Finally, a place stranger than his office!

[itdruid]

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?"

Comments

[coldsong]

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.

[itdruid]

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.

[coldsong]

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."

[itdruid]

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.

[coldsong]

'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."

[itdruid]

"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.