video;

[ikols]

Evening all! I am Loki, God of Mischief and prince of Asgard! Another Asgard, alternate dimension. Long story.

[ Clearing his throat, two green eyes lean away from the viewer to reveal Loki in a green hoodie in the middle of his studio apartment, a bowl of punch and cooked dishes on the lounge table. Mayonnaise mashed potatoes, cheese-drenched meatbites, hotroot salad, veggie casserole, stuffed mushrooms, apple-baked salmon and strawberry-cream trifle ... it all looks delicious, doesn't it? It should, it's for you. How tempting, no? ]

You're invited to my old school Asgardian dinner. These are an approximation of traditional Asgardian dishes that I grew up with, some vegetarian-ised for the herbivores out there, [ because he's thoughtful like that, ] with a special haunch of slow-cooked dragon-meat glazed in honey and applesauce, then lightly roasted in breadcrumbs, for a true godly experience.

[ There it is, the centrepiece: mouthwatering. Loki looks rather pleased with himself as he turns his wrist-camera away, panning around his studio apartment that looks like it could fit a couple dozen people inside. ]

The parties our hosts have thrown are all well and good, but I'm offering a chance to chill while you pick my brain, as a resident of this realm a few lifetimes and universes over. What I know of my Asgard may not be applicable to this one although you're welcome to grill me at your leisure over the fruit punch. Non-alcoholic, apologies. Alternatively, come for the free food and make some likewise greedy friends! No shame in that! Second floor of Skadihaus is where you'll find the party, my apartment is the only one occupied, and as per the rules you'll be getting kicked out at ten.

Please leave snacks at the entrance of the apartment complex for the spider-horse napping there. Thank you!

Comments

[momsboy]

[ It sounds silly, Peter is aware, but not Loki nor here are conventional people. ]

He is but I don't mind having the kid around. [ He had offered the young god one of the many rooms of the Benatar to sleep in but Loki likes doing his own thing, so he didn't push. Peter had the feeling that the brunette valued his freedom too much or wasn't used to having friends. Maybe both. ]

It was really a crazy time, I'm glad no one died. That sounds like the real miracle. And just 'home' works, don't worry. Plenty of societies have yet to reach interstellar travel, it isn't even very common on Earth. If you have questions or are curious about space, feel free to ask. And last I checked, no, we didn't have those. That's who you are?

[ Who, not 'what', because Peter was more sensible than what people gave him credit for. He had he shake his head at the new word, though. ] No sorry, this is the first time I've heard about your kind but I'd love to know more.

[hantale]

[ Fran's brow perks when he says 'kid', stifling a soft laugh. ]

I suspect he's the older one, if my conversations with him are anything to go by! Unless your looks are deceiving.

[ With another sip at their drink for punctuation, Fran gestures to a two-seater couch then smiles. ]

I'd love to explain, but we might as well get comfortable if we're going to be talking for a while, no?

[ The nymph doesn't even wait for a response before taking a seat, leaning on an armrest and settling back against it with a comfortable hum. ]

[momsboy]

He is older than me but at the same time, he isn't.

[ Real age is not what Peter is thinking about so he gives Fran a smile and leaves it at that. One can be two Millennia old and still be a child at heart. He gives a nod the idea to sit and relax and follows his new friend to the couch. ]

It's been a while since I've been to a party. Not a lot of things to celebrate back home...what about you?

[hantale]

[ They let out a soft laugh, one leg crossing over the other as he joins them. ]

Eheh- I think I get what you mean.

[ A short sip at their drink in punctuation before offering a little shrug in return. ]

Mmh- I didn't do a lot of partying with humans, at least... The odd forest revelry was fun though~ Lots of wine, food, and spirits~ [ The creature, not the alcohol. But they don't clarify. ]

Isn't a lack of things to celebrate all the more reason to enjoy yourself when you can, though?

[momsboy]

[ Peter looks relaxed as well, leaning back on the seat and studying Fran. The orns really are cute but it's probably not polite to point that out. ]

Oh, I've never done partying with humans before, so we're on the same page. I lived in space. Not lots of humans out there, even if Xandarians and Kree look like them. But no one wants to party with a Kree, they have such terrible temper when they're drunk.

[ He gives a nod, completely agreeing with the sentiment. Life's to short to not have fun. ]

Are there other spirits in this city? I think you're the first I meet, Sandy notwithstanding.

[hantale]

[ If it helps, Fran hardly seems the type to take offense to anything. Small and slender, they cross their legs on the couch and turn a little to face Peter, leaning more into the side cushions. ]

The names don't sound familiar, but it sounds like you had plenty of fun! [ Another light sip, a pause to smile his way. ] Not that I know of? I haven't met any other nymphs, at least... Or fey in general for that matter.

And what about you? Anyone else from a similar 'space' as yours?

[momsboy]

[ It would help if Peter knew, yes. But right now he's trying not to make Loki's guest uncomfortable, no matter how cute their horns. ]

Ah, I'm not surprised. They're hard to see if you don't travel off-planet. I met a vampire here a few weeks ago but I haven't seen him since that first time. I don't know about any other fantastic creatures or spirits.

[ At the question, Peter smiles bright and happy. ]

My girlfriend! She arrived to the city very recently. Her name's Gamora, she's easy to tell apart from other wanderers because her skin is green.

[hantale]

A vampire? [ Fran blinks, slightly incredulous. ] Goodness... It's been a long time since I've seen one of those. They don't often come around my wandering areas.

A few people don't appear to be here anymore, though... Perhaps the tree sent them home?

[ There's a flash of... Confusion? Non-recognition? when Peter says 'Girlfriend', but Fran's quick to recover, understanding the rest through context. Their smile perks up quickly, nodding along. ]

Oh! Not Ariadne? She also had greenish skin. I don't think I've met Gamora yet! What's she like?

[momsboy]

He was very polite and didn't mind of me asking questions. He also said that light didn't hurt him, which is not like the vampire stories I've heard in my world.

[ Peter's eyebrows raise slightly at the causal way the nymph talks about vampires as if they were common. Which, for all Peter knows, they might be. ]

Are they dangerous where you come from?

[ He knows that not all of species across the galaxy recognize the word 'girlfriend' but it always comes as bit of a surprise when that happens. It's one of those cultural differences that always leave Peter feeling a little sad. ]

No, no her, although I think they're from the same species. Ariadne's hair is blue and Gamora's red. [ Oh Fran, you don't know what you asked. Peter's eye light up and he smiles like a puppy who's been invited to play fetch. ] She's really clever and level headed! One of the smartest people I know. And super strong. She can carry me around like I weight nothing and she's just so fast...

[hantale]

[ Fran has to pause for a moment, seriously thinking about the question. ]

Mmmh, not dangerous to me, at least? They tend to bother humans more, from memory.

[ To be fair, relationships are plenty normal where Fran's from, they've just never been exposed to or learned about it! The concept doesn't really exist to fey.

As his explanation continues, the nymph lets out a soft laugh, nodding along. ]

She sounds rather incredible! I'd love to meet her sometime. Did she appear recently?

[momsboy]

It's because there's some sort of unwritten rules about not attacking each other or they just prefer humans?

[ For all Peter knows, maybe magical and supernatural creatures have a 'no attack' pact of some sort so he's curious. It's not every day that he has the chance to learn more about the fae. ]

She, she's in Heimdall's house. Gamora isn't always the most sociable but if you mention to her that you know me, that might help her relax.

[hantale]

[ Fran's smile grows. ]

We tend to not really encounter each other, firstly. I live in and with nature, they tend to be focused on humans, living in cities and castles. Otherwise... Well, I imagine humans are much safer prey than fey, no?

[ How they have such a light view of the predator-prey dichotomy is anyone's guess. It must be a nature thing, But it works for Fran. ]

Ah! I might go see if I can find her sometime! I take it she didn't want to come to this party, then? If not sociable-

[momsboy]

That makes sense. Humans don't generally have magic or can defend themselves the same way your people does.

[ That said, peter does know more than a few humans who use magic, so they're also not as much of an easy prey as they might look at first glance. ]

I don't think she knows Loki yet and this isn't really her kind of scene. I wasn't going to stay long either but I also don't want to be rude by leaving too early.

[hantale]

Mhm! A couple humans in my world can use magic... But most can't. Besides! I tend to stay a few days travel from the cities! It's quite a ways away for creatures that can't travel easily.

[ There's a little laugh that follows, seemingly quite amused by the idea. ]

I'm glad you stayed for a bit, though~ I mightn't have met you otherwise!

[momsboy]

I suppose that's safer for everyone. [ Peter know that humans can be real bastards or have total disregard for nature and the supernatural. And no one wants to deal with pissed off Fae, that for sure. ]

Why thank you. [ Peter lowers his voice a little, giving them a ice melting smile. ] Aren't you a charmer.

[hantale]

[ Most people would agree with him, at least! Though not everyone's as kind as Peter.

With one last sip, the nymphs head bobs, flashing him a momentary smile. ]

Please, don't mention it~ [ Ah, the voice of modesty. ] I simply enjoy learning about interesting people. Travelers especially!