King Frey didn't respond immediately as it were his attention was caught elsewhere Tony noted. A messenger had snuck in the dining hall sometime during his little speech and had relayed a message to one of the guards. It wasn't much of an interruption as far as distractions went Tony thought, however when the King deem to respond, it was very short and decisive.

"Then I look forward to meeting such a paragon."

That sound awfully like an end of topic statement. How anticlimactic was that? Judging by the crowd's reaction earlier, one would have thought he revealed an exposé on the Avengers or something. Granted it is not rare for people of difference race, sex, and distinction to break the mold back home, there are still pockets of the world where some cultures still enforce traditional submissive roles for Betas and Omegas. It wouldn't faze him one bit if Asgard, Alfheim, and the other realms were the same. With these long-lived folks, such out-of-date traditions most likely are still in practice for hundreds if not thousands of Earth years. Advance beings equal to stagnating genetic and social evolution.

So Tony had expected and was looking forward to dishing out the details to these backwatered elves on modern twenty-first century ideals. He could even throw together a proper slideshow modeled after the sensitivity training SHIELD made him take. Maybe Steve can teach the course when he arrives. Then it dawn on Tony that he will be reuniting with his pack mates sometime soon and that bolster his spirits like nothing else.

For now, he is satisfied that the King has given his approval and his word is law. No objections were made during his brief internal musing and the castle folks had reverted back to their regular scheduled medieval partying it would seem. Shrugging his shoulders, Tony eyes the table for some form of desert that didn't include meat, honey or cream. He would settle for some cake, pie or cookie even. Pouting at the lack thereof, Tony resolve to rectify that and add it to his agenda. That mental list had been growing ever since he came back from the woods and Tony is very much looking forward to most of them.

No more than ten minutes later, the King gave the signal for the night's entertainment to begin. It was a tad too early compared to the past week. When most eyes were turn towards the makeshift stage in the dining hall, Tony understood why. That same guard he noticed earlier now has the King's ear. Even though King Frey's calm demeanor never faltered, his abrupt rise from his seat quickly triggers all the residents at court to do so as well. After giving his sister a nod in parting, the King leaves with his retinue in toll. None dared to comment on his quick departure as they resume their attention to the night's entertainment.

"With Prince Thor more military minded than most within the Council would like, we shall make a proper politician out of you yet."

Gah!

It was a near miss, dropping his ass on the floor would have been the third time that night he made a fool of himself. Either Ambassador Larien has really bad timing or Tony suspect, really good ones of the comedic kind. After pasting on a not so warm welcoming smile, Tony turns to face the lounging Ambassador, who apparently has taken the opportunity to appropriate the seat next to him that was reserved for Thor. For a seemingly old elf, his movements were as stealthy as any seasoned soldier. Or ninja.

Ooh, a ninja elf!

However entertaining as that thought was, he shoves the off the wall mental picture out of his head. Curious as to what angle the old elf was aiming at, Tony responds with a hint of humility or the equivalent thereof, "I highly doubt that."

See unlike Howard Stark, Tony Stark can do humble.

And that doesn't seem to matter, Ambassador Larien continues to share his opinion as if he'd only paused for breath and Tony hadn't spoken a single word, "Though we have never met properly until now, I have been following your progress from a persona non grata to vox populi in a span of four Earth years. Rather a remarkable feat I must say for one so young, smart, and better looking."

Despite his initial annoyance in hearing his own words mock him, Tony couldn't help but be impressed by the old elf coming off as both a witty critic and a benign fan it would seem.

"Your command of Earth's lingo ain't bad but for such an old fart, you sure don't mince words do you?" Tony stated offhandedly, his end smirk punctuating the effect far more than his tone.

"Anthony!"

Oh, right. The Queen was sitting at his other side and the reproof on her face, although kind was also disapproving. Tony bowed his head and made quick work of reeling his cheeky tongue back in after a fake clearing of his throat.

"Ahem, my apologies."

Thankfully, the Ambassador was quick to come to his rescue, "No apologies necessary, your Majesties. I would applause Prince Anthony's mimicking skills as well and find his choice of words most refreshing. It certainly reminds me quite fondly of young Loki when he was under my tutelage centuries ago."

Upon that name drop, Tony takes his cue from the Ambassador and leans in with sudden interest. With glimmer of wistfulness in his eyes, the old elf stage whispers in a conspiratorial manner, "You see, he was rather liberal with his insults and quite inventive. My favorite still is 'you mewling quim'."

"My Lord, please!"

Given how nostalgic those words were spoken, the naughty meaning behind it, and the immediate interjection from the Queen, Tony couldn't contain the loud snort that erupted or the sniggering soon after. He could very well picture Loki delivering those exact words in that haughty manner of his.

His enjoyment was quickly quashed when Frigga huffs in further disapproval, "You three are too much alike and Norns forbid, when the time comes for this unholy trinity to meet. The Nine Realms shall never recover."

Tony had to bite his lip from replying with something far more fatalistic given her exaggeration. He was actually looking forward to such a meeting and wisely chose not to give her any ideas to prevent anything of the sort. Daringly the Ambassador cared not one jot, which made Tony actually longed for the day when old age can excuse any improper behavior of his own.

With a wizen hand extended in a placating manner, the old elf pleads his case, "I beg your pardon, your Majesty, but by all means the legacy of a Master Word-smith must be continued. Instead, the Nine Realms should rejoice upon my discovery of another apprentice in the making. I believe the convergence of such a holy trinity will in fact cause all to weep and be awed by our collective brilliance."

If Tony is not mistaken, somewhere in that load of bull, the Ambassador has just offered him an internship of sorts. How 'bout that?

Although, judging by how reticent Queen Frigga actually looks, Tony's chances all but plummeted. Her oncoming rebuke would confirm it.

"Aye, I have no doubt most shall weep. Not by the brilliance of your combine words, rather the sharpness of it. Your influence is enough for one poor son of mine… yet I hesitate to grant you the privilege to hone another."

Huh, maybe not. If that's the case, Tony opted to tip the scale.

"Um, ma'am, diplomacy has never been my strong suit and from what little I know of Thor… well, maybe it might benefit us both?"

However, maybe he wasn't being too subtle when her expression shifted with pointy rise of a manicured brow. That look was all too knowing and familiar. It must run in the family. However, the edge of her lips did threaten to turn upwards and so he encouraged her with his own eager one.

Tony knew he had won the moment she shook her head and huffs in defeat, "Aye, I yield. You have my consent. Luckily, Thor has practice flyting with his brother to be adept in fencing with your unruly tongue."

Damn Fandral and his double entendres. The healthy image her words provoke and the memory of Thor's kiss earlier did little to staunch the rise of color on his cheeks. Now was certainly not the time for naughty thoughts since the curious looks from both future mother-in-law and mentor was not something Tony would provide an explanation to any time soon. A diversion was in order. He reached for his cup and took a long gulp before pretending to enjoy the minstrel on stage for a moment.

"So, ahem… I've been doing some reading and…um, I understand that most weddings in Alfheim are done on the day of Beltane? If so, it's only less than two months away and I could really use my pack mates' support soon."

Okay. Maybe that was about as subtle as a celebutante not wearing undies coming out of a low seated sports car. Still, Tony had to start somewhere. And the look shared amongst the two he's sandwiched between was not exactly encouraging.

"Oh, don't tell me they have to apply for a VISA at an Elvish Embassy or something? How much red tape are we talking about here?"

Eventually it was the Ambassador who broke the silent impasse. Good thing too since Tony was about to blow a lid since he can feel the big giant 'BUT' there somewhere. He would have laughed at his own joke if the topic wasn't so serious.

"Were your old pack consisted of all mated pairs, the arrangements would be made simple. Were they consisted of unmated Alphas and Betas, the usual precautions would be put in place. Were they consisted of unmated Omegas, as of now there are no proceedings for such. Your presence here, Prince Anthony, is an exception to the rule rather than the norm."

Just as he thought, more archaic rules meant to put Omegas in their place. With taut fists locked at on his lap Tony dipped his head not in defeat but to hide the threat of tears in his eyes. Having to jump through so many hoops just to meet Thor, he'll do whatever it takes for the only family he has left.

"On Midgard, there is a custom in which the Omega's parental figure gives them away in the ceremony. Even if you don't have that custom, what do I have to do to get my Uncle Steve here to see me wed? It would mean a lot to me."

Now he's done it. Tony must look truly pathetic for Frigga's face to crumble with so much sympathy at his words. Ever the graceful Queen and concerned mother figure, Frigga reaches out in a silent plea to cup his face. Her hand hovers patiently for his permission. It was an odd request seeing as she's not quite family yet, though Tony didn't want to seem disrespectful. With barely a visible nod, he allows it.

He hadn't expect anything to become of the gesture, but the rush of tenderness cocoons his entire body and he couldn't help but close his eyes and succumb. The outside world melted away even as her forehead gently touched his and the sweet scent of her breath ghosted across his cheek. Tony felt overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught of tranquility, yet he would gladly drown in it.

Then confusion subverts the calm when she whispered as if from afar even though she's right there, "I forget how relatively young you are despite such hardships you have already endured even as you triumph over your adversities. Tis not an easy path the Norns have paved for you and my son, yet the journey will have its own reward. Love him; guide him; be the companion, the solace my son dearly needs as he shall be yours in return."


That was Weird, with a capital 'W' weird.

It was a quiet trek back to his quarters after experiencing what he felt was a… religious experience in lack of a better description, not that he believes in the Norse myths these people inspired by the by. He couldn't remember much during their weird huddle, only afterwards. Ambassador Larien had disappeared and Queen Frigga seemed none the worse for wear. In fact, she was smiling and clapping as the minstrel began another one of those epic poems song-telling. While Tony's busy coming out of some drug induced lethargy after eating one too many pot brownies. Not that he had experience with those, much. Chalking up the entire experience to bad indigestion and sleepiness, Tony uploads the whole episode into the backburner of his mind to reflect upon later. A lot later, when he doesn't feel so disembodied.

It didn't occur to Tony to take the same precautions he did earlier in the evening; otherwise he could have save his bleeding eardrums the trouble of deafening it. In all fairness, the gentle push of his bedroom doors shouldn't have warranted the subsequent ear-splitting screech that put him at full alertness.

Tony dives forward, tucks and rolls behind the stone table as both gauntlet hands were extended and fully charged before he even takes his surroundings into account. There, a few steps from the en suite bathroom stood Tanna clutching the remnants of his dirty clothes as if she's seen a ghost. Contrary to popular description, her complexion was nothing near white, but a ruddy red. All the colors must have poured to her face and neck from the exertion of that sudden scream. Seeing no immediate threat, Tony power down and reverts his weapon back to form.

As he straighten up and dusted himself off, Tony happily gave her a piece of his mind, "You can't do that kind of shit—aaah!"

"Eeeeeeek!"

Jumping back a few steps, Tony covered his ears this time until the racket stopped. She looked just as startled as he was and thankfully has the good graces to look embarrassed. As she should be. He slowly lowers his hands and warily approaches Tanna as if she was some skittish animal. Tony wasn't taking any chances. His earlier daze has been completely blown over.

"Mind telling me what that was all about?"

Tanna initial takes a deep breath, chokes on it somehow then quickly drops the clothes in her hands as if they were on fire or something. Frowning at her behavior, Tony lectured on, "Word of advice sweetheart, scaring the Midgardian with a heart condition is a very bad idea. Just saying. So mind telling me what got you screaming bloody murder?"

She ducked her head and whispered, "You did."

"Me!?" Surprised barely describe all the shit Tony was currently feeling.

Quick as a whip, Tanna raise her head and glares as politely as she could at a foreign prince, "Aye. I intended to 'pop in' and tidy a bit prior to your arrival as is my wont. However the moment I was inside, the stench of wargs overpowered me."

"Oh…um, how exactly…" It was quite natural that Tony's spoken words and his thoughts of 'oh shit, busted' were disconnected.

"Tis all over your clothes," concerned tinge with accusation was clear in her voice.

That's when it finally dawned on him that she could actually pick up the smell of those wolves even if it had been several hours old.

"Wow. That's some pretty powerful schnauzer you got there. It's like super smell isn't it for all you guys?"

With all jokes aside, Tony worried if she could smell his encounter with Loki. Probably not. If she did she would have mentioned it already. Thinking back, Loki only helped Tony briefly onto the branch while the mini wolves licked him all over. Ah, that would explain it. On the heel of that thought, came an epiphany. The phrase 'scent claim' in relations to his courtship took on a whole new meaning.

Suddenly feeling lightheaded, Tony walked towards the chaise and sagged against the base. It all made sense. The hand holding, the kissing, the brief touches here and there; in addition the prevention of Fandral or any Alpha-Betas from doing the same. It must be some territorial Alpha male ritual, another archaic rule in their society to follow. For good reason, Tony shudders at the thought in being covered in someone, anyone's scent.

"Tis what we were born with," Tanna responded with an uppity tilt to her head despite the lingering worry on her demeanor. Determination soon sets in and she soon joins Tony and sat facing him with her robed covered knees folded behind her as comfortably as she could. Unrelenting in her quest, she prodded him a bit further like a dog with a bone (or Pepper Potts at a Louboutin sale), "Prince Anthony, how did you come about the heavy scent of wargs?"

It just so happen he had an answer ready, even if it was all improvisation, "Funny you should mention that. Right after Thor left, I decided to go out for a walk. You know, get some fresh air, checkout the scenery, stuff like that. No biggy. So I was on this trail (very much within the boundary you outlined by the way) minding my own business when these two huge grey wolves brushed pass me chasing after something small and fuzzy. They bowled me over, one even growled at me before they sped off. Seriously, I thought I was their dinner for a moment and thanked my lucky stars. At the time I just figured maybe wolves here don't eat humans."

He shrugged at the last part, not wanting to over sale the story too much. Subreptitious truth makes the best lies Tony found.

Tanna's response was slow in coming and her delivery was even slower, "Truth be told…they probably would. Wargs are not known to be discriminating. However, the ones you encountered are grey, did you not mention?"

After receiving a nod of confirmation from Tony, immediately she releases a sigh in relief before explaining in a much faster pace, "then most likely you have met the whelps of Fenrir, Prince Loki's pet warg. They are trained and will not hurt you unnecessarily. You are fortunate, my Lord."

Tony gave her statement the proper amount of time to mull over even as he relived the horror of what it could have been. Okay, maybe he was lucky, more so to have encounter Loki in the process. Now that he thought about it, earlier even though he stayed with Frigga after she did that Weird thing she did, his mind was too hazy to ask more about her second son.

"Hey, Tanna. Does that mean Prince Loki is actually here at Gimlé?"

Even though Tony knows the answer, her shrug told him the extent of her knowledge, which was a total bummer if you ask him.

"Prince Loki comes and goes whenever he chooses… though I have seen him visit my mentor once in a while and only joins the royal court when Lord Larien is attending. And oh, he makes a habit of touring the royal library every summer and keeps mainly to himself."

It took a moment for Tony to catch up to Tanna actually rambling on and on about something besides her duties and studies. Despite her professional tone, those key details, and the fond look in her eyes was a dead giveaway. The smile that brightens his face was all evil.

"Do I smell a crush?"

Aha! The blush on her face said it all despite her instant denial, "Nay! Of course not. Besides your sense of smell is atrocious."

"Methinks, the lady doth protest too much."


The next morning, Tony insisted Tanna introduce him to the kitchen staff. There he campaigned to fix the menu to his liking. Well, more like demand that his taste buds be met. However, that particular task on his agenda was easier said than done for the head cook was as headstrong as any chef of a five Michelin star restaurant. It took him all morning but he managed to insult her dignity and pride enough to accept the challenges of making foreign meals.

"That went well," Tony mocked to his bedroom in general as he flopped backwards onto the chaise with one leg thrown over the backrest, another angled to the floor, and his head dangling off the foot end. At that moment in time, with his vision turned upside down, decorum was the furthest thing from his mind. It was easy to ignore Tanna's disapproving shake of her head as she shut the doors behind her and began tidying his room. Whatever, Tony could totally afford to stop acting like a Prince at least for a few days.

He's gone and done his duty. Tony Stark, the linchpin to the Alliance Treaty, has kept his end of the bargain and officially agreed to marry Thor Odinson as specified in the terms from the Proclamation. Howard should be proud. His son is marrying a supposed Norse god after all. The Stark legacy will go down as part of myths and legends.

As if. He doesn't give a rat's ass about his dad's legacy. It was a sacrifice move from Tony's own playbook: ensuring the protection of seven billion lives for one hand in marriage to begin with. In exchange, Earth gets to join the known worlds and will have help to resolve their petty wars, growing population, diminishing resources, health pandemics and toxic pollution problems to name a few. Steve was right; it was a small price to pay on his part.

But for right now, with no more distractions, it was time to put the rest of his plans into action. Finally! Too excited for words, Tony uses his legs to pilfer an embroidered cushion pillow thingy and jackknives his body to grab it with both hands, before returning to his earlier position as he squeezes the living daylights out of the pillow to release some of his excess energy having won the kitchen wars.

"Shall I leave you two alone, your Highness?"

Arrested in his antics, Tony repositions the throw pillow low enough to glare from beneath it. From the looks of her, his current PA was having a hard time trying not to laugh as she even bit her lip to prevent the sound from coming out.

Due to Steve's incessant lectures, he begrudgingly sat up and lounges against the back rest instead, though still not relinquishing the pillow from his hold as he rests his chin atop it. It was too comfy he reasoned then just to be cheeky he gave Tanna a wink before saying, "Maybe later."

She only shook her head and waited primly with her hands folded loosely at her waist level.

Oh right, plans!

There were too many ideas competing in his head. Distractedly, Tony raised a finger to what hopefully be a universal sign of 'wait a minute' and not the 'birdy' equivalent in Alfheim. The crease on his brow deepened for a few minutes before they flew up immediately. Donning a lopsided grin, Tony leered up at Tanna, "Take lots of notes, sunshine. 'Cause today is gonna be a brand new day and little Tony is coming out to play."

Tanna's puzzled frown only made Tony's grin widen even further.