A look of understanding comes across Loki’s face. “Ah yes, that makes more sense. Thor always was more forgiving of us. Alas, he did not take up the mantle during my time on the Sacred Timeline so I never got such an opportunity. Not that I particularly want that.” Loki looks thoughtful for a moment. It seems like a million years ago that he wanted such things. He supposes it might as well be.

Loki does his best to not feel crestfallen as his variant speaks on saving the multiverse. He should have known better than to hope. It’s not even that he regrets his choices, he knows it is necessary and he gave everything up so that everyone could live, but after being in Etraya and having the opportunity to be with people again. Well, he’s hesitating a bit about going back to his lonely life on the throne.

“I am, yes. It was the only way to ensure the separate timelines could all survive. Though the people running this place seem to have a different view of that.” He doesn’t even try to hide the bitterness in his tone. As much as he is proud of who he’s become, he still misses being with people and having a life.

Loki laughs softly, but it’s tinged with sadness. “Not all that long ago I would not have trusted myself either. But so much has happened, so much has changed. There is no one else that can do it. I just let myself feel a little hope for a moment there. How silly of me.”