Controlled Chaos ((For the Bands))

[coldsong]

The first order of business in preparing for a visit by a large group of slightly-wild individuals was for Loki so secure the children's bedroom as a quiet space. He doesn't expect anyone to just barge into every room in the house, of course, but Agnarr still gets a little overwhelmed by a lot of loud noise at times, and some soundproofing was in order for him, for the other children, and potentially for Spitfire. He's not sure how the kitten will respond to guests, but a space to retreat makes sense for any cat.

The second order of business, more upbeat and cheerful, was to let the children loose with streamers and posters to decorate. The result is a riot of multicolored paper streamers, balloons, and handmade banners covered with glitter glue, written in English and in the Asgardian take on runic language. The messages are mostly 'hello' and 'welcome', since there's nothing specific being celebrated.

The one additional complication is the Pokemon that has inexplicably taken to Loki. A comfey, it's essentially a living flower crown, and while he didn't ask for it to float up out of the meadow and fall in love with him, he's reluctant to chase it off or lock it up in a Pokeball, so he has a tiny floral familiar constantly hovering over his shoulder or alighting on his head. He hasn't named it yet. He's not sure he should get attached.

In any case, all four children are hanging around the porch when people start to arrive, as Loki sets out a few non-alcoholic drinks. He suspects the band will bring their own liquor, should they desire it, and if not, there's lemonade, chocolate milk, and fruit punch, which is what the children should be drinking. He has promised them pizza, later. Even if the band brings their own food, he will have to deliver on that promise.

Comments

[suomi_thunder]

As often happened with musicians, one became three, and then who knows how many. That was how the tour ended up the way it has with three bands plus a growing group of others. Eventually, Aarne and Vars gave up and gave Loki's address to the band members and their family that were along on the tour. Then they could come and go as they pleased or not.

Knowing that there will be children Aarne is not in his typical stage wear instead, he has on a long leather coat trimmed in leopard print and matching pants and black boots. Toned down in clothing but not his make-up or hair. Even Vars is dressed in just black leather, though today as they walk toward the house of the god he is walking with his wolf's head cane. Rik has come along but also two older men who Loki has yet to meet; brothers. Robert, their limo driver, who Aarne pulled along because he could garden and was an expert at it according to Tom. Loki said he wanted to learn and while Aarne knew a lot about the alpine lands he could admit the Brit had more experience than he did. His brother Rekker is there too, mostly talking to Rik who has quickly bonded with him despite Rekker's surly and dark disposition.

There are a few animals with them. Aarne is leading a reindeer stag and cow, who are both laden with foods from the various Scandinavian cultures and even a couple of British treats. These were gifts for Loki's family, deer from Aarne's family herd. Mouka is trotting along with Vars and Aarne as they head toward the porch. Rik has left Bonne with Ziggy for the day because Rekker had Crusher with him. The big lizard was on a leash and walking with them as though it was a dog. He had spent many years training her to be sociable.


It's Vars that addresses the children first. "You are de små of Loki?" He doesn't go into full Norwegian because the two Brits will be lost in the conversations.

[children_of_chaos]

The children are dressed in their playclothes, which are nice enough for company but durable enough for Una to be trying to climb up one of the chains on the porch swing ("You're gonna break it!" Sigrid is telling her, to no avail, but no one is interfering with her physically. There is no point). Each child has a favored color: Agnarr in forest green, Una in pink and violet, Sigrid in gold, and Eindrid in shades of blue and white.

The sight of several people approaching is enough to catch all four little ones' attention, but the animals with them are clearly far more exciting. Agnarr breaks into a silent grin; all the children love animals, but he's more gifted with them than most. Sigrid breaks off from scolding her sister and gets up, running down the front path to meet their guests. Eindrid follows her at a toddler's pace, fearless.

Sigrid curtseys in greeting, then staggers slightly as Ein hugs her around the legs. "Yes, we're--Ein, don't! Hi, sorry. I'm Sigrid, and this is my brother Eindrid. My sister Una is the one hanging upside down, and Agnarr is the tall boy--"

As she speaks Agnarr gives them a wave and a quick bow, but then vanishes inside to let Loki know their guests have arrived.

[midnight_devil]

Color coding people is something the bands know well, the unspoken preference of colors in gear and clothes that they all expressed. Mouka starts running about whining about the children and new people.

Leg be damned when Sigrid approaches Vars gets on her level, leaning heavily on his cane as the bassist goes down on one knee. "Vars. Bassist, from Fenrir tribe in my home."

Hagen might be a rowdy and quarrelsome punk but with children he has an open, welcoming presence that few outside of the band ever sees. He points to Aarne next. "Aarne. Drummer from Arctic people, Sami, care for reindeer." The Norwegian isn't quite sure why he's decided to introduce everyone but he's far enough in to feel compelled to finish. "Rik is Dane of Bragi and Idunn. Play guitar. Rekker also guitar. Come with Crusher." He's sure the kids want to know about what amounts to a dragon probably in their eyes.

"Brother of Robert." Vars stops to stare at the oldest among them before turning back to the kids. "He man of nature. In other time maybe druid." As the dog bounds up he gives her a rough scratching around the ears. "Mouka is reindeer herder with Aarne."

Vars' English is slowly improving since Viktor is trying to learn Norwegian while sharing the English that the Norwegian had yet to learn. The reindeer probably had names, too, but Vars didn't know them. The drummer had names for everything; animals, trees, rocks, and the Norwegian couldn't keep up sometimes or didn't ask.

To the others, especially Rik and Aarne, it seems right that Vars should make introductions. After all, these were the children of his god.

[coldsong]

Sigrid smiles a little when he crouches down. She has a soft look to her, sandy hair and big, long-lashed eyes, but anyone sensitive to an aura of power might notice her budding magical ability. She takes it upon herself to be the hostess in Loki's absence, anyway, since she's the oldest after Agnarr, and he doesn't often speak aloud.

Behind her, Una scrambles down from the swing with a thump and runs over, excited now. She gets distracted by Mouka, though, and slows down to approach her and offer a hand with a surprisingly soft little coo of 'hello'. It's a safe bet the kids will all want to greet the deer and the lizard, too.

It's a lot of new names, and they'll probably have an easier time remembering the animals' names than the people. "Loki told us a little about you," Sigrid says. "He said he met you at the midsummer bonfire. Some of you, at least." She's pretty sure he didn't mention Robert or Rekker. "Um, you can all come in, only I don't know if reindeer like being inside houses...but there's a stableyard for our pony, so if you wanted, they could graze with her?"

At this point, Loki emerges at last, with Agnarr at his side. "The cookies are done," he says with a completely straight face. "They only need to cool now. Your timing is impeccable."

He's not wearing an apron, but there's a piece of fabric slung over one shoulder that suggests he had one on until a minute or two ago. "I hope you all like rainbow sprinkles. Apparently, they have to be included on all baked goods in this household regardless of any other flavorings involved."

[suomi_thunder]

None of them are that sensitive unless Aarne starts drumming. They might have a lot of creativity among them but they are all human so it would take time or concentration of a more spiritual nature to get even a hint of her power. Vars motions to offer a hug to any of them that might want one before he stands up. Una's hand gets a gentle headbutt from Mouka for petting. After growing up on the road, and among the bands, she adores people.

"Aarne made celebration for us." Vars confirms and wonders how many more are going to descend on the house before night comes. It will be a lot of names but as far as the bassist had learned, all the band members had a gentleness and patience with the youngest fans. Reminders would come easily or they would gain nicknames.

Rik has come up and began untying the strapping for the loads carried by the deer so the food and drink can be taken inside but Aarne is looking down at Sigrid with a grin. "Can you show me the stables? You can ride the stag. I think you're small enough."

The deer destined to be companions were trained to be pack animals and a smaller child should be easy enough to carry for a short distance. The deer should get acquainted with the pony if they were accepted by the family to stay.

"LOKI!" Aarne has a big voice but then quiets when he remember the children. "We've brought gifts."

The mention of food has him glancing at Robert because of his own faux pax of offering the Brit a steak one night only to learn he was a strict vegetarian. Though milk, honey and eggs were part of Robert's diet, Aarne didn't quickly forget that embarrassment. He can tease Rik though.

"Rik puts sprinkles on his kid cereal." Aarne laughs only to get a push from the smaller Dane for the tease. The Dane did have a sweet tooth that was hard to rival. Obvious, perhaps to Loki, is that they are all sober for once, an act of respect for the house.

Robert and Rekker are watching, older and quieter that their companions by nature. Crusher is a concern for Rekker around the children, not for bites but because of her size compared the the youngest. He's managed to pick her up so he can walk over and join the others. Her head isn't over his shoulder like usual but turned with the long blue forked tongue flicking wildly. Everything here is different than LA for both lizard and owner. Robert finally waves to Loki and goes over to help Rik with the second pack before they head toward the house.

[coldsong]

Una is more than happy to pet the dog, and Agnarr comes over to join her a moment later, gentle and familiar with animals. When Vars offers hugs, both girls take him up on it at once, Sigrid careful and respectful, Una enthusiastic. Eindrid gives a shy, giggly little embrace, too, but Agnarr hangs back with a friendly bow, instead. He is a little more touch-wary than the younger ones, but he's interested in these new people. He turns to Rik and watches him unload the deer for a moment, then signs can I help?

"Agnarr doesn't talk out loud," Una translates for her brother. "But he wants to help carry things in if that's okay."

Sigrid grins and nods to Aarne. "I can show you the stables, but I'm Asgardian so I'm a lot heavier than a human girl my size, so maybe I should just walk. Ein only weighs about six stone; maybe he's small enough? Our pony's name is Fulla; she's from Vanaheim so she's strong enough to carry us."

Welcome to the Nexus, friends. Everything is a little bit weird here.

Loki laughs at the boisterous greeting and comes to offer hugs of his own. He's grateful that they're sober; a little bit of wild behavior is expected, but starting out the visit on a calm-ish note will be best for the kids. "I've got fruit and lemonade and cocoa as well," he says. "And I'm going to have to order pizza for the children eventually. Sprinkles or no, no one will go hungry."

The people closest to Loki will likely notice his floating companion, a small spritely creature trailed by five-petaled blooms.

[suomi_thunder]

Vars only laughs about the hugs, all of them, because he had wanted children and it never happened, not yet anyway, but it gave him a fondness that others noticed. He would probably carry them around or play with them with very little instigation.

Rik isn't watching for signing but Rekker notices and whistles, rather loudly, at the other guitarist to get his attention. Shifting Crusher, Rekker gets Agnarr's attention to signs back. "They don't know but I teach music to the deaf."

His assumption is that the boy is deaf, mute, or both. Robert only shakes his head with a laugh because the people back home, most of them, thought his brother was a monster to keep away from children. He was a horrible person sometimes, but not always.

"I think you're both too heavy for the stag." Aarne starts laughing as he looks down at her, offering Sigrid a hand. "I bet I can carry you. I don't know where Vanaheim is but Vars has mentioned it before."

He's not clear on all the specifics of the Norse mythos. Asgardian he does know well enough to consider Sigrid a spirit or god in her own right though that doesn't mean he will treat her as anything other than a child. Loki can easily get hugs from most of them, even Robert who he is just meeting. Rekker isn't much for hugging. He doesn't like himself deep inside and finds physical affection mildly revolting sometimes, though Robert has always ignored that request. Loki may sense it, or see it in his eyes but he's no threat to him or his children.

Vars is laughing about the discussion of food. "Aarne cook like we whole tribe. We fatten lambs around two too long."

The Scandinavians have seen Pokémon before, they all have one, but Robert is watching the flowers carefully. Unlike the others he knows Ziggy is an alien and he wonders what kind of planet the floating flower came from or world. He can't resist asking in his heavily accented voice. "What the bloody hell is that?"

[rockin_thehousedown]

The band members had received the address of this Loki god and knew he was a friend of Aarne's. Joe had met Loki before as had Hunter at the festival but some still didn't know who Loki was and were keen to meet him. A Norse god? Some were excited about meeting such a being. Hunter and Erik leading the way as Viktor mainly just shrugged while he followed the rest of the Angels through the portal and into the Nexus. Behind the Angels were Mick and Weird from the Spiders with Gilly attached to Hunter's hand as always.

As they stepped through the portal Hunter, who was dressed in a white jacket with a knitted scarf and some red pants. A little more subdued than his normal glam wear being leopard print. Walking alongside the singer was his Liepard Pokemon. It had found Hunter in the wilds and refused to stray from it's master.

Next to Hunter was Erik, dressed in a white t-shirt and black leather jacket and faded blue jeans. He was holding a a present from his homeland waiting to give to Loki as a gift. Meeting a Norse god was something almost sacred to the brothers who were devout pagans themselves. Alongside being held on a lead was Sigge his Norwegian Elkhound.

Gilly holding onto Hunter's hand, giving it a squeeze as they approached the address had a Chatot Pokemon sitting atop his shoulder, giving the drummer's ear a little peck. The bird had attached itself to the loud mouthed Brit and didn't want to fly off. It seemed quite a few animals and Pokemon were coming along. Weird and Mick just smirked as the little bird kept pecking at Gilly's ear.

Viktor walked with Joe, Billy and Zack as all Angels were coming along to visit Loki along with their partners who were already there by the looks of things. Joe clutching a bottle of Jack Daniels in his right hand as always and Viktor concealing a bottle of good vodka inside of his jacket. The boys never went far without their booze. Reaching Loki's door the rag tag crowd of Swedes and Brits knocked the door and waited for the door to be answered.

[coldsong]

At this point, most of the group is inside the house, with perhaps a few still at the stableyard with the deer and the pony. Loki is the one that answers the door to this extensive list of arrivals, and his eyes immediately take in the animals and Pokemon that have come along. "...well, I hope the furry and feathery guests all get along well," he says with visible amusement.

Honestly, he's never had a house party at this place. Just a few small holiday gatherings. This is shaping up to be fairly intense, but he's pleased. His Comfey flutters over to the Chatot curiously, not quite in pecking range, but interested, perhaps, in another shoulder-sitter.

He does like Liepards, though. If any Pokemon was going to take to him, he would've expected that kind, but the Norns apparently had other ideas.

"Right, come in. I am Loki, and you are my welcome guests, but I'm going to need a run down on who's who."

[rockandroll_swede]

"Nice to meet you, Loki. I'm Erik "String Master" Ivarsson and this is my older brother Hunter "The Man" Ivarsson. You can call us the Ivarsson brothers if that's easier or by our individual names. We don't mind."

Erik now walking inside careful to pull on Sigge if he feels a strange scent tug at his nose making him want to veer of course. There were a lot of strange scents here and the dog was now happily wagging his tail and offering Loki's hand a quick lick. It was his way of saying hello. Hunter's Liepard performed a polite bow as it too waltzed in with a rather cocky air about itself. Hunter glancing behind at the Brit's knowing they too would introduce themselves.

Gilly first since he couldn't help but be interested in the floating flower thing. The Comfey was odd looking and the drummer's Chatot began chirping loudly, happy at seeing a fellow Pokemon at the house.

"I'm Gilly, Ziggy's drummer and Spider from Mars. This is my Chatot Pokemon bird. I don't have a name for it yet but it seems to like me. The thing does like pecking my ear though---ow!"

As if on cue the Chatot pecked at it's master's ear, laughing shrilly. Viktor, Joe, Billy and Zack were up next behind Gilly. The Hell's Angels. The punk offering a nod to their host, wondering how powerful this Loki really was.

"Nice to meet you, mate. I'm Viktor "The Devil", lead singer for the Hell's Angels. These are my band mates; Billy, Gilly's older brother, Joe "Burn Them All" and Zack "The Hellmaster." We're all from the UK like Ziggy and his Spiders."

Moving to let Mick and Weird come in last, Viktor noticed the sparkly star pattern white jacket the guitarist was wearing. He seemed to live in it. Mick loved wearing it because Ziggy had made it for him. Waving to Loki, Mick didn't know if he should bow or something because this bloke was a god. A bloody god!

"I'm Mick Ronno, Spider from Mars and this is Weird, our bassist. You've met Gilly with the bird on his shoulder. Uh---is it custom to bow since you're a god, like."

[coldsong]

Ivarssons. Excellent, more Scandinavians! He doesn't necessarily expect them all to be Pagan and/or interested in his patronage, but he does like being amongst these people, whose history is so closely entwined with those of his people. He leans down to let the dog get his scent, and pets him behind the ears, with a chuckle. "Pretty animal. I should have thought to have snacks for the dogs, but it didn't occur to me. I suppose they'll be getting treats here and there." Table scraps aren't a good diet for dogs, but they're not uncommon offerings.

"I've not seen a Chatot before," Loki comments. "This one is new to me, as well. I don't know why she likes me; peculiar taste, I suppose. I'm not sure I ought to name her; it might be better not to get attached."

It will take him another day or so to realize he's already attached, and give in.

He nods and murmurs greetings to all as they move past and inside, where Una will be exuberantly offering cookies and chocolate milk. He's actually gone to the effort of making krumkaker, in perfect little cone-shaped rolls, as well as standard issue chocolate chip. There are rainbow sprinkles all over all of the cookies, though.

He gives Mick a little smile at the question. "It would be custom if we were in a courtly setting, as I'm also a prince," he says. "But since this is a casual gathering and you're my guests, we'll ignore the formalities. I'd take a handshake, though. Good to meet you all." He offers Mick an armclasp.

"Just be good with my children and don't destroy my furniture beyond repair," he adds with amusement. "The blond girl with the cookie tray is Una, the older girl is Sigrid, the smallest boy is Eindrid, Ein for short, and the oldest boy is Agnarr."

[guitar_voodoo]

More Scandinavians indeed. Hunter had asked Erik to join the crazy tour around three weeks ago and now both Ivarssons were together ready to cause chaos and add to the craziness. Erik offered Loki a nod and then found himself blushing because this was a god talking about Sigge his dog. Was he humbled? Of course he was. Hunter giving his brother a playful nudge as he then slid a hand into Gilly's, giving his lover's Pokemon a nut to grab hold of in his beak. The Chatot liked to eat seeds and nuts and Hunter always had a stash inside of his jacket.

"It's a pretty thing but can be rather loud and squawky at times. Gilly likes it though."

Hunter knowing how much the drummer had become attached even if it meant a few ear pecks now and then. Loki's Comfey was cute though and both Swedish brothers found themselves staring at it in mild fascination. Erik had never seen a Pokemon before unlike Hunter, who had spent quite a bit of time inside the Nexus already. Mick found himself smiling a little awkwardly because he'd never met a god before.

"Oh uh---a prince too? Your highness then. A handshake? Oh---ok then."

The guitarist nodded and thrust out a rather large hand towards Loki, noticing Weird nodding in greeting. The armclasp felt welcome as he then felt someone brush past him. Joe. The large black-haired crazy rocker sniffing the air. Cookies? They smelt good! Viktor glanced at Loki when he uttered the words "don't destroy my furniture." Everyone knew the punks were notorious for smashing up furniture in hotel rooms and bars. Tonight though they would behave. Vars would make sure Viktor behaved at least.

"We won't smash your furniture up, mate. I'll make sure blockhead here doesn't either. I think Vars will kick him up the backside if he gets too rowdy."

Mick giving Loki a warm smile and then noticing Viktor going to middle finger Mick but stopped himself at the last minute. He was trying to be on his best behaviour inside a god's home. Also, there were children present. No swearing or profanities. The punk would behave the best he could.

"Oh, aren't you all so adorable!"

Hunter brushing past everyone to notice Loki's children. The older Swede beaming as he noticed Una with the tray of cookies, Sigrid, Eindrid and Agnarr.

"They are all so very cute and handsome. Strong Norse names too. Du måste vara stolt. You must be proud of them all."

[coldsong]

"Beauty makes up for a multitude of sins," Loki says, with a smirk, and winks at the Chatot. As if offended by his attention drifting from her, the Comfey makes a little squeak, circles his head, and drops down onto his hair like a lopsided flower crown.

"...I suppose I have a living accessory." He says, and adjusts the flower trail gently out of his eyes.

"Breaking things in a hotel is different," he laughs a little and nods at Mick. "They're a corporate chain and can swallow the cost."

Granted, he could get new furniture as easily as blinking, but it's still different on principle.

Una is the boldest of the children, and she seems pleased by Hunter's greeting, bounding closer to shove the tray of cookies up for him. "Strong and cute," she agrees. "We're Asgardian, but Asgardian names are almost the same as old Norse ones."

"Asgardians visited Midgard a lot in the old days," Sigrid adds. "Loki thinks we learned a lot from each other."

[coldsong]

Agnarr glances over when Rekker whistles, which might clue him in that the boy is not deaf. He catches the sign language at once, though, and breaks into a bright smile. He can understand everything said aloud, but there's something nice about being able to communicate directly to another person, especially when you didn't expect it. "I can hear, but sometimes sound is overwhelming." He signs back to Rekker. "And I can't talk right now. Bad things happened. Eindrid has trouble too, but he uses words sometimes. We all speak this sign language. Loki, too."

"Music for the deaf? Because they can feel the sounds?" Sigrid chimes in, excited by this idea. "That's wonderful, I want to do that too." She is the performer among the children, and the concept of reaching out to people using a medium in an unexpected way fascinated her at once.

"Are we still talking aloud too?" Una has missed some of the context here, looking at her siblings in mild confusion. She's caught sight of the wolf head on Vars' cane, though, and reaches up to pet it. "Grrr, rarrr! There are wolves in the wilds here; Loki showed us them. They're not Fenrir, though. But they're big like lions."

"I bet I could carry you," Sigrid giggles, looking back up at Aarne. "We're strong for our size, too. Humans get surprised sometimes." She takes his hand willingly, and reaches up to let the stag get her scent, stroking its face. "Vanaheim is a whole other planet where we come from."

Once Loki's greetings are given, Sigrid will be happy to lead Aarne and the deer to the stableyard.

Loki has only just met Robert, but he's content to treat him and Rekker as friends. Being associated with actual worshipers of the Norse pantheon goes a long way with him. And so does being associated with Aarne, who he's quite (platonically) smitten with. He smiles ruefully at the question. "She's a sort of Pokemon, called a comfey. She came up out of the meadow the other day and I got her a drink of water, and apparently that was enough for her to decide I'm her person now. I honestly don't know. I wouldn't have thought I'd be a magnet for adorable flower-creatures. I'm more of a winter person."

"Fey!" the Pokemon protests in a tiny voice, bonking into Loki's head. And then moves a little closer to Robert to look him over.

[rage_rekker]

Rekker understands the boy more than most and signs back easily though he has to convince Crusher to get down so he can use both hands. "I think people are overwhelming."

That was something he didn't want to speak out loud particularly because it was more for Agnarr's benefit than anyone else. Then he is happy to switch to both speaking and signing. His voice is ragged sounding with a thick British accent with the extra smooth fullness of his time in Los Angeles mixed in. "They feel and I'm their ears when we learn to play."

Rekker looks to Loki, the obvious father here. "I have my gear in my car if your father doesn't disprove of the noise."

His darker voice tainted briefly with humor over calling his music noise, the stereotype of his brand of playing. Vars glanced at Rekker while he was speaking, quickly turning back to Una. The bassist has a rather realistic wolf growl he's perfected for the stage but smiles after growling back. "Follow wolf but in here..." He hit his closed hand against his chest and over the heart. "... Inside is bear."

Aarne too is laughing at Sigrid's comments. "You can carry me if I want my legs to drag on the ground, short stuff." She might be able to carry him but his height and long legs would be a mess to carry no matter how he might curl himself up. "I feel like I'm from another planet sometimes."

He smiles and takes her hand, happy to be led around by her and willing to teach her about their bridles and brushing them after they've carried a load, if she is interested.

Robert, though somewhat Christian aligned, is far more like a pagan than most Christians. He could see Rekker getting trapped with something like this if one decided to join him. "You have my brother's luck."

Thankfully, the brother in question was distracted by the children and not hearing Robert speaking with Loki. Robert reaches out to touch the flower ring curiously because this is well beyond his experience. Their own world, save Ziggy's family is devoid of much obvious supernatural creatures. "You're like my garden."

[coldsong]

"They are!" Agnarr signs back with a little smile. His understanding of that might not quite match Rekker's. He's got sensory issues and trauma, but he's not really asocial. Still, he does kind of get it. Too much is too much.

"I want to see, please?" Sigrid signs. And then adds, "After the stable, I mean. Agnarr?"

"Yes please," he signs, nodding.

Loki's expression is warm. "Noise is par for the course with four children. If there's space for your gear, by all means set it up wherever you like." He can tolerate any level of chaos the band can bring--or thinks he can--so as long as the children are comfortable, he's game for anything.

Una's eyes are wide; not with fear, just excited fascination. "I like unicorns," she says, then beams. "But I want to be a Valkyrie some day. I'm a warrior."

Sigrid giggles at Aarne and blows a brief raspberry. "I'll get taller some day, just wait. C'mon!" She tugs him up a short path toward the meadow. The stable is on the small side, but very sturdy and could easily house more than one pony. Fulla is a pretty horse; she looks very much like a Norwegian Fjord horse, but her coloring is mostly white and light gold, darkening to auburn in the mane and tail. If anything, she looks even stockier than the usual Fjord horse, all muscle. Her eyes are chocolate-brown, bright and intelligent. Her ears prick when she scents the reindeer, and when she approaches her body language is openly friendly. Horses are herd animals; she was going to need company before long, and Loki had thought to get a pet goat, but deer might be better.

Loki watches the man and Pokemon interact with a small smile. Some part of him might be hoping the comfey takes to Robert and goes off with a more suitable guardian than him. A flower sprite shouldn't be spending time with a Jotunn. The comfey seems friendly, allowing her flowers to be touched and giving Robert a bright little smile. She has made up her mind to live with Loki, but she likes people in general, and compliments from people are very welcome.

"I haven't had time to do much research," Loki says. "But apparently they collect a tail of blossoms. They stick them on the blue stem they have--you can see it? And the flowers never wither. They can live without the blooms but they're not happy without them. I suppose it's some sort of camouflage. But they're healers. I could do worse, really. She seems to like soothing the children to sleep."

And Loki, too, if he lets her. Maybe she gravitated toward a household that could benefit from healing aromatherapy.

[rage_rekker]

Rekker's parents and adult sister had taught him to shun grown people and he never grew out of it, even now he preferred children and teens which had driven his choice of careers after his band went their separate ways.

"I have to get the gear." He's observant of people and glances at Agnarr with a hint of challenge in his voice. "Are you strong enough to help, boy?" Of course the boy is probably strong enough to help but this is how Rekker is with people, more like the punks than his brother ever would be.

The whole thing gets a laugh from Robert. "I hope you don't end up eating those words when you hear how loud my brother plays." Rekker gives Robert a glance that can only be the disappointed and surly look from a younger brother.

"Good. Need strong woman." Vars tells the young girl with enthusiasm while pointing out Viktor. "Viktor not know our ways. I teach axe but Viktor fight with fire until know axe."

Aarne sticks his tongue out at Sigrid's raspberries but eagerly follows along. His family group has a couple horses so the reindeer should do fine with Fulla. The deer will need more to their herd as well, so the horse will be welcome. Aarne reaches out to offer a hand to the horse. "She's beautiful. DO you take care of her?" A conversation while the animals adjust to each other through the fence. He can't foresee any issue with the introductions as this time of year is particularly good for this. The reindeer are still young and only have tiny antlers sprouting.

Robert is listening carefully while he lightly touches her petals. "Then she.. you... are like the plant with the similar name, comfrey?" He's not sure whether to address Loki or the pokemon, not only because the comfey may be highly intelligent but Robert has been known to talk to trees and plants that aren't pokemon from time to time.

[coldsong]

Agnarr blinks at the challenge and gives a silent giggle, nodding. Oh, he's plenty strong! He makes a brief 'flexing' pose, though he's wearing a hoodie that fully covers his arms, so no matter what amount of muscle he's got, all that's visible is fabric. Either way, he seems to have taken to Rekker, and makes a few loping steps toward him, prepared to go lug equipment any time.

Una preens a little. "I have a sword without edges," she says. "But I'm not supposed to use it unless Loki's teaching me. I'm only allowed to play with foam weapons."

The chances of her hurting her siblings is actually fairly small, even if Loki let her have edged weapons at this age. The chances of her hacking the house to unlivable pieces, though, is enormous. Nerf axes only. "But I take classes in the Plaza. Tumbling, and Escrima classes."

"I help," Sigrid tells Aarne, smiling as Fulla approaches them and nudges his hand. "Agnarr is the best with horses, but we all feed her and clean up for her, and Una and I brush her a lot."

They might brush her mane and tail more than is strictly necessary, in fact, but she's a patient pony and likes petting.

"Fey?" The Pokemon seems confused by the question, but Loki understands and gives a little shrug. "I don't think there's any connection, genetically speaking, but it's possible the species was named after the herb. Pokemon aren't native to my world, so I don't know too terribly much about them."

Rekker and Agnarr

[rage_rekker]

While the ginger might shun adults he is warm with children and happy to see that the boy is coming along. The flex even gets a faint smile from Rekker who, if he was a kid still, may have responded the same way.

"How many of your siblings are going to try and play?" He signs while they walk down the road a ways toward his car. It would give him some insight into how many instruments they might need and not all the musicians were comfortable with theirs being played. The walk will be necessarily slow if he will be watching signing as they walk but he doesn't mind, less people is better, even if he does know them all.

[midnight_devil]

This is where Vars might not be the best, or perhaps with these kids is the best to be around them. He learned martial skills early in his life. "Loki teach throw axes? I can teach."

Vars was deadly with a thrown axe or knife, not that he threw them often at people. Usually he didn't, but there had been a few times people were the target. "Not know Escrima." He's keen to learn new words from anyone, even kids, to fill in all the gaps in his language.

Aarne lovingly pets Fulla on the muzzle and nods. "Robert has horses but I haven't been around many. I grew up with riding reindeer." That had been when he was very small though later there were sleds. "When the deer shed in the spring you can brush them too."

Carding out hair from a shedding deer was a child's job among his family and seemed a good one for these children too.

Robert nods. "Our world has very little that is supernatural." He uses that word cautiously around both Loki and the Pokémon but a floating, talking flower ring felt firmly in the realm of supernatural.