[Loki let part of his mouth tilt up in a small smile. And reached up to brush her cheek with a hand.]
You're very much not stupid, but I did worry if you'd blinded yourself unconsciously. What you think is reasonable is not always what others will. This was proven at the council meeting recently where I'm quite sure every party felt they were being quite 'reasonable' amidst the disagreements.
( Night Sky exhaled a deep, frustrated sigh through her nose and reached up to gently brush his hand away from her face. She knew her weaknesses- a soft touch from someone she cared about could break her in an instant. )
Including yourself and your friends who want to start shit, I'm sure. I just want my wish - everyone does. Sometimes it's okay to just shut up and deal. Yeah, this place sucks and yes, he is probably manipulating us and watching us squirm with all the shit that happens - but he knows we're plotting. How the fuck could he not?
If he knows we are, then why should we stop? It's probably all a game to him if he's that all powerful. He could stop us at anytime himself, so why doesn't he?
[Still keeping himself even-voiced and measured in tone.]
Sky, believe it or not, you already have gotten me to modify things. I am sticking now to investigating, and trying to figure this all out. What will come of that I don't know, nor am I making a specific plan for.
Because we're not a threat and, frankly, I'd love to continue not being one.
( She frowned, fingers fiddling with the hem of her sweater. ) What about the people who don't want to investigate? Not everyone is patient enough to wait it out and figure out all the clues and, fuck, Loki, we shouldn't be messing with powerful beings anyway! He's lawful enough to keep his contracts, but who fucking knows how much shit he'll throw at us if we keep messing with him.
What is the council's plan? Or are you not going to tell me that either.
Right. ( Incredulous. She didn't believe that for a second. He had to know something. Gods. Was she going to have to go the council meetings herself? )
You can sure stop me from trying to talk to them, though. Funny how that works. ( she frowned harder, brows furrowed. She couldn't look at him because she was so... mad. So furious. So fucking terrified and angry and helpless. )
No. Just do whatever the hell you want. You and everyone else will.
The talk was mostly about how to deal with a possible repeat of werewolves and the blood moon and the shadow wolves. Of how to deal with villagers who clearly are on the side of Vaeros. Of who to trust and what actions to take, in general.
If you want to talk to them, you could take to the network yourself and plead your case. That would likely be faster than my trying to name everyone I suspect of being involved.
[She was clearly furious and scared, and he could read it like a book.]
Feel better, venting your anger and frustration?
[Again that neutral expression was back in place as a mask. It wouldn't be the first time he's been the target of someone's ire.]
( Night Sky had a lot to say and honestly, she doubted anyone would fucking care to hear it. From what little she knew of the council, it was already filled with people who had plenty of power back home or knew how to speak at such political get togethers. She also knew Red Son had gone - so, really, all she had to do was ask him, or even Meryl.
Loki, however, refused to name names or even elaborate on the vague answers he offered, and it gave her a good hint as to how little he might be telling her. Night Sky may have seemed simple and content with the whole wish granting thing and not getting on Vaeros' bad side, but she truly was not stupid and she noticed far more than she suggested. )
No. ( she said flatly. ) But at least I know now that it's pointless to speak to you about it anymore.
[It was odd, as again--he was used to being the target of ire. It did not necessarily sit well with him though, having Sky's. Quiet for quite a bit, before he sighed.]
If it helps at all, I have...changed, since being here. Am still changing. I can not say that my plans might not change too.
[Letting her have some distance, and some distance himself.]
I had made clear at the beginning that I do not do emotional attachments, yet I've found a few here that I very much want to keep. You are part of that, as I consider you my friend beyond any physicality we share. And...I do not like having a friend angry with me. I am still unused to having friends however, and those I've had before turned on me quite readily when they were upset with me too.
Maybe yours will, but others won't. ( And she knew how easy it could be for one person to fuck things up for everyone else.
She had been that person once before. )
I could be an asshole and say that I'm not surprised the god of trickery and deceit told a lie and is actually emotionally vulnerable. But I'm not- an asshole, nor am I surpised.
It doesn't matter, Loki. I'll get angry and upset and nothing will change. I don't even know why I bother.
[Asshole or not, her words struck a nerve and an open wound. His first impulse was to return barb for barb, lash out in anger. But...he was changing. So while the anger and pain pierced his neutral mask, Loki did not lash back this time.]
I can't say I know why you bother either, although I suppose I should be glad you're talking with me and venting rather than just bottling it up.
[Proud of himself that he'd kept his voice neutral.]
Do you not think I don't want my wish granted too, Sky?
Because I trust you, for whatever fucking reason. ( and maybe that was on her, given everything. )
I don't doubt you do. But we can't be stupid. I know you're investigating, I know people are making plans. But if none of those plans align it's all going to blow up in our faces.
[Now Loki was very confused. She'd just pointed out who he was--god of mischief, lies, and deceit. But she trusted him? The confusion was also clear on his face and expression, as he was quiet for a few more moments.]
I don't know why you would, when you yourself pointed out who I am a moment ago--being an asshole or not.
[It did not come out as an accusation, which is part of why Loki had been quiet. He wanted to be calm for this. It was rare that he wanted to keep people's trust, but here...not just with Sky but with others too, he found he did.]
You are correct, we can't be stupid. But I'm not certain how we would get everything in alignment either. You're also not wrong to worry about it all blowing up in ways we can't control.
Because I trust everyone until they prove me wrong. Even gods of lies.
( She can't imagine it would ever be a boon to lie to her anyway. She was no one. Nothing. Powerful as she may have been - in the grand scheme of things, if he wanted to manipulate her, he surely would have already.
And if he was, he probably wouldn't be so shocked to hear any of the shit she said. He would have anticipated it. )
The council meeting is a start, but it's nothing if everyone doesn't go to it to voice their opinions. I don't know how to get everyone together otherwise.
Start with the network, use it to call a meeting in person if you must because there will be those who don't trust it's not monitored. The counter to that is that if Vaeros can see and spy on us all at anytime anyway, then what we say over the network shouldn't matter. As you say, if not everyone goes to voice their opinions, then nothing will get done.
[That was easier to answer, and deal with for the moment, than her statement about trust. On the one hand, she was a fool to do so. Even so, Loki did not want to prove her wrong. Hoped that there would not come a time he would need to. "Friends" was such a difficult concept and he both hated it and was desperate for actual genuine companionship that friends provided. Especially since he'd gotten tastes of it here.
He did not reach for her, but did offer his hand if she wanted. Perhaps he needed the anchor too.]
I understand your frustration. It's hardly the first time I've been the target and recipient of ire whether earned myself or not. I won't tell you comforting lies, either, for what it is worth.
[Then, much more softly, after a breath in and out to be certain he wanted to do this.]
I want to remain friends, Sky. I want to keep your friendship, and to be one in turn. But I'm very new at it all, and it's never turned out well before for me.
I'll... think about it. ( Night Sky wasn't a leader. She did not make decisions for big groups of people nor did she rally to troops beyond those she may have worked with back home. The fear of just... pissing people off or stepping in toes was high, and it would not help anyone if they went down that road.
She looked at his hand, taking it after a pause. ) You're still my friend. We can disagree and not hate each other.
I hope that remains true. The 'friends' I've supposedly had before have all turned on me and suspected me of treachery. They were...not entirely wrong, but they also were not correct in the scope of my mischief. Then again, I was often not seen as much more than a tag along, the younger brother who played tricks and was far from a proper prince or warrior.
[Loki couldn't really keep the bitterness from his tone. He'd been convenient, saved the day a few times and yet it had never seemed to be valued by Thor, or his friends.]
Continue to prove me wrong then, please. I am honestly asking you to. Consider that I've not had good examples of what friendship is, at least, not directed at me.
[Okay, that came out a bit more bitter and snarky than Loki had intended, but he still held on to her hand.]
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 10:09 pm (UTC)You're very much not stupid, but I did worry if you'd blinded yourself unconsciously. What you think is reasonable is not always what others will. This was proven at the council meeting recently where I'm quite sure every party felt they were being quite 'reasonable' amidst the disagreements.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 10:15 pm (UTC)Including yourself and your friends who want to start shit, I'm sure. I just want my wish - everyone does. Sometimes it's okay to just shut up and deal. Yeah, this place sucks and yes, he is probably manipulating us and watching us squirm with all the shit that happens - but he knows we're plotting. How the fuck could he not?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 10:19 pm (UTC)If he knows we are, then why should we stop? It's probably all a game to him if he's that all powerful. He could stop us at anytime himself, so why doesn't he?
[Still keeping himself even-voiced and measured in tone.]
Sky, believe it or not, you already have gotten me to modify things. I am sticking now to investigating, and trying to figure this all out. What will come of that I don't know, nor am I making a specific plan for.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 10:25 pm (UTC)( She frowned, fingers fiddling with the hem of her sweater. ) What about the people who don't want to investigate? Not everyone is patient enough to wait it out and figure out all the clues and, fuck, Loki, we shouldn't be messing with powerful beings anyway! He's lawful enough to keep his contracts, but who fucking knows how much shit he'll throw at us if we keep messing with him.
What is the council's plan? Or are you not going to tell me that either.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 10:29 pm (UTC)[With an eyebrow raise.]
I can't control others Sky, or what they'll do. Only myself.
[A partial lie. He could influence people's thoughts if he wanted. But Sky didn't know that or need to know it.]
Do you really want me to stop investigating? Because I'm only one. I'm not even trying to 'mess' with him per se.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 10:33 pm (UTC)You can sure stop me from trying to talk to them, though. Funny how that works. ( she frowned harder, brows furrowed. She couldn't look at him because she was so... mad. So furious. So fucking terrified and angry and helpless. )
No. Just do whatever the hell you want. You and everyone else will.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 10:47 pm (UTC)If you want to talk to them, you could take to the network yourself and plead your case. That would likely be faster than my trying to name everyone I suspect of being involved.
[She was clearly furious and scared, and he could read it like a book.]
Feel better, venting your anger and frustration?
[Again that neutral expression was back in place as a mask. It wouldn't be the first time he's been the target of someone's ire.]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 11:02 pm (UTC)Loki, however, refused to name names or even elaborate on the vague answers he offered, and it gave her a good hint as to how little he might be telling her. Night Sky may have seemed simple and content with the whole wish granting thing and not getting on Vaeros' bad side, but she truly was not stupid and she noticed far more than she suggested. )
No. ( she said flatly. ) But at least I know now that it's pointless to speak to you about it anymore.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 11:06 pm (UTC)If it helps at all, I have...changed, since being here. Am still changing. I can not say that my plans might not change too.
[Letting her have some distance, and some distance himself.]
I had made clear at the beginning that I do not do emotional attachments, yet I've found a few here that I very much want to keep. You are part of that, as I consider you my friend beyond any physicality we share. And...I do not like having a friend angry with me. I am still unused to having friends however, and those I've had before turned on me quite readily when they were upset with me too.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 11:14 pm (UTC)She had been that person once before. )
I could be an asshole and say that I'm not surprised the god of trickery and deceit told a lie and is actually emotionally vulnerable. But I'm not- an asshole, nor am I surpised.
It doesn't matter, Loki. I'll get angry and upset and nothing will change. I don't even know why I bother.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 11:34 pm (UTC)I can't say I know why you bother either, although I suppose I should be glad you're talking with me and venting rather than just bottling it up.
[Proud of himself that he'd kept his voice neutral.]
Do you not think I don't want my wish granted too, Sky?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 11:51 pm (UTC)I don't doubt you do. But we can't be stupid. I know you're investigating, I know people are making plans. But if none of those plans align it's all going to blow up in our faces.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 11:56 pm (UTC)I don't know why you would, when you yourself pointed out who I am a moment ago--being an asshole or not.
[It did not come out as an accusation, which is part of why Loki had been quiet. He wanted to be calm for this. It was rare that he wanted to keep people's trust, but here...not just with Sky but with others too, he found he did.]
You are correct, we can't be stupid. But I'm not certain how we would get everything in alignment either. You're also not wrong to worry about it all blowing up in ways we can't control.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 11:59 pm (UTC)( She can't imagine it would ever be a boon to lie to her anyway. She was no one. Nothing. Powerful as she may have been - in the grand scheme of things, if he wanted to manipulate her, he surely would have already.
And if he was, he probably wouldn't be so shocked to hear any of the shit she said. He would have anticipated it. )
The council meeting is a start, but it's nothing if everyone doesn't go to it to voice their opinions. I don't know how to get everyone together otherwise.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-05 12:05 am (UTC)[That was easier to answer, and deal with for the moment, than her statement about trust. On the one hand, she was a fool to do so. Even so, Loki did not want to prove her wrong. Hoped that there would not come a time he would need to. "Friends" was such a difficult concept and he both hated it and was desperate for actual genuine companionship that friends provided. Especially since he'd gotten tastes of it here.
He did not reach for her, but did offer his hand if she wanted. Perhaps he needed the anchor too.]
I understand your frustration. It's hardly the first time I've been the target and recipient of ire whether earned myself or not. I won't tell you comforting lies, either, for what it is worth.
[Then, much more softly, after a breath in and out to be certain he wanted to do this.]
I want to remain friends, Sky. I want to keep your friendship, and to be one in turn. But I'm very new at it all, and it's never turned out well before for me.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-05 02:08 am (UTC)She looked at his hand, taking it after a pause. ) You're still my friend. We can disagree and not hate each other.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-05 02:11 am (UTC)[Loki couldn't really keep the bitterness from his tone. He'd been convenient, saved the day a few times and yet it had never seemed to be valued by Thor, or his friends.]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-05 02:17 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-02-05 02:19 am (UTC)[Okay, that came out a bit more bitter and snarky than Loki had intended, but he still held on to her hand.]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-05 05:23 pm (UTC)