riverview | [video]; thunderer

[The video begins in the swampier edges of the jungle. Thanks to the flooding, the water is up to Thor's waist and he has mud up his arms and on his face. He holds the camera up at a selfie angle, smiling into it and waving with a muddy hand.]

If anybody happens to know where a big, fat crocodile went, let me know. He's got a scar over his eye and his legs are very stumpy. Embarrassingly stumpy.

[Thor looks about him, holding the camera out so the audience can really appreciate the view of the overflowing river and not the fact that he's wearing a wet singlet.]

And if you've lost anything in the floods, let me know and I'll keep my eye out for-

[He cuts himself off when he catches sight of something making ripples on the water. His arm whips out of camera, snatching the tail of a snake that he brings into view.]

Look at this! Did you know snakes could swim?

[The snake hisses, flicking its tongue at Thor even as it coils around Thor's arm in a lithe, slow crawl. When Thor's hold lessens though, the snake rears back slightly like a mirage before vanishing and revealing a grinning Loki who very casually slides a small dagger into Thor's side.]

Oh dear. Was that me?

[Thor grunts, mostly in surprise but there's pain in it. The little blades sting, and it's a miracle that he can hold onto his camera (lopsidedly) when he drops to his knees and grips his side.]

You've done it now, brother. [Thor growls, with a clenched jaw.] It's all going dark. Dark and cold. I see a light, it's calling me. I'll bleed out before they find me.

[And with his final breath, he musters the strength to try kick Loki into the mud along with him.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Hmm. ]

I'm not sure Gods are meant to be relatable.

Sorry, you're probably right.

If you'd prefer, I can just keep those kinds of comments to myself.

No. They are entertaining.

[ Aoba smiles, but he looks a little confused. ]

Entertaining? How's that?

You say whatever comes to mind. I don't see that very often.

[ Oh, he does get kind of straight to the point with him for some reason. ]

Th-that's not always the case, really. Honestly, if I met you in person, I'd probably have a hard time talking.

It's a little easier to talk to a god through a tiny screen!

Yes.

[ A little dryly. ]

Safer too, I imagine.

Heeh? Are you trying to lure me into a false sense of security?

But that's okay, it's working.

I'm always trying to do that. It's how I work.

Normally? I'd say 'no spoilers' but I think when it comes to the god of mischief, I'm okay with this.

...Hey, wait a second.

Is April Fool's Day a big day for you, then?

[ Loki blinks. ]

April Fool's?

April Fool's Day?

It's the first day of April where you're supposed to play pranks and trick people. I don't really know the origins, but for some reason it makes me feel like this is really your thing.