Negotiation

Alexander : "The cost... Well, before we discuss the price of expanding lady Frigga's living space, I would like to state that her painting is of course a gift. It would be crass and insulting of me to try and sell you your own wife. Especially considering she's been nothing less than cordial with me."

Odin : "Noted, and appreciated" The little smile of appreciation on his face and the people around convinced me that it was a good decision. No way I was bargaining a living goddess as if I owned her. I was not touching that can of worms.

Alexander : "That being said, I did try to meet you for a specific reason." and I could see them tensing again. What's with the show of trust people ? "I have employed a human woman named Celina as my maid recently, to help me during my travel around the world to find inspiration for my art, as well as to discover the world. The problem is that she suffer a... Severe condition. I found a way to help her with magic, but devil magic would not work.

As I am sure you already know, our kind of magic is spontaneous and volatile. It's extremely flexible, but is not really adapted for enchanting, warding, or healing magic. It can work, but it's really not the obvious choice.

In contrast, Asgardian runes are especially stable for permanent modification, despite needing more time to set and knowledge to make it work.

I came to you in the hope you would let me learn your magic system. Of course, I'm willing to make the standard vow you ask for : not to teach it to outsiders, aside from my wife and kids if I end up having some."

Frigga : "Oh sweety, with your talent and personality, I don't have a shred of doubt you'll find someone for you" She clearly had an eye to find diamonds in a crowed I realized.

Odin : "That's what you want ?" he asked stearnly "You want to learn runes magic ?"

Alexander : "Uh... Yes ? Was it too much ? I'm willing to learn just the basic, would that be more to your satisfaction ?" I admit I was surprised, I didn't tought he considered that knowledge so important.

Odin : "Kid... You gave me back my wife, and gave me the information needed to point me a vile piece of ice giant shit in my court. Furthermore you've been nothing but polite and did not demand anything, but simply requested. What I am telling you is that you are asking for too little !"

Alexander : "Like I said, the painting of your wife is a gift I hoped would get me some goodwill. I really don't want to give the impression I'm bartending with her life."

Frigga : "Nonsense, you're not bargaining my life, but the nice little house you painted in the background."

Alexander : "I really don't have more I need really. As you know I'm part of the Gremory clan, and while I'm not especially pampered, there's not much I can't get if I ask for it. But for the following paintings, I would like the authorisation to rent a room in Asgard for the next month. Since from the titbit I gathered during your... Information gathering..."

Frigga : "...You can say tantrum sweety, I'm sure he already realise he's over reacting." That cut me straight. And the way the soldiers looked at their king gave me all the knowledge I needed. Ignore the comment.

Alexander : "Hum... Anyway, Loki will surely know at some point I'm responsible for your reaparence. Especially if I intent to make a business of selling living painting in the future. Because of this, I would like to take time to ward my personal place using ward magic. Just to be able to sleep without a dagger under my pillow. But before I master said magic I'll be vulnerable, I thus I would appreciate staying here. I believe he wouldn't visit your kingdom in the near future.

Odin : "Granted. But during your stay we'll need to find a more generous payment. You need to understand that irrelevant of your opinion, I need to give you something of value. The event of today WILL be know, and I can't appear as a scrooge toward the other factions and pantheons. It would greatly impact my future interactions with them.

In the meantime... I Odin All-Father, king of Asgard declare you Alexander Gremory friend of the realm. You will always be welcomed inside my halls, and aid shall be given when asked for. So I swear !

I will also give you a small piece of land with a house on it. For the moment Bruggä will guide you to one of our guest room. If you need anything just ask her, she'll be assigned to you during your stays in Asgard.

Tomorrow I'll assign another Valkyrie to introduce you to the subject of rune magic. She's young but she's a real prodigy. She'll be perfect for you to discover the subject. Do you need to send for your maid ?"

Alexander : "No thank you. I wasn't exactly expecting our meeting to go like that but she'll be fine for a month. I'll just send her a message and some money. And thank you for your generosity All-Father. I want you to know I feel extremely proud and elated of your trust by naming me a friend of Asgard."

Frigga : "It's really not much my dear. You really helped us a lot. You might not realize it but my presence here change a lot more things for the realm as a whole. Gods are powerful being, but we are also restricted by a set of rules. The queen being back will allow for Asgard to get better in a more spiritual way."

odin : "Indeed. Now, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but my wife and I have several urgent matters to attend. We shall speak further in the future."

Alexander : "Of course, I wish you luck in your endeavours. My lady, my lord."

And thus, my stay in Asgard started in a good note.