take it slowly. If we race again we might have to fight off Hel or worse.”
Template adapted from Silv.
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Post by aquarius on Feb 3, 2022 14:30:29 GMT -7
With his offering accepted after some hesitation, Thor bowed briefly and nodded at her suggestion. "Aye, perchance we should call it a tie? Share the honour amongst both our realms, and simply enjoy the rest of the journey?"
The mortal usage of the name 'hell' was something that Thor had gotten used to over recent years, so he realised she wasn't suggesting they might end up the evening with the outbreak of Ragnarok. Still, however many times he encountered this linguistic oddity it never entirely lost its chilling edge.
"There are many glorious sights in Asgard, and you may have seen many from the rainbow bridge, but there are many more to be seen from the air. Come, let us fly and enjoy the peace while it lasts!"
With that, he span Mjolnir round, ready to take to the skies once more. But as per the rules of hospitality he waited for his guest to make her choice and to go first if she so desired.
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