10662/The Embassy's lament

The Embassy's lament
Date of Scene:	04 April 2022
Location:	Asgardian Embassy
Synopsis:	The brothers actually get a chance to talk.. even smalltalk is talking!
Cast of Characters:	Thor, Loki

---

Thor has posed:
    It had been a lovely small gathering.
    A handful of visitors, storied souls all. There to share tales with the young Asgardians who had been brought forth to Midgard to learn of the realm and its people. A land whose prominence has grown and its esteem swelled in the royal court of the shining realm. Though once those youngsters had been hurried off the heroes remained and indulged in libation. And some of those visitors... had enjoyed themselves rather well.
    The testament to such was in the broken glasses near the fireplace. It stood there in the empty bottles that covered the table and some parts of the floor. And it was evident in the way some of those very same souls were upstairs sleeping the event off. A success, at least by the God of Thunder's standards.
    Being the last one still up, however, he did not wander off to his bed though only a few hours remained of the evening. Instead he performed a ritual many a host of the mortal realm would find themselves doing over the courses of their lifetime. It is the ritual of the host walking amongst the detritus, trash bin in hand, and casually tossing in the empties into the plastic bag within.
    At the door Helda stood, warrior of some repute but also head of the household for the embassy, she had an element of pensiveness to her as she said, "Please, your highness. You need not do that now, it will be tended to in the morning. I assure you."
    Only for him to wave her off with one hand, "I have naught else demanding my time, Lady Helda. Though I am sure my efforts will not be up to your taxing standards. I can at he least offer some small respite."
    Needless to say she was still not pleased.

Loki has posed:
"Why not let those whose job it is do it correctly the first time?"

Loki's sonorous tones sound over the room as he arrives through the door of his study, dressed in his green standard of Asgard; green tunic, darker green breeches, boots, his hair slicked back and off his face. Did no one check to see if the other Prince was in residence? Apparently not. Still, the staff was aware, obviously, and his meal of fruit and cheese, with mead, was accorded as was proper.

Pointing to yet another empty, as well as an emptied vine of a cluster of grapes sitting near one of the stuffed chairs, Loki shakes his head. "Does this count as a success then, brother? Introducing the young to Midgard when their studies should be elsewhere?" He shakes his head, a soft *tsk* sounding. "Certainly you could have thought of a better reward for besting the others."

Thor has posed:
    Thor, for his part, was wearing garb that would fit as easily with the people of Midgard as those of Asgard. Black breeks, a grey jerkin. For the court it would be commoner's fare. For Midgard they would likely label him something as a stoner. Were it not for the black work boots.
    He looks up, his golden hair swept back in a pony tail and his beard looking just a touch scruffy at this late hour. One eyebrow quirks as he takes in the appearance of his brother, eyes widening slightly as if surprised that the Prince is indeed in residence. But then a half-smile settles in upon his lips.
    "Loki!" He says, but in that way with animation that is only a hint of weariness. "Had I known you were here..." He starts to say, then his head tilts slightly. Only to then add, "I would have informed you of the small gathering. Informal as it was." Since it was at first for those young Asgardian worthies.
    "Though I feared you would find it tedious." Considering it was paying homage to some 12-14 year olds.
    Helda then excuses herself.

Loki has posed:
Loki leans on the doorframe, a ghosted smile playing upon his features. "Of course you would," his words slide easily forth. "Of that I have no doubt. Truly." Looking out over the blast zone, the younger brother leaves his spot in order to settle a-right a bit of furniture. He'll not do more, however; not his job.

"Our youth are to be encouraged, certainly," is softly declared. "How else shall they learn their place?" He says it so naturally, easily. "Though I can see the value in it. Introducing them to another realm they'll eventually be called upon to either fight, or protect from another has merit."

Thor has posed:
    A slight sour touch to his expression is seen, and the lift of those eyebrows offer a hint of admonishment. Yet it is nothing Loki hasn't seen before. Nor the next stage of Thor expression as he explains, "More likely to protect, assuredly. Only a handful of Asgardians have attacked Midgard." And one in the room currently.
    He takes another bottle and shakes it a little, finding some mead remaining he tilts it back and takes a swallow. Then... into the trash. Yet he continues his circuit about the room, though perhaps more to have something to do as it soon becomes less removing debris and more fiddling with things. As if he needed something to do with his hands while talking with Loki.
    But then he pauses, straightening up as he looks across to his brother. "In truth, after I met them, they made me think of you. And I." A pause, "And Sif." He starts to wander the room again, kneeling on one leg as he scrapes up some broken glass and tosses it into the waste bin.
    "One was a fiery warrior, and she took no back sass from the others. Another boasted so and seemed so sure of himself, despite seeming to not know what passed half the time." A pause as he smirks sidelong at Loki as he wipes his hands of glass bits into the bin. "And another that seemed to look on the others as if he was listening to a joke the others could not hear."
    He pushed himself to his feet and finally set the bin down on the table. Apparently the staff will handle the rest. "I grant you one guess which reminded me of myself."

Loki has posed:
"More likely to protect," Loki is nothing if not agreeable. Perhaps he's caught a thought from that distance beyond, and as it bears on him, speaks of it's likelihood. "Such as, the depths of Helheim to come knocking." It's a tight smile as something unpalatable reaches his voice. "There is still some unfinished business there for me."

Still, he doesn't linger there long, and the tightness of his last expression shifts, ever changing as he continues, though brows rise. "Did they?" Loki chuckles and a few steps brings him to the front of the armchair so re-placed, and he settles in, one leg crossing over the other. "It does sound so very familiar, doesn't it," is mused, and the smile remains behind after the laugh. A glimpse of the 'old' Loki; the little brother. "Did he boast of falling from a tree, and claim that he'd vanquished a troll living amongst its branches?"

Thor has posed:
    A chuff comes from Thor as he lifts his eyes upwards as if beseeching some power to save him from such wit. And such memory. But he, for now, drags over one of the abandoned chairs. Not one of the normal ones that remain in the study at all hours but one of those used for the company that was had.
    Taking a seat, he sprawls in it somewhat, resting an elbow on the arm of the chair and shaking his head. "Not quite, though he made claim of subduing some Jotun beast. Only for it to come to light via his so clever friend that it was a yak he yelled at on the trail that wandered off blandly despite their shouting."
    He scrunches one eye up and then points at Loki as he smirks, "Now tell me that does not grant you such memories and tell me you are not smiling." In that Loki might be able to hide it. But rarely could he manage it so when they were both so on the edge of laughter.

Loki has posed:
Loki does admit the same, and the smile that had been lingering turns into a laugh; one well and truly felt. "Well played on all counts," he admits, watching his elder brother pull up a chair. He looks around quickly, and in the next moment, there is a fire in the fireplace giving heat to a chill late evening, and two cups upon a side table. One of wine, the other.. as suits his brother.

No illusion there.

"It is good to hear that such things continue in our absence. Youth is still.." for the young. "..ever unchanging."

The wine glass is lifted, and a sip is taken from it even as he gestures to the mug remaining, created and set for his brother. "I've missed such things."

Thor has posed:
    "Aye," Thor says as he leans over just enough to take up his drink, lifting it lightly in one hand though not tasting yet. "I had in the past wondered if I was... looking back on the past with fondness if only because it was lost to us. Perhaps cultivating those memories and... hoping they were so."
    Then he shakes his head and smiles, "But seeing those young hooligans." His tone deepens, becoming more gruff as if he were a village elder. "Made me realize that no. They were indeed fine times."
    Then he takes a sip and shakes his head before his eyebrows rise, "I thought Sif would have laughed as well. I can imagine her smirking at both of us now." Then his brow knits, "What is she up to of late, do you know?"

Loki has posed:
For the moment, the bitterness of childhood and youth is set aside; the sleights real and perceived are laid down for a moment of peace. A moment with his brother, minus the bravado, the posturing. Can it last?

"Children will be children," Loki reminds. "Those of Asgard have a responsibility beyond those that live and die here. And," another sip of his wine is taken before lowering and cradling it in hand, "Sif would be all too ready to remind us both of our misadventures." Such is the power of one raised within the Court! "I can easily hear her laughter in the stories told of those youth. And, perhaps guiding their paths to greater glories."

As to what the Sword Maiden is currently up to? Loki shakes his head and sets the glass aside, slowly. "She'd been tasked to keeping an eye on me, as commanded by the All Father." Does that sound just a little annoyed? Probably, but he does continue, "But, apparently there are other things to which she must attend, so perhaps I am not quite as urgent a matter."

Thor has posed:
    "Part of me feels we should tell those tales," Thor says as he perks up slightly, his smile is wry as he meets his brother's gaze, "They may not be horribly flattering, but part of me..." He sets the mead on the arm of the chair and his smile turns a little inward, self-deprecating perhaps. "Would not have them disappear with the passing of time."
    Shaking his head, "But is that not but another form of arrogance? To think that this world or the next would want to hear the tales of our silliness?" Thor crinkles his nose, "I do not know."
    But then he lets the topic wander toward Sif and he nods, "Well you should take that as a positive thing, perhaps. That your stock is such that an eagle-eyed watch dog is no longer needed. Take it as a compliment perhaps, and perhaps less an opportunity to work some mischief." He gestures with the mug then takes a sip.

Loki has posed:
"They sang songs and told the stories in feast halls," Loki reminds. "I for one would relish the opportunity to be raised from some of those tales." Is that a lament? Absolutely. Brows raise at the question regarding arrogance, and he looks theatrically confused. "I do know that I am speaking to my brother. Thor. God of Thunder, yes? I can normally see through tricks of illusion, but if you are not he, it is a very good likeness. Until now."

Sif. She's always been the third, between the brothers. Sometimes keeping peace, sometimes speaking honestly, as she saw it. Always their confidante at some point or another. "Possibly," Loki considers. "Though I've done no less now than before, when she was sent." A shrug lifts his shoulders as he reaches for his glass again, suddenly filled from when he'd last laid it down. "Curiosity, you know?" What their father is planning that takes away his attention from Midgard? "I'm sorry; I can't trust as you can that there is a sudden shift that it is for the better for me."

Thor has posed:
    "I am me, assuredly." Then he corrects, "He."
    But then he extends a boot to /nudge/ Loki's chair with a thump as if in reprisal. But gently so. A far shadow from the way they would tackle each other over the slightest sleight. Though, to be fair, Thor did most of the tackling.
    "If we ever get her in a place with us maybe we should retell some of those tales. Have a bard with us and let them listen and write what they would." Then his nose crinkles, "Though father might take exception." Though who could say? Their father did sometimes seem... chaotic in his reasoning. But such is the lot of one gifted with such sight.
    And at that his reasoning dovetails with Loki's and he nods. "I understand, Odin's mind is his own. Just take it as a good thing for now until it be proved to be less so."

Loki has posed:
There it is.. the *thump* on his chair. Echoes of tumbling and tousling and head-locks of time past. And, yes, tackling. Again, as the 'little brother' he was more often the victim rather than the 'doer', though to be fair, and if he was honest, there was no little goading on his part. Righteous goading, for sure.. but it was rarely seen that way when their parents became involved. He smirks in the response and rights his chair; even the gentlest of nudges does move things, even a little. They are, after all.. who they are.

Raising his hand in a 'stop' gesture, Loki is chuckling once again, shaking his head. "No. That always turns out poorly for me. Perhaps we should skip that, after all."

Finding agreement with his brother is something to be celebrated, for sure.. and the glass of wine is lifted to his lips in something of gestured toast. "His mind is his own. Though, you know I can't let something like that lie. I need to know what it is that he has settled upon, because invariably we will be caught in it." And sometimes, Loki truly feels as if he can get in front of it all, in an effort to help. Many times, however, that has been his downfall...

Thor has posed:
    A deep exhalation speaks entirely of Thor's exasperation with Loki about the possibility of a retelling of tales. But it's chased by a smile as he nods, giving credence to the noble's hesitation. And likely that settles it.
    So the focus turns instead to the situation of Court and Father both of which inextricably entwined. He gives a nod, "You could always return, have words with him. Check in with mother." His chin lifts, "I know she would love to get two words with you, let alone a chance to see you." Perhaps a hint to chastise but gently so.
    "As far as I know you've performed no mischief." A pause, then adds, "Well no mischief that could be considered... villainous." Such a qualifier likely truly needed.

Loki has posed:
Loki will be Loki, in the end. There's always that lingering voice of victimhood, the sound of the unfairness of life undercutting his words. Perhaps at times it's more pronounced than others, but ultimately, it is still there. And to be fair, the skalds have been less than kind to him in their stories, even when he was the one who ultimately came to the aid and gave those who requested it their victory. Even 'that thing' about the horse allowed Odin his victory AND a steed.. and he? Ridiculed.

Never let it be said, however, that he doesn't think outside the box. One can never truly be prepared for him, no matter what.

At the mention of Mother, there's a shift in posture, a brief softening around the edges that had hardened at the thought of Odin and his schemes. Loki sets the glass down once more and makes to rise. "It would be a change for her to see me.. not in chains." It's something of a sore spot, but it's glossed over in that self-deprecating, albeit slightly dark humor. "But I think I shall take the time." And in the meanwhile, see if he can't suss out the other plans and machinations.

His humor returns, and a quick smile with a half shrug is given. "I don't consider any of my mischief to be 'villainous', Thor. Everything has purpose. You may not agree, but there is always reason. Sometimes hidden to all but me." A hand lifts to his chest, open hand over heart, "I only have the best interests of Asgard." Really.

Thor has posed:
    "Mmm," Thor says with that knowing look as he nods his head and his lips purse in just that right way that seems to imply that he isn't /entirely/ sold on the notion. "I hope your visit goes well then, brother."
    And as he says that he pushes himself up to his feet, still holding the glass and sipping it. Likely it seems he's inclined to carry it with him as he heads toward the doorway and steps toward the hall. Yet as he passes the chair he will lightly clap Loki on the shoulder.
    "I am for bed, have a good rest when you choose to, Loki." He steps past and sips more from the mug, then tilts it back to drain it and leave the empty upon the mantle along the wall at that part of the study. "And a good trip when you set out. Keep me abreast of what passes."
    And with that he heads off himself.

Loki has posed:
As is his wont, Loki spends a little bit of time within, his thoughts within thoughts with plans, and when he does respond, it emerges with first a 'Hmm?' and then, "Oh, yes. It should give me some ideas, really. It's been a little while since I've visited, and a stroll with Mother won't be out of place." She does love her gardens, and when he's home, he's usually out on horseback, hunting.

The clap on his shoulder brings him a little more fully out and in the present. He does leave his glass in place; after all, it's the servants' job to clean.

"Rest well, brother. I'll be returning back to my chambers, and I think I'll leave for Asgard in the morning." As Thor moves to his chamber, he is getting ready to depart the Embassy.

I will keep you informed, and should I think you are needed as a voice, I'll ask Heimdall to send for you." With that, the door is opened to the evening's air, and he's gone.