A Twist Of Marvel || Infinity War

17. First Audition

Naomi was, to put it simply, having a blast in Asgard. After her selfie with a very confused Skurge, the three had made their way into the city square at the foot of the palace. It was clearly meant for the wealthy gentry of the Asgardians, filled with fine jewelry and battle armor alike. After arriving into the center, Odin had split away to speak with a royal guard, Thor following after. Naomi herself was perfectly content to roam about the square among the Asgardians, the majority of them a few inches taller than Naomi. However that didn't matter much, since they all  avoided her as though she were a threat.

She supposed that arriving with the King and a Prince could leave an impression on them, coupled with her 'strange' Midgardian clothes. However that didn't stop her from pestering one of the many guards until he took a photo with her. It was a new decision of hers to photograph her journey- with proof that she was actually there, of course. Maybe she could make an album once this was over, though she couldn't very well show it to her friends and family back in her dimension. It was a thought that rested in the back of her mind, pushed away in favor of the task at hand. Naomi didn't know if she would ever be able to return home, but for the moment she simply had to focus on saving these sons of bitches. Anyway, she thought to herself, I've probably already lost my job at the Office. Attendance was so annoying.

"Lady Swanson, we are leaving." The booming voice rang out in the square, and immediately whispers broke out in the crowd. Hearing Thor Odinson address her with a respectable title was certainly throwing them off, casting their gazes over her as Naomi made her way toward Thor. She was too in awe of Asgard to worry about its gossiping occupants, so she remained unbothered behind her sunglasses. Besides, it probably wasn't anything disrespectful, considering who she was traveling with.

"Did you find Loki?" Naomi asked, following behind as they began walking. There was no need to weave through the crowd, as everyone in their path soon stood aside.

"Yes, I believe we have. What do you know of Loki?" Thor fell back slightly to walk beside Naomi. She chewed on her lip, considering the question. It wouldn't do to gush over him, especially not in front of a rather ticked-off Odin. She considered her next words carefully, knowing the Allfather was listening in.

"I've seen many of Loki's low points, and his high ones too. He's a person that's been through a lot, I don't think he always knows how to deal with it." Her brow furrowed as she thought back on the God of Mischief. He truly hadn't had many opportunities to rest and be happy- except for perhaps Ragnarok, where he had seemed the most reformed and stable. The thought made Naomi feel guilty for preventing Ragnarok, though she knew she shouldn't since Loki would face Thanos right after the movie. Thor nodded along to her words, seemingly approving of her opinion.

"I've seen more bad things happen to him than good, and though I don't approve of some of his actions, I think he's a good person." Her bold statement wavered the two Gods with her, though she kept her pace steady, removing her sunglasses and sliding them onto her head. Her fan-status of Loki began to seep through as she continued, her eyes passionate. "He's been cheated and lied to and used- it's enough to make anyone go crazy. But at his core, he's a good man," Naomi turned her head up to Thor, who was watching her with a stricken expression. "And he loves you Thor. He wouldn't admit it but I've seen it. You believe in him, and so do I."

Releasing a breath, a satisfied smile emerged on her face, glad to have said her piece of mind. She knew Loki wasn't perfect, especially now that she shared a dimension with him- but Naomi also knew that he had been redeemed for his actions, even if it was in his last scene. The sudden thought of his death sobered her, her eyes hardening as she remembered what she came to Asgard to do.

Walking beside her, Thor wore a proud smile on his face, obviously pleased with her reply. "You hold a great deal of faith in him, I pray that he deserves it." The three turned into a sprawling courtyard, with a small temporary stage set up at the opposite end. There was a large line of people waiting to go up onto the stage, where in pairs they appeared to act out a scene, holding large scripts in their hands. Naomi broke out in a grin at the sight- she knew exactly what this was. Facing the stage, a decorative couch was laid out, with several attendants surrounding it.