video; @fromTV (with bonus Loki)

[spellslots]

[The scene: the central room of the ice maze, cleared of gifts and drinks, replaced by an oversized throne that looks as though it belongs in some nightmare castle. On the throne sits Loki, in full Asgardian regalia, while Taako has managed to find a perch on the side of the throne, legs dangling off the side lazily, with an arm draped around Loki’s shoulders. He has no regalia to fall back on, so he’s gone for something black and striking, to match the theme of this little spectacle and to not clash horribly with Loki; his hair is braided tightly and his long nails are tipped with silver jewellery that he likely stole from Rin. In the background, there are faint sounds of panic; no screams yet, but questioning, worried voices, the sounds of people who are just starting to realize they should be afraid.]

Citizens of Riverview, [ Loki speaks in a low, lazy drawl that does nothing to hide the menace and power in his voice. ] We have lost our patience with you. So we will be taking over your charming little city. Freedom, after all, is life’s great lie. We will bring order to your messy lives.

[In contrast to Loki’s almost lazy indifference, Taako’s grin is sharp, a slight manic edge to his tone.]

Let’s not be too generous, calling it charming is a stretch and we could do so much better for ourselves, like say, the Capital World. We’re fucking sick and tired of playing nice with a bunch of idiots who wouldn’t know magical power if it bit them in the ass, but maybe the rest of this universe will have some more sense. Which is where-- [In the background, someone screams something about being let out, and Taako sighs deeply.] I wasn’t fucking finished.

[He raises a hand and what looks like black lightning seems to crackle over his fingers, spreading out across the ice and off screen as the background sounds fall deathly silent.]

I know they say to never work with children or animals, but honestly, it’s people that really get to you. [He pauses, lifts a shoulder in a lazy what can you do? sort of shrug] As I was saying, what we need from you is a shuttle to get off this shithole once we're done here.

Comply with our demands . . . or else the rest of you will suffer the same fate that befall those who rebel against us. Succumb to your natural state, your desire for subjugation.

[ As if on cue, a few sparrows fly past them, frost already spreading on their wings. ]

Comments

private

[spellslots]

[Actually he's just gonna make this private because he feels weird discussing it too publicly, especially since he isn't sure if Rin's actually worried.]

I don't think there's anyone who could take me and Loki, maybe Lup but uh, that's not gonna happen.

[On his own, there's a handful of people who pose a threat, but Taako's pretty confident in Loki's magic.]

[imperceptus]

But no one's actually planning to attack you, yes? Because you're obviously clarifying the situation before it goes too far.

[spellslots]

Oh, yeah, I mean - Steve's gonna come down but he's playing along.

[Since he knows Loki isn't evil.]

You're not worried about me, are you?

[imperceptus]

[ All smiles. ]

I never worry about anything.

[spellslots]

And here I was gonna offer to take you out to dinner as an apology for making you worry.

[why can't he take anything seriously]

[imperceptus]

[ Internally, he's getting irritated by this whole post/situation/etc, so he just shrugs--nonchalant; calm. ]

Ah, well. Rookie mistake on my part. Perhaps the next time around.

[spellslots]

[Taako's smile stays in place, but it's a little less playful.]

Do you wanna get dinner anyway?

[He's been keeping an eye on Loki and Rin's conversation, too, and while he doesn't feel the need to step in, he knows that Loki didn't leave a great impression.]

[imperceptus]

[ He bows his head. ]

You seem busy enough. I'll take care of myself tonight.

[ He's so goddamn angry right now. ]

[spellslots]

[Well now he's worried.]

If you're sure, darling, I can always make time for you.

[imperceptus]

[ Quietly. ]

Well, that's very kind.

But don't worry about it.

[spellslots]

[He isn't going to push it, but:]

Gimme a call if you want, yeah?

[imperceptus]

Of course.