Re: Effie and Open
Loki, for all his social disgraces did not have an ungraceful tongue. The stunted frost giant who had mostly hidden in an Aesir guise while wandering the Faire with Thor was now in finely tailored clothing, his horns tipped with a trace of gold and a rich green cloak settling perfectly to his heel. Here there was no need to hide who and what he was, and while there were a few less-friendly glances directed his way (mostly due to his reputation), many more were simply curious. The Faire with its assortment of people was a very tolerant place.
Which made his job much easier. Thor was the handsome face of Asgard, the triumphant warrior with open smiles, quick humor, and the due pride of a future ruler with his warrior skills. Loki was his shadow, his smiles secretive, his humor more sly, his deeds much more quiet and devilish. But every good-hearted lion needed a tricky fox at their heels, one who knew how to read between the lines and speak in riddles when needed. For this he served Asgard very well.
Besides, every now and then Loki could be very honest. He could sniff out a need, knew people's business via ways best not explained, and could align contracts and deals to Asgard's benefit. Currently he was speaking to a northern noble, uttering assurances. "No, no, Asgard doesn't tax ships in the harbor like the ice elves. We've no reason, as Prince Thor can confirm. Thy cargo would pass through there and not only would thy load lighten by selling to the local market but it would cost thee much less, even though the harbor master-Ah... Ah... Excuse me. WA-CHOO!"
The noble's wife put her fan to her mouth, trying to hide her sound of surprise as praying mantis illusions flit every direction and quickly disappeared. Loki blinked. "Oh, well that was strange. I apologize if-if-CHOO!" He barely turned away in time, and this time nothing seemed to happen. Relieved, he started back to his conversation and took a sip of his goblet.
And immediately spit it out.
The noble couple looked at him, at each other, back at him. "Are you all right?" the gentleman finally ventured.
"Salt water?" was all Loki returned, frowning at his goblet. His nose started to itch again, and he quickly pinched it with a hand. "Excuse me. I don't know what's come over me. I'll return... or...Speak to Thor. Yes."
He bumped into Effie, tried to hurry by before he sneezed again, the itch in his nose worse than ever. "'scuse me!" It didn't stop the sneeze, though, the next one summoning up thousands of bubbles. Loki glared at them and waved his hand to clear them away, each of them giving quiet popping sounds. "What in the Hel...."