nexus_crossings | Struggling with destiny

[There’s a newcomer wandering around the Nexus, a girl no older than 16, examining the different sights and sounds. She’s hiding how nervous she is to be in a new place, but the wonders of the multiverse easily create excitement. From taking pictures of Pokemon, people, flowers and buildings, Zelda is pointing the Sheikah Slate at anything of interest. Which is practically everything.]

[She’s watched the video greeting, along with reading some of the helpful pamphlets that get left behind on coffee tables and chairs. After getting her initial exploration out of the way, she stands quite patiently in the square, clutching the Sheikah Slate tightly with one hand, while the other pushes back stands of blond hair behind her pointy ears.]

It seems as if I am to ask a question, given the traditions and rules of this place. To be fair, conversing with random strangers has never been my strong suit…

[She takes a deep breath before continuing.]

Many people here seem to have different abilities and skills. If you would tell me...how did you discover your own talents? I seem to be struggling lately with my training, so any advice is greatly appreciated.

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As another relatively new arrival, Thor has spent the past day or so familiarizing himself with the Plaza proper, and its immediate surroundings. Including the clothing stores, so he doesn't have to borrow Steve Rogers' outfits anymore, perhaps to the disappointment of several visitors. It's no armor, but the sleeveless Nordic-style tunic fits him well, so he's pleased with it.

Several other shopping bags sit at his feet, tucked up under the small cafe table he's occupying. He looks up from the transparent, smartphone-like device in his hands at the sound of a question being asked, and peers at the speaker with his one good eye. Is that a Light Elf? A young one, if so.

"I first felt the call of the storm when I was six. My father had taken me to Vanaheim to learn about trade agreements, or something of the sort, and while we were there, a storm swept in. I thought I heard a voice call my name, so I went out into it, and was struck by a great blast of lightning. It didn't hurt at all, more like..." He trails off a moment, at a loss for words to describe it, everything coming up short. "Like coming home after a long day's travels, or seeing a friend that's been long away. The storm sang to me in my bones that night, and it has ever since."

[Zelda's attention goes to the bags and device Thor is holding first and foremost, fascinated by the different items he has. The Nexus is simply wonderful and she has to resist peeking into the bag. Instead, she turns her attention to Thor properly, nothing his appearance and how it reminds her of the veteran soldiers from back home.]

Well met, good sir. Your story is very interesting, and if you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a few more questions about it.

[She bows her head politely to him.]

You say the storm called out to you? Was this something you was expecting to happen in your life? A predetermined destiny of sorts. What kind of powers or knowledge have you gained from forging a bond of this nature?

The device might be made of glass, with a silver stripe down one side, and glowing Futhark-like runes inscribed across its surface. He presses a corner of it and the runes fade, leaving it blank as he sets it down on the surface of the table to face her more fully.

Her formal attitude seems familiar, and though Thor has spent a lifetime as a warrior, he's spent just as long learning court manners. Something he'll probably need more of in the coming days, now that he's king. He bows his head in return greeting, and gestures broadly to the chair opposite him. "Not at all. Please, join me."

He's never minded talking about himself, though these days it's of a slightly humbler nature than it used to be. "Not destiny, exactly, but I knew it'd come. My family is particularly strong in magic, so it went without saying that I'd develop a talent sooner or later. Illusions, prophecy, that sort of thing. My talent just happens to be elemental power. Lightning and storms, specifically. I can change the weather with a thought, turn it against my foes... and apparently cast lightning with my bare hands. That's kind of a recent thing."

[She smiles and makes a mental note of the device, what it looks like, in case if she can find one around here later. Seeing Thor bow his head gets a smile from her, as she politely accepts his offer to sit down. Such a nice gentleman.]

Why thank you, good sir. It is refreshing to see people care about one another in this place.

[She folds her hands, placing them in her lap, back straight up as she sits on the sofa. Based on her posture and behavior, it's clear that she's been trainer to be respectful and royal at any given moment. Being in the Nexus is no exception.]

I understand completely. Though I may not look like it, I come from a family with magical powers. Alas, I've yet to unlock those skills, hence the nature of my question. Can your magic be taught to other people, or is it exclusive to your family?

His own relaxed posture straightens subconsciously, though it's been a long time since he's been in the company of royals that aren't related to him. Centuries of training are good for something after all, as it turns out. Hooray, manners.

He doesn't remember the Light Elves being quite so reserved and polite, but then, this is the Nexus. She might not be an elf at all, despite the ears; humans may look Asgardian too, but that doesn't make him one either.

Her question puzzles him slightly, an odd angle to take for the topic, to his ear. "Use of magic is like any other skill. Most people can learn to access it, with proper training, but inborn talent tends to influence what shape that magic will take, and how powerful it is. I'll never be as talented with illusions as my brother, for instance, just as he will never harness a storm."

[Hylians are probably comparable to both humans and elves, their appearance shared with both races. She just happens to be one of royalty, hence the specifics in her behavior.]

I see...It all comes back to training, no matter how you look at it. But what if...

[The distress is very clear on her face now, looking away from Thor to stare at her gloved hands.]

Can I confide my problem to you? It relates to the questions I've been asking, but I've been avoiding the real problem.

"Of course." Thor offers a friendly smile, as reassuring as he can make it. "That seems to be what this place is for."

And sure, he's no teacher, but he can be a listening ear at least. Maybe there's some small scrap of wisdom he can pass along, once he understands her reasons.

Struggling with destiny

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