Rebirth 12th - Orb Post #01

[notyet_king]

[two fingers touch to the round sphere even as he begins speaking, eyes lowered slightly. Thor looks troubled, and his normal loud and confident manner is low, controlled. He seems to be holding back some emotion.]

I am Thor Odinson. I believe that you have summoned me here among my comrades for some quest. Yet, you have no clear motive for us apart from becoming your unlikely saviours. Whilst I would have taken this challenge willingly... certain.. events have come to transpire and I -

[a pause as he closes his eyes, muttering slightly, unintelligable. Loki can be heard in the midst of it all.]

There is something else I must do, too.

Comments

[sorcerous]

[ His heart leaps at Thor's voice.

He is glad. Terribly glad, ever-so-glad, and he can hardly explain to himself why he quickens so at the sound of his own name. He wants to laugh, wants to cast some beautiful trickery that leaves the spectators roaring with amusement. He wants to tell Thor: Look, look what I have learned -- I have learned that I can be anything I want to be, and what I want to be is nothing like you.

The boundaries in Loki's world have broken, thanks to Anya's words. The walls that would have him crushed are now rubble and dust and mud, still choking his path but no longer defining it.

Thor. Thor. ]

There is no answer. None that will leave you satisfied -- but there is a reason, that things are this way.

[notyet_king]

[he shakes his head, having expected him to reply.. those rumous of disturbance. He had no doubt it had something to do with him, but he didn't know for certain yet.] I suppose you have been well? Busy, I hear - or do I give the wrong credit.

[sorcerous]

I am as innocent as they come.

[ But he does not expect Thor to believe him. ]

[notyet_king]

[his instincts tell him not to...] Indeed, so that 'dark figure' causing such disarray I have heard tell about?

[sorcerous]

It was not me.

[ And indeed it was not; Loki has been hidden away, not in the mood for anything but quiet contemplation. The colder weather is a blessing for him.

But he knows of no words to convince Thor of this, so he does not try. His brother will never trust his sincerity. ]

[notyet_king]

...Where have you been since our last? [there is a part of him alert to the danger of them speaking, yes. If Loki chooses to attack again, seek him out, he's sure he is capable of it again. But Thor.. he is simply drinking him in as ever. He doesn't want this small connection to cut between them quite yet.]

[sorcerous]

Hidden.

[ He will not say where.

He blurts: ]

Thor, I have found -- [ And he stops himself. ]

You know what I am, now. Do you not?

[notyet_king]

As is wise to do... for one weaker than you, Brother. [he frowns, disapproving. He knows Loki better than this. He would only hide for his own protection from something that he knew could harm him. Or, others. He glances up sharper at the break off, and as he speaks again...

What.. he is, now? Thor's eyes blow wide a little.] What... do you mean.

[sorcerous]

Hidden from you.

And I mean the truth of my heritage, my line. Do not play at ignorance; Odin must have told you. [ Sharp words. He does not want to be the one to say. ]

[notyet_king]

[sharply.] Father tells me all he deems fit to tell.

[not quite an answer, he knows. But two can play at that game, he sees.]

[sorcerous]

[ That word -- father. ]

Odin, I will call him. He has been a poor father to me.

[notyet_king]

Not by intent -- and you are stubborn in your own thoughts so I shall not try to dissuade you. [his voice lowers, and despite himself, he asks --] Hidden, and from me. Why?

[sorcerous]

[ Loki looks at him aghast. Why else? -- Thor is the most dangerous of all, for Loki. Not because of hate, not because of ill will.

Because of love. ]

You do not know?

[notyet_king]

I have no desire for such -- [he breaks off, because why say it. The fact Loki attacked him, used such trickery was evident he didn't care for it. Thor closes off once more, his eyes dark.] No doubt we shall meet again, however...

[sorcerous]

As ever, you do not understand.

[ His tone is tight, with frustration. ]

[notyet_king]

...Clearly, you believe this before now. [the fingers start to lift. He wishes to end this torture now. His eyes meet his, a mix of sadness and determination.]

[sorcerous]

You will not listen! You never listen. You have done me a thousand wrongs, and you have the gall to stand before me and say -- whatever I have done, Loki, forgive me. You never mean it, but you blunder through fragile things and shatter them without thought.

You do not know. You have never known what's in my heart.

Before now, it mattered nothing. But now, it is all changed.

[notyet_king]

You had never told me of your heart! Not fully, Loki -- do not pile all this blame upon me. [Thor retorted, angrily.] I only ask forgiveness for my mistakes when one concedes. When one deserves it. [and Loki - he has just changed. Why had his brother gone so far beyond his reach?]

I would ask should I believe you wanted it now. Truly. [but he believes, as he ends the connection, what Loki wants more? Is vengeance and to hurt him back, tenfold to anything Thor had unwittingly done.]

[brosif]

Thor Odinson, hesitant at a challenge? Next you will tell me that Volstagg is fasting, Hogun is smiling, and Fandral has taken a vow of chastity.

[The jest is said without a smile – it reflects a truth. Things are so different now. And they will only continue to branch out from here.]

There are many things you do not yet know, my friend.

[notyet_king]

Would that they were with us, Sif. [a pause.] I have no desire to win, if that is what amuses you, so be it. I shall merely aid those who need it. [he had no wish to become Champion of such a place. He had duties back home, both of his homes!]

[brosif]

I know. [And that is all she will say on her absent friends, without prompting. Drawing forward in her chair, she laces her fingers together, thinking of what he needs to know. There is so much.]

I have ample reason to believe that the king is not being forthright about his reasons for bringing us here. But that can wait a moment. Tell me – what contact have you had with your brother?

[notyet_king]

Enough to know of his hatred and contempt -- I know not how to make him see me, and reason. [it pains him, and confuse him too.

Past the knowledge of why Loki had fallen, to the minute details he was allowed... Thor couldn't think why. But deep down, he did know.

He knew his own fault in it was great, from the start. Even small slights... when brought together would be great. He had pushed Loki just as much as he himself had...

He raises dark eyes to her's, voice soft and regretful.] I wished for... my brother back. But he was not lost. And all this time, he has been... angry with me. Hating me.

To know that is -- [he breaks off, scoffing. He's been a fool. He knows it.]

...That does not surprise me. This king must be dealt with in place of these perillous missions sent to boys instead of men.

[brosif]

[Sif meets his gaze, her own expression somber. How many times, as children, had they played Asgardian and Frost Giants? How many times had they made the younger prince play at the latter?]

I believe hate and love are wrapped up so tightly in your brother's heart right now that he cannot differentiate between the two. He strikes at you to strike at himself.

[halfwitch]

It's not summoning, it's kidnapping.

[notyet_king]

You shouldn't concern yourself with it, young one.. [he frowns.]

[halfwitch]

I got kidnapped to here too, so yeah. I should. And I'm not that young. I'm eleven.

[notyet_king]

...Young. [he repeats, the hint of a smile.]

[halfwitch]

[Pout] Not young.