Tony's official debut to the court of Alfheim as Thor Odinson's Betroth certainly feels like being crown king and queen of the prom. Not that he ever went. Being at both the SHIELD Academy and taking classes at MIT since the age of fourteen tends to dampen party time especially when Uncle Steve took over his life. Not that he would ever complain about that, better Steve then Obadiah any day. Actually, Tony didn't want to think about that traitor.

The announcement by King Frey kicks off the feast with raucous approval from the crowd like it is Sunday night football. The few shout outs that Tony manage to hear altogether brought the colors back in his cheeks and that seem to encourage the crowd's merriment. Surprisingly as soon as King Frey gave the signal to sit down, the noise eventually dies down to conversation level. It is very much like eating in a large cafeteria full of strange people.

Despite the food before him smelling heavenly, Tony isn't too keen to sate his rumbling belly just yet. It isn't because he is afraid to eat extraterrestrial food and chance a bug endangering his gastro intestines. Assuming that is, there is no reason to poison him outright. No, he's always been adventurous to try something new as long as it's cooked thoroughly, case in point, the shawarma he had for breakfast before he came here.

What stalls him at first is that he didn't recognize what some of the meat and vegetables are. However, what really threw him off is that all of the people present are using just a dagger as both a knife and a fork along with their bare hands to eat with, even the royal family.

Tony has just assumed too many utensils and lengthy rules to conduct a meal. Like that one time he had to attend a charity dinner host by the Prince of Monaco following the Grand Prix race Stark Industries sponsored. Knowing him, Steve had forbidden Tony to race but it had been a nightmare all the same. What, with a villain by the name of Vanko with a grudge against Howard (of course) coming out of the woodwork and destroying cars and property left and right. Despite his suit being totaled at the end, he managed to stop the guy.

That night, during the sixth course of the very proper and stuffy dinner, Tony made his excuse to the men's room. Due to the media coverage that day, it had apparently made some people think that Iron Man was down for the count. So, some shmuck managed to corner Tony alone (in the john of all places) and tried to force a bond. The poor guy didn't stand a chance because Steve Rogers was like a mother hen and hound dog all in one. Apparently the Captain had flown all the way to Monaco from who knows where mission and came charging in to protect Tony's chastity all because he was worried. Not that Steve knew Tony needed the saving. He didn't. Tony isn't just any Omega who would succumb to a slight show of dominant behavior though. He could say the same of Steve Rogers, but that is a different story.

So, when in Rome. Right. Tentatively, he dug in and tastes each new entity like a scientific experiment for his palate. By all means, Tony isn't a dainty eater. If it is a good old American cheeseburger, he would dive in like a starve dog on a juicy bone. However, he's at a foreign planet in a room full of alien bipeds whose chowing down like this is their last meal. Tony hopes it isn't.

Call it paranoia or curiosity, but his eyes and ears are actively scanning the room and cataloging the gestures and snippets of conversation. Interestingly enough, he only caught a few words that sounded like English wherein earlier he was able to understand their dirty jokes perfectly. Jogging his eidetic memory, Tony remember coming across the term AllSpeak in some of the transcripts posted by the summit. What is it exactly? A universal translator? Hardware or software base? How does it work?

It isn't the only thing he is wondering about. The Bifrost is the biggest mystery to him hands down. Imagine—no, not imagine. Tony did traverse through an Einstein-Rosen bridge in five seconds. A controlled wormhole, not the quantum foam mechanics Wheeler had theorized. And the Asgardians apparently use it like whistling for a taxi by calling out one word. How does that even work? Would he be able to use it again or is it a one-time deal?

Just think of all the science he could unravel—

"Anthony? Does something trouble you?"

And he is suddenly brought back down to Alfheim. Oh, right. Public dinner with the soon-to-be in-laws and his future hus—uh, spouse.

"Oh, I'm perfectly fine. Good even. Yes?"

For some reason, his rapid response seems to have both Frigga and Thor in a stitch. Well, as polite as royalty would show it. King Frey merely shakes his head at the other two and flash Tony a fond smirk.

Frigga leans over toward her son and loudly stage whisper, "Did I not tell you, Thor?"

Whether intentional or not, Thor's response isn't so measured, "Yes, truly remarkable, mother. It shan't be difficult to bond with Anthony since he's so similar."

Great. Tony's the butt of an insider joke. Apparently they weren't going to elaborate since Thor sent him smug grin and drains his cup, then smashes the poor thing on the floor, hard enough to dent it. That crash didn't make Tony jump as much as the shout that came after.

"Another!"

What the hell!

Okay. So Thor has two settings: loud and louder.

The servant attending the Crown Prince quickly places another cup down before retrieving the dent one as if it is common practice. Perhaps it is. Tony scans the room just to confirm the weird custom and find none other is doing the same.

Okay. So Thor has barbaric tendencies.

Tony shot Frigga a glance and didn't sense any disapproval. On the contrary, she's totally ignoring it like everyone else.

Okay. So maybe it's a Thor's thing? When drunk?

Upon second thought, Tony decides to heed caution and follow a leaf from Steve Roger's Boy Scout rulebook. He signaled for a server and Tanna conveniently appears. He makes his request quietly for water instead. His servant, is she his servant now? She is pretty quick considering the cup isn't there one moment and a long blink after he guess, it is. Huh. He murmurs his thanks. As always, Tanna makes her curtsy and walks back into her corner somewhere.

Okay. So Tanna is his personal servant for everything now. He could get use to that. Kind of like a Jarvis or a Pepper.

"You need not worry, Anthony. Tis a vile Asgardian habit you will learn to ignore as my sister has."

Even though King Frey delivers the comment with affection, Tony didn't miss the sarcasm. And Frigga visibly ignores it while Thor does the same or is just totally oblivious. He files that little info away for later.

Okay. So it isn't just a Thor's thing but an Asgardian one. Tony did figure the Viking culture merits a part somewhere.

"How do you find Alfheim?"

This, Tony is comfortable to play along. Not necessarily his forte just yet but public conversation with a tinge of wit and charm he can handle. Political hotbeds, not so much.

"Beyond my imagination actually. Back on Midgard, even our most inspired artists can't capture what I've seen so far. It would be nice to have a tour of the place, King Frey."

Please with his remark, the King nods his assent. "And so you shall. You will find Alfheim to be a peaceful Realm. We pride ourselves to be scholars and nurturers of the world around us. Tanna shall be more than sufficient to be your guide."

Off to the side, Tony can see that even singled out his servant isn't fazed one bit. "I thank you for the honor, your high—"

Thor didn't allow Tanna to finish when he interject sharply, "With most of the sentries disperse throughout the outer rim, there has been reported rumors of marauders roaming freely about the eight realms. A mere servant girl cannot be enough to protect a Prince of Midgard, Uncle."

King Frey narrows his eyes, "She is an apprentice of Astrid the Wise, as was your brother briefly one time or other. If these so-called marauders accomplish the feat to slide through our shields undetected, Tanna is more than sufficient."

With nostrils flaring, Thor is relentless towards his call for safety. However, Tony has a strong feeling they were rehashing a stick at a nest full of hornets. It isn't about him, which sucks.

"She is not a Prince of Asgard trained as a warrior in the art of combat. Her protection is nothing compare to the superior might of—"
"Thor."

Wow was that intense. Frigga certainly knows how to cut the atmosphere back down to simmering. The crowd in the dining hall even quieted down, took stock, and notice.

"Why not escort Anthony yourself? Thus, you may protect him, get to know each other, and Anthony may tour Alfheim at his leisure."

Tongue-tied perhaps with the sudden change, Thor's word came out slowly at first, "I…am not… well-traveled with Alfheim as Loki but I know just the place."

Apparently satisfied with Frigga's masterful resolution, the merriment resume as if nothing alarming took place. Even Frey went back to eating and conversing quietly with his sister. Thor, warm-up by now to the idea, sends Tony an invite that brook no argument, "We shall leave on the morrow after we break our fast."

Okay. So Thor is highhanded and has a superiority complex.

Oh fuck.


Safe in his nest (Tony still refuses to call it a bed) he tries to forget the last couple of hours. It had been a very long lunner or was it dunch? Thor going head to head with Frey was the highlight of the night apparently. What came after were the medieval entertainment of minstrels, dancers (none exotic unfortunately), and juggling acts. In other words, mediocre and leaving Tony wanting to call it a night early despite Frigga's attempts to create one-on-one time for the new couple. She even went as far as to suggest Thor escort Tony to his room.

Nowhere near ready for that kind of intimacy with the big guy, Tony decidedly pulls out all the stops to claim exhaustion and soon his excuse has its effect. Frey gives him permission to leave.

Grateful for the reprieve Tony hurries after Tanna and soon reaches his quarters. He tries dismissing her at the door despite her insistence to help him to bed, which is weird. Another custom, maybe? He relents of course because Tanna even looks like Pepper when stubborn. By the time Tony completes his bathroom ritual, she already has his sheets turn down and the curtains drawn. Before she finally leaves, she does insist on helping him dress tomorrow morning for his trip with Thor.

Now that he's alone, Tony slowly lowers his mental blockage and quietly cries with thoughts of his pack mates giving him little comfort. It was a long time before he succumbs to sleep.


Surprisingly, after a night of good crying, Tony is up and about with renewed excitement. He even did his P.T. to excise some of it. A good run would have done it, but his options are limited to his room and the hallways. After today though, he is certain that finding a scenic trail would be easy.

True to her words, Tanna arrives on his doorway at the crack of dawn. He can tell that she is please in spite of her frown at first then resume her always-present stoic expression.

"Good morrow, Prince Anthony."

"Good morning, sunshine."

Without any comment to that, she presents him his garments for the day. It looks more complicated than the outfit from yesterday. Although the low black leather pants are the same, it's now paired with black knee high riding boots, a gray swaying pirate-looking tunic worn under a fitted black leather vest with silver accents. Black leather arm braces and a wide belt around his waist complete the look. Tony gives himself a looksee at the vanity and stares. And stares some more.

"I look like a LARP attendee. All I'm missing is a long bow and a sword."

Confuse at first, Tanna then takes him seriously of course.

"If that is your wish, Prince Anthony. I can take you to the armory and have the Smithy loan you one until he completes your commission?"

"You mean there's a forge here? With a blacksmith? I can have weapons? Made just for me? Ooh, can I watch him work?"

Despite his rapid-fire childlike questions, her look totally screams 'duh, of course we got one' and ended with 'why would you want to do that' with his last comment. Tanna may not be smiling yet, but Tony thinks at least he's making headway to warming her up to him.

"Aye, but first you must break your fast with Prince Thor. I will speak with the Smithy on your behalf and summon him upon your return."

Deflate upon hearing that, Tony is suddenly reminded of last night's argument over Tanna. She's more than a servant apparently and is charge with Tony's care. This makes her all the more interesting.

"Tanna, when you have time, I would like you to escort me around Alfheim."

"But Prince Thor has taken upon himself to do so; I do not wish to impugn his duty."

Tony literally and figuratively waves her excuse away with his hand.

"According to what was said, Prince Thor will show me the little he knows of Alfheim. I want to know more than the little. I want a local's point of view. So please, would you be my tour guide?"

Huh? How about that? Tony manage to make the ever stoic Tanna blush like he just propose to her. Score one for the genius.

"Well, I… as you wish, Prince Anthony. Now if you would please follow me?"


Breakfast is apparently some leftovers from last night made into a stew. It isn't bad, much heavier than Tony is used to. He wants caffeine and would marry Thor in an instant if he brought him a cup of Joe. However, what the Crown Prince did brought Tony to a horse. With eight legs.

"Meet Sleipnir, the finest in Odin's stables. Father has bid me to take charge of him while I am here in hopes that he impregnate the mares on Alfheim and produce a finer steed."

Tony blanches from the statement. Is that a euphemism for their courtship? Is this Thor's way of flirting? Oh holy Einstein. Tony wants to crawl to a corner and whimper.

Shaking himself from such thoughts, he slowly blinks the seconds away before commenting offhandedly.

"I don't mean to be blunt, but isn't Sleipnir your nephew?"

That did the trick. Oh the look on Thor's face. A beat later, the big guy is laughing so hard he actually wipes his eyes of the tears. It took several moments but the Prince finally manages to find his voice.

"I…I did not know that old slander withstood the times so well! Oh, to see my brother's face when he hears this! You must bring it up again as casually as you wont when you meet him. He would be so furious with me for starting it."

Okay. So Thor is a bully. Steve Rogers would not approve. Tony suddenly feels sorry for Loki. He must have a rough childhood.

Still full of mirth though, Thor directs him to the next stall and introduces him to a beast of a warhorse name Ofrid. The stallion is stamping his foot and snorting loudly. Tony rather sits this one out actually.

"You know what, it's a fine day. Let's walk to wherever we're going."
Cue the raise brow.

"Tis two leagues from here in a bilgesnipe infested terrain. I rather not."

Now it's Tony's turn to raise a brow.

"What's a bilgesnipe?"

"The Bilgesnipe, you know; huge, scaly, big antlers. You do not have those?"

How cute, Thor even pantomimes the features. Still, what the fuck?

"Don't think so."

"They are repulsive, and they trample everything in their path."

Thor only shrugs and moves to saddle the beast Ofrid. Hoping to nip this notion in the bud, Tony finally speaks up about it.

"Look, I know how to ride a horse. Just not very good at it. They are dangerous on both ends and crafty in the middle."

"You are… afraid? Of a horse?"

Yes. Inconceivable judging by Thor's lack of censure. Tony gesture with his hand for an acceptable level, "Do you have something lower?"

"Lower?" Thor said it like the word tasted foul and his frown intensifies.

"All the horses even the mares on average are of this size except… I would not recommend a foal for you. They are much too young to be ridden."

Then literally as if a light bulb lit above his head, the Prince brightens up with a megawatt smile. Thor makes a grab at Tony's waist and manhandles him onto Sleipnir.

"Hey!"

Before Tony could voice further objections especially at being manhandled, Thor hoists himself up behind him and secures those beefy arms around Tony's waist once more. This is not what he had in mind. Though Tony soon find himself lost for words as he holds on for dear life when Thor canters the stallion out of the stables and into a full gallop towards the forest.


If someone was to ask Tony later about this date, he would comment it was all a blur except for the beginning.

The Red Cockerel is a tavern at the edge of a large villa by the coast. And no, Tony did not heard Thor wrongly the first time he asked about the place. The pub is a seedy place with prostitutes, sailors, and dangerous looking aliens from other realms. Practically, it was a bar fight waiting to happen.

Thor is beaming from ear to ear when he orders two large tankard of mead for the both of them and directs (notice manhandle) Tony to sit at an open table by the wall, directly below the head of a huge beastlike creature with antlers mounted on it. He fleetingly wonders whether that was bilgesnipe. Then a fight does break out and stops as suddenly as it starts with the troublemakers being kicked out follow by a cheer from the patrons. Thor included.

Okay. So this is Thor's idea of a good time.

After being manhandled most of the way, made even more uncomfortable with the wall of muscles at his back and force into such company without seeing much of anything so far, Tony decides that he deserves a drink. Maybe it'll help numb the pain in his thighs from being on horseback and the weird date they're having.

Halfway through one tankard, Thor has already finished his and threw the cup down for another. A prostitute probably slash waitress brings him one and promptly throws herself on the big guy's lap. She seems familiar with the Prince. Tony may or may not have been jealous. Hard to tell when he finds himself in the same situation. Only he's been pulled onto some Alpha's lap. The blue-gray alien is huge, a good three feet taller than even Thor maybe and smell like he hasn't taken a bath in months. Tony must have blacked out from the stench or maybe the alcohol because next thing he knows Thor upended the table and throws a punch at the alien giant with a huge mean smirk plaster on his lips.

Okay. So Thor likes to have a good brawl. Tony is totally not fine with that and promptly faints.


When he came to, Tony wakes up in his own room smelling like puke and has a wet towel on his forehead. Tanna immediately helps him up and slips him some water. Only it isn't water. It tastes bitter at first and leaves a sweet flavor on his tongue.

"This will help with the nausea. When you are ready, Queen Frigga wishes to speak with you."

In hopes it is about calling off the marriage, he tells Tanna to send for her.

Half an hour later, after making himself presentable for royalty despite feeling like shit warm over, Tony sets the stage on the chaise. Frigga waits for no announcement and walks up and sits down right at the foot of the furniture.

"How are you feeling, my dear?"

Tony tries for humor in spite of his throat feeling like sandpaper. "Like I was hit by a bilgesnipe."

She cracks a smile but her face remains worried. "I must apologize for Thor's choice of affairs. He rarely visits Alfheim even when his brother stayed for tutoring. And when he does visit, tis with the Warriors Three. Their idea of sport is much different than is common practice."

In other words, a bunch of Viking hooligans. This is Thor's pack though. Not what Tony has in mind to be a part of. His disgust must have shown on his face. Frigga is quick to play devil's advocate.

"Thor means well and thinks the best of situations. Please reserve judgment after you get to know him better? I have spoken with him as has his brother. He is contrite and wishes to make amends. You will find a different Thor at your feet."

Is he ready to throw the Alliance to the winds? Tony hasn't forgotten about the ramifications and he is curious as to what happen at the tavern. He didn't drank that much. Did he?

Hesitantly, he finds himself nodding in agreement. This brought much relief to her demeanor and Frigga broke out into a full smile.

"After you break fast in the morrow, your courtship will begin anew. Rest well, Anthony."


Tony is wary of Thor.

As promise, he met the Crown Prince on the balcony he arrived at. The big guy did look contrite and embarrassed.

Good, he thought up until Thor doesn't stop walking till he's in Tony's personal space. He would have taken a few steps back but that would land him over the cliffs. He has nowhere to run and reluctantly admires the Prince's choice of strategic location.

"Prince Anthony Stark of Midgard, I have wronged you. If you seek recompense for my slight I will do so without hesitation. I only seek your forgiveness and hope in time you would grant me your hand in marriage."

Wow. After what was said, Tony felt their little disaster of a date didn't merit such a declaration. Yeah, it was pretty bad but to seek recompense? Whatever contexts that means, he has no intention of doing the sort. And yeah, the apology is a little flowery but given the Shakespeare in the park vibe, Tony digs it. Even in his mother's drapery, what would the cape and all, the big guy is sporting the full armored regalia. Which makes him wonder, does Thor go into every situation like a battle? Perhaps he does. It means he means business.

Okay. So yeah, Tony is impressed.

Thor is honest, straightforward and apparently what you see is what you get. No beating around the bush with this one. Sure, his other negative attributes still stand but Tony can work with that he suppose.

"Alright, big guy. Let's give this courting thing another go. What do you have plan for today?"

And if Tony is starting to be a little less annoyed by Thor's megawatt smile, the Prince can be none the wiser.

"I have a few people I would introduce you to, if you will permit me? But first, I understand you would like to visit the forge?"