Night fell, and the realm of Asgard glowed under a thousand lanterns. The golden spires of the palace shone against the dark sky, a living testament to the kingdom's long and glorious history.
Tonight, however, the palace was far livelier than usual.
To honor their allies from Kamar-Taj, Odin himself had opened the great hall for a banquet. The vast chamber stretched from the throne all the way to the doors, a long dining table set in the center and overflowing with delicacies. Warriors, nobles, and Asgardian maidens filled the space with music, laughter, and drink.
Handmaidens in flowing gowns welcomed Malrick and his companions as they entered the radiant hall. The princes of Asgard and their warriors lined both sides of the chamber, while Odin presided over the throne. He greeted his guests warmly, invited Malrick to sit at his side, and with that, the banquet began.
The energy inside was overwhelming. Asgardian warriors were so spirited that they nearly shoved roasted lamb shanks directly into their guests' hands.
Pepper and Sherry, however, were visibly uncomfortable at first. Malrick had told them this would only be a quick battle followed by a meal before returning home. So, except for Tony and a few others who wore the ceremonial robes of Kamar-Taj, most of the group was dressed casually.
Among Asgardians clad in fine silks and glittering jewelry, their Earthly clothing seemed entirely out of place. They looked less like honored guests and more like relatives crashing a holiday feast.
Fortunately, Asgardian banquets were nothing like the formal events on Earth. There were no businessmen pretending at civility, no suits and ties, no hollow politeness. Instead, there was only laughter, shouting, and the roar of mugs colliding.
Every warrior in Asgard was a drinker. To them, one who couldn't hold their liquor wasn't worthy of being called a warrior at all.
Thor, as expected, set the tone. He squeezed himself between Tony and Banner, already holding up his mug.
"Hahaha! Stark! Banner! Come drink!" Thor roared. "This is the best ale in all of Asgard. Drink!"
He didn't give them a choice.
"Another!" he demanded, thrusting mugs into their hands. "Come, drink again!"
Before Tony could protest, Thor clinked mugs, drank his own in one massive gulp, then smashed it on the ground with laughter. Banner tried to keep up, but after a few rounds, the stone floor was littered with shattered glass, and even Tony Stark realized he was out of his depth.
The ale of Asgard was unlike anything he had ever tasted. It carried a rich malty flavor, yet beneath it surged a strange energy that made his blood run warm. It reminded Tony of some kind of experimental nutrient infusion mixed with alcohol, and while it invigorated him, it was also dangerously potent for an Earthling.
Pepper's flushed face proved it. She was staring at him with a hazy, watery gaze that spoke volumes. Tony suddenly felt a sharp ache in his back and knew this wasn't going to end well for him.
"I'm done. Restroom," Tony muttered, slipping away from Thor's relentless drinking contest and abandoning Banner to his fate.
On the way out, he passed Sherry and Yelena, who were happily feasting as though they hadn't eaten in days. Pietro was mingling with Asgardian warriors, racing between tables to the sound of laughter, while Mordo and Wong quietly enjoyed their drinks.
Natasha, meanwhile, had somehow become the center of attention among the Asgardian women, with Wanda by her side. The Asgardian maidens marveled at Wanda's abilities, while Natasha used the opportunity to quietly gather information.
Tony shook his head with a crooked smile. "This is lively enough."
Outside the great hall, Asgardians still laughed, drank, and sang. Tony leaned against a stone railing, gazing out over the illuminated city. The cool night air sobered him slightly. He wasn't heading to the restroom at all—he simply knew one more drink would ruin him for the night, and Pepper would never let him hear the end of it.
He sighed, half amused, half regretful. "What wonderful girls," he muttered, staring out at the glowing streets.
Asgard at night was as vibrant as New York. People walked with confidence, joy lighting their faces. They belonged to a kingdom that had ruled the Nine Realms for millennia.
"Why are you out here alone, Stark? Looking for tonight's target?" a teasing voice asked.
Tony didn't need to look. "Malrick," he muttered.
"If Pepper catches you, you won't be getting out of bed tomorrow," Malrick continued with a smirk.
Tony shot him a glance. "Careful. Keep that up and I'll start thinking you're speaking from experience."
Malrick leaned casually against the railing beside him. "I see Pepper's in good spirits tonight. Want me to give you a challenge?"
Tony nearly choked. He coughed into his fist, desperately changing the subject. "What challenge? Forget it. Don't stir up trouble between me and Pepper. Why are you out here, anyway? Which Asgardian maiden caught your eye? Don't tell me it's Lady Sif."
"I'm not here for anyone," Malrick said, shrugging. "My target isn't a person. Odin's far too formal in these settings. I asked him to let me see the treasury. He agreed. They're already packing everything up."
"The Casket of Ancient Winters? The Eternal Flame?" Tony asked.
Malrick nodded. "And an Eye of Agamotto as well."
Tony hesitated. "You know, Cap once said that the Eternal Flame was both the cause of Asgard's destruction and the key to stopping Hela. Isn't it risky to just take it?"
"It'll be fine. I only need it for a few years. Once I've studied its laws thoroughly, I'll return it—just in time for Ragnarok. Nothing will be delayed."
"You're not planning to stop it?" Tony pressed.
Malrick's eyes narrowed. "We'll see. Ragnarok is their fate, Tony. It's not for us to decide."
Tony fell silent at that. Thor and Hela were Odin's children. If their conflict tore Asgard apart, it was a tragedy born of their own family.
Still, Tony couldn't help but look back toward the great hall. The sound of laughter carried out into the night.
"In nine years," he said quietly, "this entire kingdom will burn. Those people in there—half will die under Thanos. Thor will lose an eye and become a broken man. Loki will die at Thanos' hand. And tonight's joy will be nothing but a memory."
He turned to Malrick, his expression firm, his eyes catching the light of the city.
"Malrick, no matter what happens, we have to protect Earth."
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