The Place of Kings (tag: Rocket)

[Loki]

Loki had forgotten the last time he had slept.

For truly he felt as if he could never stop and even have a time to be himself. Literally: he had spent days upon end in the guise of Odin Allfather. His wrinkled cheeks, his one condescending eye gazing out on the nine realms and even beyond. Meeting with generals and common folk alike, serving judgment swiftly and with great wisdom. The people of Asgard could almost forget the sting of Malekeith’s destruction and the abandonment of their Crown Prince. Everything seemed as it should, prosperity once again ruled the golden realm.

Loki found himself looking in a mirror at his foster father’s face and no longer feeling anger. Just….. numbness. For Odin he felt nothing more than a total apathy, one that hardly made him blink. Well Father, you always wanted your sons to be exactly like you.

It was grating, that all it took was a change of skin for the Warriors Three and Sif to listen and respect him. It didn’t matter if he resorted to magic to fix problems, he was the Allfather! The morning and evening star, the beginning and the end. If he ordered men to the kitchen and women to the battlefield it would be done without hesitation. Loki finally had everything he ever wanted, and all he had to do was play the appropriate part. At least, until Thor grew tired of his Midgaridan woman and chose to came back.

By then of course, it might be too late. The people of Asgard had long memories, and would remember how Thor abandoned them for a group of mortals on a rock. The people might not want Thor on the throne anymore. And would that not be a pity?

Ah well, the best laid plans took centuries to execute. Who knows what time would bring? Loki was known for abandoning such plans on a whim. If Thor really wanted his throne back, let him take it. Let him, Loki would see how much he really wanted it. What the pure, perfect, humble Thor was willing to do for a power he threw away for something between a mortal woman’s legs.

Milord?

Loki, or rather ‘Odin’, glanced over at the guard who had entered the Throne room. He set aside the papers he had been pondering over, letting Huginn take them in his beak and fly them off to his chambers to review. Most clever and obedient birds, no wonder Odin favored them so.

“Yes?” He said, graveling voice weary from such a long day of meetings and paperwork.

The guard bowed, ”Two creatures have arrived from outside the nine, your highness. They name themselves as Guardians of the Galaxy, Rocket and Groot. They have come to speak to you on a matter of much importance….”

Ah yes, another interesting development. Loki always kept a sharp eye on all dealings that came from Thanos. Apparently one of his ‘children’, Gamora, had betrayed him. Joined a band of misfits to deliver one of the infinity stones to Nova hands. Loki remembered Gamora, her eyes the only ones reflecting pity as Thanos tortured him when he initially came under the Chitauri’s tender care. He was not surprised she would leave the mad Titan’s side the soonest she was able.

But these ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’….. yes Loki suspected why they were here. He had watched them enough to know that the infinity stones were their interest.

Loki shifted in the throne, glancing down at the guard with one eye and a nod, “Send them in.”

[Rocket]

NEVER FORGET WHERE YOU'RE FROM. NEVER GIVE UP.
. I can't hurt, but I still feel, I know that life's a battle field. When the time's get tough, I'm a soldier .

Rocket was still getting used to this whole guardian thing. Getting used to being the good guy so to speak. Years of being an outcast, a an outlaw. Considered a petty thug at best, and vermin at worst. Bounty hunting hadn't really been that bad of a life, hell, he and Groot had some pretty great times. Catching assholes, escaping prison and touring around the galaxy. But this team thing, doing whats best for the people of the galaxy. It was all taking some getting used to, and that wasn't even this answering to people thing. Rocket wasn't used to taking anyone's commands but his own. No rules but his own. But it wasn't exactly bad per say.

Either way, it was nice to be alone with Groot again. He genuinely liked his team. His guardians. Quill was a moron, Drax was a lunatic, Gamora was.. .Well she was something else. He liked them though. But it was just getting to be a little weird. Tripping over each other. Having so many people around. This mission was giving him a chance to get some air. Rumor from the Collector was that someone had handed over something a little special from the same people that had once possessed (and still probably did) the tesseract. All weapons.Ether. Rocket wasn't sure what it was supposed to do, but it was dangerous. They both were, or so Tivan said. His collection was scattered, Gamora was hunting where the Ether had gone from there, Rocket and Groot were going to the source to find out more about it.

And more about these people. Dealing with illegal places like Knowhere huh?

He and Groot were greeted with relative politeness. It was good. Rocket was feeling charitably civil. For now. "Just like old times, huh?" Rocket said to Groot as he turned his head to look up at his partner. The sentiment being's face broke out into a smile.

"I am Groot." Of course was the reply. Rocket chuckled.

"You got that right pal." Rocket said, ears twitching at the click of boots on the return. He was informed by the Asgardian that their king would see them. Rocket let out a snort. As if he was given' the guy the option to say no. If he had, he and Groot would just had to be a little more… Creative. The click of his claws on the sleek floors echoed through the grand hallways as he followed the guard. He and Groot were admitted to what had to be a throne room. After all, there was a real throne, and upon it was an old guy. King. Most likely. Odin his mind supplied.

Groot inclined his head and Rocket rolled his eyes, but followed suit. After all, they were on this Odin guy's turf. He'd play nice for now. "Yer majesty." he even drawled for effect before he stood straight again. "Name's Rocket. I'm part of the Guardians of the Galaxy, might of heard of us. Saved Xandar. I hang around the daughter of Thanos and Drax the Destroyer. You know, no big deal." Rocket said with a grin. "Right. Anyways. I'm Rocket and this guy-"

"I am Groot."

"Yeah that. He's Groot. We're here to discuss uh." Rocket paused, glancing around at the guards again, ears twitching. Well, he wasn't about to hold back while other ears were around. "Some trading we got wind some of your people did. You uh. Do realize selling a weapon like the Ether to Tivan is a crime right? Not to mention irresponsible for someone in your position." The words were almost enough to make Rocket laugh. Him. Chastising someone for selling something shifty for money. Him. An ex bounty hunter.

"I am Groot." Came a low rumble from beside him. It was as if Groot was reading his mind.

"Irrelevant Big Guy. We're on the right side now." Rocket shot back with a smirk before he turned back to this old guy. "So. Here to uh. Discuss why you all didn't hand over that weapon to the Nova Corp."

WORDS: seven.zero.zero.
TAGGED:lanni && loki.
SONG:army of one. bon jovi.
CREDIT:you're lookin' at her.
NOTES: this is awful I am so sorry.

[Loki]

The massive doors to the throne room slowly crept open. Their sound echoed throughout the large hall, while the carvings upon them danced as if they were alive when catching the light of the sunset outside. In particular, a large wolf eating an entire village particularly seemed to glint, it was as if it was turning its head to look upon the raccoon like it was a tasty meal.

The ravens Huginn and Muninn took flight from their perch upon the throne. Huginn swooped down as if to tap Rocket on the top of the head, only to veer away at the last moment, while Muninn landed atop Groot’s wooden head as the tree walked, cawing as it’s intelligent eyes stared Rocket down. Huginn swooped upwards then joined his brother atop of Groot, joining in the intense scrutiny of the raccoon.

For some reason, the birds (though they knew it was Loki sitting there) answered to Loki just as much as they answered to Odin (which was relatively little). Still, they were useful creatures, able to sneak into hidden passages in the universe and spy for him when needed.

He could hear echoes of their thoughts in his head at times…. Mocking and helping.

When Groot and Rocket finally came to the throne and Groot inclined his head, the ravens took wing again, returning to their spots upon the throne. Becoming as still and quiet as statues. The raccoon rolled his eyes at his companion’s behavior, but chose to nod as well. Wise of him, Odin was not known for his patience on the matter of respect. To disrespect the Allfather in his own Hall was the worst thing anyone could do, no matter where they were from.

So of course, Rocket proceeded to do just that.

"Yer majesty…… Name's Rocket. I'm part of the Guardians of the Galaxy, might of heard of us. Saved Xandar. I hang around the daughter of Thanos and Drax the Destroyer. You know, no big deal….. Right. Anyways. I'm Rocket and this guy-"

"I am Groot."

"Yeah that. He's Groot. We're here to discuss uh….. Some trading we got wind some of your people did. You uh. Do realize selling a weapon like the Ether to Tivan is a crime right? Not to mention irresponsible for someone in your position."

The guards were unmovable in the face of these accusations, but their eyes filled with rage. How dare this low-life being come to the glorious Allfather and accuse him of wrong doing in his own Hall?!

Loki himself said nothing, face like stone (like Odin’s would be, if an outsider came and accused him of breaking a law). He neither was filled with rage nor was he filled with guilt. Simply a blank slate, letting the fool blunder into things he was unaware of.

"I am Groot."

"Irrelevant Big Guy. We're on the right side now."

The Allspeak roughly translated that as ‘we-did-same-thing’, but even then Loki did not need the Allspeak to understand the tree-creature’s reluctance. After all, they did try to sell an infinity stone to Tivan, Loki watched it all happen from this very throne.

In fact, it was their own fault that Tivan’s stock was now scattered across the universe. If they had not brought the infinity gem to the collector, the Ether would still be with him. It was a good thing that the moment his collection room was destroyed, Loki had sent Lady Sif to reclaim the Ether. She had done such a marvelous job at it too, all without alerting anyone. Perhaps a promotion was due for the lady, or at least more praise in front of her peers. She’d gobble that right up.

"So. Here to uh. Discuss why you all didn't hand over that weapon to the Nova Corp."

Loki raised Odin’s grizzled eyebrow, but inside he was cackling. The real Odin would have merely turned this creature into ashes by now for speaking to him as if he was under Novan law. Him, the great Allfather, ruler of the realm eternal and guardian of the nine realms. “Forgive me, Guardian Rocket, I was not aware that the Guardians of the Galaxy answered directly to the Nova Corp. Now that I am aware of your position as Guardians and Ambassadors of Nova, I will make sure to discuss this development with Nova Prime when next we discuss interplanetary relationships between our relative systems.”

It was a delicate reminder: Nova had no jurisdiction in Asgard. As long as Groot and Rocket remained here, they were guests and ambassadors. Do anything to suggest otherwise could create an intergalactic war.

Loki twirled Gungnir idly, letting it fall across his lap. The light of the weapon glinted gold in the backdrop of the setting sun. “Truly, I am relatively surprised that you would have been chosen for a mission of diplomacy by Nova Prime. The woman has shown much intelligence in the past, and yet…. Chosing someone of your particular temperament and background….”

Loki let the Allfather’s head fall slightly, light glinting off the gold of his eye-patch, “Unless of course, Nova Prime has no idea that either of you are here… speaking on behalf of Nova Corp… and assuming that they have any real jurisdiction over the galaxy of Yggdrasil or over Asgard herself.” Both Groot and Rocket were a long way from home, they ought to tread carefully indeed.

[Rocket]

NEVER FORGET WHERE YOU'RE FROM. NEVER GIVE UP.
. I can't hurt, but I still feel, I know that life's a battle field. When the time's get tough, I'm a soldier .

Rocket could see the flicker of anger that flittered through the guards' eyes, tightened their features. He could sense their outrage. Well. As far as he was concerned it was irresponsible. Rocket might done the very same thing, but Rocket wasn't the king of a whole civilization. Normally those leaderly types were a little more responsible. Then again, he got the feel that Asgard, being old and as all gilted and pretty was pretty much high on itself in general. Above others. Godly. With all that power, ya had a responsibility to your people and the rest of the galaxy… Or something. Rocket was still getting a feel for all that nonsense. His moral compass was still skewed, but it was getting better. Slowly, but surely. Kicking Ronan in the crotch had felt damn good.

Odin, in all his blank-faced glory didn't seem like a man of many words. That suited Rocket just fine. He was a talker, he'd make up for the silence himself. "I am Groot." came a grumbled murmur beside him, quiet. Rocket's ears pricked up. Groot had a point, as if reading his mind. Annoying a guy like Odin no doubt would get him in trouble, and through him the Nova Corp. Rocket resisted rolling his eyes, like a child chastised but held his jaws shut until Odin spoke up.

"Oh we don't. I ain't no ambassador for the Nova Corps, they would sent someone more qualified." Rocket interrupted, holding up a paw towards Odin. His mind flitted to Saal briefly and he felt a little squeeze in his chest, he covered it with a bark of laughter and shook his head. "We are uh. Self sufficient and self led. But if they ask favours, we help out. On our time." Rocket said. The Corp had done a lot for them. Rebuilt Icarus, gave them gear and cleared their names. They weren't an extension of the Novas, but they were… Friendly. Allies. "Ever do a favour for a friend? But I'm here as a Guardian, not a Nova." He said, making sure it was adamantly clear. This was both to clear that dumb rumour before it started, and keep any trouble with him and his gang, not start anything galaxy wide on behalf of the Corp. They probably wouldn't like that much.

Rocket felt his fur bristling. "I'm here as a Guardian. And as a Guardian, I wanna know why some high and mighty king some how missed someone selling a dangerous substance to an illegal trader and collector. Across the galaxy." he said firmly, crossing his arms over his narrow chest. Beside him Groot let out a small sound of discomfort. Yeah, yeah, Rocket was getting them into trouble. What else was new. "The only reason I brought up the Novas is 'cause they're pretty good at keeping things like the Ether outta hands of people that would use it to y'know. Start wars. Think of me as… A parol officer. Be happy Nova Prime ain't here reaming your ass. What your people did is illegal and my source didn't make it sound like some grubby rundown member of your society did the selling."

Source being Tivan. Guy was a little down on his luck for the time being and it didn't take much for Rocket to get him to talk about some of the more dangerous things he'd been housing. From the weirdo's way of talking about Asgard he made it sound like they had their own little collection. That was dangerous. Or so Rocket figured, especially if they were selling the junk in it to shady people like Tivan.

"I am Groot." Groot growled from beside him and Rocket nodded towards the sentiment tree before turning his beady little eyes back to Odin. The ravens caught his peripheral and for a moment there was a comment about making bird soup on Rocket's tongue. He resisted, but he also wasn't above saying something if they swooped over again.

"Groot's got the other half of why we're here. We also got some questions about an apparent two attacks on Terran that y'all were involved in within the last couple years." Terrans were primitive, they didn't travel the galaxy and couldn't defend themselves. Not fair to pick on them.

WORDS: seven.three.three.
TAGGED:lanni && loki.
SONG:army of one. bon jovi.
CREDIT:you're lookin' at her.