[That preening doesn't go unnoticed. The almost-fawning gratitude is being appreciated, as Loki had hoped it would be. Slowly but surely, this impression of Taneleer Tivan is growing. He may never learn enough to find the ways to sidestep or outwit him, but he may not need to. All he needs to do is survive this man, and then his brother. There is quite a lot Loki is willing to do to survive.

The cordially interested smile stays in place as guide books to drinking, armor, and weapons appear. The temptation to say "the Aether" seizes him strongly, but Loki has not yet reached the point of reckless sarcasm. Instead, he picks up one of the books and glances through it, almost successfully hiding his surprise at this evidence of the sheer breadth of the Collection.]

In fact my own interests lie in the magical realm. Illusion, defense and battle, shape-shifting, other magical arts. I have not furthered my education in that area for a very long time. If you permit it, I would be loath to let this opportunity to explore pass me by. [A little self-deprecating smile.] I have rarely been absorbed only in Asgardian interests.