He is very much not as leashed as people would like. Officially, he has not been let out of the Statesman without eyes on him, much less New Asgard. Unofficially, he'd been acting on his own since their arrival, with Thor only slightly aware of what he'd been doing at best.
"Regardless, he has also stated himself you are under his protection, and he'll make that official. If you are here as liason as a Doctor, then there will be those among our people who want to talk to you in that capacity too."
"I am happy to help however I can." And she will have something to do while Loki is working. Granted she might need a quick run down on the differences in Asgardian physiology, but she would still be a capable doctor in most contexts.
They'd been walking steadily though through the hallways, and now came to what was clearly a small dining area. Part of a larger set of kitchens and supplies and a larger communal dining room. This would could be partitioned and closed off by expedience of closing a door. It was still not fancy or formal.
To their credit, neither Heimdall nor Brunhilde looked surprised by a sudden appearance of them. Brunhilde just rolled her eyes and snorted. Heimdall moved from his seat, and offered to help Christine in to her own.
"Damn." Brunhilde said, with a crooked smile when Christine was seated. "I kind of hoped he'd be more bothered with what I chose for you. He looks too smug though."
"Of course he's smug, Brunhilde. First of all, he always is and second of all, he has a charming guest." Heimdall replied. "One whom I think is a good influence on him."
"Oh he SORELY needs that." The valkyrie replied, reaching over to offer her hand to Christine. "PLEASE take him and make him not my problem anymore? I'm the one who usually has to keep an eye on him."
"I really don't like being referred to as if I'm some misbehaving child, thanks."
"I've noticed." Loki said dryly. "Dr. Christine Palmer, you've met Heimdall. This is Brunehilde the Valkyrie."
"As long as you know what you're getting into." Brunehilde responded, her handshake firm. "You do know what you're getting into right?"
"Will you be attending the formal dinner tomorrow? No one suspects any connection between the timing of your arrival and the sudden departure yesterday so far." Heimdall said. "And no doubt Loki already has plans and contingency plans to explain away why he and Thor vanished."
"Then we should figure out what you'll be doing here, besides keeping my brother on his toes." Thor said as he came through the door. "I will make it known you are our guest and under our protection." Taking his seat.
"Not that we expect anyone to try and harm you. So far we're confining this all to Norway, but there will be reports eventually." Brunhilde said, addressing Christine. "Not to mention I've seen the news and am aware that we're a rather complicated subject in world affairs currently."
Now that they were all there though, there was no real protocol to who ate or drank first. Mead and water were both provided, and the meal itself was simple but plenty. Spiced meats with seasonal veggies and tubers, a hearty bread. Nothing fancy, but all delicious.
"I am happy to be off assistance medically. I know our physiology is different to some degree but a lot of the basics will likely still apply." She can't help but to try to be of use. It's why she's not great at vacations, she always feels like she could do more.
"You all did arrive rather dramatically, and humans are still overall a bit wary about those from other worlds."
Christine does have a unique view at this table about it, especially coming from New York.
"We're very aware." Thor said, almost as dryly as Loki would have.
"I have discussed with Dr. Palmer the idea that she might be here to help consult medically in integrating our people. Acclimating them to Earth, and figuring out how we could assist as well." Loki said. "It would explain her presence here nicely, explain that she is our guest without a formal proclamation of protection needed, and be welcomed. As for why her, and not necessarily someone straight-away from our host nation--she's from New York City. Which regularly deals with trouble from those with enhanced abilities and natures."
"That's not a bad idea." Brunehilde said after a moment of thought. "I know Ingrid has been trying to keep track of who among us has healing skills, and wanted to talk to those among the Midgardians too."
"And how long are you expecting to be with us, Doctor?" Thor asked, good humor not hampered too much. "What arrangements would we need to make, that we haven't already? I can also reach out to find further contacts, so that you are just the first of many I hope."
That would also take some of the spotlight off of her.
I've had to learn, Sweetling. It's part of who I am. Reassurance and amusement in the overtones of his mental voice.
"Starting with the trade of medical care will also help put us in several nation's good graces as well as support the idea that we are not an invading force." Loki added to the general conversation.
"For the week. I don't think I'm in need of anything besides clothes."
She's always been good at getting by with the minimum. She let's that reassurance wash over her. She's fine at groups and fancy events when it's for work, this feels different.
Of course this was different; it was family and friends, so to speak.
"We'll provide for you what we can. We are lucky in that we haven't been too taxing on resources, beyond the suddenness, for our neighbors yet. My people also are curious and not afraid to help and work hard, which has eased relations too." It hadn't been easy, but it also hadn't been as difficult as it could be. The Statesman did have some resources too.
"What can we offer you in return, Dr. Palmer? Besides our hospitality." Heimdall asked gently. "And our friendship, though you have that already."
What do you want to do while here, Sweetling? Besides me, that is. Loki clarified for her.
"Not just your association with Loki, since most don't even know he's here. Which is how we like it." Brunehilde said. "I'll gladly train you in what I can."
"That does remind me." Thor was nodding though, to this plan. "You likely understand why we keep my brother's presence a secret at large. It's hardly avoidable in New Asgard and among our people. We've had only some trouble with our host nation as well, but they've seen the wisdom in officially and unofficially keeping out of it. Dr. Strange has assured me he has no plans to out Loki's whereabouts, but will be keeping an eye on him."
"Hey!" Loki objected, which Thor ignored.
"I will inform my friends, eventually. Selectively." Thor continued. "But I trust you will also keep his presence as unknown as possible, Dr. Palmer?"
I do understand in the myths I have a wife, but that is most definitely not something that has happened. Yet. I have yet to meet anyone named Sigyn.
"I think you're crazy to have taken kindly to him, but hey" Brunehilde shrugged. "If it makes you happy." As long as the other knew what she was in for, the Valkyrie figured she'd stay out of it.
"Thank you, Doctor." Thor said, meaning it. "Were it not for recent actions, I myself would be wary--or at least more wary--of having brought him here." Thor's smile was wry. "It's a subject we've much discussed between us, and so far I am not dead."
"I can't kill you, I still need you alive for now." Loki said dryly.
"What would you like to talk about, Dr. Palmer. Rather than our internal squabbles?" Heimdall asked diplomatically.
"That's just my preferred method." Loki teased, in response to her comment about stabbing. With Thor adding "You do favor it over almost anything else. It's getting to be predictable." Joining in on the teasing.
She'd be treated to much more sibling rivalry over the course of the meal. The talk varied from serious to not, mostly about the difficulties of settling in and plans for how to mitigate any difficulties thereof. Talk of who was organizing what, what goals were among the people, and the general state of things.
She was not ignored either, as there were questions about what she did--and no details seemed too grisly as to be off-limits. Likewise if she had questions and they could be answered, they were. All in all the Gods did not seem much different than humans--simply on a grander scale.
Eventually though, things were winding down as everyone ate their fill.
It starts to feel really nice, the coversation, the company. Christine thinks she might have a very nice week here.
The warriors are not at all sensitive about the things she deals with at work, and that doesn't surprise her, but its nice to be able to be open with people.
Dinner winds down and she's really in a lovely mood.
If anything, she gets hints and smaller stories about wounds they've inflicted on others. Not many of them, but a few. The mood is jovial and companionable overall.
"Be warned Dr. Palmer, we could sit and drink and share stories for hours if allowed. Our company is not as grand as it was, but we 4 haven't yet run out of things to talk about. Don't be afraid to leave if you need to. It has been a long day." Thor confided, with an understanding smile. "You're also welcome to remain, if that's your preference."
"Hører du den broren? La henne sove!" Thor remarked, smirking over his mug of mead. Loki rolled his eyes. "You do know it's rude to speak in another language when one can't understand you, right?" As if he didn't do the very same thing.
"Very true. My apologies, Dr. Palmer. I could not resist teasing my brother, but it should not come at your expense." Thor did bow his head, but it was clear he hadn't meant to upset her--it was all meant in jest.
He was admonishing me to let you sleep. I'd rather prefer your company than stay, but if you want the alone time...
"When you do, then I shall tease you about your accent, Doctor." Thor said gamely, with a raise of his mug to her. "Rest well." The sentiment was echoed by Heimdall, though Brunehilde was also getting to her feet. "When you're free, just send someone to find me." She told Christine. "Dagny should be able to."
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"Regardless, he has also stated himself you are under his protection, and he'll make that official. If you are here as liason as a Doctor, then there will be those among our people who want to talk to you in that capacity too."
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They'd been walking steadily though through the hallways, and now came to what was clearly a small dining area. Part of a larger set of kitchens and supplies and a larger communal dining room. This would could be partitioned and closed off by expedience of closing a door. It was still not fancy or formal.
To their credit, neither Heimdall nor Brunhilde looked surprised by a sudden appearance of them. Brunhilde just rolled her eyes and snorted. Heimdall moved from his seat, and offered to help Christine in to her own.
"Damn." Brunhilde said, with a crooked smile when Christine was seated. "I kind of hoped he'd be more bothered with what I chose for you. He looks too smug though."
"Of course he's smug, Brunhilde. First of all, he always is and second of all, he has a charming guest." Heimdall replied. "One whom I think is a good influence on him."
"Oh he SORELY needs that." The valkyrie replied, reaching over to offer her hand to Christine. "PLEASE take him and make him not my problem anymore? I'm the one who usually has to keep an eye on him."
"I really don't like being referred to as if I'm some misbehaving child, thanks."
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She thanks Heimdall and takes her seat. Christine will shake any hand offered and greet people as needed.
"The clothes are nice, thank you. I doubt I'll be able to take him off your hands completely." She responds to people in turn.
"There's a genral theme of talking about you while you're right there." She glances at Loki, amused.
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"As long as you know what you're getting into." Brunehilde responded, her handshake firm. "You do know what you're getting into right?"
"Will you be attending the formal dinner tomorrow? No one suspects any connection between the timing of your arrival and the sudden departure yesterday so far." Heimdall said. "And no doubt Loki already has plans and contingency plans to explain away why he and Thor vanished."
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"I will. It would probably draw more questions if I didn't go." Enough people have seen her that it would likely be worse to try to hide her away.
Yay work meeting, sorry for the delay.
"Not that we expect anyone to try and harm you. So far we're confining this all to Norway, but there will be reports eventually." Brunhilde said, addressing Christine. "Not to mention I've seen the news and am aware that we're a rather complicated subject in world affairs currently."
Now that they were all there though, there was no real protocol to who ate or drank first. Mead and water were both provided, and the meal itself was simple but plenty. Spiced meats with seasonal veggies and tubers, a hearty bread. Nothing fancy, but all delicious.
no worries
"You all did arrive rather dramatically, and humans are still overall a bit wary about those from other worlds."
Christine does have a unique view at this table about it, especially coming from New York.
Re: no worries
"I have discussed with Dr. Palmer the idea that she might be here to help consult medically in integrating our people. Acclimating them to Earth, and figuring out how we could assist as well." Loki said. "It would explain her presence here nicely, explain that she is our guest without a formal proclamation of protection needed, and be welcomed. As for why her, and not necessarily someone straight-away from our host nation--she's from New York City. Which regularly deals with trouble from those with enhanced abilities and natures."
"That's not a bad idea." Brunehilde said after a moment of thought. "I know Ingrid has been trying to keep track of who among us has healing skills, and wanted to talk to those among the Midgardians too."
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In the long term it wouldn't hurt to have Asgardian healers and human doctors who are versed in both.
Her mind reaches out to Loki.
you're so much better at this than I am.
At navigating all these details and personalities.
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That would also take some of the spotlight off of her.
I've had to learn, Sweetling. It's part of who I am. Reassurance and amusement in the overtones of his mental voice.
"Starting with the trade of medical care will also help put us in several nation's good graces as well as support the idea that we are not an invading force." Loki added to the general conversation.
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She's always been good at getting by with the minimum. She let's that reassurance wash over her. She's fine at groups and fancy events when it's for work, this feels different.
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"We'll provide for you what we can. We are lucky in that we haven't been too taxing on resources, beyond the suddenness, for our neighbors yet. My people also are curious and not afraid to help and work hard, which has eased relations too." It hadn't been easy, but it also hadn't been as difficult as it could be. The Statesman did have some resources too.
"What can we offer you in return, Dr. Palmer? Besides our hospitality." Heimdall asked gently. "And our friendship, though you have that already."
What do you want to do while here, Sweetling? Besides me, that is. Loki clarified for her.
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"Perhaps some fight training? I know that my association with Loki might gain me some unwanted attention."
with that attitude I may choose to shower alone. she teases.
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"That does remind me." Thor was nodding though, to this plan. "You likely understand why we keep my brother's presence a secret at large. It's hardly avoidable in New Asgard and among our people. We've had only some trouble with our host nation as well, but they've seen the wisdom in officially and unofficially keeping out of it. Dr. Strange has assured me he has no plans to out Loki's whereabouts, but will be keeping an eye on him."
"Hey!" Loki objected, which Thor ignored.
"I will inform my friends, eventually. Selectively." Thor continued. "But I trust you will also keep his presence as unknown as possible, Dr. Palmer?"
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As much as she is under Loki's protection, there is some protection she is able to offer in return.
"I promise to keep his presence secret."
sounds like an affair.
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"I think you're crazy to have taken kindly to him, but hey" Brunehilde shrugged. "If it makes you happy." As long as the other knew what she was in for, the Valkyrie figured she'd stay out of it.
"Thank you, Doctor." Thor said, meaning it. "Were it not for recent actions, I myself would be wary--or at least more wary--of having brought him here." Thor's smile was wry. "It's a subject we've much discussed between us, and so far I am not dead."
"I can't kill you, I still need you alive for now." Loki said dryly.
"What would you like to talk about, Dr. Palmer. Rather than our internal squabbles?" Heimdall asked diplomatically.
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"I'm always just hopeful I won't get stabbed." Christine teases in reply.
"Whatever, I'm enjoying the sibling rivalry on a grand scale."
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She'd be treated to much more sibling rivalry over the course of the meal. The talk varied from serious to not, mostly about the difficulties of settling in and plans for how to mitigate any difficulties thereof. Talk of who was organizing what, what goals were among the people, and the general state of things.
She was not ignored either, as there were questions about what she did--and no details seemed too grisly as to be off-limits. Likewise if she had questions and they could be answered, they were. All in all the Gods did not seem much different than humans--simply on a grander scale.
Eventually though, things were winding down as everyone ate their fill.
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The warriors are not at all sensitive about the things she deals with at work, and that doesn't surprise her, but its nice to be able to be open with people.
Dinner winds down and she's really in a lovely mood.
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"Be warned Dr. Palmer, we could sit and drink and share stories for hours if allowed. Our company is not as grand as it was, but we 4 haven't yet run out of things to talk about. Don't be afraid to leave if you need to. It has been a long day." Thor confided, with an understanding smile. "You're also welcome to remain, if that's your preference."
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There is a lot of truth to that, she is growing tired.
you can stay if you want.
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"Very true. My apologies, Dr. Palmer. I could not resist teasing my brother, but it should not come at your expense." Thor did bow his head, but it was clear he hadn't meant to upset her--it was all meant in jest.
He was admonishing me to let you sleep. I'd rather prefer your company than stay, but if you want the alone time...
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She can handle it herself and with a level of amusement about it.
I would like your company, even if I might not be able to have the level of repeat performance as last time.
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Likewise, Loki was getting to his feet.
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