midsommaring | OPEN RP POST

"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."

"I -- value yours too? Of course I do. I'm so sorry you feel that way, but I'm glad that we're friends..."

She trails off a little as she sees the two men moving towards the ship. One of them looks vaguely familiar, and she reaches out to grab and hold Einar's hand, giving it a squeeze.

He squeezed back, grateful. "In case you couldn't tell, that's Heimdall--who likely saw us coming. With him is Thor, who you've no doubt heard of." Loki's tone was slightly dry. "They've probably been wondering where I am, for that matter." Not like Heimdall probably couldn't tell--but Loki had taken off without a word...

Still, best to meet them and not start off on his back foot. Leading the way out of the Commodore into the hangar. If Thor was surprised at his appearance, he didn't say anything about that yet. "The Prodigal returns!" Was all he said, smiling even although there were questions in his blue eye. Especially once Dani appeared.

Edited 2022-09-02 03:17 (UTC)

"Yeah, I've -- definitely heard of Thor. I follow the news," she says, a little absently because to hear about him is one thing. To be in his presence is entirely another. Dani is quietly awed. And the other man has quite the presence about him as well.

"What does he mean by the prodigal," she asks, stepping a little closer to her friend.

"I believe it refers to a story about a wayward son wandering away, and then returning to find where he feared censure, that all is forgiven." Heimdall said, giving Loki a piercing look.

"You didn't kidnap her did you?" Thor asked deciding to be direct. Loki stood up as if offended. "I did not, thankyouverymuch. I gave her a choice." He sighed, reaching up to rake his fingers through his hair. "Dani Ardor, this is Thor Odinson." A look was shot from the elder brother as if to say 'and what haven't you told her, brother?' but Loki kept himself quiet.

"It's nice to meet you, um -- what -- " She steps forward a little to offer her right hand, still holding onto Einar with her left. "What should I call you?

And no -- definitely no. He didn't kidnap me. Rescued me, maybe, but definitely not kidnapped."

Thor clasped her arm, blue-eye flickering slightly between them, before back to Dani. "I do not stand on protocol except when necessary here, Ms. Ardor. You may call me Thor, as do most of my subjects within our borders." He was, technically, a king.

"And we are glad to hear that this is not a kidnapping. It's difficult at times to tell what goes on in his head, and what his motives might be." Another look at Loki.

"I've been keeping track of him, loosely, but there's been much to do." Heimdall supplied, inclining his head in greeting towards Dani as well. "How much has he told you?"

"That like her, we're looking to make a new home." 'Einar' chimed in. "She's been through rather a lot, and I would like to see her settled and rested before you ask more questions."

Edited 2022-09-02 03:35 (UTC)

"Well it's very nice to meet you. Both of you. And -- yeah. Yes. Einar's told me he was from Asgard, but you lost your planet recently. Which I am -- I am so sorry to hear about. We sort of -- became friends over that. I just lost my family, and um, he's been really helpful. Through -- everything.

He's been a great friend to me," she says insistently, stepping back towards him.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Ms. Ardor. And grateful to find that he's had someone to comfort him over his losses too." Thor replied with a genuine smile. "The rest of my questions can wait, as we should get you settled as our guest."

Heimdall again nodded his head. "Fortunately we've plenty of room, and I'll warn you now we have some who look even more strange among us. Also refugees, looking for a home." With a hint of smile towards Dani. "You'll fit right in." Now golden eyes shot to 'Einar'. "I trust you'll be responsible for her?"

Thor also looked to Loki, who nodded and squeezed Dani's hand. "She is my friend. Of course I will." Said softly, but blue-green eyes were fierce as they met the other two's gaze.

"He's taken good care of me so far," she says with a fond smile. "I understand. You're very generous, to take everybody in. To take me in. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it, I don't know how to repay you."

"There is no repayment needed." Thor said honestly. "I hope you find the peace you're looking for here, and if not--then I hope we've provided a good respite and rest on your journey."

"While you are here, we will do what we can to keep you safe." Heimdall agreed, golden eyes still focused on 'Einar'.

"But I would like to get her settled in so she can rest." 'Einar' said firmly, and moved to pull Dani gently with him. "You two can interrogate me later if you must."

"Oh -- yes, okay. Thank you," she says again to Thor and Heimdall as they pass. She follows Einar along, trying not to stare too much at all the different species that have settled and made their homes there.

"You can just um -- I mean, I don't need much. I'm just relieved to be here."

"We can provide you a room at least, Dani." Loki said quietly, still with her hand in his. "The ship is more than large enough, and we're working hard to not be too much of a burden on the local economy. You'll have space here, and no one expects you to be anything other than what you want to be."

Down corridors and hallways, before they stopped in front of a room. The door slid aside with a code entry, and within would qualify almost as a small apartment. Two rooms--a sitting area, and a bedroom with attached bathroom. It was as luxurious as a futuristic hotel room or cruise ship. Actually thinking of the Statesman as a grand cruise ship was probably the better analogy.

"I'll give you the code, and draw you a map if you need directions."

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