001 | Awkward Video

[deemedworthy]

[He recognizes this place for what it is, at least: a lab. Between the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier and the temporary facility that had been built up around Mjolnir in New Mexico, he's seen enough of sterile environments like these to know what they are and what they're for, though he's mildly confused about the contents of this particular lab. The camera is jostled as he fumbles with the device bearing it, giving a blurry and crooked shot of the plans, both foreign and familiar, that fill the hydroponics lab.]

These runes...

[The camera is pointed at the floor as he leans in to examine one of the nearest plantbeds, where Nordic runes have been etched. It's held steady long enough to give the viewer a clear shot of his boots.]

Health and prosperity. Someone has cared for these.

[His voice is low, uncertain; the familiar etchings aren't enough to assuage the anger he feels at being dropped, somehow, into some unknown facility against his will. No mortal prison has ever been able to contain him for long, and this, he is certain, will be no different.

He turns the camera back on himself, but clearly lacks understanding of exactly how it works, as it's not only upside-down, but also zoomed in so close that all it projects is an extreme close-up of his right eye.]

I wish to know who dares to toy with me! Whatever game is being played here, I do not find it to be funny.

Comments

[hung_garian]

Viking aficionado, huh? Well, you've sure got the hair for it. The guns, too.

[Well, he's got to get his entertainment somewhere.]

Another pseudo-mythological figure? Or just a Wiccan who fancies himself a rune-reader?

[deemedworthy]

I carry none of these guns you speak of.

[As seems to be the theme of the day, Thor recoils slightly; he's found a way to be offended by nearly every response he's received, save those from familiar faces.

He doesn't adapt well when he's angry.]

I am no such thing. I am Thor, son of Odin, Warrior-Prince of Asgard!

[hung_garian]

Of course you are. Shoulda guessed.

[He rolls his eyes. Some things stay constant between the universes - the details of Loki and Thor's relationship to each other might change, but the tone of it rarely does.]

Well, your highness, welcome to our humble abode. Not quite what you're used to, I'm sure, but don't worry, you oughtta get used to all the hygiene and the quietness after a while. In the meantime, I'm sure someone can find you some straw and dirt to roll around in and some trolls to smash while you adjust. If you're real lucky we might even be able to find us some mead.

[deemedworthy]

[Hey, he likes to think he's consistent. Or he would if he ever gave it much thought.

Any chance this particular encounter had of becoming or remaining civil, however, has just been utterly destroyed.]

I do not take well to those who mock me. Who are you, that you speak so?

[hung_garian]

Well, there's a few names I go by here. Normally 'Loki' is my default option, but it seems I've got some competitors for that particular role, so... I guess you can call me Gabriel. At least until tall dark and broody fucks off again. Personally, I'm hoping that'll be sooner rather than later. He cramps my style, you know what I mean?

[deemedworthy]

Loki.

[His eyes narrow harshly, and suddenly he is disinclined to take anything this man may have to say at face value.]

Enough of this nonsense. What guise is this that you wear, brother?

[hung_garian]

Okay, either you're way more into soul music than you look, or you really weren't listening to me. I'm not your brother, champ, I just apparently have a much more popular name than I thought.

laughed so hard I spit out my drink, good work

[deemedworthy]

That is precisely what Loki would say should he wish to avoid suspicion.

[He sets his jaw, gaze fixed on the screen, unflinching. Lucky you, Gabriel, this one has trouble seeing past his own stubbornness.]

You cannot just happen to have the same name. Your attempts to deceive are much weaker than I am used to, Loki. Surely you can do better.

always happy to oblige

[hung_garian]

Precisely? Personally I think he'd have used more thees and thous. And verilies.

[He spreads his hands, affecting a (blatantly fake) wounded expression.]

Deception? Moi? Really, Thor, I don't know how you could think such a thing. My reputation as an upright citizen must not have got as far as your universe... which I can understand, with that slimy little weasel as my counterpart.

[deemedworthy]

[He scowls. Mockery again.]

How is it that I am supposed to trust any of that which you say?

[hung_garian]

Same way you trust any of what anyone says. I'm told it's not difficult - not that I've ever tried it myself.

[deemedworthy]

I find I don't trust many these days.

[We can all that the other Loki for that.]

You spoke of other Lokis. Tell me of them.

[hung_garian]

You think one of them's yours? I think if you're gonna claim one you should probably go for the pipsqueak. Sure, he's short and annoying, but he's less psychotic than tall dark and brooding is, so there's that. Obviously of the three of us I'm the cream of the crop, but I'm not up for adoption right now.

[deemedworthy]

Pipsqueak.

[He squints a little as he repeats the word, wrinkling his nose. That doesn't sound like his Loki, of course, but the other...]

The latter sounds more like the brother to whom I'm accustomed, I'm afraid.