tour de library
Stephen felt like he could breathe again as he closed the portal behind Tony. The staring was too much.
It felt like he was looking right through him the whole time.
When he’d casted the spell, he hadn’t thought about having to explain himself.. Was he meant to just admit that he felt too strong of a kinship with Tony on Titan that he couldn’t let him die.
No. He was not meant to say that. He’s gotta stay away from that man.
He shook his head and swiftly turned around, marching back to the other intruders. As he re-entered the room, the brothers were deep in discussion. Well, it was more Loki explaining something to his annoyed brother.
“Alright. What’s next?”
“My brother has some spell casting to practice. He can no long afford to turn his nose up at the art of seidr” Loki said in a tone close to a taunt, which was punctuated by a rough shoulder shove which made the couch creak.
“Hey, settle down! Our furniture isn’t insured against 600 lbs gods roughhousing.”
“Yes. Very well, let us go to the library at Kamar-Taj. I wish to see your collection. Hopefully it’s grown since I was last there” Loki stood then, dusting his shoulders of imaginary dirt and striding towards Stephen.
Stephen raised an unimpressed eyebrow before directing his gaze to Thor who stayed seating, and pouting?
“And what about him? Am I supposed to just leave him here?”
Annoyingly, Loki didn’t even acknowledge the question. He crossed his arms and started tapping his foot in impatience before finally turning his head with an expectant expression.
“Ugh. Why did I bring you along for this ride,” Stephen huffed, creating a portal and walking through without looking back. He kept it open, out of the kindness of his heart, and waited in the courtyard in Kamar-Taj.
He summoned a book and started reading, but he didn’t really register anything he was seeing, he was entirely trying to piss Loki off.
“Took you long enough,” he finally got to say, slamming his book closed pointedly before returning it through a portal. Loki stepped into the courtyard with a smirk.
“Very cute tricks, you’d almost qualify as entertainment for the younglings name-day celebrations on Asgard,” Loki said, voice saccharine and mocking.
He then strode away, not waiting for Stephen. The cloak puffed up indignantly, squeezing at Stephen’s neck. He patted his shoulder, “Settle. You’ll have your chance for revenge soon enough.”
Stephen gave a brief glance to the rest of the courtyard, and found that they had garnered quite an audience. He huffed at Loki’s need for dramatics before following after him.
His walk was purposeful as he expertly navigated himself towards the library, Stephen observed. /So he wasn’t joking about having been here before/.
Once they finally reached the library, the door swung open in invitation and Loki greeted Faroque, “Greetings, librarian. Where may we find your collection on Infinity?”
Faroque looked startled the see him, his aura being so obviously /alien and powerful/.
“No worries, Faroque. I will direct them,” Yao then said, suddenly. Stephen jerked his head in surprise, not having noticed her presence. Loki smirked at that, “very sad show of your skills, Strange.”
Stephen felt his irritation rising even higher. He was seriously going to deck this guy.
“Follow me,” Yao called behind her as she walked deeper into the library
“How is your mother?” She asked when they finally caught up.
“She’s left Asgard and Odin. I don’t believe she ever intends to truly return, either.”
Yao smiled as they arrived at the back corner of the library, “Finally. It must have been something significant for her to have finally left the old coot.”
Loki laughed brightly at that, startling Stephen who watched with fascination. He noticed how much happier the god looked in that moment, almost carefree. It wasn’t a look he had ever seen on the man, and he’d reluctantly admit that it suited him.
“Indeed. Thor and I told her of Hela’s true resting place: imprisoned in Hel, by a spell tied to Odin’s life force,” Loki explained, sounding amused.
Yao’s non-existent eyebrows shot up, her surprise visible, “Truly?”
Loki nodded before sitting down on the nearest chair. Stephen recognized it to be the one he had previously been in, making him huff pettily.
“Truly,” Loki confirmed. “She tried to send him into a not-so-early grave, and when she could not, she left for Vanaheim to find a way to free Hela.”
“Hmm,” Yao responded, “I shall see if I can help her in that.” With a flourish of her robes, she turned and strode away.
“This collection of knowledge is embarrassing, Strange.”
Stephen huffed as he sat down across from Loki, “tell me about it. For a library entrusted with the Time stone, you would expect some re-con Even more embarrassing was the reception I received for even asking about the other stones.”
Loki hummed, drumming his fingers on the wood a few times, “It is impossible to under-estimate how foolish people can be. On Asgard, we are oft regaled with Buri’s great conquest to repel The Mad Titan from the known realms, but there is never a time where his death is considered definite. Tell why then, not a soul seems concerned for his recurrence?”
“Seems like we never did have a chance.”
Loki sighed heavily, palm striking the table, before moving to rest on his lap, “due heavily to our own arrogance, although with the Aesir, that’s no surprise.”
“Let us explore this library, because next we must check the libraries of Asgard,” Loki sighed, “and I suppose Thor can join us then.”
Stephen grimaced, “Must he?”
Loki frowned then, hand twitching his lap. “Tread carefully, Strange, I much prefer his company to yours.”
Stephen smirked, “Apologies. I have nothing against Thor, in fact, I may prefer his company to yours as well.”
Loki’s mouth twitched, “Not sure who you’re trying to convince, yourself or I. Regardless, are you sure your feelings for Thor are not simply tainted by the green-eyed raven?”
“And what is that supposed to mean?” Stephen asked, frowning, “both the ridiculous norse expression and the implication.”
“Jealousy is very unbecoming of man, but not more than feigned ignorance.”
Stephen frowned even further before muttering, “Let’s start reading.”
They sat in silence.
Until.
“So, tell me all about your infatuation with our dear Anthony.”
Stephen glowered at the god, “Details of my life are entirely irrelevant. And I would never spend time sharing them with someone who is so clearly delusional and stupid.”
“Hmm, perhaps this attitude is why you have gotten nowhere with Anthony,” Loki hummed, looking amused.
Stephen stood up then, “Do you want to actually get work done, or shall I leave?"
“Peace, Master Strange. We both wish to further our cause, and how better to do so than understanding your unwilling teammates?”
Stephen grimaced, he could see the twinkle of mischief in his eyes, and the smirk on his face was making him physically ill.
“We both know that is entirely incorrect. I have no intention of spending any time with you unless absolutely necessary,” Stephen said matter-of-factly.
Loki harrumphed, “You are a man without joy.”
Loki grabbed a nearby parchment, “this claims that the power of each stone is linked to its twin stone, but it does not hinge upon it.”
Stephen suppressed a smirk at the tricksters petulant tone of voice. Point one: Stephen.
He sat back down, grabbing another nearby scroll, “And, of course, there is no information which helps us determine those pairings.” Stephen scratched his chin, “Would it be unreasonable to assume that destruction of one twin is feasible?”
“Destruction of an infinity stone is not feasible in any regard,” Loki retorted before pausing and looking away, “but perhaps with the power stone..” he trailed off, looking uneasy.
Stephen mirrored his expression, refusing to finish his thought. He felt the same way, hope was infinitely scarier than the prospect of losing again.
“So tell me about your history with Thanos.”
Loki huffed, “You can’t possible believe those inquiries to be comparable?”
He looked at Stephen, “Oh, wait, look who I’m talking to. An idiot. Of course you would.”
“Peace, Loki. We both wish to further our cause, and how better to do so than understanding your unwilling teammates?” Stephen repeated back, imitating his smarmy and condescending British accent. Which made no sense by the way.
Loki grunted, “I suppose it may be relevant.”
“Thank you so much for the concession, your highness,” Stephen replied, rolling his eyes.
Loki’s fingers drummed on the table again. Must be a nervous tick.
“I’m sure you know of what occurred in New York, some months ago,” Loki said lightly, looking uncomfortable.
“6 years, your mean?”
Loki looked up, a little startled, “yes, I suppose.” He looked off to the side again, “Well, I was not fully in control then, having been tortured by Thanos’ minions and suggested upon by the mind stone.”
Stephen startled before frowning, his eyes scrutinizing Loki’s face.
He noticed that Loki sounded remarkably bitter, understandably so, but he didn’t seem to be lying.
Loki met Stephens gaze heads-on, looking almost furious. like he was daring him to question his story.
In reality, Loki was feeling disgusted at his own vulnerability. He wanted to rip off Stephen’s ears simply for hearing his story, and gouge out his own eyes lest he see a pitying expression on the mortals face.
“Anyways. Falling from the Bifrost and into Thanos’ grasp was the ending of a long, tiring, and disappointing chapter of my life. Mine own mind was scrambled long before the mind stone took hold, which made me all the more vulnerable to suggestion.”
Loki scoffed then, “This is all to say that I have more intimate knowledge of the inner machinations of Thanos’ army and Black Order.”
“Alright,” Stephen coughed, adjusting his position in his chair, “I think we’ve gotten all the info we could at Kamar-Taj.”
Loki nodded, eternally grateful to cut away at the tension he was feeling, having been so vulnerable. “Indeed. We have primitive etchings of each stone, colours inaccurate, and an idea of twin pairings between certain, undefined, rocks. Incredible.”
“It isn’t horrible,” Stephen stood.
“We have some leads,” Stephen concluded, at the same time that Loki added, “but at the same time, yes it is.”
They frowned at each other, Stephen rolling his eyes, “Let’s get your brother.”
“How does All-Speak work?”
“It is more than a simple charm, it is in fact a language taught to all Asgardians and Celestial beings, and it for us to be perceived in your native language.”
“Can I learn?”
Stephen and Loki had picked up Thor, who had largely not moved from where they’d left him last. Yao had actually joined him, and they’d been having tea and, surprisingly, gossiping about the Asgardian and Vanir royal families.
When they’d interrupted both parties looked slightly irked before acquiescing, Yao going off to ‘right a wrong and help a dear friend’ and Thor joining them on their return to Asgard.
He then created a portal with his hammer which shocked Stephen and Loki equally. Loki had been under the impression that Mjolnir’s capabilities were limited by extremely dramatic shows of Bifrost-like travel. However, Thor credited his newfound abilities to Yao who had helped him learn how to access more of his innate force and seidr.
The portal had led them directly into the royal library of Asgard, where Thor had joked, “Luckily I am not required to visualize spaces to create a portal.” Which then led to Loki making fun of Stephen and Eldritch magic the entire walk to a deeper corner of the library.
They’d finally settled on a table, hidden away by a looming structure and began collecting all relevant data. Loki explained that he had developed many spells to make visits here more enjoyable, including a searching spell which aided their endeavour.
However, now that they’d settled, Stephen found that he was particularly useless amidst all the alien languages. Latin-based languages were scarce anywhere but Earth, of course, and he was beginning to suspect that Loki knew this before extending the invitation.
He’d had to ask one of the brothers to translate something once before becoming irritated.
“Unfortunately, dear mortal, that is not possible,” Loki purred, looking exceedingly amused. Loki had known that this whole excursion would rile the man up, and was pleased at how quickly it had been effective. He was hoping to cut down some of the endless ego present in the sorcerer so he had no intention of offering any worthwhile solu—
“Fret not, Strange!” Thor boomed, interrupting Loki’s thought. “We will find you a universal translator implant!”
Loki grunted at his brother, annoyed at the vindicated expression on the mortals face. “Alas, we have no way of accessing one at the present moment,” He said instead, with faux concern.
“Oh yes, what a shame, when you were so eager to help,” Stephen replied dryly, slowly turning his head towards Loki. They continued to glare at each other.. …Until Thor coughed awkwardly, “Uh, Yes. We can ask mother when we go to Vanaheim, not a problem, comrade.”
They continued to glare. Stephen smirked then, grabbing a parchment, “Translate this for me, won’t you, your royal highness?”
Loki scowled and grabbed the parchment, “it would be my honour.”
They continued reading for another hour, having accumulated a small pile for relevant information.
They continued reading for another hour, having accumulated a small pile for relevant information.
“So, from what we’ve seen so far, The infinity stones exist in pairs—which we do not yet know—with shared energy?”
“I believe there was an error in translation, Stephen. The stone pairings have energy which is matched and resonates,” Thor corrected.
Stephen hummed, “Okay, I suppose that might help determine the pairings,” he said, thinking out loud.
“It is also clear that the stones retain a meagre amount of sentience. They are able to form relationships with their masters, much like the time stone has.” Loki huffed as he stretched his neck, “although it does have bad taste, so that does not bode well for us.”
“I make a great guardian, I’m a well established surgeon on Earth, it’s Dr. Stephen Strange for a reason,” Stephen grunted. “What titles do you carry other than trickster god?”
Loki scrunched his nose up in disgust, mortals were so crude. To think, the man actually knew of seidr, but still boasted the barbaric cutting and butchering of people.
“Now, now, don’t be envious that I have no need to adorn my name will silly titles to prove my intelligence.”
Stephen rolled his eyes, ignoring him, “It looks as if the Asgardian collection of knowledge is just as much as a bust.”
“Aye, unfortunately, this is not a well documented topic. Although, the notes made by Bestla regarding the Bifrost’s creation may be of use,” Thor muttered. He stood, bent over and rummaged through the discarded pile, “Ha! Here it is.”
He placed the journal on the table, and Loki immediately grabbed and began reading it out.
“—the artifact seems to be willing to aid us in our endeavour. It reacts most favourably to Bor’s embrace, the risk of injury much higher when others make contact..”
Loki hummed, “seems like we’ve found the space stones previous guardian.”
Stephen looked at the book in Loki’s hands, looked to the pile of discarded material, and then swivelled to regard the large library. “How much else do you think we’ve missed?”
He groaned, ready to thump his head against the table before the Cloak shook him and squeezed lightly.
“I think I have a lead,” Loki said distractedly, standing suddenly.
“As do I,” Thor added, turning once again.
The Cloak shook Stephen again, a little rougher, breaking his concentration, “What is it?” he asked, exasperated.
The right lapel shifted to poke him in the chest three times. Stephen hummed in response, “Yes I’m listening, what is it?”
The lapel poked him in the chest again, more purposefully, startling him, “What?”
The bottom of the cloak reached up then, wrapping around the bottom side of his pendant.
“What, the Eye? What about it?”
The Cloak then completely removed itself from Stephen’s shoulders, floating in front of him and just staring. The vibe was distinctly exasperated, and Stephen felt embarrassed all of a sudden, scrambling to understand.
“Uhh—… The Eye-... Oh. Right, sorry.” Stephen mumbled, cheeks heating. “Thank you.”
Stephen looked up then, both brothers were reading their own parchments, but they clearly had been keeping an ear open, as they looked up and met his gaze quickly.
“The Time stones previous guardian was likely Agamotto, and the Eye he designed as containment was done to control and contain the energy signatures. I think that I may be the current guardian of the time stone, it has accepted me both now and in the future-past,” Stephen explained.
Thor simply nodded, but Loki rolled his eyes, “Poor choice on the stone’s part,” his eyes drifted to the Cloak, “and on yours too.” The cloak puffed up in indignation, looking ready to pounce. Stephen patted his shoulder, causing the Cloak to look back and forth, before acquiescing and settling back down.
“Bite me,” Stephen said then, eyes trained on Loki.
He hummed in response, “Yes, anyways. My lead seemed to be fruitful. Idünn was likely the guardian of the Soul stone. However, there is not enough information here. We must discuss this with her.”
“As for my research, It seems that the Enchantress may have been the guardian of a stone, however I am unable to determine which.”
“Amara,” Loki responded, “I had forgotten of her time terrorizing us.”
Stephen looked on questioningly, but not particularly wanting to invite the recollection of whatever happened. “Will determining the previous guardians help us establish current ones or is this more for re-con?”
“Unfortunately I am unsure. It simply seemed like the only lead we’ve had,” Thor responded, scratching his beard.
“Don’t look so hapless, Strange. All knowledge is worthwhile. Perhaps Idünn can point us towards our next lead,” Loki answered quickly.
Although, the look on his face suggested he was reassuring himself more than them. The hope he had felt in Kamar-Taj was ebbing slowly, replaced with apprehension at the task at hand. It had felt so simple, access this vast library, find the twin pairings, destroy some stones?
When he thought of that tentative plan, he knew it was naive. Destroying infinity stones was not in any of their domain, he had practically sworn his life in protection of the time stone. But it was something, which was always going to be better than nothing.
Stephen sighed, resigned to accepting that this was the best they would get.
“So why don’t you guys tell me what I missed, after I sent you to your father?”
Stephen was in awe the entire time they marched through the halls of the Vanir library. He had literally millions of memories of various realms, but to finally see one thriving, teeming with alien life, and just alive was an entirely different experience.
Once again, he was deprived of seeing the landscape, but he couldn’t begrudge the brothers because he was absolutely captivated by the library. The walls almost felt alive themselves, this was the largest collection of knowledge he’d ever been privy to and in his excitement he was cataloguing every single sight.
He efficiently committed their entrance point to his memory, able to visualize it perfectly when he closed his eyes. It was secluded enough that he knows he’ll be able to portal in at his leisure.
He looked around again, realizing he had lagged behind the brothers. He started in their direction, following now at a distance.
Eventually, after several twists and turns, they arrived at Frigga and Yao. They were—unsurprisingly—drinking tea.
“Is your presence contingent on the presence of tea?” Stephen asked, dryly, while summoning a cup from the sanctum and holding it out in request.
“I’ve heard worse conditions,” Frigga laughed as Yao poured him half a cup.
“It is truly an honour to meet you All-mother,” Stephen greeted, bowing deeply before settling into a chair near Yao.
“And I you, Master Strange. I have been hearing about you for so long, I can hardly believe I’m finally meeting you.” Frigga smiled warmly, it was incredibly disarming, Stephen’s cheeks heated regardless. He cast a sideways glance at his mentor who met his gaze with a light smirk.
Loki scoffed loudly before plopping down beside his mother. “There isn’t much to say about this one, other than useless and annoying,” his expression unchanging at the glare Yao sent towards him.
He, however, faltered at the look Frigga sent, “Loki, where are you manners? Stephen is the reason we are sitting here,” she admonished lightly, her tone was soft, but eyes hard.
“Why are you being polite to him, he is as un-talented as he is arrogant. There is simply no need.”
“Loki, enough. Or shall I lock you both in the dungeon until you figure your differences, like I did for you and Thor when you were barely 100 years of age?” She asked, eyebrows raised.
Loki pouted in response, crossing his arms over his chest.
Thor took in the scene awkwardly, feeling completely out of place. He grabbed a piece of honey cake and took a bite, trying to find a place to sit. Frigga immediately summoned a chair on her other side and patted it invitingly, smiling warmly and easing Thor’s own racing thoughts.
They all slowly settled into light conversations, no one quite breaching the topic they’d all needed to address.
Stephen hated small talk almost as much as he waited explaining himself to people so his patience wore thin exceedingly fast, “So, where can we find more information on the infinity stones?”