Then don't. You needn't be the fae ambassador. There's at least one or two others here as well.
[Loki continued to hold him, offering stability and a solid presence.]
It helps that while I've heard of Fae as you describe, I've also heard of how they can be just as cruel. Again, their morality is not always easily understood by humans. You've pointed it out yourself as well, in how to play with words.
[Much more quietly, mouth against Puck's hair, Loki also held the other tighter.]
They were and are wrong to hurt you.
[There was an implication in the voice too, that if either showed up--well, Loki would make it very clear how displeased he was at their treatment of his...friend. Definitely a friend and something more.]
[He chuckled a bit at the compliment on his wordplay.] I won't be. I shouldn't have mentioned it.. But you're also right. I'm not the only fae in the world.
[Puck gave a nod.] They can be. Good wordplay is the least of what they can do. Most humans should consider themselves lucky if that's all they're given.
[Loki's final comment had Puck inhaling sharply. It had been wrong, and Puck knew that deep inside of himself, but having it confirmed touched him.] They don't care. But you do, and that balances things.
[Puck smiled lightly into Loki's shoulder. He would also have words for the monarchs if they ever showed up. Loki's tone and the protectiveness in his voice came through clearly.]
[Puck was welcome to hide, especially since Loki was 'hiding' a bit himself.]
I do--and...I am not used to that.
[A sigh, and hiding his head against Puck's hair.]
I wonder if you realize just how new and rare that is for me? Until very recently, I...somewhat cared for my brother, and did love my mother very much. I wanted my father's approval, but I'm not sure that's caring for him. Familial dynamics are all very complicated with emotions.
[Keeping that hold and cuddling the other, for himself now too as well as for Puck.]
Then my life went under a great upheaval 6 years ago, and well...I cared only for myself. Until the last few months and mostly while here. You are a peer and my friend, and something more as well, Puck--and I am still figuring it all out. But...I do care for you, and I'm sad that you've been hurt.
[Puck moved to run one of his hands through Loki's hair in turn.] They are, unfortunately. But the fact that you both care, and continue to do it in spite of how new and rare it might be is..
[Puck adjusted himself to where he could kiss the top of Loki's head.] Kind is too small of a word, but it is kind, and doesn't go unnoticed. Another treasure to care for. On the same hand, I'm also sorry you were hurt. Neither of those should have happened to us, but.. [He lifted his shoulders in a quick shrug.] But unfortunately they did. Like I said before, take your time figuring out all of this. [He gave a playful smile] Fae can live for centuries if they're smart enough; and I'll wait as long as I need to.
[But the tone was.. Not forced. Puck did mean what he said, but Puck was also struggling. Revisiting Avalon as a whole, even just mentally, had shaken him pretty deeply. Puck fell quiet and pulled Loki back into being held. He steadied his breathing and let his eyes close for a moment.]
Are you getting hungry? [He asked suddenly. The fire in the hearth was low enough that there was no risk of anything burning, but Puck wasn't about to be a poor host.]
[Loki let Puck shift as he wanted, and move as he wanted while keeping him in a loose hold. Listening and grateful that Puck seemed to understand, and then he was being pulled into the hold too. Letting the fae pull himself together.]
I was, and am, but this was more important I think. [And he leaned in to give Puck a quick kiss, before pulling back and letting the other up. He'd follow to come help set things up.]
[Puck finished pulling himself together and laughed a bit at the kiss before he stood and began to work on setting things up. With Loki helping it was short work, and they were seated in front of the hearth, Puck having pulled the table and chairs in from the kitchen.]
Not quite candlelight, but it's going to work. [He checked on the wine and poured two glasses before he put the cask back into the hearth. The meal was simple but hearty- roast meat with vegetables and a brown gravy. Fitting for winter, all things considered. Puck took the seat across from Loki and would wait for him to eat first.]
It was, but I wanted to check before we got everything set up. Never a bad guest, or a bad host, that's one of my mottos.
"I suspect you'd have to do much worse and actively try to be a bad guest or host where I'm concerned. Bullying aside, I hope that I am the same to you. Neither a bad guest nor bad host." Loki had an impish smile while raising his glass to the other.
"It was interesting though--seeing who held what position, as well as who was there or who wasn't. It can tell one a lot about the state of things here. Mostly that Vaeros needs to do very little to foster divisions between us. Not that I'm surprised by that."
"I can over salt the food next time." Puck lifted his glass in like and smiled. "You are, yes. Even the bullying is a bit charming. Probably because you seem to have so much fun with it."
Puck had a sip of his wine and nodded as he considered that. "I'm not either. In the best scenario, more would realize that if we work together, we have a better chance of.. Of both living here and surviving whatever Vaeros throws at everyone. Instead of simply surviving while arguing about who's right and who isn't." He had some of the roast and spoke after.
"It reminds me of the myth of Eris and the golden apples. But instead of 'To the most beautiful', it says 'To the one who's right', and everyone is busy pulling the fruit from the tree themselves. Quite interesting, really."
"I think I've heard a version of that, but it was long ago. I was certain they were mixing up Eris with Idunn, whose golden apples serve a different purpose. I'd enjoy hearing the version you know." And Loki would likely share the story of Idunn in turn.
"It's not as popular as some others!" Puck cleared his throat and spoke again. "A hero in Greek myth, Peleus was getting married to his sea nymph beloved, Thetis. The goddess of discord wasn't invited." Puck paused for some more food and drink, and grinned as he recalled it.
"In retaliation, she made an apple of solid gold and carved 'To the fairest one' on the front of it and attended anyway. When she was close enough, Eris threw the apple into the wedding party and watched as three goddesses- Hera, one of marriage and women, Athena, of wisdom and war, and Aphrodite, of love and passion-- began to argue amongst themselves."
"I've a feeling I would get along with Eris. And really that kind of occasion isn't the kind where you snub someone important. Whether you like them or not, they get invited because otherwise it's simply impolite. Retaliation is almost expected with that kind of insult." Definitely raised a prince in a court and aware of how the games were all played.
"The golden apples I am most familiar with are from a Vanir named Idunn. The vanir are a sister race to the Asgardians who live in Vanaheim. Many humans and mortals viewed them as gods and goddesses too. Her apples are known for their healing properties--in that they regress age, enhance vigor, and extend one's life. Mind, Asgardians, Vanir--and Jotun as well, are already likely to live in the low thousands of years as a life span if not taken down in combat." Loki finished, and then there was a pause before he smiled and chuckled to himself. Remembering an incident many centuries ago--and a bet and drinking contest that resulted in the bet, between him, and his brother, and the warriors 3, about those apples.
"She does sound fun, yes." Puck agreed. He nodded, also aware of court politics even if Oberon's court was more in the realm of being whatever Oberon wanted at the time. It was still a game being played.
"Oh, as far as I know this apple was simply made of gold and looked nice. The myth didn't mention any kind of magical properties tied to it." Puck noticed the chuckle and made a note to ask about that later. "The myth continues, though! None of the goddesses could decide what to do and asked Paris of Troy-- another hero, to pick the fairest. But Aphrodite bribed him with the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Sparta, who was married to a king, Menelaus." Puck paused for some emphasis, enjoying the retelling.
"Helen was taken to Troy that evening, Paris having agreed that Aphrodite earned the apple. Her husband lead an invasion of Troy shortly after, leading to the Trojan War."
Puck chuckled and had some more food.
"The parallels are quite glaring with it spelled out like that. Or I'm reading into things. Who knows? Speaking of-- What had you laughing about the apples as you know them?"
"Now I do remember hearing about that war and the adventures related to it. Quite the to-do really on Midgard. Tales of it had reached the areas where I visited on occasion." Loki was glad to hear it told by Puck though, as he enjoyed the story. Also more food and drink.
"A bet between my brother, myself, and some friends. The drinking before hand and the bet that resulted. I'm not entirely Idunn's favorite person really, but it was not entirely my fault." Absolute mischief was in blue-green eyes and the smile. "I think that story might actually have filtered down in some form to Midgard, actually. They left out the warriors three though."
"I wasn't in the area when it happened, but likewise. It was popular enough to be a myth, so it traveled, as stories do."
Puck listened and chuckled. "It's not ringing any bells-- but I'm just hearing that your popularity has had a long time to establish itself." The mischief had Puck's attention almost as much as the smile that was going with it. "What were the conditions of the bet? Or is that on a need to know basis?" Puck had some wine and grinned.
"Oh that one isn't as entertaining as some." Loki demurred, chuckling a bit. "Would you rather hear about Thor having to play a bride? That was a fun bet, and entirely my fault. That one also filtered down to the myths in a slightly different way than it actually happened. It's more accurate than some however, aside from who the real bride was supposed to be."
The bet was instantly forgotten as Puck leaned forward slightly. "It sounds like a comedy based on your description of it being a fun bet, and I could stand some, if you're being so good to offer." Puck's mind went to bets made during drinking, but he grinned, having some of his food and waiting to hear about it. "Wait, how was it your fault?"
"I've a way with words and manipulation, as you've no doubt picked up on." Loki said around the glass of wine as he took a sip. "It was shortly after Thor had been first granted Mjolnir, which you should know bears a spell on it whereupon only those who are 'worthy' may wield it. If you are not worthy, you can't even lift it or pick it up."
Another pause for some food briefly, but Loki wasn't going to draw this out too badly. Teasing Puck was fun, tormenting him was not. At least not in any way to cause true harm.
"So, Thor, the warrior's three--that is Volstagg, Fandral, Hogun, Lady Sif, and myself were all out drinking to celebrate. Nor were we being particularly quiet or subtle about it, when we earned the attention of another group of young Asgardians, lead by one who was a mountain of a man named Thrym. Not a 'giant' as in the race, but a giant of a man none-the-less. He stated how his own hammer was superior, and thus he and Thor began a bragging contest. At some point, Lady Sif excused herself. I suspect she were disgusted by the drunken speech and euphemisms that a 'hammer' might imply." There was amusement in Loki's tone and secrets and lies in blue-green eyes.
"Well, Thor had not been paying proper attention to where he kept Mjolnir, at one point placing it on the floor near the table's edge. It was a trifle to veil it and prevent it from being seen. Nor was it hard to conjure a likeness but without the worthy qualifier, which Thor had also forgotten about thanks to the drink and boasting. As suspected, he picked up that hammer with no awareness that it was not his own. He challenged Thrym to take it, were he 'worthy' of it. Then was quite stupidly surprised when Thrym did just that."
"I have." Puck confirmed, having more of his own food as he listened. He grinned, picking up on the fact that Loki didn't draw things out. It was a fine balance, knowing when to pause in a story and when to go ahead. Puck appreciated the lack of torment-- human television shows were notorious for doing that, as Xanatos had pointed out during the development of one of his own. It kept people watching.
Puck pictured the scene as Loki described it, filling in people he didn't recognize as best as he could. Eyebrows lifted at the giant description and Puck gave an understanding nod as the bragging war started and a sympathetic "Of course, there's a time and a place." to Sif's reaction. If he was lying, Puck didn't pick up on it, instead focusing on the tone.
"It sounds like you'd been drinking for at least a few hours, I'm surprised Thor could remember anything." Puck nodded, eyes lighting up. "Right, I've seen you veil things before." As Thor was surprised at Thrym's worthiness, Puck stopped himself just in time from having another sip of his wine. He would have choked on it otherwise, because he laughed at the mental image of everything playing out.
"I'm sure! Was Thrym just as surprised? How did you keep a straight face during all of that?"
"He was, but he recovered quickly enough. Bragging that clearly Thor was not so mighty, though crown prince he might be. Our friends were just as baffled, and Thor too concerned that he'd been found unworthy to remember all the qualities Mjolnir had which might've solved this easily. The blood was up, and young Asgardians can be quite....aggressive if wanted. Things started to go south, when I stepped in as peacemaker."
Considering it had been Loki's fault...'peacemaker' clearly did not mean he intended things to go smoothly.
"'What, oh new friend Thrym, will you do with your newfound worthiness?' I asked, as Thor let out a roar of despair and anger. 'Why, your highness, I would ask the lady Sif for her hand in marriage'. He replied, and was met with laughter. 'You would ask, and she would likely cut your tongue out for the offense!' Fandral replied, with Hogun agreeing with him. This of course was not the reply that Thrym wanted, whereupon he pointed to Thor."
Another brief pause for some more food, but again--Loki was not given to torment in story telling.
"'Your Royal Highness, I have proven myself by Mjolnir's worth. Have your friends hold their tongues!' Well, you can imagine just how well that demand went down." Loki's tone was highly amused and dry as a desert. "Before blows could be struck, I interjected again. 'Ho there, Thrym, my brother---peace a moment. I've a way to solve this.' All eyes were on me now, and so I laid out that if we were to persuade Lady Sif to agree to marry Thrym, he would give up claim to Mjolnir and give it back to Thor, provided he could lift it. It would need to be done with most haste to avoid a big to do as Lady Sif was a noble."
Puck nodded and then gave Loki a pointed look. "No, that does fit a trickster." Puck nodded in approval, thinking back to some of his own jokes. As Loki steered the talk in the story towards marriage, Puck inhaled and looked off to the side in anticipation for a moment. With the story moving at a steady clip, Puck had some of his wine and again pictured everything. It must have been perfect bedlam.
He would have to remember to compliment Loki for it afterwards. "Oh? I thought the title of Lady was simply you being polite. But yes, it sounds like everything needed to move quickly. How very fortunate." Puck grinned. "And did that qualifier help things move, or were there objections?"
"Well, there was the little fact that we also did not want the Allfather involved, lest Thor be embarrassed further." Or the game be given away too early, as Puck probably would guess.
"There were, but they were able to be squashed. We agreed to meet again in one hour away from the tavern. Thrym and his group to prepare, and us to persuade the Lady Sif." Loki calmly took a sip of wine. "Of which none of us had any intention of doing. Thrym was well known to use a hammer because it wasn't a weapon that required good eye-sight. The original bragging had occurred because while Mjolnir is mighty, it has too short a handle and is too small compared to other war-hammers." Puck could likely see it all coming together now.
"'but Brother, why do you not just use your illusions to make me look like Lady Sif?' Thor asked, unwilling to further hurt his pride by pretending to wear a dress. Fandral was equally as unwilling, even to the point of preferring to involve Odin which Thor was not willing to do. 'I'm very full, oh brother of mine--would you risk my magic in such a state? I might transform you into something completely different by mistake!'" A little chuckle. "So, we convinced Thor to wear a bride's dress, and a veil with a dark-haired bunch of fabric strips to mimic hair beneath. The warriors three and I played at being dismayed because our dear friend and brother was overwrought to see Sif married so and humiliated besides, hence his lack of presence when we thus met up with Thrym and his friends again."
"Oh, of course." Puck replied with an understanding nod. It was a viewpoint Puck shared. Why end a game early if you didn't have to?
Puck noted what was being said, eyes lighting up again, and laughed at the 'very full' comment. He had never heard the expression but with context it was easy to figure out. As Loki explained how the costuming went, he had some more of his meal. "I don't think I've ever tried using magic after drinking, myself." Though the idea gave Puck some food for thought. It probably wouldn't be a good idea. He laughed at the explanation given on Thor's absence.
"Thrym was probably so excited to see Sif that he didn't give it much thought. Though with the amount of alcohol I'm assuming it would take for someone described as a giant, thoughts were probably in scarcity long before all of this."
"I have. It depends on what you want to do and how well you remember it. As Drinking dulls the senses, it can dull that sense too." At least it had been harmless, if embarrassing, the one time he'd tried? Loki had learned from that adventure.
"Wits had been dulled extremely, yes. Thor glared at Thrym so fiercely, that he got nervous. I soothed by explaining that Sif was so pleased she had wept heavily and so her eyes were so fierce now. As part of our marriage customs, a family's ancestral weapon is usually exchanged and pledged over, but since we were in a hurry, Mjolnir would have to do." A shrug, but what can you do, right? "Anyways, as soon as Thor found he could lift 'Mjolnir', he moved to attack Thrym. Thrym fought back and soon enough the fake hammer was destroyed in the brawl between parties. With a roar of despair, Thor screamed his weapon's name to the sky--which kicked in one of the qualifiers that makes Mjolnir special. And annoying. It returns to him when summoned."
Another pause, and another sip of wine. "Well, it certainly made short work of the brawl, though any left semi-conscious was too embarrassed to own up to any of it all. It was agreed that tempers had flared, and we were all very full, and so let bygones be bygones for this time."
"I think I'll hold off on that for now." Puck chuckled. "Especially as it might be hard to undo a botched spell."
As the story wrapped up, Puck temporarily forgot about the rest of his meal as he pictured everything and the fight that ensued. He laughed, throwing his head back. "I'm sure it did! But it sounds like everything ended well enough. That's quite different than most drinking nights I've known."
Puck finished his wine with a grin. "Most humans who I've shared a cup with have simply found something else to do with their time after it. Or they'd get into their emotions and just talk." Puck exhaled and looked down to his plate.
"Something else I've got in common with them. At least the second part."
"You've listened to me talk before, and I would be a horrible guest..." Loki paused for a moment, before nodding to himself. "Or partner, to not do the same." It had been deliberately chosen, and recognizing that if nothing else they were partners besides friends.
"Our drinking nights often go to songs and stories as often as brawls depending. Usually brawls based upon bragging and one-up-man-ship, but that's because Asgardians are one of the sturdiest races in the nine realms. I found what my limit was that would dull my wits, and avoided it thereafter that first time."
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2024-02-02 01:58 am (UTC)[Loki continued to hold him, offering stability and a solid presence.]
It helps that while I've heard of Fae as you describe, I've also heard of how they can be just as cruel. Again, their morality is not always easily understood by humans. You've pointed it out yourself as well, in how to play with words.
[Much more quietly, mouth against Puck's hair, Loki also held the other tighter.]
They were and are wrong to hurt you.
[There was an implication in the voice too, that if either showed up--well, Loki would make it very clear how displeased he was at their treatment of his...friend. Definitely a friend and something more.]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-02 02:46 am (UTC)[Puck gave a nod.] They can be. Good wordplay is the least of what they can do. Most humans should consider themselves lucky if that's all they're given.
[Loki's final comment had Puck inhaling sharply. It had been wrong, and Puck knew that deep inside of himself, but having it confirmed touched him.] They don't care. But you do, and that balances things.
[Puck smiled lightly into Loki's shoulder. He would also have words for the monarchs if they ever showed up. Loki's tone and the protectiveness in his voice came through clearly.]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-02 04:36 pm (UTC)I do--and...I am not used to that.
[A sigh, and hiding his head against Puck's hair.]
I wonder if you realize just how new and rare that is for me? Until very recently, I...somewhat cared for my brother, and did love my mother very much. I wanted my father's approval, but I'm not sure that's caring for him. Familial dynamics are all very complicated with emotions.
[Keeping that hold and cuddling the other, for himself now too as well as for Puck.]
Then my life went under a great upheaval 6 years ago, and well...I cared only for myself. Until the last few months and mostly while here. You are a peer and my friend, and something more as well, Puck--and I am still figuring it all out. But...I do care for you, and I'm sad that you've been hurt.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-02 06:44 pm (UTC)[Puck adjusted himself to where he could kiss the top of Loki's head.] Kind is too small of a word, but it is kind, and doesn't go unnoticed. Another treasure to care for. On the same hand, I'm also sorry you were hurt. Neither of those should have happened to us, but.. [He lifted his shoulders in a quick shrug.] But unfortunately they did. Like I said before, take your time figuring out all of this. [He gave a playful smile] Fae can live for centuries if they're smart enough; and I'll wait as long as I need to.
[But the tone was.. Not forced. Puck did mean what he said, but Puck was also struggling. Revisiting Avalon as a whole, even just mentally, had shaken him pretty deeply. Puck fell quiet and pulled Loki back into being held. He steadied his breathing and let his eyes close for a moment.]
Are you getting hungry? [He asked suddenly. The fire in the hearth was low enough that there was no risk of anything burning, but Puck wasn't about to be a poor host.]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-02 08:58 pm (UTC)I was, and am, but this was more important I think. [And he leaned in to give Puck a quick kiss, before pulling back and letting the other up. He'd follow to come help set things up.]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-02 09:45 pm (UTC)Not quite candlelight, but it's going to work. [He checked on the wine and poured two glasses before he put the cask back into the hearth. The meal was simple but hearty- roast meat with vegetables and a brown gravy. Fitting for winter, all things considered. Puck took the seat across from Loki and would wait for him to eat first.]
It was, but I wanted to check before we got everything set up. Never a bad guest, or a bad host, that's one of my mottos.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-02 10:00 pm (UTC)"It was interesting though--seeing who held what position, as well as who was there or who wasn't. It can tell one a lot about the state of things here. Mostly that Vaeros needs to do very little to foster divisions between us. Not that I'm surprised by that."
no subject
Date: 2024-02-02 10:38 pm (UTC)Puck had a sip of his wine and nodded as he considered that. "I'm not either. In the best scenario, more would realize that if we work together, we have a better chance of.. Of both living here and surviving whatever Vaeros throws at everyone. Instead of simply surviving while arguing about who's right and who isn't." He had some of the roast and spoke after.
"It reminds me of the myth of Eris and the golden apples. But instead of 'To the most beautiful', it says 'To the one who's right', and everyone is busy pulling the fruit from the tree themselves. Quite interesting, really."
no subject
Date: 2024-02-02 10:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-02-02 11:09 pm (UTC)"In retaliation, she made an apple of solid gold and carved 'To the fairest one' on the front of it and attended anyway. When she was close enough, Eris threw the apple into the wedding party and watched as three goddesses- Hera, one of marriage and women, Athena, of wisdom and war, and Aphrodite, of love and passion-- began to argue amongst themselves."
no subject
Date: 2024-02-02 11:16 pm (UTC)"The golden apples I am most familiar with are from a Vanir named Idunn. The vanir are a sister race to the Asgardians who live in Vanaheim. Many humans and mortals viewed them as gods and goddesses too. Her apples are known for their healing properties--in that they regress age, enhance vigor, and extend one's life. Mind, Asgardians, Vanir--and Jotun as well, are already likely to live in the low thousands of years as a life span if not taken down in combat." Loki finished, and then there was a pause before he smiled and chuckled to himself. Remembering an incident many centuries ago--and a bet and drinking contest that resulted in the bet, between him, and his brother, and the warriors 3, about those apples.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-02 11:42 pm (UTC)"Oh, as far as I know this apple was simply made of gold and looked nice. The myth didn't mention any kind of magical properties tied to it." Puck noticed the chuckle and made a note to ask about that later. "The myth continues, though! None of the goddesses could decide what to do and asked Paris of Troy-- another hero, to pick the fairest. But Aphrodite bribed him with the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Sparta, who was married to a king, Menelaus." Puck paused for some emphasis, enjoying the retelling.
"Helen was taken to Troy that evening, Paris having agreed that Aphrodite earned the apple. Her husband lead an invasion of Troy shortly after, leading to the Trojan War."
Puck chuckled and had some more food.
"The parallels are quite glaring with it spelled out like that. Or I'm reading into things. Who knows? Speaking of-- What had you laughing about the apples as you know them?"
no subject
Date: 2024-02-02 11:52 pm (UTC)"A bet between my brother, myself, and some friends. The drinking before hand and the bet that resulted. I'm not entirely Idunn's favorite person really, but it was not entirely my fault." Absolute mischief was in blue-green eyes and the smile. "I think that story might actually have filtered down in some form to Midgard, actually. They left out the warriors three though."
no subject
Date: 2024-02-03 01:33 am (UTC)Puck listened and chuckled. "It's not ringing any bells-- but I'm just hearing that your popularity has had a long time to establish itself." The mischief had Puck's attention almost as much as the smile that was going with it. "What were the conditions of the bet? Or is that on a need to know basis?" Puck had some wine and grinned.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-03 01:38 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-02-03 01:44 am (UTC)Time for some creative liberties with Norse Mythology!
Date: 2024-02-03 01:57 am (UTC)Another pause for some food briefly, but Loki wasn't going to draw this out too badly. Teasing Puck was fun, tormenting him was not. At least not in any way to cause true harm.
"So, Thor, the warrior's three--that is Volstagg, Fandral, Hogun, Lady Sif, and myself were all out drinking to celebrate. Nor were we being particularly quiet or subtle about it, when we earned the attention of another group of young Asgardians, lead by one who was a mountain of a man named Thrym. Not a 'giant' as in the race, but a giant of a man none-the-less. He stated how his own hammer was superior, and thus he and Thor began a bragging contest. At some point, Lady Sif excused herself. I suspect she were disgusted by the drunken speech and euphemisms that a 'hammer' might imply." There was amusement in Loki's tone and secrets and lies in blue-green eyes.
"Well, Thor had not been paying proper attention to where he kept Mjolnir, at one point placing it on the floor near the table's edge. It was a trifle to veil it and prevent it from being seen. Nor was it hard to conjure a likeness but without the worthy qualifier, which Thor had also forgotten about thanks to the drink and boasting. As suspected, he picked up that hammer with no awareness that it was not his own. He challenged Thrym to take it, were he 'worthy' of it. Then was quite stupidly surprised when Thrym did just that."
mwahaha
Date: 2024-02-03 02:14 am (UTC)Puck pictured the scene as Loki described it, filling in people he didn't recognize as best as he could. Eyebrows lifted at the giant description and Puck gave an understanding nod as the bragging war started and a sympathetic "Of course, there's a time and a place." to Sif's reaction. If he was lying, Puck didn't pick up on it, instead focusing on the tone.
"It sounds like you'd been drinking for at least a few hours, I'm surprised Thor could remember anything." Puck nodded, eyes lighting up. "Right, I've seen you veil things before." As Thor was surprised at Thrym's worthiness, Puck stopped himself just in time from having another sip of his wine. He would have choked on it otherwise, because he laughed at the mental image of everything playing out.
"I'm sure! Was Thrym just as surprised? How did you keep a straight face during all of that?"
Re: mwahaha
Date: 2024-02-03 02:27 am (UTC)Considering it had been Loki's fault...'peacemaker' clearly did not mean he intended things to go smoothly.
"'What, oh new friend Thrym, will you do with your newfound worthiness?' I asked, as Thor let out a roar of despair and anger. 'Why, your highness, I would ask the lady Sif for her hand in marriage'. He replied, and was met with laughter. 'You would ask, and she would likely cut your tongue out for the offense!' Fandral replied, with Hogun agreeing with him. This of course was not the reply that Thrym wanted, whereupon he pointed to Thor."
Another brief pause for some more food, but again--Loki was not given to torment in story telling.
"'Your Royal Highness, I have proven myself by Mjolnir's worth. Have your friends hold their tongues!' Well, you can imagine just how well that demand went down." Loki's tone was highly amused and dry as a desert. "Before blows could be struck, I interjected again. 'Ho there, Thrym, my brother---peace a moment. I've a way to solve this.' All eyes were on me now, and so I laid out that if we were to persuade Lady Sif to agree to marry Thrym, he would give up claim to Mjolnir and give it back to Thor, provided he could lift it. It would need to be done with most haste to avoid a big to do as Lady Sif was a noble."
Re: mwahaha
Date: 2024-02-03 02:40 am (UTC)He would have to remember to compliment Loki for it afterwards. "Oh? I thought the title of Lady was simply you being polite. But yes, it sounds like everything needed to move quickly. How very fortunate." Puck grinned. "And did that qualifier help things move, or were there objections?"
Re: mwahaha
Date: 2024-02-03 02:47 am (UTC)"There were, but they were able to be squashed. We agreed to meet again in one hour away from the tavern. Thrym and his group to prepare, and us to persuade the Lady Sif." Loki calmly took a sip of wine. "Of which none of us had any intention of doing. Thrym was well known to use a hammer because it wasn't a weapon that required good eye-sight. The original bragging had occurred because while Mjolnir is mighty, it has too short a handle and is too small compared to other war-hammers." Puck could likely see it all coming together now.
"'but Brother, why do you not just use your illusions to make me look like Lady Sif?' Thor asked, unwilling to further hurt his pride by pretending to wear a dress. Fandral was equally as unwilling, even to the point of preferring to involve Odin which Thor was not willing to do. 'I'm very full, oh brother of mine--would you risk my magic in such a state? I might transform you into something completely different by mistake!'" A little chuckle. "So, we convinced Thor to wear a bride's dress, and a veil with a dark-haired bunch of fabric strips to mimic hair beneath. The warriors three and I played at being dismayed because our dear friend and brother was overwrought to see Sif married so and humiliated besides, hence his lack of presence when we thus met up with Thrym and his friends again."
Re: mwahaha
Date: 2024-02-03 03:37 am (UTC)Puck noted what was being said, eyes lighting up again, and laughed at the 'very full' comment. He had never heard the expression but with context it was easy to figure out. As Loki explained how the costuming went, he had some more of his meal. "I don't think I've ever tried using magic after drinking, myself." Though the idea gave Puck some food for thought. It probably wouldn't be a good idea. He laughed at the explanation given on Thor's absence.
"Thrym was probably so excited to see Sif that he didn't give it much thought. Though with the amount of alcohol I'm assuming it would take for someone described as a giant, thoughts were probably in scarcity long before all of this."
Re: mwahaha
Date: 2024-02-03 03:46 am (UTC)"Wits had been dulled extremely, yes. Thor glared at Thrym so fiercely, that he got nervous. I soothed by explaining that Sif was so pleased she had wept heavily and so her eyes were so fierce now. As part of our marriage customs, a family's ancestral weapon is usually exchanged and pledged over, but since we were in a hurry, Mjolnir would have to do." A shrug, but what can you do, right? "Anyways, as soon as Thor found he could lift 'Mjolnir', he moved to attack Thrym. Thrym fought back and soon enough the fake hammer was destroyed in the brawl between parties. With a roar of despair, Thor screamed his weapon's name to the sky--which kicked in one of the qualifiers that makes Mjolnir special. And annoying. It returns to him when summoned."
Another pause, and another sip of wine. "Well, it certainly made short work of the brawl, though any left semi-conscious was too embarrassed to own up to any of it all. It was agreed that tempers had flared, and we were all very full, and so let bygones be bygones for this time."
Re: mwahaha
Date: 2024-02-03 03:59 am (UTC)As the story wrapped up, Puck temporarily forgot about the rest of his meal as he pictured everything and the fight that ensued. He laughed, throwing his head back. "I'm sure it did! But it sounds like everything ended well enough. That's quite different than most drinking nights I've known."
Puck finished his wine with a grin. "Most humans who I've shared a cup with have simply found something else to do with their time after it. Or they'd get into their emotions and just talk." Puck exhaled and looked down to his plate.
"Something else I've got in common with them. At least the second part."
Re: mwahaha
Date: 2024-02-03 04:02 am (UTC)"Our drinking nights often go to songs and stories as often as brawls depending. Usually brawls based upon bragging and one-up-man-ship, but that's because Asgardians are one of the sturdiest races in the nine realms. I found what my limit was that would dull my wits, and avoided it thereafter that first time."
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