( video. ) ( night 129. )

[gameplaying]

[ there's a few seconds of breathing at first, slightly laboured but distinctly amused, as if the owner is torn between laughing and not, and whilst the feed is set to video, there's little discernible — a slight glint of gold and silver reflecting the light from the bracelet, but for the present, that's it. ]

Is this how the gods of Asgard protect their loyal subjects — by sitting idly by and watching as they kill and are killed? [ momentary silence interrupted only by the sound of movement and deliberate sliding of metal — daggers, perhaps — against the surface of a table. ] Ravens—. [ the remark is muttered half to himself, somewhat bitter and in the tone of one who is enjoying a private joke, although it's followed by a more audible, explanatory and sardonic: ] Odin watches.

[ the sound of movement again, and a quiet huff (not quite a laugh) before loki comes into view. he's pale, as ever, but he doesn't look to be overly bothered by the situation as a whole, nor does he seem to be injured. his lips quirk briefly, and he leans slightly closer to the bracelet, the barest hint of a smile playing across his features. ] If there are still a foolish few who would place their faith in those who would not lift a hand in protection of their realm, I do wish you luck for if this is any indicator, the realm will fall and all who stand not against them but with them, will also fall where they stand. What hope have you against giants if you cannot hold these pitiful creatures?

[ he leans back away from the bracelet, fingers hovering over the feed for several moments. after something resembling consideration, he adds: ] —At least morning is only a few hours away.

Comments

[digophelia]

[Of course she's sunk back to something different. Of course Alice is in a different state of mind. Half-listening, just knowing she has to keep going. A few days ago, his words would have met doubt from Alice, but... Now she seems to be pining him with something else. She never speaks of Wonderland.]

Worse? If he were to make it worse, then what use is he?

[gameplaying]

That, Alice, depends on what you want.

[digophelia]

Altair said they were petty, that they wanted to control each and ever one of us.

"You do not, cannot seek comfort".

[So she breathes, clutching that damn blade in her hands.]

I am not a puppet. They'll just have to go.

[gameplaying]

They've already got control over us. [ for as much as it mattered, at any rate. ] How is it you plan on making them "go"? You've no pincushions to stab your needle into.

1/2

[digophelia]

Pincushions.

[It literally makes her twitch.] Where are the rest of the gates? Wouldn't it be better to end it?

[digophelia]

Or is it the destruction the destruction of us all?

[gameplaying]

The destruction of us all they herald is yet to come. You've time enough to decide how to embrace it and on what terms.

[digophelia]

Then they won't be pincushions, I won't die. I will not be a puppet. If... if one must go into the very halls to cut out their hearts, then so be it.

[gameplaying]

And if they truly are gods?

[digophelia]

Are they? Do gods bleed?

[gameplaying]

Do gods bleed? [ a momentary silence at her question. to say yes would be to admit he does and would, too, but no— ] There's only one way to find out isn't there, Alice?

[digophelia]

It is why I said it.

[gameplaying]

Yes, but my point was that if they truly are gods, it won't be blood that will be a concern. For you or them. [ a deliberate pause. ] They've power, and you a knife.

[digophelia]

For now.


[Don't question her logic in this state. She just may do something impulsive, too.]

[gameplaying]

Then I wish you luck.

[digophelia]

There's no such thing as luck, no such thing as any of that nonsense. I won't be a toy. Not anymore.

[gameplaying]

You have it all the same — you'll be needing something.

[digophelia]

Such as...?