Loki's name is carried on Thor's voice, the tone so small that the younger god is brought to a sudden halt and turns to look at him without forethought.

"You really think I have not explored alternatives?" Loki continues on his lap around the ritual circle, around candles melted to the cavern floor. "I did not decide what the ritual would be. The Fates pointed me in this direction, and just as well warned me of what was required. If I'd had options, this would have been on the bottom of that list -- no, it wouldn't have been on the list at all."

Loki is coming around to Thor's side now, meekly but with the look an animal has when it has been wounded, cautious but stubbornly defiant. "This is the only opportunity I have. You are...the one I am closest to, the one that I trust the most. I have no maiden to call mine, besides that any maiden would be ill-suited for this task. As such, you are a perfect companion to share energies with. Strength is just what I am aiming for, and...well, look at you." Loki motions his hands in Thor's direction, the mightiest Asgardian.

Hands drop limply and Loki sighs. "I told you, didn't I? That this would be too much to ask?" He runs a hand over his hair, smoothing down his locks. "I shouldn't have even bothered...it was silly of me to ask such a thing of you."