whose_son_am_i | Meme-shenanigans and Continuations.

"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)

There is a sense that the both relax a bit in the halls and then more so when they reach his rooms.

She drapes her arms around him, nuzzling him right back.

"It probably helps that you're very good at charming people."

"Not entirely what I meant, Sweetling. Its a decidedly odd feeling to be actually admired for being clever and a trickster." Then more softly against her hair. "I like it."

"They grew up on stories of your clever ruses. You're deserving of a bit of admiration."

She runs her fingers through his hair. He seems to be more willing to be vulnerable in front of her.

"It's...hardly what's called for or celebrated in a proper warrior or king." Once more, it was said softly and he leaned into the touch. Pressing soft kisses to her own hair, winding his way to her forehead. "You did very well though. I hope you enjoyed it enough."

"You're very much a warrior, just with more grace." Loki is cunning over brute strength.

"It was a nice evening. I tried to figure out which parts of your stories were fake, but I couldn't. Made for a fun little game though."

But was he *worthy*? And how would that even be defined? That was the real question.

"You did say you wouldn't mind the lies so long as you get to use that enormous tub." Kissing her forehead.

"I stand by that." She tilts her head to kiss his lips.

Worthy was such a loaded word. She would say he was worthy of respect, of love, of happiness even.

"Good." Murmured against her lips in turn. And just gonna shift enough to pick her up, and start heading towards the bedroom and bathroom. They have a lovely large tub that they should take advantage of.

They will make creative use of the tub before finding themselves soaking together.

Christine laying against him, his chest to her back.

"You have to use this all the time, right?"

His head is leaning against hers, one arm lazily stroking her skin. "Are you asking in disbelief or seeking confirmation?"

"Confirmation."

She's tracing little circles along his thigh.

"Not all the time, but when I can--yes." Nuzzling her hair. "It is an indulgence I sorely miss when its presence is lacking."

"My bathroom at the apartment originally had this really tiny tub shower combination, I got the whole room redone for a proper soaking tub."

It's one of her favorite indulgences as well, and she found the price of renovation was worth it.

"It's a good thing it's a 'huge' New York Apartment then, isn't it?" He teased, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"It is, thank you." She chuckles. Of course her place pales in comparison to growing up in a literal palace.

"I should take you to a rental or two so you can see how small places can be."

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