butterflybullet:

She'd never really pictured this happening. Of course, she'd married off her dolls as a girl, but the idea of her wedding had always brought with it the idea of really settling down with one guy, which had never been much on her agenda. This, of course, was different. This was Svalin. And she loved Svalin, and honestly wanted to be there for her and be a family with her. And while there would be sacrifices involved, it wasn't the same as Really Settling Down. A platonic marriage that still came with a fancy party. Nothing wrong with that!

Her parents had been brought up to Asgard, along with the Avengers and the Defenders.

The first royal wedding in a generation was the Event of the Season, with quite a bit of bustle about it.

...And the dress was going to be perfect.

But first, Spa day with Mom and the Mothers-in-law --two of them. Oh gosh.

She hoped Svalin was okay.

nextgen_asgard:

Asgard was no stranger to attacks. Attacks on the Golden Realm came frequently and the host of Asgard would rise to meet the challenge before them. It was a never ending cycle of death and violence. One day it would end with a final battle, but that would not be today.

Legions of the deal led by Hela followed after the Destroyer. Multitudes of the dishonored dead and the common dead followed their mistress to the walls of Asgard. The dead weren't the only ones approaching the city. Trolls and Frost Giants were also in the ranks of the enemy. Their numbers were far greater than the number of those defending the city.

At the head stood a giant figure in shining armor. The Destroyer, once created to challenge the mighty Celestials, led the advance on Asgard.

nextgen_misc:

Daniel, Zoey, Scotty, Ellie and Rufus had told Thor and Sif about what happened in Hel while Einmyria made sure they ate and rested. The Thunder God's face wore a scowl as the children told the tale and Sif's expression mirrored his. They left the kids with Eimyria and returned to Odin's great hall. A dark cloud loomed on the horizon and Asgard would prepare to face it.

The host of Asgard started preparations for a battle and the sons and daughters of Asgard on Migard would be called back.

anyastark:

Word about certain things spread fast in the cape community and Anya learned that Vernique and Svalin were getting married, in Asgard, and Svalin was expecting a baby. This of course meant one thing. There had to be a party to celebrate both things and Anya was the perfect one to throw it. Anya had known Vernique since forever and there had been many marathon shopping trips.

She sent invitations out to the female members of the X-Men, Champions, Avengers, West Coast Avengers, Defenders, X-Force, Alpha Flight, Excalibur, Fantastic Four, Sammy and Alice in SHIELD, Kelly and Melissa. It was also the first get together the Thunderbolts would be hosting.

The renovated firehouse in Cambridge was cleaned from top to bottom and supplies were laid in. Stephanie was given cart blanch on the menu and snacks. Anya and Molly went shopping for the drinks and for gifts for Vernique and Svalin. Since the crowd was very varied they got a wide selection of sodas, juices, beer and also picked up a lot of water. Anya even booked rooms at a nearby hotel just in case people didn't want to make the trip home that night. Anya had spoken to Irina and arranged for pick up of the various team members around the world.

Saturday rolled around and Anya was up at the crack of dawn double checking everything. Then she headed down to the lab until the first ladies arrived.

i_feel_you:

After asking her if she would spend his birthday with him, Luna had started to make plans for what to do for Eli for his birthday.

After some thought, she came up with what she thought was a pretty good present. Luna had made some calls and invited over the Avengers that Eli had traveled with when they fought Kang. She also invited over Kalypso, as Eli had mentioned that they were cousins.

Luna had made chicken parmesan for dinner. She'd also gone out to the store bought salad, garlic bread, and red wine. When she had called Vernique, she had told that for dessert, they would go to Florence for hot chocolate.

She had also gotten Eli a couple of books she thought that he would enjoy.

After she finished making dinner, Luna changed into a light dress. She checked on the chicken quickly before going to set the table while she waited for people.

butterflybullet:

Vernique was over at the Defenders compound -- she and Hal were going to the Oscars this weekend. But that wasn't the only thing coming up.

"Svalin? Eli's birthday's next week."

sydney_ashcroft:

Grace's birthday was on Thursday and Syd had made sure she they acknowledged the day, but they were saving the big party for Saturday. The Defenders as a team had gone out to dinner at a Brazilian steakhouse. When they returned home anyone who wanted to watch movies camped out in the living room.

Syd had the two chefs, Hugh and Malinda, make Grace's favorite food for dinner and her favorite cake for dinner on Saturday. When dinner was over, Syd and Zoey brought the cake out with the candles lit.

"Happy birthday to you...." they sang as they brought the cake to the table.

Syd ignored her own birthday.

strongbox:

Jordan didn't at all mind the looks of the woman who bought him, though it looked like she was talking to a friend... who he also doesn't mind a bit. However, observing certain other details, something else grabs his attention.

He heads over to the girl in the wheelchair. Well, the one that isn't Mel.

"Miss McCoy?"

nextgen_holiday:


I arise from dreams of thee
In the first sweet sleep of night,
When the winds are breathing low,
And the stars are shining bright.
I arise from dreams of thee,
And a spirit in my feet
Hath led me -- who knows how?
To thy chamber window, Sweet!

The wandering airs they faint
On the dark, the silent stream--
And the Champak's odours
Like sweet thoughts in a dream;
The nightingale's complaint,
It dies upon her heart,
As I must on thine,
O belovèd as thou art!

O lift me from the grass!
I die! I faint! I fail!
Let thy love in kisses rain
On my lips and eyelids pale.
My cheek is cold and white, alas!
My heart beats loud and fast:
O press it to thine own again,
Where it will break at last!

Percy Bysshe Shelley

shield_maiden:

For Svalin getting two new weapons at the same time was like a kid getting toys at Christmas and not knowing which one to play with first. Vigfrior was one of the most perfect weapons Svalin had ever picked up. The sword was...well perfect. The grip fit her hand with perfections, the balance was unlike she had ever seen and it the ability to change into different weapons. Svalin no longer had to worry about carrying a small arsenal with her.

Then there was the Bat'leth. Her brother had done excellent work and she truly didn't deserve such a gift. Svalin had been practicing almost non-stop with the two weapons when she wasn't doing other chores around the compound. At first the Bat'leth felt clumsy and awkward, but Svalin was a warrior and she practiced religiously and took to weapons like no other. Now her movements were fluid, almost graceful and she knew she could now use the weapon in combat.

Maybe soon she would get her chance to use both weapons in combat.

She thought about Vernique as she went through her afternoon training routine. She had left a message with her inviting her out to visit for a few days. Svalin may have said something about wanting some new Migard clothes. If anything brought Vernique out, it would be the promise of shopping and the chance to dress Svalin up.

She hadn't heard back from Vernique, but she had used Sydney's phone because she didn't have one of her own. Though she knew Syndey would tell her if Vernique had called. That she was sure of.

She continued to go through her forms and Zoey mirrored her movements. She could tell the child had been practicing while she was away and had improved. After practice they would see to their horses and then Svalin promised Zoey she would take her swimming.

nextgen_misc:

The Seven Heaves Casino and Resort was the newest casino in Vegas and business was booming. Tourists and locals alike came to the new casino to check it out and to see if they could hit a jackpot. Some came out winners while others came out losers. Some came out completely changed and had a new outlook on life after finding religion. It was an unusual place to find religion, but then again the owners were very unusual themselves.

godlierthanthou:

Imagine Asleif's surprise when she had heard her sister had returned from her travels (farther than she knew though they might have been).  Zooey's contact to tell Asleif had been a pleasant surprise, however, and she had told the girl to pass on to the others that she would be making a brief stop to see Svalin (and perhaps a tea party with the budding young sorceress before she left).

So it was that Asleif found herself outside Svalin's door, knocking.  She intended to make no excuses, though she knew her handling of things was not strictly within what Svalin had set before her.  But she would not be of the lineage of Loki if she did not sometimes seek loopholes.  Her own affairs had overtaken those goals and she had set right what she could.  She apologized not.

eagleofthebow:

Aridis had stayed back as her sister got used to being 'home'. It was not her way to demand attention from her family. She thought it was best to let them do things in their own time. But it had been long enough. Aridis had decided it was time to see her sister.

She made two very large mugs of hot chocolate and went to seek out Svalin.

"Mine sister. I wouldst speak with thee. Art thou free," she calls just outside the door to Svalin's room.

shield_maiden:

Svalin had settled back into her room at the Defenders' Compound and went to the stables to see to Tryggvi and Snowflake. Zoey had been taking very good care of her horse and Svalin was proud. The dogs and tiger seemed to be doing well and it made Svalin happy.

When she was all settled in she made her way up to the main building for something to eat and some mead. She grabbed some cheese and a loaf of bread from the kitchen and a bottle of mead. It wasn't Asgardian, but would do in a pinch. It felt good to be home.

She grabbed a seat at the breakfast counter and started to eat.

shield_maiden:

The view from the highest tower in Asgard was the same as she remembered it, but this time it didn't offer the calm and peace it usually did. Svalin's heart and mind were heavy and the beauty of the Golden Realm didn't offer the solace she had been seeking.

It was good to be home and good to be back in Asgard, but at the same time she was sad to be home. She'd probably never see Jon again. He had been right when he said they each had duties to see to and she would do hers. She just wished it didn't hurt so much.

Momone had been happy to see her return and Sif being Sif was proud Svalin had proved herself worthy and would take her proper place in Asgard. Momtwo had practically smothered here with TLC and had noticed she wasn't herself. Svalin had told her about Jon and the time spent with him. It got her a good dose of home cooking and a generous amount of mead. Nothing helped heartache than some TLC from Momtwo.

She swore Astrid and Eir had grown a few inches in the months Svalin had been gone. Skari had grown a lot. Soon he would be taller than Svalin, but she would still be able to kick his ass if needed.

Svalin had made a quick stop to pay respects to Lord Odin and Lady Frigga, but for the most part she kept to herself.

nextgen_misc:

The New Year was a time for sending out the old year and ringing in the new. It was always a time of partying and celebrating. This year it was time for a battle. The time and dimensionally displaced Avengers along with their possible future kids got ready for a battle with Kang and his forces.

The sun was just coming up over the city and on the new year.

nextgen_holiday:

There's a piece of paper and a pen attached to a bulletin board. Across the top is written:

New Year's Resolutions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
+

Anonymous entries accepted.

nextgen_holiday:

Christmas. Yule. Saturnalia. Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Many cultures have celebrated and still celebrate a winter festival. There have been many names for it over the millennia. No matter the name it is a time to come together and celebrate with feasts and gifts with friends and loved ones.

Each culture has a legendary figure who would deliver gifts to children during this time. In Russia and some Slavic cultures he is known as Ded Moroz, Grandfather Frost, and comes not on Christmas but on New Year’s along with his granddaughter Snegurochka, or ‘”Snow Maiden”. In the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe he is known as Father Christmas. In the Netherlands and Belgium he is known as Saint Nicholas or “Sinterklaas” and in France he is known as Père Noël. In the United States we know him as Santa Claus.

No matter the name or who is delivering gifts, it is the season of peace, joy and togetherness. It is the season for thinking about loved ones, friends and those less fortunate. It is a time to witness the goodness and generosity the human race is capable of. It is a time for peace on Earth and goodwill toward man

The Avengers' Mansion was decorated and festive. Inside the Avengers celebrated Christmas Day. Outside there was a flash of light and six time and dimensionally displaced Avengers showed up.

nextgen_misc:

Morning came to New York and with it a brisk wind making it seem colder than it was. The weak winter sun did little to warm things up and a layer of frost covered cars and other objects left out in the cold winter air over night. The city that never slept was becoming more alive with activity as her residents started their daily routines.

High above the city the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier flew, keeping an eye on the city below.

It seemed like any other winter's morning in New York, but today would prove to be far from ordinary.

nextgen_misc:

The timely save by the Anti-Registration forces brought the Exiles to the group's secret headquarters. The rescued heroes were brought back and offered medical aid, food and a chance to rest away from the pro-registration forces. The Exiles explained who they were and what their mission was and were invited to stay for as long as they wanted.

A few hours later more rescued heroes were brought back and this time it was the six Avengers. They entered the secret underground base and escorted to the area where they could get cleaned up and get medical treatment for their wounds. They would get the chance to meet everyone when they were done and came out to the main area with everyone else.

nextgen_misc:

Not too far from where the battle between the Avengers and the Exiles took place, another group of travelers arrived. They received instructions on what they needed to do, much like the Exiles in that regard. The instructions were simple. Find and defeat a group of dimensional travelers before they could complete their mission.

The small team took cover and waited.

It wasn't long before a flash of white light appeared and a small group of six Avengers appeared.

shield_maiden:

Asgardians didn't bother with birthdays and birthday celebrations, but since spending some time on Migard Svalin had come to understand that celebrating the day of one's birth was important. Svalin had made a note of her teammate's birthdays when she had read their files not long after joining the Avengers. Today, at least she thought it was today, was Charlie's birthday. It was a little difficult to keep track of exactly what day it was when one was hopping through time.

She mentioned Charlie's birthday to Vernique and Plans were made. The rest of the Avengers were let in on the plans.

One tradition of celebrating one's day of birth was to give them a gift. Svalin hadn't time to make him a dagger, but she had managed to purchase one from a pilot who seemed to be following her around along with a jacket that was called a bombadier jacket. Svalin had removed the name patch and had stayed awake all night removing the embroidery of the pilot's name and stitching Charlie's in it.

throughouttime:

There was a flash of light amidst the explosions and the loud sound of gunfire. The Avengers arrived in what was literally a war zone.

Tanks rolled across the land and fired with resounding booms and soldiers exchanged gunfire from trenches on both sides. There was a loud shout and a man in red, white and blue led a small group of brightly costumed people across the battlefield.

On the other side a man with a purple hood watched the battle and next to him was a man with a monocle.

throughouttime:

The Avengers had a few days to go over the intel that Tony Stark and Captain America provided. It had been a time to rest and recuperate from any injuries sustained on their last mission.

The quiet was about to be shattered.

Alarms went off all over the flying airship. They were under attack by the forces of the Red Skull and the Skeleton Crew. Each member was on a flying platform with ten other troops, all armed with laser weapons and swords.

cosmic_son:

There's an abrupt shift in reality, and the Exiles find themselves... well, not in Kansas anymore.

In all times previous to this, the air has been fresher than that of the world they know. This one... well, it may be fresher, but there's a very distinct tang of faint coal dust in the air. The colors are muted, mostly tans and browns... except the ones that aren't. the women walking by in the distance are examplary of the era when more complex dyes and dye mixing was being discovered, the women in extremely opulent finery in many cases, the wealthy among them in a wash of bright, vivid greens and reds and blues and patterns, and even their maids in complex dress compared to the ages of simplicity and necessity they've left behind. The men are all in hats, shirts and jackets.

Everywhere, there's signs of the city being powered by a mix of old style gaslights, steam power, clockwork and electricity, sometimes with little rhyme or reason.

Over it all, a single craft, the size of a city block and being supported by numerous dirigible balloons hovers, casting a shadow over all of what could be recognized by long term residents as some ancient and steam powered version of New York City.


Iason is the first to speak.  "I... do not recognize this as similar to anything from Earth's history."

nextgen_misc:

A bright sun in a dull blue sky baked the earth below despite it being late October. The air didn't hold any moisture and dust was stirred up by the wind. The terrain was mostly flat and sparse of vegetation and about a mile west lay a silver-mining boomtown called Tombstone.

There was a bright flash of light about a mile outside of the town. Six very strangely dressed individuals and one white horse with wings suddenly appeared.

butterflybullet:

Their recovery in Camelot still lingered, and there had been time for shopping. Which was excellent, because Vernique had managed to ascertain that hers was not the only summer birthday in their little set. And, of course, she'd told.

And she'd used some of her backup silver down at the wood turner's and tanner's shops to acquire a couple of the most stylish-looking little bowls and some leather combat-accrouchments -- two things that museums didn't tend to get a hold of this old from this time period, so she figured the amateur archaeologist'd be well advised to keep some of his own.

She used sheer hero-clout in the kitchens to acquire some sort of honey-based cake, and had these things laid out for Ryan at the appropriate time.

nextgen_adult:

The battle was won and Camelot was victorious. King Arthur had mostly recovered from his injuries though was still hurting a bit. He had been busy awarding his Knights for their brave deeds and valor over the course of the battle. There had been a lot of knights who deserved this.

Arthur had also invited the six strangers who had been so instrumental in saving his kingdom. He planned on knighting them for their efforts calling them up one by one.

nextgen_misc:

The day to retake Camelot had finally come. Arthur's knights, lead by the Black Knight, rode out from their encampment. They were a force of three thousand strong. Armor gleamed in the light of the setting sun and off the sharp edges of swords and spears.

They rode for two hours before they came to a halt a few miles from Camelot.

Here a small group would split from the main body and carry out their mission while the rest would ride to besiege the castle.

shield_maiden:

The concept of celebrating birthdays was still a strange one to Svalin. In Asgard they knew what season they had been born and used it only to mark another year passing. Svalin had never celebrated a birthday or thought about doing it until her stay on Migard. Zoey had been the one to teach all the Asgardians about birthdays and had done a fine job at that. Though Svalin was still trying to figure out what clowns had to do with birthdays and how people could call themselves magicians when they couldn't perform any magic.

Regardless of her understanding or lack thereof, Svalin had been keeping track of the time they had spent on this adventures. By her calculations it was Vernique's birthday, give or take a day or two. While they had been waiting for Arthur, the Black Knight and others to assemble the troops, Svalin had enough time to do some work at the forges.

Once she had convinced one of the smiths, and by convinced she meant glower down at one until he moved, to let her use it for a few hours she started working on Vernique's gift. Now she knew Vernique liked dresses and other things women preferred, and while Svalin could patch holes in clothing, she could in no way make a dress so she opted for a dagger.

She fell into an easy rhythm at the forge and in short time she had an eight inch dagger completed. The edges were as sharp as Svalin could make them. The pommel, grip and guard were simple in design. Had she more time Svalin would have been able to do something fancier, but she didn't know when they would be riding to retake Camelot. Maybe when they were in a different time period and had a little time, Svalin would find something more appropriate to Vernique for a gift.

With new dagger in hand she went looking for her teammate friend.

nextgen_misc:

There was a great flash of Light and the group appeared in the middle of a great forest under a dark cloudy sky. Not far from them was a road that leads to Camelot that was not far from them and could be seen in the distance above the tree line. A great battle had recently been fought there though from here it was impossible to tell much.

nextgen_citizen:

Tomorrow the warriors of the fleet will return to mourning, begin preparations to return home without a lot of their original number and set out longer range patrols to make sure they've dealt with all of the threat. For tonight, however, there's a celebration. There's limited supplies, certainly, but they've done their best. Typical for their traveling fleets, there's boiled meat and fish. There's also plenty of mead.
Entertainment is a combination of a couple of skalds recounting stories from the history of the tribe, and then bragging and stories exchanged around a long table. The heroes are given esteemed places around the table, with Svalin at the head.

nextgen_misc:

The ships moved effortlessly through the rough seas as they made their way toward land. They kept formation and large metal robots stood like silent sentinels on the decks. They were waiting to reach shore and then would sweep across the land destroying everything in their path. It had been the same tactics they had used in other areas of the North.

Sol in her chariot drawn by the horses Alsvid and Arvak came up over the horizon and snapping at Sol's heels was the wolf Skoll. One day the wolf would catch and devour Sol, but for now he continued to chase her day after day. On the sea in front of the metal ships of Kang floated the small fleet of ships of the Norsemen.

shield_maiden:

After a few hours of waiting for the effects of the mead and wine from previous night's drinking to wear off, Svalin led the others down to the village. Tryggvi had a blanket over him to hide his wings and the other horse walked next to him. A part of Svalin wished her brother were here to deal with the chieftain. A male who understood the customs would make things a lot easier, but seeing how Halbjorn was not here she was going to have to do it.

Svalin was quiet and pensive as they entered the village. Her sword and shield were ready in the event she needed to use them. Which was very likely.

They were immediately surrounded by warriors, all with drawn swords and shields at the ready. Svalin put up a hand for the Avengers to not draw weapons or move. It was a delicate situation and one she didn't need to get quickly out of hand.

"We hath come to speak to thine chieftain," she said as she sized up the warriors all around them.

nextgen_misc:

There was a flash of bright light and the group appeared on a small hilltop overlooking what would be the modern day spot of the town of Hamre, Norway. Humans had been living in this area since the Stone Age, eking out a living in the harsh climate.

The walled settlement was set at the mouth of a river that emptied into the bay. The buildings and wall were made of timber harvested from the nearby forest and a little land had been cleared for farming. Though in the cold North, most sustenance was derived from the sea and the raiding parties that went out in boats each summer.

The inhabitants of the town were gathered in a field some distance away from the settlement. A large ship sat on top a pyre and the townsfolk gathered around. Men, warriors, carried the body of their chieftan to the ship and placed him inside the tent. A young woman, a thrall, flanked by two warriors and an old woman walked to the ship. She paused long enough to give her jewelry to the old woman and then boarded the ship. She stood on the deck and was handed intoxicating drinks. Afterward, she entered the tent with six men and an old woman. The warriors outside began to beat on their shields.

The men and the old woman left the boat and grabbed torches. They set the torches to the wood and the pyre began to burn.

shield_maiden:

Apparently fighting off vampires and cultists earned a person a stay at the city's palace. The local king was most appreciative of having his city emptied of the vampires and cultists and had invited the Avengers along with Red Sonja and Conan to stay for the night in his palace.

Svalin cared not where she stayed, only that she had a place for Tryggvi and someplace to sleep. Hard or soft, it didn't matter. She was used to sleeping on the ground as much as she was used to sleeping in a bed. The girls were shown to one suite and the guys to another. In the middle of the room that connected to the two bedrooms was a large bathtub put into the floor. Servants filled it with steaming water. The same was in the guys' room. They were all expected at dinner in two hours.

Svalin carefully checked her weapons and equipment and laid the out one by one on a table in the room. Getting clean was not the highest priority for her.

shield_maiden:

Svalin was up with the rising of the sun. She watched the sunrise from the abandoned house they had stayed in for the night. Battle was coming and she could never sleep the night before a battle. It wasn't nerves. It was anticipation for the coming fight. Today they would hunt down this Thulsa Doom and if they were lucky, Varnae as well.

The day would be clear and sunny and perfect for battle.

Svalin, needless to say, was looking forward to it. She wasn't sure about the other Avengers, but she sensed the anticipation from the redheaded woman warrior and the male warrior. He reminded her of her brother and it made her miss her siblings.

She should go check her equipment and weapons. There was a battle coming.

butterflybullet:

Particularly with the extra help, Vernique didn't take long to whip up some properly local fashion. Once everyone was outfitted who needed to be, she preened a bit -- that was just unavoidable. "Well, now that everyone looks acceptably fantastic: off to town to look for signs of Kang Was Here?"

nextgen_misc:

A dry hot wind carried dust with it as it swept across the plain. The sun scorched the earth and the summer heat was relentless. Vultures circled in the air against the backdrop of a dull blue sky. Off in the distance the brown walls and buildings of a city blended into the landscape.

There was a flash of bright light and six people and one horse stood on the dry plain.

shield_maiden:

Svalin and Tryggvi just landed on the small lawn in the back of the Avengers Mansion. Svalin had been getting antsy and decided to take Tryggvi out for a flight around New York. They were both feeling too confined. At least at the Defenders compound there was room to move around and a nice ocean breeze. There were too many tall buildings in New York and they were all too close.

Svalin dismounted and immediately removed the saddle. She let it fall on the ground and then removed the bridle. She smiled and lightly rubbed Tryggvi's nose before placing a kiss on his forehead. "Thank you, my friend. 'Twas a most enjoyable flight."

anyastark:


To: Prince Dork (misha_romanov@xaviers.edu)
From: Anya Stark (anya_stark@starkindustries.com)
Subject: Sun and fun

Hey Dork,

I'm inviting the Avengers to the Tahiti house for a week. You're invited and so are the X-ers.

Leaving 5pm on the 4th. Coming back on Friday the 9th around 1pm.

Let me know how many are coming.


Anya.

shield_maiden:

Svalin had promised Vernique a trip west when Svalin went, but Halbjorn was here in the city to get changed back into a male. Svalin still needed to go and get her other weapons and gear, but she could wait. Her brother was recovering from his injuries and Svalin knew what would help the process along. Mead. And lots of it.

There wasn't mead in the Avengers mansion, but Svalin knew where they could get some. With that in mind she went looking for Vernique. Perhaps she would accompany Svalin and Halbjorn to Asgard.

ng_independent:

They had arrived at Earth and had orbited for awhile before Empress had selected her targets. It had taken some time. She didn't want just ANYONE. They had to be among the best. She WOULD win the gladiatorial games this time. NOTHING would stop her. Not even a small thing like gender.

Empress didn't care if it was cheating. The only thing that mattered was winning and she would win this time.

The teleporters were activated and the selected targets were beamed directly to the lab. There they underwent a little transformation and were given attitude readjustments and then put into a holding cell.

The men would wake up in the holding cell to find a few changes.

weavingwizard:

Daniel never asked for help when it came to his father. He had just disappeared into his lab one day after helping out with some other stuff. Then he left a few days latter smelling like he hadn't bathed in a few days without a word.

Like that he was gone. Not a word or hint. He should have said something. People can yell at him latter.

Right now though? It's been a week. No sign of the young wizard nor any word.


Just what was up with Daniel?

butterflybullet:

Vernique had a package.

Between school and the massive free battle royales, I figured you could use a little something.

Love,
Dad

Eight pounds of cocoa-dusted Belgian truffles.

As she carried them happily to her room, she stopped to knock on the door next to hers.

shield_maiden:

They were gathered at the gates to the city at the foot of the newly repaired Bifrost Bridge. Tryggvi stood behind Svalin and pawed at the ground with a hoof. "Stop that," she said to her mount. He responded by headbutting her arm. Svalin new he was eager to go. He was always like this before a trip.

Svalin was not so eager to go. This would be the last time she saw her siblings for awhile. They would return to the Defenders and she would be going to the Avengers. Father's idea and Svalin had thought it a good one, but it didn't mean it would make this any easier.

She stood a little distance away from her siblings and waited for her chance to say goodbye to them and her parents. Father and the Mothers were saying their goodbyes to the other three.

Hrimhari, Lady Rahne, Moira and Danielle were a little ways off saying their goodbyes to each other.

Amorason stood off to one side.

shield_maiden:

Svalin walked the upper battlements. It was still a few hours before dawn and she couldn't sleep. A dream had woke her and she could not find sleep again so she walked the battlements. There were guards stationed at regular intervals and they nodded to the princess as she passed. Svalin returned their nods as she passed, but that was the extent of her acknowledgment.

Most of the other inhabitants of Asgard were asleep, most were passed out. Asgardians celebrated as hard as they fought. The celebration had been going for days and Svalin had tired of it after the first night. She didn't see the point of drinking excessively for days.

The wind was cold as it whipped over the battlements. A stray thought popped in her head that if she were on Migard, the wind would be warm and it would carry the smell of salt. She was loathe to admit it, but she did miss being on Migard a little. She had been studying Hellenic and Roman warfare tactics and she missed having the books nearby. She also missed chocolate, but that went without saying.

Svalin took a deep breath and stopped walking. She looked out over the city and into the night.

nextgen_asgard:

The Great Hall of Odin is awash with people and noise. The fallen heroes have been honored and it was now time to celebrate their victory. It was also time to celebrate the acts of courage and bravery in the heat of battle. Mead flowed freely and the tables were pregnant with food of all kinds.

Stories about the recent battle were exchanged as well as stories of previous battles. Songs passed down through time were sung as well as new ones.

The air was light and merry and it was a festive time in Asgard.

shield_maiden:

Odin's Great Hall was almost silent. The gathered crowd waited for Thor, current ruler of Asgard while Odin slept, to speak. They were gathered to honor their fallen warriors. The battle had cost many lives and it was only fitting and proper those lost lives were honored.

Svalin stood next the throne and next to her father as Princess of Asgard. She was uncomfortable standing in front of so many people and as the princess. She was a warrior born and had a warrior's heart, not some speech maker. Barking out orders or yelling battle cries were more her style and easier to do.

Her father looked at her and nodded once.

She swallowed against the lump in her throat and looked out at the assembled warriors, her people. It was so hard to stand before them and talk about the ones that she had failed. The ones that had died because of her actions and her disregard of her duty. By Odin's beard this was hard. Her hand shook and she nearly dropped the goblet of mead she held.

"When mine father said I wast to speak to all of thee today, I didst not know what I would say. I wast scared to stand before you all and speak for I art much better with sword and shield than with words." Her voice started out a little shaky, but got stronger the more she spoke.

"Today I doth not stand before you as a princess of Asgard nor as a warrior. Today I stand /with/ you as a daughter of Asgard and the words I now speak art from mine heart."

She took a deep breath to steady herself.

"Sons and daughters of Asgard, we art not here to celebrate victory with food and drink. We art not here to sing songs of our prowess in battle. We art /not/ here for us. Today we do not mourn the loss of our sisters and brothers, but today we honor them. We honor their strength, their bravery, their unparalleled courage, and their sacrifice for Asgard.

Mine father hath tried to teach me and mine siblings humility as his father had taught him, but naught hath made me more humble than to see our sisters and brothers standing up in battle against an enemy that outnumbered them. I wast deeply humbled to see them do their duty to Asgard and to pay the ultimate price for the home and people they loved."

Another deep breath to steady herself. Tears clouded her eyes and she blinked them back.

"We feel the painful loss of our fallen brothers and sisters, but we must take comfort in knowing that they art now in Valhalla with the honored slain. They hath been reunited with our brothers and sisters that hath fallen in battle before them. Take heart brothers and sisters, for one day we shall be reunited with them, whether it be in Valhalla to wait until the final days or at the end of times in the final battle when we once again fight side by side with our honored brothers and sisters.

Honor their memory and their sacrifice each day by celebrating and appreciating the life they have given you by giving theirs. We must not let them slip from our memories or our hearts."

She raised the goblet in her hand.

"Raise your drinks and voices to our honored fallen brothers and sisters and keep their memories alive until the end of times."

She looked out at the people before her and then a quick glance over at her father. "To our fallen brothers and sisters. May you rest well in Valhalla until we see all of thee again in the final battle."

Svalin poured a little of the mead on the floor as an offering and then took a long drink of mead.

eagleofthebow:

Aridis was thinking over all that had happened. There was much to think about. Fate had much in store for them and theirs and much of it was unexpected. She had always thought that it would be Svalin or Aslief that would end up in the position that the All-Father had said was to be hers if everything went the way Aridis expected it would.

She did not want it for a moment. She could not change fate though. To do so would to risk ruin.

Thinking all of this over she began to fix herself a mug of tea. She had grown fond of the way the mortals brewed it and found some of the more fragrant blends were most enjoyable.