[video / action]

[actlikealady]

[the communicator flickers onto Sif's face, which settles into satisfied lines. she figured it out, this enchanted metal device, so now she can go back to what she was doing -- which is wrapping her free arm around a tree and casually hauling it out of the ground]

If we are to follow the whims of our captors -- which I'm of two minds on, myself -- we should at least begin by figuring out who is best-suited for what. [briskly]

So go on. [she drops the tree, also casually, and then goes to tear out another. she's not sure how much wood they'll need] I require knowledge of how many are here, and what skills you possess. We will want someone with knowledge of plants to forage, and someone with skill at fishing. We will need a source of fresh water, and likely vessels fashioned to carry and hold our supplies in. Those with strength or skill at construction who can put together the shelters, and those who might construct defenses around the constructs.

And those of you who are more accustomed to living in human cities, well... [a beat. trying to think of something charitable] We will probably need someone to -- gather sticks, and the like.

Comments

[cleanedslate]

[ SURE LOOKS LIKE IT ]

Sure, there's always that. Look, you don't understand the situation here. Which is not your fault. You're slightly behind the times and two or three galaxies over.

So just trust me. She shouldn't be on tree duty.

[actlikealady]

Then it is well that I am not making any decisions, and rather leaving it to someone who can make her own, perfectly informed.

[cleanedslate]

[ his teeth are set briefly on edge ]

Some decisions, you don't actually get to make all by yourself.

[actlikealady]

Some decisions can only be made by oneself. And no one else has the right to make them for you.

[cleanedslate]

[ he just-- her tone is so deadly serious, he can't tell if it's that she doesn't understand or if she thinks she understands and still feels this way.

but he can't. ]

I don't have the right? The right to... what, exactly? Stop the woman I love from killing herself to help you play woodcutter when you just said you had more than enough people doing that already?

[actlikealady]

[oh, you want italics? she's got some italics for you] The right to bully anyone out of their decision, especially someone I am meant to believe you love! But rather than talk to her, you talk over her. Do you trust your beloved so little you cannot even be bothered to let her speak for herself? What kind of reputation does Tony Stark have?

[cleanedslate]

[ italics are pretty awesome. his attention is somewhat divided though, between her and Pepper -- and he's looking a little deflated already, before he starts to respond ]

It's not about trust.

[ quieter, and -- maybe weaker, too ]

[actlikealady]

It seems wholly about trust. [she'll allow that, though. less confrontational in response] You must take comfort in the fact that she is intelligent enough to choose correctly when she has all the information, and that she is capable enough to remove herself from situations where she is in danger.

Everyone fears for those we love, but acting on that fear is often not the right thing to do for them.

[cleanedslate]

[ hey, points for him ]

--All definitely true.

[actlikealady]

And I will rearrange your teeth with great force if I hear more of what sounds a great deal like you telling women they haven't the right to make their own decisions if you judge otherwise. [so! are we cool?]

[cleanedslate]

Probably nothing I wouldn't have coming.

[ we're cool. also, ow, even in his head that hurts. ]