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

[ophis]

[ Such a strong arm to hold. Loki finds he quite likes it, and tightens his grip a fraction as they walk, looking up to enjoy the night sky and city lights. ]

I'm afraid I do not quite know what is out there ...

I suppose some place I could relax, where I would not be bothered. Do you know of someplace quiet?

[coffeemugsmash]

[ He things, long and hard. He'd had no interest in anywhere relaxing, himself. It was never his forte, and doubly so now that he had so much weighing on his mind. Any time he was left without some form of distraction, his thoughts turned inwards. To the father he thought dead, the father whose final words to him were of anger.

He tried to think of any world he may have even heard of that would allow relaxation. But so many were fraught with strife and peril, or unspeakable acts. ]

I have not heard of such a realm, but that does not mean it does not exist. With each passing day, I learn of new and spectacular worlds. But would not a place of relaxation lead eventually to boredom?

[ophis]

[ It's a long minute before the other man answers him, and the reply is pretty much what he expected. He laughs softly, almost sheepish. ]

I suppose I should have known better than to ask for peace.

[ He pauses and thinks for another moment, turning a bit to properly face Thor and slowing their pace down a hint. ] Perhaps somewhere a little more exciting wouldn't be so bad. Providing, of course, I have you there to protect me.

You will, won't you?

[coffeemugsmash]

[ He hesitates, regret passing over his face as he slows even further. He takes a deep breath before continuing. ]

I am afraid I cannot follow you to another realm. I have been called to protect a great Library, and cannot ignore it. While in this place, I can protect you, or if you were to follow me. However, it is full of danger and ferocious beasts.

[ophis]

[ The moment's pause and the look in the other's eyes says it all, before the words are even spoken. His sigh is soft, almost barely audible as his gaze turns back to the street in front of them. ]

A dangerous library. I've never heard of such a thing.

But, I understand. I would not want to call you away from where you are needed.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ He's quite torn, between protecting many, and protecting someone he thinks of as his brother. Though the choice is a clear one which his honor insists he follow, it does not change that it pains him greatly. ]

The manner in which time behaves in this place, it may not be impossible. When you are prepared to venture into one of the many realms available, my duty could be finished. I could spend years among its shelves, engaging in a thousand glorious battles, when but a few days pass here.

[ His optimism seemed to fade once again, his tone lowering. ]

But the reverse is true, as well. I could be gone mere hours. Meanwhile, you could grow old as father while awaiting my return.

[ophis]

[ He almost looks like a kicked puppy. While Loki himself is disappointed at this turn of events, he's found that he enjoys the man's company enough to ... miss him. Strange a concept as it is. ]

Do not despair, my friend. [ His hand leaves Thor's arm, only to gently frame the side of his face, palm against a scruffy beard. And he smiles, small but a smile nonetheless. ]

I've quite some time before I start to wrinkle. I will wait.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ The gesture and words make him smile a little. He reaches out to place a hand on Loki's shoulder. Though there is one worry in there. This version of Loki was a mere fraction of his and his brother's age. Far older than humans would ever live, but could he live as long as an Asgardian? ]

I do hope your longevity matches my own, so that may be possible.

[ophis]

[ The hand is heavy and comforting on his shoulder, and Loki finds himself smiling brightly despite the situation. He feels very safe here, like no hunter could harm him. ]

I will persist. I have such a fine protector to wait for.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ The words make him laugh. A warm sound, void of any sort of mockery. The amusement came from such words sounding so very strange coming from Loki. He reaches up to at last pull the hand from his face. ]

If you were my brother, I would think you mocking me, saying such things.

[ophis]

[ Aw, he pouts teasingly as his hand's pried away, but the other's laughter ends up bringing about his own. His fingers curl around the man's hand for a friendly squeeze, before he lets go, and tucks his hands into his pockets. ]

He must be a dreadful annoyance.

(That new Plurk request? That's me. I hope you don't mind--Ferus told me)

[coffeemugsmash]

[ He offers shrug and a smile, as though he really did not mind it. ]

He would not be the brother I know and love if it were any other way. It is just his nature.

(we don't mind at all!)

[ophis]

[ He is tempted to latch onto Thor's arm again, but he thinks better of it for now, as he turns to continue their brisk evening stroll down the street. ]

A natural terror, then. You must be very fond of him, indeed.

(Hooray!)

[coffeemugsmash]

[ Thor walks beside him, following Loki's lead more than anything. He didn't exactly know how to access any of the worlds he knew of. It wasn't as though there were anything such as the Bifrost to be had. ]

I would not go so far as to call him a terror. He is just...fond of mischief.

[ophis]

We may yet have something else in common, then. [ Mischief, that's a good name for it. It isn't much further to the hotel he's currently staying in, but there's still plenty of time until the sun rises. ]

Do you need to return to your duties right away?

[coffeemugsmash]

[ The question was such a rapid shift in topic that it surprised him, and took a moment to recall what Loki was referring to. ]

Eventually I will need to return, but there is no rush. Is there a reason you ask?

[ophis]

[ No rush. This is good. And Loki decides to grasp the man's arm again, remembering that he was supposed to be a bit inebriated from their drinks. ]

I merely wanted to see how much more of your time I can monopolize.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ He looks both amused and confused by this. Mostly for the fact that there were not many things he could think of that they could do to pass time before he had to return. ]

What is it you would monopolize my time with? Would you like that I perhaps teach you a few ways you may protect yourself in my absence?

[ophis]

Conversation, I was hoping. You know about where I come from, and I know so little about you.

[ But then he considers it, and offers the man a small smile. ] Though I would not object to a lesson in defense, if you are offering.

[coffeemugsmash]

Then a lesson it shall be!

[ He gestures wide with his free hand, loving this idea. He knew of just the area they could go. Somewhere they could fight and not risk hurting anyone. He turned at the next street, taking the lead now. ]

And you may ask anything you wish about me and the world from which I come!

[ophis]

[ This time, Loki is the one following, his hand's grip on the man's arm tightening just a fraction. He's not sure where they're going, but he doesn't mind as long as he has Thor for company. ]

Asgard certainly sounds fascinating. And you said your friends were warriors. Are there many battles and wars fought in Asgard?

[coffeemugsmash]

[ His mood has shifted so dramatically that it's a wonder he's not charging off to his destination. His pace is noticeably faster, though. ]

At one time, there certainly were. Though most battles of late have been fought elsewhere. The closest being Nornheim, but there are battles to be hand in almost any realm.

[ophis]

[ Goodness. Loki is a fairly quick fellow himself, but he wasn't expecting the sudden quicker pace, and almost feels like he's being dragged along if he doesn't pick up his feet. ]

Ah- so you must be a great warrior yourself, as well. Am I correct?

[coffeemugsmash]

[ Whether it was the beer impacting his rash decisions, or just his general nature, it was difficult to tell. He had a mission in mind. A purpose. He had direction. Always a good thing for him. ]

One of the best any of the nine realms has ever seen!

C-C-C-COMBO BREAKERRR!!

[ryoushi]

[ Well then, Thor, it's time to test your warrior skills because out of the shadows steps one of the very hunters Loki told you about, sharp steel drawn and ready. He also looks disconcertingly familiar.

He blocks their path, frowning and focused, addressing Loki directly. ]

We must stop meeting this way. Release him.