testing out yet another au

[ophis]

My, my, my.

What a quaint headspace you have, miss writer. A few too many ... familiar faces, I must admit. I cannot imagine getting along with a single one of them. They seem rather distressed.

You do see the mistake you are making here, yes? Stepping forward into something with a simple notion, and naught the faintest of ideas where to take it. I've sit here for quite some time now, waiting for a little attention, and here I am now with only a name and a tentative story behind me.

The others did say you were the type to rush into things. I suppose it's better of me not to be surprised about it, hm?

But I appreciate the effort. I even get to have a little fun, which is more than what I can say for the rest of them. Perhaps you like me best.

Comments

[coffeemugsmash]

[ He did see it, but paid it no mind. Having little knowledge of some of the more modern human myths, he passed it off as just another small difference. He was far more distressed over what Loki said. ]

Is there no one to stand against them? No heroes or warriors to fight these evils? No guides to show the lost souls to their eternal rewards?

[ophis]

[ He's so noble, it's almost precious. Loki almost sees it as a pity, but not quite. He has another sip of his wine and sighs, leaning back a ways in his seat. ]

There are hunters, here and there. I do not care for them personally, as they always feel the need to thrust garlic cloves in my face without so much as a hello.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ He takes another pull from his beer as Loki speaks, draining to almost the halfway point. He looks up from it, a bit confused. ]

Garlic? Is that a standard custom for your world?

[ophis]

[ Standard ... ah. Well, he supposes he should nod his head at that. ]

It has been rather habitual of them.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ He tries to wrap his head around such a notion, or the reason for doing something like that. But it escapes him. Especially given the way Loki spoke of it. ]

Is there some purpose behind their actions? Do they mean to offend you in some way?

[ophis]

[ He idly wonders how long he'll be able to string the man along for. Hopefully, long enough that he won't realize the danger awaiting him. ]

They know I do not like it, and use it to their advantage. They aren't particularly friendly gentlemen.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ Thor shakes his head, as if some how saddened by this news. How could grown men behave so childishly? ]

I am sorry to hear you must tolerate such behavior. They must not know honor, if they resort to such petty acts.

[ophis]

[ Ah, sympathy. Loki smiled softly, and brought his hand to Thor's arm, for an appreciative squeeze. ]

You are a kind man. I must admit, I've not met anyone quite like you.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ He smiled at the gesture, and the words. Obviously touched by them, possibly deeper than Loki had intended. But he was unable to fully separate this man from his brother in his mind. But it passed into further sadness as the meaning sank in. Unable to address it directly, for lack of words, he shifted back to what brought them to this topic. ]

Should these men some how find their way here, I shall see they are dealt with. Tell me their names, and I will watch for them.

[ophis]

[ Perhaps deeper than intended, but a happy accident, at least for him. Gaining the man's sympathy and trust was beneficial in more ways than one, and he wasn't above playing it up a bit. ]

I'm afraid I do not know them well enough to catch their names. [ He slides over a bit closer in his seat, tracing a small circle on the man's arm. ] But, perhaps ... I could stay with you. You will protect me from them, will you not?

[coffeemugsmash]

[ The behavior worries him. Another difference, perhaps. The Loki he knew would stand and fight. Asking for protection was not something he would do lightly. But it doesn't stop the big brother instinct from kicking in. As if he would say no. ]

Of course! We shall keep you safe from harm, and from these dishonorable men! And any who may rise to take their place!

[ He lifts his glass, as though his promise were a toast. He then proceeds to drain the rest of the glass. ]

/topples off to bed sob

[ophis]

[ Further evidence that he was most assuredly not the brother this man was searching for. But, it's all to secure his friendly, unassuming position with the man, and the bonus of protection is a welcome perk. ]

I certainly do appreciate it.

[ His hand leaves the man's arm, just to retrieve his wine for another sip. ]

And I will make it worth your while. I promise.

I'm to follow suit very soon, myself!

[coffeemugsmash]

[ He makes a motion with his hand as he finishes off the last bit of his drink, trying to communicate that it wasn't necessary. But he knows he's not getting the message across. So he brings the empty glass down onto the table with such force that it's a wonder nothing cracks. ]

Nonsense!

[ He plants a firm hand on Loki's shoulder, looking him square in the eye. ]

You may not be my brother, but I will protect you as though you were. It is my honor to do so!

I hope you had a good sleep!

[ophis]

[ Goodness-- that made him jump. Such passion, such ferocity! What a shame it would be in the end, but some people were just too trusting. ]

Surely, you will let me at least find some way to thank you.

I did indeed! I hope you had the same!

[coffeemugsmash]

[ He beamed, proudly. ]

Your company is more than enough!

[ He removed his hand, so he could catch the attention of a passing waiter, requesting another drink. ]

I certainly did, thank you :3

[ophis]

[ He still has half a glass left, but he decides why not? And orders himself a mojito. He has a fondness for refreshing mint. ]

But I insist. You will enjoy it, I assure you.

Huzzah!

[coffeemugsmash]

[ He seems mildly perplexed at the instance, but he at last gives in. A little. ]

What is it you had in mind?

[ophis]

[ There is a glint in his eyes, which could be seen as particularly wicked if Thor care to think it. ]

Telling you would spoil the surprise.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ Oh, he sees it. But he takes to mean something more in the context of the Loki he knows. Mischief, yes. But not outright wickedness--he still didn't know of his brother's awful lies, after all.

He was about to say something, when the waiter returned with their drinks. By the time he had accepted his, he had forgotten what he was going to say. So he opted to go another direction. ]

If I am to protect you from these threats, I must at least know more of them. Their appearance, or what they are capable of. Are they mere humans, or are they something more?

[ophis]

[ Ah, mojito. Loki sets his wine glass aside, and takes a sip of minty fresh goodness. Mischief ... yes, he can pretend that's all it is, for now. ]

They're nothing more than mere humans with the right tools. They carry guns with silver bullets, crossbows with sharp wooden stakes, holy crosses and - well, you remember the garlic.

And they only walk the streets at night, when their prey is most active.

[coffeemugsmash]

Their prey? Are they after more than just terrorizing you?

[ These did not sound to be like very nice people. As he took a drink from his new glass, he began wondering if there were a way to get to this man's world. Even with all its troubles, Midgard at least had its own heroes. Its own people who could stand up to such evils. ]

[ophis]

I did say they were hunters, did I not?

[ He wondered the same, if he could bring this mighty man of Asgard with him, to fend off the hunters and keep him all to himself. But, ah, it is only a fantasy. And for now, he can just enjoy having a drink with his new friend, and pretend. ]

They are certainly doing more than terrorizing me.

[coffeemugsmash]

But you never said what it is they hunt, just that they cause you trouble.

[ He looked down at the beer in his hand and just set it down on the table. He was getting worried. Both from the way this man seemed to be talking in circles, and that he might be in grave danger. ]

[ophis]

Did I not mention the wolves and the undead?

[ He avoids the second part for now, eyeing the man beside him as he plays with the straw in his drink. Surely he would catch on quickly enough. ]

[coffeemugsmash]

[ He was having difficulty piecing the story together. The manner in which Loki described the wolves and undead made them seem to be the enemy. But so were these hunters. Was it possible they were two enemy factions, and this man was caught between them? Certainly he couldn't be a member of either side, given how he spoke of them. What was he missing, then?

He thought perhaps he needed a moment, so he started to drink to fill the silence. But by the time half of his drink was gone, he still hadn't figured it out. So he put the glass down and looked over at Loki. ]

If these hunters are the champions of your world, those who fight the monsters...I still do not understand why they would treat you as a threat, as well. Are you not in need of protection from the evils of your world?