Jotunheim

[ngm_miscellaneous]

The portal from Vincent's magic opened on one of the middle levels of the Norse universe. Snow crunched under boots and bare feet as the Avengers assembled in the realm of giants. The sharp, craggy land was as welcoming as an ice pick between the shoulder blades. But out there in the cold and blowing landscape was a young girl waiting to be rescued.

Comments

[avengingwarbird]

She'd forgone wearing her helmet this time, deciding instead to stick to a more stream-lined version of the armour she'd worn of late, complete with crackling, angry mace at her side.

There was no fear in Roxie's face as she stepped out of the portal, her eyes taking in everything around them, looking for the first signs of oncoming war.

Instead, all that she saw was snow and ice and mountains, all of which in any other circumstance would have seemed welcoming.

"I'm actually a little sad that there isn't a welcoming committee," Roxie stated.

[lil_hulk]

Jay looked around, slightly peeved there was nothing to immediately hit. He was breathing through his nose, so he had twin trails of visible water vapor as he moved forward. His large fists were clenching and unclenching.

"Maybe they're running late," he rumbled.

[comic_awareness]

Bruce lifted off the ground and into the air. "Roxie, with me. We're gonna do a little recon. The rest of you, be ready for anything."

[wateronthebrain]

Erin nods finding it feels colder here. She doesn't like it and is seriously looking forward to when they get out of here. This place looks pretty desolate and tapping into her ability to sense water she notes she'll have to get creative.

[the4thblackknight]

Marcus stepped out behind his teammates and surveyed the scene. The icy chill in the air made his chest ache even more when he breathed. Painkillers were holding it at bay, but he'd be pleased to get this over with and get back to warmer climes.

He felt naked without his horse, too. The snow crunched under his boots as he followed behind Jay. "You and your parades."

[vincent_amora]

Vincent is the last through the portal, closing it carefully behind him for later reopening. He still has the Casket, and is all too ready to use it on Loki or anyone else in their way.

"Marcus, Erin, do either of you need protection from the elements?" He gives the others the benefit of the doubt for constitution in this case.

[avengingwarbird]

Roxie had the distinct feeling that Marcus would turn Vincent's offer down, and worrying that he would do so with a sword being run through Vincent's torso, she quickly said, "I think we're all fine." She lifted herself off of the ground and hovered a few feet above them slowly turning around in place, getting a feel for where they were. "Vincent, do me a favour and do that thing you did to my seventh sense earlier. If we're going to find Audhild, my Kreepy senses are going to need a little boost."

Then she looked up at Bruce and nodded, following him. Recon seemed as good an idea as any.

[comic_awareness]

Bruce lifted higher into the air, scanning the terrain for any signs of, well, anything pretty much.

Funny though... his flight glow was a lot brighter than it normally was. He felt charged, way more charged than he should have been. It was taking less energy to keep in the air too.

[ngm_villains]

They will get a hint of something. About a mile and a half away from their current location there is an ice cave. It looks like someone might be in there right now.

[pintsizedbruiser]

"Brother!" She scrambles against Bruce for a moment before going still. Audhild is pretty upset right now. The stress is clear on her face.

[comic_awareness]

Once Bruce was certain they were safely back in the courtyard, Bruce finally released Audhild.

"Okay, I never want to do any of that. Ever again."

[the4thblackknight]

Marcus didn't say a word. Once they were through the portal, his duty was discharged and he was done with this. He brushed past the rest of the group and headed to check on his horse.

[lil_hulk]

Jay came out of the portal from Jotunheim back to the Avengers' courtyard. He hunched his eight-foot tall frame a bit. He glanced after Marcus, looked at Bruce, and then shook his head.

"I'll go see if Marcus needs help, then I'm wrecking the training room."

The big Hulk turned his back on the rest of the Avengers and slowly trailed after his departing friend.

[avengingwarbird]

Roxie nodded at Bruce as Jay and Marcus stalked away. "Make that two of us," she said quietly.

[wateronthebrain]

Erin just stumbles then gives Bruce a tired smile. "I'm just going to go change. I don't feel like destroying anything. Just like sleeping for a week."

She is bone tired right now.

[comic_awareness]

This... this was going to be a rather difficult rest of the day, even after the rest of the mess.

"Vincent, after you've seen to Audhild, meet me in the war room. The rest of you... get patched up, get food, whatever you need. World's been saved. And somebody let Marcus and Jay know I wanna talk to them too."

[vincent_amora]

Vincent comes through the portal just as it closes, practically nicking the heel of his boots he cuts it close. He hurriedly takes Audhild from Bruce. "I'll report to you when I can. I need to make sure she's truly safe this time."

He puts a hand into her hair, holding her tightly against his shoulder. "Everything's going to be alright, Audhild. I promise."

[ngm_adults]

"Tell me, Vincent, is that an Avengers promise or a cut-rate-version-of-Father promise?" Dr. Vernard asks as he approaches.

[comic_awareness]

Bruce was waiting for Vincent in the war room. He'd had a chance to shower, gotten a sandwich from Jarvis, and was generally recovered from his Asgardian adventures.

But now he had quite a job ahead of him.

[vincent_amora]

Vincent, on the other hand, had only the breather of taking Audhild home and the walk back. Top that off with the verbal dressing down his brother already gave him, and his mood was foul, to say the least.

He walks into the room, and doesn't bother to sit down. "Bruce, I'm going to be taking a leave of absence from the Avengers. I've been taking on too much in my life as of late, and I need to re-sort my priorities to care for Audhild more properly."

[comic_awareness]

Bruce crossed his arms. He definitely hadn't been expecting that.

"Indefinite leave of absence," he amended. "I'm not going to argue your point, Vincent, and when you're on your game, you're a valuable asset to the team, but we really need to reevaluate your ability to function as a part of it. I've got Marcus ready to quit and I don't know that Jay will ever trust you again."

He took in a breath, then offered him a hand. "You screwed up today. A lot. But I'm gonna wish you the best of luck putting your life back together."

[vincent_amora]

If not for the acknowledgment of his value to the team, Vincent would likely be unable to hold back some choice comments about Marcus and Jay. He hesitates for a long moment, then reaches out and accepts Bruce's hand.

"I will let you know when I feel comfortable about returning."

[comic_awareness]

"We'll talk more then," Bruce agreed. "No promises, man."

[vincent_amora]

"I understand."

Vincent is quiet for a moment, almost leaving right there, but--

"Bruce... I never meant for things to turn out this way." He takes a breath, avoiding eye contact. "Is there anything that can be done?"

[comic_awareness]

"I don't know, Vincent," Bruce said. "I really don't. But get your house in order, take care of that little girl. Then we'll talk."