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The shop is fairly small from the outside, with a single door, inset beside a beveled display area, which is stacked high with books. Upon entering, Serrure pokes his head from the back of the store, around a set of shelves, to see what sort of customer it is. There are several places in the store where there are missing books. Sold, perhaps. Just holes.
*
With hands in pockets of his black Belstaff (after all, it was a bit nippy today between the drizzle and the wind), a tall man walks into said bookstore. Broad-shouldered, lean, wearing a bright red scarf, he wears an air of curious nonchalance as easily as the coat. He doesn't travel too far inside, lingering near the front.
Light eyes flick from shelf to shelf until they finally reach the shopkeeper far into what depths can be construed from the size of the place. His thin lips rise to a cool smile, more formal than friendly, and his quiet voice carries despite the distance:
"Your highness." No beating around the bush with the Sorcerer. "Quaint little place," he adds, glancing around once more.
*
Loki straightens with a dry expression. He disappears a moment to some room in the back and there is the soft sound of a book being stacked. Then he reappears, moving forwards, "I wondered when you might come." He doesn't just walk, but he prowls, squaring his shoulders. Posturing, standing up to the other…apex predator in the room. "It is more than it seems. Perhaps you can tell. Though…" He lifts a pale hand and dips his angular chin, "I do not recommend seeking magic, here." Though he doesn't say why, his verdant eyes glint.
*
The smile on Strange's face deepens a titch, as if he's amused by it all.
"No, I have another shop if I'm in need of a Mystical title. It's well-worth perusing, if you ever have the time or inclination. Devizes," he adds, moving further into the shop. A fingertip brushes along the binding of a book in one of the shelves. "It moves of its own accord, which makes it hard to track. A nice challenge if you relish them." He considers the volume before him, bound in dusky-purple with tiny gilded lettering, before returning his hand to his pocket. "Still…I'm expected?" He looks back to Loki again.
*
"Certainly. You spend enough time with my Kai…to think yourself what…his father? His mentor? His dear friend and advisor? I assumed that, in time, you would come to see if he is right or he is wrong." Loki gets near enough that he can see the volume Strange is fussing with. It says 'Famous Shipwrecks' in French. Then he looks back to Strange with a quirk of a grin. "Tell me more about the shop you speak of. Such things do interest me…more than you would guess for my current state."
*
"I presume they would interest you. It seems you've lost touch with your abilities after…whatever befell you," Strange replies, leveling a searching look upon the Asgardian. "I saw the attempts to use magic more complicated than a simple illusion." Lokis. So many Lokis in that moment for the inky feelers to slap at. "Still…I suppose I owe you thanks for running interference with the gravity well and the tentacles." The Sorcerer inclines his head ever so slightly. "I came to deliver that…and, I suppose, to ascertain what I can of you without the Elf between us. He's told me of the best thus far." Those steel-blue eyes hold the Asgardian's gaze without flinching. "Nothing like seeing it in person."
*
Loki narrows his eyes when Strange reveals he's noticed the lack in powers. "Considering how many people wish me dead, I would appreciate it if you kept my current levels of power to yourself. It is the threat that I could do far more that holds back the pursuit of me in earnest. If certain people were to find out that I cannot do as much as the former incarnation…I would have much in the way of fleeing to do." He reaches up and positions a finger on another book and then pushes it back where its supposed to be, flush with the rest. "It is simple what happened to me. I am a younger…self. My talents are different."
*
The Sorcerer's brows lift and he looks the Asgardian prince from head to toes carefully. He comes to a conclusion with a little 'hmph'.
"A previous incarnation. A logical way to tackle the repercussions of past events. You do look younger." The smile given to Loki now is wry and Strange steps around, past him, and further into the shop. He's silent for a bit, letting his attention wander and eventually, he turns to face the shopkeeper.
"I have no reason to share your lack of abilities with anyone. I gain no benefit from the knowledge other than its worth. From what the Old Stories tell of you, your highness, you won't be without them long." The shrug is accepting in a way.
*
"Would it surprise you to know that I can feel it when my destiny changes? The road has been trod…there is a groove. And when I alter from the path, I can feel it as a pain in my chest. But I am grateful to feel it. I am meant to feel it. I also think it no accident that I am propelled backwards in mind and age to this particular time…for it was a time when Asgardians roamed freely in this realm, in all the realms, leaving things behind in battle and adventure. A fog of a thousand years, these things get forgotten and lost, but I remember them more clearly. Or rather, they are still foggy now, but I will remember them more clearly." Loki lifts his chin. "If you take me to that store of relics…then I will let you come on the journey to find treasures still lost in burial mounds, or tors of bodies, rotted and overgrown. I can unearth ancient cities…with my memories when they have fully bloomed."
*
Would it surprise the Sorcerer? Yes and no. He has a similar sense of things, though it expands beyond himself and condenses to the general Mystical well-being of his reality. His is but one soul-string plucked amongst many in the harmonization of the Realm, even with its dominant carriage.
Strange's expression grows canny. "Take you, your highness? Anyone of magical ilk can find this bookshop, yourself included. It isn't too difficult of a challenge. As far as these treasures…nothing keeps me from hunting them down myself. At some point or another, any treasure has been cataloged, even if the truth is three times removed in its written form." He pauses, tilting his head as if attempting to see the Asgardian in another light. "Are you asking me for a favor?"
*
Loki arches a brow and then turns to move around the shop, to pace a bit. "I am trying not to see it as such. I intend to take a risk, soon, and…it may have magical backlash that I cannot predict. Someone like you, there, would be an assurance. But I also thought that it seemed like something you may enjoy. And if you enjoy it, is it a favor?" His black hair stirs past his shoulders as he turns his head to look at Strange, a small, sly smile on his face.
*
"I tend to enjoy favors, yes, seeing as they get cashed in to me, sooner or later." The crimson scarf about his neck settles itself a bit looser as to let air flow into the coat. "I wouldn't bargain with me lightly." A simple morsel of truth offered up with no threat.
"Though, if I may make sure I understand what you're requesting of me: you'd rather have the Sorcerer Supreme present in case of unpredictable results to your actions. Your highness, I've already dealt with that once and it nearly cost me greatly. Treasures mean little to me, especially in light of possible damage to my realm and its inhabitants." Strange watches the shopkeeper pacing simply to know precisely where the Asgardian is at all times. "If we may be candid with one another, I would know of this risk you intend to undertake and what it entails."
*
Loki wrinkles his lips and his nose. "I believe I will pass. If your favor comes with such strings…I wonder how it is that you mean to prey upon my Kai. What sort of…" he twists his hand in the air, "price he has to pay for your advice." Silvertongue doesn't get that moniker for naught, and he effortlessly crafts them, painting a picture of victims, with Strange as a predator.
*
Strange's grin, showing a glint of teeth, doesn't reach his eyes.
"Wisdom is something dispensed without strings. The only cost to your Kai is the passing of his time in my presence." He sighs, slowly. "Still, it's unfortunate that you renege on your offer. I was considering attending as an act of courtesy in light of my mantle. Now it seems I have no choice in the matter as Sorcerer Supreme of Earth. I can't afford the potential of risk to my reality. Take what you will from it, but know that it's not a favor to you and thus, I will follow through on diplomacy according to the mantle's obligations."
He doesn't appear any happier to deliver the ultimatum this way. What's worse, owing the Sorcerer a favor or dealing with consequences if things go awry?
*
"I see…so you must come along on the incredibly intriguing quest that has been laid out for me in dozens of books? Yes…yes, your position necessitates that you be there to witness a Norn Pool with your very own eyes. Nevermind that the area will be a basin of old magics and fascinating ruins…you simply have to go as part of your job." Loki grins crookedly, his voice dripping with politeness and a little snark, but then it shifts to a more honest tone. "I truly do not anticipate any great danger to the world, but to me, perhaps. And those on the journey. It eases my mind that you will come, for I have seen how you protect the innocent."
*
Give the Sorcerer a cookie for not rolling his eyes. Diplomacy is a pain sometimes. One must not openly mock royal relations to another realm.
Strange does, however, arch an eyebrow rather imperiously at the Asgardian before assuming an air that seems resigned. "I can do no less given the powers at my fingertips. Midgard's safety is paramount. You've been honest enough with me thus far, your highness. Continue to do so and I can see our professional relationship thriving." His little smile is somewhat cynical still — who can blame him, this is the Trickster God in the flesh. "That I must come along when the search entails learning more of the Mystical world around me? I do face terrible burdens like this from time to time."
*
Loki looks to the right, at a row of books in German. "I must be cautious right now. I hope you are not offended. You'll have what you want, in the end anyway, for I will be predisposed to help those who have helped me."
*
"You've shown a propensity for acting in favor of life, your highness. It would be a waste of my time to be offended considering that actions mean more than words in the ultimate scheme of things." He follows Loki's gaze to the shelving of titles in the foreign language and frowns pensively. The cloud ghosts away soon enough and Strange nods to himself. "I presume you'll be contacting me as to when you intend to leave on this endeavor?"
*
"Yes. I will contact you. Kai asked that I not leave without him…and he needs to remain in town because he has…" Loki sighs a little dramatically, "joined the Avengers."
*
This is news to the Sorcerer. He knows of the group, was aware that it had been disbanded per the newspapers some time back — but to have reconvened? Something tickles upon his awareness, soft as eider-down, foreboding as the lengthening of shadows on a winter night.
"I had no idea Kai had joined them. He's well-placed to aid them, with his relic and its abilities. The Avengers are all the better for his presence." No idle compliment by Strange, this.
*
"They are better off to have him, but there is far more to him than the apple. I hope that he uses it sparingly, or at the very least, does not reveal the source of his power as being something they could confiscate." Loki just is having a hard time trusting people, it seems like, but that's not so unusual for someone in a weak position.
*
Strange might have patted Loki on the shoulder in another time and place, given different circumstances and events. Instead, the Asgardian receives a nod and a small, if not moderately-understanding smile.
"I have noticed, given his optimism and general trustworthiness, that he extends this trust to those that might abuse it. It would be wise to warn him of this possibility, if you haven't already. He may not have considered it."
*
Loki throws up his hands and paces again. "Of course he has not considered it. He is blinded by a red, white and blue shield…bobbing about being Captain America's sidekick…" he purses his lips. Ohhh, little bit of jealousy.
*
"If you're concerned for his personal safety over the possibility of the relic being taken from him, then speak with him about it," councils the Sorcerer again. "Justice is something noble to strive for. From what I've heard of the Captain, he's someone trustworthy. I would think that Kai is in safe hands."
*
"I generally agree…though I cannot speak for the rest of the Avengers I do not know. I will talk to him about the apple..to make sure he understands its value to others who would take it from him." at least that does clarify for Strange that LOKI doesn't intend to take it from him.
*
This is clarified and something within the Sorcerer's psyche settles hackles over the lingering suspicion. He watches the Asgardian continue to pace and wonders at the display of jealousy. He won't say it aloud, but…green might be a good color on the Trickster God while the emotion is likely a little too 'human' for him.
"Well and good, your highness. It will do him some good, hearing it from us both. I offered council to him some time back about being careful with the relic. It's not some 'toy' to be mishandled or shown without care. I suspect that Kai knows this, despite your concerns." He glances to the window of the shop and back to the Asgardian. "If I told you that you could locate Devizes simply by utilizing your abilities, would you believe me?"
It's not really a test…but only kind of.
*
Loki makes a humming sound. "If that were true, then I would have tripped into the store already." He smiles faintly. "I believe it if there is a step in between."
*
A twinkle appears in Strange's eyes.
"If you've ever heard a tune before, but can't remember the name, it's not too unlike that. Every apprentice is set to finding the place as part of their learning." He pauses, considering something. "It's the same resonance as a basic cloaking spell, but in a different plane. Ever track a unicorn?" Yes, he's absolutely serious asking this question.
*
"I do not remember. I may yet be too closed off to find such a place. The desire is there, and I have some magic, but…I know that there is so much more yet to unlock." Loki nods once, accepting that he may not be able to do it, yet. "I understand what you mean about…resonance, though."
*
"Mystical resonance is an excellent place to start. Be patient if you take on the challenge. The shop is a fickle thing sometimes." Speaking of fickle — the crimson scarf about his neck tightens abruptly, snagging his attention. Strange glances down to see it lift one end and flick off in the direction of the clock hanging on the wall of the store. "Ah, yes, you're correct," he murmurs and the relic settles down once more. "I'll look to your message as to when you choose to leave, your highness. Be timely, please. I'm a busy man these days." The smile is professional once again.
*
Loki makes a grunt sound. "Talk to the Avengers about the timing." And then grins crookedly. "I think I shall close up and go find my Beloved." He wiggles his fingers, absently, then, in a farewell to Strange.
*