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'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.

OH SHIT!

[coffeemugsmash]

[ Without hesitation, he puts himself between the newcomer and his new friend. Only once he's ready to fight does he realize who he's looking at. And his defense drops slightly. ]

Hogun?! I thought I would never see you again!

[ophis]

[ ... shit. Loki takes a step closer behind Thor, grasping the back of his shirt. But he pauses when the man seems to recognize the hunter. His heart would be panicking if it was beating. ]

You know him?

[ryoushi]

No. [ Hogun spares the blond man only a glance. He looks the type who might run in his line of business, but Hogun's never seen him before. Still, it's possible that he hunts this strange in-between world of the minds and has been trying to lure this particular beast into a false sense of security. Hogun had been following his prey all night, not wanting to let him slip away again after their last encounter. And yet the unknown maybe-hunter had made no move yet, so Hogun decided it was time to step in.

He addresses Loki again. ] I said, release him from whatever spell he's under.

[coffeemugsmash]

[ Thor watches Hogun, perplexed. Was this one of the hunters Loki had spoke of? But Hogun and Loki were friends. Why would that not bet he same for other versions? Then again, Loki had said there was no version of himself in that reality. How much of a difference could that have made?

Trying to figure it out was making him dizzy. And the man with the face of a friend and a very lethal sword were far more important right now. ]

I am under no spell! What reason have you for threatening my br-- my friend?!

[ophis]

[ Watching the two exchange words - or rather, Thor make an attempt and the hunter pointedly ignoring him - only lead to one conclusion. Like Thor's brother, the hunter must resemble a loved one from the other man's own world. He wondered how many more there would be.

But there was little time to contemplate on it. Loki only takes a step further back, keeping Thor between him and the hunter. He doesn't speak to the man ready to drive a stake through him, he only speaks to Thor. ]

You said you would protect me ... you will, won't you?