( 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]

Ignorance is bliss. [ a moment's pause, and a smile. ] I fear it's a trait inherent to the mortal condition. Frustrating, if not understandable.

[digophelia]

Ignorance doesn't last forever. If you're pushed and abused enough, you will fight back. Do you expect the rest of them to sit idly by as they continue playing their games with us?

[gameplaying]

Some will and some won't — that much is knowledge, not expectation.

[digophelia]

Then perhaps it should be an expectation. Are you that concerned with the state of this Asgard?

[gameplaying]

No. My concern is with the fate of those they've enrolled to fight. I care little for this realm, particularly for this Asgard, and to pretend otherwise would be to give voice to a lie easily seen through.

[digophelia]

So you only care about those around you to ensure your survival?

[gameplaying]

In this? Yes. I have no bonds with any here except—. [ a pause, and he lets out a breath that's almost a good natured laugh. ] Well, except one. I shan't pretend otherwise. In the absence of friendship, that is all we have.

[digophelia]

[Alice can't help but scoff.]

Neither do most of us. If you want to succeed, you'll still have to play with the rest of us.

[gameplaying]

I said not a word about not playing, and even less about a lack of inclusion.

[digophelia]

Then what are your plans to leave here?

[gameplaying]

Asgard, or this realm as a whole?

[digophelia]

This realm, then! The one that displeases you so.

[gameplaying]

Should circumstances smile upon me, I intend on speaking with Queen Thiazi and with [ a quirk of his lips. ] King Loki and understanding just what issue it is they take with Asgard, of discovering their power and where they sit within this — realm. Odin — the All-Father — will not be the only being with power, and his power is certainly not that great if he calls upon mortals to save Asgard from its fate. Even Frost Giants can traverse the realms if they have in their hands the right tool.

[digophelia]

[Alice has to side eye him for a moment. Although that is a fair point -- for mighty gods roping in normal people, how strong are they?]

Perhaps then, if you're successful, hopefully there will be more of a momentum.

[gameplaying]

[ he knows it's a fair point, even if it's not where his true intentions lay. at the core of it, it's one of several issues he takes with this realm.

he smiles. ]

One always has hope, I hear.

[digophelia]

[Fine, Alice will bite.]

A man I knew here spoke of these gods and how they offer false comfort and seek aid from those who can possibly overthrow them. Were you seeking the same results?

[gameplaying]

[ an expression of surprise flits across his features. ]

I seek only to return home. We've spoken of my lack of care for this realm, why then would it matter to me who rules it?

[digophelia]

It wouldn't would it? You're right.

But that is not what I mean -- I wanted to know if you wanted them gone, too. Like he did. He said...

"You do not, cannot, take comfort." Yes. That's what Altair said. Your words are similar to him, in a way. Perhaps my curiosity is getting the best of me once again.

[gameplaying]

[ a moment of apparent consideration; ] No. [ a lie. he does, he would have them fall with asgard. ] To overthrow the gods of Asgard if this realm is true, would throw all of Yggdrasil into chaos. That would be Ragnarök, although perhaps less impressively, depending on the precise circumstances.

But your friend would be right: there is no comfort to be found here.

[digophelia]

Yggdrasil?

[She repeats that very slowly. Maybe he could have been wrong? It's not as if either of them knew anything about Asgard or realms. Or even gods.]

He was a wise man.

[gameplaying]

Yes. [ a beat. ] Astute, at the very least.

[digophelia]

So not all of us "mortals" are the same.

[gameplaying]

I don't recall saying you are.

[digophelia]

Inherent traits, though, yes, you're correct. You didn't.

[But she gives a sigh.] I suppose I should be kind enough to wish you luck.

[gameplaying]

I should hope that I won't need luck.