A pointy turn of events (PSL)

[onlyawarrior]

[Considering how incredibly dire the battle with Malekith became once they'd traveled to Midgard, it was baffling that it ended so quickly. With the Dark Elf dead and the Convergence passed harmlessly by, Thor might have enjoyed a moment to breathe easily.

Sadly, that was not to be.

While Darcy and Selvig carted Jane off to her apartment for some much needed rest, Thor darted back to the sad little University storeroom he'd hidden Loki away in during the fight. Injured as he was, there was no chance that his brother would be able to assist in any manner greater than he already had done... he could only hope that he'd stayed put and not taken the opportunity to run off under their noses or hidden away with illusions.

Luckily he did not draw nearly as much attention inside the mostly abandoned building as he did outside of it, even fully clad in his Asgardian garb, dirty and streaked with blood. His own injuries were primarily bruises and a few cuts, nothing that wouldn't heal soon enough. Loki's state was far more precarious that the thunderer was not willing to rest until he ensured he could bring his brother somewhere safe to heal.

After finding Loki passed out in the storeroom where he'd left him, Thor did his very best to be discreet by wrapping him in his red cape (great idea there) and carrying him outside. From there he was able to use Mjolnir to fly away from the now crowded scene and toward a place they might be able to stay for awhile.

The innkeeper was skeptical of his arrival, to say the least. Still, after a hurried explanation she agreed to give him a room, discreetly, where he was able to carry Loki and dump him on the bed.

And that was how they ended up where they were, two princes gone from living in a magnificent palace to hiding away in a two-star inn in London. If Odin wasn't already having a fit, he would be soon, of that Thor was certain.]

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[onlyawarrior]

[Ah.

Despite Thor's own increased determination to discuss the more sensitive topics plaguing Loki, his mind feels suddenly numb and empty when confronted with the start of a possibly very significant conversation. His brother has ever been one to scrutinize words. Now is not the time to say the wrong thing, accidentally or otherwise.]

I have forgotten nothing.

[How could he? The betrayals, attempted murders, lies and tricks. Such events invade his dreams and waking thoughts all too often, and yet there has ever remained a spark of hope that Loki may still come to his senses.

After he nearly died saving Thor's life, he failed to subsequently consider that their relationship could still be plagued by troubles of the past. Yes, they would have to confront those demons, but they should no longer hamper their ability to be family once again.

Perhaps he has been far too optimistic.] That includes many centuries of us living as brothers. I cannot forget that either.

[throneenvy]

[He is wary of this conversation also. He knows so much rides on the outcome of it, he can feel the crossroads beneath both of their feet. His own words said on the brink of death hang between them, an apology and admission of affection that he cannot take back.

But it would still be so easy to run from this. It would be the simplest thing to fall back once more upon his hatred and the bitter anger for the wrongs done to him in the past. Perhaps Thor hopes that they can move past those actions, but the wounds within him lie too deep for that and he cannot simply let it lie.]

All of those centuries were founded upon a lie, you have never truly had a brother. Nor have I. We are not just of different blood, Thor, we are of different races.

[He tastes that admission like ashes on his own tongue, still loathe to accept his heritage even to himself. He is Loki of Asgard, not Jotunheim, and such is who he wants to be.]

It is folly to cling to what is past and cannot ever be recovered.

[onlyawarrior]

[Thor cannot be sure if Loki says these things because he truly believes them, or because he desperately needs assurances that they aren't true. Perhaps at a different time, before his banishment to Midgard, the fact that Loki was biologically Jotun would have bothered him in some way. Now, however? The separation of the Realms' races feels nothing if not arbitrary, and he has learned a great deal about friendship and family beyond the traditional model.]

I know it is difficult for you to believe when I say so, but the circumstances of your birth do not trouble me beyond Laufey's cruel actions.

[And while it may be true that the past cannot be as it once was, if Thor even wished it so, he firmly believes the future can be better. Why continue fighting otherwise?]

The bonds we have forged over the centuries are not based on lies, but on our lived experiences. Even you must understand this.

[Based on Loki's actions this day, it seems obvious that he does understand, even if he still has trouble reconciling such thoughts in his own mind.]

[throneenvy]

[It is hard for him to let go of these old grudges. The wounds that sparked them are still raw and bleed at the slightest provocation, and his own nature skews towards bitterness and jealousy far more than forgiveness.

Only the words he cannot take back from before, and the wound in his gut, keep him from falling fully back onto the comfort of his rage. Instead, he only looks wary, eyes hooded as they watch Thor closely.]

Even if that were so, to what good would it do? It is too late for recompense and reconciliation, Thor, our paths have diverged too greatly to ever come together again.

[He is not welcome in Asgard, nor Midgard, nor many of the other realms. It is too late to return to what once was.]