<div class="floatright">(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3ii20CiYJ1rqn69fo1_500.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> 7:29 PM EST<br/><strong>Tags:</strong> Maria </span></span><br/><hr/><br/>The woman's fear was delicious and – he suspected – not often revealed. In spite of the way it wafted from her body like an exotic perfume she chose neither to flee nor to shoot him in the face with her small weapon; that was a promising start to their relationship. He politely ignored her command to “stop” and took one step closer before pausing to lean against one of the high metal tables.<br/><br/>“Ah, you know who I am. It is gratifying to know that my legend precedes me.” Hands before him, he laced his fingers. “And I know who you are, Maria Hill. Congratulations on your promotion, by the way. Fury really wasted every opportunity, didn't he? Made so many rash decisions and regrettable mistakes... ones I'm certain you will not repeat.” He offered a winning smile to underscore the compliment.<br/><br/>“As to what I want, well, that's a long story. You should relax, make yourself comfortable. We could even huddle up for a spell if it's getting too chilly in here for your delicate constitution.” Loki patted his coat as if encouraging a dog to come closer. “No? Hmm, suit yourself.” A fresh wave of frost swept halfway across the room and tiny icicles began to form on the underside of shelves.<br/><br/>“When I last visited your charming little realm, I was not entirely myself. I was gripped by the madness of the Chitauri and acted recklessly under their influence. Even gods, you see, are susceptible to the evil machination of forces beyond either of our comprehensions. As I was taken down by Earth's poorly-controlled mob of vigilantes and returned to my senses, I realized the error of my ways.” Somehow, as he ruefully pinched the bridge of his nose, the words echoed with sincerity.<br/><br/>“During my brief period of incarceration I took full measure of the dangers your realm now faces. The Chitauri army was pathetic and primitive compared to the enemies that have begun to turn their sights to Midgard. They are bold. They are legion. They will make my time with you seem agonizingly trivial in comparison to the darkness that will soon swallow your world whole. Like a wolf swallowing the sun,” he added absently, as patches of ice bloomed on every wall. Refocusing on Maria, he smiled with a patronizing kindness. “We can't have that, can we?”<br/><br/>Loki straightened and took another step towards the woman, ice crystals crunching beneath his feet. “So, it seems to me that what your realm needs is a strong defense. A force that is organized, disciplined, truly dedicated to the protection of Midgard... rather than the indulgence of their own egos. If your race wishes to keep the independence it so desperately craves, you need a reliable army with a powerful and experienced leader.”<br/><br/>He stopped once more, less than an arm's length from her, and spread his hands beneficently. “You are that leader, Maria. You should be Earth's mightiest hero,” Loki said, his breath hanging like smoke in the frosty air.<br/>