Loki shrugged. "That much ought to be expected, shouldn't it?" They had seen him throwing daggers last night, after all. Some of that could no doubt be dismissed as magic, but not all of it.

Loki laughed quietly. "Oh, I've ever been one to desire my own direction in life. But everywhere I turn, there is someone who seeks to manipulate or control me. I am fair sick with it."

He shrugged, considering the point both Soma and the Once-ler made. He could feign innocence of course, but he doubted that would actually buy him anything. After a moment he said, "Confidence and intimidation are weapons as surely as daggers. Though I suppose it's easier to be confident when one hasn't had the marrow sucked completely from him." He nodded to Soma's question. "For battle, yes. My armor is of finer quality than most, but you know I... was... part of a noble house."