Meme-shenanigans and Continuations.

[whose_son_am_i]

This post will be for Meme-continuations for drpalmer

Comments

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?"

[whose_son_am_i]

There was no sign of him, although it was clear he still used these rooms. More paperwork, and his laptop-set up. Also some maps, and a bulletin board with notes. Clothing was strewn about for once, instead of neat--as if he'd just unpacked. Or was repacking.

In any case, Christine startled a maid--not Dagny this time, but someone who looked younger. Like she were in her teens, with her hair braided to be out of the way. She wore Midgardian clothes, but a leather over-apron that could've been Asgardian or viking-inspired. A little squeak when Christine appeared suddenly, before she recovered herself. Babbling at first in Asgardian, she was startled--not scared.

[drpalmer]

"Sorry." Christine immediately apologizes to the maid who was rightfully startled by the sudden appearance.

"Do you know where he is by chance?"

Christine is also feeling for his magic signature, she's gotten stronger since she's last seen him.

Loki?

[whose_son_am_i]

His signature is all over his rooms, even on his technology.

"Oh. English." The maid responds a bit nervous. "They be in the great room, milady."

There's a moment of !? along their link. Sweetling, are you reaching me from all the way in New York? With a mixture of pride and curiosity in the mental voice, with an undercurrent of worry.

[drpalmer]

"Takk skal du ha" She's not managed to learn as much Norwegian as she'd like, but she has some basics.

No, I'm in your rooms. I finally made a long distance portal.

Christine doesn't want to go wandering too far in case they are doing something important.

[whose_son_am_i]

The maid nodded, but continued to watch Christine carefully. "Trenger du noe, trollkvinne?"

Congratulations but why? No don't answer that yet--save it for in person. A few moments of pause, before he continued. Actually, you could be helpful. Find a maid or page, have them bring you to the Oak conference room. I'll meet you there.

In the great room, where Thor's council of New Asgard as well as Scandinavian diplomats were meeting, and arguing, Loki finally stood up from where he was seated at the table. "My fine fellows, we have been at this for hours--and while I do enjoy a good bit of chaos, all of this arguing is no longer interesting." Turning to address Thor, without giving others a chance to speak. "Your Majesty, I recommend a call for a break. We adjourn for a half hour, and come back, hopefully with fresh ideas."

Loki had been keeping quiet so far, and Thor wondered what is brother was thinking. But it was a sound idea for now. "It is a good idea, Brother. For now we adjourn to meet back here in 30 minutes hence."

Whether they'd all come back with cooler heads or not, remained to be seen.

[drpalmer]

"Could you take me to the Oak conference room?"

There is something a bit satisfying about being called witch, not many outside of Loki and Stephen have seen her magic.

Christine did figure there were negotiations going on.

I startled your young maid. She called me a witch, I'm proud of myself.

[whose_son_am_i]

I imagine you did. And you should be.

The maid nodded and bobbed a curtsy. While on the one hand she'd been told to clean up and organize--if a witch was coming directly into Loki's rooms, it was probably a good idea to not offend her. "Follow me please."

Fortunately, the Oak Conference room was not far from the Great room (as it had come to be called). It was also not convenient for people to mill about near, as they were doing while on the recess. They did pass some people, but Christine was easily overlooked.

When she arrived though, in what they called the Oak Conference room (it had been so designated because a bronze oak-tree had been put on the wall near the door), she found Thor and Loki both. Once more in light-armor as well, as it was a ceremonial thing of sorts. Thor had a red cape attached to his, and looked surprised to see her, turning to Loki for a moment in confusion.

[drpalmer]

She doesn't get noticed as she follows the maid to the conference room. She is let in and can't help the way her face lights up when she sees Loki. It takes a second to register his brother.

"Hi, Thor. I'm a witch now." She answers the inevitable question that the thunder god must be thinking.

[whose_son_am_i]

Loki's expression remained neutral, but there was a brush of her mind in greeting.

"Well, that answers one question Dr. Palmer. But what are you doing here?" Thor was smiling at least while he said it.

"Thank you, Ylfa. She is my guest." Loki said to the maid, being sure she left before addressing his brother and Christine. "Apparently she makes portals now." He answered, and Thor looked like he was going to say something. "No, I have a plan--hear me out. She's been through the aftermath of many attacks by beings who are stronger than normal humans. She can tell people exactly the toll it takes and why it's not a good idea. Furthermore, and you'll have to trust me on this, she can keep people calm so we can find a solution that doesn't involve starting a war."

I'd rather he didn't know about the strength of your Empathy or that you can project it, Sweetling. All you'll need to do is passively project a sense of calm.

"To fill you in, Dr. Palmer. There are those among my people who feel we should fight back, that we are being unjustly persecuted. They are not alone, as there are many who are not my people who feel that we should do just that--in a show of strength so that people will respect us. I'm certain you can see why, though I'll not shy from a battle, this is not a favored idea however. It would give fuel to claims that we are an uprising and invading force, when that is not what we are."

[drpalmer]

That little brush gets one in reply and she moves into the room to be closer to the pair.

I can do that.

She's been working on projecting calm, Stephen had suggested it would be the most useful emotion in a crisis and while it could be questionable morally, it was better to keep things calm and safe.

"A show of strength could look far too threatening to the rest of the world as well." She nods.

[whose_son_am_i]

"Exactly." Thor agreed. "Unfortunately, it may take a show of internal strength to quell my people, which will also likely not be interpreted well by the rest of the world." Thor crossed his arms. "I could wish it were so simple a battle, however."

"So long as we can issue an official word and assure our allies, I can handle the internal trouble." Loki's smile was only slightly reassuring. "And assuring our allies will start with Christine's help, if she's willing to give it."

Thor narrowed his eye at his brother. "I don't want to know what you're going to do, do I? It's better that way?" With some wry amusement, before he sighed as Loki nodded. "Very well. Dr. Palmer, Christine...I am not sure what he's planning, but your help would be welcome. Whatever help that is?"

Loki smiled again. "Character witness, for the Asgardian people and our liege. That we come with peaceful intentions, and are simply trying to adapt to a new home." Now Loki moved over to circle around Christine, before snapping his fingers. A shimmer of greenish-gold over her, as the illusion took hold. A formal black pantsuit with white blouse, and a necklace with a golden disc hanging from it for accent. "Now you certainly look as if this was all planned, rather than simply being sprung on people."

[drpalmer]

"I am always happy to help in whatever way I can. Your people have been nothing but wonderful to me."

She watches Loki as he circles her and changes her outfit.

"He's like a movie fairy godmother." She says to Thor with a smile.

[whose_son_am_i]

Thor blinked. "I understand the words but not the reference. Loki?" To which the Trickster shook his head too.

"Christine, so you know. We have an exchange of diplomats between us and the Norwegian government. The group they sent are neutral to us and our presence, aside from being in general awed by 'aliens'. One of the sticking points that may work in our favor here is that we will not and have not as of yet decided to train warriors." Loki filled her in.

"That does not mean our people are not training. We are protectors of the realms still. Only that we do not wish to be involved or have Midgard blame us for wars." Thor added. "It is...a difficult line."

[drpalmer]

"You don't know Cinderella? She has a magic godmother who makes her a dress for a ball? No?"

Well, remind her to not use pop culture references with the alien gods.

"Okay. General training, not raising an army."

She's really doing her best to keep everything straight. She had run here because she was worried about Loki, not to use magic to help with peace deals.

[whose_son_am_i]

"If we can quell the immediate urges for violence, preferably non-violently, I can handle the rest in a few days." Loki said confidently.

Thor reached up and rubbed his brow. "So long as we can keep cooler heads, we can hammer out a formal statement. Some of this is because the lockdown is so brand new." And Asgardians, especially when young, did have a tendency to enjoy battle.

[drpalmer]

"I'm sure you can quell some of the uproar."

Or I can, whatever.

"You'll be fine, this will surely all be sorted soon."

She is giving a little taste of her new emotional control by protecting a bit of calm now for the brothers. Loki will likely notice, but Thor probably won't.

[whose_son_am_i]

I see what you're doing Sweetling. Remember what I said about applied chaos? That's *my* plan, assuming we can keep our people out of things. Loki noticed alright, but sent her a subtle nod of approval.

"I will make it clear that I won't allow disobedience of my orders in this. Provided you can handle this, Loki?" Thor said, starting to feel like this might work.

"It'll work, Brother. I promise you. I also promise you do not want to know more."

Thor sighed. "We're about out of time anyway for more discussion. Loki, this is your plan, you will escort Dr. Palmer. I need to go re-open the assembly." A nod and bow to Christine, before he headed out.

Loki offered Christine a genuine smile. "I'm sorry I worried you."

[drpalmer]

At least let me play a bit, I did come all this way.

She has her own spark of mischief now with some new things she's learned that she wants to show off.

She smiles at Thor when he is leaving and finally takes Loki's hand for a moment.

"I'm sorry I showed up unannounced."

[whose_son_am_i]

"I'm touched, Christine." Said quietly, and he raises her hand up to nuzzle it. We can discuss it after the meeting. But I'm not opposed, provided I can keep you safe.

[drpalmer]

The little stolen moment of touch is all it takes to be right back in orbit with him.

"I saw the lockdown on the news and needed to see you."

And it meant she finally got her portal to work properly.

[whose_son_am_i]

"I'm rather amazed you were able to memorize the layout of my rooms so accurately." Letting his other hand reach up to brush her cheek.

[drpalmer]

"I had a solid image, but the emotion helped to strengthen it." She steps closer, so she's easier to touch.

missed you it comes over their link with a tender swell of emotion.

[whose_son_am_i]

I've missed you, my Sweetling. Sending that emotion back, and twining with her own. "I am sorry to be springing this on you, Christine. But you will help. Part of what is fueling this is fatigue, in many ways."