Aces Up the Sleeve

Earth CS-2: Where Is My Master Rebel Prince

*keeps her calm by taking a deep drink*

When going into war every detail is relevant no matter how embarrassing or seemingly small.

*gives him a level look*

These are the whys. Now you must focus on the whats.

Surely there is a limit. *finishes his wine*

*anger is buried and he becomes much more businesslike and emotionless* Delay as long as possible. At the moment, there is a a very vocal minority that wishes to see Nori hanged. They have won a few converts. I need time to convince Balder of the error of summary execution.

More generally, we need to build up fortifications and firm up our alliance with the people of Broxton. Which will be a monumental task. But if we can convince them that it is in their best interests to trust us and not Osborn, then we may buy ourselves something of a buffer.

Third, we need to determine where the Soldier's alliances lay, if anywhere. When and if he joins the field, he will be a formidable force.

I believe those are the major concerns. At least from my perspective. *Pours another glass of wine* I realize I am biased.

Earth CS-2: Where Is My Master Rebel Prince

*presses her lips into a firm line*

If you think that knowledge would please me then you are not the man I thought you to be.

*gives him a stern look as she takes a deep drink of water*

Perhaps you would prefer me to leave if that is what you believe.

I told you it was irrelevant. *glares at the fire*

It was a monumentally idiotic thing to do. I told Mother that King Balder lusts for battle. Time and again I have managed to head him off. But this time, Osborn wishes to bring war to us and I have precious little argument to keep him from the field. We will go to war. We are pitifully weak and disorganized and lead by the realm's biggest fool but we will go to war anyway. For. Asgard. And her most glorious Allfather.

All of which Nori would have known, by the way, if he ever deigned to speak of these things instead of playing out his fantasies with his mortals.

Earth CS-2: Where Is My Master Rebel Prince

*clearly not buying it*

If I am to help you, my heart, I need know the truth of the matter in its entirety.

*takes a large swallow of wine* I planted it. *eyes harden* Does that knowledge please you? I planted it when we were first in Midgard. Not three months after Father died. I started the project before I was even aware of the fact that he had reincarnated but *laughs bitterly* I must say that particular knowledge did little to dissuade me.

Earth CS-2: Where Is My Master Rebel Prince

*nods slowly, trying to take all of this in with reasonable quiet*

I see. Do you know who planted the bomb?

#earth cs2 #wingedhelmsareclassic #that was weak varli

Considering the fact that I was here, and not in Midgard, I cannot say for certain. Also, I do not see how it is relevant. We know who detonated it, regardless of how it got there.

apoemaday

Poem for Two Voices

by Malcolm Cowley We will make our way out of this city: Come! It is too late now. We will find once more a place where orchard grass And blue grass and sour grass and white clover Grow beneath the apple-trees; where juneberries Ripen and fall at the edge of the deep woods. But it is very late, and I have grown into the city; The city turns Like awkward vast machinery in my head, Like vast wheels turning in a void. Under the chestnut-trees are ferns, knee-deep. Trample through them, and we shall find the spring Which issues miraculously from the chestnut roots. And if we follow the stream among the thickets And across burned ground, where briars snatch at us, We shall find under the hill… It is too late now for finding. I have lived here a great while where no moons rise. The juneberries will be rotted, the chestnut trees are dead. It is too late now.

#twiue #granddad damn it nori #no varli i will not

coolerthantheaveragejoe

Thorested Development

THIS IS THE BEST CROSSOVER EVER

#twiue #yeah pretty much this

thebluthcompany

#twiue #dad i'm just not going to visit you anymore #these conversations are uncomfortable

Earth CS-2: Where Is My Master Rebel Prince

*listens, her frown deepening as she does, then lays a companionable hand on his shoulder*

The first thing which you must do is calm yourself so we may think. It sounds as though your brother has found himself a large hole and wishes to bury himself in it. If he is planting and detonating bombs then he must be brought in and shown to reason.

*grits his teeth* Already the nobles are calling for his head. And say he should have been drowned at birth like other unwanted creatures. *drinks deeply*

He did not plant the bomb. He simply took advantage of one that was already there when Osborn's security forces shot one of his lovers.

Earth CS-2: Where Is My Master Rebel Prince

I see.

*watches him for a few moments, her face tight with concern, then picks up some grapes and chews thoughtfully for a few moments*

What is it they believe your brother has done? Tis a large feat even for one of us.

*sits and buries his face in his hands for a moment, forcing his breathing to calm*

*muffled* They believe he detonated a bomb that destroyed the building. *sits up straight* Stark Tower is no more, it has been reduced to ash. My brother and his... companions are at large. Osborn seeks redress, and Balder is eager to provide the conflict he seeks.

My father remains in Osborn's employ. My mother still serves as ambassador to Asgard. Neither considers this a conflict of interest. I do not believe either are to be trusted. And Nori's behavior has taken an inexplicable turn for the erratic so I can not trust him, either.

Earth CS-2: Where Is My Master Rebel Prince

Midgard does not simply attack in such a manner. *demurs the wine and takes water instead, sitting in a chair less tiredly than she feels*

Perhaps you could tell me the whole of it?

*small muscles in his jaw twitch as he clenches his teeth, his fingers curl tight around the goblet*

*In a tight, clipped voice* Stark Tower is no more. It has been destroyed by a bomb.

They believe Nori was involved.

Earth CS-2: Where Is My Master Rebel Prince

*lets the bravado go because she is used to it. this is not her first day dealing with either Loki or his brood*

*lifts an eyebrow*

I assume that there is something passing for a reasonable explanation from the Allfather? *she nearly spits the last*

*lifts his hand when somebody taps on the door* *sharply* Leave it.

*waits a moment and then goes to bring the food in. Sets the food by Sif and quickly opens the wine*

They have declared war on us. His highness sees no reason to deny them battle. *pours himself a very generous glass of wine*

Earth CS-2: Where Is My Master Rebel Prince

I fail to see how that is any fault of my own? T’would be best for you to be prepared for any eventuality when one summons beings from the World Tree.

*thanks him with a nod, rolling her neck and relaxing somewhat*

Nothing other than what has brought you to call me, here, of all places. If there is trouble, let me hear of it.

I am prepared for any eventuality. *arches an eyebrow* Perhaps we should duel by summoning creatures.

*takes off his headpiece and runs his hand through his hair, sending his rakishly-tousled curls into a state of... slightly more rakishly tousled.*

*The boys have good hair*

*frowns* We go to war. Against the mortals.

Earth CS-2: Where Is My Master Rebel Prince

*follows with a well-practiced quiet until she is sure they are in a place not to be overheard*

We are well. *eyes him sternly* It was a long journey. If you disbelieve me you may draw your sword and see how tired I am.

*takes a deep breath and tries to smile* It is good to see you, my heart. *shakes her canteen and frowns* Perhaps a light refreshment if it is not too much bother.

*hushed* Draw my-- Lady Sif, you are very well aware that I do not even own a sword. *straightens tunic and frowns*

*leads her into his quarters* I will have the steward bring something. *does so and then returns*

Is there anything else you require?

Earth CS-2: Where Is My Master Rebel Prince

*narrows her eyes just a little, until she is assured it is actually him. Sif is too tired and perhaps a little crankier than normal, but has the self-awareness to know this as she steps out, crossing her lips with a finger and checking the surroundings*

*harsh whisper* Not a word until we are inside.

*nods quickly and ushers her in, again using the back passages and taking care to muffle their footsteps*

*voice hushed* Are you and Uncle well? *frowns a little* You seem fatigued.

Earth CS-2: Where Is My Master Rebel Prince

*The World Tree healed, Sif and Thor part ways again, this time to deliver the news to those who wait to hear. Parting is never easy, but sooner than she wishes it to be Sif journeys on her way, headed for Asgard*

*Magic, familiar and not, prickles at her, and she lets herself be cautiously lead in its direction until she steps out of the tree in the place where she had first departed, sword already drawn*

*Lets out a yelp and stumbles back when he sees the sword, raising his hands palms-out* Lady Sif! You are returned!

*Looks her over and eyes widen a little bit more because she appears to have gained a little weight on her journey which is... unexpected. But not the sort of thing he's about to ask about. Now, or ever.*