[012]

[grip_on_reality]

[Menzies is in the kitchen today, enjoying a curry and some milk and looking pensive as she mutters to herself about that pesky cross-reality murder case]

What are my chances of finding it if I just search their flats? And would one of 'em warn the other if I started with the wrong one? Not that they've exactly been acting like they're in league...

[but she lets that thought trail off with a frown as she realises she has company when something large and furry rubs against her legs] ...what.

[she ducks down to look under the table, staring at the tiger that is happily rubbing her and giving off what must be a purr. she gapes] Again! Damnit, he did set this up! Of all the absolute--

[she cuts off as the tiger noses her face, apparently unhappy that she seems so displeased. it makes beseeching noises at her as she quickly pulls back] Oi, get off! I don't need comfort; you're the problem!

[ooc: Menzies messed with Gabriel, so he thought it would be fun to have the tiger that was trailing him follow her around instead. It's acting as a pet and bodyguard, so be warned that upsetting Menzies at the moment will also upset the tiger. But feel free to visit her and her new friend! He's generally quite tame, really.]

Comments

[behisequal]

[After spending a fair bit of time exploring the Plane, Loki has decided to try what delicacies that may be found in the kitchen of the Plane. While not accustomed to the technology, it wouldn't be difficult for him to figure out. (And just because he's a son of Odin doesn't mean he doesn't know how to do anything in a kitchen either.)

But when he enters, he's mildly surprised to see a woman with an exotic animal at her feet]

Would you like assistance with that creature? [His eyes go to it, but it doesn't seem to be doing anything harmful.]

[grip_on_reality]

[she turns when the man enters, giving a curious look at his odd clothing. it smacks of some other world, and once he opens his mouth, she's fairly certain he's not from Earth]

[she makes a face at his question, waving a hand] No need. Not from you, anyway. What I need is a word with his, ah, owner.

[the tiger, sensing that Loki isn't familiar to her, moves to stand between Loki and Menzies. it watches him right back. she rolls her eyes, starting to get used to this behaviour] Oi, leave 'im be!

[looking almost apologetic, the tiger turns obediently to Menzies and moves in to nudge her hand with its nose. she sighs and holds out her hand for it to lick. it throws another glance back at Loki, though, just to make sure he isn't up to anything]

[behisequal]

Oh? [His hands fold behind his back as he bends over to get a better look it. He stares right back at the tiger, unafraid of it.] I believe it would beg to differ on the subject of ownership. You may protest that it does not belong to you, but it seems to be rather loyal to you.

[grip_on_reality]

Yeah, well, that's all part of the fun, apparently. Joke's on me. [her lip curls]

Look, you sure you want to get that close? He might seem friendly, but he's not completely tame.

[and she really, really doesn't want someone to get injured or--worse--killed by it]

[behisequal]

A joke? [Now that gets his attention. He straightens, deciding she is much more interesting than the tiger.] This creature is of no concern to me as it will not do me any harm. Might I inquire as to how you came into possession of it?

[grip_on_reality]

[she raises an eyebrow, wondering at his tone] And you're sure about that, are ya?

[her expression is sour] A bloke 'round 'ere--Loki--thought it'd be a barrel of laughs if he made this tiger follow me around. You can tell he's got a great sense of 'umor, letting dangerous animals roam free.

[she ignores the irony of the fact that the "dangerous animal" is happily licking her hand at the moment]

[behisequal]

Very. [His eyes flick down to catch the tiger's for a second. It will know better than to harm the son of Odin.]

[Loki's eyebrows raise in surprise. Actual genuine surprise. He did not expect to hear something like that for some time. And yet... He personally has done no such thing. Curious... Does he have an imposter on his hands? Of course, there is always the slight possibility that there is another version of himself about. He has heard of that happening before.]

And this fellow... He calls himself "Loki"? [But he doesn't think that is the present case. If it had been, then this woman would have reacted far differently.] What does he look like?

[grip_on_reality]

[she's watching him with interest, but when the tiger reacts to his gaze by ducking its head and then nuzzling her hand with it, she decides she can trust him on that much for the moment] All right then, Dr. Dolittle.

[when she mentions the name "Loki," though, she can't fail to notice his surprise. curious, she nods] Yeah, but I wouldn't bet on that being 'is real name. He's, ah, probably about 40. Blondish-brown hair, average height and build. Dresses casually. Why, 'ave you met 'im?

[behisequal]

"Dr. Dolittle"? I know no such doctor who does little. [Since the tiger isn't interested in it any longer, then he isn't either.]

[A slow smile spreads across his face. So that is what he looks like.] No, but I do wish to change that fact. [And he will find him. He must introduce himself.]

[grip_on_reality]

[she ignores his question about "Dr. Dolittle," leaning forward a little] Oh? Want a tiger of your own--or is a bear more your style?

[behisequal]

[That smile doesn't leave his face.] I desire no animal or familiar from him. [Sorry Menzies, he doesn't get the reference--not that he knows it is a reference.] I merely wish to meet the man who is using my name.

[grip_on_reality]

Your name? [her surprise is obvious] So you're Loki? What, all the way 'ere from Norse 'eaven?

[behisequal]

Oh yes, my name. I am known by other titles and names, but I will always be Loki.

Valhalla? [He lets out a laugh in amusement at the very suggestion.] No, my lady. I am of Asgard, the realm eternal. Valhalla is a glorious and hallowed place; one where all noble and brave Asgardian warriors go when they die. Yet as you see before you, I am very much alive.

Now that you know who I am, I wish to know your name. [He smiles charmingly] If I may.

[grip_on_reality]

Ohhh, Asgard, of course. [her tone is slightly sarcastic--though in this case the sarcasm is because he made it sound like that should have been obvious. but even so, her expression is interested. she certainly didn't expect to meet an actual Norse gods on the Plane, after all]

[she smirks back at him, wondering if this is how Norse gods are supposed to talk. Gabriel could stand to learn a thing or two] Detective Inspector Patricia Menzies. From Earth--the, ah, realm ephemeral.

[because imitation is the highest form of praise, right? or is that mockery?]

[behisequal]

[He lets out a bark of laughter in amusement.] "Realm ephemeral"! Wonderfully described. [He claps his hands together, caring not if it startles the tiger or not.] You do have quite the sense of humour, Detective Inspector Patricia Menzies. [He chooses to ignore the sarcasm. He is no stranger to it.]

[grip_on_reality]

[the tiger takes a step back, rubbing against Menzies' legs as though to separate her from him. she ignores it]

[though she doesn't respond to Loki's comment, she does smirk at him] Menzies is fine. So, been coming 'ere long, Loki?

[behisequal]

[The tiger is probably wise to step away. While he has no intentions of doing either of them harm, it shows that the tiger knows its position in this equation. (To him, anyway.)]

Not too long from what I can tell. [He begins to slowly pace around the kitchen, watching discreetly to see what the tiger and the woman do.] I must confess that it is somewhat difficult to gauge the passage of time here compared to how much passes when I am home. Therefore, I cannot give you an exact answer.

Tell me--[He stops pacing, turning to face her]--is "Detective Inspector" a title of some kind? Do you inspect those who detect? [He knows full well what the root words mean, but he does find it odd that someone specifically has a job to inspect other detectives.]

[grip_on_reality]

Yeah, this place is good at that. [she returns to her curry, taking another bite. meanwhile, the tiger moves slowly around her to keep itself between her and Loki, watching him warily. she ignores it]

[she chuckles at his interpretation of her title] No, not that. But it is a title. I'm a police officer--law enforcement? [she gives him a questioning look, wondering if he'll understand the concept. do gods need anything like that?] But Inspector is a rank. It means I keep the constables and sergeants in line--if I can do. But I'm a detective. [she smirks] I do the detecting.

What about you, Loki? What do you do?

[behisequal]

[So he'll never be able to truly tell how much time has passed. Well, at least he knows for certain now. As for her explanation, he understands that very easily.] Then you must perform your job extremely well to be in such a position. [Yet this confirms that he should keep an eye on her--and no doubt, she'll be doing the same at some point.]

What do I do? [He laughs softly. The question isn't as simple for him to answer as it was for her.] I am a prince of Asgard, therefore, I have certain duties I must attend to every day. I represent Asgard and the All-Father in his place, and I must also train for battle and to prepare to lead our armies for the day when Asgard's enemies rise up against us.

[One with a small amount of knowledge of Norse mythology may notice he doesn't once mention how he shares these duties (though "share" doesn't even begin to describe how equal this "sharing" is) with his brother, Thor...]

[grip_on_reality]

[she leaves his comment about her job alone, feeling it needs no response. but Loki shouldn't worry--she's already curious about him]

[admittedly, she doesn't really know Norse mythology. still, political dignitary doesn't fit the description of "the Trickster" that she's heard--and he doesn't look like the military type] A general, really? Sounds impressive.

[behisequal]

[Too bad he isn't here in his full armour! His normal attire has enough protection in case of attack and is much heavier than it appears with many layers.]

A prince, actually. [He believes that will be more impressive.] Quite different from..."a general", you said? The term is somewhat familiar to me.

[grip_on_reality]

Both, then. [she's amused at his apparent desire to impress. she takes another bite of her curry] Must be a busy life--all those responsibilities.

[behisequal]

[He frowns somewhat. Didn't he just say that he was a prince, not a general?] Yes, some days more than others. I expect your own responsibilities occupy much of your time, which is why you must eat here and not back in your own realm. [He sniffs, his brow furrowing.] What is that?

[grip_on_reality]

[if he's meant to lead armies, he definitely sounds like a general to her, but she isn't going to force the point. she just gives him an amused smile, both at his astute observation and his question] Curry. Chicken tikka masala. [she pauses to take another bite before clarifying] Chicken in a spicy sauce. 'ave you got chickens in, ah, Asgard?

[behisequal]

We do, yes. The aromatics and seasonings are foreign to me, however. [He lets out a small chuckle.] Forgive me, it seems I often say that while I am here--and not just about the food. Is this a popular dish in Midgard?