midsommaring | OPEN RP POST

Loki had been waiting for the questions, and surprised she hadn't asked more before now. "I'm Asgardian." Waiting to see if that produced any recognition.

She had questions. But honestly, she hadn't had the energy to go into them. Not after everything.

But the name rings a bell. "Asgardian. Like -- like Thor?"

Loki resisted the urge to wince. "Yes." It was as complete as he could give. "But our home was destroyed recently. Asgard is no more. We've been quietly immigrating in Norway, specifically settled in Tønsberg. I needed some time away though, so I went wandering."

"I understand. That's why I went wandering, too." She pauses, then throws her arms around him. "It doesn't matter. You're still my friend."

Confusion along with that warm and fuzzy feeling, and a volatile mix of emotions Loki refused to identify or deal with right then. Instead, he raised his arms around her. "You'll be with all of us trying to make or find a new home. You'll make friends besides me." Although he'd try to be there too.

It wouldn't hurt to be predictable in a new way, for a while, would it?

"But you'll be there too, right?" That's the entire reason she's going, because her friend will be there.

The hug feels good, and warm, and right. She presses her nose against Einar's neck and just breathes for a moment. "Okay. Show me your spaceship."

That scent of wintergreen and spices again, and Loki just held her. Let her take comfort--maybe he was taking some comfort from it too. A calm moment amidst a storm of emotions. "I will." He wasn't sure for how long--but he would be at the beginning at least.

He hadn't abandoned his people, or his brother. He wouldn't abandon his friend...

Soon enough they're moving down the cliff face and into a small tunnel through the miniature mountain. It's treacherous and slow going, but they've got the light growing stronger as night gives way to day. The ship has clearly been through some ordeals, but it still gleams in the morning light. Nor is it too long before, after a very brief tour, Loki heads to the cockpit.

"This is... incredible." So much has happened already today, Dani's a bit shellshocked. More than a little. She makes her way to the cockpit after Einar and sits in the copilot seat. Very carefully not touching anything.

Loki can tell, and Einar turns to watch her settle. "You'll want to strap in. And...you're still alright? You've dealt with so much lately." There is genuine concern in blue-green eyes, and Loki was a bit surprised to find himself that he was concerned. Then again, had he ever really had a proper 'friend'?

Would Dani still be his friend on finding out the truth?

"Oh -- right, yeah, um." It takes her a moment, but she manages to work the seatbelt on her seat and strap herself in.

"It's -- it's definitely been a lot. I won't lie. I'm overwhelmed, but the shock is sort of. Pushing everything back right now. I'll probably have a panic attack later but I won't -- I'll be fine. I have them a lot, it's nothing to worry about."

"If you want me to be there when you do, I will be. If you'd rather be alone, I can let you have space too." Reaching to take her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "But I will also ensure you are safe when you do so. You won't be disturbed unless you want to be, and you'll have your own space to have it within."

"You don't have to do all that." But she finds herself clinging tightly to his hand anyway. "I don't want to bother anyone with it. I'll just find a quiet place. It's fine."

"Dani," He began softly. "I do. I'm not abandoning you. I don't want to betray you." Loki was again, surprised at himself that he meant it. Beyond just the bare basic feeling of needing to repay a debt. For the kindness she had shown him in their mutual grief.

"I promise, I'm not flinging you to the wolves, or to the lambs. You're not alone." Loki wondered if he could simply stay Einar, who would do all he could to keep that promise.

She can feel her eyes welling up with tears and she sniffles, wiping at her eyes. "Sorry, um. Most of my friend just sort of. They'd leave me alone. Give me space, I guess? Come and check on me a few hours later. So that's what I'm used to."

Well, she'd already see him conjure a mage light--Loki had no problem conjuring up a handkerchief and handing it to her now. "You've been through a lot, Dani, and it's all a shock. You can cry. Do you want me to let you cry quietly, or..."

He wasn't Pelle. Loki likely wouldn't cry with her, was not trying to manipulate her. But he also felt an ache, that she was in pain--and knew what most people would do. Just, could he?

"I can hold you, if you want. We don't have to go anywhere just yet."

"No, it's okay. I don't want you to have to -- to try to land somewhere. It's fine. I'm fine. I -- I'm going to be fine." Dani forces a smile and tries to force herself to breathe. That odd, quick breath the people in the village had taught her. ho-ah.

"I meant right now, since I noticed those tears." 'Einar' squeezed her hand, and offered a reassuring smile. "Also, try this. Focus just on the sound of my voice, and your breathing. Inhale for 2, 3, 4 Exhale 2, 3, 4." It was a measured pace, and not the odd quick breath. It was slower, and Loki kept that count up for a bit--giving her his voice and concentration.

Dani twines their fingers together and breathes along with Einar's counting. Tears are streaming slowly down her face but she's breathing, at least. His voice is soothing. Gentle. Guiding her through it rather than forcing her to hold it in until she can be by herself.

"There is nothing that matters right now more than my voice, and your breathing." Loki said, while she breathed. Still in that same slow voice and concentration. "You are safe with me. You are not alone. You are brave, and you can do this."

"I'm not alone," she repeats, clasping Einar's hands between hers. "Because you're here. And you're helping me. I can do this."

Christian would always just hold her and pet her hair awkwardly until she stopped crying, but this -- this actually helps. Following her friend's voice. Counting her breaths.

Slowly, her grip on his hand starts to relax a little. "Just stay with me."

"You're not. You're here, in this moment. You're safe. And you're brave. And strong." Loki kept it up his words and reassurance. He wasn't sure how long he'd be able to be there, long term, for Dani. Or if she'd even want him around when she found out the truth.

But right then, it was just the two of them.

"Thank you. I feel, um. I mean, better. Less on the verge of a meltdown." Which she's incredibly thankful for. And for her friend's presence, and willingness to sit with her through this.

"Thank you. For -- all of that."

Loki--Einar--shook his head. "It's what's helped me before. I thought it might help you." Learning how to remain calm and focus was actually a primary skill of the master magician and sorcerer he was. But it had the advantage of being useful for situations like this.

Not that Loki wasn't known for his volatile emotions too however.

Another squeeze of her hand where their fingers were twined, and then he was gently pulling away. Turning in his seat, and starting up the ship. Getting them ready to go to New Asgard.

It wouldn't be a long trip, and they went nowhere near space. Instead they were just far enough out from the coast to not be spotted easily, while otherwise hugging the coastline and skimming the water. Dani was treated to picturesque views of the coast and fjords. And eventually, the view of the Statesman as it loomed above Tønsberg. New Asgard.

Edited 2022-08-31 15:08 (UTC)

Still, it was the most traveling Dani had done. Flying to Sweden hadn't been like this, being able to see all that land and water pass by. She practically has her nose pressed against the window the whole time, taking in the scenery.

"This is incredible," she breathes, trying to look at everything at once.

That made 'Einar' chuckle softly and smile at her enthusiasm. "Maybe someday we'll go to space too. Travel outside the Nine." He meant the Nine realms--and Loki spared a moment to wonder at the thought. Traveling with Dani...where had that come from?

Still, that giant spaceship was getting closer--and then Loki was bringing the ship into the hangar to dock in the Statesman. It was almost like a cruise-ship within, very futuristic and almost garish. Loki was shutting down the ship fully when he sighed, recognizing the two figures who were making their way over to the Commodore to meet them.

No doubt Heimdall had seen them coming, and Thor likely wanted answers.

"Dani..." He started, trying to think of how to explain. "Whatever happens...I......value your friendship. I'm not sure I've ever had a genuine friend before."

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