"We very much consider you one of us." Ingrid said brightly. "You were the first to help us, and have stayed with us since. Besides being one of my good friends, I am glad to call you trusted colleague and mentor. We've been mostly making strides helping in our host nation, but have also been collaborating with Wakanda. There are plans to try and expand even further with aid in the form of knowledge to other countries as well. Our focus has mostly been in poorer nations, which has meshed well with Wakanda's goals too."
Ingrid hugged her back just as tightly. "I'm lucky to know you, Christine. You also have to come join my family and I for dinner sometime during this season. Or maybe lunch, since I don't know how full your schedule is."
"We'll make it Lunch then." Ingrid nodded, then lowered her voice so that only Christine and Loki might here. "I'm also hopeful, although it's still early---but my husband and I will hopefully have a child in spring."
"Oh Ingrid! Congratulations!" She gives the woman another hug. Christine has wondered if she and Loki would even be able to have a child, not that she's in any hurry.
Ingrid smiles fondly, and a bit shyly, at the hug. "It's still early, although I've taken tips from you and have some good help and healers to assist me. I'll keep you informed, my friend."
"You'll be one of the first, Christine." Ingrid promised, and then her smile widened for her friend. "Oh good. I look forward to a few myself. Birgir is here, doing some of his own mingling at the moment." Her husband, one of the few who'd come to Earth with decent combat skills already. He served with the growing New Asgard defense guardians. Built more like Thor than Loki, but slightly shorter. Christine had met him on occasion and he was a soft spoken but kind man who could be as fierce as a wolf.
"If you want." Loki said, head canting with an amused smile. "Ingrid, we'll speak later." He said politely, before moving to whisk Christine on to the dance floor.
It wouldn't be long probably before Ingrid and Birgir joined in, with the man surprisingly light on his feet for someone so big.
Christine finally gets to dance with Loki in public. They make a stunning pair, moving with a practiced ease. It's now that they are really turning heads.
They were, for it was rare that Loki danced. Much less danced with someone. That was turning heads more than anything else, although there was still some surprise when Thor and Sif joined in too. Surprisingly graceful as they moved together. The dance floor filled with other dignitaries and diplomats.
I'm glad. A pause in his mental voice, as they passed some of those simply watching, and while Loki's expression was as neutral as ever, Christine might notice his eyes had hardened slightly. Be prepared, I've heard a click of a few camera-phones, and spotted at least one.
You *are* stronger than most suspect. It often surprises me briefly, still--though I don't mean that to sound as condescending as it does. It is a pleasant surprise, and part of why I've fallen so hard for you.
It was equally as likely that the photos would be personal keepsakes, as that some would appear in the papers and news. Unfortunately, Loki couldn't take out the cameras without taking out other electronics.
Sadly no. They're camouflaging themselves well so far. But I plan to keep more of an eye out now. I've already been somewhat alert and wary still. Loki offers her a smile as she grins. If you think you can manage it, perhaps a general 'suggestion' to the crowd that cameras are not needed. We could do so together.
Focus on a slight feeling of shame, but overall a feeling of not wanting to miss-out as it were. I'll handle the wording. Loki likewise was gathering the spell and energy. Be prepared to follow my lead in the dance as it will be easiest to cast that way.
Waiting for Christine to be ready, whereupon Loki smiled, nodded, and moved to twirl her in a soft spin. Using the motion to free a hand to cast subtly--it would be easier with a gesture given the size of the group they wanted to effect. Christine would also hear him suggesting that the cameras should be put away--there were better things to do.
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Date: 2021-10-04 01:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-10-04 01:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-10-04 01:29 pm (UTC)"You are a wonderful person Ingrid and an incredible healer, I'm lucky to have you." Christine finally lets go of Loki to hug her friend.
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Date: 2021-10-04 01:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-10-04 01:37 pm (UTC)She's likely to be busy in the evening as Loki's now betrothed.
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Date: 2021-10-04 01:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-10-04 01:45 pm (UTC)"Oh Ingrid! Congratulations!" She gives the woman another hug. Christine has wondered if she and Loki would even be able to have a child, not that she's in any hurry.
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Date: 2021-10-04 01:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-10-04 02:02 pm (UTC)Christine would likely send Ingrid some pre-natal vitamins, she may be an Asgardian, but extra nutrients can't hurt.
The orchestra has started playing a sweet waltz.
"I finally get to dance at one of these." Christine is grinning.
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Date: 2021-10-04 02:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-10-04 02:14 pm (UTC)"Shall we?" She turns to Loki to offer a hand to him.
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Date: 2021-10-04 02:17 pm (UTC)It wouldn't be long probably before Ingrid and Birgir joined in, with the man surprisingly light on his feet for someone so big.
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Date: 2021-10-04 02:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-10-04 02:26 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-10-04 02:28 pm (UTC)This is wonderful.
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Date: 2021-10-04 02:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-10-04 02:37 pm (UTC)She knew being at all public would lead to being full out in the open. Christine had been mentally preparing for this for months.
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Date: 2021-10-04 02:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-10-04 02:44 pm (UTC)If she wanted to she could quiet the whole crowd. Christine is ready to take on whatever comes with being Loki's partner.
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Date: 2021-10-04 02:50 pm (UTC)It was equally as likely that the photos would be personal keepsakes, as that some would appear in the papers and news. Unfortunately, Loki couldn't take out the cameras without taking out other electronics.
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Date: 2021-10-04 02:52 pm (UTC)She gives him a grin, Christine is ready to do some nudging or emotional manipulation if she needs to.
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Date: 2021-10-04 02:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-10-04 03:03 pm (UTC)She's got that mischief in her eyes that says she is already gathering the energy to project.
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Date: 2021-10-04 03:08 pm (UTC)Waiting for Christine to be ready, whereupon Loki smiled, nodded, and moved to twirl her in a soft spin. Using the motion to free a hand to cast subtly--it would be easier with a gesture given the size of the group they wanted to effect. Christine would also hear him suggesting that the cameras should be put away--there were better things to do.
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Date: 2021-10-04 03:11 pm (UTC)It's an impressive bit of teamwork to cast and suggest at the same time, all the while dancing like there was nothing going on at all.
They are truly imposing pair, incredibly strong together.
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