I do wander everywhere/Swifter than the Moon's sphere ((for handsofwinter))

[coldsong]

Well, that was damned exhausting.

Not that the affair was unsuccessful, at least from Loki's perspective. Some of the conversations were friendly, very few were openly hostile, and in the end he not only got a solid answer, but the answer he hoped for. Some might accuse him of manipulating the conversations--and maybe he did, a little bit--but he was genuinely braced for a worse outcome. Loki never expected the Nexus to openly declare war on the Eliksni, but he wouldn't have been shocked if no agreement had been reached and he'd had to go back to Pelsor and lie to save Ghost.

He also rather expected, as the messenger, to be shot at more.

All in all, he's glad it's over, and he'd extricate himself from the position he's in, except now he needs, really needs to be in the middle of this and monitor the potential for hostilities. Because the last children of Asgard are now in the Nexus, and if something happens to them, he will have to burn down the universe himself.

He approaches the Eliksni camp invisible until he reaches the edge, at which point he unveils himself to the nearest guard and politely requests to see the Baroness. As promised, he is conducted to her with no threat of violence, although he fancies he is once again getting a lot of funny looks. (The Guardians thought he was an Awoken, did they not? He has no idea what that means, but if it's something they could mistake him for, perhaps the Fallen might, as well. He'll ask someone, sooner or later.)

He is alert once more when he enters the throne room, less afraid of attack, but half hoping to see Ghost in his miniature prison, somewhere. Either way, he gives Pelsor a graceful bow. "It was a strange conversation," he tells her, "but the short version is no one especially wants to fight any longer, everyone wants Blaze back, and they don't trust you but they do accept your terms. Also, I have gifts for you."

Comments

[handsofwinter]

The camp has changed in some ways, since his last visit. The snow hasn't quite melted from the more shadowed parts of the valley: it clings on in crevices between rocks and roots. But the barrows themselves are free of it, their earthy sides cloaked in a thin layer of grass. There are more sentries, more banners marking the edges of the camp, and far less activity within, naturally enough. No more wounded nor plunder being hastily carted around. It's orderly. Calm, even, save the sharp chattering words exchanged by the dregs tending to their scrappy hoverbikes outside.

When he's shown in before Pelsor the sharp smell of ether hangs heavy in the air. The Baroness is seated once again on her throne, eyes glowing and expectant. There's something hunched about her posture, though she looms no less when she leans forward, resting weight on the spear in her upper right hand. Her great helm jerks a little when he claims to come bearing gifts, a small hint of puzzlement, or at least surprise.

Of Ghost, there is no sign yet. Depending on how closely Loki surveys the room, however, he might pick up on the presence of someone cloaked high on the wall above them.

"The Houseless choose wisely." And she seems pleased enough by that, but she's keen to know: "What of the Light-thieves?"

[coldsong]

The remnants of snow are a sight for sore eyes, in a way. Loki likes the Spring well enough, but things have suddenly gotten so very, very complicated for him, seeing the reminders of the blank, solitary experimentation of the previous Winter is pleasant. A simpler time. At least, it was for him.

He can feel the cloaked presence, always keen to take in details of a room around him, anything that might prove dangerous or clandestine and intriguing. He does not look toward it, though he listens for sounds of activity. His first thought is to wonder if that's Lexoris. His second is to wonder if it's the crow-deity Natasha warned him of. But that seems unlikely.

Not impossible, just unlikely.

"As you predicted, several arrived. I did speak with them. I believe they mistook me for some other creature at first. I've no idea what an Awoken is, in that context, but they seemed to find the prospect of one of them here alarming."

He clasps his hands behind him. "They are, of course, concerned, but they agree, for now, to leave you alone. Should you start heading back to your own universe bearing otherworldly weapons or something, I imagine they will have a problem then. But the Nexus residents want no hostilities and they are willing to abide by that."

"I warn you, in the long term, the Houseless do hope to have a real negotiation. It's in the nature of many of the people here to want to understand and educate those whose worldviews are different. To show them what they believe is a better way. It is not meant to be condescending, though it usually comes across that way. They very much hope to talk to you at some point, but they will not trespass or seek you out to do so."

[handsofwinter]

Pelsor gives a satisfied sort of growl, triumphant at having bound her enemies so. And then her forward eyes narrow at Loki's warning... and the soft sounds of alerts and claw-taps from the console behind Loki are drowned out by her deep, harsh laughter echoing from the walls.

"What is to negotiate? Houseless have played their part. They will have their cease-fire. Their weapon. I need no more from them."

[coldsong]

He's not shocked or put off by the laughter. His lips quirk a little in a restrained echo of the amusement, and he gives her a moment to enjoy herself before he attempts to clarify: "Well, for one thing, I feel I should point out that they consider Blaze and Ghost friends, not mere weapons."

"Social bonds in the Nexus are peculiar. You see the Houseless, perhaps, as a unified group, but they are very much not. They are not all the same type of being, and they come from hundreds of different worlds. What binds them together is this place, and the way they reach out to befriend one another--or at worst tolerate one another--despite their differences."

"In light of that, it makes sense that at their best and most pliant, they will see you and your people as like themselves: beings who have left their world of origin, for whatever reason, to rest or learn or settle here. People who might potentially be drawn into the fold, as it were, and be befriended. People who should rightfully be interacting with them on the terms they are accustomed to."

"It's a double-edged sword, you see. They want to understand and befriend you because that possibility makes the world make sense to them. But that also means any move you make in unilateral defense of your people, some will see as a rejection of their friendly overtures, and they take it terribly personally. It's a bit childlike, but once you get used to it, it's easy enough to work with, and it has its charm."

"Case in point," he pulls the little collection of books given to him by the Indoraptor out of hammerspace. "There is a predatory creature called Indoraptor, who sends you these books as a gift. He spends much of his time in the Wilds because he requires meat to survive and it's the only place he can hunt. He has asked me to mark out his usual hunting grounds, which I will, for the sake of allowing you to avoid trespassing. I'm sure you've no interest in his prey, and there is enough territory for all."

"But what he wanted me to convey to you is that he was badly mistreated by his human captors once, but has learned to forgive the species, and opened his arms, metaphorically. That he now recognizes that all people need not be his enemies."

"There is a lot of that here, that deep-seated optimism. I think much of the population of the Nexus has that in common, that they have been wounded in some way, and seek to rise above it. To give their losses meaning by either saving others or avenging themselves against the cruelties they once suffered. From a distance, it's beautiful. Up close, it can be incredibly annoying."

Not that he's especially annoyed with the Indoraptor. Some of the others, yes, but he has a slight soft spot for the murderlizard.

"You are, of course, not required to react in the way they hope you will. It might be better for everyone to keep their distance. But the mindset is something you will do well to understand, if you plan to be here for any length of time, because no matter how well you isolate yourselves, there will be events that affect the whole place, and you have neighbors, whether you want them or not."

[handsofwinter]

The Baroness lets him speak, eyes narrowed while she parses the alien words – and perhaps, the fundamentally alien concepts. When she speaks in turn her words are slower, picking out the foreign syllables to make sure of their meaning.

“This is the nature of Houseless. They are wild-scattered, tripping-oneself. They have no banner, no kell to follow. No law, no honor. That is what makes them… Houseless. We are not like them. We are Eliksni of House Winter. Through the Whirlwind, the long void… despite all that is taken from us.” That last ends in a snarl. She goes on swiftly. “We remain Eliksni because we do not yield to the ways of others. What is ours we keep.”

She lets out a hiss of breath behind her mask. “I accept this… gift. I leave the beast its hunting-ground. For the rest…” A gesture of a lower hand, like something cast aside. “I did not come to be teacher for hatchlings. We will watch. Learn what we wish. If they squall at us, let anger turn their hands against each other. My House is not divided.”

Not… here, at any rate. It’s enough, for her mix of pragmatism and pride

[coldsong]

In return, he listens to her, just as fascinated as the first time he had a verbal exchange in this place. The Eliksni are not a gentle people, from what he has seen, but honor and intelligence are traits they do have, and he cannot help but admire that.

And he bows at her conclusion, somewhat touched. There is a fierce beauty here that the gentility of the Nexus proper cannot match. It may burn itself out rather than compromise, and possibly that's foolish, but Loki, who is as changeable as the wind, does like beings who know who and what they are and feel no shame for it.

"Their sense of honor is different from yours. It is...individualistic, and unique to each of them. Watch as you will, and come to your own conclusions. I would not say either side has a better way. It's not my place to pass that kind of judgment. But different."

He comes a few cautious steps closer to set the books down for her, near her feet, and backs away again.

"A concern was raised, which I find relevant to mention," he goes on. "Due to the nature of the Nexus itself, and the changing topography, you may find gateways from other worlds opening up within your claimed territory. I would request, if this occurs and you find unarmed or non-aggressive strangers here, that you turn them over to me or expel them, rather than slay them."

"In return, I will update you on anything the Houseless plan or encounter that may have an impact upon you. Which would very much be an advantage to you. Your presence here will force a change in the culture of this place. I am not sure yet how it will go or what will occur."

[handsofwinter]

He is permitted to approach, and to lay down the books beneath the burning blue eyes of Pelsor and her guard. Closer to, that sharp sweet ether scent is heavier still, receding only when Loki retreats again. Examination of the gift will presumably wait until later, though the Baroness must be fairly familiar with such objects already.

She doesn't answer his proposal immediately, merely looks down quietly at him for a moment. The deep rumble of her voice is nearly thoughtful when she speaks.

"You request? What does their fate matter to Loki that you offer this?"

[coldsong]

Oh, he is positive they are familiar with books, although whether they give a damn about novels, he doesn't know. Perhaps they will read these and glean whatever message the Indoraptor wanted them to learn from them. Perhaps they will merely be amused, or ignore them altogether. Loki has done his part, in any case.

He takes in a little breath when she asks, and lets it out in a short sigh.

"As individuals? Nothing, though I am not without a sense of pity. The idea of some witless fool getting themselves killed in complete ignorance rests uncomfortably with me. But that's not at the heart of my request."

His eyes narrow a little. "I need peace in this place, for purposes of my own. It is unlikely that anyone I know or care about will stumble through a random portal, but I wish for there to be no excuse for this truce to break apart."

"The reason is somewhat complicated. The planet, Asgard, upon which I was raised was destroyed, and the last living people were evacuated via spaceship. In my world, that spaceship was destroyed before reaching safety, and I died in that event, and found myself here."

"Imagine my discomfort upon finding out the same situation was playing out in a parallel world, from an alternate of my brother. The crucial difference is that some of the Asgardians were able to escape that attack on their ship and come here. They are mostly children. They are Mine, and I promise with complete sincerity: there is nothing I will not do to ensure their continued survival."

"If you sense a change in my aims from the last time we spoke, you are correct. My people were not here in the Winter. Now they are. I don't care what you do in your own world, as long as it does not affect me or mine, but I will have no bloodshed in this place if I can prevent it, lest it further hurt the children of Asgard, who have suffered two Apocalypses already."

"And so, if I have to ferry a few hapless idiots out of your territory to make sure the Houseless don't get upset, that is a minor inconvenience, and a small price to me."

[handsofwinter]

If it is difficult for Loki to read the masked Eliksni's reaction to his tale, she must have at least as much deciphering the nuances of his expression. But even to her that sounds like honesty, much more of it than she expected. Pelsor does not consider this Jotun creature a fool, so even his honesty is a choice with implications that must be considered.

She does not believe that is the only thing he stands to gain by this offer, for one thing. But she sees no benefit to him that she cannot afford.

And loyalty to a wounded, exiled people, that is a thing she can understand.

"Then we have... agreement, Loki of Askaar." Though it seems important to add: "My Eliksni do not hunt... children. But peace is safe, yes?"

[coldsong]

There is something here of setting himself up as the primary liaison between Pelsor and the Nexus, but that too is a way of securing at least some modicum of control over this peace. Some elements of the Nexus will simply never trust him, and that's all right. But some already do, and she eventually might, in her canny way; perhaps even the Guardians might, and there is both power and security in that.

'Messenger' is not a glamorous position, but it is one of immense influence, if done rightly. In the long term, he has no gambit in mind to make use of that influence. It is, like a claim to favors owed later, simply an insurance policy in case of trouble. And there is so much trouble to be had in the multiverse.

In any case, he smiles at the agreement, places a hand over his sternum, and bows his head. "I'm grateful, and relieved."

"My children will not be running around the Wilds, in any case," he says. "You are unlikely to see them by chance, unless you come very close to the Plaza."

Her question gives him mild pause, though, and after a moment of consideration, he asks, "Are you asking for a definition of the word, peace? Or information about the concept as the Houseless see it? I understand that our differing languages and cultures may cause some misunderstandings here; please do not hesitate to press me for clarification."

[handsofwinter]

"I do not question. I understand. Value to us both if Eliksni need not go to war here." Language is a complication here, and not every mannerism translates clearly- likewise, Pelsor has to work around her limited vocabulary.

She shifts her weight on her throne, casually stretching one of her lower arms as if uncomfortable, but at the same time she's gesturing with her free upper hand. "See, I keep my promise."

That cloaked figure on high detaches itself from the shadows, shedding the invisibility as it leaps to the floor. It is indeed Lexoris, and he has Ghost's little cage tucked under one of his arms. He approaches close enough to set it down between Loki and the Baroness, casting a sudden blue glow in the middle of the room.

"It is not hurt," Lexoris announces, and the little machine inside doesn't look damaged, even if he drifts very quiet in there. His optic flits around once, taking in his surroundings, and that's it.

[coldsong]

He nods in agreement with her conclusion. That's the important part. Peace need not involve friendship or cooperation, just mutual tolerance. "I assume you would not have come here if you wanted to be bothered," he says with a wry smile.

"My House, like yours, will stand on its own, but because it is to everyone's advantage that there be no war here, I will be watchful for actions from individuals that might threaten the truce. That is far more likely--that some would-be hero might decide to march over here and martyr himself--than any kind of organized action against you on their part."

He will also keep an eye on their actions, inasmuch as he can, but he's certainly not going to say so.

"Even the Guardians said you are honorable," he says, and he steps back to allow Lexoris space to land.

He's not sure he likes how passive Ghost seems in there. Perhaps being isolated like that is a form of starvation in itself? Sensory deprivation? He should have been quicker. "Can he hear through the walls of that thing?"

[handsofwinter]

Pelsor rather assumes Loki won't take his eye off their activities. She's likewise still watchful of how his interests relate to those of the Houseless beings, and watches with idle curiosity as the handover proceeds.

"Yes." Lexoris's claws hover over the confinement field, but he tilts his head at Loki. "Shall I free it?" The Ghost can't go far either way, but Lexoris isn't certain at all how it will react once released.

[coldsong]

Loki eyes Ghost uncertainly for a second, then speaks, "I'm sure your impression of me must be decidedly mixed by now, Ghost, but I do have every intention of taking you to Blaze. Please don't embarrass me."

He's not sure what, if anything, Ghost could do aside from flit around and make himself hard to catch, but he'd rather not have to chase him all around the room while Pelsor laughs.

Statement made, he nods at Lexoris. "Please, yes. Release him."

[handsofwinter]

Lexoris releases a button or catch on the upper side of the cage, and the forcefield retracts as he takes away the lid. For a split second Ghost freezes in place-

-And then a blur of blue light past Loki, as the little machine darts behind him. Should he turn, he'll find his new companion hiding there, looking warily around and up at the Jotun... but very definitely keeping Loki between himself and all the big Fallen around the throne.

Pelsor laughs, a little more quietly, and leans forward on one lower arm as Lexoris backs away. "Tell your ghoul, little machine. Tell it that its life is owed to this compact."

[coldsong]

For a moment, chagrin registers on Loki's face as Ghost zips past him, but when he turns and sees he's actually just hovering behind him, he relaxes, relieved. "That works," he murmurs, and there's a surprising low, soothing note in his voice. "Just stay close for a bit. We won't dawdle long."

He looks back to Pelsor. "I thank you. This is, by all knowledgeable accounts, a generous bargain on your part."

"I do have a question, which is likely to sound nothing short of bizarre if you don't know what I'm talking about. But: have you spoken with the crows, or with their master?"

[handsofwinter]

Ghost makes no reply, but he's sticking close to Loki's back, watchful and spinning a little when he looks back at his unexpected protector.

Pelsor gives the slightest incline of that great helm: it is generous, and she is gambling that the payoff will justify her concession, both of the kill and the trophy it made her. If this Guardian comes back to trouble her, she will be very displeased. In the next moment, however, she is merely puzzled. Her eyes - all of them - narrow at Loki, and then she looks to Lexoris crouching on the steps and clicking in surprise.

"You know this word?" she asks him in their own speech. He hesitates.

"Crow is..." and he keeps to the human speech, to make sure Loki can weigh in on this translation. "A machine. Small, winged. A spy. But their master is..." his turn to frown at Loki. "You would not know their master."

[coldsong]

Loki will certainly attempt to influence Blaze not to make waves. He'd rather not call in his favor for that purpose, but the idea has crossed his mind. Of course, he is also now being instrumental in saving her and Ghost's lives, so maybe that's enough of a favor to call in, in and of itself.

Loki raises an eyebrow at Lexoris, considering this information. "We are talking at cross-purposes, perhaps. The crows I refer to are organic life. Birds."

He raises a hand and casts an illusion over his palm. It's the type of crow he's familiar with from Earth, none that he's seen in the Nexus, but it's certainly no machine. "If you are not in contact with them, you may wish to watch for them. I would not attack them if I were you, but someone in the Nexus whose judgment I trust--although admittedly she loathes me--has told me they are associated with some sort of goddess."

"I know nothing more certain than that, but these birds and this being were active this winter. Their influence on events may have been minor, but there seems to be an agenda here, and it is not yours, nor mine, nor that of the Houseless."

He shrugs. "It may be of no consequence, but for the sake of this truce, I thought you should know."

And I want to know what you already know, is the unspoken truth here. But from their reaction, they may not have encountered any sign of the crows or the goddess at all. If that's the case...that actually strikes him as more ominous than if they were conspiring.

[handsofwinter]

At the sight of the black bird in Loki's palm, however, the Fallen are particularly quiet. Lexoris settles onto his heels and shoots a swift glance at his liege: it is not his place to betray anything. Pelsor herself shifts, sits back on her throne. Says finally, "We have seen these creatures. They fight for scraps among our spoils. Steal trinkets. Even in the storm. But I have heard of no master with them."

And based on words alone, that might seem like all there is to it. But there's a hint in the air, for a moment, of things held back. At least one of these two knows more than they are saying.

[coldsong]

Aha! Loki feels a burst of triumph in his chest. Finally, some sign of a thread tying the disparate events of the season together. Inside, he's jumping up and down with delight, but his face betrays no such emotion. He gives them a slight, flickering smile and nods.

"I suppose even messengers of the gods get hungry. Crows are carrion birds, at least on every world I've been to. I'm sure they were delighted by a few free meals."

Sobering, he says, "The woman I spoke to said she had fed and spoken with the birds for years before the goddess showed herself. Be careful; the crows may be more than they seem."

"But I haven't seen them. And I am only guessing that there is some clandestine purpose. I could be wrong."

Oh, he's sure he's not wrong now. But pressing Pelsor for her secrets is unlikely to end well, he judges. One step, one maneuver at a time.

[handsofwinter]

"Your warning is heard," Pelsor rumbles. "We care nothing of little scavengers. But Eliksni serve no gods but their own. We give them nothing." A laugh, then. "You fear this one comes to kell your people?

She really doesn't know a thing about how human theology works, but if there's going to be some kind of magical/ power struggle around here she'd like to know right now. Loki is, if nothing else, giving her cause to be wary.

[coldsong]

"Kell? You mean do I fear she may challenge my providence?" He smiles at the thought. "No, I do not fear her. I simply want to know what she's up to. I am the Trickster. I don't like being tricked."

Not that it hasn't happened before, but he has a reputation to maintain.

"But you don't necessarily have to serve a god for their presence to affect you, you know. Look at us, right now. Here I am, and here you are, and I certainly look for no offerings from the Eliksni, but what I am and what I can do still matters."

"But I have nothing more informative to tell you than what I have already said. Perhaps it is time I took my leave?"

[handsofwinter]

"Go," she agrees, dismissing him with a wave. Lexoris moves down the steps, ready to escort them out again. "Our agreement with the Houseless is sealed. The Light-thieves must heed this. Heed this gift. We will... cast out the lost from our territory. And you, Loki of Askaar.... you may return, if you bring news to us."

This said, he's free to go, though Pelsor's eyes are narrowed in thought after him. Before he's reached the door, there'll be a tap of metal on metal, a shifting of cloth and plate as she pulls herself stiffly from her throne and paces slowly toward a door.

[coldsong]

He bows in farewell. There will always be questions he dare not ask in these meetings. One query at a time, the most important and least likely to rock the boat. He would ask why they set the trap they did, with food they could not eat, but he has a solid working theory and doesn't need to satisfy that curiosity yet. He would ask about their history, their plans, but has no doubt if he seems too pushy with his interest, they will cease to find him useful as a messenger.

Everything is a delicate dance, and if he can get more details from Ghost--who has been among them for quite a while now--that's a safer route.

"Again, my gratitude, Baroness," he says. "If you have lost ones or questions, please call on me. I will come as swiftly as I am able."

He should have thought to bring them a PINpoint, perhaps. But they're clever. They'll figure something out, no doubt, if they want him. Wander right into the Plaza cloaked, he imagines, if they really need something.

He notes Pelsor rise and move to depart, and notes the body language, as well. Injured? Ill? That's not good. But it is yet another thing he dare not question just yet.

He turns to look at Ghost, "Stay close. If you want me to carry you, I can." He offers a hand, palm up.

[rekindledtitan]

Though they agreed to hold their fire, and were very specific in forbidding anyone else to enter their territory, the Fallen never offered any such bar to their roaming the rest of the Nexus. Safe to assume they'll take full advantage of it, even if going cloaked helps prevent unwanted attentions from the locals.

Ghost looks up at Loki silently, points twitching, then darts close behind him again. Apparently verbal responses are off the table along with being carried.

He might regret the latter choice, though, when they plunge back into the winding bowels of the Fallen hallways. The little Ghost is more than adept at flitting out of sight within his larger companion's shadow as they move, but there are Eliksni everywhere. Those who catch sight of him respond with all the surprise Loki gets and all the hostile growling Loki does not. There is a guard to snap at them, but the way Ghost bolts around Loki to hide says he isn't reassured in the slightest. Lexoris glances back at this with an air of amusement.

He misses his Guardian. He needs his Guardian. But they're still so very far away...