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[dusk_and_dawn]

If I needs must live with this Midgardian technology, I would better understand it. Being surrounded by machines I know not the purpose of is discomfiting. [He sighs. Why must things change?] Happily, the library is more straightforward, although a bit overwhelming in its breadth. The history of this place appears quite different from that of our Midgard, and does not seem to include the rest of the Nine Realms. They seem to be spoken of only in mythology.

I am spending most my days at the training hall. Any who would seek me may find me there. Those whom I have promised to spar with or to train may join me at any time.

Comments

[dusk_and_dawn]

[Sure. And he's a frost giant.]

[But Balder frowns and, after a moment, his face softens slightly.]

What do you remember, Loki?

[falsehoods]

Remember?

Of what?

[dusk_and_dawn]

I am told we may not be of the same time. I am asking what you remember of before you were transported here.

[Yes, it's been on his mind.]

[falsehoods]

[Loki frowns slightly]

I was taken here from Latveria.

[dusk_and_dawn]

[Balder frowns back. He doesn't exactly have good memories of Latveria. And it means Loki hasn't sacrificed himself yet. Or never will?

He's pensive and makes Loki wait a long moment. It's really better this way. It's really better knowing that this is Loki at his lowest.]

Then you shall have light to vie against your darkness.

[Does that satisfy you, Loki? Balder has no idea.]

[falsehoods]

A threat?

[He tilts his head and allows an expression of grief to cloud his features.]

And for what? What crime maddens you thus?

[dusk_and_dawn]

[Balder's lips pull back to show his teeth.]

Most vile treason.

And do not claim otherwise, Loki. I have seen where your council was made to lead us. I have fought the bodies of the dead.

[falsehoods]

[At this he allows himself to appear haunted.]

I...

But what reason would Loki have to lead you to ruin?

[dusk_and_dawn]

[Balder sighs as though the memory exhausts him.]

Fire does not need a reason to burn. It burns simply because it is fire.

And Loki is simply Loki.

I quote you in this. So if I lie to you, it is with your own lies.

[falsehoods]

[He does actually remember saying this.]

Aye. I am destruction.

But you imply that I deliberately sought to do you harm.

[dusk_and_dawn]

[That gets him an exasperated look.]

You say you are destruction but you did not mean to destroy?

[falsehoods]

[He cradles a hand to his chest and looks wounded.]

I am saying you think me wicked when I wish, more than anything, to not be seen as such.

But if I have done the things you say... Then I am...

[He drops his hand to his lap and looks sadly to someplace off camera. The entire display is, of course, an act.]

[dusk_and_dawn]

Yes, wicked.

[Stop doing that, Loki. Play the proper villain. Stop making him focus on his memories of his anger when he'd rather be caught in a lie.

He shakes his head. He's not having this conversation.]

It is your choice whether we face as enemies, Loki.

[falsehoods]

Is it?

[dusk_and_dawn]

I do not believe you wish to be trapped any more than we do, and as such we need not be at odds--

[Wait.]

Loki, the cycle of Ragnarok is broken. Why must you perpetuate it?

[falsehoods]

What I seek is quite the contrary. Perhaps Balder is the one who perpetuates the cycle.

[dusk_and_dawn]

Ho? Do tell.

[falsehoods]

I am not suggesting that you have done wrong, my liege.

I say only that you may be right. Perhaps I did seek to do you harm. Doing so may very well be in my nature.

You are Balder, friend to all who live, most treasured of Asgard. I am Loki....the scourge of Asgard and the end of all things. Is it not unreasonable, then, to wonder if we eternally seek one another? As long as we both live, the cycle will continue.

[But Loki's sacrificed his life, or at least he has if things went according to his plans.]

[dusk_and_dawn]

[Balder's going to ignore the "most treasured of Asgard" thing even though Thor is obviously Asgard's most treasured (and rightfully so).]

Perhaps if you did not define yourself as a villain you would not be so. Have you tried, Loki? Do you not wish for anything more?

[falsehoods]

I wish for many things, but speaking to you of my desires would be like speaking of music to one born deaf.

[dusk_and_dawn]

Then I shall make this as simple as a deaf man can. If you are a danger to myself or to these good people, you shall face me on the field of battle. I care not if it be your nature or if it be your choice.

[falsehoods]

Aye.

And the maddening cycle doth continue....