[video; what are locks?]
[ It looks like someone's finally worked out how the network works, staring bemusedly into the open tome in his hands. He glances once, questioningly, to someone off-screen before beginning to speak, leaning close. ]This city has proven a treacherous place, and equally so I find its inhabitants. I tire of these games. Whatever petty squabbles you
( Read more... )
[ True to his word, he follows Stark's coordinates, which appear in the form of a drawn map, and it isn't long before he is near enough to the hammer's location -- and the mortals who surround it -- to begin his search for Loki. ]
Reply
[He snaps the words out; it still leaves a bad taste in his mouth. It didn't take a lot of research to figure out what happened to her, on that.
And yet...]
It happened right after she left my quarters for a visit.
[That he feels responsible goes unsaid. Loki could have done something.]
Reply
[ Though even he seems to know that's a stupid question. If there was a way, if Loki was in danger of losing something, he would have done something by now. ]
Reply
[Loki says with a dark flourish, a sharp grin, isn't that funny? sort of expression painted on his softened features.]
It certainly complicates things, don't you think? To save a friend, one must end her life once more, after already having a hand in their demise.
And now look where she's put you in.
Reply
He wants to be around in case Thor, like Loki, isn't worth trusting.
He steps aside with a wave of his hand, for them to pass down into the crater. Sarcasm? Maybe just a little. ]
It's all yours, Your Highness.
Reply
[ He wants to offer Loki assistance. It's instinct. Yet in matters such as these, he knows he would deal with such a thing himself. Loki will not want his help, and most likely does not need it. It would be difficult enough as it was, slaying a former friend.
That smile on Loki's was sharp enough to betray every ounce of pain. He knew his brother, what such smiles meant.
So he refrains, simply nodding in understanding. ]
Be careful.
[ By now they're close enough to spot those gathered around. Curious mortals studying and peering and a man in gold and red armor whose voice sounds like the man on the network. Thor lifts an eyebrow at that.
And just beyond...something that claims his attention entirely. Lightning cracks overhead.
Mjolnir. ]
Reply
[Loki would be blind and stupid to not notice how things were between Tony and Howard, even if it were just from small pieces of interaction in random situations. He would know - Odin alone has supplied him with too many issues to deal with, and he sees some of them mirrored in this man.
The rolling thunderstorm is starting to kick in in full force; should Thor succeed, Loki thinks, it would be a full-on storm that might last a couple days, or possibly a really heavy one, as Thor and Mjolnir come together once more as wielder and companion.
If.
If he be worthy, Loki recalls with viciousness, even as he cheers for Thor in his own way. If he be worthy.
The rain pelts down on them even more heavily.]
Shall I stand back?
Reply
Rush ignores both Thor and Loki to walk over to Tony, small wings fluttering in annoyance as he glares up at him.]
I told you I was going to meet you here, Stark, so there is no need for you to act like you're in charge of my men.
[And now that Rush has finished his lineface at Tony for being Tony, he'll direct his attention to the other two nearby.]
As was asked of us, we have not touched it, merely studying from afar and keeping an eye on it.
Reply
[Something about this stinks. This is a classic villain set up. Something is wrong here, he just doesn't know what.]
Reply
There is only one thing on his mind now.
With a glance back at Loki he starts to move forward. Mjolnir almost seem to gleam in the rainfall pattering down around them, the most welcome sight of all. His hand was steady when it lifted, certain as it wrapped around that leather-bound handle and gave the faintest of tugs, as if such would be enough to heft it up onto his shoulder...
And something sick sinks into the pit of his stomach and bubbles there tumultuously. Thor stills, confused.
Mjolnir wasn't answering him. ]
Reply
To Rush: ] I'd apologize if I weren't trying to ensure their safety. [ With a glance to Thor, he motions to him. ] What do you think? God-like material?
[ And then, then Thor tries. The smallest of tugs. Iron Man breaks away from Rush to stand on the very edge, intently focused on the show below them. Waiting for something. ]
Reply
[Thank the Nine for the skill to mask his relief with disappointment, to have the skill to paint his feelings differently when brought to light.
Thor can't lift the hammer.
He's not worthy yet, or so it seems.
Loki moves closer, serious and focused on what might transpire now.]
Reply
He hears Loki breathe out over the sound of the rain, knows they all see, they're all watching him intently, and with determination etched into his face he pulls harder. His shoulders set back, arms tense and feet planted firm...
Nothing. Not an inch of give.
It doesn't stop him from pulling. He can't give up. It's got to be a test of some kind, he just has to keep at at it, if he admits defeat he'll never pull it free.
A small, ugly portion of himself knows the truth all too well. But it's not a truth he's prepared to accept yet.
Unworthy.
There's a feral noise that wells up from the back of his throat as he pulls, giving it every last ounce of strength he's got. ]
Reply
[But not by much.]
[All he can do is whisper to the night air:] Well, crap.
Reply
Is he okay, Nick...?
Reply
He returns his attention to the child thoroughly attached to him and gives him a small frown. How to answer that question. Perhaps he should have tried to attempt to keep him with Lance.]
I think he's probably sad because he couldn't pick that hammer up. If you'd like, you could go speak to him and try cheering him up.
Reply
Leave a comment