nexus_crossings | Finally, a place stranger than his office!

Finally, a place stranger than his office!

Strange things happening around an office filled with magical beings is the norm in Mordred's life. Every day he deals with with magic users, vampires, and landlines in a bag (that call God, no less), so opening a door and finding something unexpected on the other side isn't really a shock. Or it shouldn't be, but a multi-dimensional hub is far outside even the young man's definition of "normal".

Instead of stepping into an unused office supposedly filled with the missing supplies he needs, he finds himself stepping out onto a chilly street along the Plaza. Mordred blinks a few times as he takes in his surroundings (including a-- Captain America PSA?), silently thanks the Goddess he's actually wearing a sweater while he looks around the area, and then makes his way over to the pamphlets to check one out. It's not the most helpful reading material, but it's enough that he looks slightly less nervous once he's worked up the nerve to ask a question as instructed.

"So, I-- This might not be the best first question to ask of strangers, but..." The druid's cheeks flush as he tugs at the bottom of his sweater, his fingers worrying the hem as he gathers his thoughts. "My fiancé and I are getting married soon, and a-a friend of ours-- his sister, actually... Well, she's planning everything-- for us, but I feel like I should contribute something." He frowns thoughtfully for a moment, then sighs heavily. "If you could add-- anything you wanted to a wedding, what would it be? Anything I should-- avoid, at the very least?"

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Oh. Uh, that does seem important to mention. Mordred's cheeks flush bright pink as he looks up at Loki and continues to fidget with the hem of his sweater.

"F-for yours, I think. I want to know-- what people want to do at their own weddings. O-or have done. Or, ah... well, you understand, right?" Goddess, he's not usually this flustered but this question caught him completely off guard. Something about this person also feels imposing to the young druid, so it's incredibly difficult to stay calm.

Oh, goodness. Loki wasn't expecting such a nervous response. That kind of reaction is always entertaining, of course--Adia could tell this fellow how much Loki enjoys harassing anxious people--but for the moment, he opts to continue the conversation in good faith.

Still, there's something a little sly in his smile.

"I haven't had one, as of yet. I live in hope that I will yet see the day my brother marries, so that I may create mild havoc at the celebratory feast."

"In the interest of actually being useful, I do recommend you avoid anything that confers excessive obligation on the guest, financial or otherwise. People will already feel compelled to offer gifts and dress as well as they can afford. Make everything else easy on them."

"For myself, though..." he thinks a moment. "Anything I were to add would have to be child-friendly, since I have four, and they have friends. Something whimsical, I think, to entertain the young or the young-at-heart. Friendly animals to pet, perhaps, or maybe even a carousel."

Mordred's a naturally nervous person, but being in a place like the Nexus, one that exceeds even his own very high weird meter, has him even more on edge. The last thing he wants, or needs, to do is to piss off someone who sets off his internal 'not quite what they appear to be' switch.

All of the advice is very good, though. The druid gapes for a moment and then pulls out his phone, quickly taking a few notes for himself so he can relay them both to his wedding planner and his fiancé.

Easy obligations (for guests). Activities for children. Petting zoo???

...that last one is probably bad to suggest because Galeas will like it and want it, but that's part of why he has to write it down. It would also be an adorable sight and Mordred is very much okay with this being part of their wedding day.

As he slips his phone into his pocket, Mordred looks up with a small smile. "We've a lot of magic around us we could probably use to make whimsical things happen. I'm already planning on making the garden where we're getting married as lush and beautiful as I can-- the morning of the wedding." Hopefully God won't mind him messing with the plants that are already planted there, but the druid will insist on a few varieties of flowers for the benefit of his husband.

There is one thing he wonders about with Loki's suggestions, though, and he can't help but ask it. "Do people really like carousels? I haven't even thought about one since... well, since I was a small child, I think."

Loki watches him write, and there's a flicker of softness in his smile for a moment. "You might end up with some very cute wedding photographs with a petting zoo on hand. You know, we didn't use photography in the realm I grew up in. It was all painted or drawn portraiture--sometimes magically created, but still--and very few candid images."

"Ahh, well, my brother could give you tips on greenery, but it's not my area of expertise."

"Children like carousels," he says with amusement. "Which was the point of my suggestion. But they can be rather romantic, as well, depending on the style. They're not always moving animal statues. Some have benches for two to sit in together, with sculpted flowers and birds and the like."

The druid's cheeks flush a deep red at the comment about the petting zoo, but Loki isn't wrong. Photos will be a very important thing to have, especially of those little moments they might forget about in the haze of everything going on. If he's honest, though, the idea of a lovingly created portrait is nice. "I'll ask about photos, and maybe a portrait as well. I don't know what my fiancé will want, but his sister will probably have some-- suggestions for us." She usually does when it comes to things like this.

"That's all right. I'm actually good with plants. Most of the magical talents I have revolve around them." Not that it's warm or green enough that he could really demonstrate, but there isn't any need to show off, either.

"They can have benches?" This is news to Mordred. His eyes widen briefly before a more thoughtful look comes over his face. A carousel probably won't fit in the church gardens, but a bench or set of benches covered in flowers would be beautiful - and make a perfect escape from the crowd of noisy, sometimes overwhelming guests they'll have. He nods to himself and then quickly pulls out his phone to add "flower benches" onto his list. "I like the idea of offering a few places for people to hide and rest. Big crowds-- aren't really my thing, and I've a feeling our guest list is pretty large."

"Just have all your guests bring their phones and take selfies the whole time," Loki says dryly. "And then send the pictures to you. You'll have more than you know what to do with."

That's not quite the same quality as a portrait, but it might not be a terrible idea all by itself.

Loki smiles faintly. "Then you have a gift akin to Thor's. That may speak well of you."

"Yes...you do seem rather introverted. It's good to be a warm host at your celebration, but do make sure to enjoy yourself, as well. You'll want to save some energy for your honeymoon, I'm sure."

...okay, that was a deliberate tease. He can't help himself.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea given-- some of the guests who are coming." He really doesn't want to see what his IT ~~troublemaker~~ coworker would take pictures of. There will be plenty of embarrassment without awkward photos that have been magically altered, thanks.

Mordred blinks in surprise at the name. "Thor? The Thor of legend? ...ah, I suppose if he's real it's not really legend at that point, but he might-- not exist where I'm from so he could still be legend to me. Or maybe someone whose parents liked the name...?" Goddess, he's rambling, isn't he? The druid's cheeks flush brightly and he immediately drops his gaze as he worries the bottom of his sweater again. "Sorry, weird names are common in my office. Lots of magic users and magical beings. And-- well, my name is Mordred because I'm a reincarnation of someone with that name..." Hopefully Loki gets the idea so the poor young man doesn't have to keep trying to explain.

"The honeymoon!" Mordred touches his forehead as he gasps loudly. "I'd forgotten it entirely. I know we'll have one, but we've been planning time to get away from the ceremony for--" Ah, wait, he's not going to finish that sentence. He coughs conspicuously before quickly continuing. "The hope is that everything is planned well enough that any mishaps don't distract from the day. I'll probably let-- my fiancé do most of the talking. He's very extroverted and personable." Not stammering or stumbling over his words when he's nervous also gives Galeas a leg up on Mordred in that department.

The potential for shenanigans with photoshop does not entirely escape Loki, but he tends to think of these things as desirable anomalies, not pitfalls. To each his own, though!

"Oh, Norns, don't call him legendary if you meet him. There was a time he liked that attention but I think he's over it at this point in his life." This man reminds him a bit of Viatorus; nervous and awkward and quite possibly packing a hell of a magical punch underneath it all.

"Your workplace must be fascinating. My brother is, in fact, the god of Thunder in the world he comes from--and I am Loki, the god of lies, mischief, and regrettable life choices. I do know the name Mordred from human stories, though I don't know if he was real in my universe or not. How do you know you are a reincarnation?"

He's amused by the flailing over the honeymoon, but the magical background is rapidly becoming more of interest than teasing the man.

Ah, that's good to know. Mordred makes a mental note of it and nods. "I'll remember that, should I ever meet him." Best not to make any gods uncomfortable. He has a feeling that would go very poorly.

Oh. He's meeting Loki? He's suddenly feeling very small in comparison to the man-- god standing next to him, and he offers an awkward... bow? nod? ...something that involves inclining the top part of his body to Loki so he shows proper respect. One doesn't mess with or anger gods where he's from unless they're looking for trouble.

"The-- The Goddess told me. The Triple Goddess," he clarifies, though perhaps that's not as helpful as he might want to believe. "I've known my whole life that I was a reincarnated. I don't have any of the memories from my past life, but I'm told that-- is a gift. All the stories and legends of my past life conflict with one another, but that man is always painted in a terrible light." A frown draws over Mordred's face. "I'm not as powerful as he was, but I'm happy to take that trade for the easier life I have in exchange."

Well, he thinks he's not as powerful, at least. The druid has never really pushed his abilities nor ever had a reason to, though he supposes that's about to change when he become the Goddess' envoy sometime in the next few months. He's not anxious to find out he's more powerful either way; His life has been small but satisfying, and this version of Mordred is very happy with all that entails.

It's always pleasant to meet someone here who genuinely believes in and respects the gods in general, and who has heard of Loki's pantheon in particular. In years past he would preen upon recognition, and there is still a hint of smug satisfaction when he returns the bow with a graceful incline of his own head. There's something softer in it now, though. He has learned that people who know the divine have expectations of it, and he will inevitably disappoint those expectations, because that is in his nature.

Still, he can enjoy it while it lasts. "Thank you. My brother is a better man than most; he deserves respect, but prefers it to be tempered with friendship. If you meet him here, you need not fear him. Although, I should add that while I've met no alternates of him in this place, it's possible they might show up any time."

So, best not to take his words for granted. (That is always true of Loki's advice, though.)

Loki immediately processes 'the Triple Goddess' as the Norns, and nods slowly, with visible respect. To him, the Norns, whether personified in the form of Goddesses or as an impersonal idea, may as well be the gods of the gods. "Then you are indeed a fortunate man, to catch a glimpse of Their work and your place in it."

And then he gives a faint snort. "Oh, but your legends paint you in an unfortunate light? Perhaps we should start a club. I'll refrain from judgment if you will."

Gods and mortals being friends is uncommon on Mordred's world, but it's not entirely unheard of. The druid isn't sure he'd try to be friends with any gods (and yet here he is talking to one anyway, apparently), but knowing he doesn't have to approach with fear is nice. "I'll always offer respect, I promise. I might still-- be nervous around him, but I'll try to temper that, too." It's a usual state for him, but he can promise to try to roll it back a bit.

"I wouldn't say I know where I am-- in all Her work, but... I do listen when She speaks. I leave the knowing and divining of more intricate matters to the priestess who heads up my office." The woman is far more equipped and practiced in such things than Mordred. If anyone can look at the world and see signs, it'll be his boss lady.

"No judgement," he promises with a nervous smile. "Legends aren't always true, and even if they are... People change with time and circumstances. I'm-- sure you know about that, too." It doesn't matter how old or young Loki is; No person is the same as they were the day before, and anyone who's lived even a few years of life can see how much they've changed with a little introspection.

'Friendship' may not have been quite the right term, really. It would be presumptuous to assume Thor wants to be pals with everyone he meets (although in Loki's experience, it certainly seems that way), but he's hard pressed to think of a better way to describe a god of thunder who can shatter an army and stand in the blast from the corona of a dying star, and yet is thrilled to bits to take selfies on the street with his mortal fans.

"Your office sounds unique," Loki tells Mordred. "I don't believe there are many Midgardian corporations in the world I come from that work with priestesses and divinities."

He returns the smile. "I enjoy being recognized, in all honesty, and it used to be gratifying when mortals feared me. Probably some of them should continue to fear me. But I will never be quite what anyone expects of me, for good or for ill. It seems prudent to begin all my acquaintanceships with that as a disclaimer."

"It's unusual even where I'm from," Mordred agrees with a laugh. "Not all of the company's office are run by priestesses, but most are unusual-- in some way or another. Magical creatures can easily find themselves running a branch if they really want it." The perks of working for an agency that deals with and relies on magical and unnatural phenomenon to stay afloat?

"I feel the need to do the same. A lot's expected from my name, and it differs from one person to the next." He doesn't want anyone to fear him - seriously, he's only a man with a little magic, nothing more - but they don't need to show him reverence at first blush either. "I hope the disclaimer works to your advantage, so no one causes you undue stress or harm by making a poor assumption." God or no, everyone deserves the chance to make their own first impression without the baggage another person might carry around about their name, place of origin, or other unique traits.

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Finally, a place stranger than his office!

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