13904/Princes and Power

Princes and Power
Date of Scene:	20 January 2023
Location:	Palace - Asgard
Synopsis:	Balder returns, finding Loki ruling Asgard.
Cast of Characters:	Loki, Balder

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Loki has posed:
    When Odin went into Odinsleep, upon the disappearance (loss?) of Thor, many had questions about his intentions. Odin's purposes often delivered lessons in some way - through punishment or positive reinforcement. The general perception was uncertain over the reins being handed into Loki's possession, but if there was a question about the current rule, that was kept quiet. After all, Loki was well known to have a network of information.

    Was this a test, from Odin, or something else? The double blow of Thor and Odin slammed Asgard in the teeth in a number of ways: both internally, but also politically, as a power of the universe. Most had expected either Odin or Thor back up at the front helm, that Loki would be temporary - a week at the most. That it's been months was a surprise.

    And hardly anyone was as surprised as Loki himself, though he has hidden that from everyone. He just took power and commanded Asgard, tolerating nothing else. On the exterior, Loki has been firm and unemotional, a fierce stare into the face of any enemy that wondered if Asgard were soft prey with Odin and Thor down.

    Today was no different: a 'diplomat' of an enemy had been present in the throne room today, and Loki commanded an overwhelming display of angry magic, empowered Asgardian guards in bristling gold, and an elemental force in a heavyhanded show of his willingness to lead Asgard to war if needed. The diplomat backed off, and has since left.

    Prince Regent Loki (as he has not declared himself King: at least not yet), sits now alone in the throne room, having sent everyone out - even the guards are now outside the doors, for whatever reason.

Balder has posed:
Until recently, Balder had been off on a diplomatic mission for Odin - tending to one of the outlaying realms that needed a bit of special attention. It wasn't unusual for him to be sent to handle some of these events, generally the more peaceful ones were assigned to Balder. There was that whole concern about starting off Ragnarok with his untimely demise and all...

Even in the far-flung realms, word eventually had traveled to the God of Light that his older brother was missing. No sign or trace of him to be found - quite the problem indeed. He'd made haste to Midgard, only to get wind once there that there were many things afoot.

Maleketh causing trouble.

Thor gone missing.

Gods being slain.

Loki on the throne.

For now, the latter situation was easier to address and get answers over. With a flash of rainbow-hued energy, Balder was back in Asgard, striding through the palace on his way to the throne room. Nodding to the guards present outside, the door - he knocked, then entered. Regardless of his feelings on the situation, he gave a bow of his head to Loki in respect. "Brother."

Loki has posed:
    Loki's easy to find in the throne room - though he isn't actually seated on the throne at the moment. He's forward, in the center area, with two flame elementals: giant humanoid-torso like beings made of magical flame. Loki is still in his 'impressive battle regalia', as he'd just finished with the other task that required it, but his manner is more relaxed, overall. The elemental pair, despite being perhaps eleven feet in height each, are not threats. Perhaps friends or servants.

    Loki doesn't jolt or change his manner at the knock and arrival of Balder, though at first his expression turned hard, as he prepared to snarl at a guard. But it's Balder, so that flits away immediately. "Brother," Loki floats smoothly in answer, voice pleasant. It doesn't carry any teeth, at least not yet, nor defensiveness. It's a greeting without subtext.

    Loki gives the fire elementals his attention, briefly, then. "Go ON, then. With results, if you would," Loki tells them, amusement in undertone. The magical creatures grumpily spark, turning into smoke, as they work magic to disappear entirely.

    "Took your time with your mission," Loki then observes of Balder, with a pull of air through his teeth. It doesn't carry much signal of how Loki feels about it one way or another: one of those frustrating Loki-isms.

Balder has posed:
There are teeth, even if he doesn't intend them to be bared - it's difficult to see Loki in the top spot, with Odin slumbering and Thor lost in limbo. That being what it is, Balder did a good job of not showing any distaste at the moment. "I took the time that was needed, Brother." A nod to the Prince Regent. "I see there have been some changes. Mayhaps you would be so kind as to fill me in on some of the missing details?"

The Fire Elementals are generally ignored - they weren't fire giants, so... that was good. "The mission, by the by, was a success in terms of the peace arrangement. One less war to worry over." Balder offered over, once the fiery creatures vanish. The younger Prince does straighten up, looking Loki in the eye.

Loki has posed:
    "While I appreciate you put me and the diplomacy report as top priority on return," Loki begins, slowly crossing his arms, with a gleam off the metal of his battle regalia bracers. There's an odd pause. It carries a weirdness, like Loki is being honest. It just looks strange, this pause, with Loki. "...Mother has need of comfort, to see you." Loki's jaw moves, as if something about this was trying to pull emotion into Loki's face, and he's keeping it controlled. It's only showing in tension through his neck.

    "Recent events have been particularly harsh on her." Green eyes move to the direction he's aware that the Queen is in. "Consider that your follow-up mission, and take your rest afterward. I know your trip was ...long, and there's questions abound about everything here. I'll handle your questions; I'd protect mother from that burden, I'm sure you agree."

    Loki's being a little odd here, as if he were playing some sort of grand character, but the actual request is hardly a bad one: it carries information that their mother is suffering and needs support. Loki is aware of it, and aware of Balder's skill and talent there.

    And also, to specify that Loki WILL, in fact, answer questions without a fight, if Balder helps the queen cope - something he probably would want to do anyway.

    "But the summary, here, is that I have Asgard well protected. While I have no interest in war, I have had to threaten it to show Asgard's strength. But no war as of now. Answers about Thor are frustratingly lacking. Father has been healed; he sleeps for his own reasons." ... "As for mother, as I said ...she'd appreciate seeing you."

    Loki partially turns, as if his expectation is that Balder will want to get out of his company as soon as possible.

Balder has posed:
It does take a moment for the situation to be assessed by Balder, the man meeting Loki's gaze without fear or hesitation. "I can only imagine, aye. I will tend to her as she needs, and not fuss over to the point of aggravation." He does listen, intently - all but hanging on each word. Part of him waits to hear Loki weave a slippery tale. More of him wants to trust his brother, and focus on the tasks at hand.

"Father slumbers, Thor missing. Very few on Midgard have any news of him, either." He comments, looking a bit tired. "And there are tales of the Dark Elves intruding there. They have assaulted allies of our brother - the garrison named Shield." He'll always offer over the information he has, rather than assume the news has been spread. "And gods being slain afar." A shake of his head. "These seem to be dark times, Brother."

A breath, and he stands up straighter. "I shall make myself available to the throne, and tend to mother."

Loki has posed:
    "Dark, and busy," Loki agrees. In that, there's some information: Loki's personally irritated or affronted by that it's busy. All the demands on the realm have destroyed ALL of his free time. He's self-aware, there, and a smirk slides out, as slippery as Balder could ever have wanted: "No time for mischief."

    Loki made fun of himself, though it's a little guarded: Loki can make fun of himself, but he was not inviting others to join in.

    Baby steps, maybe, to growth as a person. But that could fall apart quickly, Loki builds emotional houses of cards quite often.

    Still, for now - if Loki is making a direct attempt to be better for Asgard, that can only make him easier to deal with. However long it lasts, at least it's happening now!

    "My priority is Asgard. I have, however, spoken to a SHIELD leader, requested a delegate to come here. Follow-up on that could be prudent, if they were directly assaulted by the elves now. Much to do. But after mother, rest fitfully. The throne has no use for you exhausted." Loki smirks more obviously on the last comment, but it isn't mean. He enjoyed referring to himself as the throne - that didn't make the 'command' a bad one, though.

Balder has posed:
"Dark and busy, aye." A slight grin. "We will overcome these trials and Asgard will stand, shining and triumphant." Of that, Balder is sure. Prophecy and such, after all. "It is good to be home, even in these difficult moments. And good to see you again, Brother." He offers, glancing around once more. There's no chiding or teasing in his tone, he's as genuine as he can be. Par for the course, for Balder.

"If you wish, I would be glad to attend this meeting with Shield - of course, once Mother is tended to and I have rested." The orders were heard, and acknowledged. There's no doubt he's going to take them to heart. "Is there anything then, to tend to tonight?"

Loki has posed:
    In some ways, Loki was counting on Balder's sense of duty here - that this wouldn't be a hard discussion, when Balder returned. It does help that Balder did bring good news: not more problems to lay on Loki's doorstep. So that started things off very positively. Loki didn't feel immediately defensive. His moods are mercurial, which means they swing from good to bad. Still sitting in 'good'.

    "Only mother. I don't think anything else should intrude on that or share time with that priority tonight," Loki replies. He looks at the throne area - he had been headed that way - but seems to change his mind, and instead proceeds directly towards Balder, and the exit door, as well. "Tonight, trust that I hold the rest in good hands, hm? ...If you can." Loki flares his eyes in a somewhat villainous way, smile sleek, but it's a playful move, as he proceeds to head past Balder towards the doors.

    On the way out, Loki directs, commandingly to the guards, "Spread word; a welcome-home feast for Prince Balder, tomorrow evening." Loki flips his gaze back to Balder, as if daring him to say otherwise about it.

Balder has posed:
The youngest of the Odinsons was one to trust. Family is family, after all. There was no malice that he could detect from Loki, just the burden of the throne. "I will go to her immediately." Balder agrees, offering a nod of respect to Loki. "I have faith in you, Loki." Again, he's completely earnest in his statements.

There's a bow given as Loki steps out, and a shake of his head. "I shall have to dress to feast - I do hope the Warriors Three attend." A wry chuckle. No arguments, though. One does not tend to argue the word of the ruler on the throne, especially in front of others. "Rest well when you can, Brother."

Loki has posed:
    "Hopefully you can locate SOME wardrobe in twenty-four hours," Loki dryly observes, unable to resist the snark point when Balder frets over his dress. "I did say I'd hold the rest in good hands -- but there are limits. Your personal fashion does need to remain on you."

    Loki smirks a little through the well-wish, as if it were better to just not respond about resting, and turns away, hands moved to rest at the small of his back as he strides back up the corridor, the guards automatically splitting into two teams: one with their current ruler, and one staying in the throne area. It's well oiled: Loki's had months to curate how he wants the guard to function, and it's smooth.

    But there's a lack of rest, in how many things ARE now curated: Balder's perceptive...