VIDEO. UN: LOKI.

[selfimage]

Hello there.

[ Loki's standing on the porch of the ashen saloon, black bones against a dusky horizon. ]

Another day saved, another mission over ... [ he says it in an "all in a day's work" sort of tone. a finger twists and he gestures outward. ]

As the story continues! [ the drawl comes from his lips slowly, as if for dramatic effect. ]

We've met our arch-foes, saved a part of the fractured multiverse from apparent destruction and preserved the integrity of the timeline—erm, hopefully on the last two, anyway. In light of current events, and while we all cool down, I thought we'd play with a little fun hypothetical to stimulate conversation. Call it something that's been on my mind. So, riddle me this, Audentes ...

If saving a world meant destroying it—you know, kind of like a hard reset—what would you do? Would you do it, let it die and get coffee instead, or would you fight with tooth and axe for its survival, despite all odds? All methods in between, of course, feel free to be creative.

[ sometimes, some things remind him all too much of Ragnarok. ]

Comments

[grunehexe]

[She takes this opportunity to flop in his hold in what was... probably just an overenthusiastic full bodied nod, pointing vaguely in Ahad's direction.]

That, too! There are far too few eligible bachelors here...

[Another sigh, and the energy drains out of her again just as easily, crossing her arms and growing somewhat limp again.]

Even more frustrating.

[dailydouble]

Should I ask about what makes them eligible?

[ This is not a real question. He's rather hoping she doesn't answer. ]

I could carry you, if the walk becomes to difficult?

[grunehexe]

[Unfortunately for Ahad and the world... that is a very serious and legitimate question as far as Sieglinde is concerned, and she begins listing off a variety of factors she's obviously already thought quite a bit about.]

Naturally genetics and magical inclination are paramount... immortality and power are worth little in a sire unless they're inheritable... my line needs an infusion of powerful magic to continue as I would like...

[Doing this cross-armed is awkward, so she instead just clings to him with one arm and counts off on the other hand, feet dragging.]

Intellect is obviously valuable, a healthy constitution... and though not as important as the genetics a pleasant temperament is better than one with other inclinations...

[Something seems to occur to her, and she looks up, appraising.]

You and Loki are not quite the exclusive types, are you... ?

[dailydouble]

[ If Sieglinde were not so young, his reaction would be more negative to the idea of being compared to a list of positive traits in a sire. As it is, he's mostly bemused by this entire line of reasoning. ]

Perhaps you should revisit that question at a later time. In another decade or so.

[ This is not actually a suggestion. ]

[grunehexe]

Five years.

[As if haggling over prices at a fleamarket, Sieglinde fires off a counter offer quite quickly.]

It will take at least ten to determine if my first child has the aptitude and desire to inherit my title, and I shall need to still be able to bear a second if it should prove necessary.

[And for as cold and clinical as that might sound, having children only for the purpose of an heir... she found it quite magnanimous that she be willing to allow a child not to follow in her footsteps if it wanted by trying again with another sibling.

After all- she hadn't been given that choice.]

[dailydouble]

It will not take that long to determine aptitude, if the child's father is a god.

[ Ahad is used to the ways of ruling families. Planning for a potential heir is not that much of a surprise to him. In fact, he likely would suggest she plan on siblings, just in case. Childhood is not often safe, especially for the powerful. ]

[grunehexe]

Aptitude and... desire.

[Which she slurs the pronunciation of, but never mind that. Siblings right off the bat had occurred to her as an idea, but splitting her attention on something so important as passing on her knowledge, that would deprive her heir of their full potential...

So a backup might be necessary farther down the line. Very well...]

I am not so cruel as my ancestors.

[The right? is only in her body language, not her words.]

[dailydouble]

No? Then what would you do, with a child that lacks aptitude, desire, or both?

[ This is likely an unfair question to ask, while she is drunk. It's too important to let go of, however.

How she answers could have an impact on when and if this topic comes up between them again. ]

[grunehexe]

[It seems such an unfortunate, unlikely, awful thing to contemplate. What if she bore a child with aptitude for magic yet no drive to create? What if they had all the willingness to do so and yet managed by some genetic tragedy to have no talent for it? What if, heavens forbid... they had neither?

Her gaze falls, to her feet.]

... then they can live a normal life. A simple life, with work, and a family, and those sorts of things.

[Even resigned as she was to her own life taking such a course as it was, even knowing she would force a child able to do the same in her footsteps if her work could not be completed in her lifetime...

She knew it wasn't normal. That maybe it wasn't even right.]

[dailydouble]

[ She may not notice it in her drunken state, but Ahad seems more at ease now. The response was one he found more than acceptable, for now. Further discussion may never happen at all, but if it did it would be best saved for later. Years later. ]

Do not assume that their life would be simple, even without powers such as yours.

[ He'll glance over at her and sigh then, as if he's made a decision. ] If you remember this when sober, you may ask me about my...ah. Children, I suppose.

[grunehexe]

Simpler... Normler.

[No, wait, one of those wasn't a real word, she's sure of it. Repeats it just to be sure, sounding them out with a considering frown.

And she may be drunk, and she may not remember it later, he's right, but Sieglinde still makes a mental note of it. Ask Ahad about his offspring. An advantage, Sieglinde thought, of men who sowed their oats widely- one could see what they might expect in their own children. Honestly, she didn't understand why other women seemed so averse to such.

Nods, to herself, as if she's reached an important decision.]