nextgen_media:

It was a normal day in Los Angeles and at the Defenders' Compound. Or so it seemed. It only took a few minutes, but the compound was transformed into a castle with part of it looking like a skull. Castle Grayskull now stood where the main building of the Defenders' compound once stood. Around the castle a thick woods sprang up and surrounded the castle.

One one side of LA Skeletor and his crew started heading for Castle Grayskull. He wanted to get inside and learn all of its secrets.

On the other side of LA Hordak and his crew started headed for the Whispering Woods. He wanted to capture She-Ra and her rebels.

anyastark:

Anya had spent Thanksgiving with her team and with her family. Early dinner in Boston and then dinner with the family in New York in the evening. It was great having two Thanksgiving Day dinners. The best part of the holiday after the food was the day after Thanksgiving. It wasn't for the shopping or the deals, but for the time honored tradition of rating the male members of the superhero community.

Anya had the rec room of the Avengers mansion all prepared. Pizza, snacks, drinks of the soft kind and other various items for eating and drinking were laid out. Electronics were all prepared for the event. All that was left was for the guests to arrive.

godlierthanthou:

Asleif very carefully set up her dolls in their little wooden chairs, smoothing a few wrinkles from Brunhilde's dress. Then, she very carefully placed her tea set on the table and smoothed her own dress before sitting down.

"Why yes," she said, "it be nice and quiet in the house for once. Perhaps those noisy children have gone far away. Mayhaps they might not return. Would that not be nice?"

She considered this, as though listening to one of the dolls. "Perhaps thou art right. They doth provide some entertainment value. And I doth suspect Mothers and Father wouldst be terrible upset without them."

olympian_elf:

 This was a nice, quiet day. Most of the more rowdy Asgardians were elsewhere, so this meant a time of relaxation and peace. Kael sat in the library, calmly reading a book. Hmm, perhaps he should ask Asleif if she wished to take part in this quiet.

eagleofthebow:

Aridis had done much thinking off and on over That Idiot. Not the Olympian. Argo is a friend.

The other oaf. The Celtic god who keeps trying to marry her. She dislikes being treated like a prize time and time again. She cannot let this stand anymore. She has better taste than the fool. She also has no plans to marry, ever. It does not seem like something that she should do given the things that will happen one day. Hopefully that day is far from now.

There is one person she can think of who would have the best advice for how to stop this without starting a war. Asleif. Clever Aslief who knows about things others just simply overlook.

Aridis decides to ask her. So she goes in search of Aslief. "Sister, do you have time to talk? There is a matter I wouldst discuss with thee."

shield_maiden:

Svalin woke to find herself lying on the ground. She blinked. What had happened? The last thing she remembered was being attacked. She didn't see the attacker, but the world went black and she woke up here. Where was here?

Svalin pulled herself to her feet and looked around.

The world was desolate and had been destroyed at some point. Where in Hel was she and what had happened?

nextgen_cosmic2:

The Collector was always searching for unique and unusual items to add to his personal collection. He had numerous worlds filled with items he had collected over the eons. His attention had wandered away from Earth for awhile, but that changed. Now something unique caught his eye and he was determined to add it to his collection.

He landed on the front porch of the Defenders' compound. He blasted the door into oblivion and walked into the building.

olympian_elf:

 Kael had been more quiet and insular than usual upon their return from Olympus. The day had been won though hard fought, but Kael was not in any mood to celebrate. Kael was in the training room fighting a copy of the being he fought on Olympus, the Flame. This version, while formidable, was not quite the equal of the real thing. The computer said something about "safety protocols" when he tried to give his opponent equivalent power. So Kael had to settle for what he could get. He spent a long time just going back and forth with his adversary, He was bruised and bleeding, but nothing too serious,

Kael remembered being there..the home of his father. He remembered seeing Zeus..and how the arrogant bastard dismissed them all after they saved his kingdom. So that was how Olympus was represented. This was the other side of his heritage!? Kael roared in rage, attacking his faux-enemy with absolute fury. he barely registered that his opponent's sword-arm was cleaved off. His swords were dropped as he knocked the enemy to the ground and proceeded to punch it continuously, screaming in the language of the Dark Elves.

nextgen_misc:

The trail eventually led the Avengers, Future Foundation and the Defenders to the other dimensional realm that served as the home of the Greek gods. They traveled to a few realms that were home to other gods only to find them destroyed and in ruins. Olympus wasn't in ruins, but it was under attack. Battle raged all around and the skies thundered and were lit up by lightning bolts.

treadlightly:

They'd done their scouting. They've put up all the defenses they could, and put themselves in a position to attack. Buck has reviewed what they have on hand, and the situations exploding around them.

"Alright, folks, thank you for your patience. I know its been a tense situation waiting and doing patrol work... but I think we've identified some key points in the enemy strategy. We're still going to have to be careful. We're dealing with major influences here, but...

Alpha Flight... and their current guests, should be obvious. There's every sign that more of the Great Beasts will be awoken... that's a top priority situation.

X-Men... and the Genoshans - in following up the uprisings earlier, we've identified a 'Cult of Apocalypse', who took the whole massive fight before as a sign its time for En Sabbah Nur's awakening. We've located some of their likely strike points, your leadership has marked maps.


Champions and Thunderbolts, we've located a massive danger in the Red Lord. Its been determined that it will likely take both teams to deal with it.

Nightstalkers and Big Hero 6, we have a second target of the same type, Sakhmet. You two are on that.

SHIELD will be picking up on all of the general monitoring, crowd safety and control, and other work we've been doing in the lead up to this.

Finally, Avengers, Defenders and FF - you're with me. We're targeting the masterminds behind this.

Any questions?"

nextgen_holiday:


You are cordially invited to attend the 28th annual Maria Stark Foundation's Winter Charity event.

Four Seasons Hotel
57 East 57th Street
New York, NY 10022

Friday 21st of September
Seven O'clock pm - Midnight

Formal dress required.

Please bring a donation for Toys for Tots.


The grand ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel on 57 East 57th street was festively decorated for the holidays. A series of lit candles on every table gave off warm light and the dulcet tones of a jazz ensemble filled the room.

People, the upper elite of New York society, Hollywood celebrities, musicians, politicians and even superheroes moved around the room. People sat at tables and talked, while some moved gracefully around the large dance floor.

Tables loaded with unwrapped and unopened toys lined one wall and at one end stood a very large decorated Christmas tree. Wrapped presents sat under the tree, but they were just empty boxes wrapped for decoration. Mistletoe hung from the ceiling near the tree and people stopped to kiss.

The air was light and the mood happy and festive.

nextgen_asgard:

Eir Einmyriasdottir waited until the middle of the night and almost everyone was asleep or elsewhere. She crawled out of bed and quickly dressed. In multiple layers. The winds were bitter cold and the snow was piling up. It was a winter like she had never seen in her life. The last item she put on after her fur lined boots was a fur lined cloak.

She walked over to the door and opened it a crack. The hallway was silent and she didn't hear or see anyone. She opened the door wider and darted across the hall to her sister's room. The door opened silently and she slipped into the room making sure to close the door behind her.

"Astrid," she said as she gently shook her sister awake.

nextgen_holiday:

All Hallow's Eve, or Halloween as it has been come to be called, is a popular holiday with children and adults alike. It is a holiday that had its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain or Summer's End. Samhain celebrated the end of the "lighter half" of the year and the beginning of the "darker half".

On this evening the barriers between this world and the Otherworld were believed to be thin and the spirits, good and bad, of the dead could pass through. The spirits of the family's ancestors were welcomed in while evil and bad spirits were warded off by the wearing of masks and costumes. The costumes and masks disguised one as a harmful spirit and avoided harm from others.

It was also a harvest celebration and time to take stock of food stores for the winter. Livestock were slaughtered and the meat prepared for storage. It was the final harvest of the year and the crops were then stored for the winter. Celebrations included bonfires and tales of the family's ancestors.

It was a celebration of the dead and of the harvest.

Today we dress up in scary and not so scary costumes and masks and go door to door for candy or attend costume parties. It is a night for revelry, pranks and fun.

shield_maiden:

Things had settled down since their return to Migard and Svalin was more at ease with Brandr around. Between the two of them Vernique and Solver were protected and things between Svalin and her wife were better. The tension was gone and the both of them were better for it.

Svalin had settled into a nightly routine after her wife and son were sleeping. With Brandr there, Svalin could spend most of the night in the training room. Each night she tried a new scenario and it always involved a dragon. The upcoming solstice weighed on her mind and even though she knew she would die, she would fight her hardest before she died. She was slowly going through any dragon she could find, real or in myth and legend.

When she was finished in the training room she would head down to the beach and go for a swim. The water invigorated her and was soothing on her tired and sore muscles.

Tonight was no different from the others. She had just finished battling Smaug from the Hobbit book and had taken a beating. She was tired, sweaty and sore. A swim in the ocean would be wonderful. Tomorrow night she planned on battling a balrog.

She stripped off her clothes and dived into the water.

shield_maiden:

It was a perfect autumn day in Los Angeles and perfect for shopping, at least according to her wife. Vernique didn't miss the fact that Brandr had all Asgardian clothes, what little of those he had, and no Migard clothes. There was a statement that bodyguarding couldn't be done if one stood out. So shopping it was.

Svalin was on Solver duty for shopping. She knew next to nothing about Migard fashion or clothes in general and someone had to keep Solver from flying around the stores. Vernique was the expert shopper in the family and Svalin was more than happy to let her take point and say where they went and what they bought.

With toddler in arms and distracted by animal crackers, Svalin followed her wife and Brandr.

nextgen_misc:


You are cordially invited to attend

Terra Nova Charity Fundraiser

Twenty-Fourth of September Two Thousand Twelve

New York Botanical Gardens' Enid A. Haupt Conservatory

Seven pm until one am.

Formal dress required

shield_maiden:

It was nearing Solver's first birthday, not that Asgardians really celebrated such, but it had been some time since the mothers, especially MomTwo had some time with her grandson. Einmyria made it a point to send Skari with a message stating such. It was time for a visit while things wert quiet.

No sooner than they had stepped foot into the Great Hall, then Einmyria scooped Solver up to take him to go dote upon him. Eir and Astrid were tagging along after her to play with their nephew. Svalin went to go to talk to her father first. Then find some sparring partners. She brought her bat'leth to use against Asgard's warriors to test her abilities with it.

There was also the quest to find the Crimson Hawk the Norns spoke about.

First thing's first. She went to see her father.

godlierthanthou:

(set between this and this)

Her situation with her siblings reestablished, Asleif had other aspects of her life when she needed to touch upon.  In this particular case, this drew her to New York City, Manhattan specifically.  A strange city, so unlike Los Angeles, but similar in its own way.  Both had a great rabble of people living there, all flawed and damaged in their own ways.

And also, the so-called "World Famous Baxter Building," though it held not one candle to the glories of the Golden Realm.  But Asleif was in a patient mood today, and had allowed the clockwork receptionist to take her name and inform Vincent that she was here.   She had been told that popping in unannounced was quite rude, and while she cared little for social conventions...  Well, if she was mercurial, so much the better to confound those who sought to define her.

butterflybullet:

Vernique had been staying with Solver in the main building more and more lately, because Svalin watched them like a weary hawk when they weren't, and the quiet between them was... too much. But Vernique couldn't start the conversation that hung unsaid between them. It hurt too much.
She avoided some of the others, too. Not Marlow, to whom she'd always be grateful, or Kael, who'd tried to make amends. But Aridis... who'd laughed at some in-joke while Solver was in Klatu-barada-niktoheim, and Aslief... whose cold voice she could still hear dismissing her panic. Even Hal, dear Hal, could never understand why she hurt like this.

So she stays in the house except when Solver needs his sunlight. And more and more, they stay in the nursery. But right now, they've ventured to the kitchen. She fixed Solver a sippie-cup.

nextgen_asgard2:

The Asgardians returned to Asgard after the incident with Malekith and Surtur. Svalin, Aridis, Halbjorn and Asleif reported what happened to their father and mothers, causing much concern in Asgard. The opposition was taking more direct action involving Solver and all of Asgard had to be more vigilant.

Aridis informed her father of Asleif's role in what transpired and what she did for her siblings and what she thought she was doing for Asgard. People were ordered to assemble in the great hall.

shield_maiden:

Svalin's mind was far from at ease and she didn't know how to quell such turbulent thoughts. She did know one way of dealing with them and she locked herself in the training room. Robots, frost giants, trolls, orcs, and other enemies were smashed to bits. She didn't come close to finding any answers or solutions to the thoughts that raced through her mind or how she felt torn between Asgard and her family, but she did get some enjoyment from smashing her enemies to bits.

She failed to keep her son safe. Solver had been abducted by Malekith and held by Solver and Svalin let it happen. Even worse, she didn't immediately go after her son as her duties as ruler of Asgard kept her from running off and doing what she needed to do. Not what she needed to do, but she was required to do as Solver's mother and Vernique's spouse.

A blind man could see that her spouse was still upset and furious about what happened and Svalin's failure to act. Svalin would not blame her. Had their positions been reversed Svalin would probably feel the same. It didn't make any of this easier. Vernique was upset and Svalin wouldn't be able to make her understand Svalin's duties to Asgard and her people.

They barely spoke to each other and the air between them was thick with tension, but Svalin was always near Vernique and Solver keeping an eye on them. She wasn't going to fail again. Only when they were in the main building did Svalin take time and go smash things to little bits.

nextgen_asgard2:

The Hulk and Algrim were taking care of each other and were gone from Asgard. The threat that loomed over the city and her inhabitants was almost gone. The city was still on guard against Frost Giants and other enemies of Asgard, but for now they had a short respite.

It was time to see to the wounded and repair what they could before the next attack came. It was also time to celebrate a marriage. Alfveror had petition Lady Frigga for her permission to have the wedding and the Goddess of Marriage had agreed.

Despite the hard times they had just face and most of Asgard's warriors sporting injuries and quite a few dead, the city had a festive air about it.

Svalin had left to find her wife and son as soon as she got Hal back to the city and had gotten him medical attention. Her sister would see to Asgard as a queen's duty.

The wedding was about to start.

nextgen_asgard2:

Alfveror made his way from the council room through the great hall and out into the city proper. Despite all of the destruction and the threats that still loomed, he walked like a man with confidence through the rubble. The frost giants, trolls and other beings that had caused the damage had retreated for now, but Alfveror knew they would be back. It was guaranteed that they would be back.

He smiled as he slipped through a hole in the wall that surrounded the city. His contact should be arriving soon.

nextgen_asgard2:

Alfveror arrived on Migard just outside the main building of the Defenders' Compound. He was inside the fence and the unexpected arrival tripped the alarms. A loud warning signal filled the air and was deafening to heightened senses.

He stood still and waited.

godlierthanthou:

When the need for the Defenders to remain on Earth by obligation had been lifted, Aslief had quietly slipped away from Midgard.  Oh, certainly, she had left the small mortal a way in which to contact her if there was true need (and occasionally less so, to which she proved quite capable of fielding small child small talk), and she also returned from time to time to court with Vincent.  Though that relationship was on a brief hiatus, as she had uncovered volumes of history and spellwork which required her undivided attention.  She would see him again soon enough, in the grand scheme of things.

Her own spellwork had improved, in the intervening time.  Such as layering her rooms in Asgard over the room kept for her in Midgard.  She could cross the space between worlds simply by crossing the threshold.  And she had done this, of course, without telling anyone.

And frankly... she could use the change of scenery.  The Golden Realm was quite grand, in its way, and Midgard was noisy, dirty, smelly, and fool of unimaginative, brief, fools.  But she was also quite tired of the contempt mixed with fear mixed with suspicion.  Time and time again, she had given of herself to defend the realm, and time and time again, she received not half the praise or thanks her siblings did.  T'was assumed she acted simply because she lived there as well.

The blood of giants flowed through her veins.  The blood of Thor, and the blood of Loki.  She denied no aspect of who she was, and walked that thin path between light and dark, good and evil.  On the edge, where only the bravest ventured if they did not wish to crack.  And all she received was scorn.  Even the fates pondered just whose side she would be on, when backs were pressed against the wall.  Even her patient had limits.

So Midgard it was.

And in this case, Midgard was the breakfast table.  Breakfast was a grapefruit.  She was but who she was.

nextgen_asgard:

The lie-smith had drawn lots with the lady of strife, and they'd each chosen a handful of targets. Loki had, of course, cheated. His hobby and his grandson were too amusing to leave to chance. His favored granddaughter might feel some of the sting of this game, but all that he did served the greater Loki, which was what mattered in the end.

These days would be most amusing.

ng_olympian:

Between Marlow and Dawn the Defenders had managed to track the shadow demons who had abducted Svalin to the gates of Hades. Countless shades wandered on the shores of the river Acheron. These were the paupers and the friendless, those who did not possess an obolus to pay Charon.

A small boat floated on the dark waters of the river and the cloaked figure of Charon stood in the boat waiting to ferry souls across the river. A skeletal hand clutched a pole and the other was outstretched waiting to receive a fare for crossing.

On the other side of the river stood a large three headed dog and a large two headed dog. Cerebus and Orthus guarded the entrance into Pluto's realm.

quitethecharmer:

It pained him to admit it, but Vincent had been somewhat remiss lately. In spite of their decision to date one another exclusively, he'd hardly been able to make any time for Asleif. It wasn't as if she'd been hounding him for it, as she seemed thoroughly absorbed in her world travels, but it bothered him, and rightfully so.

A painstakingly thorough clearing of his schedule for a day had been arranged, along with putting together an itinerary of things to do together. He'd even gone the extra mile and asked MacKenzie the favor of being on standby for any F4 related emergencies in his stead (with a caveat that if magic was involved, he should be contacted immediately).

And so, crafting the most precise veil he knew how to, he will slip up behind the object of his affections as she thinks she is off and alone.

"My lady." Comes a whisper over her shoulder, as he manages to keep the tone soft in spite of his grin.

team_mascot:

Zoey was always happy when there was going to be a party. The Asgardians didn't have an exact birthday, but it was sometime in the spring. So today they were going to celebrate the Asgardians' birthday. Zoey of course wanted a party with balloons, streamers, ice cream and cake, but Mom had said that they would be having dinner of their favorite foods and then cake. Not a regular birthday party.

Zoey did help Sarah and Malinda make and decorate the cake.

Dinner came and the Defenders gathered around the large dining room table.

"Happy birthday!" Zoey said and handed each one of them a card she had made herself. She went shopping with Mom and the two of them had gotten the Asgardians some clothes.

shield_maiden:

Svalin tried to keep herself busy as to not think on her grandfather's words about her unborn son. It was almost ironic that the Goddess of Hope could be bearing the one who would destroy Asgard and Earth. She wanted to believe that he would be the hope and savior of Asgard and Earth.

Svalin busied herself with brushing Tryggvi and Snowflake in the stables.

quitethecharmer:

After some of the jubilation over Svalin's wedding had died down, Vincent and Asleif went to meet with her mother. Vincent gave his prospective girlfriend's hand a squeeze. "I know you'd never say I need to speak with your parents before dating you, but it just seems like the right thing to do. What with me being 'reinstated' Asgardian and whatnot." He shrugs, but smiles at her.

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.

nextgen_misc:

The invitations to THE wedding of the year went out today. Heads of state, diplomats and dignitaries from all over the world would be receiving invitations. The fervor over the wedding was building and would reach a peak when Kate Middleton walked down the isle.

quitethecharmer:

Vincent was single this Valentine's Day, but he was determined not to let himself be dragged down by that. To that end, he'd arranged friend-dates with three ladies he was inordinately fond of.

nextgen_parent:

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first annual Maria Stark Foundation Charity Auction. I'm Alison Blaire and your host for tonight's festivities. Prepare yourselves for a night of fun to help a worthy cause. In just a few minutes many very handsome men will be brought out one by one for your chance to win a date with one of them.

Before we begin I would like to bring out Her Imperial Highness Anya Stark. Miss Stark helped arranged tonight's event and will give you a little more information on the charity organization tonight's proceeds will help."

Anya walked out on stage and smiled. "Thank you, Ms. Blaire. All of the proceeds from tonight's event will go directly to Doctors Without Borders or Médecins Sans Frontières. This organization was created in 1971 in France to benefit the citizens of the world. The organization is committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation all across the globe. MSF operates independently of any political, military, or religious agendas.

I'm happy to announce on behalf of the Maria Stark Foundation, that all money collected here tonight will be matched dollar for dollar by the Maria Stark Foundation."

"Thank you Miss Stark and that is a very generous offer by the Maria Stark Foundation. Now it's time to begin. So open those wallets and let's bring out our first man." Anya left the stage and went to take her seat.

"First we have the son of Captain America Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff. James Romanov-Rogers is currently an Avenger and has recently moved to Seattle to lead the West Coast Avengers."

"Let's start the bidding at a hundred dollars."

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.

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.

godlierthanthou:

Well, the New Year (at least by how the majority of the mortals measured time) had started off well enough.   A year filled with promise and potential, what ifs and what might be's...

Asleif found her thoughts already trickling back over one of them... and one particular person...

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.

nextgen_holiday:

“We’re here outside the Four Seasons Hotel in New York where the who’s who is gathered tonight. Celebrities, royals and superheroes have all turned out for the annual Maria Stark Foundation Winter Charity event benefiting Toys for Tots.

It’s truly an all-star gala here tonight.

New York’s own princess, Anya Stark, was seen being escorted by what appears to be her new flame, actor Austin Cain. Her brother and currently second in line to the Russian throne, Mikhail Romanov, was seen entering the party with Lyta Worthington, heiress to Worthington Industries. Tony and Natasha Stark, parents of a new baby, are making their first public appearance since the birth of their son.

Mackenzie Rider, a prince of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, is escorting Ms. Andrea Denker of the Fantastic Four tonight. Kristoff Vernard, leader of the Fantastic Four, was seen in attendance with his wife Cassandra and their son Scotty. Vincent Amorason, heir to Latveria, arrived alongside his brother and was seen escorting a member of the Defenders, Asleif Thorsdottir. The rest of the Fantastic Four are here too with their dates, though Miss Valeria Richards is not in attendance. Franklin Richards is in attendance and is escorting one Miss Gill.

Los Angeles’ own superhero team, the Defenders are in attendance as well. Arriving with her team is Grace Danvers, daughter of Hollywood hunk Simon Williams and she is being escorted by teammate, Eiltin. The two Asgardian princesses and daughters of Thor, Asleif and Aridis, are also attending the festivities with their team.
Akilah Munore, the crown princess of Wakanda, is here tonight with her steady flame, Daniel Sherwood a member of the Young Avengers. The other Young Avengers are in attendance tonight with their dates, alongside the adult Avengers.

Donald Trump arrived with his wife and is one of many other famous faces to arrive. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Hugh Jackman, Jack Nicholson, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift are just a few celebrities who have made an appearance here tonight.

It’s truly a party of the who’s who and it’s all for a great cause.”

godlierthanthou:

Asleif continued to travel the world, occasionally rendering aide as she saw fit to those she saw fit to render it to.  Which seemed all the more often these days.  The world news was filled with reports of the odd mudslide which missed a village or a trail which stopped moments before a collision, and smaller, human interest stories of lost pets suddenly returning home.

But today was decidedly a day for herself, or at least, a day for friends, of which she had precious few.

She appeared in the lobby of the Fantastic Four's headquarters and informed the clockwork golem at the desk that she was here to see Vincent.

nextgen_misc:

You are cordially invited to attend the 27th annual Maria Stark Foundation's Winter Charity event.

Four Seasons Hotel
57 East 57th Street
New York, NY 10022

Saturday December 18th
Seven O'clock pm - Midnight

Formal dress required.

Please bring a donation for Toys for Tots.

quitethecharmer:

Vincent smiled and waved to the cab as it departed, some old acquaintances of his already calling it a night. After his talk with Kristoff, and some more work on his project, he'd decided to treat himself to a night out. He hadn't really hit the club circuit in a while, and it felt good to get out and feel the pulse of the city again.

Adjusting his scarf, (he didn't really need it, but it completed his look), he strode down the street, waiting for another drink special, smell of food, or song to catch his attention and lure him inside.

team_mascot:

Zoey was bouncing from the second she got up. Today was HER BIRTHDAY! She was turning seven today and seven was a big birthday. Or so she thought. She had been looking forward to this day ALL SUMMER! Birthdays were special and Mom said she could have a big party, minus the zombies and undead soldiers of course.

She zipped around all day, with the dogs following of course, and helped wherever she could. She helped Sarah make the cake, helped put up decorations and she helped arrange things on the table. She bounced the whole time. When Sarah told her to go get ready, Zoey raced up the stairs to get changed.

She raced down the stairs when she was ready.

It was FINALLY time for her party.

nextgen_baddie:

It had taken time, but Dormammu was a patient being. He had carefully planned all of this out and all of those plans were about to come to fruition. Various items had to be gathered and once he had them all, they had to be forged into one item. It would be the ultimate weapon and his agent would enter the realm of Earth with it and lay waste to all before him.

Dormammu would make his entrance into the mortal realm and finally defeat the cursed Sorcerer Supreme and his rule over the mortal realm would begin. Umar had been defeated, Dormammu released from his prison and the Octet was tipped in favor of Krakken and Cyttorak. Dormammu had the Kestrel Key and the Crystal Ruby of Cyttorak and could call upon the powers of Krakken and Cyttorak.

Balor, armed with a weapon forged from the Soul Sword, the Twilight Sword and the Kestrel Key and forged in the Flames of the Faltine, went forth into the mortal realm. The tear in reality he created sent ripples of magic throughout the world. those sensitive to magic would sense the disturbance. Balor stepped into the mortal realm in a location known as Los Angeles. Fitting that demonic beings would begin their conquest of the world in a place called The City of Angels.

The portal was now opened and Dormammu made his entrance into the mortal realm.

quitethecharmer:

Vincent Amorason, mage in practicum, glared out the window of his keep in Asgard as a horse flew by, the clash of metal following it. It wasn't actually his keep alone, but it was his private study at the sorcery school. He had mastered every course put before him ever since his mother petitioned for his placement, despite reservations by the leaders of the school. Now he was at the top of his classes... and the only male in the entire school. In a strange coincidence, it was the first time for only one male to have been in attendance since Loki himself attended the school.

Not that that part bothered him much. He had his pick of charming young sorceresses, and girls outside the school, to spend his time with. He'd never needed anything in the way of magic to glamor them. He smirked to himself, but the satisfaction was fleeting.

Although he had a small handful of friends unconcerned with his lineage, murmurs of 'half blood' and 'witchspawn' always seemed to drift around him. More than that, while sorcery commanded respect in Asgard, it did not command adoration. Cheers rose up with each practice bout down in the courtyard for the warrior school. He seated himself in the window, looking down on them as he bit harshly into an apple. There. Central to all the glory, companionship, and respect Asgard had to offer. Lord Thor's warrior children. Accomplished alumni of the warrior school and celebrities to every oaf with no greater aspirations in life than to swing a weapon and splinter shields and bodies.

He spared a moment to mentally congratulate himself on making the sleeping poison's taste vanish entirely. It wasn't meant to take effect for an hour yet, so he had plenty of time to uncork a bottle with the antidote and take a few drops as needed. For all his venom towards the Thorspawn, he was not so foolish as to make a move against them. The poison was an intellectual exercise, although perhaps it could be put to some use for Moira and Danielle, baiting ambushes. It had become a long-standing game of theirs for him to add a bit of magical tactic to their small hunts.

A messenger imp fluttered into the chambers, shrieking noisily before it dropped a parchment into Vincent's lap and vanished.

Mother. She could just as easily have channeled the message, or sent a living messenger; but then she would hardly be Amora if she did.

He unrolled the paper and scowled. What did she want him at home for now? He pitched the remainder of the apple into the fire, swirling his cloak around him to transport him home. Whoever it was he was meant to meet had best be worth his time.

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.