"Wow, they always bring out the fancy escorts for guests of the crown?" she joked. Darcy knew that her friendship with Thor and Jane had gone a long way in getting her this opportunity. She hadn't officially met King Valkyrie in person yet. They'd had plenty of video chats where they realized they got along really well. She was grateful that they were allowing here into their circle to get a chance to study something so important and sacred to them.
Her luggage was stowed away in the trunk. She slid into the car and studied the inside. "This is fancy," she remarked. "By the way, where am I staying? King Val wasn't entirely clear on that."
It was hardly a joke, but Loki supposed it was a cover for nerves. Ensuring everything was where it should be, Loki slid into the car as well, and nodded to the driver. "With everything that's happened, and our 'official' status in Norway, we've been using the Statesman as an official residence and workplace for what government we have."
Here, Loki smirked slightly. "It's not Valaskjalf, but considering it was the grandest of ships the Grandmaster owned? It's quite nice, and we've had plenty of time and opportunity to make it our own. With the return of people after the blip, we've also started using it to house extra New Asgard citizens if needed too." It wasn't a direct answer.
Darcy couldn't help the excitement that leapt through her. Her eyes went slightly wide as she shifted in her seat to face him. "Wait. I get to live and work in a spaceship?" she asked in delight. She'd always been unfortunately grounded Earthside for all of Jane's cool adventures. She'd always wanted to go check out space and all it had to offer in a cool space ship. She really hoped Loki wasn't just messing with her.
She studied him a beat. She noticed he seemed to carry himself differently. Her curiosity got the best of her. "So," she continued, blowing right past the awkward of it all. "How ya been?"
"You do, although it's unlikely you'll be taken into space." Okay, Loki could admit that the excitement was pleasant. He was not 'messing' with her on this. If he carried himself differently, it was because Loki was on 'official business' and knew he was being watched and judged. Had to be on his 'best behavior' after all.
Which, admittedly, he was curious about all of this too--but he chafed at the idea of enforced good behavior which made him rebel against the idea. It was different were it his choice with no strings attached. An eyebrow rose with her question. "Beg pardon?"
"That's fine! That's what I'm working on anyway! Dude, my very first space ship!" she said excitedly. She was wiggling in her seat with excitement. Darcy looked out her window and admired the scenery. It was truly gorgeous out here. One of the most beautiful places she'd ever seen. She couldn't wait to see what New Asgard looked like. She'd only seen pictures online. She knew it would be even more amazing in person.
Loki's perplexed tone drew her gaze back to him. She raised a brow at him. "What's new, pussycat? What have you been up to in like the last decade since our paths crossed?" she clarified.
"Are you asking because you're actually interested, or because it's expected?" Loki shot back, before sighing. "Really, I suppose it doesn't matter." He let out a small chuckle at himself. "I'm being a terribly formal escort so far, but I'm also expected to be on my 'best' behavior. Outside of New Asgard, I'm always watched and judged, you see."
"I wouldn't ask if I didn't mean it," she replied easily. Darcy was never anything but genuine. She was her truest self without beating around the bush of trying to blend in or be normal. She was perfectly happy being her quirky self. Besides, she wanted to hear from him what he'd been up to. She figured he was a big deal if he was assigned to handle guests of the crown. "Because of everything from before?" she asked. Her brows knitted together. "Didn't you and Thor help bring everyone back?"
"They do say that 'two wrongs don't make a right'--well, apparently my working to help save the universe a few times over doesn't mean my past sins are forgotten." Loki said dryly. "To answer your question however, I spent 4 years in secret ruling as Odin while he was on Earth in an old folk's home first, then in Norway of his own accord. When found out, Thor and I then went to find Father, who passed away after meeting us and thus our here-to-fore unknown elder sister was unleashed from wherever he had hidden her away. She proceeded to attempt to take over Asgard and the Nine realms. Thor and I found ourselves, albeit at different times, on the planet Sakaar subject to a sociopathic immortal being known as the Grand Master. We escaped there, to return to Asgard and fight Hela and her forces. The only solution turned out, however, to be evacuate what we could of our people and then to destroy Asgard in Ragnarok."
Darcy blinked as she took it all in. It was certainly a lot of information to process, but more than that, it had certainly been a trying few years for Loki. He and Thor had lost their immediate family. Frigga, Odin and even Hela in a weird, twisted way. They lost their home. Then they had to deal with everything Thanos. It was one crisis after another. It sounded so exhausting that her heart went out to him. Everyone had been through the wringer in the last several years. Loki was no different.
Quietly, she reached out and placed her hand on his arm. She gave it a soft squeeze to offer her comfort and empathy. "You've really been through it," she remarked lightly. She patted his arm before withdrawing her hand to give him space. She went for levity as she joked, "Now you're stuck being my tour guide."
Blue-green eyes flicked to her hand, then up to her. Puzzled for a moment, as outside of his own people he wasn't shown much Empathy. Even what little he'd been shown among his people was rare.
"I've wandered some, but when I return it is always to New Asgard. When I am around, I am expected to have official duties. I am still a Prince, even if Asgard proper is no more." And he was rightful king of Jotunheim, for what little that mattered. "I've had two reactions when I've met people--those who are wary, and those who are in awe."
It would not be a very long drive, before they were arriving on the outskirts. The scenery was beautiful, and in the distance on the coast, the Statesman could be made out easily. Framing the picturesque village that had become a blend of ancient and new, while maintaining a classic Scandinavian flair and style.
"I'm looking forward to actually seeing New Asgard. Everything I've seen online is breathtaking," she replied. Even the scenery outside was already gorgeous. Darcy wanted to explore it all and take so many pictures. She let up a dreamy sigh of admiration. As they got closer, she sat up straighter in her seat. Her lips parted in awe as she drank it all in. She saw the Statesman and could hardly believe she would be staying on it.
"So people are either cautious or awed by you. Which do you prefer?" she asked. Darcy didn't take her eyes off the sight before her. "What other duties do you have besides showing the new kid around?"
"Generally the awe, as a preference. They tend to view me more favorably, and it does get tiresome to be reminded of my past mistakes when I am trying to grow past them. The most interesting people are often a combination of both." Loki answered with a wry smile.
"I sit on, and am part of the King's council. I've had my services sought out by a few other governments, though they often are wary of me as well. On a personal level I work at preserving history."
"Yeah, that can be a real bummer," she agreed. Darcy thought back to all her past mistakes. It would be maddening if people held it against her. It made her resolve even more firmly to give Loki a second chance. He deserved it. He was already intriguing her thus far. Their conversation wasn't like anything she expected. "Preserving history?" she repeated. "That sounds really interesting! What's that like?"
They turned in to the main road of New Asgard. The leaves had changed here. It made it all look so picturesque. There was a chill in the air that would make Darcy wish she had her coat.
"It's a bit hard to explain." What Loki really meant was ferreting out secrets, and being a 'living resource' at times for how things had been in the olden times. Heimdall was the better resource for that, given he saw everything. But Loki enjoyed stories, and what was History but another story?
As they passed people it was clear the city was a blend of old and new. Even the styles had started to reflect the blending of Asgard and Midgard, though there was still a marked leaning towards Midgardian styles. Darcy would have no trouble finding a fall and winter wardrobe if she wanted, provided she could afford it.
The car itself drove up to the Statesman, where the entry ramp was permanently extended down now. Asgardian designs had been painted around it, runic designs interspersed with nature motifs. As soon as the car stopped, and Loki was out, then it was clear their presence was known. A male was coming down the ship's gangplank towards them, wearing what was meant to be some kind of livery-uniform, over a mix of Asgardian and Midgardian clothing. He resembled a more lanky version of Thor with a longer-beard that was braided, as was his hair.
"Bjarte" Loki greeted as he moved around to Darcy's door, while the other man moved to the trunk for Darcy's suitcase. "Please take Dr Lewis's things to the Gríðrstofa suite." She'd be getting a short tour first, then shown to where she'd be staying.
Darcy loved the blend of the old and the new. She knew she could spend hours just wandering and studying the different details to this place. There was just so much to take in. Everywhere she looked, there was something else that caught her eye. As they got closer to the Statesman, she was nearly vibrating with excitement to hop out of the car to start exploring. As soon as they stopped, she was out and breathing the fresh, crisp air. She shivered at the chill that hung in the air, but she was in a state of constant motion which would hopefully keep her warm.
"Hi!" she greeted the man with a cheery wave. He took her luggage and greeted her with a nod. "How do you say that again?" she asked to Loki. She was still trying to wrap her tongue around the Norse language. "Slowly, please, so I can get it right. Grio-what? What does it mean?"
She was a flurry of questions and energy. Her curiosity was insatiable.
"Gríðrstofa." Loki repeated, then more slowly "Greed'r stohfah." Emphasizing the pronunciation. "Considering Their Majesty picked it for you, I suspect in this instance the meaning is the 'Vehemence or Zeal, and room'." Given her energy so far.
"Du alt annet enn vibrerer som en kolibri, so I think it fits rather well."
"Gríðrstofa," she repeated slowly in the way that he taught her. It sat a little clumsily on her tongue, but she liked the way it came out. Her brows shot up to hear that the room had been specifically chosen for her by the King instead of just randomly assigned. She brightened to hear the translation because wasn't wrong. She had plenty of zeal for life. She was a passionate person, full of energy. His next phrase caused her to tilt her head. curiously. "What does that mean?" she wondered. She playfully bumped her shoulder against his. "Come on, it's no fair if you say things that I can't understand!"
There was mischief in the grin and in blue-green eyes. "Now whoever said I'd play fair?" Was he actually teasing her? If nothing else, Darcy must clearly amuse him.
"We'll start with a general tour of the Statesman. That will end at your room, where you'll have a bit of time to settle in before there's an official state-dinner. Normally Their Majesty isn't nearly so formal, but you're not the only guest staying with us and we've only been waiting on your arrival. Wear something very nice, but not scandalous--if you'd wear it on the red carpet, but be called 'classy' or 'elegant' it would probably work." Giving her the general information, then a look up and down as if assessing.
"Then again, if you have no such outfit, we can provide you with one."
Oh, she liked that a lot. His mischievous teasing was definitely something she was on board with. It was different than what she would have expected from him, given their history, but she liked it. He'd turned a new leaf, and she was curious to finally get to know him.
"Ooh, like something pretty and Asgardian?" she asked hopefully. Darcy hadn't packed too many fine clothes for special occasions. She hadn't thought she needed it. Her wardrobe was mostly casual clothes or durable clothes for sightseeing and hiking. She let Loki lead the way to give the tour. "Who else is going to be at this fancy dinner? Anyone I know?"
He was the God of Mischief after all. While Loki might not have turned over a new leaf fully, he wasn't quite as young or angry as he had been a decade ago. Things had affected him, he'd grown, and was ever changing.
"We'd planned to go with Midgardian business and evening-wear as the theme, but as you can see--" Gesturing around them before starting to lead her up into the Statesman. "The two styles have been blending. Mostly because what Asgardian clothing we have has been literally whatever was packed in a hurry, or off our backs." Inside the ship was impressive--this was clearly the main hub of information and activity.
"Their Majesty King Valkyrie will be there, and you'll be introduced to Heimdall. He guarded our borders and had stewardship over the Bifrost for centuries." Just in case she had no idea who Heimdall was, and didn't know her Norse myths. "Beyond that, I don't think it likely. Some visiting dignitaries from Norway, Finland, Sweden currently, as well as a few other scientists."
"I've been meaning to talk with Heimdall and pick his brain if he's up for it!" she said eagerly. The tour went well though Darcy was distracted every so often. She'd stop to study little details that caught her attention. By the time they got to her room, she was ready for a brief respite before the fancy dinner. As promised, a dress was sent to her to wear, and she was immediately in love. It was purple with golden accents to it. It clung to her curves without making her audacious or scandalous. She loved the way it swished at her feet. She pinned half of her hair up while the rest fell in curls about her shoulders.
Sure enough, Loki escorted her to dinner, and they're seated together. She was relieved by that which surprised her. She was enjoying his company. He translated for her and explained the different courses. Darcy interjected into the conversation here and there, but mostly, she was happy to take it all in. She sipped at her wine and sighed.
"This wine is fantastic," she murmured to her companion. "Is it made around here?"
She could now, hopefully, find her way around the Statesman's main areas. The Gríðrstofa suite was 4 rooms; a main living area, a small office area, a bedroom, and the bathroom. All done in shades of warm browns and blue. Lush knitted blankets (and one fur throw), warm and cozy furniture, and some of the sterility of a spaceship modified by Midgardian charm.
Loki was in all black, with a green pocket-scarf and tie, with only accents of gold at the tiepin and cuffs. It made for a striking match with Darcy, as he escorted her and presented her formally to the King and other dignitaries. She was particularly introduced to Heimdall, who was in shades of brown and gold. Most everyone spoke some English, and tried to converse with her in it. If a bit clumsily at times.
The courses were all hearty and filling. Fish was prominent, as were root vegetables and a roast of some kind. Mead was also served, as was plain water for those interested. It was very quickly seen why, in the myths, Loki was 'tolerated'--he was fun at parties.
"I believe it's a recreation of an old recipe, and they're hoping we'll tell them how accurate it is or not."
They did make a startlingly striking couple. With Loki as her escort, it nearly did look as though they were together. She liked his outfit. The all black looked good on him, and she liked the dash of green. She'd told him so when she first saw him in her open, unabashed way of speaking. Darcy was proud of herself for keeping her cool as she met Heimdall and the other dignitaries. She was geeking out with excitement on the inside. Especially over the King since Valkyrie was a bonafide badass.
She thought she was doing a pretty good job of behaving herself. The food was delicious as the courses were brought out. She loved the fish and the vegetables. It was all so filling and deliciously spiced, but she didn't feel heavy and weighed down from all the food.
Her cheeks were a little flushed from her drink. She was leaning in slightly towards Loki as they conversed. "Is it accurate?" she asked with a raised brow. Naturally, she didn't know the difference, but she was curious if it was.
He'd given a nod, as if to say of course he looked good--agreeing with her non-verbally. Then they'd had introductions and Loki was busy being translator and official escort. Heimdall was pleased to meet Darcy, having seen her and Jane's interactions before. He seemed to appreciate that she put on no airs, and amused by her struggle to be restrained.
"Guess." Loki said, with that grin again. "Why would I give you the easy answers? It's more fun to leave you guessing." There was that mischief again.
"I think you just like being a tease," Darcy accused playfully. She took another sip of her drink and pretended that she was some kind of connoisseur. She wasn't sure she could taste all the different notes to it, but she knew she could taste the sweetness and the little bites of spice. "It makes me feel like I'm tasting something out of this world, so I'm going to say it's pretty close to accurate but not exactly."
She didn't think that they'd be able to recreate Asgardian recipes one hundred percent with earthly ingredients. They'd probably come close, but it likely still missed the mark. "Sorry you're stuck being my babysitter and translator tonight, but I appreciate it. I'm having a really good time."
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baggyeyes
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-28 10:48 pm (UTC)Her luggage was stowed away in the trunk. She slid into the car and studied the inside. "This is fancy," she remarked. "By the way, where am I staying? King Val wasn't entirely clear on that."
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-28 10:55 pm (UTC)Here, Loki smirked slightly. "It's not Valaskjalf, but considering it was the grandest of ships the Grandmaster owned? It's quite nice, and we've had plenty of time and opportunity to make it our own. With the return of people after the blip, we've also started using it to house extra New Asgard citizens if needed too." It wasn't a direct answer.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-28 10:58 pm (UTC)She studied him a beat. She noticed he seemed to carry himself differently. Her curiosity got the best of her. "So," she continued, blowing right past the awkward of it all. "How ya been?"
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-28 11:38 pm (UTC)Which, admittedly, he was curious about all of this too--but he chafed at the idea of enforced good behavior which made him rebel against the idea. It was different were it his choice with no strings attached. An eyebrow rose with her question. "Beg pardon?"
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-28 11:52 pm (UTC)Loki's perplexed tone drew her gaze back to him. She raised a brow at him. "What's new, pussycat? What have you been up to in like the last decade since our paths crossed?" she clarified.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-29 12:01 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-29 12:24 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-29 12:34 am (UTC)That was all quite a lot, in a few sentences.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-29 12:15 pm (UTC)Quietly, she reached out and placed her hand on his arm. She gave it a soft squeeze to offer her comfort and empathy. "You've really been through it," she remarked lightly. She patted his arm before withdrawing her hand to give him space. She went for levity as she joked, "Now you're stuck being my tour guide."
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-29 01:18 pm (UTC)"I've wandered some, but when I return it is always to New Asgard. When I am around, I am expected to have official duties. I am still a Prince, even if Asgard proper is no more." And he was rightful king of Jotunheim, for what little that mattered. "I've had two reactions when I've met people--those who are wary, and those who are in awe."
It would not be a very long drive, before they were arriving on the outskirts. The scenery was beautiful, and in the distance on the coast, the Statesman could be made out easily. Framing the picturesque village that had become a blend of ancient and new, while maintaining a classic Scandinavian flair and style.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-29 03:16 pm (UTC)"So people are either cautious or awed by you. Which do you prefer?" she asked. Darcy didn't take her eyes off the sight before her. "What other duties do you have besides showing the new kid around?"
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-29 03:26 pm (UTC)"I sit on, and am part of the King's council. I've had my services sought out by a few other governments, though they often are wary of me as well. On a personal level I work at preserving history."
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-29 03:57 pm (UTC)They turned in to the main road of New Asgard. The leaves had changed here. It made it all look so picturesque. There was a chill in the air that would make Darcy wish she had her coat.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-29 04:15 pm (UTC)As they passed people it was clear the city was a blend of old and new. Even the styles had started to reflect the blending of Asgard and Midgard, though there was still a marked leaning towards Midgardian styles. Darcy would have no trouble finding a fall and winter wardrobe if she wanted, provided she could afford it.
The car itself drove up to the Statesman, where the entry ramp was permanently extended down now. Asgardian designs had been painted around it, runic designs interspersed with nature motifs. As soon as the car stopped, and Loki was out, then it was clear their presence was known. A male was coming down the ship's gangplank towards them, wearing what was meant to be some kind of livery-uniform, over a mix of Asgardian and Midgardian clothing. He resembled a more lanky version of Thor with a longer-beard that was braided, as was his hair.
"Bjarte" Loki greeted as he moved around to Darcy's door, while the other man moved to the trunk for Darcy's suitcase. "Please take Dr Lewis's things to the Gríðrstofa suite." She'd be getting a short tour first, then shown to where she'd be staying.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-30 12:13 pm (UTC)"Hi!" she greeted the man with a cheery wave. He took her luggage and greeted her with a nod. "How do you say that again?" she asked to Loki. She was still trying to wrap her tongue around the Norse language. "Slowly, please, so I can get it right. Grio-what? What does it mean?"
She was a flurry of questions and energy. Her curiosity was insatiable.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-30 12:36 pm (UTC)"Du alt annet enn vibrerer som en kolibri, so I think it fits rather well."
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-31 12:23 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-31 12:41 am (UTC)"We'll start with a general tour of the Statesman. That will end at your room, where you'll have a bit of time to settle in before there's an official state-dinner. Normally Their Majesty isn't nearly so formal, but you're not the only guest staying with us and we've only been waiting on your arrival. Wear something very nice, but not scandalous--if you'd wear it on the red carpet, but be called 'classy' or 'elegant' it would probably work." Giving her the general information, then a look up and down as if assessing.
"Then again, if you have no such outfit, we can provide you with one."
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-31 01:56 pm (UTC)"Ooh, like something pretty and Asgardian?" she asked hopefully. Darcy hadn't packed too many fine clothes for special occasions. She hadn't thought she needed it. Her wardrobe was mostly casual clothes or durable clothes for sightseeing and hiking. She let Loki lead the way to give the tour. "Who else is going to be at this fancy dinner? Anyone I know?"
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-31 02:02 pm (UTC)"We'd planned to go with Midgardian business and evening-wear as the theme, but as you can see--" Gesturing around them before starting to lead her up into the Statesman. "The two styles have been blending. Mostly because what Asgardian clothing we have has been literally whatever was packed in a hurry, or off our backs." Inside the ship was impressive--this was clearly the main hub of information and activity.
"Their Majesty King Valkyrie will be there, and you'll be introduced to Heimdall. He guarded our borders and had stewardship over the Bifrost for centuries." Just in case she had no idea who Heimdall was, and didn't know her Norse myths. "Beyond that, I don't think it likely. Some visiting dignitaries from Norway, Finland, Sweden currently, as well as a few other scientists."
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-31 02:31 pm (UTC)Sure enough, Loki escorted her to dinner, and they're seated together. She was relieved by that which surprised her. She was enjoying his company. He translated for her and explained the different courses. Darcy interjected into the conversation here and there, but mostly, she was happy to take it all in. She sipped at her wine and sighed.
"This wine is fantastic," she murmured to her companion. "Is it made around here?"
(no subject)
Date: 2022-08-31 02:47 pm (UTC)Loki was in all black, with a green pocket-scarf and tie, with only accents of gold at the tiepin and cuffs. It made for a striking match with Darcy, as he escorted her and presented her formally to the King and other dignitaries. She was particularly introduced to Heimdall, who was in shades of brown and gold. Most everyone spoke some English, and tried to converse with her in it. If a bit clumsily at times.
The courses were all hearty and filling. Fish was prominent, as were root vegetables and a roast of some kind. Mead was also served, as was plain water for those interested. It was very quickly seen why, in the myths, Loki was 'tolerated'--he was fun at parties.
"I believe it's a recreation of an old recipe, and they're hoping we'll tell them how accurate it is or not."
(no subject)
Date: 2022-09-01 01:11 pm (UTC)She thought she was doing a pretty good job of behaving herself. The food was delicious as the courses were brought out. She loved the fish and the vegetables. It was all so filling and deliciously spiced, but she didn't feel heavy and weighed down from all the food.
Her cheeks were a little flushed from her drink. She was leaning in slightly towards Loki as they conversed. "Is it accurate?" she asked with a raised brow. Naturally, she didn't know the difference, but she was curious if it was.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-09-01 01:16 pm (UTC)"Guess." Loki said, with that grin again. "Why would I give you the easy answers? It's more fun to leave you guessing." There was that mischief again.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-09-02 12:35 pm (UTC)She didn't think that they'd be able to recreate Asgardian recipes one hundred percent with earthly ingredients. They'd probably come close, but it likely still missed the mark. "Sorry you're stuck being my babysitter and translator tonight, but I appreciate it. I'm having a really good time."
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From:sorry for the delay! recovering from strep! :(
From:No apology needed. I've been not-well myself. I hope you're better. <3
From:sorry! I'm here! <3
From:Re: sorry! I'm here! <3
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