<br/><div class="floatright">(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a339/Kii-chan/picspams/Hiddles/qd06clo1_1280.jpg)</div><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;"><strong>Name:</strong> Loki<br/><strong>Title:</strong> God of Mischief<br/><strong>Location:</strong> The Armoury <br/><strong>Time:</strong> 7:25 PM EST<br/><strong>Tags:</strong> Maria </span></span><br/><hr/><br/>Loki waited, cloaked from mortal sight, while the two had their little exchange. On one hand, it was disappointing that Fury was no longer present; his insolence warranted punishment that was already long overdue. On the other, this woman was a new puzzle to play with. Unexpected diversions were always welcome.<br/><br/><em>"No one's ever assembled the Avengers. The only person that's ever come close is Loki.”</em><br/><br/>It was a painful compliment laced with irony. In trying to destroy them, he'd brought them closer together. A mostly mortal team of six had eliminated an army and (in their minds) humbled a god. It would be different this time. There would be no martyrs for them to embrace. Nothing but their own self delusions and innate violence would tear them apart. With a subtle nudge here and there.<br/><br/>He tested the servant's mind as the man left the room and found it loyal, obedient, simple. The new leader trusted him with a position of some import. He really ought to be replaced.<br/><br/><em>"Stark?" </em><br/><br/>As Loki's thoughts darkened, a chill swept the room. The sensors and security cameras that were scattered about the room flickered and frosted over. He rested a hand on the door and the locking mechanism filled with ice, a thick shield that swept over the metal and sealed it.<br/><br/>“Does Stark trouble you so?” The trickster shifted into view, solidifying like a ghostly vision in the doorway. He wore a plain, English-cut suit and the polite smile of a businessman. “Perhaps we can discuss the matter, you and I, and come to a resolution of mutual benefit. Would you like that, Maria?”<br/><br/>His green eyes swept her body up and down, lingering on her thighs as she touched her weapon. “Or will you shoot first? If you're going to be irrational about this I must respond with a firm hand.” Loki's smile became more genuine as he licked his lower lip in anticipation. “Which path will we take?”