Power of the Throne (Closed for Watching Cloud)

[scarlettnuit]

When Ivy woke up, she felt as if she had been hit by a truck, and she supposed she had been in a way. She very slowly opened her eyes and looked around to find herself back in Loki’s bedroom. Her head throbbed and she groaned as she turned her head and saw Anja. Her eyes squinted slightly at Anja as she said good morning and spoke of slipping on the bathroom floor.

“I take it you’re working with him then?” She asked sullenly as her hand went to her head, as if somehow this touch would lessen the throbbing. “If you think I’m some kind of idiot then you should leave before I take my anger and frustration out on you,” She told her with a coarse voice as she slowly sat up on the edge of the bed.

After a few moments of gauging whether she would throw up or not, Ivy stood up, and for the first time, realized that she would completely naked.

“Dammit.” She said to herself as she angrily pulled the top sheet from the bed and wrapped around her body and walked to the center of the room where the tub was. She looked over at Anja once again, annoyed to see that she was still in the room.

“I’m in no mood. Either you will tell Odin, or a guard or whoever that your master is back or else I’ll throttle you within an inch of your life. For better or worse I think he’d like to know his son is alive and the fact that you haven’t told him his atrocious. Now get out of this room.” She said angrily.

She could handle a lot of things but being lied to was one of the few that really raised her ire. She hurt and as she tried to run her hand through her hair, she found blue crusted blood in it. To be played as some sort of fool infuriated her.

“And bring me something to wear as my clothes and the dress you brought me seem to have disappeared,” She added as she slipped into the hot water, hoping it would ease the pain in her muscles.

 

[WatchingCloud]

Loki/Anja have a genuine drop jaw expression of surprise at Ivy's reaction. Granted, he wasn't at all surprised that she'd suspect Anja as being a part of Loki's plans, but she hasn't figured out how. Given her reaction, the truth wouldn't go over well. As the god of mischief, he was pleased.

He sputtered and looked all embarrassed over everything as Ivy continued her rant. Then he took a moment to again appreciate her body as she sank into the water. She definitely didn't want to know who'd undressed her and certainly wouldn't believe he'd been respectful of her in the helpless state.

"I'm sorry, m'lady," he said, bowing and acting all flustered. "My master? Lady Dayna is my superior. I... I can try to get word to Odin, I suppose, but I'm not sure what you want me to tell him."

He gave her his best flummoxed look, then blushed and looked at the floor.

"I'll go," he said. "But I'm supposed to give you this. The physician said it should help with your head."

Loki carefully set a small goblet near the edge of the bath. It contained what appeared to be wine and which was, actually, infused with herbs that would ease her pain.

He retreated a few steps to see if she'd buy his act.

 

[scarlettnuit]

Ivy took the goblet and drank it down, desperate for relief. She felt herself relax and the pain start to smooth away soon after. As Anja fumbled for words and started to retreat she sighed and felt somewhat bad for taking her anger out on the girl but if she were Loki’s former lover, she would be the only one, in Ivy’s view, for the man, God, to go to for help.

“I know he brought me to you or you to me, I know you had to have cleaned me up and undressed me as I don’t see him giving a flying rats…well I don’t think he’d care,” it was then that it struck her that her device was in danger and she sat up. Should she destroy it? She would never be able to get home, she would be here for however long they let her live. How would she survive in a new strange place?

“Please, just tell someone that Loki is alive or bring them here and I will tell them, though I would prefer to be wearing more than a sheet before they come back, if that’s possible,” she said in a kinder tone than before. She dipped her head back into the water and slicked it back before looking up at Anja again.

“Please, if you have any care at all…I really don’t want to have to destroy my work.”

 

[WatchingCloud]

Loki continued to feign bafflement as Ivy suggested Anja was the one who's cleaned her up, then went for complete shock at the mention of Loki. He gasped and covered his mouth.

"Loki? Alive?"

He thought he was acting the part rather well until she mentioned destroying her device. Why on Asgard would she do that?! The shock in his expression was quite genuine now. He thought he'd had her figured, but now he was less certain.

"Where? How? Who should I even tell? Odin?"

He continued the act, slowly backing away. "Clothes," he said, as if he words were only now able to sink in through the shocking revelation. "Of course, m'lady. Anything else? Breakfast?"

 

[scarlettnuit]

“Just tell them he is alive…” she told Anja in a deflated voice. The thought of having to destroy her life’s work to save the people of earth from another attack from Loki broke her heart and she hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

Once Anja was gone, she washed her hair and the rest of herself and exited the bathing pool. She then wrapped one towel around her hair and then one around her body and walked to sit down at the desk in the corner of the seating area. Before her was all her work, her soul really, and felt like crying. Only a few tears managed to escape before she swept all of her papers up and brought them with her to sit on the edge of the bed. She then picked up comb that had a golden handle and looked at the portrait on the wall.

“What a shame,” she said softly to herself as she combed her hair out. “If you hadn’t tried to kill and enslave my entire planet we could have had a great time…” she spoke told the painting.

When she was done combing her hair, she looked at the portrait one more time and then threw the comb at it. While she caused it no harm, the action of throwing it made her feel better. She crossed her arms over her chest and hoped that Anja would come back with clothes.

 

[WatchingCloud]

Loki gave Ivy the better part of an hour while he gathered clothes and spent a little time as Odin, ostensibly taking reports from those investigating the dead frost giants found in the park last night. He really did want answers, but not about their purpose in Asgard - that had been quite apparent. He was concerned about the portal between realms still being open and who might come next when these four didn't return.

In Anja's form, he returned to his old quarters and knocked, waiting for Ivy to acknowledge before letting himself in. He set a platter of breakfast foods on the table and then offered Ivy an assortment of clothes from which to choose.

"I'm not sure what you wanted," he said. "They're mostly dresses, of the popular Asgardian styles. If you don't like them, I can find something else."

He waited for her to peruse the offerings before continuing.

"I... I also got an audience with Odin." He paused dramatically, as if the very notion was inconceivable. "When I told the guard it had to do with Loki and you, I guess they decided it was important. I told Odin what you told me, which wasn't much. I don't think he believed me, but he said he'd come by this morning in person.

"You must be someone really important, I think. I probably shouldn't ask."

He looked down at the floor before asking in a soft, vulnerable voice, "Was it really him? Loki, I mean?"

 

[scarlettnuit]

When Anja returned, Ivy thanked her for the clothes chose an emerald green gown with a neckline that left her shoulders bare. She allowed Anja to help her into the necessary corset and then, with Anja’s assistance, slipped the gown on. She regarded herself in the mirror for a moment and was pleased with what she saw. The emerald gown brought out the green her eyes and suited her fiery locks. She wished she was in a place where she could enjoy herself, but alas, all she felt was anxiety about the possibility of being stuck in a world where she had no place.

“Thank you for your help,” she told Anja, ignoring her looks of vulnerability. She no longer trusted the girl and she wasn’t one to pretend otherwise.

“Am I to wait here, or will someone be taking me to see your master?” she asked as she moved to sit on the edge of the bed, feeling defeated. When Anja posed her question, Ivy nodded.

“It was,” she began softly, “And he protected me, and it would seem, himself and Asgard from three very angry looking blue giants, as well as a giant wolf. I hope that Odin will keep that in mind and hear his son out. We all make mistakes and do things we regret, but, I feel like there is more to him than meets the eye…then again, I suppose I’ve never been very bright when it comes to the opposite sex.” She offered with a weak smile.

 

[WatchingCloud]

Loki thoroughly enjoyed helping Ivy into the fetching green dress. He let his fingers linger on her skin when he could do so without being obvious about it. The more he saw her, the more he got to know her, the more he found himself desiring Ivy. Would she be as fascinating a lover as she was a person?

“Am I to wait here, or will someone be taking me to see your master?” Ivy asked.

"Odin said he would come soon," Loki said. He needed to keep that trust between her and Odin, regardless how she felt about him in his proper identity.

When he asked as to whether it was "really Loki," Ivy gave a telling reply. “It was,” she began softly, “And he protected me, and it would seem, himself and Asgard from three very angry looking blue giants, as well as a giant wolf. I hope that Odin will keep that in mind and hear his son out. We all make mistakes and do things we regret, but, I feel like there is more to him than meets the eye…then again, I suppose I’ve never been very bright when it comes to the opposite sex.”

Loki was touched by the sentiment. As a human, she had every right to distrust and even hate him. She'd managed to see through to the truth of him - he was…complicated. Her last comment amused him.

"Surely someone as beautiful and brilliant as you can play men any way you desire," he said. "But I know what you mean about Loki. I can't pretend to understand everything he does, but I think he usually means well. His playfulness sometimes, well, gets in the way."

He stepped back and took Ivy in again, admiring everything.

"I'll go see if Odin is on his way, if you have nothing else for me?"

 

[scarlettnuit]

“Please…please stop with the false flattery,” Ivy said, the constant attempt at kindness making her feel awkward. She could play men about as well as an elephant could play a guitar and this woman made her sound like Aphrodite.

She wasn’t sure what to say about Loki, she didn’t know enough bought him to have an opinion, and even if she had, she wouldn’t have shared it. When Anja asked if she had anything else for her and she shook her head no and watched as the woman left.

She was nervous and was doing her best not to pace. She had no idea what Odin’s reaction would be, nor did she know his temperament. Gods had been known to kill for less, at least that was what the legends and tales have said. Perhaps he knew his son was here and did not wish for it to be known. Perhaps he would kill her for telling his secret, though, she imagined a king would not need to put on such a ruse.

Then she thought about Loki. Whatever those things were that were after him, she doubted they would simply stop at killing Loki when they had access to Asgard. Suddenly, the thought of how they came to be in Asgard started a chain reaction in her mind. If they too had the ability to move between worlds, what would keep them from going to Earth. Would it be wise to turn him in and have him jailed? Would Odin believe him if he told him about the giants? Perhaps it would be more pertinent to find Loki and find out what why they were after him, and how they moved through the galaxy. To tell or not to tell, that was the question.

 

[WatchingCloud]

Loki slipped quietly out of the room, past the disinterested eyes of the guards, and disappeared down unused corridors. Once out of prying eyes, he shifted from the form of Anja to that of Odin. Just as easily, his demeanor shifted to that of his surly adoptive father. After a quick walk around to approach from another direction, the guards snapped to attention at his approach. He gave them the most cursory of nods, knocked at the doors, then let himself in.

"Doctor Wild," he said as he closed the doors behind him. "I understand you've had a run in with my dead son."

He projected a patient demeanor as he crossed the room, then he lowered his voice.

"Which, outside the two of us, needs to remain an impossibility." He gave her a pointed look. "Asgard has been under greater threat in recent times than it has in an age. My...sons...have been working in their own ways to ensure its safety. That can't be jeopardized."

Loki paused to let that sink it. "I am concerned, however, about the frost giants, just as I'm relieved to find you largely unharmed after that most unfortunate of encounters. Please, tell me what happened."

 

[scarlettnuit]

Ivy blushed hotly as she was informed that Loki’s life was to remain a secret. While she felt embarrassed about having brought it up if it were to be a secret, she felt worse for having possibly put lives in danger. She nodded her head in response and looked at the portrait on the wall for a moment.

“My sincerest apologies mighty Odin,” she stared, hoping she had addressed him correctly and hadn’t embarrassed herself further, and then told him the story of what had happened. That Mr. Laufey had indeed, been Loki and that he protected both her and Asgard from the giants and the wolf. She made no mention of her part in it as she felt the only reason she had had any success was by complete accident. Loki deserved the glory more than she did.

“I think you for your care in my wellbeing. As for the frost giants, they seemed to be very angry with him, though, if I may be so bold, I think the main concern is how they came to be here. Are there any extra precautions I should be taking with the notes from my device? I feel I may be close to at least a partial solution, and that would be transporting from here to Earth…um, Middgard. It will take some more time, but if I should halt work to protect it from being used by those things, please tell me. You’re wisdom in this matter is far greater than my own.”

 

[WatchingCloud]

Loki was surprised at how Ivy downplayed, if not entirely discounted, her own role in the frost giant encounter. He'd have colorfully exaggerated his own importance. No matter. Ivy's other insights were spot on.

"Again, I'm glad to hear you came out of this matter in relatively good health," he said. "And I'm further heartened to hear Loki was looking out for you, aside from his decision to take you out in the first place."

He paced for a minute as if deep in thought.

"Your device and research are, indeed, of great importance. Anything you need to help, I'll see to it you have it. As for additional protection, I think we might be safer in obfuscation than show of force. At least until we know how the frost giants got in here. Perhaps a secret move to another venue."

Loki pursed his lips, then smiled under Odin's insufferable beard. "Strange as this might sound, I'm going to put you in Loki's hands. Trust him as long as your instincts allow. If in doubt or danger, you can contact me with this."

Loki handed her a simple silver ring engraved like intertwined vines. On it, he'd laid a simple charm that would, indeed, contact him and give him an idea of distance and direction to her.

"Just whisper my name to it if you need me."

He gave her a respectful nod. "Is this arrangement acceptable, after what you've already endured through little fault of your own?"

 

[scarlettnuit]

Ivy took the ring from Odin and slipped it on the middle finger of her right hand. It magically sized itself perfectly to her finger and she did her best not to look awed and amazed.

“The arrangement it acceptable,” she began, though she had some reservations, “I will do as you ask. I would not wish to put anyone in any danger and will do my best to be of service,” She told him.

When he was through with her she gave him a curtsy and then watched him leave. She then walked back up to her work area and made sure that everything there was neatly arranged and together. If they were to change venues, as Odin had said, she wanted to be prepared.

Of course now, she would be officially meeting Loki, or at least that was what she thought was to happen next. She felt butterflies crashing nervously around in her stomach and she poured herself a goblet of wine before she finally sat down. She took a sip and waited to see if she would be moving or not.

 

[WatchingCloud]

Loki spent the better part of the rest of the morning ruling Asgard as Odin. The irony wasn't lost on him, how he detested much of what that involved after having sought the chance to be a king for so long. He just needed a better chain of command so he could avoid the minutiae while focusing on the big picture...and indulging in the spoils.

Around lunch, he was able to slip away, fetch food, and return to Ivy in the guise of Anja. He knocked politely before entering. He would miss his quarters here, but moving Ivy tonight would be safest. Pulling double duty between the palace and the new hideout would be a nuisance.

"M'lady," he said, curtsying after placing to food on the table while surreptitiously glancing at her work.

"I hope the meeting with the Allfather went well," he said. "I heard nothing about you-know-who from the gossips, so I can only guess it didn't come up in court this morning."

As Ivy responded, Loki couldn't help but admire her. She looked fantastic in that dress and he knew full well she was every bit as stunning out of it. Spending that afternoon and evening exploring both states with her would be far more enjoyable than playing Odin in front of the dullards at court.

 

[scarlettnuit]

When Anja walked in, Ivy felt a pang of guilt. She waited until the other woman was finished putting food on the table and then started to speak.

“I apologize for treating you so poorly,” she began, her cheeks rosy with embarrassment, “I was completely in the wrong and I shouldn’t have treated you so abdominally.”

Ivy then helped Anja put out the food and then invited her to join her. Ivy then sat down and took a sip of the wine that had been brought with lunch. She had just eaten a grape when she noticed that Anja seemed to be staring at her.

“Is everything alright?” she began, thinking perhaps she had something in her teeth or her hair. “Of course, while I would enjoy your company for lunch, please don’t feel obligated, I understand if you don’t want to spend quality time with me right now, I was horrid to you,” she added, thinking that the only other reason the woman would be staring at her.

“And in answer to your question, yes, the meeting went well, and I again, sincerely apologize for being so rude to you. I’m not used to having this much intrigue in my life, I suppose I had better get used to it for the moment. With any luck I’ll finish my work and you can all see the back of me. One less thing to worry about,” she offered with a weak smile and then poured a goblet of wine for Anja.

 

[WatchingCloud]

Loki gracefully brushed off Ivy's apologies as unnecessary and happily accepted the invitation to lunch. He actually blushed when she asked if everything was okay, having caught him staring even if she might not have realized just why.

"Sorry, yes, everything's fine," he said, focusing on the food.

Ivy continued. “And in answer to your question, yes, the meeting went well, and I again, sincerely apologize for being so rude to you. I’m not used to having this much intrigue in my life, I suppose I had better get used to it for the moment. With any luck I’ll finish my work and you can all see the back of me. One less thing to worry about."

Loki smiled as she poured wine for him/Anja. "You know, m'lady, you apologize too much." He made sure she knew he was teasing...a bit.

"And anytime Loki is involved, there'll be intrigue in your life. That doesn't mean he can't be fun. Or...more..." He gave her a wistful smile and wink. "I'm not sure what it is you're working on, but I hope you're not in any hurry to leave, not that I object to seeing your backside..."

Loki laughed and took a long drink of his wine. "...or your front. Truly, you belong in Asgard."

 

[scarlettnuit]

Ivy laughed a bit as Anja told her that she apologized too much. “I suppose it’s being here in this place. I’ve never been any place as regal, much less a palace full of Gods…I don’t want to offend anyone, especially since I am here on their good graces. I’m normally not so jumpy.”

She sipped her wine and could feel the muscles relax and she had to remind herself how much stronger the wine was here, despite how delicious it was. She put it down and poured herself some water as she listened to Anja speak about Loki.

“I’m quite sure he’s a very interesting person, err, God to know. Of all the things to be God of, mischief is probably the most fun,” She grinned and then blushed and laughed a bit as Anja spoke about seeing the back and front of her.

“If you keep that up, I’ll think you’re flirting with me,” She chuckled softly and blushed. “As for Asgard, it is a truly beautiful place. I hope I get to see more of it soon. Though…I hope those terrible blue giants don’t return.” She paused and took a long drink of her wine, trying to banish the memory of the previous day away.

“So, what do you do for fun Anja?” she asked the other woman, “Other than reminiscing about your lover, “ she teased her gently.

 

[WatchingCloud]

“If you keep that up, I’ll think you’re flirting with me,” Ivy said.

Loki gave an innocent "who me?" smile and shrug at that comment.

“So, what do you do for fun Anja?” she asked the other woman, “Other than reminiscing about your lover, “ she teased her gently.

Time for a little more backstory, Loki figured, though it was easiest to just blend in some of the real Anja's history.

"I'm studying some," he said. "History and civics, mostly. But I wouldn't exactly call that something I do for fun."

He gave Ivy a sly look, leaning forward across the table while tracing his fingers between the plates of food. "For that, well, I guess I prefer to look for that in the arms or between the legs of another. Asgardians can be fun, but most tend to be a predictable bunch."

Loki gave her his best twinkle of the eye look. "Most."

He sat back, swirling his glass of wine, then asked, "How about you, m'lady? What does a beautiful Earthwoman do for fun?"

 

[scarlettnuit]

Ivy was bit taken aback by Anja and what seemed to be flirtation. She had never been good at flirting with anyone and it had been some time since she had made the effort. She hadn’t realized how lost she had been in her research until this moment.

“I’ve been working so hard lately, I honestly don’t remember what fun is,” she smiled back at the woman across the table, blushing. “I’m a fairly geeky person, I like to go to museums and paint, I really love the arts when I’m not knee deep in equations and physics. I love to read as well. Nothing too exciting I suspect. I used to enjoy kick boxing…though I imagine that doesn’t really translate here,” she offered.

She finished her goblet of wine and felt warm all over. “Don’t let me have any more of this, your people must be built like tanks to drink this all the time,” She laughed softly and poured herself some water.

“I’m an overly amorous drunk and the last thing I need is to start smooching on some guard or something.”

 

[WatchingCloud]

“I’m an overly amorous drunk and the last thing I need is to start smooching on some guard or something.”

Loki smiled, amused. "Or someone else? It's said that fine drink can release the true self. Maybe you should let her out."

He leaned back and indulged in another glass himself.

"Asgard has no shortage of fine art, if you get a chance to view any of it," he said. "But what's this about kicking boxes? Is that a term of human speech, or some sort of game?"

 

[scarlettnuit]

Ivy was learning that Asgardians were certainly not a shy bunch. Has she not just had a powerfully strong goblet of God worthy wine, she probably would have shied away from saying anything, but as it was.

“Well, let’s just hope “you know who” doesn’t show up. I’d hate to be tempted,” She grinned and then leaned back feeling relaxed and happily buzzed.

“You look like a pretty find piece of art yourself Anja, at least I get to see you. As for kick boxing…it’s fighting that people do but it’s for exercise more than combat, though I suppose it could be used for that as well. Basically moving and kicking a dummie with your legs. I’ve never had to use it in self defense before, but I imagine it would be quite effective,” she said and then stood up and stretched languorously.

“Let’s go have some fun, am I allowed out of this room or am I supposed to wait for Loki to give me orders…opps…I mean he who should not be named,” she paused to pour herself some more wine, “I’d make a Harry Potter joke there but I suppose it wouldn’t translate,” She paused and took a drink from the goblet.

“Oh I know! Do you have a place to go dancing here? Is that a thing or do you lot have balls and parties for entertainment?”

 

[WatchingCloud]

Loki raised his glass at Ivy's mention of "Anja" being a fine piece of art. "To eye candy!"

Ivy's description of kick-boxing sounded mildly amusing, but Loki's attention soon shifted to watching Ivy stand and stretch. The way her figure shifted under the dress was hypnotic.

Loki was tempted to allow her out of the room, but it would be difficult to do that while maintaining his varied guises. She was ostensibly under Odin's protection for now, until moved. Still...

"I'm afraid I don't have the authority to take you out of here," he said, rising to his feet with grace and less of the human's wobbliness. "But if Lo...he who should not be named was here to give us orders..."

He leaned in close and whispered conspiratorially, "...I assure you it's worth it to obey."

At Ivy's question about dancing, Loki twirled about and let his own dress flare out. "Oh, yes, many," he said. "But not so much at this time of day. Lots of dancing in the drinking halls, as well as balls and parties. You should definitely go to one. No, many! I bet you're a talented dancer."

Loki verbally ordered music to begin playing. From an unseen source, a delicate and intricate melody sprang forth, something like unlike classical chamber music from Earth. With wine in one hand, he sidled forward and placed his other hand on Ivy's hip and pulled her in close.

"Show me how you dance? Maybe then I'll know where to take you when he should who...not...should...named. Fuck it...Loki! When Loki lets you out."

 

[scarlettnuit]

Ivy’s cheeks got hot at the thought whispered into her ear and her felt a swirl in her stomach. She was glad when Anja twirled around and she was able to dance, doing her best imitation of fluid and elegant dance, letting her arms and legs stretch and move with the music in her head. The room was large enough to allow her to do a grand jete or two when music started playing.

“How delightful!” she grinned as she moved her body to the new music and then giggled as Anja pulled her close.

“Oh Anja! Such language!” she teased the other woman as pretended, very comically, to be offended. “It’s nice to see that fuck transcends all language barriers.” She giggled and then thought about how to show Anja Earth’s dance moves, at least a few.

“Well, there are a lot of ways, you can do it like this,” She started, putting a hand on Anja’s waist and took her hand in the other and moved her around the floor in a few swing dance move she knew, “and like this,” She changed their position slightly and waltzed for a few bars, “but most people dance like this now I suppose,” she told her as she put placed Anja’s arms around her neck and put her own hands on the other woman’s waist as she moved.

“There are a few other ways…but…I’m not sure I’m drunk enough to get into those,” she smiled and then twirled Anja twice before bowing to her and chuckling. She took a sip of her wine and looked up at Loki’s portrait.

“Do you think I’ll ever be allowed out again?”

 

[WatchingCloud]

"Fuck is such a handy word, is it not?" Loki giggled and drained away his third or fourth glass of wine, set the empty aside, and let Ivy pull him into a demonstration of several Earth dances. He gave himself over to her enthusiasm. When she put his arms around her neck, he gazed into her eyes and almost leaned in for a kiss. They were twirling around a moment later, however, and he settled for the electric contact.

Ivy took a sip of her wine and looked up at Loki’s portrait.

“Do you think I’ll ever be allowed out again?”

"I'm sure you will," he said, siding up close to Ivy again, looking up at the portrait. "Knowing him, even if you're not supposed to."

Loki wrapped an arm around Ivy's waist, hand almost on her lovely behind, and the guided Ivy's wine glass to his mouth to share a sip.

"Now, are you really going to just tease me about these human dances? Or do I get to see? Odin's wine cellar is magnificently well stocked..."

 

[scarlettnuit]

Ivy’s eyes opened wide as she felt Anja’s hand on her ass and she pulled away, surprised that she was being so forward. She then pulled away and stepped back a few paced.

“I’m sorry, I’ve just…I’ve never been with a woman before, and though you are very beautiful, it would be awkward for me to try right now. I’m still overwhelmed by my surroundings and everything that’s happened to, you know…I suppose get in the mood as it were.” She trailed off and set her goblet firmly on the table.

“If you’d like to go and find company more suitable to your mood, I understand.”