sixwordstories | (no subject)

And yet, I did anyway.

[His hand clenched tighter around the handle of his axe that he held. Eric didn't utter a word but stared fiercely at the man.]

[Loki grins back, looking condescendingly amused.]

My, someone has a temper.

If you're married? Why not?

Because it isn't proper.

[More likely, because he's had too much to drink and carrying some improper thoughts.]

And the strength to go with it.

[Eric glares while watching the man like a hawk.]

Oh, yes, you're bulky enough, for a mortal, but appearances can be deceptive. I promise, I'm far stronger than you are.

[Loki circles the man, studying him carefully.]

I do not fear magic.

[Eric stated boldly, unnerved. He continued to watch the...whatever the thing in the form of a man might be. Being called a mortal, The Huntsman could only assume his challenger wasn't.]

[Loki just laughs, spreading his arms.]

I never said I wanted you to. Magic can be many things, not all of them terrible.

[Laughter only makes The Huntsman's brows knit into a tighter scowl.]

Yet many of them are! You, Sir, do not curry favor as one to use sorcery for good. Not with your laughter and smiles after what you asked of me!

Why should I or any other magic user curry favor with you? It's hardly my fault you have no sense of humor.

Besides, I had good reason to ask questions about your father.

Oh, I haven't bothered with being proper for a very long time.

[ Most of Julie's thoughts are improper, which was partly why she'd asked her question. Not that it really matters to her one way or the other, but it's always good to know what sort of situation you're dealing with. ]

[The man's immediate response only prompted Eric to drop his head to a side and stare with hard disbelief.]

State your business already!

[His eyes glazed over at her answer. It had been a long time since Eric hadn't acted proper. His lips formed a mischievous grin that he tried hiding.]

You are awful.

[Maybe he could hide the devlish hint on his smile but he couldn't wipe the expression completely from his lips.]

It's true. Do you mind?

[ Because she doesn't think it seems like it. ]

I do not.

[Truth that he should not speak. His smile waned but his eyes did not leave hers.]

Business? I would hardly call it that. You bear more than a passing resemblance to some I know, someone who is...almost...family. Does the name Thor mean anything to you?

[ She takes a slow, deliberate drink from her cup, eyes still locked on his. ]

Does it make you uncomfortable? That you don't mind, I mean.

I am no kin to you. Mine were all lost to the fever. No one by that name. What is yours?

[Eric cannot begin to decipher what this man wants with him. He continues to keep his guard up yet lowers his voice to that of regular conversation.]

Very much so. ...You are beautiful. And belong to another.

[His eyes finally fell, hopefully before they gave away too much.]

Technically, neither is Thor, but convincing him is no easy task. I am Loki, of course.

[Loki just continues to grin, growing more and more amused. The man's aura of caution is particularly delightful.]

I belong to no one but myself, and if you are talking about the bastard who owns my soul I certainly don't think I owe him anything.

[ And she'd never let her husband get in the way when they were still in the same time and country, so she'd never seen any reason to change that attitude once her life got even more complicated than it already was. ]

Loki? The same name as the old stories of lore, god of mischief?

[One name carried, not the other. Eric remained confused as to what the man's motives may toward him and remains alert. He finds the name fitting.]

Such language. Not very lady like.

[Eric teased, showing his inebriated state. What they discussed was no laughing matter. This was why he ended up bruised, battered and robbed after visits to the tavern.]

Precisely the same! [Loki smiles smugly.] Now, how is it you know my name, but fail to know the name of my would-be brother?