Voice Testing - Open

[redledgerdays]

[Scenario 1]

[the gym is mostly empty, mats rolled up against the wall, machines wiped down and clean. Natasha is finishing up her own workout in a quiet corner away from the general hubbub. it gives her time to think, as well as hone her skills

she sets down the weights with a clatter against the metal holding bars, wiping at her brow and grabbing her water bottle. it's been a good workout. a quick shower and she can head home for dinner]


[Scenario 2]

[she motions curtly to the other S.H.I.E.L.D. members, crouched against a dilapidated wall on the east side of a crumbling, burnt out building. her team fans out in silence and she takes a deep breath before pressing a hand to the comm on her ear]

We're in position. I'm heading in. Could use some extra cover if you've got it.

[the hostages can be heard through empty windows, a few sobbing, others pleading. she ignores them, slipping around the back. this needs to be done quickly and quietly, but she's not about to take any chances and leave her backup behind.]


[Scenario 3]
[CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE. No seriously. I hate coming up with scenarios.]

Comments

[behisequal]

[shakes his head] The last time Thor graced this realm with his presence, the humans were using far less complicated devices of torture compared to the ones out there.

[redledgerdays]

[that ... definitely was unexpected] So you're still in Asgard.

[behisequal]

With the exception of this current moment, yes. [he definitely is here without anyone else knowing that he is...]

So, I gather that you are starting to believe what I say? [of course it would be times when he tries to be sincere that people doubt him the most.]

[redledgerdays]

[she doesn't want to believe him. he's the trickster god, after all, and he has caused so much pain and suffering. but all the available evidence points to him telling the truth -- and so does her gut

very slowly, Natasha lowers her 'weapon,' giving Loki a cold look]

For the moment, I don't have a whole lot of choice. Why are you here, if you should be back home?

[behisequal]

[slowly folds his hands in front of him, shrugging innocently as he does]

Why not come here? This world is fascinating in its own way. It is not as grand as my own, but it still warrants an occasional visit.

[after all, the Asgardians protected this realm once. one must always be prepared.]

[redledgerdays]

You find gyms fascinating? [that earns a quirked eyebrow] Maybe Asgard isn't as grand as you say it is.

[behisequal]

[his eyes widen a bit] Is that what this place is?

[redledgerdays]

[he can't be serious] I'm curious as to exactly what you thought it was.

[behisequal]

[the corners of his lips tug into a small, sheepish smile] My apologies, but from what I had observed, the devices within that room seemed as though they were a means of self-torture. [his smile fades] That is why I came to you; to learn what force ruled your people in such a manner.

[redledgerdays]

Torture? [yep, eyebrows raised] That's an interesting assumption, though I guess it makes some sort of sense. Gyms can be torturous.

Don't you want to get strong on Asgard?

[behisequal]

[from her reaction, he gathers that is not the case] Ah, I see.

[but when she mentions 'strong', something flashes in his eyes for a fleeting second, his hands tightening their grip round each other--but then the moment passes] Who doesn't? [his tone is still calm and one of idle conversation] Strength is highly revered.

[redledgerdays]

Depends on the kind of strength. [she's seen his strength and it can be terrifying, but it's also chaotic. unfocused. power isn't always strength]

[behisequal]

[he sighs slightly] Strength in battle, strength to overcome one's foes with minimal effort or harm to oneself. [strength to swing large objects around and slam them into other things, thus killing them--but he doesn't add that.] Though some don't particular care if harm befalls others so long as the passion of the fight pumps the blood in their veins.

That is the kind of strength one seems to revere in Asgard. [he can't help that slight hint of bitterness slipping into his tone.]

[redledgerdays]

[he can't help it, and she catches it, idly towelling her hair as she lets the door close behind her. her gun is in her bag; she might as well get dressed and get nearer to it than stand halfway in a door while he talks. if this really is a younger Loki, he doesn't seem interested in beating her at the moment. she can use that to her advantage

she just needs to tread carefully]

You don't revere it though, do you?

[behisequal]

[he smiles faintly, evasively.] Not in the same manner as my brethren.

[he continues to watch her movements, but he is not a dullard. he's more than aware this chat has moved from one of inquiry to one of mere stalling before one or the other acts.]

Tell me about these "gyms". [after a split-second's thought, he adds, politely:] If you would.

[redledgerdays]

They're a convenient place for humans to go to workout. Train. Get physically strong.

[she wanders over to her bag, strides even, acting for all the world like she isn't concerned about the God of Mischief being in her locker room asking inane questions about gyms. if it weren't happening to her, she'd never believe it happened at all. it was just too absurd]

You say you revere it differently, but I can't help thinking you like to overpower your foe with brute strength. Make them kneel to you.

[behisequal]

[he nods. it makes sense that humans would devise ways to train themselves.] I see.

Brute strength? I'm afraid you have me confused with my brother once more. [as for her latter suggestion, he feels it is far too specific and chooses not to address it] Why this obsession with strength?

[redledgerdays]

[she gives him a look, expression drawn, then turns back to her bag, palming the gun hidden inside]

Your kind haven't left us much choice.

[behisequal]

[his expression goes blank. he knows the ancient history of how his people protected those of Midgard. it seems the old tales haven't quite lasted down through the ages to her time.]

Pity you see it that way. Your ancestors were grateful to us long ago.

[redledgerdays]

You'll have to forgive me for not being my ancestors. [she takes a breath, considering her options] Any other questions?

[behisequal]

Just one. [he folds his hands behind his back, weighing his own options] What is your name?

[redledgerdays]

[she doesn't answer immediately, weighing her options. giving him her name could lead to him finding out about S.H.I.E.L.D. if this is a past Loki, giving him any information, no matter how little, could leads to New York being razed

on the other hand, maybe he all ready knows. maybe it's a test, and she's supposed to give it. she can't no, and she won't take that chance]

Aleksandra.

[behisequal]

[he wonders if she's being entirely truthful with him about her identity, but on the other hand, he knows what he would do if their roles were reversed. so, he simply bows his head a bit, his tone smooth and one that doesn't give away any of his growing mistrust.]

You have my sincerest gratitude, Lady Aleksandra, for answering my queries. [then he adds] As well as further apologies for startling you.

[he takes a step back towards the door] I'll be leaving now.

[another step; he doesn't turn around. what he does do, however, is turn his hand sharply behind his back, enchanting the contents of her bag into snakes. none are lethal, but they ought to provide a sufficient distraction while he escapes.]

[redledgerdays]

[the sounds of hissing startle her enough to turn and Natasha drops her gun into the bag with a muffled curse, realising a moment later that it's a trick. she lets out an angry huff, kicking the bench, and then goes about her business getting ready.

Loki will be long gone. she just knows it won't last]