13104/The Embassy's Regent issue

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The Embassy's Regent issue
Date of Scene: 17 October 2022
Location: Asgardian Embassy
Synopsis: Loki summons Emma to the embassy, where Sera assists. Loki attempts to get more information -- but ends up giving more than he gets.
Cast of Characters: Loki, Emma Frost, Sera
Tinyplot: Resonants


Loki has posed:
While Emma Frost likely is invited to high society shindigs, grand openings, museum auctions, and the like all of the time, it is probably an unusual invitation to acquire a request for her to come to an embassy - let alone the Asgardian Embassy in Midtown.

Moreover, the invitation arrives by a lean black raven, with a swirl of glossy violet magic running through the feathers, to her personally. The request only states that her presence would be appreciated at the Embassy, on that following Monday evening - which leaves very little time to prepare for whatever this mystery invitation is!

Emma Frost has posed:
An invitation to the Asgardian Embassy is surprising, and perhaps worrying. There's only one individual there that might request her presence.. And the fact of being asked rather than 'taken' is another thing entirely. But, she did tell Loki that she owed him and it was open ended. That and curiousity goes to bring her there. Presuming it is Loki. If not.. Well.. There's no doubt something even more interesting going on.

Emma is somewhat behind on recent affairs at the Spaceport so the exact incident htere has not comew ithin her review yet. SHe arrives over at the Embassy wearing something white, clingy, and that more fits a soiree at the Hellfire Club than everyday wear.

Loki has posed:
The Embassy is more secure than usual: as if those there were deliberately putting on some sort of strong front to the rest of the world. They may have internal troubles and turmoil, but it is important to show outwardly a sense that they are not weak during this time.

So it is that Emma is blocked and a little challenged at the first on arrival, at least until she shows the invitation that she was sent. That will get some strange side-eye between the guards, but she is sent within, anyway. There isn't any real guidance on what she is supposed to do, though, though the interior of the Embassy is now open to be explored.

Culturally significant, wondrous in decor, the Villard Houses are a remarkable presence in the city and are located close to particularly important buildings in the city. It stands four stories in height with two wings creating a U shape off of the main portion of the manor. Built in 1884 it bears the heavy masonry and brick work of the era, with a tan and brown color to the structure. A wrought iron gate allows entry into the courtyard where entrance is gained by the public, which is where Emma's arrival leads into.

Others present are going about their duties now, with a tension of a withheld breath that one has when awaiting answers. Answers that may be bleak.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma doesn't know what's run afoul of the Embassy, but something is amiss to have the normally lightened Asgardians ready for a brawl or a drink (oftentimes together) on alert. She's rather curious herself, merely waiting whenever asked to show her letter and invitation. Something is clearly afoot here. What it is she's not aware of in the slightest.

She resists the temptation to read minds. While she possibly could, Asgardians are more difficult to read, and the embassy probably has a great deal of magic wardings present against such things. So as much as she would enjoy p rying to have some level of idea as to what she's entering into.. She resists it and doesn't ask either.

She walks into the courtyard, letter of invitation carefully held in front of her for inspection again as she waits for her arrival to be announced.

Sera has posed:
If there were good news then Sera had yet to hear it and she was waiting, hoping, that there was a light at the end of this tunnel. So more time had been spent at the Embassy simply to be with others who might need a shoulder to lean on, someone to drink with, or a story to be told and passed on later in song.

Spying the arrival of Emma, though, has her rather confused. Guests aren't exactly what the Embassy is looking for right now as far as she knows. She places her lute down in the corner and rises up. Dressed too in a flowing white dress she approaches Emma.

"You look rather lost," she offers a hand, "Greetings, I'm Sera. Might I be of some assistance?" The tall languid woman doesn't have the typical physique of the Asgardians but she has a presence to her not just from being an entertainer.

Loki has posed:
The letter itself lacks general information about what this is about. It requests Ms. Frost's arrival, and is very specific on the day and time, but otherwise, doesn't explain what to expect. However, the style of this summons and the filigree on the design of the scrollwork will scream of it being from the palace itself. For whatever reason, it looks as official as a writ passed down through generals, known to be enchanted to prevent the wrong eyes from understanding it. Perhaps a little bit excessive of parchment to use for something casual, if it is that.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would glance over at Sera, "Ah, hello there. I've been given an invite and merely to arrive." She would go to pass it down for inspection. "I'm not quite sure to where, merely to have come here as soon as possible. A writ of the embassy should be handled immediately." She's presuming that it's legitimate. But, if it's whom she likely thinks it is, that might not necessarily be so.

She is, however, being polite. "And things seem rather amiss here. Is something wrong? Is there some sort of crisis that I should be aware of coming?"

Sera has posed:
Sera looks over the letter. She raises both eyebrows. She once received one of these when Odin summoned her to Asgard. That was quite the heady chat with the old man. It's the reason she's here now and is helping out because she owes him. He gave her a place in Asgardian society when he didn't have to and in return she has his back.

A quick glance over the markings makes it quite clear to her that there's a time and a place Emma is request and it is nigh. She nods her head to her, "Ah. Yes. Sad and uncertain tidings in Asgard after a tragedy involving Midgard's new Spaceport."

She motions and offers to escort, "You should come this way. Perhaps answers await." A few corridors lead to the royal suite which has a guard stationed before it even though it is almost always empty. The letter is more than enough of a key to enter though.

Loki has posed:
The royal suite's current denizen is overly reactive at first, her eyes are sharp and accusatory, but professional. The professionalism is tainted by a light hostility - perhaps just a defensiveness here, for reasons that aren't on the surface.

"I see," she says finally, though her expression reads of stress or confusion. This letter probably doesn't make sense to her either, but everything about it is legitimate. She gestures both Sera and Emma in.

There is seating in this royal suite. "I am the Steward Aldoranah," she introduces herself. "Please be seated, I expect the intention of this letter will reveal itself if we are patient," she says. She moves to a place to one side, leaving the front area bare, as if Odin himself were going to beam down and it would be best to give him the space to do so.

Emma Frost has posed:
the spaceport? "If you don't mind summarizing it? That sounds.. Rather bad. I've had at least some interactions there, if you could summarize things I would appreciate it." she doesn't bother going on 'if appropriate'. Now isn't the time. And given she has a formal invitation to here any sort of overreach can be explained if she's asked about it. It's time to leverage those few moments of advantage she has without using her telepathy.

Because not all manipulations require her using her mind or her body. Just hopefully finding that small opening and advantage of the moment. She would go to take a seat on down. "Thank you, Steward Aldoranah. I appreciate your quick response to my arrival. Is there anything I should do to prepare for the audience?"

Sera has posed:
Sera exchanges a few glances with Aldoranah but it's clear she knows as little as Sera as to what's going on here. There's usually not quite so much mystery going on but with everything that's happened it's hard to keep a straight mind. Sera has certainly been struggling.

There would normally be no real concern of danger within the walls of the embassy. But with King Odin in his current state the thought has been roaming through many minds. The enemies of Asgard might try to seize upon the situation. Sera herself as a few enemies she'd rather not have to face again.

"I wasn't there when it happened but some kind of magical resonance involving an enemy attacked the place. Prince Thor is... gone." Just how much should she share with a stranger? She's not so sure. Thor is an Avenger and very public. The nature of the throne of Asgard, however, is not exactly hers to bandy about casually. It feels weird to throw a title in front of her friends name like that.

Loki has posed:
"I ---" the steward begins, but already something is happening, and she does not need to go on. She goes quiet instead, and turns her gaze down to the floor. She is well aware this won't be Odin, and that there are different rules for who is very likely on the other end of this. It's best to treat it as if it were Odin, though, on all counts.

Magic forms in a beautiful golden beacon in the front center of the royal space. Braizers launch into columns of magic flame in extreme heat of blue and swirls of softer green. It may feel a little 'Wizard of Oz', really, but not overdone.

Still, the transparent upper torso of the royal figure appears: gold upper armor, and the vaulted battle helmet, the horned crown specific to Loki are very easy to identify.

"I see that my summons reached you, Ms. Frost," observes the disembodied, magical vision. "Steward, you have performed well," he says, eyes flitting to the steward to the side, who gives a very proper salute. Illusory Loki looks curiously at Sera, then.

"Thank you, Prince Regent," the Steward says, with a sideways flick of eyes to Sera. That was intentional, to supply Sera with the appropriate identifier of how to address Loki for now - as well as the information that carries.

Emma Frost has posed:
There's definitely something afoot. Then as Sera goes to explain that Thor is missing, Emma would scowl. "Oh, lovely." How can she have missed this and failed to pay attention to things? Another thing that she's unaware of. She reprimands herself for her own laziness, particularly in things that have affairs she's concerned with and put her personal attention onto.

"An attack on the spaceport?" Another thing that she clearly was not tracking. "It's quite the popular location." Finally a bit of that snark coming through as Emma turns to focus.. As the Steward departs, and then there's magic forming over. "Appreciated. I thank you for your welcome. What can I do to be of aid?" She would inquire cautiously. Speaking through to an illusion after all implied that one was too busy to attend to things in person, there was danger.. Or some sort of a trap involved.

"Whatever can I do to be of aid with the.. Sorry state of affairs that have come upon the realm?"

Sera has posed:
"There's still magic there I've been told but I've not gone to investigate myself. I know if I'm needed I'll be called for," Sera says eluding to her nature as a woman of sorcery.

It seemed inevitable but she wasn't quite sure things would immediately play out like this. Thor is gone, Odin is incapacitated. Why not Loki? All the hopes and fears and dreams and all the unsaid words. Thor's pained expressions and looks of love when discussing his brother flood back in to her mind.

Her lips tighten just for the smallest of seconds. Prince Regent. This is Loki and he sure knows how to make an instant and impressive impression. The closest she ever got to seeing this man was a while ago when she heard his name spoken but by the time she had entered the room he was gone.

There must be a lot of chaffed persons in Asgard at this time. She gives a small nod appreciation to the steward and shows the respect that Loki deserves. Sera was not on Earth when Loki invaded - she doesn't hold the same ill will many humans do toward him.

"Prince Regent, Sera of Heven." She rises and reverences to him before turning to her seat. She owes Odin, "In these trying times, you can count on my sword." An angel always pays her debts.

Loki has posed:
"Ms. Frost," Loki resumes, attention going to her. "I appreciate your role in a test I found necessary to conduct related to the current structure of command." A test she was clearly not aware she was a part of! In fact, he addresses that point: "More specifically, the ability to send important messages and summons with promptness and trust that I will obtain the results needed."

Meaning, Loki tested some other people and his power to command, using the summons sent to her as an experiment?

"In thanks for your assistance - aware or not ---" Loki gives a little smile here, "I do recall your interest in seeing the city of Asgard. While it is not the best time for tourism, for obvious reasons, but please consider the opportunity open now," he says, with a gracious, smooth quality.

Then to Sera. Loki is not dismissive, or sly, in any form. "Yes, Sera of Heven. I'm aware of your link to Asgard." There's a pause. "Should you have the passion to seek out answers of the starport, you have the support of the crown. I would rather perfer your magic to count on than your sword, in this particular situation. Should you need anything to assist in this, my Steward will help you, or refer any request to me."

Loki's smooth and collected, but there's a sort of undertone of something cold - he does want answers about Thor and the starport...

Emma Frost has posed:
Oh lovely. Emma ever does love so much when she's brought in as a toy for someone else. There's a simmer over in her eyes that's quickly buried over. She would glance at Sera. Of Heven? Something to look into later. But a rather low priority for the moment. With what her missing an attack on the starport and Thor missing. Her tone goes thick, ever so holding back the sarcasm.

"But a pleasure. So what exactly was your summons for beyong confirming something? And a pleasure to have been able to aid you in some small way." She would glance to Loki. "And yes, I understand not the best time. Your awareness is appreciate dand I thank you for your invitation, even under what are clearly not the best of circumstances." Oh yes, there will be Hel to pay here.

Sera has posed:
Sera grew up in a world where she was expected to obey without question. She hated that world and it nearly cost her everything to escape it. Loki is tugging at strings to see who will dance and who will not. This is the kind of politics that scares her to her core.

She mastered the art of hiding her doubts. "Prince Regent I shall make it my highest priority, thank you for the offered assistance." All roads lead to Loki. If he feels as much about Thor as Thor feels about him then he will be hurting but she's not sure that's what's going on here.

The small glance from Emma is lost on her but she doubts the stranger next to her appreciates being yanked around on an invisible leash like this. Patience being tested. She smiles magnanimously to Loki and awaits to be dismissed so she can leave the room and throw something at a wall.

Loki has posed:
"Oh! I didn't mean to imply you were /only/ here to test channels of communication. That would be... extremely rude. I would hope you would not assume such of me," Loki says, to Emma Frost, then. It's quick; he's very socially aware. Which, in a way, may make him feel even more dangerous to Sera: He did this stuff ... with awareness of what it feels like.

"I recalled our cooperation during the fight with the villain attempting to destroy the Astral Plane, and I hope you will assist in interrogation of someone that may know a great deal. This is a very sensistive matter, though... but I hope that I can trust those here," Loki says, smoothly.

"Please consider my request, it is not a small one. And please do //forgive// my distraction or any rough edges, as there is much I have to handle personally for Asgard." With that, though, Loki nods to the Steward, who takes over from there as Loki has given a royal dismissal... for now.

Emma Frost has posed:
Whatever's going on here is political staging and taking advantage of things. At least, that's the vague impression Emma gets. She doesn't knwo Sera but she can pick up the subtle shifts in body language that are indicative of 'go and break something' that the Asgardians seem to have as thier only coping mechanism for any sort of emotions. That and drinking.

OH yes, this is going to give her a headache. "I of course will do whatever I can to be of assistance in these trying times. It behooves us to make sure that Midgard is safe and that disruptions are minimized." Emma's desperately going to need a drink herslf. Then to think. Then to pass on an alert to anyone else that she's a bit behind on and is going to need to try and catch up on things.

THen another drink. Or three.

Sera has posed:
An absolutely master manipulator is acting Regent of Asgard. Thor is the complete opposite, a total open book. How can Loki and Thor be brothers. All those facial expressions Thor'd pull when discussing the edges of his relationship with Loki suddenly make sense.

Sera rises once he dismisses them rather politely and with apology. She reverences once more and turns to the steward who is doing well to hold her poise. Sera gives her a deeper nod than she gave before because this cannot be easy for her.

Retreating from the room Sera ruminates on the nature of that interaction. At least Loki didn't come in person just for a 5 minute chat to see if he could command the dark energy required for casual travel. But could he? would Asgard dance to his tune?

He couldn't have ... planned this could he? is he the villain that so many humans claim him to be? She pauses and shakes her head and realises she is betraying her emotions - her eyes are glowing white. She places her gaze upon Emma as they return to brown. Right now she, Emma, and the steward know more about the politics of Asgard than anyone else in this embassy and that scares her.

"Want a drink?," she offers the woman. Because some stereotypes are very true. Emma helped Loki with something something astral plane, "You don't look like you enjoyed that."

Emma Frost has posed:
Well, one is adopted, and Thor's a blockhead i nthe almost literal sense. The way the Asgardian inhertiance system works is somewhat beyond the ken of Emma. However, Sera's facial expressions are rather simple to some degree to read over.. So once they're out o fthe room Emma's going to rapidly put down a few words over on a PDA. No doubt a warning beind passed along whatever particular network the mutant woman is on to spread the word over. This is going to give her a severe headache..

Then as Sera comes towards her, Emma puts it away, "Of course, if you happen to have some things which won't knock me flat out. I need to at least remain coherent for the moment. Since your Prince Regent sees fit to summon me at a whim for fancy, I'd rather be alert just in case there's something else over at it. Pleasure to meet you, Sera of Heven. And please don't let me get in your way of killing something if you need it."

Sera has posed:
Sera's eyes flit to the PDA. Words out. Too late now to contain that damage now. Perhaps that was part of the plan. No, now she's second guessing herself and seeing conspiracies. She should think better of Loki. She doesn't know him and Thor believed in him. Thor can be a bit of a single minded fool sometimes but she trusts him.

His nervous laugh when she'd talk about home and the history of Heven and Asgard made him endearing and if not for him, she'd never have met Odin and find a new place to call home. Besides Earth that is.

"I know just the thing," she says with a kind smile and takes another turn down a corridor in to a currently empty entertainment room with bar and tall stately windows looking out over the street. She approaches said bar and fetches a bottle of whiskey and two glasses.

"Emma Frost yes?," since the name was on the invitation and Loki said Frost a few times. "I expect you're a busy woman with a lot on her hands." Because if you're testing what strings you can pull you don't summon a random person with no weight.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would nod, "Oh, I'm sure there's greater reasoning behind all of this. I think most of the pontificating was for your beneift to see after all. I'm not particularly sure what my particular inclusion was for. He had some ulterior motive, though I can't grasp his reasoning as of now." THe PDA is tucked away, and whatever alert being sent ou tot others has already been done. Loki never -said- that she had to keep it to herself after all.

"And yes, thank you, Sera of Heven. Or is it just Sera? Whichever you prefer." she would shake her head. "And some things have greater priorities than others. I consider this to be far more important than a simple business meeting. I've learned three rather important things from it after all."

Sera has posed:
Sera raises an eyebrow as she suggests there's greater reasoning behind it. "He had no reason to think I'd be in the room with you. This was certainly about you and whoever back on Asgard is applying pressure against him. If he felt secure in his position as Regent he wouldn't need to ... test."

She fills the glasses and offers one to Emma, "Sera. I was being formal because I..." she pauses and takes a sip of the whiskey. "Three things? that's a lot. I've learned you respect Asgard enough to turn up when a mysterious letter is delivered to you. By raven I assume?"

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would ah, "Well, thenw hatever his.. Test was for me I'm sure that there's a greater reason for it. Annoying as I might find it and whatever his intent were. If it was just for me then you were included in it because he likely had something to gain from it. I take that even Asgard is not immune to these games of politics?" She would ask dryly.

"Something all too popular over in Midgard. And I.. Owe your Prince Regent a significant favor for aid and a debt that remains his to be called upon. And yes, three very important things. Perhaps even four."

Sera has posed:
Sera lifts her chin a touch and takes a long drink from her glass of whiskey. She owes Loki. "Interesting," she remarks and her posture shifts a little. Perhaps slightly more defensive. "That's the first time I've seen Loki. Met? Sort of met him. All I knew of him before was when I was told about the attack on New York; and what Thor would tell me."

"I felt the royal house of Asgard to be quite stable with King Odin on the throne but now I'm not sure. Loki may have best of intentions but I suspect he will rub people the wrong way." It's hard not to get slighted when you're being manipulated. "What four things have you deduced?"

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would shrug, "Well, I'd hardly call it in person. Moreso a broadcast. But the same scenario holds. So the circumstance was for my benefit I suppose initially.. But, yes, I have three things from this. The first, there was an attack at the Midgard Starport, which I was not aware of. Second, that Thor is missing. Third, that Odin is somehow indisposed to the point that Loki is now Prince Regent until circumstances are sorted out. Those are all rather important things to be aware of that I wasn't before."

She would fold her hands together. "And Loki seems the type tos cheme merely for the sake of scheming and theatrics."

Sera has posed:
Sera knocks back the rest of the whiskey and pours another for herself. "It's something I had wondered. When I heard the news from Asgard just who would take over while things are upside down," she remarks. Loki was a logical choice but there were other scenarios. Odin might have left instructions.

"It's like he was performing theatre not for your sake, or even my sake. But likely back on Asgard. Why else would he bother to apologise when he clearly knew he was putting you out. He didn't open with it but he was very forthright about his purpose. He had an audience and it wasn't just us."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would nod over at Sera, "I'm sure that the situation is rather complicated. however, given that everyone here is obeying the orders I'm sure the diretive has legitimacy to it. And you can.. Act within the boundaries of wht is appropriate for a woman in your position, Sera. And I do hope for Asgard's sake that Odin recovers soon and that Thor makes a safe return to you."

Probably carrying the head of a giant dragon or something because he got bored. "So, there's a bit of a play for those back home. Interesting, I hadn't considered that. It makes sense that one has to work with the audience they have."

Sera has posed:
Sera chuckles softly after a moment. She drinks more of the whiskey and glances out the windows. "Appropriate for my position. Good one," she says with a wink. Of course that means nothing to Emma but it tickles Sera pink. Her position? officially? 'Odin: don't make me regret this'.

"I get the feeling he's having the time of his life right now." And that could be dangerous. "I always admired the way Odin achieved so much by doing so little. The stories of him I grew up with were very different to the man himself." In truth it didn't take much conversation for her to start to admire the man. Weirdly, he still refused to admit Heven existed. A beautiful oxymoron that was solved by declaring Sera to be 'one of us'.

"Still my purpose has remained clear and is in alignment with the throne. No quandries there." Yet.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would go to lean back, "OF course, that's the best kind of entry level position. You're going in with your eyes open and fully aware that somewhere out there there's a blade destined for your back. Whether it comes in the form of diplomatic niceties, drinking contests, or crazed goats in a winter wonderland." She's heard -stories- of Svartvalheim, accurate or not.

"Odin is.. I know almost nothing of him beyond the myths. And I've barely interacted with any who know him at all so I can't' say on that particular assumption. However, the simplest solution to any circumstance is almost always hte best. So in the end so long as the htrone is stable and legitimate, your loyalties lie to it?"

Sera has posed:
Sera tightens instinctively and a hand rests to her chest when Emma casually talks about a blade destined for her back. Not her back per se but it just so happens to be how she died. Those kinds of memories never fade. Ever. She clenches her fist and then forcefully relaxes it on the bar top.

She lifts her chin a touch and smiles. "Loyalties. Where I'm from we don't deal in loyalties. We're - ah - the best translation is Capitalists. Everything for a price. We make a contract and we stick to it, get paid, and all is settled. I owe Odin a debt and I will repay it. It is as simple as that."

Which means, no, she does not have loyalties to the throne, to Loki, nor even to Thor. Then again her service is purchasable and she wonders just how much Loki knows about her. "However, the universe is better off with a stable Asgard. The last thing we need is a war like the ones told in legends of my people."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma understands very well what sorts of things one is to be paranoid of. She might not always live that life personally.. But she fully understands it. She watches over at Sera, reading the other woman's body language. Assessing it. The motions. Asgardians are very close to humans in mannerisms.
    "Of course. So your loyalty is for a debt. Whenever it is fulfilled you will move along to the next obligation, whatever it is. And the debt is to the throne I take? Rather than necessarily to Odin himself?" SHe would inquire, probing for a moment.

Sera has posed:
Sera's smile spreads a moment and she looks Emma in the eyes. "I get it. You have no reason to trust me. You're worried Loki might call in that favor you owe him with something that you will truly regret. I appreciate that. That's the way of commerce sometimes."

She places her hand just above the bar top and her voice sings softly in a strange beautiful alien language. Her hand is removed to reveal glowing numbers upon the wood. Not etched and the glow is fading slowly. But they are her phone number.

"If you feel like you're about to make a decision you're not sure about you can always call me. My prices are reasonable," she states in a friendly manner.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would shake her head over and fold her hands, "Oh, I'm not worried about you at all. Loki.. Has always been up front on things. And he's done things which came as a great aid when I was in need. The debt is an honest one and justified. He's earned my aid legitimately in an hour of need. So the obligation is pure and one that I feel duty bound to pay back."

Yes,m she remembers Loki was rather specific over not to be called a hero, sos he keeps that to herself. She would smile. "Of course. And wha tparticularly do you prefer in exchange? Money? Weapons? Specie? What do you consider worthy of an exchange then?"

Sera has posed:
Sera finishes off her whiskey and places the glass upside down on the bar top. No more for her for now. "Traditionally it is for money but despite this world being filled with gems and useful currencies it seems most people here prefer to trade in sterner stuff. Favors and the like."

"I'll tell you a secret - I was never big on that part of my peoples culture. I had little myself until the person I love found me and whisked me away from it all. But it gets in your head, ingrained, that that's the way things are done. I'm therefore more flexible about it than most of my kind."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would lean over and go back, "Well, I'll keep you in mind. I can always use professionals that have discretion. No remote offense, but a great many in Midgard of your profession tend to not have any sort." She would deadpan. "Too many think the concept of 'covert' involves leveling several city blocks to make sure no one is around that saw anything left beyond the crater."

She would fold her fingers together. "Then whatever your circumstance is then you're happy and content wiht things. And escaped from it and found someone you care deeply for."

Sera has posed:
Sera can't help but think of the various 'discrete' actions she's been involved in with her bounty hunting job. Crashing in to traffic. Being hit by a car. Jumping off a building to catch a drone. Becoming a glowing body on the beach to detect a hidden alien on the run from the law.

She flashes a smile. "Very discrete when the job calls for it," she says happy to accept the possibility of more paying work. Of course, then she can't help but think about all the city blocks Angela has levelled and craters made on alien planets. But that's Angela - she does big. BIG.

"I think there are people I should go speak to - it was lovely to have a drink with you Emma Frost. I regret you've been roped in to these affairs but I'm sure we're going to meet again."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost wouldn't be prying but the thoughts are -so- specific that it's hard to not pick them out. THinking rather hard on something is the equivalent of yelling. Fortunately these ones are minor enough to not really matter. Emma look amused.

"Of course. I'm sure that you'll be quite good at it. And I wish you the best then if you must get going. I hope that things get sorted out effectively on your end."

Loki has posed:
A young male Asgardian -- somewhat short due to age, perhaps most obviously an Asgardian just due to attire and general physical tone, has approached the bar from the side. He gives a brief smile only to the two women there, a casual polite quality in that. Dark brown hair braided back on the sides neatly, simple attire, perhaps here for some kind of apprenticeship within the embassy to learn diplomacy, that sort of thing. Youth means little to drinking age for Asgardian, so it's fine that he's making an order for an ale.

He's quiet about it, but it will sound like a voice Emma herself heard for DAYS -- the same vocal tone as the mage she knew as 'Kels', -- who was also Loki. She spoke to Kels through a flame elemental, but it's still distinct.

This boy's voice could have been borrowed, or ... or Loki's present here now, and let her know?

"Thank you, no hurry," 'Kels' says, awaiting his ale calmly, and not seeming to directly intrude.

Sera has posed:
Sera was going to extract herself and go find Sif. She'd want to know what Loki just did but now there's another Asgardian here and this is what she's been doing. Being here for them. Even as she's hurting inside she's trying to be there for them.

Her lips twitch up in to a smile and she plays bartender, pulling an ale for the man. She places it down in front of him and says, "Skal." She uprights her glass and pours another whiskey. "It seems I can stay a little longer," she says to Emma.

"What do they call you?," she asks of the young Asgardian and then glances back to Emma. She has little reason to suspect anything is off with the young man.

Emma Frost has posed:
Ther'es something strange over on it for a moment as Emma goes to pay little attention. A small child in the Asgardian Embassy means rather little. The asgardian children are probably rather rambunctious, and they're probbly drinking already to put hair on their chins. Better to start early.
    Then glancing down at 'Kels'. "Ah, so what brings you here then? It has been some time after all."
    A glance given over to Sera at the arrival of Kels. "It appears we have a guest with us. This is.. Kels. Whom was part of a group from the embassy that gave some aid with a prior crisis."

Loki has posed:
Closer inspection brings the likely age of Kels to -- well, anywhere from 12 to 16. It's really hard to pin exactly where it is. Maybe that's an Asgardian thing, or a Kels thing. "Kels Ellingboe," Kels grants, adding to the part Emma knew with a natural smile. Charming young man, pleasant and open features. Kels, son of Earl, then, by what he said. His quick Asgardian motion of hand in greeting is crisp and well practiced; he knows how to behave in such places, clearly. All of this, and the speech style, aligns with what Emma would remember of Kels. It's a solid character.

"What brings me here? A bit of reprieve from the tension. Everyone is... in a lot of pain. Unhappy. I'd have to be blind not to see it, even if they're all trying to hide it from me, as if I couldn't handle it, or it was shameful," Kels says, playing with the handle of the drink but not actually doing anything with it yet.

Sera has posed:
Sera smiles uncertainly. Was she doing that to others too? is that the wrong thing to do? "It's a pleasure Kels Ellingboe. I'm Sera. Not actually a bartender but if I'm behind the bar I might as well do the duty." She looks between Emma and Kels and asks, "How is it you two know each other?"

It's a small world sometimes and coincidences do happen. But Emma knowing an Asgardian teenager at the Embassy? she can't help but pry because there must be a good story there. She leans forward, elbows on the bar top and sips at her whiskey.

"It isn't shameful but oft times it's private. No one truly wants to burden another with their pain unless they've offered first. If you're feeling hurt by all that's happened this is the place to talk about it."

To prove a point she lifts up her whiskey, "To Thor Odinson. My friend. To whom many a night has been spent drinking and staring up at the stars. Some of them stormy if his mood was ill, some of them clear. I hope that I will get to drink with him again soon."

Emma Frost has posed:
Remembering well her bargain, Emma does not mention anything further. "Kels was very helpful in being of aid when requested. And his assistance helped in a circumstance where no other could have been such." she would speak over to the 'young' Asgardian. What did age particularly mean for such societies after all? As far as Emma is cocnerned, it's just an illusion like it was the last few times. Just magic that she can contextualize and put somewhere that makes sense. She doesn't elaborate further on the 'exact' circumstance without any sort of indication from 'Kels' that he was giving her permission to.

"I'm sure that with everything going on you'll have a great more of this to look forwards to. I suppose it will be something of a learning experience in the process and I wish you well when it comes to figuring out how to deal with this." That would be offered with sincerity.

Loki has posed:
Kels had cupped his hands around the base of his drink, considering Sera's words it seems, head a little tilted. But Thor's name pulls a reaction. There's a quick little move of lips as teeth clip together inside his mouth.

"His friend? Are you close?" Kels asks. He does not put Thor in past tense, notably. "If I know anything about our prince... he'll survive anything. He'll be back here." The tone is appropriate for a loyal youth about Thor, Thor is well beloved. Though some question does hang a little in how much faith there may be in that.

'Kels' has some shit to work through on his feelings about a lot of this. It's causing some very erratic behavior on someone that is already explosively moodswing prone.

"King Odin is the one that should fix things," Kels adds, dismayed. "Both being down at once... it's so much."

Sera has posed:
Sera considers Kel's question for a moment as she wonders at Emma's choice of words too. There is always so much for youngen's to learn and there's only so much the adults can impart to prepare them for these kinds of days. Days that they aren't ready for either.

"He has closer friends than I but his company is good and he'd offer it freely," she says remembering the day she moved in to her house and Thor came over to help move the furniture in and assemble the complex constructions from IKEA.

"I confess I am at a loss for words over King Odin's state right now. I never thought it possible," she says and looks down in to her whiskey. He seemed so powerful and commanding and not only self assured but his very being assured her too. Perhaps this is a good opportunity to see how people will take to Loki as regent.

"His son will have a difficult job ahead of him while Odin is ...unwell... and Thor is missing. I can't begin to imagine the difficulties of running Asgard." Tactful, she hopes. She needed Odin and Thor to help her conquer Heven - there's still time for that. One can dream big after all. Perhaps it was just that, a pipe dream. Who is she to think she could overthrow the Queen of Heven? Even with Angela, a true force of nature, ready to face the Queen in single combat.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would fold her hands together, "I can't say I've ever met Odin or those whom have encountered him moreso than in passing at best. He does however have quite the fearsome reputation.. However, I don't feel like I'm qualified to give a perspective on it, with my knowledge being third and fourth-hand. I do wish you the best over in having your king back." That bit is given along with a light telepathic inquiry over to Loki. ~What is going on?~ Emma's wondering if she's going to be needing another drink or not.

Politics are the same no matter the species or dimension, it appears.

"And I hope that.. King Odin makes the quickest recovery. And that you have luck bringing back THor as well." A quick mental thought of inquiry is sent the way of Loki, Emma attempting to see just how Kels/Loki would be reacting tot his chatter.

Loki has posed:
Kels finally has some of the ale, though not a lot of it. But it's the first time he's physically touched something that another person handled, which may make illusion less of a possibility here. Not impossible, but unlikely.

"Mmm," Kels agrees quietly to Sera's commentary about her friendship with Thor. Thor and his drinking battle-buddies is normal -- so that sorts Sera for him quickly mentally. He wasn't sure where that connection stood, and he got the information he was lacking, now.

Emma's mental query does find a mark, against his shields, but she'll know he heard her telepathy query. Visually, he's looking into his cup, seeming to be very thoughtful over what both women have said. Which is true, though he does answer Emma's mental query: ~I'm having a break and a drink with people that aren't afraid they'll say the wrong thing to me.~

Kels glances at Emma with a frown on the look. ~Everyone gets time to be upset but me. I just get villified no matter what.~

Sera has posed:
The way the young man is staring in to her drink makes Sera think that perhaps he's got strong feelings about what's going on. It's not uncommon for the Asgardians regardless of age to take these things personally. She wonders what he thinks about Loki for that matter.

"Thank you Emma Frost. King Odin gave me a home and a people when I had none," she smiles a little and begins to sing gently.

"Ein sat hon uti, tha er inn aldni kom yggjungr asa ok i augu leit."
"Hvers fregnid mik? Hvi freistid min? Alt veit ek, Odinn, hvar thu auga falt, i inum maera Mimis brunni."
"Drekkr mjood Mimir morgin hverjan af vedi Valfoodrs. Vitud er enn eda hvat?"

Another long drink after singing the song of Odin. "It's strange to me how little I know of Loki but from others opinions of him. Prince Regent. I remember reading a research paper on old Norse mythology, unravelling the stories of Loki from the Christian replacements. They concluded that Loki was the god of the Hearth. A fine notion if it's true. I guess we'll see. Kels Ellingboe don't fret too much, these things have a way of working themselves out in the end."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would 'ah' over at Kels, "I understand. Events can be quite.. Rough to be caught up in. And you'r ea child. It's a misfortune that you're caught up in all o fit. It's nothing personal I'm sure. Sometimes one can just stay out of thier way and kick them in the shins on the way out." Trying to figure out what exactly would be reasonable to say to an ornery Asgardian 'child'.

~There's a phrase from Shakespeare that seems to apply here 'Heavy is the head that wears the crown'.~ Enna would send over to Loki with some sympathy. ~It's never quite the glory that one is hoping it will be.~ She moves to take a small sip of her own drink. Glancing over then to Sera.

Tapping her fingers along to the song, "Forgive me for being so uncultured to not grasp the meaning. It is quite lovely. I feel all the sadder for not understanding what it's intent was, beyond the melody, which is lovely."

Loki has posed:
"I think 'god of chaos' is more universal," Kels speaks up, as Sera suggests Loki is a god of the hearth. "But maybe that's true too. Hearth, fire. Lots of things. So... chaos. I think lots of Asgardians don't want any chaos right now." This may be a very wise, very aware observation, from the young looking Asgardian. But Asgard is full of old souls.

"Or it's just used to big hammers and big fists and this is strange." Kels smiles some, as if maybe that were a read he prefers on the situation. Or maybe it's more hopeful and optimistic?

Most of that was to Sera. There's a sudden slant of eyes, sharp, at Emma when she quotes Shakespeare. And he doesn't answer her mentally, he just totally shreds apart. The voice and shapeshift holds, but the acting drops because he speaks in his own Loki, vocal cadence now. He answers the mental conversation, which will probably baffle Sera at first -- but not for long, since the words to Emma make it clear who he is: "//Glory//? How dare you suggest that ANY of this would be 'glory' right now. My father collapsed in my arms barely days ago into a coma, and my brother is possibly dead. Why everyone thinks I'm having a party is beyond me."

Then to Sera, "So go find your friend Thor. Odin directed /me/, his last words maybe, to figure this out. So consider it a directive from Odin, if you prefer to."

Sera has posed:
Sera raises her eyebrows a little at the notion of Loki representing chaos. It's never been put that way to her before. Certainly not by Thor. She finishes her drink and sets her glass down. "Change is alwa..." she pauses as his voice changes and she tilts her head a little. She's missed something. Something important.

Her eyes turn to Emma and she stares a moment. Another conversation perhaps. One she was not privy to. This is Loki. The one that the humans still want to throw in jail. She's seeing him for the first time if not his true form then his true soul open bare.

It's not something she can immediately relate to. Family. She's never had it in any way that resembles what Asgardians and Humans treasure. Even with Angela it is a contract of partnership. Her face twitches and falters because she can see pain and that.. that she knows.

It also seems he knows more about her than she realised. He knows she owes his father and that she is mercenary. But he doesn't know enough to know who she is deep down inside too. "Prince Regent Loki," she says in a more serious, quiet voice. One reserved for things she holds sacred, "This one is for you and it is freely given."

She cannot do much more than show the truth of her determination because whatever the critics say about Loki it's clear to her he values something more than power and control. "It will take some time," she states and turns her glass upside down again. A small nod to Emma as her eyes begin to glow a bright white. She walks over to the parlour doors that open out on to a balcony.

Sera has work to do and it is not just for Thor, not just for Odin, but also for Loki. Motivated, she is, by their shared plight. A song escapes from her lips and glowing magical wings burst from her back. She beats them and flies out in to the sky. Sera has work to do.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost looks over at Loki over and gives him a nod first. Then as he goes over to suddenly rage over at her comments she's caught by surprise and goes to speak the first words that she can with total sincerity. "I'm sorry." When was the last time that Someone told Loki they were sorry to him? "You are in so much pain right now.." Emma is respecting Loki and not reading his mind over. Then she goes to do something that may or may not get her a quick, quick ending from the guards, from anyone in the bar..
    But she moves to try and give Loki if she can a tight hug. Perhaps it's the alcohol, perhpas it's her normal protective instinct.. Or just someone that's clearly traumatized, in the position of having lost family, and having to keep his society intact from collapse and is finding that it's a job no one wants and yet that needs to be done.

Loki has posed:
Loki is working himself more towards anger - because anger is a lot safer of a place to be in than any actual pain. Anger feels more like something to channel, to use. Pain is just a place to collapse and be seen as weak.

And Loki is SO OVER being seen as weak. For his magic, for not being a brawny thing like Thor.

And he can't be seen as weak here. He just holds that hard jaw tension when Sera goes... only to get faced with Emma suggesting he's in pain. That won't do: it suggests she thinks he's weak.

"I'm not in pain," Loki snaps, lying, of course. His whole body goes into a tight, clenched state when Emma catches him by surprise and //grabs// him; he'd been looking at Sera's big wings but then Emma is hugging him.

Loki doesn't really know what to do with it at first; it's hard to trip him up, but emotional stuff like this is a path to do it. When real feelings have to get felt, when lies aren't set up like a nice moat.

"Get the hell off me," Loki snarls, but his physical body language does not have ANY fight in it. He reads more like a trapped animal than real anger.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma makes the female coo of 'aren't you an adorable thing' which is even more dangerous. "Fine, fine." Emma's look is completely kind. And 'you're an adorable thing' doesn't even need to be telepathically broadcast to be picke dup. Emma moves back to leave Loki crouched in the 'escape from terrifying Migdard female' position as Emma looks at him with concern, but moves to back away from him.

Loki has posed:
Like a cat that just fell off of a bed, Loki is trying to find his dignity somehow. It's a little funny, due to his current shapeshift -- so even more like a kitten with such a dignity bashed to bits.

In this case, awareness that he said too MUCH, that he'll be seen in a way he doesn't want to be... it's a mess.

"I'm not in pain," because when you repeat it, it becomes more true? "But this isn't what I wanted, either. Or... not like this."

Maybe he did want to be King. Of course. A lot. But not with this pain on it. Maybe he didn't fully parse that his family would be gone to obtain this thing? Or how his various chaos would create a mess. ...A mess that maybe is half in his head, because maybe his paranoia is more internal than outward. His tests did show Asgard will follow what he asked of them. So why he is so dreadfully unhappy?

"I have things to handle." VITAL THINGS. And with that, Loki escapes, disappearing entirely. Because that lie about pain was crumbling.