testing phase

[st_ratagem]

It had been no surprise that Valkyrie was eager to try the first attempt at Asgardian liquor. There wasn't a huge amount - four reused whiskey bottles, two of which had already gone to Thor - but if he'd done it right, two would be more than enough for the moment. Even if it wasn't, it was still likely to score solid points.

The door was unlocked as he'd said, and he'd hauled the little patio table into the room and set both bottles along with a few shot glasses on it.

Then, to amuse himself, he started counting down from twenty.

Comments

[st_ratagem]

“I did say ‘at least’,” he noted mildly, watching her and making no move toward the second shot. “No doubt you could drink my brother under the table with no trouble.”

[st_allionofdoom]

Valkyrie merely smirked to one side. The bar would join the desert status of the surrounding inn if they made good on that reality. She offered the small glass for a proper toast. "To solutions."

[st_ratagem]

After a second or two eyeing the raised glass, Loki mostly-implied a shrug, picked up the other, and tapped it to hers. "To solutions."

Without further production, he threw back the shot. It was exactly as just-about-mediocre taste-wise as he'd expected, since magical aging could never completely replace proper aging, but it was in essence what it was supposed to be: proper Asgardian liquor.

[st_allionofdoom]

Huffing, Valkyrie slammed the shot down onto the table, making the entire room tremble a little. "Proof is decent. Flavor profile needs work." Despite the criticism, she was already pouring them both a second round.

[st_ratagem]

Nothing he didn't already know, but it was at least drinkable. Not bad for a first effort. "It's a question of aging, I'm fairly sure. Magic isn't a complete replacement for time. In a year or three it'll have a better balance."

[st_allionofdoom]

"I doubt a mortal palate would be discerning." And Valkyrie wasn't going to be picky with what she put in her mouth in the meantime while Loki perfected his brew--the fact she'd already pounded back her second shot was proof of that much, sealing her lips as the rich spirit settled in her body. Oh, that bite was good. Even if she'd forgotten much during her years in exile, the taste of an Asgardian spirit was not one of them.

[st_ratagem]

“No, I think a mortal could go from zero to alcohol poisoning in two shots.” He poured another for Valkyrie before drinking his second. Harsh though it more or less was, it did have nostalgia going for it. “Best not to test it there.”

[st_allionofdoom]

"His Majesty mentioned allowing one to partake. The one bearing the shield." Valkyrie slicked her hair back, mimicking Steve Roger's hairstyle, though it simply poofed back into place. "Though he's not your average mortal, I take it."

[st_ratagem]

“Captain Rogers. I believe he’s not, but I admit I’ve only basic information.” Bucky had mentioned neither of them being able to get drunk, so probably he would be capable of handling it as well. “I’ve already told Thor that Stark’s definitely not allowed.”

[st_allionofdoom]

"He is quite delicate out of the armor." Valkyrie remarked, lips pressing into the glass for another round--once Loki had ceremonially shared the initial round, she was shooting off into her own pace, tipping well back in her seat.

"Whew! Alright." She slammed the glass down once more, making the room tremble with even more force, less and less mindful of her own strength with each indulgence. "I still can't believe that, by the way."

[st_ratagem]

She wasn’t wrong, the proof was more than good enough. Three or four bottles of anything Midgardian wouldn't have this effect. Quite possibly it should have been worrying that Valkyrie wasn’t being as careful as she usually was, but Loki generally enjoyed her rougher tendencies.

At least for the moment, what he’d drunk was enough for him. “What, Thor and Stark? My brother has a type.”

[st_allionofdoom]

“No, not that.” Valkyrie made a wide, loose-wristed gesture, a slight slur to her speech. “I’m not surprised he fancies partners who fit in his front pocket. Thor Stark. You weren’t there but it was truly outrageous.”

[st_ratagem]

Loki shook his head mock-sadly. "I should have told him to try something fun instead of trying to be believed. He's always been a shit liar."

[st_allionofdoom]

“Quick with his hands, if not with his lips.” Nicking the control to his obedience disk was still rather impressive. Valkyrie swayed on her perch, suddenly breaking into a harsh giggle. “Or his knack for disguise. Bless him.”

[st_ratagem]

Loki wasn't entirely pleased with Valkyrie dwelling on Thor's hands or lips, but that was entirely irrational and, he felt, best suppressed by another shot. Or two.

So he did that, throwing back two more shots in quick succession. Which would almost certainly be his limit, as it was more than enough to dull not just emotional edges but mental ones. "I haven't heard of this disguise! You weren't around for the wedding dress, that's the only disguise I've ever heard of." Because it had been his idea!

[st_allionofdoom]

Giving a baffled shake of her head, Valkyrie wiped her mouth slowly. "He threw a towel over his head. That's it. ...Didn't bother to cover his face until I pointed it out."

[st_ratagem]

“Idiot.” It was mostly affectionate. “I find that entirely believable. When we were children, he used to post signs on our secret bases. ‘So people know where to avoid’ was the reasoning, I think.”

[st_allionofdoom]

"Then he saw fit to compliment my hair to distract the issue." Barking in laughter again, Valkyrie tipped forward and onto her forearms.

[st_ratagem]

“You do have lovely hair.” She had lovely everything. Not that that was the point! “And an admirable ability to avoid distraction.” Certainly when they sparred he had to get more and more artful, as Valkyrie never fell for the same trick twice unless she wanted to.

[st_allionofdoom]

“Well, look at you. Must run in the family.” Valkyrie perched her chin on the backs of her fingers, grinning.

[st_ratagem]

"Oh, but I'm not flattering." Loki leaned across the table and briefly stroked his fingers through her hair. If she wasn't interested in being touched, she'd let him know in no uncertain terms, which would also probably be entertaining. "Mine is a statement based on empirical knowledge."

[st_allionofdoom]

Her eyes followed his clever fingers as they approached and she tilted her head the slightest of inches towards them as they carded innocently (relatively speaking) through her dark locks. Not too long ago, Valkyrie would have cleaved his arm well off for the attempt. Instead, she opted to return the favor, winding a finger loosely in the ends of his waves.

"Yours isn't at all bad. For the record."

[st_ratagem]

"Thank you," he murmured. It wasn't flattery any more than his comment had been, probably. Loki pulled his hand back then, stealing a light caress along her jaw line on the way. It didn't feel like pushing his luck, although it probably should have. "Did he keep the towel or lose it well before a disguise stopped being a good idea?" He bet on the latter.

[st_allionofdoom]

Not long after, she let his hair bounce back into shape with a tug and release. "I don't even remember. I brought him and Banner to my apartment soon after for a peace offering. Likely fluttered off somewhere along the way."

[st_ratagem]

Thor and Banner, was it? Abruptly, this piece of story matched up with a few pieces of Thor's various stories and Loki had to laugh. "Dare I ask about this peace offering?" He had quite a good idea what it had been. Or rather, who.