Glada Vappen!

[suomi_thunder]

Aarne hadn't celebrated holidays properly in over a year which left him feeling disconnected. Giant bonfires in the streets and rampant reindeer were frowned upon in most civilized cities, unless of course the punks were involved, then that was arson not celebrations.. ok, well for the punks it was a celebration but not for a Saami.

In the Nexus though, oh here he could do whatever he wanted, or that was what he had learned in his few visits. He had been planning and cooking and collecting. The gods probably don't even know where he stirred up reindeer from in the Nexus but he has and Mouka was happy to have a job keeping them corralled. His usual rock gear is augmented with his family necklace and oddly doesn't look too out of place with rest of his wildness.

He didn't have a lot but parties always started this way. The host had some things and then people came and brought more booze and food, ordering all kinds of things. Aarne did bring Mead, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and a a bunch of lemon tippaleipä batter. He had cooked some but this was something he could show visitors how to make on their own. The honey mead based sugar in a large bowl. Strips of dried reindeer meat and juustoleipä, a Finnish reindeer milk cheese, are out on the table too. There are fruits; strawberries, apples, and nuts which were common as well as a cream from reindeer milk traditional to the culture and nearly like unfermented yogurt.

That all done he looked to the huge pile of logs that he had gotten from various people around the Nexus. The Sami added leaves to it to create smoke at first to attract others. Before lighting it he put up a banner of hide dedicated to the Akka, the female fertility spirits, decorated with the same imagery as his traditional drum. It was sentimental, the first drum he ever learned to play.

Drum in hand he poured kerosene on the log pile and lit it. The reindeer spooked at the sudden fire but soon calmed, especially when the tall Fin went among them.

Comments

[coldsong]

Oh, no. I think I like him. The thought flickers through Loki's head. That fierce stare is impressive. "I agree with you there, friend," he says mildly, and spares a moment to hope this conversation doesn't turn hostile when he introduces himself.

"I've been known as silver-tongued, myself. Silver is a better weapon than it gets credit for."

He shifts easily and clasps his arm, meeting his gaze firmly out of respect rather than challenge. "I am Loki, of Asgard and Jotunheim. And now, of the Nexus, I suppose, as this is where I make my home."

[midnight_devil]

"Never been silver tongue." Vars was like a bull when he spoke. He said it, meant it, and backed it with a stubborn and unbending arrogance but he wasn't a bad person in general, simply abrasive and crass.

He hesitates at the name but then firms his grip and meets the god's gaze. His pupils are dilated wildly which hints at the instincts he is keeping under control. There were many things in the world to meet and worry about, Loki would be an uncertainty. However, in the bassist's estimation it was better to stay friendly than act out. When he lets go of the arm clasp Vars sits back in silence for a moment, staring and thinking.

"Loki is name or blood?" Vars has to ask. Curious whether this is some elaborate persona, he's seen plenty of those in the rock community, or the god himself. Aarne and Ziggy had both warned him things in this place were strange. The Norwegian hadn't expected things this out of the ordinary though.

[coldsong]

"Bluntness can be an admirable trait, as well," he says.

That blend of wary and resolute only pleases Loki. He likes to be recognized; likes when people know he is potentially dangerous; likes best of all when people are willing to take him at face value anyway, and give him a chance to show them what he's actually like. He smiles, and there's something a little smug in it, but when Vars asks his question, Loki sobers a little and gives the most honest answer he can.

"Both," he says. "Though I would caution you that many worlds meet here in the Nexus, and what is true of the Loki in your world may not apply to me."

"There are clearly parallels, though. And I am the god of lies, of mischief, and the outlier."

[midnight_devil]

He listens closely to Loki, attentive and absorbing what he is hearing. "Ziggy says more than one of some people here."

While he hadn't thought about running into any gods, the bassist had prepared himself for potentially running into himself like one of those American movies where you see your twin. If he had a twin, why wouldn't Loki too?

"Back home, punks sometimes look up to you or other Norse. Norway has old traditions come back with new music."

[coldsong]

"That's true," he nods. "And of myself, there are at least two other Lokis that dwell here, so I'm not even the solitary Trickster in this place. You get used to that, with experience, and it becomes easier to tell one twin from another."

He decides to move from his perch on the table and take one of the nearby chairs, instead. It's a peculiarity of Loki's that when he sits in a chair, he nearly always leans to the left, and rests his elbow on the arm of the chair. "I'm unable to visit my own world's Norway extensively, but I know the old stories haven't died, and some have been renewed. It pleases me to hear it."

...although, he's also aware there are some truly terrible people who claim Norse gods as their inspiration, as well. But he'll do this man the courtesy of not mentioning that.

[midnight_devil]

The idea of multiple Lokis in one place gets a full laugh from the punk. He could only imagine what kind of mischief would come out of them meeting. "You are friends with twins?"

One had to be curious if doppelgangers would get along. Vars wasn't even sure if he would like himself if he met another one, probably but this would maybe inform him if it ever happened.

Vars is easily settling into the idea that there are just a bunch of similar Earths around. He believed things were infinite and changeable so it wasn't a foreign concept though he had no reason to think about it to seriously before being here. "Do you visit other Norways?"

He's curious now that he has what amounts to his own god sitting beside him and willingly answering his questions. The punk is also aware of the less savory versions of the beliefs. Moving from a punk band to a glam band, by opportunity and companionship rather than seeking it out, he had to deal with that fall out in his homeland. The less savory believers coming down on him for playing with a bunch of queers, or even more derogatory terms. There had been fights and sitting in jail but that had put an end to most people messing with him in his old stomping grounds.

[coldsong]

"I am! One is a recent arrival and I don't know him well, but we're on good terms. The other is very dear to me and is just as good as a sibling by blood. If you visit the Viper's Pit, that Loki is the proprietor. You might see her in female form; that seems to be her preference of late."

"Sometimes," he admits. "I sometimes visit other worlds when I feel the need to play a few tricks to let off steam. Or make some friends and collect favors. And my brother, Thor, has settled a number of Asgardians in a seaside down in the far north of Norway. That's...a long story. But I visit them sometimes."

[midnight_devil]

"Myths are true that Loki changes form and jötunn blood?" The discussion was encouraging the punk to scrutinize his beliefs, but not in a bad way as it was in the interest of truth. "True for all Lokis here?"

Vars is leaning on the table now, gaze intensely on the god but full of curiosity. His fearless nature allowing him to easily ask these questions of a god where others might not. That Thor would settle his people in the north of Norway felt right, felt like it belonged to myth itself.

"You ever come to my Norway, take you to meet punks who follow Norse ways." He's serious about that invitation and how could he not want to invite their actual god, one of them, to come and drink? "Do you like music or play?"

[coldsong]

Loki is the last person to be put off by this kind of boldness; he doesn't see it as lack of respect. More the opposite, actually. To want to understand something is inherently respectful, and questioning is the way to understanding.

He helps himself to another sip of vodka politely and crosses one ankle over the opposite knee comfortably. "For me, yes, that is true. I have multiple forms, reflecting various genders and species. I know that is true of my closest alternate, as well. I assume the other has the ability, but haven't asked."

He holds out a hand and lets the illusion peel away briefly, revealing the cobalt skin and tracings of runes. "Some of us are more sensitive about this than others. I was ignorant of my heritage until recently, but I embrace it now."

That's the short, simplified version, anyway.

He blinks at the invitation, looking into the other man's eyes as if to make sure it's serious and not mere politeness. What he sees makes him break into a vivid smile. "You mean that! I think I would enjoy that very much."

"Although, I have children so I would have to line up a babysitter first." Pause. "Children who are not giant wolves or serpents. They're adopted. Aesir children, and quite dear to me."

"I do like music, and I can play a wide variety of instruments, but I'm not especially well-versed in modern variants." But he's willing to learn.

[midnight_devil]

His attentiveness is only drawn away for a moment while he refills his glass but he's listening and processing what the god is telling him. "Good to know has truth in myth. Words not always truth until asked."

Though he had faith or belief before there's more to it in a moment where he can say that, at least some of it, is very real and true. It means a lot to the punk as he takes a drink of his vodka.

"Ah, stereotype about punks but men bring kids to practice and shows." Vars hated some of the stereotypes though it was true that there as violence and often clashes between groups or with the police. "Kids safe with us but not believed because jail and laws but it's as true as your runes." Vars would never insist Loki bring his kids along but as one of the things Vars argued about with his wife before she left it was an important topic to him. He couldn't leave it go quietly.

"We add old instruments to modern music, in our blood in The Hammers, old ways are still with us." He's very proud of the band he's part of even if it isn't a punk band. "No bass here but could introduce to punk music I write with the two kids."

Vars called Aarne and Rik kids because they had been when they joined, only 18 and 17, with Vars coming out of a crushing divorce. He never thought of them as his kids but they were always the children of the band, the young ones the other two watched over with the same fierceness of a parent.

[coldsong]

"I am not quite as often a woman as I am a man," Loki adds thoughtfully. "At least in physical appearance. I am always Loki. But I have been and will be, and you may see me in many forms tonight. I feel a little wild. And I am a friend to others who shapeshift as I do."

You know, lest Vars be concerned about the welfare of his bandmates around Loki.

His grin is bright at the talk of children. "Honestly, friend, I know little about punk, or punks, but I am well aware that a gruff exterior does not mean a person is anything but tender with children."

He's not going to bring them to a drinking party nonetheless, if only because it would be boring for them, but he's also not about to be shy of introducing them to this band. "If you wish to meet mine some day, you are welcome to come to my home."

"I'd be honored to hear your music," he nods. "I don't have an instrument with me, alas, but it seems likely there will be a lot of music played tonight."

[midnight_devil]

"Eh. Bandmates the same. Man, woman.. usually woman, but same person." He'd seen Aarne and Hunter morph enough through physical items and now Ziggy and Joe too. They were like chameleons most days. "This night is for wildness. Bad celebration if stays quiet until morning."

Vars glanced around wondering if the other punk would show up. Things would get crazy if he did and they could all use that freedom for a night but his attention quickly turns back to Loki.

"Wiser than men." Vars tells him with a frown. "Lot of people think punks bad parents or family for kids."

His own wife included but that was in the past that he was looking to get rid of and not just bury as he had been. "Touring now but when done maybe be back here to see them."

He wasn't going to make any promises because who knew what would go on in the next months. He might be in prison again or otherwise occupied.

"Most people always have instrument. Voice strong as drums or guitar." It was a subtle offer to sing if asked, though he nods. "Fin only has one drum tonight but Dane, he will bring harp. Any time he can play without bastards insulting he will."

[coldsong]

"I met Aarne first thing tonight," Loki nods, brightness in his eyes. "I think I'm rather attached already. If your other friends are anything like him, I think you have a new fan in me."

He looks sympathetic then, nodding his understanding at Vars. He truly doesn't know anything about the punk scene, but he knows most people would think he's a poor role model for children, himself, and yet here he is anyway. "They are Aesir children. I like for them to spend time with humans, as our cultures are closely linked. But they have many friends in the Nexus."

"Ah, true. I do sing, at times, and I like to hear other singers, as well. And a harpist? That's brilliant. I'd like to hear him play, too." It's a good night for creativity, after all, isn't it?

[midnight_devil]

"Aarne make easy friends." He wasn't surprised that the drummer had friends already. He was the least reserved and friendliest probably of all the band members.

"Kids safe visiting. Bands have young fans. Rik and Aarne good with kids." Vars was too but he tried not to think about children in relation to himself. It was too painful but the truth was that Vars was already amazing with them and there were plenty of pictures around in his own world that showed that with the fans.

"Rik good on anything. Learn play anything give him, think ten instruments now and kid still. Loves harp and 18 string razor guitar." Vars has a lot of respect for the young guitarist especially with the hell he came from. "He hear music all time."

One thing he feels compelled to do spiritually as he looks at his own god sitting beside him. It feels wrong to keep his talents away since his own beliefs related to Fenrir giving him a rebellious voice through music. "No bass but sing if want, new song writing with the others."

[coldsong]

Hears music all the time. Loki looks thoughtful at that. It makes him sound like a prodigy, possibly one with synesthesia or some other type of neurodivergence. How wonderful that all of these musicians fall into his providence in one way or another, if so!

"You're all remarkable. I didn't expect this when I came here tonight."

His eyes focus and brighten when Vars makes his offer, though. He recognizes this is a spiritual gesture; whether it's an act of worship directed to him or not, it's something he's interested in, and very pleased to encourage.

"I'd like that very much," he says, and sits up a bit straighter, attentive.

[midnight_devil]

[OOC: Linked music video has suggested/referential imagery of sexual activities and domestic violence but nothing explicit or direct.]

Vars nods to the compliment and looks past Loki toward the fire and where he knows his other bandmates must be. "We only be self when world not like. Remarkable and not expected see people wear no.. no mask."

He pauses after stumbling a little over a couple of the words he repeated from what Loki said. Knowing the meaning didn't mean they were words he often said. He puts his fist to his chest and focuses on Loki. "Music for rebellion. If people expect then not take music inside. Music make people wild."

He doesn't have the words that he needs in English but he's satisfied that he got across his point. A smile appears when Loki's attention turns to him. When he writes it is an interesting process between, usually Vars and Rik but sometimes Vars and Hunter, as he takes the Norwegian and turns it to something that sounds good in English. The one he had in mind, Vars had wrote without input until after he had the lyrics nearly down. It was personal, about his ex wife and her continued harassment. The cathartic aspect of music was what had attracted him to punk in the beginning. It felt like the right song to sing for his god both in tone and because it was something he wrote on his own.

He has a good voice from singing backing vocals for a long time and some lessons from both Hunter, who was classically trained, and learning along side Rik when he was practicing for university. His accent thicker perhaps when he sings, and the voice a rougher from drinking but it fits his look and personality; full, loud and just a little cocky in tone.

As he's singing, the first chorus, Aarne can be heard yelling the 'Bang, Bang, Bang" from somewhere on the other side of the fire which almost makes Vars laugh while singing, as does the drumstick that comes sailing in from somewhere over the fire. The Bassist dodges it easily. The Fin lobbed drumsticks at him on stage too. It was just what they did, apparently even in casual singing in front of a god. The damned drummer was as unpredictable as a tornado.