( 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

[practicality]

There are those who would claim that having thought of a way to avert war is enough.

[gameplaying]

And? [ curious. ] I imagine there are men abound who could lay claim to thoughts of bringing peace to whatever realm they inhabit and, content with that thought, sit idly by and do nothing. What honour do they have, Susan? What claim to good and noble intent? Even when I sought to bring destruction on Earth and Thor sought to bring me to sense, I knew what could and should be done. The thought was there, but I took no action. Instead, I watched as the streets burned and the mortals died.

Thought is not enough, and I would have little to do with those who'd claim it is. I do hope you don't count yourself amongst its number.

[practicality]

There will never be a shortage of men like thus. [ men who'd much rather spend their days talking yet act naught - or perhaps delegating actions because they are already in power, and thus their hands should not be stained. it's maddening, encountering them.

there is a pause from her end, and a sigh. ] I-- I should hope not. [ but how to prove that is beyond her, right now. ]

[gameplaying]

I'm glad, for peace cannot be struck with the actions of one and one alone. Should I need aid, would you help me? I would not ask you to do anything you did not wish, but I can't act alone. Even here, in Asgard, there are those who would rightfully distrust me and my word, and until I can prove that this is truly what I intend, that regret is not out of my grasp—. [ hesitation, and an audible inhale of breath. ] I suppose all I ask for is a little faith.

[practicality]

[ she almost smiles at the absurdity of the request. she who is most doubtful of things - even of aslan, at times - asked for faith?

again, she chooses her words with utmost care. ] I stand by and have faith in those who want to save us from a fate we never wished upon ourselves. [ a beat. ] If you are one of them, then you won't need to ask.

[gameplaying]

Then I thank you, Susan.