whose_son_am_i | Meme-shenanigans and Continuations.

Loki chuckled, and smiled at her. It could be genuine, or he could be faking it entirely. "Some might argue you already have me enthralled, Sweetling." Teasing her.

"I don't know. I'm not even sure if I should, beyond that if she is out there, she's likely a danger to your people. I would have to discuss it with Thor, at the very least." A sigh, and he leaned his forehead against hers. "I worry most though, because if she sees me as an enemy, she could use you. Not only to get to me, but also to hurt you."

"Who said anything about enthralling you?" She teases, though it is obvious in the way that she looks at him that she's not got eyes for anyone else right now.

"Is she truly that powerful?"

"She is. We've had dealings before, she and I. Usually to our own amusements." Loki sighed, moving his hands to cup her face. "It is something I should bring up to Thor anyways, in case she is out there. We need to know for certain as much as we can. It's also likely we'll consult the Sorcerer as well."

Blue-green eyes opened, studying hers and full of secrets and myriad truths. "I am most definitely not used to being sentimental--but I don't want you hurt."

Edited 2021-08-24 20:06 (UTC)

Christine wants to learn from Loki and Stephen before she even thinks about finding this woman.

"That's why I'm working to be stronger." She kisses the corner of his lips. "Because I don't want you to need to worry about me."

Loki turned his head just enough, kissing her more fully in return. Thumbs brushing her cheeks softly. Gifting her again with a focused burst of emotion--affection and fondness, admiration and happiness.

It's most certainly with reluctance that he's pulling back. "Damn that we have to be presentable soon." But they really should finish getting ready and head out.

Her lips will be naturally a bit pink, just enough to look like she's put something on them.

She laughs, "It is very hard to resist making you not presentable at all."

"My thoughts exactly, Sweetling." Laughing with her, while speaking the words. "Normally I'm all for giving into temptation, but I am trying to behave." Pulling back enough to bring her hands up, kissing her knuckles. Then finally pulling away entirely, to finish getting dressed and presentable. Suit jacket, a final check to make sure everything was straight and neat, before looking to her and if she needed his help to do the same.

She does much the same thing, adjusting everything before slipping on her heels. They are tall enough to make her ass look good, but thick enough to be more walkable than the ones she had worn on their date.

"Does my escort approve?" She does a little twirl for him.

"I think you shall turn heads in the best way possible." Offering his arm as they prepared to head to the larger dining hall. There was clearly a buzz among people in the ship as they moved through the halls. Not even necessarily about them, which should help.

It wasn't until they got to just outside the hall, that why there was a buzz would be clear. Heimdall was there, also dressed in a formal suit, as was a middle aged woman in a suit-dress and an older balding gentleman dressed only slightly more formally than the rest. Milling nearby were a few others, local dignitaries all. But Loki noticed one person in particular--and especially when she noticed him and Christine. Dark haired, carrying herself like the warrior she was, Lady Sif's eyes narrowed and she stalked over to the pair. Wearing a formal pantsuit of her own, and it certainly didn't seem to hamper her movement as she slapped Loki. "YOU!"

Edited 2021-08-24 20:56 (UTC)

They didn't seem to draw much attention as they walked, which was nice. Christine gives a friendly nod to Heimdall, since he was the only one she knew.

Then there was a woman angrily stalking over to them. The sound of that slap resonated through the hallway.

Loki may notice the emotions coming from Christine, a hint of worry, confusion and a simmering quiet rage. While there is no doubt Loki probably did something to deserve it, Christine's thoughts haven't worked around to that yet.

Loki simply sighed, and smiled. "Hello Sif. It has been a while, hasn't it?"

"You greedy and base conniving little worm! How dare you--" Sif started in, only for Loki to cut her off. "We're in public, Sif--and supposed to be on our best manners." There was an edge to his voice, blue-green eyes narrowed. Heimdall had also come closer, to rest a hand on the Lady's shoulder. "Sif, it will wait."

There was a definite murmur from the various dignitaries.

Easy, Sweetling. I'm alright. There was some surprise in his mental voice at her reaction, but reassurance none the less.

Edited 2021-08-24 21:07 (UTC)

Well, if Christine had been worried attention would be on her, that worry was quicky wiped out. Everyone seemed quickly focused on Sif.

Did you have that coming? She is already much calmer, she just couldn't help the instant reaction.

Likely. Probably because I was acting as Odin, while being a secret king.

Sif smiled with her teeth bared. "Very well, Trickster. We'll settle this another time." Before she turned her attention to Dr. Palmer. "Milady, I am very sorry you must deal with him as your escort--I will not question our king" Special emphasis on that and a brief glare at Loki. "But should you require aid, I won't hesitate to give it."

"Lady Sif, this is Dr. Christine Palmer, of New York City in the United States." Heimdall said reasonably.

Yeah. That's worth a slap.

"Thank you for your offer, I will let you know if I'm in need of help." Christine was always very polite, even if she was amused to imagine needing any help with Loki tonight.

Christine offers a hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

A brief burst of mild offense was sent back--but really only the barest amount.

Sif took her hand and shook it. "I've been working with an organization that started in your country as a consultant on occasion." She seemed perfectly willing to be friendly to Christine.

Heimdall nodded, before turning his attention and explaining something in Asgardian. There were nods with the explanation, and it all seemed to smooth over. They were all saved from further conversation or scandal by a horn being sounded.

"That would be our cue, Dr. Palmer." Loki removed her hand from his arm, only to hold it more formally and start for the dining hall. It was not nearly as fancy as the palace had been, but the hall was very nice. Befitting a ship that was like an intergalactic upscale cruise ship.

The table was a sort of oval-shape, with Thor at the Center and one end. He was indeed wearing a blue suit--not quite as formal as Loki's, but on par with Heimdall and the regular dignitaries. He didn't need more, as he stood to his full height and waited. Not far, but against the walls, were younger Asgardians--they looked to be in their late teens or early 20s, all dressed somewhat uniformly in a blend of Midgard and Asgardian styles.

Loki lead his guest in and up to the table where Thor was. He spoke in a clear and resonant voice. "Your Majesty, I present to you Dr. Christine Palmer of New York City, of the United States of America." Before repeating that in Asgardian for the benefit of those who might not speak English as well.

Now we bow... He prompted, mimicking the action.

"If you're ever in New York, I can show you the best little bakery." And Christine is willing to be nice right back.

She turns her attention to Loki and nods. It feels exceptionally weird to be paraded into the room as she is, and actually introduced in front of people.

Their bow is perfectly timed as a little gift from their link. Even as weird as it feels, at least she doesn't have to do so alone.

She is most definitely not alone. Well done. Thor nodded, and that was their cue for Loki to lead them to their seats. Not far from Thor, but not directly next to him. Heimdall came next escorting the Prime Minister, following Loki's example. They would be seated directly next to Thor, with the Prime Minister to Loki's other side. Next came Lady Sif, escorting (and escorted by) King Harald V, and the announcement repeated. On the other side of the table, with Sif next to Thor. So it went for the other dignitaries, until all but the other 'end' of the oval was filled.

"New friends and allies, we thank you for your hospitality and graciousness. Be welcome at my table, and let us feast." Thor said simply, before taking his seat. Best manners, with ladies (including Sif graciously) being helped to sit, before the servers brought out mead, wine, and water. Along with a seasonal soup.

There were several fancy introductions. She gets to dine with two kings and a prime minister and that does blow her mind a little.

All the women are seated first, which fits the fancy, old fashion vibe.

They made it through introductions, now Christine just has to be nice and make small talk.

She needn't have worried too much, as Loki was in his element playing the charmer. Engaging the Prime Minister in conversation and introducing Christine further as needed. Offering hooks for more conversation, such as why a Medical Doctor from New York was among their number. ("She is personal friends with one of the guardians of this world, and also experienced with dealing with the aftermath of attacks by enhanced and powered beings.")

If there was any curiosity it was professional, and only a little bit of snobbery. There was, if anything, also a little bit of awe from some of the dignitaries--here were living mythological gods and warriors after all. Loki, Heimdall, Sif, and Thor all translated as needed. Sif never quite named which American Organization she'd been working with, but it seemed to be an open-secret. There was some lively discussion about why not have an organization, like SHIELD, but based from the UNs although that never gained much traction.

All in all it was professional and formal, but never very stuffy. Stories were encouraged, and all of an appropriate nature for the gathering. The food was simple and not fancy, but plentiful and cooked well. Christine was treated kindly, and while she may've lacked in status in other ways, that Thor spoke to her as he would a friend, as did Heimdall, went quite a ways to making it clear she was as important as anyone else at the table (and quite a bit more important than some.

It was both more interesting, and likely less, than a charity gala.

Edited 2021-08-24 22:44 (UTC)

Christine can be at least somewhat charming as well. Getting to talk about New York, and some of her professional experience. She was great at talking medicine, it's when she really is in her element.

It's quite a pleasant dinner. The food is good and the conversation lively and pleasant. Not as bad as some of the galas she's been to. Fancy things with doctors patting themselves on the back for being so great.

Fortunately, no one brought up the differences in medical care between the US and Norway. Or anywhere else.

She definitely had a unique perspective compared to the dignitaries and guests as she was more 'ordinary'. They were happy to ask questions and hear about New York, and about what it was like to be a trauma doctor. Likewise, it was clear they had pride in their own nation, and especially the town that had become New Asgard. It was the oldest village in Norway, and while there were still some reservations about renaming it and letting the Asgardians settle, it was clear an agreement had been reached.

Eventually it did turn to the myths, and asking the truth behind several stories or adventures. Some stories it was clear had been embellished heavily, and others made up whole cloth, but where there was truth, it was shared. Loki, as expected, rarely gave a straight answer. It was a bit of a new experience for him, to actually be admired and praised for his cleverness.

Eventually though, it was clear that things were winding down.

She's impressed the first question wasn't about Loki's horse children. (It had been hers, afterall.)

Christine is amused listening to him, and trying to sort out when he's lying. It proves to be nearly impossible, but it's still fun to try.

The evening is winding down and while it was nice, she wouldn't mind somewhere a bit less crowded.

It's left to Thor, as the 'hosting' King to decide when things are ending. Which he does, by getting to his feet. It's made clear that he at least, is adjourning to a smaller room for more drink and stories, and any who wish to join him are welcome. It's also as clear that some of the dignitaries will take up the offer, but others will simply retire to their rooms.

Polite good nights and well wishes offered, and while the King of Norway is one of those who retires, Lady Sif promises she'll return to join in the festivities and catch up. Standing, Loki holds out his hand for Christine. "Dr. Palmer, will you be joining them or retiring for the evening." He'd made no motion towards staying or going, either.

"I think I'd like to retire for the night." While she does enjoy the stories, she prefers a smaller group.

There's something amusing about being so formally escorted, especially back to his rooms.

They make their goodbyes, and there are some requests for Loki to join them after he's done escorting. Politely declining, he offers "Another time. I don't want to wear out my welcome." And considering the stories about him, this was met with amused laughter and understanding.

Once they're back in the halls proper, he loops Christine's hand around his arm. Once they're back in his rooms--she's pulled into a hug with him burying his face in her hair. "I...actually hadn't expected things to go so well." Not because of her or anything like that.

Edited 2021-08-24 23:32 (UTC)

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