Meme-shenanigans and Continuations.

[whose_son_am_i]

This post will be for Meme-continuations for drpalmer

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[whose_son_am_i]

"It's a good strategy. So let me show you some of the common ways you're likely to be grabbed by someone targeting you, and how to get out of it effectively. Remember, you want to do damage while doing these, so that it's harder for them to come after you." Brunehilde let a crooked smile come to her face. "Although given you're a healer, I'm fairly sure you already know how to do damage."

Still, the valkyrie had no trouble lifting Christine either. Showing her the ways a trained fighter might target her. They too ended up on the training floor, and hopefully Christine felt more confident. Some of what the other taught her applied to an untrained attacker as well, and some of it she'd also practiced already with Loki. Also much like before, it was a workout.

Eventually, Brunhilde called over one of the fighters--an older fellow, named Osmund. Introductions were made, and Osmund was to be her partner now while Brunhilde could watch and make corrections. Taking the other to the side, there was a quiet conversation in Asgardian, as it was explained Osmund was only just learning English. He knew basic greetings, and could hold a very basic conversation.

Once the valkyrie was satisfied that Christine was performing the drills right, she left Osmund to it and went to check on her other students.

[drpalmer]

It was challenging work, but Christine was a quick study, fully investing herself in making sure she got the moves right.

Still, it was impressive how easily an Asgardian could throw her around.

She greeted her new partner before getting to work on the drills.

[whose_son_am_i]

Osmund was friendly enough, for all that he didn't speak much English. "You're under royal protection ja? I do not want to teach you bad." Osmund had been lucky--his family had escaped safely. But he felt a debt to learn to protect his people better, as his best friend had not. His best friend had bought them time, among others doing the same, so that his family could make it onto the Statesman. It was why he was a diligent student, and all communicated as best he could to Christine.

At some point, she would feel a familiar presence nearby, before he spoke to her mind. I definitely do not like the idea of some other man grabbing you. Followed by a quick Duck and strike nudge. If anyone else had noticed Loki and Thor arrived, they didn't show it.

[drpalmer]

"I am." She nods. The man seems nice enough. And Christine finds him to be a good sparing partner.

She did her best to not let the feeling of Loki distract her. Though she does let that nudge through because it saves her from a hit.

you did say you would be jealous.

[whose_son_am_i]

That I'm warning you at all is a sign of fondness. So you know what you're getting into. Both brothers had their arms crossed, just watching the goings-on. Brunhilde noticed though, and called a quick stop to the lessons. Mostly so they could greet the king.

Then she let a devilish smirk show on her face. "You--stay out of this." Pointed and ordered to Thor, who's eyebrows shot up. "You--no stabbing or killing" The same tone, and pointing at Loki. "What?" He looked affronted. "Osmund, nå! alt annet med meg!"

Apparently it was a coordinated signal, as Osmund simply nodded and went to grab at Christine. The other students and Brunhilde herself moved to start putting themselves between the pair, and the pair of royals. With the valkyrie herself advancing on Loki.

Thor tensed for a moment before he realized what was going on and laughed. Moving to get further out of the way while he watched the exercise play out. "I take it I'm next?"

[drpalmer]

"And I thought you were nice." She shoots at Osmund when he grabs her. It's a mean play, but a smart one.

"Sorry about this." Because she would be the type to apologize before forcefully slamming her boot down on his foot and elbowing him squarely in the side, hopefully hard enough to catch him off guard.

[whose_son_am_i]

He definitely feels the impact, but it's not quite enough to wind him. "Nice does not keep you safe." He pointed out, not taking any offense. Before going after her again; he'd be impressed if she COULD actually make him gasp and lose his breath.

Meanwhile, Loki now saw why he'd been forbidden stabbing and killing. His instincts had him wanting to draw his daggers but they remained where they were. The valkyrie had said nothing about magic though, so a few green bolts of pure magic were lobbed to thin numbers. Then the rest were too close, so hand-to-hand it was. He moved like a dancer on the field, attacking from angles and putting one opponent between him and a different opponent when he could. The students were giving their best, and doing not badly for all of that, but were definitely feeling it. Brunhilde made sure she engaged Loki the most; it was almost like they were dancing partners, just more violent.

[drpalmer]

She's not physically strong enough to make a dent in the man, which is enraging.

It's almost instictive, he's touching her so she lowers her shield and tries to nudge someone for the first time. She's been exploring the strength of her mind enough that hopefully she is strong enough to do something. Especially since he doesn't register as having strong magic.

She can see Loki out of the corner of her eye and he is elegant. The way he moves is absolutely beautiful.

[whose_son_am_i]

There's a beauty, if a bit more brutal, to how Brunhilde moves too. Also a sense that this was somehow more than just a practice exercise. They were testing each other, challenging each other.

Osmund fumbled, hands going to his head as he felt...something. It was how unexpected it was that did it, along with the hint of command. Not as powerful as Loki's, but that she'd managed it at all was impressive. Osmund had no magic, being purely a craftsman turned warrior through and through.

[drpalmer]

The surprise is all the break she needs to demonstrate that running away bit.

Her shield is back up and she waits to see if someone else is going to attack her, or if she will have the chance to help Loki.

Who ought to be very proud of her after this.

[whose_son_am_i]

It's just that moment, then Osmund is running after her. He has a 'job' in this. Loki, however, is managing fine enough. Ducking under Brunhilde's strike, and moving to the side, before shoving her into a 2 other opponents with telekinesis. Turning quickly, he slides under another attack. With the numbers, and no way to easily lure his opponents, his illusion and duplication casting isn't going to work.

But the numbers are thinning, and so he dodges another strike, blocks a third before vaulting over that opponent and turning around. Having bought himself some space with what's left of the group including Brunhilde mostly behind him, he turns and flings both hands out to shove them all back harder. Duck! Again he nudged at Christine, turning and flinging a bolt of magic at Osmund.

[drpalmer]

Loki is fluid, fighting grace and Christine is running like a maniac. It's not quite balanced, but she hasn't had a millenia of training.

She does duck and is a little pleased to see that bolt of magic. She is about to put Thor between her and Osmund, use what's available, after all.

[whose_son_am_i]

Now, that he has a chance and some space, Loki lets his magic come more into play. Duplicates appear, each moving slowly back in a guarded stance as Christine gets behind Thor. Clear that Loki is playing guard, and has put himself between their opponents and Thor, and Christine.

"Stopp!" Brunhilde called, laughing to herself. Rolling her shoulder a bit, she helped a student or two up as she moved closer to the trio and Osmund. Patting him on the back, and some words in Asgardian, to which he gave her a crooked grin in return. "Doctor, I am sorry. But was best way you learn, ja?" Osmund said, offering his hand out in peace.

"My idea." Brunhilde confirmed. "Although I'll warn you if we plan any 'unplanned' ambushes in the future." She didn't look sorry. "I should've made Thor off-limits too." Thor just chuckled, having enjoyed watching that. "So next time you'll include me. And stop pouting, Loki."

"I am not pouting, I'm mildly annoyed." Loki said, arms crossing once more and dismissing the duplicates. "Honestly, Brunhilde didn't we settle this before?"

[drpalmer]

She shakes his hand, "No hard feelings."

It had been a very good test, Christine can recognize that.

"I'm not foolish enough to think I could take you." But Christine was smart enough to know that it was unlikely anyone would attack Thor when he was 'out' of the game so to speak.

She immediately reaches her mind to Loki, a gentle sort of mental hug aimed at comforting him a bit.

[whose_son_am_i]

His emotions are a bit of a tangle--soothed by the mental hug, jealousy that she'd run to his brother, annoyance at this whole thing, pride in her and how well she'd done... Just flashes and hints of them, returning her mental hug.

"A wise healer, Dr. Palmer." Thor confirmed, stepping aside. "We hadn't expected to be part of things. I was hoping for a challenge before it's time to get changed for the formal event."

"Right, that." Brunhilde rolled her eyes. "I hope you know I'm wearing a pantsuit and if the dignitaries don't like it, tough." Turning her attention back to the others. "And good job. Dismissed." Another clap on Osmund's shoulder as he stumbled by with the others.

"I wouldn't expect less of you, Brunhilde. I expect they'll half-fear you're around to signal one of them is about to die. Have you heard the myths about the valkyrie they have?" Thor said, moving further away and drawing the other with him. One hand behind his back, he gave a thumb's up in his brother and Christine's direction.

Loki rolled his eyes and sighed, before making himself take a deep breath to relax.

[drpalmer]

She feels that jumble of emotions, and it's a struggle to not immediately move to touch him.

Once they are walking away she finally does go to him, but she doesn't touch him.

"You're incredible when you fight."

[whose_son_am_i]

"I'm not a 'proper' warrior." But he nods to her, and smiles. "Am I wrong, or did you actually reach out with your mind back there and attack?"

[drpalmer]

"You're a dancer with daggers." Which is much sexier than a proper warrior.

"I tried doing one of of those suggestion things you do."

[whose_son_am_i]

That had him raising his eyebrows, and looking at her with a bit of surprise. It faded quickly, into an affectionate and proud smile. "I don't think you realize how dangerous you could be, Sweetling." Because he hadn't taught her, that was certain.

But somehow she'd figured out how to make it work--at least enough to buy her that moment to escape.

[drpalmer]

She's surprisingly happy to be praised in such a way.

"Well, I'm probably not going to be stronger physically than anyone who attacks me."

But she will poke them in the brain.

it is very hard to not hug you right now.

[whose_son_am_i]

I had hoped you'd be running to *me*, I admit. I see the wisdom in your plan however. Letting the words flow over her with a wave of affection. Thank you.

"Were you focusing more on words, or on emotion?" Loki asked, curious. He still figured her empathy was what was strongest and fueled her ability. Why and how she could be telepathic with him, he hadn't figured out yet. "Or was it more an instinctive thing, like your earlier call?"

[drpalmer]

You were busy. There's an amusement there, and a sense that she wanted to go to him.

"It was emotional and telling him to get away." There's a proud smile, "Oh, I had to lower my shields enough to do it, there was definitely some thought put into it."

Which she thinks is a bit more impressive really.

[whose_son_am_i]

"Hmm." It was impressive, but dangerous. "I suppose I'll be teaching you this then, as well as how to use a dagger?" Because she absolutely needed training. And with any power, she needed to be in control of it, lest it control her.

"But another night. Dagny has found more clothing for you, including a small variety for you to choose from to wear tonight. It'll likely be boring, but you're invited and to be presented anyway."

[drpalmer]

"I do like a little danger from time to time." She nods and starts the walk back to his rooms. "You're going to end up teaching me a lot."

Which she will end up needing. She's stepping into a much more dangerous life. But she can at least help patch everyone up.

"It's formal, of course it will be boring."

[whose_son_am_i]

"It's likely Brunhilde or another could teach you daggers capably." A pause, and more softly. "Were she alive, I'd have Mother teach you."

He's walking in step with her, and despite the soft tone, his expression never changed. "I understand it's to be akin to a state dinner."