( three： video ＋ action for loki district. )

[gameplaying]

I trust all are having fun dancing to the tune of the gods. [ loki's voice can be heard before he can be seen, and when the video is turned towards him, it's clear that loki is away from the festivities of the olympics — he'd observed the first day and reached the conclusion that it was all he needed to see. at present, he's sat in a café; it's quiet, and primarily unoccupied if the noise (or lack thereof) is anything to go by.

his gaze flickers briefly to the glass just to one side of him — water, presumably — before turning back to the bracelet; his features are set in a primarily detached expression of mild entertainment. ]

Apparent satisfaction aside, I admit to curiosity on several matters: passage into Utgard has been granted, has it not? And the [ the briefest of pauses, a small quirk of his lips — private amusement, a joke only he knows the punchline to. ] king of the giants, Loki, he shares an uneasy truce with Odin, yes? I wish to know more of Utgard, and if there are any who would travel with me to the realm — be it for curiosity's sake or something more — I would be a fool to refuse company.

[ he doesn't truly mean anyone, of course; through a mixture of conversation and observation, there are only a few that loki would even come close to trusting, but the term is used out of a want for the appearance of inclusion, and curiosity as to who would offer. he pauses again, attention sliding from the bracelet to the table ground for several moments, expression shifting to a pointed (deliberate) look of thought and recollection. ]

Queen Thiazi. [ the name is uttered with a degree of deliberation and a hinted lack of familiarity, and after a few moments, he raises his gaze back to the bracelet. ] Ruler of Jötunheim or — I believe they call it Thrymheim here, do they not? [ beat. ] None are aware of a previous king, are they? A Laufey, perhaps, and what his fate may have been? [ a beat, and a genial smile. ] Idle curiosity and nothing more; I shan't mind if an answer is unforthcoming. [ it'd be preferred, in truth; for as much as he detests the majority of the differences between 'his' asgard and this one, the presence of laufey — or more specifically, the death of laufey — would be a particular hindrance. ] But on the matter of Jötunheim, have any been there? Or if not, have any held discourse with her or her kind, be it in person or through these— [ he waves a hand towards his bracelet dismissively. ] toys?

[ a beat, and he sits up a little straighter, leans forward a little more, and his tone gains a touch of earnestness. ] I find myself wondering: if we are here as mere cannon fodder and warriors for gods that care little for our plights, should we not be seeking to avoid the eventuality altogether? Are you all so content to sit and wait for whatever the fates bring you and [ a twitch of his lips. ] Asgard?

Comments

[gameplaying]

Yes, I have heard that. [ and seen it in action. oh, phil son of coul, you and your trading cards were of great use. ]

My familiarity with the myths and legends is tenuous at best. Both Asgard and Midgard are fond of lies and embellishments where it suits them and entertainment.

[knifedances]

It can work well when done correctly, based on what I've witnessed. [And instigated...]

That, and stories will always change shape over time, much like Chinese whispers I suppose. Though sometimes there's a core of truth in there somewhere. No smoke without fire, and all that.

oh, html, my old enemy :(

[gameplaying]

Without a doubt, certainly. [ he doesn't bother specifying as to which remark he's referring — it's applicable to both, after all. ] You're of Midgard, I assume?

it can be such a pain :( Also sorry I make no sense, I shouldn't be tagging with the flu!

[knifedances]

[And he'll take it to apply to both; asking for specification seems irrelevant]

You could say that, sure. One of the many versions of it, apparently. And you're from Asgard, though not the one we're currently occupying.

[It isn't a question]

it's fine!

[gameplaying]

[ his eyebrows arch briefly — acknowledgement, and the glimmer of something indiscernible although it borders on disdain. ] That'd be correct.

^_^

[knifedances]

[The man's overt disparagement of this place coupled with his questions make that the logical conclusion to come to, if anything about this situation can be considered logical in the traditional sense]

It's interesting. I never considered the possibility that there could be multiple realities, and possibly even multiple versions of the same 'gods'. [which may or may not be a question] Not that I ever gave the myths and legends of my home world much credence until very recently.

[Which is not entirely true]

[gameplaying]

Not even though myths and legends are, in your own words, born of a truth? [ uttered mildly; he's under no illusions as to what the belief of the majority of humans was regarding the existence of asgard and the æsir. as such, he doesn't bother waiting for an answer before continuing. ] I admit to a certain loathig to accept that this is truly Asgard rather than a handful of those who'd play at being gods.

[knifedances]

[But he'll answer you anyway]

I'll admit that I've always been more inclined to base my beliefs on facts and solid evidence. I've never believed in the existence of gods in the traditional sense but then I doubt that will come as much of a surprise to you. I'm still undecided over whether or not I've been proved wrong in that regard.

I'm curious. How would you differentiate between those who are playing at being gods and those who truly are gods?

[gameplaying]

[ pride. vanity. his. he detests the fact that his magic has been taken from him, that he's been taken from what is his, and whilst the idea of being overpowered is insulting, he detests the fact that there's apparently more than one of him even more so.

but that's not a sentiment he'll ever give voice to—. ]

The Asgard on which I was raised would have no need of mortal help, nor would it turn away from the prospect of Ragnarök; the prospect of war. The Æsir are, more than gods, warriors. What of this Asgard speaks to you of any of that?

[ as far as acknowledgement goes, both consciously and subconsciously, it rests wholly on how pitiful this realm is. ]

[knifedances]

[The bitterness and derision here is interesting to him. You have him so very curious, but then curiosity seems to be a state Izaya permanently occupies]

You have a point. There's very little about this place that bears resemblance to the myths and legends I know of the Æsir. But as we've already established all I have are a handful of old stories with nothing concrete to base them on.

It must be a little insulting then, to find yourself brought here by those you consider so low.

[gameplaying]

[ he lifts his chin slightly in acknowledgement, and pairs it with a thin smile. ]

Then based on what I do know of the legends, I'd suggest that mine and the one writ in stories long forgotten and altered with time on your Earth, are far likelier to be one and the same — in essence, at any rate.

[ pause; consideration. ] That's not the insult.

[knifedances]

So it would appear. The Æsir I've read of were certainly warriors and had no fear of war, at any rate.

Then do you mind me asking, what is the insult here?

[gameplaying]

Would you appreciate having what you are taken from you?

[knifedances]

I would not.

[gameplaying]

Then I'm sure you can gather the insult.

[ or one of them, at least. ]

[knifedances]

In part, at least. I'm assuming you're one of the gods of your Asgard, right?

[gameplaying]

[ a slight inclination of his head — not quite a nod, but close enough. ]

Loki.

[knifedances]

[How interesting. You're the one he's been likened to on more than one occasion back in his own world. Not that he agrees with this assessment, but that's ultimately irrelevant]

Ah, well. That makes things a little clearer for me. And how nice to make your acquaintance, Loki-sama.

[gameplaying]

I'm glad to have enlightened matters for you. [ beat. ] Likewise, I'm sure.

[knifedances]

It's most appreciated, I assure you ☆

As for your proposed trip to Utgard, is there anything specific you're looking for I wonder? Or is that something you'd rather keep to yourself?

[gameplaying]

At present, I simply seek to discover what differences there are between the Utgard I have familiarity with, and this one.

[ a simplification of the truth, but not a lie. ]

[knifedances]

I wonder.

[Though it was a fair enough answer and he has no intention of pushing too hard for specifics]

[gameplaying]

Although, I do wonder about their supposed king. Rumour has it he's twin to the Loki of this Asgard.

[knifedances]

So I've heard. You're hoping to meet with him, perhaps?

[gameplaying]

Unless Utgard allies itself with Asgard, we will be the soldiers his forces are pitted against. He'd be a fool to pass up a meeting — although later would be preferable from a personal standpoint.