"If it's a lesson to do with the fact that they die and go where I cannot follow, I've learned it already, and choose to ignore it," he says quietly. "A very long time ago."

He tilts his head, watching him work on the boots curiously for a moment, but opts not to ask who they're for. This has been an interesting conversation, and possibly useful even above and beyond whiling the time away, but maybe ending it on an upnote seems prudent.

Even Loki can be prudent sometimes.

"If it's something else entirely, then I will simply wait to be taught," he says cheerfully, after a brief pause. "And in the meantime, I think I will leave you to your work."

"Farewell, for now. I look forward to meeting you again later...although you'll forgive me if I dodge you during the height of the season. I would hate for there to be misunderstandings."