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It's always a strange sight, an old man with long white hair, a long white beard, a pointy hat, robes, and a sword hanging from a belt around his robes. Even for New York City, where strange is rather normal, this is strange. But here he is. Merlin. Standing in front of a four story manor. There's a staff in one hand, which he lightly taps the ground with as he stares at the manor. Every so often, as the staff taps the ground, some blue sparks fly.
"Strange. Very strange. I wonder if Mister Doctor Strange knows of this place. Doesn't matter if he does, I'd still have a look at it, regardless." He mumbles to himself. He holds his free hand out, feeling the power of the magic that protects this place. His vision shows him the sparkling nature of the magic. He could attempt to break past the magical barries. And it would be rather fun, at that. But he decides, instead, to approach the door. He uses the head of his staff to knock on it three times, loudly.
*
A young woman with brilliant blonde hair, rosey cheeks, and a friendly smile answers the door. She holds it open and tilts her head at the older man and gives him a look up and down, then raises her eyebrows as she asks, "Good day to you, how may I help you, sir?"
She starts to push the door open wider, but then a voice comes from over her shoulder. "Hilda, my dear. Has my friend shown…" And then over her shoulder appears a face that might be ever so slightly familiar, green eyes and a wry smile. "Ah, I see he has. Myrrdin, my good fellow."
The two of them step back as the prince of Asgard gestures inwards, "Please, do come inside. You are entirely welcome."
*
"I'm sure you could if I knew who you…" There's a pause as Merlin hears the other voice from inside the estate. He frowns, gazing at the man who appears behind 'Hilda'. Grasping his staff with both hands, he leans against it for a moment while he gazes over the man who has appeared at the doorway. What an unusual, yet somewhat familiar, gentleman.
"Finally, some common courtesy. Sometimes I think it's lost on the young ones of this realm." He mutters, mostly to himself. "I do extend my gratitude, wholeheartedly, to the benefactor of this estate." He bows his head to the man as he enters. "It's a curious place you've got, too." He waves his hand about. "Not many places sparkle quite as much as it does."
*
Peter has partially disconnected.
*
"You are so terribly kind," Louis says as he turns his head to the side slightly and addresses Hilda with a smile, "Hilda, if you'd be so good as to prepare us something to snack upon while we converse?" And, to her credit at Loki's words the young Asgardian servant girl darts back and heads to her duties. It leaves the two of them there on the doorstep, and then shortly the foyer to converse.
"The people of this realm know me as Louis King, I am an educator. Yet you, colleague, would perhaps recall me as the Puck. Or Loki Odinson." Curiously enough there are no games, not at the moment. He pays the other magician the respect of offering a clear declaration. For propriety demands such.
He offers with a silent gesture to take the robed man's blade and hat should he so wish, but half expects him to not avail himself of that service. Then he'll motion to the study that is but a few steps away in the corner of the building. "Please, I look forward to answering what questions you may have." And should they proceed they'll head into that rather well stocked library with those many stacks of books as well as a rather suitable liquor cart.
*
Peter has partially disconnected.
*
"Hilda." Merlin considers the name. "Quite Nordic, that name." Though it will all make sense in a moment. He looks after the young woman for a moment before his attention turns back, dutifully, to his host. His host who, apparently, was expecting him. The visit just becomes more and more curious as time goes on.
"Puck? You're Puck? And Loki Odinson? Loki Odinson was Puck?" He lets out an amused laugh. "Well, no wonder you seemed so very familiar. But I'd no idea that Puck was, all along, Loki, son Odin, and prince of Asgard! Had I known, I'd have shown you the due respect you deserved from your station than I previously gave you." He chuckles softly, giving Loki a little bow. "I do, of course, know of you and your immense skill. I can only imagine that you're the one who cast all those spells I saw protecting this place?"
He waves a hand, shaking his head, at the offer to take his plade and hat. He does, however, take off his hat while they walk to the study, placing it beside him as he takes a seat. "What a well stocked library you have. I always say, a well stocked library is the key to a well stocked mind!"
*
"Oh no," Loki's smile is wry, and perhaps even infectious as he moves into the room after Merlin. "No need to apologize. My time as the Puck was something of a vacation and yes I do believe we met, but… well perhaps some day I will be able to speak further of it."
As easy as that he settles that portion of his life to rest for now, even as he moves into the study after Merlin. "I have a tendency to wander to each of the nine realms in the course of my life. Why I've been here on Midgard for the last… 116 years? 115?" He pauses and tilts his head to the side thoughtfully before he says. "No, no. 115."
He gestures with one hand to a bottle of brandy and then asks, "Tell me, Merlin. Do you partake?" He asks even as he pours himself a glass.
*
Letting his staff rest next to him, Merlin takes Loki in, considering the Asgardian as he does so. "I've never known one of your kind to go through such lengths to ensure that others do not know that they are, in fact, Asgardian. But, I suppose, I've only had the joy of meeting a handfull of your people throughout the ages, as I've visit many of the nine realms." He shakes his head, amused. "Part of me wonders if the current Sorcerer Supreme's predecessor knew you were here. It just amuses me to think that one of your power and strength in the mystic arts kept hidden from the Sorcerer Supremes. Of course, if your kind had been here while I was Sorcerer Supreme, all I would've cared about was a quick 'Greetings, I mean you no harm, and I'm here to represent my people and possibly get rid of some dark elves.'" He chuckles again at the thought.
"A hundred and fifteen years is…I'd like to say a decent amount of time, though to those who have such long lives as we, we know it is barely an impact. In fact, Asgardians are practically still in childhood at a hundred and fifteen, aren't they?" He asks, looking at Loki inquisitively.
He glances to the bottle of brandy and bows his head. "Oh aye, I do indeed partake. Years in the halls of kings, queens, and vikings have given a bit of a taste for spirits…the alcoholic kind, granted."
*
"Oh indeed," Loki gives a nod and proceeds to pour a second glass as well. He offers the already full one to him before he settles back into his chair. "Personally I have existed for…" He knits his brow as he glances to the side, "Let me see. My father brought me before Bosporus in his kingdom to the North, that was…"
A pause, then he answers. "Over three thousand years ago." But he waves a hand, "However these last one hundred and some years I had the vague desire to live as a mortal. So I have taken on several lifetimes here. It has been a fruitful endeavour."
A sip of his drink is taken as he settles in, it's that point that Hilda returns providing a small platter of fruits, crackers, and cheeses. She offers the tray first for Merlin's consideration and once he's made a selection she'll present it for Loki who takes up a small touch of cheese. She leaves the tray behind as she retreats back to the kitchens.
"Though, I must admit that over that time I was mainly concerned with my privacy. My efforts were focused on making sure my disguise was not broken. Matters have changed of late, however, I am afraid."
*
"Bosporus…Bosporus…" Merlin accepts the glass, thanking Loki, and takes a sip as he thinks over 'Bosporus'. "Now, that's a name I've not heard in some time." He nods slowly. "Of course, this does make you older than I am, though you still seem like…a child to me. However, I was already an old man by the time I achieved my longevity. As such, this is how I appear. And I'd rather not spend the energy on an illusion spell to make me look different." He takes another sip of the brandy.
"A worthy endeavour, to live amongst and to help the mortals of this realm." When Hilda arives, he gathers up two crackers and loads them with cheese. "Thank you, Hilda. Very much appreciated."
Taking a bite of one of the crackers with cheese, he looks about the study, looking over the books in particular. After a brief moment, he turns back to Loki. "And now, that is what brings me here. Not only has your privacy been intruded upon, but I was able to find your estate. For those with eyes to see, such as mine, it shines out with a radiant glow. Perhaps my vision is slightly more attuned than some, but I was still drawn here." He explains. There's a pause as his eyes narrow. "Is the Hellmouth one of the reasons you were forced to reveal yourself."
*
%R%R"He was a King of…" The trickster's brow furrows as he looks up and slightly beyond Merlin, as if seeking the answers from a distant memory. But then he looks back and meets the seemingly older man's eyes. "Of what we know as Cimmeria today. Though in that age matters were such in flux."%R%RYet as to the topic of him seeming so much younger he smiles faintly and gestures with a small uncurling of fingers to the side. "It is part of my aspect, though some take the declaration of some of Asgard being what others might call divine as mere braggadocio… for those of us who represent certain tenets… well we have a bond to our word. Our calling. I may be old, and in many ways I am just a man. But I am also the Trickster, Coyote, Anansi."%R%RIt's with a slightly rueful smile that he avails himself of another piece of cheese. "So a certain measure of youth is to be understood, even embraced." He tosses the cheese into his mouth then smiles as he chews.%R%RIt's when Merlin embarks on discussing his reason for being there that Loki leans forward, brow furrowing as he pays attention. A nod is given as he listens and then he spreads his hands. "That has played into matters of late, though perhaps I could give you insight from my position. If I may?" He asks, perhaps seeking permission before embarking on his own long tale.
*
"He was a King of…" The trickster's brow furrows as he looks up and slightly beyond Merlin, as if seeking the answers from a distant memory. But then he looks back and meets the seemingly older man's eyes. "Of what we know as Cimmeria today. Though in that age matters were such in flux."
Yet as to the topic of him seeming so much younger he smiles faintly and gestures with a small uncurling of fingers to the side. "It is part of my aspect, though some take the declaration of some of Asgard being what others might call divine as mere braggadocio… for those of us who represent certain tenets… well we have a bond to our word. Our calling. I may be old, and in many ways I am just a man. But I am also the Trickster, Coyote, Anansi."
It's with a slightly rueful smile that he avails himself of another piece of cheese. "So a certain measure of youth is to be understood, even embraced." He tosses the cheese into his mouth then smiles as he chews.
It's when Merlin embarks on discussing his reason for being there that Loki leans forward, brow furrowing as he pays attention. A nod is given as he listens and then he spreads his hands. "That has played into matters of late, though perhaps I could give you insight from my position. If I may?" He asks, perhaps seeking permission before embarking on his own long tale.
*
"Ah, yes. Cimmeria. Curious place, that." Merlin nods. "There are some Asgardians, as I've heard it, who are certainly full of braggadocio. I suppose I should not blame them. Especially when they come to some realms, such as Earth, where they are much stronger than even the strongest of its inhabitants." He nods. "But it would not stop me from giving one of your kind a good talking to, should they be too full of hubris." He chuckles.
"Oh, you're trickster ways are well known. Even when we met long ago, when you were Puck. But I shan't hold that against you." He says wryly.
Finishing off the cheese and crackers he had in hand, waving his hand over his beard to remove any crumbs, he nods to Loki. "Aye. I'd be very much interested to hear what you've to say." He offers in way of giving his permission, while he plucks a piece of fruit from the platter and takes a small bite.
*
Lifting his hands in acknowledgement of the permission, Loki embarks on his tale as he murmurs. "Well as you know, a century ago I chose to take up a role as a mortal here on Midgard. In some ways it was a game for me, in others more than a momentary lark."
He settles back into his chair. "I had left my father's court. Matters progressed well as in truth my place there was not always what one would consider a positive." His lip twitches, but he continues. "Earlier this year, however, my brother came to Midgard as well."
The trickster's expression shifts enigmatic for a moment then he continues. "He had left Odin's court in a huff over a mortal woman. Angry, he broke his bonds to Asgard. Other beings took this time to move. Surtur's minions. The Jotun. Each made inroads into Midgard. We dealt with matters as we could and through some effort… Thor returned to Asgard."
A hand uncurls as he gestures towards Merlin, explaining the current state of things to him from his own perspective. "A state of war had blossomed from his absence. Odin chose war with the beings of fire and ice. It currently continues though no battles are being fought beyond posturing and perhaps some forays across various gateways. Thor was accepted back into Odin's good graces, but there was a price to be paid. He was stripped of his mantle as Lord Protector of Midgard and it was given to me."
A tilt of his head is given, perhaps sardonic as he murmurs, "And so my days of hiding and selfishly indulging myself were over. We established this manor as a sort of… embassy, if you will."
He sits up a touch then frowns slightly, "The Hellmouth, however, is another matter. Though it thus entered my purview in a way."
*
Remaining silent, the old sorcerer listens intently to the Asgardian's words. It's only once Merlin is positive that Loki has finished that he speaks once more. "That is quite the tale you have. It would appear that Asgard has had its share of troubles recently. Of that, I am truly sorry." As hard an outer shell he may appear to have, at times, Merlin still has compassion for the hardships of others.
"I've met your brother, Thor. If briefly. He seemed an amenable fellow, though I knew not of his…well, I'm afraid to say that it rather sounds to be a tantrum." Merlin shakes his head and sighs. "The heart is certainly a fickle thing. But leaving one's home in a such a way, which permitted such foes to begin their incursions into the realm…it was rather foolhardy on his part." He takes another fruit and eats it before continuing. "The next time you speak with Odin Allfather, please express my condolences regarding these battles. And inform him that should he ever require my assistance, my sword and my spells shall be there to aid in the protection of Asgard."
There's a furrowing of his brow when talk turns back to the Hellmouth. "As Puck, did you ever hear talk of one named Morgan le Fay?"
*
"The Thunderer has a kind heart, it could be considered a weakness as well as a strength." Loki crosses a leg over his knee and looks across the lip of his glass towards Merlin. But then he listens to the words offered by the sorcerer and a small nod is given in affirmation. "I shall convey your wishes to the King of Asgard upon the next time I share words with him."
There's a small smile then, however, that lights at the corner of the trickster's mouth. "Ware, however, making such an offer, Merlin. For times are as such that it is not unlikely the All-Father would take you up on such an offer."
Yet the topic shifts once again to the topic of their time in Faerie. At the mention of the sorceress, Loki lifts his chin, eyebrow cocking curiously. "I can claim to know the individual who calls themselves such, though I would not entirely be sure if they would recall me. Our time was passing faint, though I recall hearing her as having no small affection for yourself."
*
"A kind heart is not a thing to shirk from, but one must oft use it with a thoughtful mind." Merlin ponders aloud, chewing on a piece of fruit as he considers the words he just spoke. He shakes his head after a moment and nods to Loki. "Aye, but I'd not have made the offer were I not prepared to help at a moment's call. Much like those mighty warriors that your kind sought to help here on Earth, I am ready for whatever calls my name." There's a mischievous glint in his eye.
Nodding solemnly, Merlin says, "Morgan and I were certainly close. I help to train her and expand her skill in the ways of the mystical arts. Would you believe I saw her grow from but a child to a woman? And a powerful one at that." He chuckles to himself. "When I first met her, I'd never have guessed what journey her life would take, nor how intertwined our lives would be, even centuries, or over a millenium, later." He looks Loki over for a moment, pondering the man.
"Now, great Loki. I hope there does come a time when I'm able to help you, as well. Certainly it can't be just the Sorcerer Supreme and Odin All-Father that I can offer my assistance to?" He raises an eyebrow inquisitively.
*
"My time with her was brief, she accosted me in a glade claiming that I had betrayed her in some manner. I professed my innocence and she grudgingly accepted it for in truth I was not the Puck she has spoke to afore." Loki takes another drink and sets his glass aside. "I believe it was during a time she had a falling out with you. But beyond that," He gestures openly with one hand, fingers fanning as if trying to catch the ephemeral sentiment of the past, and failing.
But then the topic shifts and he offers his aid. "Merlin," Loki's smile is gentle, offered as if from a place of warmth in his heart which for some might be a curious thing to see in those green eyes. "We both know that when one offers aid, or answers, or insight… and it is accepted, that such a thing carries a cost."
He rests his feet upon the floor and leans forwards a touch, "Though you may offer an appearance of age, I am sure you are as sharp as ever. Do you truly expect me to accept your aid and bring you into my confidence. Should I also offer you the keys to Asgard and access to her artifact vaults as well? For shame." But though those words might seem negative, the way he delivers them with a smile might rob them of any sting.
*
"Mm. She had a certain…sharpness about her. She could be rather ferocious, especially when she felt she'd been wronged. Even more so once she'd taken up an interest in the more…caliginous of the mystical arts." Merlin sighs, lightly pinching at his nose, a brief annoyed look passing over his face. He smiles, however. "Her thirst for knowledge, however, is certainly enviable."
Merlin chuckles softly, shaking his head. "Do you know what I expect of you, my dear boy? I expect you to be as keen eyed and observant as the rumours say you are." Stroking his beard thoughtfully, he smiles. "I would never presume to be given the keys to Asgard, no be given acces to the most valuable objects within its realm. No. These things interest me not." He twirls some of his beard on his index finger. "No. There is but one thing I truly want…" He takes both hands and lifts up the bottom of his robes just a few inches above his ankles. "I want to know what keeps happening to my socks! I'll put some on, but then they keep disappearing! I don't know why! In over a millenium, I've not been able to figure out why!" It's hard to tell if this is part of an act, or if he really doesn't desire anything beyond that.
*
A small chuff of a withheld laugh is given in return, Loki's eyes shifting amused as he shakes his head. Settling back into the chair he gestures aside, "Ah, but consider how your mind has been working." He affects the ever so sagacious manner of an instructor as he motions towards the aforementioned socks. "You speak to me on one hand of Morgan Le Fay, then mention the mysteries of lost hosings."
A slow solemn nod is given as Loki murmurs, "Clearly your subconscious mind is trying to tell you that your former student is behind it, clearly." But then he rubs at the stubble upon his chin, his own goatee though not as glorious as Dr. Strange's. "Or perhaps you but miss her."
*
"When you reach this age, in the Asgardian way, you'll understand how these thoughts work well enough." Merlin murmurs. "Perhaps I miss my dear, old student. But I really miss my socks. I keep using warming spells on my feet to keep them from getting cold!" Although he doesn't seem too bothered by that fact. "The reason I bring Morgan up in the first place is that she was responsible for the Hellmouth. Something the dear Doctor might not have mentioned to you. And I'm sure you know, better than most, how those with fae blood are. I wished to warn you. Though they say they…got rid of her." There's a pause, and he smirks. "Don't worry. I do not expect any compensation for giving you the warning."
He leans forward and picks up another piece of fruit and pops it in his mouth. Once swallowed, he says, "What I desire most is to know that, if I were to help you, that you would help me in return, should the need ever arise. Or that I be given access to your or Asgard's libraries. I do not require money or keys or trinkets. Material objects do not matter so much to me. I prefer knowledge and assistance."
*
"Ah, Merlin. Of course I would aid you," Loki's smile warms as he leans forwards, resting his arms upon his thighs and interlacing his fingers. "I may be long past my time in the court of the unseelie, but I do still possess the desire to find entertainment where I can." His eyes hood slightly, "I would enjoy a mutual exchange of favours if only because it would be amusing."
He then points towards the wizard's exposed feet and he says casually, "As for your other issue, I could perhaps offer a solution. I possess a pair of stockings that my mother made for me ages ago. Frigga is rather competent in anything she sets her mind to and so I assure you these 'socks' in the local parlance are rather singular."
He gestures to the side, "They would assuredly keep you warm, and they would be of such import and pedigree that perhaps you would track them with stronger sentiment. Both problems could be solved."
*
"The court of the unseelie…" Merlin should pay the court of the unseelie a visit soon. He hasn't done so in quite some time. "Well, a mutual exchange of favours because of amusement is still a mutual exchange of favours. I do believe we have ourselves an agreement." He seems rather pleased about that. Having expectant favours from one such as Loki shall do him well, he's sure.
"Oh, I don't know if I could accept such a wondrous gift such as stockings made by Frigga. Especially when they were made for you. She gifted them to you, her son. How could I just accept them, when I know that?" Merlin shakes his head, his white hair flowing back and forth.
*
A small gesture to the side, as if brushing away his objection even as he rises. "And yet the offer is made," Though he does not press for the man to accept. Instead he adjust his jacket with the sweep of one hand then corrects his tie as he meets Merlin's gaze. "I am afraid I must prepare for an engagement I am to attend, please do feel free to make yourself at home and if you require a room simply speak of such to Hilda. If there is one thing we have in this mortal manor, it is space."
And with that he starts to step towards the door, pausing long enough to offer a nod of a bow, "Til the next time, Merlin."
*