<br/><hr/><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Name: </strong> Loki<br/>  <strong>Title: </strong>God of Mischief<br/>  <strong>Affiliation: </strong>Resistance?<br/>  <strong>Location: </strong>Cairo, Selene's Quarters</span></span><br/><strong>Tags: </strong>Selene<br/><hr/><br/>The long silence that passed between them was entrancing. His "captor" had the bearing of queen; for only a queen would dare hold his gaze with such elegant disdain. When had Midgard begun to spawn women of this caliber? Clearly he'd missed several important developments in recent centuries.<br/><br/>When she finally rose to fill his request, it was plain she acted from propriety rather than subservience. Her grace was enough to make him forget how desperately he needed that drink. Loki's emerald eyes enjoyed their slow journey up and down her curves before she spoke.<br/><br/><em>Why a God...</em><br/><br/>A bemused grin brightened his dusty features. No more play-acting.<br/><br/><em>...would allow himself to be shot down within the parameters of the One that could easily take that God out of the universal equation, being the first. But I have the answer to that question... </em><br/><br/>He didn't disguise his snort of disbelief at the mention of "the One." Impressive and wasteful as the actions of this One had been, the idea that its earthly power could ever prove fatal to a god was ridiculous. He held his tongue as she continued, turning and approaching him in a painfully tempting display of flesh and insight.<br/><br/><em>You couldn't stay away from It. You feel it beneath your feet even now. You want it, the Power He has. My lord, I am the conduit that you need to gain that what you desire.</em><br/><br/>Loki accepted the offered glass, covering the woman's fingers with his own as he did so. "<strong>My thanks, darling hostess,</strong>" he said as they touched and parted. He leaned back with the glass poised.  "<strong>It is gratifying to be recognized, even in this dismal little realm.</strong>"<br/><br/>His smile took on a salacious quality as he regarded her abundant charms. "<strong>Questions, questions. I confess, my curiosity is roused by the energies stirring below. If you were seeking the attentions of Asgard you assuredly have them, my Lady.</strong>" Even as he teased, he willed his hand not to shake. "<strong>But riddle me this: If your One is so powerful - and indeed, Midgard is in an impressively ruinous state - why would you risk his god-smiting wrath to give me anything at all?</strong>"<br/><br/>Loki regarded the drink. Dr. Doom had never failed to load his cup with poison during their occasional clandestine trysts. Nothing that could touch an Asgardian, of course; it was merely professional courtesy. The One had similar concoctions in store, no doubt. He stared into the woman's eyes as he drained the glass and set it on a low table at hand.<br/><br/>"<strong>As for what I desire-</strong>" He stopped short as the first needle of energy pierced his mind. "<strong>Ah. I see you have given me something, whether I desired it or not.</strong>"  A shower of sparks filled his heart and began to light his blood on fire as he rose and stood tall, strong. "<strong>You are... most generous.</strong>"<br/><br/>The power below leaped up to meet him as he fell to the ground. They mingled, embraced. Loki was only dimly aware of being on his knees in front of the woman who had caused this sudden shift in energies but he was much too full of flame and void to change his position in the universe. Ancient magic of this magnitude burned as it froze him from the inside out. His tears were diamonds reflecting Odin's fall. His hands were black with ravens' blood. His song poured victory over sand and the lost son was wreathed in stars that... stars... black... tears...<br/><br/>The power ebbed as suddenly as it had flowed into him. No, no, no. Whatever it was, whatever the cost, he had to have it back. He had to have more. More. Now. "<strong>Now!</strong>" he roared, throwing his head back to bare sharp teeth at the agony of loss. Shadows of a jackal's face flickered at the edge of his vision as he looked desperately to the queen before him. She would return his power. She must.<br/><br/>Inwardly raging, he settled slowly back on his haunches and lowered his gaze. Loki's eyes were no longer green. They were obsidian orbs that glistened in the lamplight and his ragged whisper was dark as the desert.<br/><br/>"<strong>What have you done to me...?</strong>"