Meme-shenanigans and Continuations.

[whose_son_am_i]

This post will be for Meme-continuations for drpalmer

Comments

For Dr. Palmer

[whose_son_am_i]

Continued from here with drpalmer.

[drpalmer]

"I am rather boring otherwise." Outside of work she's quiet and a bit bookish, nothing thrilling.

"You're far more interesting. How much of the mythology is true?"

[whose_son_am_i]

"I rather doubt that you're boring, considering your line of work." Loki teased. "It would depend on the myth. I have no idea how your ancestors managed to come up with some of what they did." Likely a combination of drink, imagination, and perhaps a bit of would-be-fortune-telling. "I haven't heard them all, so you might have to be specific."

[drpalmer]

"No, I am." She chuckles. "The one most humans remember is the one about the horse. Or the one with Thor dressed as a woman."

Both are quite entertaining myths.

Two months or so later...

[whose_son_am_i]

Loki had stayed another full day with Dr. Christine Palmer, even after she removed the stitches. Enjoying her company, both intimately and not. But leave he did, with no promises to return. Nothing aside from "You still owe me a tour." Where he went, he didn't say--although she knew he'd likely be in New Asgard at some point.

A month later, in the international news, there was a headline about the Asgardians settling in. Thor had featured, along with Valkyrie and Heimdall. "Asgard is no more, but Earth is still under our protection, as are the remaining realms." It was the buzz at the UN, and there were committees and task forces formed to figure out how to deal with this information. Was New Asgard its own nation? Part of Norway? What was its status and what did its people intend.

There was no mention or or hint or sign of Loki. Wisely, Thor refused to comment on his brother's absence. When asked directly, he dodged it by saying "We are what's left of Asgard." With an expansive gesture to himself and his people.


Life went on. Anytime there was social upheaval there were those who looked to take advantage of it for their own ends. Fortunately nothing that required any major teaming up of super-heroes... It didn't mean that Metro General wasn't busy. For one, there was the death of a major crime-boss. Circumstances surrounding it were suspicious, and there had been multiple investigations. That, combined with the normal trauma and emergencies made for very busy shifts.

With Christine's new gift awakened, it was probably a good thing Loki had put a shield over her own. There was a sense of demoralization, and anxiety, that seemed to permeate the air. There were equipment malfunctions--never anything major, but a blown fuse or tripped switch where there shouldn't be. Occasional power-surges that couldn't quite be explained but weren't worrying enough to investigate. What building in NYC didn't have history and quirks, after all?

[drpalmer]

The first week or two after he left she hoped he would return soon, she was always eager on her way home, a bit hopeful that he would pop out from an alley or something.

Then a month passed and she sort of gave up on that enthusiasm. She focused on work, both her job, and adding layers to her shield.

Things started to get weird though. Strage occurances at the hospital and a general feeling of unease. It went on for several weeks and the feeling of 'wrongness' only grew. So Christine with whatever latent powers she had went to investigate.

She let herself meditate to focus on the source, and it took a little while, but she found something. And foolishly she went to investigate it on her own.

It seemed fine at first, an empty room in a bit of the hospital that wasn't often used. The unease was growing as she stepped into the room.

What she didn't expect was an apparition. Or the set of surgical scissors that came flying at her. She could feel herself panicking and her mind reached out desperately to anyone who might be able to hear it.

[whose_son_am_i]

In the Sanctum Sanctorum, on Bleeker street, Dr. Stephen Strange looked up. "Something wrong?" Wong asked him, noticing the other's sudden inattention to their task. "Maybe." Was all Strange said, before he was forming a circle with his fingers. Whoever was calling felt familiar and part of him wondered just how she was doing it

*************************************************

In Norway, in what had been Tønsberg, but been renamed and resettled, New Asgard was bustling. Most of the refugees still lived on the Statesman, while houses were built or re-shored up. While debates raged in the UN, a smaller committee was meeting in New Asgard, with the King and Prime Minister of Norway meeting Thor and his own council. It was a somewhat open secret that Loki was there, as Thor had made it clear that he trusted his brother enough. Heimdall and Valkyrie had backed this up, much to Loki's own surprise--but he still kept himself in shadows. Secretive, not often seen, aware that his presence was tolerated. It was part of why he often went out hunting secrets.

Currently, they were all in the middle of treaty negotiations, with the New Asgardians in ceremonial dress (meaning armor) to match the formal look of the King and Prime Minister and delegates. It was boring work, with much discussion and arguing. Loki had gone back to an older look, one that was practical but familiar. He'd helped Thor to wear ceremonial armor befitting a king, as well as helped fashion new armor for Heimdall.

He was reading over the treaty, again, when he looked up. That was odd--he had severed that tie, so why could she find him? That thought took one second; another second to process that there was panic in the call, and Loki held up his hand. Materializing the Tesseract, dropping the treaty. "Brother, why do you have--" Thor's eye was wide (along with the others present) and he reached for Loki's arm. Just as Loki activated it, focusing on that call in his mind.

****
The apparition was ghastly. A writhing mass the color of dried and new blood, ever shifting faces coalesced into a humanoid shape. It had fed on the death, the unease and anxiety and despair, and it had grown strong. It wanted more... Able to manifest itself physically now, and new prey had come to it.

An orange circular portal appeared, through which Dr. Stephen Strange stepped--taking in the scene. At the same time as there was a burst of blue-light, and Loki and Thor both appeared. Loki holding the tesseract in one hand, Thor's hand on his other arm angrily. "--that?" The Asgardian king was asking angrily, before the two demigods likewise took in the scene.

Everything paused for a moment at the sheer absurdity of it all.

Texting And a new phone

[whose_son_am_i]

You're one of very few who has this number. It's registered to Eric Nordson. I'm using that identity officially-unofficially now.

[drpalmer]

I feel very privileged.

Who else has it?

New Asgard visits

[whose_son_am_i]

When they finally slept, it was the sleep of the well-satisfied. As he warned her, Loki hadn't let her go. Curling her close, keeping her wrapped in his arms even while they slept. If Christine had doubts he was touch-starved, they should be fading fast.

Of course, the morning came too early. She was awakened with soft kisses once more, and encouraged to sleep more even though his day started early. Awakened enough to be shown how to call for a servant, and where stuff was in his rooms. Warned that he would probably not see her until late afternoon. Loki had business to attend to with Thor, and with their visitors.

Whenever Christine was ready, she only had to call via a control panel and Dagny met her. More clothes were offered, again blends of Asgardian and Earth, all practical, and all in shades and styles that weren't unlike Loki's own. She was introduced to Ingrid, who greeted her warmly on hearing she was a Medical Doctor. Ingrid in turn introduced her to others, mostly women, who acted as healers too. With most of the tech and advances of Asgard gone, they'd had to rely on magic--most of which was considered a womanly art. But they were happy to trade knowledge and ideas, and it became clear that what Earth considered magic was simply a very advanced science to the Asgardians.

Lunch was solitary, unless she chose to take it with Ingrid--in which case they went out into New Asgard proper. Ingrid acted as translator as needed, and while there was definite curiosity---no one seemed to pry into gossip. The 'official' story had already been put out via official channels; she was a guest of the crown, essentially, there to act as liason and first contact for medical trade and knowledge.

When she was ready, Ingrid helped Christine to find Dagny, who lead her to Brunehilde. The Valkyrie was training a mixed group of Asgardians. Smaller numbers than might be expected, but still working with them. It wasn't hard for her to set them drills, and then give her attention to Christine. Brunehilde both was, and was not surprised that Christine wanted to learn how to wield a dagger. Starting her with basic stances and drills, assessing what--if anything--Christine already knew. She was a far more demanding teacher than Loki, more critical but not unfair. She also seemed unused to human limits, but learned quickly. If anything Brunhilde erred on too gentle at first.

[drpalmer]

The night had passed far too quickly and there had been a few grumbles of protest as Loki woke her.

Soon enough though she found herself meeting with Ingrid and having lunch out in the town. Talking medicine was always a calming subject and one of the things she was most comfortable talking about.

Fight training was different. At least having had a bit of training she didn't feel entirely out of her element.

New Asgard Visits Continued

[whose_son_am_i]

Hopefully it had been a good 'vacation' for Dr. Christine Palmer. The third day had been more relaxed overall. For one, Loki had been able to laze in bed with her, and they'd made the most of it. But work beckoned, and Christine was once more able to spend time with Ingrid and the other healers. There was more open-curiosity now, and not simply about what practicing medicine in a relatively high-tech (for Midgard) hospital was like. How did she know their king and his brother? Why was she being escorted by the prince? What was this group of heroes Thor had been part of? All still polite, not gossipy.

Lady Sif stole her for lunch, to be sure for herself the other wasn't being beguiled and was being treated well. She recognized Loki did have good points, but also his bad. Sif suspected his role in Thor's banishment 6 years ago, still very unhappy about the Destroyer being sent after Thor and their friends, and was clearly not happy nor particularly trusting given that Loki had basically usurped Odin's throne deceptively. "I've been told he is changing, but I shall believe it once I've seen it many times over for myself." Was her basic view.

After lunch was more training practice, with Brunhilde and Sif both. They were a bit surprised she wanted to learn, much less that she wanted to learn the dagger. A look was passed between the two Asgardians that was faintly worried, but also resigned. Nor were either inclined to share their reasoning with Christine. Still friendly over all, and determined that she would learn so she could protect herself as best they were able. Osmund was also pleased to see her again, and work with her once more. She was being trained in the basics with a sword, as it also applied in some ways to a dagger and would provide a good foundation.


Dinner was a much more casual affair, and debauchery after it continued.

The next day, Christine was invited to breakfast with Thor alone. He wanted a chance to meet her and talk to her without his brother or anyone else. Again being sure she was being well taken care of, especially by Loki, and it would become clear that Thor did care much for his brother. Knew him, knew his trickster ways and propensity for betrayal, but was hopeful that perhaps his brother was changing for the better. What questions seemed appropriate for him to answer, he did, and the mood was friendly. He felt she'd be a good influence on her brother, but worried only for when and if she would be hurt. Not just by Loki either, but by her contact with them as a whole. "We've already changed your world so much without meaning to, on the grand scale. We shouldn't let the smaller scales get lost or suffer too."

After breakfast her schedule was her own until after lunch, which was training time. She'd have a nice surprise as this time, Loki was also there. Practicing sword, with of all people--Lady Sif. She wielding sword and shield, and while both were civil and the blows never quite turned too hard, it was clear that a discussion had been had and this was the aftermath of some of that aggression.

[drpalmer]

The night had been really lovely, followed by a leasurely morning in bed with him.

Christine enjoys Ingrid's company and does her best to answer questions about her relationship with Loki in the most neutral way possible.

Training is difficult but Christine is getting better with each day.

She gets to talk to everyone and she is growing familar with New Asgard.

When she ends up at training she's surprised to see Loki there, and more surprised to see Sif.

New York (Dinner and a show)

[whose_son_am_i]

A month and a half after visiting New Asgard...

Sif was both pleased and not, to be back in the states. She'd be pleased to see her friends in SHIELD again, and was here on business. She was less than enthused about her traveling companion. Even if he could be useful, and she could see signs herself that he was...changing. Still mercurial and very much a mischief maker, but there was something different all the same.

He'd certainly made hailing a cab easier, and it was amusing to see him disguised. Sif merely raised an eyebrow when he pulled out a phone--a non-burner one at that. But she kept herself quiet while Loki called Christine's number.

[drpalmer]

Christine knew he would be in town but she had been waiting for a call when he was available.

She answers and there's excitement in her voice straight away.

"Did you make it to the city?"

New York (Dinner and a show) the Next Day

[whose_son_am_i]

Loki had missed sleeping with her curled around him, and he curled around her. It had been an interesting day and night, even by his standards. Fortunately, the storm in his emotions seems to have passed as he found some equilibrium again. Lazing with her, in no hurry to do much of anything.

Eventually they got up. He unpacked enough to find things in his suitcase easily, and set up his laptop on her kitchen table. It was almost like a mini-desktop, and clearly had all been modified. Putting aside his other work, one of the first things he did was pull out the book she'd given him--and start transcribing. As well as leaving comments on his transcription. He checked in with Sif, assured her that no he'd been on his best behavior--yes, really--so far. Then emailed the Sorcerer, to find out when would be opportune to meet.

But he did have things he still needed to teach Christine. So once more her furniture was moved out of the way to give them space. He dressed casually, still favoring green and black prominently, and in clothes that he could move in. "First, let me teach you how to conjure your dagger. It is not wholly the same as what I do, as I don't have any jewelry nor a need for it, to conjure my own."

[drpalmer]

She slept so soundly when he was with her, his breath and presence keeping her calm, and seemingly keeping nightmares at bay.

Christine makes them a bit of breakfast while he sets up his computer. Just some eggs and toast, but enough to keep them going for a little while. She is impressed by his computer, he has taken well to human technology.

"Do you think I'll get to a point where I won't need jewlery for it either?" She does really like the bracelet though and would probably continue to wear it anyway.

Business visits

[whose_son_am_i]

It had been a lovely night. It had been perfect unhealthy food, with good conversation as usual. Christine had done a good job of getting her revenge on him. Likewise, once they were pleasantly tired and winding down, Loki started to read to her from the book she'd bought him. Both just contented and at peace with each other's company.

It was a feeling Loki hadn't realized how much he'd missed. The morning was full of lazy kisses and reluctant-to-leave-cuddling. But she had work, and so did he even if his was from her kitchen table. She was sent off with more kisses, and a reminder that they had a meeting later. Then Loki got to work. First, emailing Ingrid and the healers back in New Asgard, to start putting out feelers for any familiar with magic and in particular healing magic. More email, some research online, some poking electronically where he probably shouldn't go... Definitely identifying one area where some applied-chaos now would prevent a larger mess later. (If it weren't a mess he'd likely be called in to clean up, he wouldn't care... )

That's not to say no breaks were taken, or he didn't get bored. Christine's apartment would remain in one piece. But her furniture got rearranged, and all her books got reorganized and re-shelved. Her bedroom remained untouched.

As it got closer to their arranged time with Strange though, Loki loaded up a flash-drive to bring with him, along with his phone and wallet. Shapeshifting to the familiar red-brown hair, and brown eyes, with a hint of scruff, of Eric Nordson. Casual black slacks and shoes, with a black blazer, and a green button up shirt. It set off the 'disguise' well, even if it was more like himself than Loki usually went with for this one. On a whim, he stopped by a florist--requesting a small bouquet. It wasn't part of their usual requests, but that was no trouble in his eyes.

Then it was off to Metro General. The main entrance, and information desk, where he asked after Dr. Christine Palmer. Signing in, then moving to wait with bouquet of Gardenia and Ferns. Watching everyone go by, and studying it all.

[drpalmer]

She had been a little reluctant to leave, but she needed to and eventually she did.

On shift she does a good job of being focused on work, she's always compartmentalized personal life and professional. Luckily the day was steady but not overwhelmingly busy.

When she is changed back into regular clothes she heads out to the exit. She's going to hear about the mystery man picking her up tomorrow.

"Hello, dear." She greets 'Eric' with a little kiss to the cheek. She's surprised more by the choice of flowers than by him holding a bouquet.

about 4-5 months--New Asgard

[whose_son_am_i]

After SHIELD's disruption, Sif and Loki's visit to NYC was rather uneventful. Sif made it a point to check in with Christine, including food. She was also interested in Christine's work, both magically and mundane. Stephen kept his lecture with Christine less like a lecture, and more like a teacher as much as he could. Agreeing that she'd need stronger shields, and that healing magic was something she'd probably excel at. Likewise, Stephen DID lecture Loki--stealing him from Christine's apartment while Christine was at work. Loki was unamused, but the two had a fairly civil (for them) conversation. The Sorcerer Supreme seemed to have accepted that Christine wanted to be close with the God of Mischief--but also seemed to realize that Loki had Christine under his protection too. There was more at work going on, Strange was certain.

In all though, it was an uneventful visit aside from the abduction. Loki worked with Christine on wielding her dagger with her off-hand too. They did see a show, and have more nice dinners. They simply spent time together, and it was lovely. Reluctant goodbyes, but he did stay in touch.

Not simply by phone either, as she received a hefty packet of papers mailed to her. Print outs of spells and instructions, with ingredients listed and modern substitutions where they could be found. A bit of history with each, for who it had come from and who had taught it to whom. As much as could be found.

It was clear however that storms were brewing both in the wider universe, and on Earth. Worldwide, the reception of the Asgardians was still a hot-button issue. It was as big a deal as Wakanda opening its borders, so to speak. Now that the question of their presence in Norway had mostly been settled, the rest of the world was weighing in.

Nor were things peaceful in the Scandinavian countries. There were those who were upset that the Asgardians had settled where they had, petitioning them to relocate to places that whoever was petitioning felt had more relevance and prestige. There was also starting to be more backlash against super-powered beings in general once more, and a vocal overlap with that included those who were "Earth First" believers. What right did Aliens have to show up and disrupt everything?

There was talk of war between Norway and its neighbors, from said neighbors who were unhappy. There was upheaval in religious circles. A prominent organizing of the "Earth First" movement had overlapped with religious zealots and protests were happening across Norway. New Asgard itself had been put under a lockdown of sorts. It was only a matter of time before things would get violent with people against people.

[drpalmer]

Time seemed to both drag and rush along when Loki was gone. It was helpful that she doing some hospital shifts but primarily training her magic.

She had gotten Loki into video calls, even if he would do them as Eric. At least she got a bit more than just texting now.

Of course she had been watching the news with keen interest and the moment there was a lockdown on New Asgard she was texting Loki.

When he didn't respond she pulled out her sling ring. She had gotten better, she used it to go to the sanctum and back, but she struggled with long distances.

She channeled her focus, imagining Loki's rooms, but also feeding her desire to be with him into the cast. She watches the circle form, and she can see his rooms as she steps in.

"Loki?"

New Asgard--playing with Knives

[whose_son_am_i]

Loki could think and scheme and plot just as easily while teaching Christine to throw daggers, as he could if he'd stayed in his rooms and been staring at all the information he'd gathered so far. It had been a lovely night and morning, the pair continually wrapped around each other and sleeping soundly.

Christine had been advised to wear comfortable clothing, but also to bring still casual but non-descript clothing for later. Loki had watched as she formed her portal with the sling ring, studying what he could of how it had been cast. He'd examine the actual ring later. A different plan for how she could help and be most effective at doing so, was forming in his mind. One that she might object less to than his own infiltration and sabotaging.

In any case, it's after a light breakfast they find themselves in the Statesman's 'gym'. Christine had been given brown leather fingerless gloves, and a matching suede-leather jerkin for armor and protection. She was welcome to keep both.

Targets had been pulled out, and a set of practice throwing daggers found

Loki himself had gone for a more casual style that favored Midgard this morning. Black canvas slacks, and a tee shirt, with a green hoodie of all things. Although he wore his own fingerless gauntlets, since they would be playing with knives...

[drpalmer]

She had slept soundly as she always did when he was close.

The portal came with ease this time and when she appeared back in his room she was wearing comfortable jogger bottoms and a tee.

She was a bit excited to learn to throw knives, it's not a skill she ever imagined acquiring. And this time she was less concerned about injury, as she could now quickly heal most cuts in a matter of moments.

"I'm surprised you own a hoodie." She comments as she does a few stretches to warm up.

Off in Space

[whose_son_am_i]

Within a week of their last visit, things had come to a head in the groups proposing "Earth First" as infighting had lead them to splinter, the worst of them in prison. It didn't mean there wasn't still strife, but it was no longer directly threatening war with the Asgardians. Indeed, they'd expanded their aid outward via aid in healing and academia. The only people truly unhappy with things were those who felt betrayed by their own mythological views.

Sif continued to work with SHEILD, and Thor himself worked as an Avenger as needed, or simply to help quell chaos when asked. The key however, was always that someone asked. Loki, likewise, continued to work subtly as an agent for New Asgard to prosper. Not that he didn't help a few other allies as it furthered his goals, too.

With Christine's ability to now use a Sling-ring, she was welcome in New Asgard at any time. Most of her time was spent with Loki, but she was also sought out by other friends like Thor and Heimdall, and Ingrid, and Osmund. Brunhilde was pleased with how she was practicing, and offered advice or practice or a spar if asked. At least once, there was a package waiting for Christine that Loki clearly hadn't had a chance to mail yet. In it were 6 throwing knives, another silk robe, a set of night clothes, a printed copy of the transcribed and translated book she'd bought him, which actually does turn out to be "Visions from Mimir's Well". Along with a note "Do not forget to pamper yourself, even if I can't be there to enjoy it with you.". And lastly a set of bath-salts that when poured in the bath, turn the water liquid gold and release an illusion spell. Turning her bathroom to resemble the luxury of the Asgardian palace, with a view of the stars and night sky.

Soon enough though, there were signs and omens of worse to come. Loki had been needed on an emergency trip to NCY, summoned by Strange. Shortly after that, were plans made to go to Space. First to Vanaheim, where they had allies--and to assess how badly things might be going with the fall of Asgard.

Seers on Vanaheim had already foretold their coming, as Thor, Loki, Christine, Ingrid, and Osmund all took the Commodore. Thanks to the use of Jump Points, it only took a matter of days. Vanaheim had not suffered badly, what few incursions of invaders were mostly repelled easily. The group from New Asgard was able to help put an end to the head of the group that was causing trouble, which earned them more favor.

The Vanir were saddened and sympathetic to Asgard's plight, but had no wish to appear as invaders themselves should they come to Earth. Nor was the Commodore big enough to send those who wished to go. This was solved by one of their lords, Freyr. He and his twin sister Freyja, among others, would go to Earth using Skidbladnir, the mythical ship that could be any size. It was agreed that Ingrid and Osmund would return, and they were told to seek out Lady Sif. She would be able to help direct aid where it would be needed most.

The same seer who'd prophesied their coming, also knew where they were to go next. And had magic to transport them there, never mind Loki's question of how they'd get back. So it was to Nornheim, or specifically to Urðarbrunnr, near the roots of Yggsdrasil. It was as a dark and tangled forest, where it never got lighter or darker than twilight or sunrise. Light armor had been found and fashioned for Christine while in Vanaheim, and though the brothers knew not why she must travel with them, she had been seen to do so as clearly as they had been seen to travel here.

So the three wandered what was a dark forest, following a creek that would turn into a river, that would have it's source in the well of Urd.

Re: Off in Space

[drpalmer]

Christine would spend every night she could with Loki and suddenly the distance didn't matter any more.

She had been in demand in New Asgard as well as with Stephen to work on her training. She did finally master the use of the astral plane which helped her not waste a moment of the day.

Christine had taken time off to go on a 'vacation' that became a trip to space. She had been at least occasionally useful which made her feel better about taking up space on the Commodore.

The forest is a strange place, full of plants she had never seen and noises she had never heard. The seer had been very clear that Christine needed to go with the brothers and so she had.