If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks...

[coldsong]

It's customary to have a Wake after the subject thereof dies. Even Loki knows that. But this is a special occasion. Ego-death is coming to his alternate, and the idea of letting him go off to perish alone, uncertain he will even be mourned, is too dark a proposition even for a flawed and callous person to contemplate.

That, and this Loki has been in a melancholy mood since speaking to the spirit of Frigga. He anticipates a dark choice of his own, sooner or later, and where the fates will send him after that, he can't know. Maybe oblivion, although even at that rate there may be worse places.

What's important right now is that no one dies unremembered. And honestly, any excuse for mischief a party. The first text rolls out to Harley, an innocent enough invitation to join them for milkshakes. Cricket is next, because it occurs to him that Cricket has plenty of liquor, which is good for a reckless celebration.

Things snowball from there.

As long as they don't destroy too much property, they'll call the night a success.

Comments

[chiron_survivor]

Ah, so it's that kind of party. "Maybe I should abstain," he says. "What's the saying? Milkshake before liquor, never been sicker?"

"That's not a thing," Adia replies breezily, nudging the milkshake glass into Caspar's hands. He takes an obliging sip, smiling a little around the bite of the straw. He'd be perfectly happy to leave, Adia's obligation to Loki fulfilled, but it's looking like she'll want to stick around for a little while longer, and he won't begrudge her a good time.

She takes her own sip when he's done, letting him keep hold of the glass. "We'll stay for a while," she promises Loki. She's not sure what the occasion is, but there doesn't need to be one. This could be his way of shining up his image, encouraging others to have a good time in his name. Or maybe he's bored. Either way, she's happy to support any positive behavior.

Caspar's expression sobers, his hazel eyes flicking over to Loki. "One thing, though. If you see a man here wearing a cage on his head, do not let anyone take it off. We're all going to have a bad time if that happens." He's not particularly worried about Loki causing trouble at his own party, but Crossroads Café has a bad track record. It'd be reckless of him to not at least offer a warning.

[coldsong]

"I've not heard of that, but if it rhymes there is undoubtedly a grain of truth to it," Loki says dryly.

"Good," he says. "And say hello to my alternate if you can get through the crowd to him. You'll like him, he's warmer than I am."

His eyes narrow at Caspar's warning, though. Adia did, in fact, mention the cage-headed man with extreme psychic powers in their discussion about her rune before. And now he's not sure whether it will force her to make unwanted explanations if he makes any indication they've discussed the matter, so he hesitates, brow creasing. "...Generally speaking, when someone is in a cage, even partway, it's a good idea not to remove them from it. I can say that; I've been in a cage."

Despite the sarcasm, he nods his acknowledgment. "I'll keep it in mind, should I see this individual." And he will. He's lost the inclination to poke bombs with sticks to see how big the explosion will be.

[chiron_survivor]

"Maybe if you're lactose-intolerant," Caspar concedes before taking another sip of milkshake. It really is quite good; if he had more of a natural appetite, he'd drink the whole thing.

Loki needn't worry in that department. Caspar knows about the impromptu moon rune assessment. "Point taken," he replies. His gaze drops briefly to Loki's footwear. "At least you keep your shoes tied."

That must be a comment on the cage-headed man's appearance, because Adia sighs a little at that. We can't all be fashionistas, Caspar. She's also a little concerned about all this cage business. Why was Loki in a cage? That wasn't in the myths. Who put him there? Was it a just punishment, or did he suffer?

She wants to ask about it, but doesn't. This is a party. People don't talk about being locked up at a party. (Not the kind of parties she goes to, anyway.) "We'll try to say hi to your alternate. It looks like he's having a nice time."

[coldsong]

"If you're lactose intolerant and drinking a milkshake, you're asking for whatever pain you receive, I think. Liquor or no."

He glances down at his feet when Caspar does, and gives him a quizzical look after. "I rarely wear shoes with laces, anyway. These have zips up the inside of the ankle and buckle in the back."

...look, if they're going to start talking about clothing, Loki has some opinions. And Thor has opinions about Loki's opinions. Perhaps it's for the best if they just focus on the celebration.

He smiles, looking over to where his younger twin appears to be talking to a crow. "I should hope so. That's all I wanted out of this."