#examples: Jane as Thor

[farsight-the-char]

Marvel and DC live-action stuff drawing from newer comics means critiquing them is a bit funnier because I can often just, go to the library and find the exact story arc they are borrowing from among the trades.

I can find the writers and artists comparing the adaptation.

I can find my own posts talking about that arc from the comics as it was coming out.

...

It Is Amusing, to me at least.

[phoenixyfriend]

I think MCU Thor should get pregnant but like. Specifically "cis dude with magic pregnant."

Jane survives the cancer but can't safely carry to term (for her or the baby), so Loki does some magic to give Thor a pregnancy with Thor/Jane genes. Does not explain how. May not warn Thor at all.

Thor just wakes up pregnant with Jane's baby and immediately blames Loki. Doesn't even know if Loki is alive. But the culprit is obvious.

Maybe it's Loki's idea of a wedding/birthday/anniversary gift.

"Congratulations on the nuptials! I know that Lady Foster is now barren, so I have given you a child of your own through the means I myself prefer. No need to thank me."

[karioke13]

She does it in the comics too!

Jane isn't affectionate with Thor, he is more. She almost doesn't touch him and doesn't even talk about feelings.

Really? To me, it's the other way around. He doesn't dare touch her while she so casually pulls him into her.

Like, when he's leaving for Asgard at the end of the first film, he doesn't dare to do anything more than kiss her hand. But she just pulls him in the kiss.

And it's the specific gesture of her pulling him in by the neck that's important. First, it's inviting the other person into your space. Second, the neck/back of the head is a vulnerable area and it gives the other person immediate and powerful control over you. So, him allowing that (especially being a warrior) shows how much he trusts her. And her doing that without preamble shows that she knows she can do that.

You're not wrong. I see what you're saying about her not VOICING it enough. But I think she SHOWED enough for me to not question it.

[m1ghtythor]

I just don’t get how people can be so mean to some female characters. Like what’s the point of hating on them continuously?

People started calling Kamala crazy and obsessed because she met her idol, she was pretty excited (who wouldn’t BE?!), but when Peter Parker behaved the same way towards Tony everyone was like: “Omg!! He’s such a cute baby🥺🥺 They have a father-son relationship! So cute uwu!”. LIKE???!!!?!

Another example, Starlord singing and dancing in front of the enemy: “Oh my gosh!! So quirky!! Chris Pratt is the best🤣” . Jennifer Walters/SheHulk twerking with Megan Thee Stallion: “Mcu is in shambles” “This is what feminists like” “Cringe”

Again, Jane Foster has been called annoying, bitchy, or USELESS since 2011 (she only an astrophysicist who proved the existence of the einstein-rosen bridge, won a nobel prize, she’s the reason Thor is part of the avengers, and she’s also a cutie, nothing serious.) She was also called evil, you know by who? Fans of the same guy who took New York as hostage killing millions of people, yeah. She’s a bitch because Frigga died defending her, of course!!! It’s not (partially) Loki’s fault for showing the Dark Elves the fastest way out of the cells. (And I’m saying this as a Loki fan)

I could go on and on talking about Riri as the new ironman or Miguel O’Hara fans hating on Spider-Gwen. (OR LITERALLY THE WHOLE INTERNET ISSUE WITH BRIE LARSON/CAPTAIN MARVEL FOR SOME REASON?!!?)

You have all the rights to dislike a character, just don’t be sexist and incoherent, it’s easy. Why would you hate women for the same reason you love those men?

[meowmeow-motherfucker]

Covenant- Chapter 15

Summary: With the five year anniversary of the attack on New York approaching, Odin and Fury come to the agreement that an arranged marriage between Asgard and Earth would show good faith toward all future interactions. When Odin refuses Jane’s candidacy, Agent Coulson is tasked with finding a suitable wife for the prince of Asgard.

Pairing: Loki x OFC Claire Fisher

Word count: 12k (prepare drinks and snackies as always)

Chapter warnings: Thor being a good bro, Loki being a jealous turd, arguing that turns into a fist fight, idiots in love, angst, Claire and Loki both being toxic, witchcraft, gummy bear murder

Taglist: @lokisgoodgirl @gigglingtiggerv2 @icytrickster17 @mysteriouslyfriedjellyfish @lokislilkitten @justjoanne242 @amlocked @ddmariegirl @mags-04-blog @sharris8 @meepycheep @iamlokisgloriouspurpose @the-fantasy-loving-angel @jaidenhawke @smolvenger @ladymischief11 @huntress-artemiss

Please let me know if you'd like to be added to the taglist! Thanks for coming along on this journey with me! Buckle up gang :D

Read it on AO3 here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51197938/chapters/129363727

If Ragna’s move into her new quarters upset her master, there was nothing to suggest it. As the days passed, Claire watched each member of the court like a hawk, determined to suss out who deserved her ire. So far no suspects had revealed themselves.

Things with Loki were as pleasant as a pit of vipers.

He kept sending her notes, which she kept feeding into the fire. How could he possibly think notes would fix the problem?

Asshat.

Claire hissed as the needle pricked her yet again, sucking the tip of her finger into her mouth with a curse. She was tired of this class, tired of pricking her fingers, tired of pretending to be someone she wasn’t.

Looking down at the doily in her hands, Claire had to admit she had done a good job. The pattern she’d made with her stitches was almost elegant. She wondered if Frigga would approve, if she would like it.

Passing thoughts of giving it to her as a gift made Claire feel warm. It would be a nice gesture, and it would even more nice to have a good relationship with the only maternal figure she had.

Then Claire remembered Frigga was just another cog in Asgard’s machine, and decided she wouldn’t be giving Frigga gifts any time soon.

~~~~

“Your Majesty?” a guard said softly as he approached the council table to address Loki.

“Yes, what is it?”

“I’ve been sent to fetch you, Your Highness. There’s a problem with Her Majesty the princess royal.”

“Problem?”

“Her instructor insists you come at once.”

“By the Norns,” Loki sighed heavily. “Very well. Father, have you any further need of me?”

“We can finish this session without further input from your office,” Odin replied. “Go tend to your wife.”

“Please excuse me, gentlemen,” he gathered his things and left, following the Einherjar from the council chambers. What has she done now?

Several minutes later he entered the lesson room in which Claire and her instructor were sequestered. He found a roomful of animated young girls talking amongst themselves and an incensed instructor lecturing his wife, who sat alone sulking in the corner.

“What is the meaning of this?” he asked loudly, gaining the attention of all the room’s occupants.

“Your Majesty!” the instructor said eagerly. “Thank you for coming. I’m sorry you had to be bothered with such a trivial matter.”

“Explain.” Loki demanded impatiently.

“Your wife thought it would be appropriate to embroider profanity on her doily,” The instructor sighed. “Your Highness, I understand your wife needs educating in this area, but this is hardly the sort of example a woman of her stature should be setting for the younger students.” She looked to an unrepentant Claire, and demanded she show Loki her finished doily with an imperious gesture. Rolling her eyes, Claire lifted the offensive doily for Loki to see. Despite his best efforts, a burst of laughter escaped him at the sight of it.

The outer edges of the doily had undoubtedly beautiful needlework, bordered with a dainty chain of roses and clusters of tulips. The lettering in the center, however, did not mesh with the respectable border. Claire had elected to proclaim her distaste for embroidery by stitching the words ‘This is fucking stupid’ in black, bold lettering.

The instructor looked from Claire’s doily to Loki, her face a mask of stoic anger. “You understand my unwillingness to allow her to return.”

“Indeed,” Loki sighed. It was funny, but highly inappropriate. “Come along darling.” He gestured for Claire to exit with him. The instructor crossed her arms over her chest, puffing up with self importance.

“Perhaps Her Majesty can return when she displays the appropriate remorse for her actions.” she suggested.

“Not fucking likely.” Claire scoffed, eliciting gasps from the young girls in the room.

“Claire, that’s enough,” Loki said. “Wait for me in the hall.”

“Why; so you can discuss how to best discipline me like a problem child? No!”

“Claire-”

“You know I’m right!” Claire accused Loki. “You know this is a bullshit skill! What service will learning how to cross-stitch do these girls? They should be learning useful skills like diplomacy, history-”

“These girls are far too fragile for such nonsense,” the instructor interjected. “They are being taught the necessary skills for their lives.”

“And their lives will be what- sitting around waiting for their husband to tell them what to do and think?”

“Yes, and you’d be of far better use to me and everyone else if you’d been raised in such a way.” Claire slapped Loki across the face, and everyone froze in stunned silence.

“Fuck you,” She ripped her arm from Loki’s grasp and turned to leave, stopping short when the Einherjar reached for her. “Back the fuck off unless you wanna get slapped too.” She snarled, making the guard recoil from her as though she’d burned him. Pussy.

Claire slammed the door on her way out, leaving Loki and Miss Priss in her dust. Fuck them. Fuck all of them. She’d show them.

~~~~

It didn’t take long for Claire to find out she could not, in fact, show anyone anything.

The university refused to allow her to study. The headmaster had all but laughed her out of his office.

The Gothi was at least kinder in his rejection.

“You are a wife now, Your Majesty. You have duty enough.” he’d said when Claire told him she felt she had a responsibility to serve the people in some way. I have skills, she’d pleaded. Let me use them.

Every door she tried closed in her face.

~~~~

“Apologies, Your Majesty,” Astrid began, making Loki's heart sink. Claire wasn't coming. Yet again, she was refusing his invitation. “Her Majesty asked that I inform you she is busy.”

“Busy?” He scoffed. “What in Odin's name does she mean, she is busy?” What in Bor’s name could that woman be up to? It has been a week.

“I'm not sure, Your Majesty. Her Majesty simply sent her regrets.” Astrid replied sheepishly. Truthfully, the princess hadn't seemed sorry at all. She'd cackled like a witch when she'd read her husbands letter, but Astrid didn't dare let that be known.

“She cannot keep punishing me like this,” Loki huffed. “What would you suggest I do?”

“Me?” Astrid asked in surprise.

“As you are the only other person in the room...” Loki replied. Astrid fixed him with a glare, to which he shrugged.

“Perhaps a gesture? It need not be grand.”

“A gesture?” Loki raised his brow skeptically. To what purpose? To reward her for acting like a sullen child? He shook his head. “Absolutely not. Let her sulk. We've a state dinner in two days’ time, and we shall both be required to attend. She won't be able to say she is busy.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

~~~~

The following morning, Ragna and Astrid met as usual to gather breakfast for their respective royals.

“What did he say?” Ragna asked eagerly when Astrid joined the throng of servants in the kitchens. It was early morning, and Ragna knew her mistress would have slept fitfully. She had grown to the limits of her cage, Ragna feared, and was beating herself against its bars. While Ragna desired to think of Claire as limitless, she knew very well there was only so much influence any woman could wield without a husband’s assistance. Until the rift between the newly married royals was healed, Claire’s position in the court was dubious at best.

“I suggested a gesture,” Astrid reported. “His Majesty declined.”

“What? Why?”

“’Let her sulk’ were his exact words,” the older woman rolled her eyes. “The stubbornness in that boy, I swear to Odin.”

“Was he simply angry that she refused his invitation yet again?”

“I believe so, but he’s difficult to read at times. I used to know that boy so well,” Astrid sighed, giving a sad shake of her head. “I had such high hopes for them.”

“As did I,” Ragna said sullenly. “Perhaps they did too. Perhaps they just need help!”

“Help?” Astrid scoffed. “You must be very naive to think-”

“You said His Majesty is stubborn. So is Her Majesty. What if they’re both just denying their feelings?” Ragna suggested. “We should make a gesture on His Majesties behalf.”

“What sort of gesture could we hope to make, child?” Ragna folded her lips, unable to give an answer. She glanced around the room, ignoring the older woman’s heavy gaze until an idea popped into her brain.

“I’ll be right back.”

Astrid watched the young woman scurry out of the kitchen, and set about gathering breakfast for the prince and princess. It wouldn’t do for their morning meals to be late just because some girl had a flight of fancy.

She was just putting the finishing touches on the trays when Ragna returned, sweat dotting her brow and cheeks dark pink with exertion.

“Well?”

“Ta da!” Ragna presented a single flower, freshly plucked from the queen’s garden. She understood why the princess was fond of the expression now. It was quite joyful.

“Put that away! What are you thinking?” Astrid hissed, smothering the flower with her palm to hide it from prying eyes. “It is illegal to steal from the queen’s garden!”

“Not for His Majesty, it isn’t,” Ragna placed the flower on the tray just so, fanning out the delicate petals so none were crushed. “There. Do you think she will like it?”

“Why are you so invested in this? Your job is to serve the princess, not ensure her happiness.”

“I owe her my life,” Ragna hissed. “And if I have to risk punishment to make her happy, then so be it. Go be grumpy with your grumpy prince.” she huffed in annoyance, plucking the princess’ tray from the buffet.

“I hope that it works.” Astrid muttered as Ragna disappeared into the corridor.

~~~~

Claire had taken one look at the flower and thrown that into the fire too. She’d then taken her plate into bed and rolled herself into the blankets, her hand snaking out to grab the flaky pastry before it too disappeared into the void.

Ragna had let her sulk while she oversaw the cleaning of the chambers, but at Ragna’s insistence, Claire had allowed herself to be dressed and escorted to the great hall for the midday meal.

As she was halfway through picking at her food, Thor, Sif and the warriors three entered. Though they hailed her, Claire could only muster a wave before returning her focus to her plate. Volstagg attempted to go greet her, but Thor stopped him. Directing his friends toward a table of their own, Thor made his way over to Claire.

“Good afternoon sister,” Thor greeted her softly, taking the seat nearest her. “Does your food offend you?”

“No, I’m just not very hungry.” Claire replied sullenly, not even bothering to look up from her plate.

“I see,” Thor frowned. He’d known Claire was struggling, but clearly he’d misjudged how much. “I saw your needlework,” he remarked with a grin. “It will revolutionize the craft.”

“Oh my god, shut up,” Claire snorted, letting her fork drop with a clatter. At last her blue eyes strayed from the table to meet his. “You should give it to Jane,” Some of the light faded from Thor's eyes and Claire winced. “Sorry.”

“It's fine,” Thor replied. “I will give it to her when next I see her.”

“Sometime soon, hopefully?”

“We shall see,” Thor said with fake enthusiasm. “Claire, I wished to speak with you.”

“Um...okay. What about?”

“My brother, he...” Thor tapped his foot impatiently, his eyes darting to the cobblestone terrace beneath their feet. “He is not treating you as befitting a princess of Asgard.”

“I mean I give as good as I get-”

“I realize, but it pains me to see you treated thus. I thought you and Loki were well suited; everyone did. But now...I can tell you are unhappy, do not deny it-”

“I'm not!” Claire said baldly. “Look...” she paused, fingers drumming as her mind worked. “Your brothers a dick. So what. I mean what other option did I have except to break up you and Jane-”

“Would you be equally unhappy if things were different?”

“I can't answer that,” Claire huffed. “We talked about this, Thor. You're cool and all but it's a moot point,” she argued. “I made my choice and I stand by it.”

“Which Jane and I are grateful for, but it pains me to see you suffer! I would not treat you thus and it is disgraceful that Loki does.”

“What do you want me to say, dude? I’m not your responsibility,” Claire huffed angrily. “You would be miserable if we’d gotten married and you know it. This is a shitty situation any way you flush it.”

“But I would not be cruel,” Thor insisted. “I will have words with my brother.” He said, his tone resolved as he got to his feet.

“Okay, your funeral.” Claire grumbled to herself, resuming her salad stabbing when Thor strode off.

~~~~

“Ah, Thor. How delightful to see you,” Loki rumbled when Thor darkened the doorway of his study. “What do you want?”

“I would have words with you, brother,” Thor said gravely as he stepped inside the austere room. “I come to champion your wife.”

“Oh do you?” Loki asked lowly. “What concerns have you to level at me?”

“You neglect her, and when you don't you mistreat her-”

“She has a full staff, immaculately appointed chambers, stately clothing, as well as all of my wealth and status,” Loki barked, the heavy tome in his hands hitting the desk with a loud thud. “In what way does that constitute neglect?”

“You known what I mean-”

“Do I?” Loki challenged. “Do I abuse her? Beat her?”

“She is wretched, Loki, because you refuse to have anything to do with her!”

“Me?!” Loki scoffed. “She has ignored all my missives for days-”

“Because you ignored her first!” Thor insisted. “All of Asgard knows how childish you both can be, but Odin's beard, Loki. I would never have treated her this way-”

“Oh NOW we come to the crux of the issue,” Loki laughed darkly. “You refused her hand, Thor. You have no say in what befalls her now.”

“I only meant that-”

“YOU THINK THIS TO BE A GAME?!” Loki shouted over him. “You dare speak to me about my wife as if you have ANY right-”

“You dishonor her!” Thor slammed his fist on the desk between them. “You are meant to be her closest companion! Instead she sequesters herself in her chambers, she hasn’t spoken to Mother in days- when is the last time you’ve even laid eyes on her-” Loki reached across the desk and grabbed Thor by the collar, pulling him bodily from his chair.

“You will listen and you will listen well, brother. If you so much as look at my wife again-” Thor faltered, convinced he was seeing things. He could have sworn Loki's eyes changed from green to black, whites flooding red. “I will take your eyes and feed them to you.”

“Loki-”

“Do. You. Understand.”

“I...yes.” Thor relented. Loki released him, all but shoving him back into his chair.

“If that is all, I have work to do.” Loki gestured for Thor to leave, eyes hard as steel as he watched Thor go.

~~~~

“Does this look okay?” Claire asked Loki as she stepped out from behind the folding screen. It was late in the afternoon, and though their guests for the state dinner had already arrived, the couple would not be greeting them until they arrived at dinner. This was Claire’s first time attending such a formal event and she wanted to make sure she looked presentable before they made their entrance.

She wore a floor length halter-necked gown in a dusty shade of lilac with golden thread along the hems and bust, and two ropes of the thread dangling from the belt. Her golden armband was already in place on her bicep and her hair was braided, the same way Loki had braided her hair on their wedding day (Frigga’s idea). Her hair had grown since she’d arrived, the curled ends now brushing mid-way down her bare back.

Everyone in the palace was under strict instructions to make no mention of the tense relationship between the prince and princess royal- which had led to Claire, her staff, vanity and gown being brought to Loki’s chambers to get ready. Being shoved into shared space had both of them on edge, like cats with their tails puffed and claws out.

“I suppose.” Loki replied coolly, not even sparing her a glance. Claire clenched her jaw in anger; she was so tired of his attitude.

“Would it help if I painted myself blue? Maybe then you would have an opinion.” She said venomously. Loki’s head snapped up and Claire smirked in satisfaction as his eyes became mottled with rage.

“My opinion, wife,” he sneered. “Is that you are a vindictive little creature that would serve me better in a grave than in my bed.”

“Have you looked at yourself lately?!” Claire hissed back at him. “You’re not exactly in line for the ‘Nicest Person of the Year’ award!”

“At least I do not prod at other people’s insecurities as blatantly as you.”

“Oh please,” Claire scoffed. “You do that to me every fucking day, Loki. You know how to hurt me and I know how to hurt you and we are just fucking perfect for each other!” She yelled.

“Like Hel we are,” Loki growled. “Mark my words, little wife. If I could get away with it I’d wring your neck myself!” He snarled viciously, his hands bunching the fabric of her collar.

“I want to stab you in the face.” Claire seethed, shoving against him angrily. Loki had the gall to laugh at her.

“Oh, I could do infinitely more damage to you than you could to me.”

Oh can you? Claire punched Loki in the face, hard. His head shot back and he staggered back a few feet. He glared at her in anger and surprise, his bottom lip split and bloody, and he scoffed when she smirked. In an instant they were exchanging blows. Loki immediately gained the upper hand, seeing as he was stronger, but Claire managed to kick his feet out from under him. They toppled to the floor, each of them grappling for control, grunting and snarling like animals as Astrid raced to the door.

Fabric ripped as Loki shoved Claire off of him and she hit the floor, her breath whooshing out of her painfully. Angrily she swung at him, a quick jut of her knee catching him in the chin when he blocked her arms. Loki growled, pinning her beneath his weight as he moved to crush her windpipe. Claire wrapped her legs around his arm, feet braced against his chest as she pushed against his hold. Black dots clouded her vision as she clawed at his face, and she was never more grateful for having manicured nails than when she cut across his cheek bone. His hold slackened, his weight shifting as he shielded his face in the crook of his arm.

The doors to the room flew open with a loud clang as Odin and Thor strode angrily into the room. Claire’s knee struck Loki between the legs, and he released her in huff of pain, collapsing on top of her.

“Stop!” Odin thundered as Thor pulled Loki off of Claire by his collar. Claire rolled to the side, coughing and wheezing as she cradled her throat.

“Are you alright?” Thor asked, pulling her to her feet.

“Awesome,” Claire croaked, flashing a weak thumb’s up.

“It seems we arrived just in time,” Thor shot Loki a heated look. “What were you thinking?!”

“We will not discuss this here,” Odin barked. “To the council chambers, all of you!”

“Great, another pow-wow.” Claire hissed as Thor herded her and Loki out into the hallway.

~~~~

The ‘pow-wow’ was a full on family meeting with Thor, Frigga, Odin, Loki on one side of the table and Phil, Maria Hill and Director Fury on the other. Claire had been seated awkwardly in the middle between Frigga and Phil, both of whom were fussing over her blooming bruises and the state of her dress.

“Now then, let us discuss this calmly.” Odin sighed from his side of the table, glaring pointedly at Loki.

“Why do you assume that I started the fight?” Loki spat. “Go on; ask the little wench who struck first.”

“Loki!” Frigga chided her youngest son. “That is no way to speak about your wife.”

“You’re just mad that I caught you off guard!” Claire hissed at him.

“Silence; both of you!” Odin shouted. “Is this true?” he asked Claire.

“Yes.” Claire sighed.

“Claire…” Phil groaned beside her. “Why-”

“He threatened to wring my neck!” Claire shouted.

“She threatened to stab me in the face.” Loki shrugged when everyone glared at him.

“You started it you psychopath; all I did was ask your opinion!” Claire’s chair fell to the floor as she sprung to her feet.

“Sit down and shut up Agent Fisher,” Fury finally spoke. “Loki, will you explain what the hell happened-I will get to you in a minute! I asked him.” Fury silenced Claire when she made to protest.

“She asked my opinion of her current attire. We have important guests coming this evening and she wished to make a good impression.”

“And then what?” Fury looked over to Claire.

“He was very rude and condescending. I…may have suggested that he would have a more amicable opinion if I were blue.”

“Ah, but that’s not what started it,” Loki shook his head, leveling his gaze on Claire. “Tell them what you said next.”

“That we’re perfect for each other because we know exactly how to hurt each other.” Loki threw up his hands in victory.

“My wife, the shrew.”

“Piss off, runt!”

“Enough!” Odin silenced them. “This is what prompted you to hit Loki?”

“That’s when he offered to strangle me,” Claire replied. “I offered to rearrange his face, then he said he could do more damage to me.”

“Then she hit me.”

“You deserved it.” Loki smirked at Claire’s words.

“Is this funny to you?” Phil glared at Loki. “Look at her neck! You could have killed her.”

“Yes, I very well could have. But thank Odin, I was interrupted.”

“Clearly this animosity is not resolving itself as I had hoped,” Odin said sternly. “I have no choice but to separate the two of you, after our guests have gone home. I will conceal your injuries while our guests remain but you will wear them with pride until they have healed. Pride is what caused this quarrel so it is only fitting for the punishment. Is this sufficient or have you any suggestions?” he peered over at Fury.

“What about recidivism?” Fury asked. “How do we ensure this doesn’t happen again?”

“If it does, Loki will face my wrath. I will be adding some wounds of my own.”

“Surely Claire will have a consequence as well.” Loki muttered.

“I cannot threaten her as I threaten you-”

“He has a point though,” Claire said. “Maybe…that’s what we need.”

“You would not withstand it,” Loki spat. “Do not agree with me simply to save face.”

“I’m not! We obviously need a buffer.”

“Very well, I will select a resident of the palace to act as said buffer until you are capable of acting like adults. Thor will stand in for the time being.” Odin decreed.

“What of Claire’s consequence?” Phil asked.

“I have already sent a son to the dungeons. I am not above sending a daughter if need be.” Loki looked at Odin in surprise, frowning as he slumped in his chair.

“Is this agreeable to you?” Fury asked Claire, who nodded lamely.

“S.H.I.E.L.D. would like to send a representative to meet with our love birds,” Fury said, glancing to Claire and Loki who were making threatening gestures to each other across the table. He cleared his throat loudly, and both parties looked at him guiltily. “Someone to help them...act like adults.”

“When can we expect your representative?” Frigga asked politely.

“He will need to be briefed, but we can send him within the next few days.”

“Wonderful,” Frigga smiled. “We will have chambers made ready for him. Now we must be getting ready for our guests to arrive. Will you be returning to Midgard or would you prefer to stay?”

“I would like to stay, if that’s alright.” Phil said.

“Fine by me.” Fury replied.

“Very well, we will have chambers prepared for you as well. You may act as a second buffer this evening,” Odin nodded. “Thor, please escort our guest and your charges to their respective chambers.”

“Yes Father.”

~~~~

The great hall was packed with nobles from near and far. Music floated on the air, overlapping conversations making the room buzz as wine and mead flowed like water.

Dinner had been boring, the nobles all tripping over themselves to toast Odin and the royal family and blah blah blah. Even though Phil sat at the table with her and Loki like a babysitter, Claire was glad that at least the food had been good.

Now they were at the “mingling” part of the evening and Claire was just counting the minutes until she could disappear. Frigga had been very clear that even though she and Loki had just tried to kill each other, appearances were still to be kept and they were expected to stay until a certain point in the evening. Many of the nobles in attendance had been at their wedding, but some had not, and they were expected to play the part of newlyweds until their guests left.

She and Loki had done their best so far, and their best was simply pretending the other didn’t exist.

“I’ve always hated events like these,” the woman sighed as she approached Claire. Her eyes were glassy and her breath reeked of wine, and Claire did her best not to show her displeasure on her face. She’d hoped to hide away in the corner until she could slink away and nurse her wounds in private, but instead she plastered a fake smile on her face as the woman continued to complain about the accommodations. “-linen is scratchy and the staff!”

“I have wonderful staff.” Claire replied pleasantly, sipping at her wine. Rich people complain about the weirdest shit.

“They should teach mine how to treat their betters,” the woman replied, one hand fussing with the deep orange of her gown. “Perhaps I could borrow them?”

“They’re people, not books,” Claire wrinkled her nose in disgust. “Things could be worse. You could be doing it yourself.”

“My husband would love that,” the woman chortled, casting a derisive look across the great hall. “Gods, I can’t stand that man. If we had a second home, I would take up residence there.”

“You don’t like each other?”

“We were an arranged match. We wed not long after the king and queen. Our children are grown and duty is fulfilled, but that is all we’ve ever been to each other.”

“That’s...really sad.”

“That is the cost of privilege,” the woman finished her drink, snapping her fingers at a passing servant for a refill. “Don’t be surprised if the same happens to your own marriage.”

“Lovely to meet you.” Claire murmured, leaving the drunk woman to her fresh glass of wine. Determined to shake off the woman’s warning, she passed through the crowd, exchanging false smiles so sweet they made her jaw ache. After several minutes, her eyes landed on Loki's familiar form, and she wove through the crowded room toward him. Loki was deep in conversation with an older man as she approached, giving her a slight smile as she tethered herself to him with an arm around his.

“-wouldn't believe the nerve of these people. They’re rioting in the streets like animals,” the man bemoaned, wine spilling on the deep orange sash he wore as he gestured wildly. Claire’s eyes narrowed as the stain bloomed like blood from a wound. “Everything we've done for them and they have the gall to demand more.”

“Have you considered giving them what they want?” Claire asked.

“I beg your pardon?” the man asked, looking at Loki with derision. “You allow your wife to speak to men so boldly?” Loki’s jaw flexed angrily.

“I-”

“You said your people are rioting. They clearly have a need of which you are either ignorant or uncaring and they feel they have no other choice. Perhaps if you listened to them-”

“I must say you are quite eloquent for a Midgardian,” the man interrupted Claire, completely ignoring her. “I've always thought them to be rather dull.” He added to Loki, as though speaking about a cow instead of a person.

“I can read and write too, if you can believe it,” Claire sneered. “God, you're condescending. It's no wonder your wife can't stand you.” Loki laughed nervously, his hand closing tightly around her elbow just before she could dart out of reach.

“Excuse us, please. Sorry.”

“Don't apologize to that pompous twat!”

“Stop talking,” Loki hissed as he steered her away. “You can't say things like that-”

“The hell I can't!” Claire ripped her arm from his grasp as they neared the small stage the musicians occupied. “I'm not going to let some dickhead talk down to me. I'm not an idiot-”

“I know you're not-”

“How would you know?!” Claire laughed. “Knowing someone requires spending time with them, not pretending they don't exist.”

“I don't-”

“The hell you don't. I get it, you have buyer's remorse. Well tough shit, pal, it's too late to send me home now!”

“Come outside,” Loki pleaded softly, obviously trying to placate her. Even though the music was muffling their argument, the people nearest to them were starting to stare. “Please.”

“I'm not going anywhere with you.”

“You are causing a scene.”

“And you are hurting me,” Claire ripped her hand out of his grasp. “Leave me alone.”

“This stops now, do you understand?” Loki hissed under his breath. “You are acting like a spoiled child!”

“I know you are, but what am I?” Claire started giggling as his jaw clenched. “Ooo you are mad. What are you gonna do, huh? Ignore me some more? Or send me another single flower? Oooo or maybe you’d like to choke me more! That'll show me!”

“What are you talking about?”

“I got your dumb flower on my breakfast tray. You think that's all it's gonna take to win me over, after the way you've treated me? Baby, you're gonna have to try a LOT harder to saddle this brood mare.” Claire splashed her wine in his face and spun on her heel to leave. The room spun violently and she stumbled. She heard several women gasp as strong hands grabbed her by the waist, keeping her upright as they steered her out into the hall. “Leave me alone!”

“You shouldn't be on your own-”

“I'm not going anywhere with you!” Claire snarled. “Just leave me alone; you’re great at that.”

“What are you talking about?!”

“I’m talking about the fact that you abandoned me! The second we got back from our honeymoon you dropped me like a hot potato and I have had to navigate all of this-” Claire gestured wildly to the party they’d just left. “-Alone! You promised me I wouldn’t have to; you promised, Loki. You’re meant to keep your promises and the second you had the chance, you broke them.”

“What in the hell is going on out here?!” Phil whisper-shouted as he leaned out of the great hall.

“GO AWAY!” the married couple shouted in unison. Phil slipped out of the great hall, gesturing for the guards flanking the double doors to close them. Claire saw several guests inside trying to spy on them as the doors closed.

“Things changed.”

“What changed?!” Claire shouted, shoving Loki angrily. “You made me feel like you cared about me, like you loved me,” she wiped her face with the back of her hand, cheeks flaming as she sobbed. “I thought we were happy, that we would be okay! Then as soon as we got back to the city you tossed me aside like trash. And I've never understood why. Why; what did I do?! I-” she stopped herself and took a deep breath, pulling up the proverbial drawbridge as she wiped her tears away. “If you don't care about me, you don't want me around- fine. But I will not live like this, do you hear me? You might as well just knock me up now, because the sooner I have a baby, then the sooner I can move far away from the city and be with people who actually care about me.” Loki stopped short, doubt clouding his eyes as he looked down at her.

“I thought you wanted to wait.”

“Yeah, well- that was then,” Claire snapped. “When I thought we actually had a future. When I thought we could be happy. But now?” Claire laughed sarcastically. “That was our future we saw in there, Loki! That guy you were talking to? His wife hates him. They don’t care about each other; they only care about duty,” she sneered. “How long do you think it’ll take before we’re just like that?” she swallowed thickly, new tears threatening as she looked away. “I didn’t want us to be like this.”

“Claire, you're drunk. We will talk about this more when you're thinking clearly.”

“No! I wanna talk about this NOW!” Claire shoved at him again with all her weight, nearly making him stumble. “You don't get to just throw me away and expect me to come running whenever you call! I'm not your pet, you ass, I am your WIFE!”

“Alright, fine, I apologize,” Loki hissed hurriedly. “Will you please stop shouting?”

“NO! I gave up EVERYTHING for you AND I WILL SHOUT IF I FUCKING FEEL LIKE IT! AND I DO!!”

“At least-”

“NO! I am SICK of you-” her finger poked him in the chest angrily. “-and your dumb handsome face and that dumb distracting thing your jaw does when you get mad-” she blanched, her face going pale. “Oh no.”

“Claire?” Loki asked hopefully. Phil moved in to help, both of them grimacing when Claire doubled over and vomited all over Loki’s boots.

“I yelled too much.” She said pathetically.

“Yes,” Loki frowned. “Clearly, that was the problem.”

“We have lots of problems,” Claire groaned. “Let’s just cut our losses and have a baby now. Fuck it. It works on Earth, right?” she asked, her laughter bordering on hysterical. “How much worse could it possibly be here?”

“Is that really what you want?” Loki asked.

“No!” Claire shoved him away, wiping her mouth on her sleeve. “I want the Loki I fell in love with. I don’t even know you,” she snarled, staggering away as guards approached to diffuse the situation. “Leave me alone. I can walk.”

Loki chased after her, leaving a trail of vomit-y foot prints in his wake. He was determined to make her see reason if it killed them both. Phil followed, ready to step in the second things went too far.

“Will you- STOP!” Loki shouted, jerking Claire back with a hand around her bicep.

“Let go!” She fought against his hold, feet slipping in the mess at his feet. “Let GO!” She shrieked, shoving at him hard enough to knock him to the ground. Loki landed in the mess with a disgusting splat. The guards in the hall looked on in shock, Phil stifling his laughter with a hand over his mouth.

“Are you happy now?” Loki asked angrily, his wounds from their earlier altercation reappearing as they grew far enough away from the great hall and their guests.

“Happy? You think I'm happy?!” Claire shouted. “What part of ANY OF THIS would make you think I'm happy?! You should have let me leave when I had the chance instead of tricking me into staying, you selfish! Fucking! ASSHOLE!” Claire accentuated each shout with an angry kick to Loki's leg. A guard finally stepped in to separate them, but a feral glance from Claire and the sudden appearance of the knife she carried stopped him cold. “You put a fucking hand on me and you'll lose it,” She turned back to Loki, color high in her cheeks and tears in her eyes. “Look at me!” She demanded. Her throat felt hoarse from shouting and her neck was sore. Claire knew her wounds had returned as well. She held her arms out angrily, glaring down at him where he still sat. “This is what you wanted, Loki. I hope you're satisfied.” She turned on her heel and left Loki behind once again.

She made her way through the opulent hallways, feeling the walls closing in from every direction. Gunnar eyed her with concern as she finally reached her rooms, flashing her a sympathetic smile as he opened the door. Claire tore off her dress, tears falling freely as she pulled on comfy sweats and a ratty t shirt. She didn't have the patience to undo her hair, so she left it. She collapsed onto the soft bed and let herself sob.

“Your Majesty?” Ragna’s concerned voice made her jump. “Your uncle is outside.”

“Let him in please.” Ragna nodded, disappearing from her blurry vision.

“Claire?” Phil called, his footsteps sounding as he made his way to her bedroom. “Hey.”

“Hi,” Claire said wetly. “Aren’t you glad you stayed? I sure am.”

“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?” Phil asked as he sat on the bed gingerly.

“Both, I think,” Claire hiccupped. “God, this is so fucked.”

“What the hell happened?” Phil asked as Ragna breezed in with a tray of food and a pitcher of water. “When I left, you two were all over each other.”

“I wish I knew,” Claire shook her head. “Thank you, Ragna. Will you help me fix my hair?”

“Of course,” Ragna crossed the room, grabbing a silver hairbrush from Claire’s vanity before sitting behind her on the bed. “I brought your favorite cake from the kitchen.”

“You’re amazing, thank you.”

“Of course,” Ragna smiled as she began to pluck the pins from Claire’s elaborate hairstyle. “His Majesty is a fool.”

“And to think, I married the smart brother.” Claire quipped, the two women sharing quiet giggles as Ragna brushed Claire’s hair.

“So what, Loki’s a hostile again?” Phil asked. “Was he just pretending this whole time?”

“I don’t know,” Claire shook her head. “Something isn’t adding up. Things changed when we got back from our honeymoon; up until then he was basically a declawed kitten.”

“It’s true,” Ragna offered. “Both of them were quite amorous on the trip.”

“Yes, thank you,” Phil grimaced, his stomach turning at the thought. “Do you have any theories?”

“Nothing concrete. The biggest contender is Yrsa,” Claire spat the name. “She and Loki used to be a thing, and she’s been telling the entire court that he’s bored of me and only wants me to have his babies.”

“And you believe that?”

“I mean, what else am I supposed to think? He barely spends more than ten minutes at a time with me, and usually half that time is taken up with us fighting.”

“More than half,” Ragna muttered under her breath, shrugging when Claire and Phil both glanced at her. “Am I wrong?”

“Ugh, no,” Claire agreed. “I can’t ignore the possibility of Fandral being involved too. He’s been barking up my tree since I got here.”

“Is he allowed to do that?” Phil asked.

“No one is allowed to do that, except Loki. Not that he wants to,” Claire rolled her eyes. “Honestly, I could see Yrsa and Fandral working together.”

“They have been seen walking together,” Ragna reported in a scandalous tone. “Yrsa’s father is furious, if palace gossip is to be believed.”

“You’re kidding,” Claire scoffed. “That’s just great!”

“Why would her father be furious?” Phil asked.

“Because Fandral is a huge skeeze,” Claire replied. “Like if you looked it up in the dictionary, you’d find a large picture of him next to the definition. Not to mention, he’s a huge step down in rank from the prince royal. I’d be pissed too if she was my kid.”

“You’d be pissed over rank?”

“Not so much the rank, but Loki is much cooler than Fandral in my opinion.”

“He made you cry.” Phil said flatly.

“And I will stab him in due time, but I would much rather be married to him than Fandral.” Claire shuddered at the thought.

“I can go stab him right now-”

“Absolutely not- as his wife, I get first dibs! The rest of you can form a line behind me,” Claire argued. “What the fuck am I supposed to do? I can’t live the rest of my life like this.”

“I am once again recommending stabbing-”

“Stabbing isn’t going to solve all of my problems!” Claire shouted. “I need actual advice that won’t land me in prison.” Phil sighed heavily, adjusting his seat on the bed.

“Look, this place is insane, but I have never known you to let another person define you. You always said there were things you would want to do if you were in a position of power, and now you are. Stab Loki, don’t stab Loki; the choice is up to you. But I think you should focus on something else for now.”

“Your uncle has a point,” Ragna agreed. “You should not spend your days hiding. It doesn’t suit you.”

“Take the night and process...all of this,” Phil gestured to Claire. “You have to admit that was a lot, and I wasn’t even technically part of it.”

“Ugh, fine,” Claire rolled her eyes. “At least tell me about the shrink they’re bringing in.”

“We can talk tomorrow. You need to eat all these treats, sober up, and get some sleep,” Phil swooped in and kissed her forehead, something he hadn’t done since she was a preteen. Claire’s nose wrinkled in response, but she allowed the affection. “And no sneaking out to stab anyone.” Phil flashed the ‘I’m-watching-you’ signal before letting himself out.

“Would you like me to stay?” Ragna asked gently.

“No, Ragna, go get some sleep,” Claire got up to retrieve the tray of food. “I have some work to do.”

“Please don’t hesitate to call for me,” Ragna got to her feet to leave. “After all, I am right next door now.”

Claire watched Ragna disappear through the door adjoining their chambers before turning her focus onto the food in front of her. She was still full from dinner, but the tiny cakes were too pretty to resist.

As she ate, Claire thought back to Loki. Clearly resolving things wasn’t going to happen any time soon. Something had to change. But what?

“What am I supposed to do?” She asked the empty room pathetically. “I can't live like this.” Claire got to her feet, wiping her swollen eyes delicately on her sleeve. She rummaged in her armoire for her hidden snack bag. Claire seized a package of peanut butter crackers and the pitcher of water Ragna had left for her. Claire took her offering out onto the terrace, setting the crackers and pitcher on the railing. Stepping back, she slid down the wall to sit on the cold stone floor. “Hekate, please...help me. I don't know what to do.” Exhausted and drained, Claire quickly fell asleep where she sat, tumbling deep into the realm of dreams.

She dreamed of an unseen dog howling, and a deep but feminine voice whispering to her.

“Feelings pass,” the voice promised. “Greatness calls.” Claire saw Ragna and her other ladies, and a hundred thousand silhouettes behind them. Ragna smiled, and Claire jolted awake, her mind suddenly and blissfully clear. She was still upset, but the hurt felt...dulled, almost. Still there, but less central. Claire knew that, even though she still held hope for a good relationship with Loki, there were more important things she could do with her new life.

So Loki was a dick. There was more to life than...well...dick. Claire felt resolved. She would dedicate her life to using her position to help others. But a little mystical warfare couldn’t hurt...

Claire rummaged through her things until she found what she needed. Typically she would prefer a lemon hex, but she didn’t want to arouse suspicion by asking for anything. A jar would suit Loki just fine.

She lit the black candle, sitting at her desk to let it burn down. She wrote Loki’s name on a slip of parchment three times, folding the paper away from her as she focused her intention into it. She stuffed the paper into the bottom of the small jar and added vinegar to it. She added a smattering of red pepper flakes, a dash of black pepper, and a mountain of chili powder.

Brushing off her fingers, Claire sat back and considered the jar. It felt incomplete. She could always pee in the jar, but that felt unnecessary. For all her anger, she might forgive Loki if he stopped being a massive prick.

Claire stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air. The early morning sun made her eyes water as she squinted at the mountains, enjoying the cool crisp breeze that ruffled her hair. She let her hands wander across the stone balustrade, the small pock marks in the stone rasping against her skin until she bumped into something unusual with her hand. Claire looked down, eyebrows raising as she realized what it was.

A dead wasp.

Yellow legs curled in the air above the wasps’ thorax, as if reaching to the sky for comfort. Claire couldn’t recall seeing any wasps in her time on Asgard, but she’d never been one to look a gift horse in the mouth.

“Thank you,” she murmured, eyes darting upward as she collected the dead wasp from its resting place. Inside, she dropped it into the jar and inserted the cork plug. “Until you do right by me, everything you touch will crumble. So mote it be.” Claire tipped the black candle, sealing the jar and her intentions in inky wax. The candle was snuffed, and the jar found a new home on the small altar she’d concealed in her armoire.

Exhausted, Claire dragged her feet all the way to her bed, where she collapsed on top of the blankets. Her eyes fluttered closed, willing the sun not to rise any further so she could get some decent rest.

A sudden thought had her reaching for paper and a quill. She wrote quickly, desperate to get her thoughts on paper before she fell asleep.

~~~~

“Good morning, Your Majesty,” Ragna called as she stepped into the princess’ bed chamber. The princess lay sprawled face down across the mattress in her night clothes. One slipper clung desperately to the ball of her foot, the other lay on its side halfway across the room as if she’d thrown it. One of her arms hung over the side of the bed, fingers curled loosely around a quill. A dribble of ink had dried along one of her fingers, pinning a scrap of discarded parchment to her fingernail with black ooze. “Perhaps not so good,” Ragna cringed. Her neck would probably be very sore when she woke. “Your Majesty?”

“I’m up!” Claire bolted upright, her spine crackling loudly at the movement and paralyzing her with pain. “Owfucknevermind,” she wheezed, collapsing back onto the bed. “Hi.”

“Hello,” Ragna chuckled. “Shall I draw you a bath?”

“Yes please,” Claire moaned as she tried to burrow into the blankets. The crinkle of parchment made her flinch, gazing at the parchment stuck to her hand in bewilderment. “Is there something stuck to me?” she flapped her hand to get it off, flapping harder when it stayed stuck in place. “Whatthefuck?!”

“It’s alright,” Ragna rushed to help her, carefully unsticking the parchment from her nail bed. “It’s just a bit of parchment. It looks as though you were...oh.”

“What?” Claire asked. “What is it?” Ragna appeared to be holding back laughter as she handed the parchment to Claire.

“I didn’t realize you were artistically inclined. It’s...lovely.”

On the paper, Claire had created a rough sketch of the poop emoji, squared on top of a sloppy rendering Loki’s shoulders.

“Oh yeah, I remember now,” Claire snickered. “Get it? He’s a shit head.” she and Ragna burst into hysterical laughter, throwing them completely off task and making Claire late.

As she was hurrying to the great hall, she accidentally bumped into Thor when she turned a corner, dropping her notebook and the parchment onto the floor.

“Shit, sorry! It’s been a...a rough morning.” Claire said as she stooped to gather her things.

“It is no trouble, sister. I assumed it would be a difficult morning for you.”

“You heard, didn’t you?” Claire asked flatly.

“Dear sister, I believe everyone heard.” Thor offered sympathetically. Hogun, Sif and Volstagg wore matching grimaces on their faces.

“Cool, I love that for me,” Claire groaned. “I didn’t exactly plan on making a scene, it just happened.”

“What is this?” Volstagg asked, bending low to collect something off the ground. Claire’s stomach rioted violently as she recognized the parchment.

“I believe this is-” Sif blanched, her brows furrowing as she brought the parchment closer to her face. “Is this...excrement?”

“He’s a shit head.” Claire said quietly, hugging her things to her chest. The warriors laughed raucously, new peals of laughter beginning with each pass the drawing made around their semi-circle.

“I think you captured him perfectly,” Thor cackled with glee, wiping a tear from his eye as he gazed down at the drawing. “Well done!”

“Thanks, can I get it back please?”

“BROTHER! COME SEE YOUR WIFE’S ARTISTIC RENDERING OF YOU!” Thor bellowed down the hall.

“Thor, no,” Claire begged. “Don’t be that guy, come on, let me have it back, he’s gonna be pissed- okay, more pissed.” She really didn’t want to see Loki right now and she especially didn’t want him to see her making fun of him with Thor and the others. They really didn’t need any more bad blood between them.

“Peace, sister, he will never harm you-”

“That’s not- just give it back, please give it back-”

“I shan’t! Not until Loki sees it!” Thor cried, holding it high above his head. “You cannot possibly reach this high-ack!” Thor found himself sprawled on the floor as Claire tackled him to the floor, arm straining to reach the parchment as Thor fought to hold her back. A familiar (freshly cleaned) pair of boots came into view and Claire’s stomach sank.

“Mother fucker.”

“I beg your pardon?” Disdain dripped from every syllable out of Loki’s mouth. “What is this?” he asked pointedly. “This is low, even for you.” Claire wasn’t sure if he was talking to Thor or her. She cringed as she realized how this must look- they were sort of tangled together. Claire found herself unceremoniously dumped on the floor as Thor jumped to his feet.

“Just a bit of sport! Claire wanted you to see-” Thor collapsed as Claire kicked his leg out from under him, sending the parchment fluttering out of his meaty hand.

“I did not, you big dumb liar!” Great insult Claire. Thor will need ice for that burn. “I was trying to get it back-”

“I care not about your petty squabbles. I am however, rather offended by your artistic liberties.”

“Oh?”

“You are missing quite a bit of detail in my armor, for one,” Loki said pointedly, green eyes flicking up to meet hers. “And secondly, I am disappointed that you neglected to add stink lines. Hardly an example of compelling storytelling, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Thank you very much for the critique, Picasso,” Claire snatched the parchment from his open hand. “I’ll be sure to give you my edits.” she stomped off toward the great hall.

“First thing tomorrow!” Loki called after her, allowing a smirk to grace his features when she flipped him off over her shoulder.

“Loki-”

“Do not speak to me,” Loki rounded on Thor, eyes gleaming with vitriol. “You mean to test me? Do not touch my wife again.”

“I meant no harm-”

“I do not care what your intent is, do not touch her again!”

“But she-”

“ENOUGH!” Thor flinched. “Heed me, brother. Or on my honor as a Prince of Asgard, I shall be forced to demand recompense” Thor’s eyes grew wide with fear.

“You have my word, Loki. I truly meant no ill will.” he said nervously.

Loki stalked away, following his wife’s footsteps toward the great hall. Claire was already seated at their table, doodling in a notebook. Loki said nothing as he approached, watching her write words and circling them before connecting the circles with lines.

“What are you doing?” he couldn’t help but ask.

“I’m making a word web, to brainstorm.” Claire said absently, scrawling the words ‘hjemlos’ and ‘agriculture’ on her paper before drawing a line between them.

“And what is the purpose of this?”

“I’m trying to figure out how best to spend my time and influence,” Claire made another note as Ragna brought her a goblet of juice. “Thank you Ragna. What do you think about this?” she tapped the paper, the two women falling into quiet conversation as Loki looked on.

“You’re plotting with servants now?” he asked when Ragna stepped away.

“I’ve got to do something that doesn’t involve waiting for you to get your head out of your ass,” Claire replied calmly as she scratched something out and added something in. “If you don’t have anything constructive to add, please let me work in peace.”

“Suddenly you care about peace,” Loki laughed sarcastically. “I’m sure our guests last night would have much preferred this new peaceful version of you. Think how quiet the evening would have been without you making a scene.”

“And who pushed me to make that scene?” blue eyes flicked in his direction accusingly.

“I would wager it was the entire cask of wine you consumed. How is your stomach this morning?”

“Funny.”

“I try.” It was clear he had no intent to let her focus on her work, so Claire closed her notebook. She nestled her pen in the metal rings before rounding on him.

“Since you’re so desperate to chat, let me share some things I’ve learned about you in the past few weeks-”

“I do not care what idle observations-”

“You have issues with commitment.”

“This is your world-shattering observation?” Loki scoffed. “I hope you have evidence to support your claim.”

“Oh don’t worry, I kept all the receipts,” Claire patted his arm in a pseudo comforting manner. “Let’s see…you failed at being a king, you failed at defeating your brother, then you failed at conquering my planet, which led to this disaster which you also failed at! In conclusion-”

“Do you have a point?”

“I do, thanks so much for asking. My point is you are really, really great at starting things, and really, reallybad at finishing them- for the love of god, do not make a sex joke right now!” Claire hissed when Loki opened his mouth to argue. Loki’s face wrinkled in disgust.

“I wasn’t,” he grumbled. “The last thing I want to think about at this moment is having sex with you.”

“Oh goody, we’re in agreement!” Claire replied cheerfully. “Now, I’ve had some time to think about your little problem-”

“Have you considered speaking less?”

“Have you considered throwing yourself off the bifrost?” Claire asked. “Oh wait- you already did that! Back to what I was saying-”

“Your theory, whilst entertaining, is wrong.”

“Oh?”

“Very. Whatever our personal climate, the alliance still stands which means it is a success.”

“I couldn’t give a rats ass about the alliance right now. I’m talking about you and me. I stayed here for you. We were building something amazing and you threw it away. You can’t stand to be vulnerable- that’s your real problem.”

“Stop talking.”

“Make me.”

“I could, if I wanted.” his dark eyes glinted with anger.

“So do it. There’s a knife right there,” Claire’s eyes dropped to the knife on his place setting before she met his gaze. “We both know you won’t, Loki. Yesterday aside, you enjoy not being in prison too much to do any permanent damage.”

“I’m so grateful you have me figured out.” Loki said flatly.

“Oh you bet your ass I do,” Claire seethed. “You manipulated me, plain and simple. You made promises you clearly have no intention of keeping, in order to convince me to give up my entire life for you,” Claire set her silverware down, taking a long pull from her goblet. “But it doesn’t matter now. I’m here, and whether you or anyone else helps me I’m going to find a way to use my power and privilege to help people. So see you later, have a terrible day, and suck my dick.” she pushed away from the table, leaving the great hall without another word.

He let her leave, pretending he did not see the look of disappointment Frigga cast his way as he drained his goblet and left in a completely different direction.

~~~~

By mid-morning, Claire had made much more progress on her list of ideas with Ragna’s help. The list of social issues was long, and disheartening, but Claire was determined to pick at least a few that she could start to tackle.

“I think with the stores the palace has, we could easily-” a knock on the door disrupted the women’s conversation. “Come in!”

“The crown prince, Your Highness.” Gunnar announced.

“Thor!” Claire brightened, getting up from the desk to greet him. “This is a surprise! What can I do for you?”

“Hello sister,” Thor said, very obviously not looking in her direction. “I came to apologize for my behavior earlier this morning.”

“Apologize? You mean for showing my drawing to Loki?” Claire chuckled. “I didn’t really mean for him to ever see it, but it was pretty funny. I’m not upset about it- are you okay?”

“Perfectly fine.” Thor nodded, eyes firmly locked on the decorative vase on the mantle.

“Thor?”

“Hmm?”

“Why aren’t you looking at me?” Claire looked at Ragna, hoping she had an explanation. Ragna looked just as baffled as Claire.

“Forgive me, sister, I simply do not wish to further court your husband’s ire.”

“Why not? I enjoy pissing him off,” a mental image of steam coming out of Loki’s ears made Claire laugh. “Did he say something to you? Because I’m really not upset- I don’t even know why he would-”

“My brother has always had a possessive streak, something which you seem to inspire even further- not that he should not-” Thor babbled. “I mean- he should defend you, you are his wife- I have no desire to duel with my brother, so if I have offended you-” Claire hadn’t heard this tone from Thor before. He actually sounded panicked.

“Thor-”

“Yes?”

“Would you like to stop talking?”

“Yes please,” Thor pleaded, distress evident in the hunch of his shoulders as he covered his face in his large hands. “I should...I should take my leave.”

“Um...okay,” Claire said. “But just to be clear, whatever Loki’s issue is, is not mine. I’m not mad at you in any way, shape, or form. Capisce?”

“Yes, I...capisce,” Thor gave her an awkward little bow before turning and headbutting the door. He recovered quickly, but Claire and Ragna cringed all the same. “Fare thee well, sister. And...young lady.” Gunnar closed the door behind him as he left, leaving Ragna and Claire completely baffled.

“What the hell was that about?”

~~~~

Confused by the days goings-on, Claire adamantly refused to leave her chambers again. Instead of dinner, she was consuming an unhealthy amount of sugar and fat in the (somewhat) privacy of her own home.

Until Loki showed up.

“What do you want?” Claire asked flatly as Gunnar opened the door. Loki opened his mouth to answer, but was distracted by the orange powder on her bosom. His gaze dropped against his will to her generous chest, prompting Claire to look down and hastily scrub the offending dust away. “Well?”

“I…” Loki’s well-rehearsed apologetic speech vanished into the ether as she glowered at him. Even dressed down with mussed hair and sugar crystals on her lower lip, she was radiant.

“Loki?” The anger in her gaze softened, vulnerability shining through like a ray of sunshine through darkened clouds.

“I came to be sure Thor hasn’t been bothering you.”

“Yes, because he’s such a bother,” Claire scoffed. “He won’t even look in my direction! What did you do?”

“Why do you assume I did anything?” Loki balked. “Everyone is forever blaming me for whatever foolish things that oaf does-”

“Oh, will you stow your younger sibling bullshit and just answer the question, Ron Weasley?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Oh! I didn’t tell you. I’ve decided to start calling you Ron Weasley.” Claire announced, wheeling away from Loki to snag a Twizzler from her array of snacks.

“Why?” Loki huffed as she took a large bite of the confection. “What could I possibly have in common with that miserable gutter rat?”

“Because you have the emotional range of a teaspoon!” Claire shouted, her half-eaten Twizzler striking him ineffectually in the stomach.

“Stop throwing things at me,” Loki demanded, beginning to pace back and forth in front of her door. “And when is Ron ever described as such?”

“In ‘Order of the Phoenix’, you ass!” Claire cried angrily. “Which you would know if you actually read the books instead of just pretending to actually like them to- I don’t know, make me like you more or something!”

“I do like them!” Loki shouted back defensively, resuming his pacing. “This is what you wish to shout at me about?”

“There are a LOT of things I’d like to shout at you about; this just happens to be on my mind at present!”

“By all means,” Loki threw up his hands in defeat. “Well? I expect you have a list prepared of all my sins?”

“Not at the moment,” Claire conceded, folding her arms over her chest. “But if you wait a minute-”

“I’m not here to fight-”

“Then why are you here?” Claire scoffed. “What can I possibly do for you at this moment in time?”

“I had hoped we could resolve our...miscommunication.”

“Miscommunication,” Claire repeated. “That’s what you’re calling it?” Loki shifted impatiently, an angry huff escaping him.

“What would you call it then?” he asked heatedly.

“Why is Thor suddenly terrified to look at me?” Claire demanded to know. Loki’s jaw clenched as he turned away sharply, the muscle flexing as his eyes burned holes in the marble floor.

“That oaf has no right-”

“To look at me?” Claire angrily broke off a piece of a KitKat bar, the crispy wafer crumbling between her molars. “He mentioned a duel. Did you threaten him?”

“There are things you do not understand-”

“What was it about growing up here that was so bad? Hmm? Sure, Thor casts a pretty big shadow but you cast one of your own. Incredibly powerful sorcerer, smart as a whip. So what was it? Did he steal your girlfriend or something? Did you not get enough hugs?”

“No, I didn’t! Is that what you want to hear?!” Loki shouted. “I have always been the second choice, the after thought. Everyone treats me that way, but I will not be second place to Thor- not with you!”

“Who said you were?!”

“I am not going to debate this with you; I saw you this morning. You were all over him!”

“I was trying to get the drawing back-”

“I don’t care. This ends now. Am I understood? If he looks at you again I will gouge out his eyes!”

“WHAT?!” Claire shrieked. “Who the fuck do you think you are?” Claire shouted as she began to pelt him with gummy bears. “You don’t get to decide who gets to look at me!” Loki dodged many of the small sugary projectiles, shielding his face with his arm as they bounced uselessly off of his armor.

“I’m the only person who gets to decide!”

“I don’t want to talk to you anymore. Go away.” At her command, Gunnar barred the door with his spear, earning an angry look from Loki.

“You cannot ban me from your chambers!” Claire growled angrily as she realized her bag of gummy bears was tragically empty.

“I can do whatever the fuck I want, you arrogant twat! I can’t believe I wasted my last bag of gummy bears on you,” she groaned. “You don’t even like gummy bears!”

“No, but now I can do this!” Loki’s boot stomped down on a defenseless blue bear, Claire looking on in horror as an ugly electric blue smear was streaked across the floor.

“No, not the blue ones! Those are my favorite!”

“Oh how rude of me!” Loki stomped on another blue gummy bear, a matching smear joining the first. “Oops!”

“You did that on purpose!”

“Yes, I did! What are you going to do about it?!”

“Oh you’d better run,” Claire snarled. “Before I figure out a way to smear you across the floor!”

“I’d like to see you try!” Loki turned on his heel to leave, stomping on another gummy bear for good measure.

“Oh that- mother fucker!” Claire howled with rage, leaning out of the doorway to shout after him. “I’m calling Bruce Banner!” There. Let him sweat about that.

The following day

Fueled by spite and still mourning the loss of her gummy bears, Claire set about her plans for the day. Having dealt with the most pressing matter of making sure Ragna was safe, it was time to pivot to another project: starting a care program for the hjemlos.

Per her instructions, a small group of serving women had gathered in the kitchen with supplies to make a collection of food baskets.

The project was well underway when Loki arrived, seemingly determined to distract Claire from her work.

“Unless you’re here to replace the gummy bears you murdered, I’m not interested.” she breezed past him, depositing the apples in her arms in the baskets.

“Clearly you are still upset.”

“I am not.” Claire said simply. “I’m annoyed, not upset.”

“Fine. You were upset, and I came to see what I could do to alleviate your suffering.”

Claire burst into a fit of laughter, making Loki angrier. How dare she laugh at him!

“Wait- did you-” Claire cackled, taking a deep breath to calm herself. “You think I'm sad? Loki, I have a thousand things better to do than sit around and mope over some dumb ass boy,” Claire sneered. “What did you expect me to do, fall to pieces? Wait around for you to give me a crumb of affection? That's not how this works.” Loki looked taken aback.

“But- you were upset,” he backpedaled. “You were, you were upset-”

“I got over it, obviously,” Claire illustrated her point by gesturing toward the baskets of food she was assembling. She picked up an armful of bread loaves to distribute between the baskets. “Look, you're clearly used to people hanging on to your every word and living and breathing for the smallest morsel of your approval. I am not one of them. If you decide to gift me with some half-wilted flowers and a lackluster poem, great. If not, then by the grace of Freyja I will survive.”

“Half-wilted? LACKLUSTER?!” Loki looked insulted, gaping at her dumbfounded. He composed himself with a scoff, straightening his vambrace as his wounded pride made his chest puff up. “Woman, when I decide to woo you, I will not make pathetic, ill-conceived gestures. You will be beside yourself with wanting me.”

“Ha! Excuse me if I don’t hold my breath. Now move, I need to finish these. People are hungry.” She breezed by him, depositing a bread loaf into each of the baskets. Loki gaped after her, astonished at how easily she dismissed him.

“Woman! You- you-” he found himself tripping over his words in a way he hadn't in centuries. “Do not dismiss me as if I were an errant child!” He shadowed her footsteps, crowding her against the wall when she turned. “Do you remember our wedding night? Our honeymoon? How sweetly you begged me to give you release, how you trembled in my bed?” Loki sighed, eyes falling closed with satisfaction. “I could give you that a thousand times over if you would simply stop being ridiculous.”

“Wow, that's so generous.”

“I can be! Let go of this ridiculous charade and-”

“So you would have me earn your affection like a dog?” Claire pushed him back with a snarl. “You're thinking of a pet, not a partner. Now do you mind? I'm on a deadline,” Loki growled as she elbowed past, rebuffing him in full view of the serving staff. “Let's start packaging these for distribution.” Claire spoke to the nearest servant, drawing a circle in the air above a group of finished baskets.

“Do not ignore me- I am your husband and I will be respected!” Color high on his cheeks, Loki lashed out with his seidr, upending several baskets in front of Claire.

“Are you kidding me?” She shot him an ireful glare that would kill a mortal man. The servants looked concerned as she rounded on him with fury in her steps. “If you wanna act like a child I will treat you like one!” She grabbed him by the ear, taking him by surprise and managing to pull him to the door. She shoved him gracelessly out into the hallway, making him stumble and nearly fall on his ass. “Get out!” She slammed the door in his face, rattling the door frame with the force.

The servants were stunned when she turned away from the door.

“Are you alright, Your Majesty?” one of the cooks asked.

“I am fine. I apologize that you had to see that,” Claire replied, releasing the tension in her body with a sharp exhale. “Let’s fix these back up.”

With Loki banished from the kitchen, the group of women made quick work of repairing the baskets. A cart was brought for them to be loaded onto, and Claire enlisted two of the women to help her distribute them. As they were loading the last of the baskets, an Einherjar appeared to escort them out of the palace.

“It is an honor to serve you, princess.” the Einherjar said as he knelt, fist over his heart.

“Please, there’s no need for formality here,” Claire awkwardly gestured for the man to stand up. As he reached eye level, Claire thought he looked similar to Gunnar. “You must be Gunnar’s brother! Agnar, right?”

“I- yes,” the man gasped. “I’m honored you thought to remember me.”

“It’s no trouble. I’m grateful to you for escorting us.” Agnar’s cheeks flushed and he dropped his gaze to the floor.

“Everything is loaded, my lady.”

“Wonderful, thank you. Shall we?”

The small group made their way from the kitchens and through the gate, joining the throngs of people in the marketplace. People bowed and curtsied as Claire led the group through the rows of vendors, and Claire greeted them in turn, happy to be out in the sunshine on such a beautiful day.

Beyond the market, the crowds thinned out. Agnar took the lead, guiding them to the slums where they were more likely to find hjemlos.

As they came across a small group of people, Claire put all thoughts of Loki out of her mind. It felt good to have something else to focus on, however small.

For now, that was enough.

[lokiinmediasideblog]

Loki's malice is very rarely geared towards Thor because Thor outranks him. Only under extenuating circumstances he targets Thor. He has no qualms in lives lost as collateral to achieve his goals and this is established early with the dead guards that no one seems to give a fuck about in that scene.

An interesting example of this is that in T1, he doesn't even verbally threaten Thor when he's trying to get him to fight him. His words to Thor are an unheeded order of "FIGHT ME!" He threatens Jane! And whenever he does antagonize Thor, it's usually with lies or omissions to keep Thor from acquiring more power or coming back. And there's an undercurrent of appeasement in Loki's actions.

He never threatens him directly, and it's interesting to think about in their dynamic. The exception being the wordless slap while inside the Destroyer and he's having a mental breakdown (extenuating circumstances). I'd also note that when Loki slaps him, Loki has acquired power and Thor has lost his, that he soon regains.

[wanderingmind867]

I still always want to take concepts from the Kane Chronicles and apply them to comics. The Kane Chronicles had the whole thing of: Gods can't really affect things in the mortal realm without having a host body. So for example: Carter Kane ended up being the host for Horus. And i love that concept, and i keep seeing it in Thor. Thor and Don Blake feels like a Kane Chronicles host body style thing. For Thor to appear on midgard, he needs Don Blake to host his essence. This would also mean that Thor and Don Blake are different men with different personalities, which would be really cool.

And hell, i can still apply this concept to other characters in the thor comics. I'd have made Jane Foster the host body for Sif. I think that would have been fun, since we'd then be combining thor's love interests. We could even use this as an opportunity to imagine possible hosts for loki, odin, hercules or other gods. It'd add an extra layer to the already interesting realm of thor comics.

Hell, even outside the realm of thor comics i could make this work. Imagine an alternative universe where Captain Marvel/Shazam worked like this. Billy Batson is the host for whatever god Captain Marvel is. It'd be sort of extra derivative of percy jackson then (seeing as billy batson is roughly the age of an average rick riordan protagonist), but it'd be really cool to see someone take this route with captain marvel and the marvel family. there's potential in it.

[yourlakebed]

ok, I'm back with a fresh episode of "Queerbaiting Continues" (subscribe and follow for more)

so, to clear up that i get it right - what we're getting from Loki2 so far is this: creators are actively setting up Loki and Mobius (while still not confirming them to be canon) and not even trying to actually set up Loki with Sylvie (and not addressing the kiss even once throughout all four episodes).

okay then, I'm having some thoughts.

so i see everyone in the fandom analysing how well Loki understands Mobius' coping mechanisms earlier in the season that he decides to offer him some pie after Mobius had been in lots of stress. and that it's exactly what Mobius wants to do now, before Sylvie guts him and walks away with Loki following her.

but what i don't see enough (maybe it's just me idk) is the analysis of the "pie land" dialogue between Loki and Sylvie in ep.4

so right away Loki starts defending Mobius explaining that just because he's not acting insane like Sylvie does (like Loki did in the past) that doesn't mean he doesn't care. and he also points out that Sylvie is here not because she shares Loki's beliefs, but only because her plan failed.

but after that.. this is where the scene goes INSANE in my humble opinion: Loki turns the moral of the whole first "Thor" movie and "the main hero's journey to become the best versoin of himself" into huge metaphor of his own growth. growth that he achieved through the first season and continues on going that path. so what was that then, the thing that helped Thor to change so much? the thing that turned him from insufferable, angry, revengeful, arrogant child whose first impulse is to destroy anything that causes some kind of inconvenience?

love.

it was falling in love with Jane that made Thor revalue his morals and his behavior. and now Loki is standing before Sylvie telling her that not long time ago he mocked his brother for his "softness" thinking it to be a weakness. but now Loki understands Thor. so what is he saying with this? who was this person for Loki, that made him change and understand his brother? understand that the lack of desire to destroy is actually not a weakness. who was that?

Mobius.

it was Mobius that made him better as a person.

so, at this point, friends, i actually don't know what to think. because it's not even a classic example of queerbaiting anymore. that one was hidden very deeply under the surface and was caused by the state of the industry, which simply did not have the niche for the queer media and was profoundly scared to lose it's homophobic audience because they thought that it was practically not possible to make money on queer audience. this is not the case now. it looks a lot like creators do know what they're doing writing scenes like this one, which honestly makes it even worse than if they were simply oblivious.

[drifting-pieces-blog-blog]

Age of Khonshu, or as I like to call it: Oh no. Oh no no no no.

Age of Khonshu, written by Jason Aaron. 2018.

Who is Jason Aaron? A big writer at Marvel, he is best known for PunisherMAX (the ultras violent and non-marvel universe version of the Punisher), some runs of Thor (the one where Jane Foster becomes Thor), and certain runs with Wolverine: Weapon X. He also wrote Southern Bastard, which is a big name over in Image comics.

Another important fact? He was raised Southern Baptist that has since become an atheist.

That history out of the way, let's look at the sort of comic this is.

I have been putting off reading this little doozy for YEARS. Why? Three reasons.

This was not a good year for me personally. In fact, this was the start of some REALLY bad years to follow for the next 4 years.

I missed the original release and when I tried to find it to read it, no one had it. Not even the library. (This should have been my first clue).

This is a Marvel tie in event.

Now, I have ranted about these before and I'm going to rant about it again.

What is a tie in event? It's a big Marvel World event that attempts to do a large story-line that involves a lot of other big names (usually the avengers).

In Events, you have the main story line that involves the main character. So say, DareDevil is fighting a super ninja. You have the main story that takes place in DareDevil's comic "DareDevil vs. the super ninja" and in that comic, it's such a big fight that the avengers have to get involved, and maybe Dr. Strange and perhaps Brother Voodoo is getting a movie next spring so they want to showcase Brother Voodoo working with familiar faces so he's involved now too.

BUT. All these people involved also have their own comics running. They don't just want to keep going and ignore this big ninja fight that's happening. So then we have side event tie ins that pause their normal story-line to respond in some way to the event that is happening.

So Let's say Ms. Marvel has her story line going where she's been fighting some evil mob boss. She's suddenly going to pause that story. She'll suddenly come up on a hole hoard of evil ninjas and have to fight them for a single issue. But they don't want to loose steam with her evil mob boss because they have to get back to that in the next issue! So it turns out her evil mob boss HIRED those ninjas in some sort of attempted partnership with the evil super ninja. Just to highlight how evil the mob boss is!

Oh, and if you haven't been reading DareDevil or the Avengers or ALL THE OTHER COMICS INVOLED good luck trying to keep up with what's going on. So by the end of the event, you have to compile a LOT of comics together in a particular order so that you can fully understand what's going on.

Even worse? Sometimes the responding tie in comics that aren't really involved with the main story line try to solve the issue. So, going back to my example, Ms. Marvel not only defeats the ninja gang, but she discovers something amazing that will in the end help defeat the Super Ninja! She has single handedly helped bring it down! …In her own comic. It makes her look like the big hero and like she was crucial to the event….When in truth, she has nothing to do withthe main story line over in DD world and her little discovery won't have anything to do at all with how to bring down the Super Ninja in the end.

With me so far?!

If this sounds familiar to you, then congratulations, you may have read "Moon Knight Shadowland", which was infinately better than the main story line of Dare Devil Shadowland. (I'm still bitter about that one). Or the original Civil War saga. Or Seige. Or Dark Reign. Or Age of Khonshu.

Today, I'm here to talk about Age of Khonshu.

In which Moon Knight gets his own special event under an Avenger's title.

So how did they compile this event under an Avenger's title? We start with something that makes no sense to someone that has not been following the Avenger's comics.

Stepping further into it? This event follows directly after the 2017 BEMIS run. So we are moving from the worst run in MK history into Aaron's Age of Khonshu. The next comic after this didn't come out till 2021! That's a three year gap!

What's the story?

Mephisto (I hate Mephisto. He has been made basically into Marvel's version of the Christian Devil.) is messing with the time line and is going back in time to amass soul contracts with people and is slowly taking over the world or destroying it or building up hell. It isn't ever properly explained, but most evil things like this usually aren't.

For some reason Khonshu has seen the future of a world where Mephisto has destroyed it and done terrible things. So he puts these images into Marc's head. Marc, thinking Khonshu is out to fuck with him again (when isn't he?) tracks down Khonshu in one of his Moon Cult temples.

Khonshu tells Marc that he's terrified of Mephisto and Marc realizes that Khonshu isn't just fucking with him this time.

So he teams up and decides to…STEAL ALL THE POWERS OF THE AVENGERS AND GIVE THEM TO KHONSHU.

That's right. As someone told me, it's like watching a ten year old talking about how their character is the most powerful and can beat up all the other characters.

Moon Knight beats up Dr. Strange with the power of Khonshu and steals his magic. Then he beats up Danny and steals the Iron fist. Then steals the GHOST RIDER'S fire of vengeance. He goes after Thor on the MOON. Turns out Thor's hamer is made out of moon rock so Moon Knight laughs as he steals the hammer because he has the power of moon. He goes after the Black Panter and T'challa is just like "LOL No. My power comes from my ancestors. You can't steal that."

So they lock up T'challa in a pyramid.

YOU KNOW WHAT MARVEL MOVIE WAS COMING OUT IN 2018?! That's right, the first Black Panther movie.

So in this comic, it's going to feature heavily that Black Panther is super powerful and the hero of the story.

Giving Khonshu all these powers, he remakes New York into Khonshu World and imprisons anyone that fails to worship him, because he's an all powerful god that will stop Mephisto.

And he does fight Mephisto and kill him, but there are so many versions of him now, because he's the devil and you can't kill the devil.

And throughout this, Moon Knight worships and prays to Khonshu, calling him his god and how he's a follower, and believes that Khonshu is a powerful god.

The Avengers keep asking him to stop, that he's off his meds or something and mentally ill and they can help him stop Mephisto if he stops Khonshu.

Eventually Moon Knight realizes that Khonshu can't stop Mephisto and he's gone too far.

He prays to a different god and THE PHOENIX fire shows up and he becomes Moon Knight Phoenix.

He betrays Khonshu because now he is his own god I guess? Helping them take Khonshu down, he gives back all their powers and they lock Khonshu away in Asgard.

Now he expells the Phoenix from his own self before he becomes Dark Moon Knight and destroys the world.

Now the Avengers story moves on to them dealing with Mephisto in a later run, but Khonshu is defeated and that's the important part!

T'challa offers Moon Knight a place in the Avengers, rather than a jail cell in Wakanda for his crimes. Moon Knight turns him down and returns to a small part in Manhattan that he'd rather protect.

And that's how it ends.

Aside from the main story aspect of this particular volume of MK avengers, here are the MAJOR problems:

Throughout the entire run, there is HEAVY christian imagery and language.

They talk about the devil and how scary the devil is. They talk about Hell. They talk about angels. They talk about gods.

They especially show Moon Knight worshiping and PRAYING to Khonshu or Phoenix.

Moon Knight himself discusses fighting the Devil and going to Hell as a construct of the horrors he has seen and done.

2. Throughout the run, Aaron tries to pull out bits from Lemire. Referencing him and doing callbacks. It falls SO flat.

There is a scene early on where he does the "I am Marc Spector. I am Steven Grant. I am Jake Lockley. And we are Moon Knight" bit. But it's followed by a prayer to Khonshu because he is the Moon God's accolyte.

Later he talks about how Marc expelled Khonshu from his mind and had healed and was his own man again. He talks about how Khonshu had put horrors in his mind that made him ill.

He then talks about how he frequents a certain mental hospital.

Not only is he referencing Lemire, but he's taking it in the wrong context. This man read it and went "Yeah sure I got it" when he clearly didn't.

In Lemire's run, we see Marc dealing not just with how KHonshu used and abused him and how messed up he was, but we also see him coming to terms with his own mental illness and trying to understand himself. To understand that he himself had been abusive towards himself. His self harm attributes. His pushing people away. We see him learn to embrace the 'what if' aspect of after mental illness. We see doubt and we see room to heal.

In this it's just "Khonshu did it."

3. We're back to the mental health topic. While they DO acknowledge Steven and Jake twice, offhandedly, we don't see them. It's just MARC. And I find it hard to believe that either of them would either let Marc go this far off the rails to hurting his friends, but that they would go along with it without having a discussion or working as a team if they found it to be the only solution.

They also have NUMEROUS remarks from the others about "We all know Moon Knight is crazy but I didn't think he was this crazy". It carries on the old conversations that everyone in the Avengers and so on all see Moon Knight as mentaly unwell. Unfit. Crippled, even. He's not well enough to do things. He pretends to be a hero but we all know he's likely to melt down any minute and do something crazy, attitude.

And repeatedly he's told to take meds, go to the hospital, check himself in… Even T'Challa tells him "Wakanda has made great strides in Mental Health. We can cure you!"

Cure him from what? Trauma? Take away his DID? Or implying that he's some sort of other unwell causing him to not think straight?

It's these three things combined that just really set me off.

The absolutely disgusting use of Christian vocabulary and idealism to portray a Jewish character. Even if Marc isn't observant of Jewish beliefs, he is culturally Jewish and raised by a Rabbi. Unless he blatantly converted, he would not find himself worshiping and praying to another god. He wouldn't believe in the devil or use such language to describe Mephisto. He wouldn't talk about Angelic idealations or even Hell.

Then the blatant use of his mental illness to further how it's easy for Moon Knight to fall into such ways. Of course he did this. He's crazy. He'll do anything!

Of course he made his god Khonshu into an over powered dick.

I've discussed this before with a good friend, but there is a difference between following Khonshu and worshiping Khonshu.

I love the use of Yehya Badr to show this in MacKay's run. One has converted and religiously believes and follows Khonshu. The other follows a path that he himself set down as a result of his experiences and own needs.

Moon Knight never outright worships Khonshu (when properly written). Even in Moench's old run, he believed that he had been resurrected by Khonshu and therefore his power and life was in Khonshu's hands. This was more following Marc's thinking that he himself was nothing more than a ghost. Without Khonshu, it was more of an existential dread that he was nothing. Not that Khonshu was a god figure.

In later runs this translated into a sort of worship and it never should have. In Moench's run, Khonshu was some unknown force. Perhaps a god, perhaps a spirit, perhaps some form of something ancient that represents the moon and protecting those who travel by night. Considering the Marvel universe and such loose terms of applying all powerful beings under the phrase of 'god', it makes sense. Thor is technically a god. But he is not a god to be worshiped.

Moon Knight takes his own Jewish upbringing. He is here to cherish all life. To protect those who fall into the margins and cry for help.

What's most insulting is that this comic directly followed the run by Bemis. The one that was so laced with antisemitism and blatant disregard for mental health topics.... So we jump from blood libel and Nazism into fighting the actual Devil and praying to gods and worship.

This is not a good look, Marvel.

Here's the thing, we need a Jewish writer.

I don't mean someone that was formerly Jewish that converted to some other following. I don't mean an atheist that has a special interest in other religions (as Aaron claims he is). We need a born and raised practicing Jewish writer.

We need someone to use the proper terminology that isn't Christian based. We need Jake to speak more Yiddish. We need Steven to be seen putting money into the Tzedakah box. We need Marc to discuss his conflict with his Orthodox Rabbi father and his current path in life and how, like it or not, he has become the epitome of the Jewish struggle to exist.

I appreciate Mr. MacKay, but when his run is done and Marvel looks for the next Moon Knight writer, I'd really like to see a Jewish voice step in and not only respect their own people (despite what Marvel may tell them to do) but to also continue to represent and respect the mental health aspect of Moon Knight.

Maybe I'm asking too much? But this issue...

TLDR: Do not read Bendis, Bemis, and Aaron when it comes to Moon Knight.

[holdmytesseract]

The Baby Fever Wedding...

moodboard by @mochie85 divider by @fictive-sl0th

Baby Fever Crew and fellow readers... It's time to assemble, because I'm searching for some helpers, who are interested in becoming my fellow wedding planner!

Huge thanks to @muddyorbsblr ! She helps me coordinate all this a lil' bit and is my right-hand woman. 💖 Also, kudos to @lokisgoodgirl , who gave me the idea to do little tasks. (I know, it's been months ago since we talked about this, but nevertheless... Thank you, friend!) 🩵

And this is how it works...

How to participate...

If you are interested and want to sign up to this, just leave a comment on this post. That's all!

How do I choose my helpers?

That depends. I have 14 tasks. If just enough people sign up for this (not more or less than 14), you'll definitely be chosen. If more people want to participate, I'm going to put all names in a pot and randomly draw 14 names, so a bit of luck is needed.

What awaits you if you get chosen...

I'm going to give you a little task, in order to help me organize Y/N's and Loki's wedding. For example: Design the wedding rings or choose the flowers. You have enough time to think about it and tell me what you want. I am going to write it.

Rules & Other information...

Please only comment once. Makes things easier for me.

Please be patient. This is a huge project for me and I never did something like this before, so...

You are allowed to name two tasks in your comments, which you'd like to be assigned with. I can't promise that it's going to work out for you, but I'll try to have consideration for it!

Example: @ holdmytesseract Wedding rings & flowers

You have three days to sign up, so no pressure!

If you have questions, please send me an ask or a DM! Don't be shy!

And these are the tasks...

Design the wedding rings!

Choose Y/N's wedding dress, shoes and jewelry!

How should Loki's suit look like?

And how his armour?

Their hairstyle. (Do they need a new hairstyle or even a haircut?)

Y/N's bridesmaids (Natasha, Wanda, Pepper & Jane) are in need of dresses, too!

Loki's best man (Thor, of course.) needs a suit and armour, too.

Since the wedding takes place on Asgard, we need a few Midgardian pre-wedding/wedding traditions, too!

Flowers are a must have!

Create the invitations for the wedding!

A cake will be needed as well!

Where on Asgard takes the ceremony place and where the festives? We also need some decoration, right? (I feel like this is a two-man task!)

One of the most important things... Music! Do we have a DJ perhaps?

I'm in need of a entertainment department as well! Do they play party/wedding games? Karaoke? Are there Asgardian wedding games? Something entirely else? (I think this is a two-man task as well!)

I think that's it. I hope I didn't forget anything... Well, with that being said... Let's start this! I'm beyond excited!

Tagging the Crew: @lady-rose-moon @muddyorbsblr @chennqingg @smolvenger @alexakeyloveloki @ijuststareatstuffhereok89 @jennyggggrrr @stupidthoughtsinwriting @eleniblue @loz-3 @mishkatelwarriorgoddess @fictive-sl0th @iamlokisgloriouspurpose @lovingchoices14 @glitchquake @lokidbadguy @icytrickster17 @mandywholock1980 @november-rayne @xthatpottahfanx @simping-for-marvel @lou12346789 @aagn360 @anukulee @multifandom-worlds @hisredheadedgoddess28 @vbecker10 @jaidenhawke @km-ffluv @lokiforever @crimson25 @kimanne723 @cakesandtom @buttercupcookies-blog @salvinaa @javagirl328 @noideakitten @zombiesnips-blog @dustychinchilla74 @frzntrx @lokisgoodgirl @princess-ofthe-pages @coldnique @asgards-princess-of-mischief @lokisrealpurpous

[loki-us]

Are you dense or something?? Why are you acting like Loki learnt affection from Mobius like????saving Jane and all? Loki had been overly and openly affectionate with Thor for all his life and it only became weird from Thor 1 all the creators and actors have been very vocal about it, he cared about thors friends and protected their lives. Y'all really weird and just want to make everything about your ship when it's not.

I completely agree that deep down Loki has always had empathy and affection for Thor and those he cares about! I made a post on that here where Loki risks his life to save Jane and I mentioned some of that in the tags. I think Mobius’ impact on Loki was to give him freedom—to allow Loki to express his feelings, to show his affection, to be vulnerable and open in ways that he had previously only been taught were weaknesses. In 2x4, Loki talks about how Thor had been changed by Jane and how, at the time, Loki mocked him for becoming ‘weak.’ Because that’s what Loki had learned from Odin. He learned that he would only be worthy, he would only be good enough if he could achieve the throne, if he was seen as powerful and strong by others. When Loki tried to please his father by getting rid of their sworn enemies, it still wasn’t enough for Odin and Loki was cast aside for it. I think Loki never really knew how to express his affection and care in a way that wouldn’t lead to him being abandoned or looked down upon. Loki was taught that the only way to become powerful and worthy was to show no vulnerability, as he says in 1x1, the “elaborate trick” to inspire fear and control. He had absolutely no examples of how to show affection and still be respected for it.

Then when Mobius came along, he truly showed Loki how to trust and be open with another person, to show vulnerability and affection in a healthy and supportive way. Mobius told Loki ‘I see who you pretend to be but I know what parts of yourself you’re hiding and therefore I know you can be good.’ Mobius showed Loki that he didn’t need a throne to be worthy, he doesn’t need to pretend not to care to get others to look up to him, he can be gentle and he can trust others and those people will trust him back. Besides Loki’s mother, I think Mobius was the first person that believed in Loki’s goodness and gave him that freedom to express who he really is. Thor said multiple times that Loki could be better, could be more, but I don’t think even Thor ever really expected Loki to change. I think Loki’s interactions with Mobius gave him that freedom he never had to become gentler and more open throughout the series than he had a chance to be in the movies.

It’s true that I don’t think Mobius taught Loki how to care about people, I think Mobius was ultimately the first person that allowed Loki to just be, to express his trust and friendship without any expectations or judgement. Mobius transformed Loki’s views on how much someone is allowed to show of themselves and still be respected. Mobius said ‘you can trust me, you can be yourself, you can show me gentleness, and I will never mock you for it.’ I just don’t think Loki ever had anyone like that before and he never learned how to express his care before he met Mobius. Even if you don’t think they have romantic feelings for each other, Mobius clearly had a transformative impact on Loki’s sense of self, which Loki displays in his affection toward Mobius and interactions with other characters going forward.

[brightlyburnt]

Real talk: I wish MCU fans read the comics the movies and shows were based off of, and not just recap videos on YouTube.

And I'm not saying it's WRONG to enjoy the MCU, I enjoy bits and pieces myself, but refusing to at least acknowledge the comics is...weird and disheartening. So many authors and artists have collaborated together to bring iconic stories and characters to life, and most aren't paid fairly, especially when their work is used without them getting proper pay. And to see nobody care because they don't READ the comics is really sad. It's also fascinating, because comics...are much more then what the MCU is. Every bit of sadness, of happiness, of joy and darkness the MCU has, the comics have tenfold. There aren't stupid jokes cracking up every five minutes, there's some real depth to these characters.

Take, if you will, Moon Knight.

Moon Knight is one of my favorite superheroes ever. Not only is he excellent Jewish representation (one of the few superheroes who Marvel actually allows to be shown Jewish anyway, coughcoughSPIDER-MANcoughcough), he's really excellent DID representation. Even with that aside, he's had some of the most gripping stories I've ever read. His struggle with himself, his DID, his life as a mercenary, it's genuinely so good.

There's these pages in particular, which I implore you to read:

Wow. It's just...really good. He isn't making funny quips, he's DETERMINED to save this little girl from kidnappers. He has a job, and he does it proudly.

Now, when I heard the MCU was going to adapt Moon Knight, I was really excited. I waved aside them making Steven Grant a museum worker, because I just wanted him in live-action. He means so much to me, and it's...

Well, let's take a look at what Mr. Knight's role in the MCU is?

And for the life of me...I don't see how people like this.

He's just reduced to 'the funny character'. Just like Spider-Man. Just like Iron Man. Just like Deadpool. Just like Jane Foster Thor. Just like the 500 'funny characters' that exist in the MCU.

See, this is where the real problem of the MCU lies. It's not TRYING to adapt the comics. It's trying to adapt them while seeing them as LESSER. And it's tiring.

If you need an example of Marvel actually respecting the source material, look at X-Men 97'! It's not afraid to take itself seriously, it's not afraid to be cheesy and have costumes that don't look like military garb. And it's some of the best superhero television a lot of people have ever watched. I bet even MCU fans REALLY like it!

This isn't an MCU hate post, I feel like I have to emphasize that. But as a fan of the comics and the MCU...it's just tiring to have standards dropped so low. And I really hope Marvel Studios learn from X-Men 97' and start to respect their comic counterparts.

[phoenixyfriend]

eBay: Comics liquidation

I collected comics from 2014-2021 or so, and I'm now looking to sell off most of my collection. While I'm not going to sell everything, I'm selling off about 80%-90% of what I've got, and that's looking like over 1000 comics.

Here's my new eBay store

The biggest portions of the collection to be sold are Iron Man, Ms Marvel (Kamala), Spider-Man (Miles), and Jane!Thor titles, but there are various others, some of which have already been listed. The vast majority is Marvel, but I do have some Image, Dark Horse, DC, and Aftershock in there.

Each listing comes with a valuation breakdown.

A few of these are not directly linked as that link is about to expire, and I want to get this posted before my free blaze expires, so you can go through to the store itself and check that way. I'll add corrected links in once I can. All links are up to date as of March 31, 2025.

High-ticket items, valued at $40+ USD:

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #1-29 (2019) includes variant covers, Missing #23

ALL-NEW WOLVERINE (2016) #1-35 + ANNUAL, COMPLETE SERIES (10% off my original listing price)

Invincible Iron Man #1-14 (2015) COMPLETE SERIES VOLUME 3

Runaways #1-38 (2017) Volume 5 (Kris Anka and Rainbow Rowell)

Champions #1-27, Annual, Monsters Unleashed (2017) COMPLETE SERIES

Spider-Man #1 Adi Granov Hip Hop Variant SINGLE ISSUE HIGH-VALUE VARIANT

Strange Academy #1-12 (Marvel Comics 2020), includes Variants; FIRST PRINTING

Magnificent Ms. Marvel (2019) #1-18 plus Annual, COMPLETE SERIES

Ironheart #1-12 (2019) Volume 1 COMPLETE SERIES

Invincible Iron Man #593-600, Invincible Iron Man Volume 4 (2017) #1-11

Thor (2020) #1-16, plus Annual

Silk Volume 2 (2015) #1-19, COMPLETE SERIES, includes VARIANTS

Tony Stark: Iron Man #1-19 COMPLETE SERIES (Marvel Comics 2018)

Thor Volume 4 #1-8, Annual (2015)

Spider-Woman #1-17 Volume 6 (Marvel Comics 2016) COMPLETE SERIES

America #1 Hamilton Cover (Marvel Comics May 2017) SINGLE ISSUE HIGH-VALUE VARIANT

Black Cat #1-12 COMPLETE SERIES (Marvel Comics 2019)

Thor #1-16 (2018) COMPLETE SERIES

Secret Wars #1-9, plus FCBD (Marvel Comics 2015) - COMPLETE SERIES

X-23 #1-12 (Marvel Comics 2018), COMPLETE SERIES

Silk #1-7 (Marvel Comics 2015) COMPLETE SERIES

Some examples under the cut:

[blindtaleteller]

thank you for previous explain. It was so long and detailed. I had now another question. About lady's life in Asgard. Sigyn x Loki for me. And Sigyn is not warrior, but typical lady. Can you write something about it?

Honestly if you're looking for an example of that in canon MCU, much of Frigga's character and especially her surroundings as expressed on screen does have quite a few examples.

In fact, we aren't even given the idea she can still fight until she absolutely has to in The Dark World.

And, it's in Dark World (and a little of both Ragnarok [geh] and Endgame if you take both the premise of the Valkyries and the time travel scenes in it seriously) that we are given those examples.

Remember, whether they are fighters themselves or not: if they're Asgardian, they're still raised as a part of that previously mentioned warmongering imperialist society: and that would be (as also told to us in their dialogue about Jane and Sif, and their King Odin's expectations) even more strictly observed by someone like a lady in that kind of royalist/imperialist hierarchy, rather than a warrior.

That is why I say 'much' of Frigga's character and surroundings.. but not all. It's not the fighting you need to look at, though that can help. It's her mannerisms, her rooms (look at TDW including the fight with Malekith), her maids, and more. Frigga is, as Queen and even without the fight or ability itself: the top and more importantly leading example of what to expect of a lady of the royal court: as she should be in that kin of society.

And that's also VERY probably why she doesn't fight in any of THor 2011 on screen: even when Laufey shows up, regardless of her being nearer to the main palace then, than she was in TDW: where she was shown being in a separate side palace at least a few miles away when Algrim/Kurse broke out of the dungeon: all the way up until her life, and Jane's, are in immediate danger after having left that portion of the palace during the attack that Kurse opened the shields to manage.

(Which side note was REEEEALLY questionable at the time with a human housing an infinity stone in tow at the time, but is neither here nor there with other things taken into account... just a very dangerous for Jane choice, given what enemies they did have even without the elves being taken into account.. but eh, it is canon and it does fit the flavors of Asgard's, Odin's, and Frigga's own arrogance and ignorance in regards to Asgard's 'impervious' mindset state, as far as the upper echelons of their society seems to be concerned as portrayed on screen.)

In a way, it's made pretty clear that while Frigga still retains much of her skills as a fighter and mage/witch (Or the daughter of three witches at least as we also now know through canon dialogue:) the things she does and doesn't do, while also comparing that to someone like Brunhilde (aka Valkyrie) and how they were clearly recieved during and well after their term as an active female-only fighting force, the canon makes it pretty clear that unless they do retain that fighter status, women (perhaps including the queen) either do not tend to hold as much sway or dignity in other pursuits outside the household.

In other words and as an canon example.. even as the other ruler on the throne and his adoptive mother; Frigga is easily able to set aside the throne and any responsibility for doing so even in that situation. Regardless of, the fact that; at that point the situation is that Jotunheim had declared war in response to Thor's treasonous invasion, and regardless of being closest to Loki (we know this through the words of every character in the family: Thor says it repeatedly, Odin goads and attempts to guilt trip him with that close relationship too, and Frigga does the same with her own wierdness during her conversation with him in TDW's dungeon cell scene) knowing full well not only what she was asking of Loki, but also what Loki was going through in having just recently discovered that he wasn't only not of the same species: but on top of that was Laufey's biological son AND Jotunheim's only known of prince. Whom, Odin admitted he had taken to 'forge a permanent peace.'

A peace that, probably wouldn't have happened anyway if he and it had been handled just as poorly as well, it was.

Think about that for a little bit; really think about it: and the fact that she did so, while playing the part and claiming she was closest to him and cared about him the most.

That canonically casts some seriously gross and awkward truths into the realm of how their their relationship actually is versus how Frigga and the rest of them tried to paint it. As well as touching her own guilt evasion there too: and is something that both in the first Thor and the second film both: Frigga absolutely side steps taking any responsibility for, as the mother, the mentor, and the lady who raised him with that lie: regardless of their supposed closeness.

And, why that's important? Is because, under that king, husband and society as it goes: she is not just allowed to do that without complaint from any of the above, their society OR the foster-brother that she raised and lied to right next to him: she's allowed to thrive and remain in her position STILL without that question or any apparent explanation of ANY of those nuances or her part in putting him in charge in taht mental and emotional state; well after the fact and into 2013 two years later.

When she refers to that massive erasure of not just who but WHAT he is? Frigga almost always shifts that blame fully onto Odin in her dialogue; and steers as hard as she can away from words reminding the viewer that, she was Odin's wife and partner: through all of that. Instead, it's always 'your father' or 'he' rather than 'we' or 'he and I.'

Which is very blatantly another portion of Loki's response in this same scene when asked 'And am I not your mother..?' because, he's right in every form of the answer.

It's -possible- that she was being honest about her relationship with Loki, at least later on? But it's -not- very -probable-, or believable at that stage.. and her lack of self awareness and ownership of her part even when alone with him in Thor 2011 (not to mention carrying that on a year later in Dark World) makes that very hard to miss as a thing in truth: especially with the given facts being that this went on for over a thousand years.. and still over all that time she didn't have enough regard, respect, or love for her supposed favorite son, to even hint at any of his origins even after she taught him to shapeshift or cast illusions herself, to change the outcome.

And again.. no one raised a question as to why. Or held her accountable. No one questioned the one person in the royal family who was capable of taking Loki's place on the throne back in 2011 either.

Given how little we see women in honored fighting positions in Asgardian culture, and are given the very blatant information between the films that it's been literal centuries since even since a female fighting force has been a thing, PLUS the literal views we've been given with Sif as the only woman in the training yard in modern eras...?

It's pretty likely that raised-in bit of social ugly is pretty well dug into their society as well.

Again and that said: figuring out how a lady rather than a fighter might run her life, or fit in at those upper tiers without picking up a weapon: has been put on some display.

Asgard has a very wonky, heavy half ren/medieval approach to their upper heirarchy on display, complete with ladies in waiting (which Tony takes a little off jab at in GROUNDED too lol,) and healers especially seeming to be a majorly female profession.

There wasn't a single dude in that scene with Jane that wasn't either royalty or a guard, if you look at it again. Every single one of the healers is a woman.)

That mentioned, another place to look for examples, are again: Frigga's personal surroundings. And Dark World gives us a good look at those.

One thing to note, is that besides the healers: pretty much every Asgardian lady has armor in some portion of their wardrobe. Whether that's a breastplate, vanbraces (wrist/forearm,) gorgets (neck guard, like Loki's) or something else to accompany their dresses.

Vanbraces (Thor 2011)

Vanbraces and Archer's breastplate (Dark World Dungeon Scene)

Vanbraces, Pauldron, and partial Chestplate (Dark World, final scene)

There are moments when we see her and them without armor pieces (or in some scenes with even fewer of them at least, like teh carefully disguised set in the top gif) but for the most part those outfits are reserved for really important parties that are the equivalent of formal-dress parties: in which case we can see that even Sif doesn't escape from the expectation of wearing a literal dress: though even then.. hers is the odd one out of the others shown/on display in the room as far as style:

Which tells us a couple of things, but first and foremost and something that makes sense in their culture: is that even if they're not mainline fighters, and having been invaded enough to need and upkeep those shields in the first place?

Other than fancy events/celebrations and or coronations? The armor pieces are definitely as much local every day cultural fashion thing, as they are functional in some cases.

It's pretty likely that even the ladies of the court at least know and are expected to upkeep at least minor skills in self defense, if not the defense of their own homes: and are probably taught to do so from a very young age. They're not going to be as good at it outside of their own personal territory, or a territory they know well like say the Valkyrie were supposed to be, as the equivalent of a special forces military task unit: but they probably are expected.

Another side note..? This above, is ultimately; also among the forgiving reasons I don't question why Frigga went to the main palace outside of her taking Jane with her when she went. As Queen and lady of the house under that form of society, it absolutely passes without Jane in tow. However.. without Jane in tow, there's also the bit she couldn't have known at the time; that the writers did of course .. the fact that any of the elves were even alive and kicking. [And gee; thanks for that again Bor, lol! like father like son, I guess? Bor, his son, and said son's wife DO seem to have a habit of -not- telling their kids about world and universe ending enemies being alive after the fact, don't they? coughcoughHELAcoughcough.. XD]

There is one other bit, besides that: that we do get about the society from all that too though. At least about the surviving upper echelons of the ruling class: and that is?

That Odin had a really tight reign on the upper royals and his fighting forces surviving the Great Wars as King.. lips and all: unless amongst the entirety of their armies, council, other generals (besides Hela, which HOO is that a whole conversation unto itself Loki and Laufey related when you look at that timeline with Hela in it omg..) and pretty much every lady in waiting, servants .. or just other lords and ladies? Just didn't notice a surprise baby that the Queen -didn't- give birth to, was randomly being presented as a new baby prince to the Asgardian Empire. Which.. is next to impossible; especially when you take into account that this wasn't another country he took this kid from, or a society unfamiliar with magic: he took Loki from an entirely differing species and PLANET elsewhere in the universe in the middle of the last battle of one of the largest and bloodiest wars in their generation: and forced passing him off as his own.

Even if, he did manage that; maybe sequestering his wife and passing Loki off as a twin or some shizz? Someone if not a whole lot of someones probably knew.. but especially the healer or healers who would have treated any wounds throughout Loki's lifetime.

We could, almost say that they could have presented him as an adopted Asgardian kid.. and maybe he and Frigga did, to some of them on the sly to help keep it under wraps.. but that doesn't fit how their relationship is depicted, shown or talked about prior to or even after the reveal of his species and bloodline at all, either.

And that still wouldn't pass the first time this kid hurt himself, or was injured in battle under the scrutiny of an uninformed healer's ability in that society, with magic and high tech and more very much at their fingertips and in their alliances and enemies too, to be recognized.

Meaning, at least a portion of the populace closest to the crown, and especially those types old enough to have taken part in the last of the Great Wars or tending Loki as he grew and fought and more as a captive prince: were either just as complacent or, shut up by either if not both portions of the crown house really damned fast and really efficiently likely through threat, exile or worse. Keep in mind, the Great Wars and especially that one was still freshly finished, and they made a great show of making sure we knew there would be problems having the future ruler of the enemy they had been killing for an un-foretold length of time next to the crown in how even mention of Jotnar was allowed to form in Asgardian society: through Loki's words, through Thor's reactions and words, through Odin and through Frigga too.

The hate was strong enough even a thousand years plus of Odin's rule with Loki as prince later, that Thor thought it was A-Okay to go ahead and invade the planet and restart that war, against the literal warnings not just from every single person around him before he did it: and not just warned but told outright by his father and the King 'don't you fuckin' dare' well before even that.

That.. is the kind of society and expectations, an Asgardian Lady would have been raised into and led by along with the rest.

All that said, this is getting long; and there are metas rather than canon they come from that I could mention regarding Vanaheim as the most prevalent colony of Asgardians/partial Asgardians too, but.. we don't get a whole lot of them or their off world society other than to know that Odin doesn't care about them NEARLY as much: or at least not enough to even provide them defensive cannons or other defenses that Asgard otherwise VERY clearly has and has had for literal ages as put on display in the Dark World.

Being a woman in that society would probably be a very, well...

Probably, brainwashed to accept a lowered expectation of self worth over all, without the ability to fight on a greater tier than just home and self defense. And those who don't fall into those already asserted social standards would definitely be outliers if not outcasts. We have Loki himself and how Frigga's skills are viewed and worded even by her own family, as example of that.

So.. that's a lot to keep in mind but.. yeah. It is there, and more that; I probably haven't touched or missed while in the process of going on and explaining that.

For Sigyn though, for me: I do have some planned for her but as she doesn't exist in the MCU and adapting her would for me have to take all of that in mind: that is being approached very back burner for late Vestibule 2 (after Mixology) and Vestibule 3 as what ultimately boils down to an OC version of her. In part because I like that character in real life lore, and Skadi's character: and when I do write for them both.. I want to try and convert them to fit into the MCU base in a way that feels right to me.

Which is going to be rough when getting into more detailed versions of stuff like the very brief mentions of Skadi's tale and others I've already done in fics like Simon Says/Bail: given the MCU is twice removed from actual Norse Mythos; being Asgard in the MCU is more loose in being based off of Marvel, which in turn is then just as loose in the comics' basing their characters from that Norse Mythos.

Also, am tired .. is eleven PM lol sorry for not continuing, and getting extra rambly. But will add more pretty pictures to make up for it a lil bit? lol

If you have more questions or want some elaboration on anything, by all means feel free to send me asks just like this one.

I generally try to answer pretty quickly when I see them lol.

[gloriousburden]

ohhh so u meant like "his type" and "loves women who can challenge him" as in not like for a serious relationship and love but like for playing around? srry i have trouble with interpreting what i read online sometimes lol!

do u think his canon "type" as in for more real and long term things is still that or could it be any/numerous? sigyn for example, from the bits I've seen in some comics and the fanworks where they pair her with MCU Loki she is like, really sweet and nurturing. Some make her shy and others more hyper. But she's not like a doormat or lacking depth, shes complex and not always saccharine with him, yk? how do u think he'd pair with someone like that, who still knows how to challenge him in ways? like maybe sugar and fire type of personality or idk

No it’s okay! I’m kind of stupid and word things really badly on here sometimes LOL people misunderstand me all the time

Honestly, the post was a bit playful. I just sort of found it a bit funny that he continues to have an attraction to a woman who wants nothing to do with him 😭

Hmm… what do I ACTUALLY think Loki’s canon type is… would he like someone shy? Someone more confident? I think his type would be someone more confident. He specifically likes/is intrigued by confidence in women. Perhaps a lot of Asgardian women he’s interacted with are a bit shy considering the fact he’s a prince and a god (and very attractive/charming). We do know that female warriors were looked down upon, so most Asgardian women probably feel they have to fit a more “dainty” and stereotypically feminine personality.

So I think that Loki finds confidence/strength as a really attractive trait in women because it stands out to him, and is a bit more similar to his own personality. It’s intriguing to him. He’s drawn to it. He also has his own moments of low self esteem/weakness, so I think he would look up to/be inspired by someone who’s confident in themselves. Either that, or he would envy them very much. He envies certain aspects of Thor’s confidence/strength, but he also finds it to be a bit ignorant.

Which is why… I think he’d want his partner to be on a similar level as him. Similar intelligence, and similar personality. His partner would mirror him in ways, but also puzzle him. I don’t see him wanting someone completely opposite from him, but I also don’t see him wanting an exact replica of himself. They have to think similarly, but they also have to have something he lacks. He needs to be intrigued by them in some way.

I don’t know if he’d really love the sweet and nurturing/shy type? I mean, he would love a partner that does take care of him of course, but obviously.. he’s very closed off and afraid of being vulnerable. Which they actually could help with, but I feel he wants to earn/“work for” that sort of relationship. He doesn’t feel he deserves it, and it might be a bit off putting.

I feel that he likes someone he can solve. Someone who’s sweet and nurturing, doesn’t give him a whole lot to work with. He’s the challenging type. He wants someone a bit more complex than that. (Not that people who are sweet and nurturing cannot be complex, but I feel it’s something he sort of expects from women specifically. It’s not that challenging to him.)

And like I said, Loki seems to be drawn to the “new” and “innovative” rather than what he already knows. I sort of got the idea that Asgardian women tend to be shy/sweet and nurturing around him, and… it’s not too intriguing. Not that he’s canonically attracted to her or anything but, Jane stood out to him because she’s confident. She’s intelligent. She doesn’t take shit from anyone. He’s expecting her to be the more quiet, shy type. But, she proves him wrong. And he really appreciates it and approves of it lol

I do think he would find a shy partner appealing in certain aspects, as he loves to tease and figure people out. He would like the advantage he has over them. He’d want them to open up to him, even if he’s a bit reluctant to open up to them. Maybe he would eventually feel comfortable opening up to them. It matches the sort of “shyness” he had in Thor 1. There’s pros and cons to both confident and shy partners. He may feel like he cannot open up to a confident partner, but he also may feel like certain aspects of his personality could be off putting to a shyer partner.

You didn’t say anything like this but, I don’t think he would want someone who blindly worships everything he does. He’d find it a bit intriguing at first, but it gets boring because… no challenge!

I think he’d be more intrigued by someone who straight up hates him. It’s a challenge to him. He wants to figure them out.

It’s hard to tell of course since certain aspects of Loki’s are not really shown canonically (like what type of romantic partners he’s had/seeks) but we can watch the movies and look at certain people he’s been intrigued by, as well as certain people he’s disliked to get a bit of an idea. That’s what I’m going based off of anyway. He tends to dislike those who he deems arrogant/unintelligent. He tends to dislike those who do, before they think. He has a dislike for humans because they are “simpler”

He tends to be intrigued by those who are confident. He tends to be intrigued by those who are intelligent. He’s intrigued by strength/power, but not strength/power that is used with no thought/intelligence behind it.

The sweet and nurturing aspect… well, he obviously didn’t receive a whole lot of that. The only one who was remotely sweet and nurturing to him was Frigga, and even then… he didn’t know how to take it. Obviously, romantic relationships would be different than a familiar one. But, I don’t see him allowing himself to accept love from someone who’s already highly sweet and nurturing to everyone. He wants to know why he deserves it. It may feel insincere to him. He wants that love to be VERY specific to him. He may feel it’s more sincere from someone who doesn’t openly love, similarly to himself. Not many things are done specifically for him, so I think he’d really like a closed off partner who opens up to him and loves him. He’d see himself in their vulnerability, and would really appreciate them opening up to him despite their fear of vulnerability.

I do not ship Loki with anyone, so I’m not being biased. But out of all the people he is shipped with, I think he would lean towards the more “mysterious”/“confident but not at all arrogant/unintelligent” types. Sif, Natasha, and Tony for example. Those who also have dark pasts, and have struggled in similar ways as him. Those who view things similarly, but differently to him. I don’t see him loving the OVERLY silly type, but I also don’t see him loving someone he cannot AT ALL be playful with. He’s the god of mischief, but he is also very serious.

He loves to tease, but I think he could also enjoy being teased to a certain extent. He likes having an advantage over others, but he could allow them to have an advantage over him. He’s very versatile, so it’s difficult to point to a specific type LOL

Rambled so badly but this is sort of how I view it. It’s the impression I’ve always gotten, anyway. I try to go based off canon, and notice what types of people Loki is drawn to. That’s where my idea of his types come from, though it’s not at all made obvious.

Honestly, his type could be completely different than what I’ve said. He could prefer a shy/really sweet and nurturing partner. He could prefer someone who’s the complete opposite from who he is. Or… I could be right!

Thanks for the ask I had a lot of fun thinking about this and putting it into words. I’m not really good with articulating certain things, so sorry if I repeat myself a ton and forget to elaborate on certain things. If anything’s unclear, I will correct it!

[gildatheplant]

Review Time!!! Thor the Dark World

OK so I finally caved and got Disney + because I was feeling nostalgic for the MCU, and especially two of my all time superhero faves Loki and Thor.

Despite my love for these two characters I've felt pretty burned out of the superhero genre the last couple years. Combined with not having access to Disney + when the Loki series first came out and hearing mixed reviews for both it and Thor: Love and Thunder, I didn't really feel inspired to check them out.

A month or so ago something (probably a post floating onto my tumblr feed) inspired me to finally check out Loki and figure out how to get Disney +. While I have things I love about the show, and things I thought could've been done much better, it made me feel seriously nostalgic for the Thor films....which led me to a rewatch of Thor the Dark World aka the only Thor film I had watched only once.

And after rewatching it...I gotta say it gets a bad wrap. Does it have issues? Yes, yes it definitely does. But overall, it's not nearly as bad as a lot of fans make it out to be. Not one of Marvel's top films by any stretch, but also nowhere near as bad as some of Marvel's later films.

The Bad: Honestly, I only have two major beefs with this film- its shifts in tone and its villain. Marvel is pretty famous for blending action, drama, and comedy in its superhero films with varying results. The first Iron Man and The Avengers balanced these elements almost perfectly. The Dark World...does not. Much of the comedy feels forced, and it's made even worse by moments of severe mood whiplash. The most glaring example is the shift from Frigga's heartbreaking and beautiful funeral to Dr. Selvig running around with no pants on. Such a sharp change in tone can leave audiences feeling frustrated and annoyed at the sudden emotional shift. The sharp tone changes are also tied strongly to the Asgardian storylines vs. the Earth storylines- with the Asgardian tone feeling more serious and heartfelt, while the Earth tone mostly feels too silly.

As for the villains I actually really liked the overall design of the dark Elves. Their wide eyed, blank white masks were effectively creepy and gave them a completely different vibe than the type of elves moviegoers are used to seeing. Malekith and Kursed were done dirty though. I remember reading at the time that the actors themselves were angry about how much of their portrayals were left on the cutting room floor, which is a real shame because Christopher Eccleston can play great villains. It's a shame we're never going to get a director's cut because I'd be curious to see how much that could improve the film's villain issue. We spend so little time with them that it's hard to feel anything really for them.

The Good: As I said, I actually think this film gets a bad wrap. While it has its lows, it also has its highs. My favourite aspect, of course, were the character arcs for Thor and Loki. This movie is the first to really show Thor as the strategist and leader he needs to be to be a king. It also shows how much he's grown since his first film- prioritizing the safety of his people over battle and glory. Chris Hemsworth gives a great performance that highlights Thor's growing maturity, compassion, and charm.

Despite Loki not having a lot of screentime, every time he is onscreen, it adds something to his character AND the characters around him. We see Loki argue with his father about the value of mortal lives, where it seems like Odin has far more respect for them...until we're later shown through Odin's dismissive and almost cruel treatment of Jane that Loki likely learned his viewpoint on them from his father. Loki also mirrors Odin's words to Thor about Jane, with both of them pointing out he should give up on her because of her short lifespan. Interestingly, it is Loki, not Odin, that shows Jane the most compassion in the end- he shields her from harm with his own body then pushes her to safety when she is shot at. As much as Loki's words may resemble his father's, his actions demonstrate his closeness to his mother.

As good as Thor and Loki are, they are best when they are onscreen together, and this film really highlights that. As vicious as their arguments get, from Thor declaring he has lost all hope for Loki and will not hesitate to kill him to Loki brutally pointing out how Jane is going to die long before Thor, there's still a strong brotherly bond between them. The way that no matter how angry they get with each other, they can't help teasing, joking and, ultimately, having each other's backs. It's telling that the kindest words Odin says to Thor in this film were actually said by Loki in disguise.

Pretty much everything to do with Queen Frigga is fantastic. Her heartbreaking conversation with Loki in the prison, her fierce protectiveness of Jane, her use of magic that so resembles Loki's, the way she was totally kicking Malekith's ass, the beauty and tragedy of her funeral.

Heimdall, the Warriors Three, and Sif have relatively small roles, but they make the most of them. Heimdall's taking down of the elves' ship is great, but what I love most is that he acts as both loyal subject and mentor to Thor. Sif is given an element of tragedy in the film as it becomes clear that she is in love with Thor but he only loves her as a friend. It makes her continued loyalty and friendship to him seem all the more noble.

Lastly, this film has one of my favourite cameos in any MCU movie with Chris Evans playing Loki playing Captain America. Honestly, I like it more than Hugh Jackman's cameo in X-Men First Class, and that one was tough to beat.