[ we'll drive our ships to new lands ]

[dothelokimotion]

who: Loki + CR
what: canon update stuff + various catchups
when: Late November + Early December
where: Around
warnings: There will definitely be Thor Ragnarok spoilers. Possible violence. Will edit when necessary.


[ THOR AND LOKI ]

[ Honestly, Loki is still surprised they're going through with this. He knows he keeps questioning it, but some things are hard to believe, even now. Granted, having a secret older sister has put a lot of his life into a starker context. Loki isn't sure if he's grateful to that. He wishes he could ask Odin . . . or Frigga.

But since he has essentially killed them all, it is better not to let such questions linger. Idly, Loki turns the daggers in his hands, dressed in the outfit he wore into battle on Asgard. This could be a good way for Thor to let loose when it comes to his new powers and release some steam. And maybe Loki is in need of that too, even if he's fine. ]

[ THE MCU ASGARDIANS ]

[ Thor didn't have to mention it. But on the outskirts, far away from Riverview, there is a boat. The insides are strewn with flowers, their sweet scent mingling with the air. There were no weapons or garments to burn, so Loki made do. As for Loki, he sits a distance away, a bow and arrow laid upon his lap. He doesn't approach anyone, not entirely sure he even wants to be present for this gesture. Loki has never forgiven Asgard for not letting him see Frigga's send off and likely, he never will.

But it was not for him. He keeps his eyes down, sharpening the point. ]

[ LOKI AND STEVE ]

[ It was not hard to notice both Steve and Loki were a little on edge due to recent events. And while this would never be Loki's favoured sport, he understands the need to vent and fight. Thor certainly needs to. And so does Steve. Again, another point of similarity Loki tries not to look too deeply at. Either way, Loki takes time to locate them a nice empty gym space and two large sticks for sparring. He's not familiar with what mortals use, but the gym should have enough amenities. For this, he dresses in a simple sleeveless black top and slacks. ]

I will not go easy on you.

Comments

[worldsaway]

[Loki and Bryn have been the only distractions preventing Thor from travelling through life on auto-pilot. Loki won't let him forget his responsibilities, Bryn won't let him forget to eat or sleep. Both of them keep him sane, letting his mind focus and keeping his body upright. He just doesn't derive much pleasure from any of those things, presently.

Thor manages to pretend he's better than he is, but there's not a lot he can hide from Loki, even if his sense of humor remains unchanged. Eventually, he decides he wants to get out of the apartment, he wants to get out of the whole damn city. Loki owes him a hunting trip, and it seems as good a time as any to take off for a few days and get lost in something stupid.

His outfit matches Loki's, it's what he wore to the battle of Asgard as well. He's acquired a set of swords as well, and he finds he's fond of them. It's reminiscent of a classic, younger Thor, still positive he could be a Valkyrie and still experimenting with weapons.]

Have you sniffed anything out, yet?

[dothelokimotion]

I am not a dog, Thor.

[ But he does point out a direction to Thor. ]

Near the healing spring, monsters tend to gather. If we can clear out that area, we can make it easier for smaller teams to travel here.

[ It's where Loki got attacked around the time he first got to Riverview. ]

[worldsaway]

Do you know what sort of beasts are lurking, or are we in for a surprise? [Thor look on Thor's face seems to imply that a surprise would please him.

He heeds Loki's direction and moves forward. He listens for the sound of rustling and watches for any sign of life- tracks in the mud, braying or maybe a very obvious path of destruction that lies ahead of them.]

..Well, we know its big.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki shakes his head as they follow the path. ]

A surprise, more likely. While many people have ventured here, not many keep notes on the beasts that roam these parts. And none of the descriptions I have heard have given me any clues to their nature. They're always dangerous and violent. They need no provocation to attack.

[ All of Thor's favourite things and all of Loki's least favourite. But this wasn't about him. ]

[worldsaway]

Then I won't feel bad when I attack them first. [Thor's swords are strapped to his back, when he hears a rustle and an ominous, guttural noise in the distance. His hand gravitates toward one before he hesitates. Maybe he should try not to rely on weapons.

The thud of heavy, lumbering footsteps is making the ground shake.]

Are you ready? [Thor quirks a brow, sparks running down his hand as he clenches and releases his fist.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki sighs, his daggers appearing in his hands. He tosses them in the air experimentally, keeping his hands active. ]

As I'll ever be.

[worldsaway]

[Thor holds off until the last possible moment, until the beast is crashing through the vines and trees and making a charge for them. The calls in the distance indicate that it isn't alone, the thumping of hooves says more will follow.

He lets his eye fall shut, channeling the power he can feel at his hand and charging himself. When his eye opens, the electricity is flickering up his body in sparks and flashes.

He's mindful of Loki, but fully aware that the odd shock probably won't kill him.

Thor isn't particularly afraid of whatever this is, so he doesn't waste time taking a running leap upward so he can meet the beast halfway when it lunges at him. He throws himself downward as hard as he can, using his weight and his strength to kick the beast on the top of his head. The lightning does the rest, crackling from the sky and shooting downward, making the beast convulse and writhe in pain.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki can't help the quiet yelp as the very air is charged. Loki is used to that, but he usually just stayed away from the hammer. Now there was no such luxury. He hangs up, as usual. Loki can't do much in close quarters and he hasn't forgotten the last time he fought such beasts on his own. With a flick of his wrist, he throws a dagger into the beast's throat. Not enough to kill it, too much fat and muscle, but enough to make it groan and turn its movements sluggish and weak.

The others were coming and Loki twice-cursed himself for giving Thor this foolish idea. ]

[worldsaway]

[In recent battles, Thor has become a lot better at being mindful of his allies. Long ago, it was every man for himself and Thor had little regard for what he may or may not accidentally do to his friends.

He's more careful, lately. More understanding that his allies can't always do what he does or take the hits that he can. With slight apprehension and a glance back at Loki, he decides to unleash and exert more of himself into a single strike into the beasts head.

It's about as effective as he hoped, the beast is already on death's door and the final strike is enough to make it holler and thrash before it comes falling to the ground with a hard thud.

Thor hops off it and steps backward toward Loki. The light fades from his eyes and he raises a brow.]

Maybe that was overkill.

Funeral

[worldsaway]

[The sadness Thor feels has been bubbling under the surface since he received his memories. He can keep it down for the most part, but the occasional lingering thought or trigger of an old memory threatens to break down the walls he's trying to build around his feelings.

He had no idea what Loki was planning, but it's enough to slowly tear down his barricades. Tears are stinging at his eyes, but he embraces it. He's quiet, watching the boat, smelling the flowers and trying not to feel the weight of all the guilt he feels for this mess.

Thor steps toward Loki, keeping just a small distance between them and remaining on his feet. He sways between wanting to feel his emotions and wanting to put on the appearance of being strong, like a king.

When he speaks, his voice is far softer than it normally is. Far quieter, too.]

I'm ready.

[fiercestwarrior]

[ Sif wasn't sure whether or not to come, but in this place the three of them are what exists of Asgard, and in the end that seems more important right this moment than the many other things that she is feeling.

Still, she holds herself apart from Thor and Loki both, fury still glowing in her heart whenever she thinks of the lie she was forced to live without even knowing it. Thor may have accepted Loki back into his life yet again, but she hasn't.

She has shed many tears already, but now her eyes are dry. She would rather cut off a limb than weep in front of these men right now. ]

As am I.

[dothelokimotion]

[ There is a well of bitterness in him. One that is never emptied, merely added to. An easy well to draw water from, easily spilled and seeded in a battlefield. There is a part of Loki that would enjoy mocking them and their grief. He can feel it in his palms, akin to a live beating heart, so easily crushed. See how it feels, Loki wants to say, when you are privileged and denied. Choke on my gifts. When neither one of you took a moment to explain to me my mother's death.

But Loki does not crush it. He does not spew venom and it cedes away with the tide. Loki has come out stronger and for the first time, he truly feels it. Asgard's shadows has passed away. Let them haunt the others.

Rising, he takes a moment, at least, to press his fingers into Thor's shoulders in a squeeze as his magic begins lifting the boat. It rises into the air as Loki lights the arrow. ]

You must give the signal, Thor.

[worldsaway]

[Thor can feel the tension between the three of them as well as he can feel the weight on his chest. Loki wants to hold the blame, but Asgard's ruin is as much Thor's burden to bear as his brother. He should have been there long ago, he shouldn't have left after Frigga died. Sif was right.

Loki lit the flame, but Thor should have been there to put it out. He didn't want the throne to hold him down, he didn't want to be burdened by secrets and diplomacy. He wanted his choices and his mistakes to be his own, but now they belong to everyone. If he had took his place and fallen into line long ago, maybe he wouldn't have half the suffering and death on his hands.

He can practically feel Sif's ire radiating off her, and her anger is just about the only thing that makes him feel truly meek. His eye lingers on her for a moment, but he won't insult her with an apology. He might try to explain that he was almost ready to unleash a thousand years of fury upon Loki before Hela interrupted. He doesn't know how vicious or how violent it would have become without a common enemy's intervention. He doesn't want to think about it. She should know that he has not been forgiven easily.

They're both as close as he has to home, and he loves them both. He doesn't want to admit how much he doesn't want the throne, he doesn't want either of them to know that he can't breathe for worry sometimes and that he lies awake near paralysed with guilt and stress. He wants them to be happy, and he doesn't think they can be unless they think he can be too.

As always, he needs to pretend he knows that everything will resolve. He can't go backward and he can't run, so he needs to push forward.

He can't forget that he's the king now, not when they're waiting for his command. He'd been subconsciously waiting for Odin's staff, but he doesn't possess anything like that. For Thor, it's a rumble of thunder in the sky. The clouds start to gather, but they're faint and scattered enough that the sky is still visible. He holds back the rain, for the fire, but when he nods the volume of the thunder grows louder and more ominous in the sky.]

[fiercestwarrior]

[ Thor is king, but Sif is not ready to bend the knee. Not when she knows who will be advising him with a voice she cannot imagine herself ever being able to trust again.

He always did love snakes.

But none of that is what matters right now. She is here to honor the fallen.

She places her fist above her heart, and lets her voice mingle with the thunder while she sings a song of mourning, wishing the departed safe passage to Valhalla. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki merely raises the arrow and lets it fly. It finds its mark effortlessly. Bows and daggers were his main weapons, preferring to strike from a distance than up close, though his talents in that area were not sub-par either. They simply did not hold merit from an Asgardian point of view. The boat catches fire almost immediately, blazing into the cool air. Loki isn't sure but perhaps he feels the faint stirrings of sorrow. After all, their culture is essentially dead. His lip curls slightly. He's probably the only sorcerer left. The only one who bothered to read their scrolls and books. What had left him bereft now made him essential.

It's ironic. A lot of what occurred was rather ironic in light of his and Thor's circumstances. Though there's no one who will appreciate it. His gaze slides off Sif briefly. ]

Lo, do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning.

[worldsaway]

[Thor can't bring himself to look at Sif or Loki. He can't look anywhere but directly at the boat as it burns in the sky. It's almost like looking directly at the sun, given how uncomfortable Thor feels. He's replaying the destruction of Asgard in his head just watching the flames against the sky.

What have I done.

Thor licks his lips and forces himself to look down at his feet, bowing his head in respect before he draws a deep breath in through his nose.]

In the halls of Valhalla, where the brave may live forever.

[He looks up, finally, looking between them and forcing a soft smile.]

Thank you. Both of you.

[fiercestwarrior]

[ It's all beautiful, in the saddest possible way. Sif isn't surprised, say what you will about Loki but he did know how to create beauty when he put his mind to it.

Sif lets the final notes of the song drift up with the smoke from the funeral pyre, feeling as if they took some of her spirit with them. There is an empty feeling behind her ribs, as if she has been robbed of her substance.

She can't smile back at Thor, even though she can see that he is trying to be strong for them and part of her wishes to take him in her arms and tell him that he doesn't have to do that. Not with her. ]

This was well done.

[ She does not look at Loki as she says it, and the acknowledgment is more for Thor's sake than anything. One act of kindness cannot wipe out her disdain. ]

[livingsymbol]

[ Too much has been happening lately to people Steve holds close. He hates the feeling of helplessness, being unable to do anything when he's supposed to be the hero they can depend on. But Steve has learned he can't force Bucky to talk to him or make Tony of any world open up, and none of them can fix Asgard from Riverview. He's tense, trying to be Loki's support where he can, but ultimately at a loss. It's actually a relief when Loki finds them a gym with space to spar. The god almost looks out of place in slacks, and Steve can't help smiling at the warning. He's wearing a loose pair of workout pants and forgoes a shirt entirely, falling into a stance on the mat as they begin. ]

Wouldn't be much fun if you did that.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki clicks his tongue, a spark of excitement in his eyes. He has fought the Captain before, but not this version. And while his strengths are in fighting from a distance, he has never been a slouch up close and personal. ]

If you're having fun, then I am doing it wrong.

[livingsymbol]

Oh, I don't know about that.

[ There's probably some echo of the hero Loki is more familiar with in the calm way Steve answers and the posture he has as he sizes up his opponent. Both of the blond take on challenges like they don't know the meaning of the word lose, but the one facing him now actually looks happy to be doing it. The slight upturn at the corner of his lips and the brightness in his eyes says that Steve is eager to test his strength against Loki's. He's already looking for an opening to launch an attack. ]

If you do it right then at least one of us will have some fun.

[ He's barely finished speaking when he charges straight ahead at him, planning to shoulder tackle the god backward. For an average human he's definitely fast, but the chance of missing the god doesn't throw him off balance. Steve is ready to turn the first strike into a block if he has to. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki laughs, a clear ringing sound as he sidesteps Steve, using his momentum to turn around Steve's back before ducking low to swing at Steve's legs. While he lacks the raw power Steve and Thor may have, Loki's little tricks when it comes to close combat have saved him plenty of times. He plays dirty. ]

[livingsymbol]

[ The missed charge sends Steve forward too fast. He hears Loki behind him and feels the impact in his shins, but instead of dropping he rolls, letting the blow carry him forward. He grunts as he hits the ground and gets back to his feet, trying to take a swing at Loki with one fist as he gets up again. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki hisses as he catches that blow, curling his fingers around it and twisting the arm around Steve's back. This would be easier if he had his knives, but he was never cut out for this kind of raw, grappling strength. Still, he attempts to wrap an arm around Steve's neck, keeping in a choke hold. ]

[livingsymbol]

[ Loki's hold on his arm keeps him from lashing out and soon he feels the tight sinew of the god's forearm pressed against his throat. He growls as he strains against the hold, both legs bent beneath him as Loki forces him down. Steve manages to gets his feet beneath him, then tries to lower himself down and throw Loki over his back, bucking him forward in an attempt to get free. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki yelps as he lands on the floor before scrambling onto his knees, hair askew. He holds his arms in front of him, warily watching where the next attack will come from. ]