Open Post for The Nexus - Loki's Popsicle Palace

[tr1ckortreat]

Loki had been in the Nexus a few months now and had settled down somewhat from his initial unorthodox entrance into a strange new world. He had met his brother, albeit a future version of Thor, but still his brother none he less. He had also met angels and beings from all over time and space. The god had even gained a furry, feathered feline companion in the form of Thorkitty, his catwing. The little creature had gotten used to his leather-clad owner and was now wandering around between Loki's long legs, looking up and expecting a fishy treat or two.

Today though, Loki was at his popsicle palace, which was his Norse looking hut, which sold all types of flavoured iced treats. The idea being that he would tout his trade and get to know his customers which could be known friends and strangers alike.

"Alright. I suppose you won't leave me alone until I give you one of these."

Loki summoned a fish-shaped treat biscuit in his palm and knelt down to offer it to his catwing. Thorkitty meowed loudly and took it from his hand, eating it quickly. He had grown in the month or so since Loki had adopted him. His wings taking on a more fuller form and his fur becoming thicker and much more blond. The name had stuck since the colour and temperament reminded him of his brother.

"Now, I wonder if we will get any customers today. Let us hope we do."

Opening the wooden doors to the shack, Loki popped the OPEN sign up and then walked back inside, looking out of the hatch and feeling the morning sun against his face.

Comments

[mayfairmonster]

Ever on the hunt for distractions to fill his days with, Dorian's early afternoon walk finds him before an unusual little hut he's never seen before. A Popsicle Palace, is it? He's heard of Loki before and met him (or one of them, anyway) before, and can't help but wonder if this Loki is the same one.

At any rate, something sweet and cold sounds like the perfect way to greet the muggy mid-afternoon.

"This is charmingly rustic." The immortal approaches the hatch and starts looking for a menu. He's dressed fashionably in light clothing that befits the hot summer weather, and accessorized with small aquamarine rings and a dainty ear cuff to bring out the bright blue of his eyes. He carries himself in an elegant and princely manner that radiates an entitlement to the space around him. "It says here that you can use magics to recreate any flavor?" How curious.

[tr1ckortreat]

"I'm glad you think so."

Loki noticed the young man currently stepping up to his Norse wooden shack obviously new to premises since the god did not recognise him. The man wore rings and an ear cuff. At least he seemed to appreciate the finer things in life such as dressing well. That was always a good thing in Loki's book. A curious glance and then it was down to business.

"Indeed. Whatever flavour you wish. I can also summon mystery flavours but be careful, they may catch you by surprise."

There was a mischievous glint in the god's eye as he pulled out a wooden stick from the box and held it out to the stranger. Once his customer had chosen a flavour then Loki would magically attach the ice to the stick.

"What flavour takes your fancy? Are you one to play it safe or do you enjoy a little excitement in your life?"

[mayfairmonster]

Well, if that isn't a terribly charming and tempting offer. He was planning on asking for a popsicle flavored like a strawberry macaron, but now Loki's turned ordering into a challenge. Not one to change the habit of a lifetime, Dorian comes closer and pulls out his wallet.

"I never play it safe." Often to disastrous consequences, but this is just a popsicle. He takes the offered stick with a smile, and waits for whatever's going to happen next. "Thrill me."

[tr1ckortreat]

"The trick is in the taste."

Loki spoke his motto which he made up for his business and wondered if the man would indeed take him up on his offer. He still didn't know his customer's name but that would come after he had his first popsicle. Oh, he liked to play it dangerous did he? Loki's smirk grew wider.

"The first one is always free. You need not show me your currency as of yet."

How about that? He's giving you one on the house, Dorian. Once the stick was passed to his customer, Loki began weaving his magic, coating the stick with a large clear icy shape which grew longer until it resembled a pillar. He liked to show off. Then, the clear ice began to change into a rather powerful deep scarlet colour, blushing pink then turning into a lustful deep shade of red.

"Lick it and tell me what you think."

Of course the trickster wasn't about to tell him it tasted like chilli.

[mayfairmonster]

"Thank you."

The magics used to create the popsicle are rather impressive, and it's clear to Dorian that the show is as much part of the experience as the popsicle itself. When Loki's done, he applauds politely, enjoying the display.

"Extraordinary." He looks the popsicle in his hand over. "Don't mind if I do." Stepping up to the challenge, he doesn't lick-- he sticks the popsicle in his mouth to get as much of the flavor as possible. And it's... spicy. And cold? Unexpected and delightful, even if he doesn't favor the flavor.

"Ooh, that's devilish." He tries it again, chuckling. "I'm not usually one for spice, but the cold really adds something."

[tr1ckortreat]

The applaud was a new thing and one Loki was not sure if he should laugh or just be amused that the man had enjoyed the experience so much. As for his audacity? That was something to be admired since he actually sucked the whole ice into his mouth without even taking that first tentative lick. Was it bravado or did he genuinely not mind the hot ice?

"It seems I may have to up my game with you, my friend. No doubt you know who I am, may I know your name?"

Loki was already pulling out another stick and coating it with the similar pillar shape as before. This time Dorian could pick out a flavour he wished to have instead of a trick one. It was only fair and it was good business.

"Would you prefer another matched to a flavour of your choice?"

[mayfairmonster]

"No doubt." He smirks slightly. Gods and angels being prideful was a cross-universe phenomenon, apparently. "Dorian Gray." He offers his hand for Loki to shake. If the God takes it, he'll shake and then hold it for a few seconds beyond what's polite, letting the other man feel his warmth and the effect of his presence. He appreciates Loki's playfulness and it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes, either. "It's a pleasure.

Please. Can you do one flavored like a strawberry macaron?" He's craving the fruity taste mixed with the slight nutty flavor of the almond flour they're made with.

[tr1ckortreat]

The handshake was still a new thing to Loki but none the less he took the outstretched hand of Dorian and felt the man hold on longer than expected. Was this a thing the man did when greeting potential friends? Whatever it was Loki wasn't about to back down now. Not when he had offered Dorian a trick popsicle. Squeezing the other man's palm softly, he offered a flash of cold down to his long digits, no doubt Dorian would feel against his hot touch. A tiny bit of flirtation? Of course. Releasing his cold grip, Loki set about creating his new popsicle.

"Of course I can. Whatever you wish I can summon it as long as I know the recipe first. I know of strawberries but you may need to enlighten me on what a "macaron" is."

Mortal food no doubt.

[mayfairmonster]

The little shock of cold is interesting, and earns a small shiver from the immortal. Well that's fun. And makes perfect sense, he supposes, given Loki's magics.

"It's a confection from Earth," Dorian explains. "A kind of cookie made with almond flour, fruit flavoring, ganache of any flavor, and meringue. It's worth a try sometime if you like sweets." Which Dorian definitely does.

More playfully and with an eyebrow raised in challenge, he adds, "I think you and your magics can manage it."

[tr1ckortreat]

Oh, Dorian had no idea at just how cold Loki could really get. Truth be told, he would likely freeze the poor man to death if he really allowed his true self to shine. Yet, that part of the god was sealed away from prying eyes. No one wanted to gaze upon a blue monster. A Jotun like he truly was.

"Ah a Midgardian sweet item. I believe I can recreate such a thing."

The god held the wooden stick and began changing the clear iced pillar to a lighter shade of pink which became slightly speckled with gold for the biscuit. Passing it to Dorian, Loki smiled, clearly pleased at his first attempt.

"Tell me how it tastes."

[mayfairmonster]

Dorian gives this new popsicle a try, and then flashes Loki a smile. "It's good. Perhaps everyone should take a shot at flavoring food with magics." This is exactly what the immortal and his debilitating sweet tooth wanted on a hot summer afternoon.

He continues sampling as he looks the god over curiously. Conversationally, he continues: "So. Can I ask why a popsicle stand?" Dorian's met enough gods and angels in the Nexus to know that they have as many hobbies and interests as humans do, but it does still strike him as a curious choice for beings with seemingly no need for money or sustenance themselves.

[tr1ckortreat]

Success it seemed since the man enjoyed his popsicle and did not find it distasteful. The mystery around him though, that had Loki wondering what sort of person he was since he knew of Midgardian food. Was he even mortal?

"I suppose the idea came up when I noticed many here in the Nexus had started up businesses and found a use for their skills. Mine is magic and ice is part of my being so it only seemed natural to put myself to good use in creating magic ices for the residents here. Most mortals still find it rather amusing. Do you hail from Midgard?"

Judging by his young looks, Loki guessed Dorian to be in his mid-twenties. He looked human but then looks could be deceiving when it came to Nexus residents.

[mayfairmonster]

"Very practical." If a bit dull, admittedly. "I'm sure the community will appreciate your talents." Granted godly powers himself, Dorian would be more likely to use them to please himself and travel wherever he wanted, satisfying whatever curiosities and whims came to mind.

He bites off a bit of the tip of the popsicle, impressed that the flavor never seems to weaken even after tasting it for a while. The benefits of magic, probably.

"If Midgard is your people's word for Earth, I am. I'm from England, to be exact. Ever been?" Probably not, he's guessing, but he is curious.

[tr1ckortreat]

"I was thinking of opening up a weapons shop perhaps for people to come and sharpen their blades. But, I found popsicles a little more apt for the time being. Who knows though? I may still open up a weapon shop and allow you to throw a few knives into targets if you are good at it."

This was Loki's other skill. His knives. The man was obsessed with his tiny blades of death, often just unsheathing his magic blades to show off. His Dwarven steel glinting against the morning Nexus sun as he practiced in the back garden of his apartment. Thorkitty watching his master test his skill against straw dummies.

"You are human I presume? I have been to Midgard on many occasion, although I am not welcome there. Not since I helped orchestrate an alien invasion within New York."

A sly smirk spread across his face at the memories of the chariot and his utter carnage. It was a shame the plan failed and he had ended up at the mercy of those pestering Avengers. His brother included.

[mayfairmonster]

"Why not?" He's not much of a fighter, but every experience is worth having at least once. "Although admittedly my hands are more widely known for having different talents." 'Widely' is stretching things a bit, but there's no harm in a little exaggeration for dramatic effect.

"An alien invasion?" That's an... extreme thing to admit, and especially with the amount of pride the god seems to take in it. Curious. "Does that make us enemies, then?" Dorian's being a little facetious, but it's also clear to him that there's quite the story behind Loki's revelation.

[tr1ckortreat]

"Oh? What sort of talents are your hands used for, Dorian?"

It was just too good to ignore the fact that this man was human and from Midgard and possibly enjoyed a challenge or two. Would he enjoy Loki's ostentatious behaviour and the blatant flirting he was showing right now? That was the real question. The man was enjoying his popsicle and there was no reason why the god couldn't have a piece of enjoyment in that.

"That would depend on if you enjoy kneeling in front of me, craving subjugation."

Those very words were used within the invasion and during the incident at Stuttgart. Loki could not feign the way he enjoyed the small thrill of having control over those humans for one minute moment. The way the mortals ran away like ants...

...yet, he was different now. No longer a man craving to stamp on mortals and Midgardians. He was within the Nexus now.

[mayfairmonster]

"Let's just say that polite society hasn't seen the like, and won't again unless decadence comes in fashion again." A small smirk. This is fun.

At that, Dorian resists the sigh welling up from within. What is it with gods and other immortals and domination? Not that he's one to talk. He never liked how little control he had over his time with Lucifer, and now he can't help but double down on seeking something very different.

"A rousing offer, but no, thank you. I've had my fill of that lately." Literally. He punctuates with a nibble of his popsicle. "Actually, I'll be quite candid with you. I've been on the lookout for like-minded people to spend some time with." Ever since he steamrolled his last, and most frequent, friendship into oblivion. "Do you like art? Dining out? Music?"

It might come off a little desperate to friendship-proposition someone he's just met, but after enough time spent cooped up in his townhouse, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't just a bit.

[tr1ckortreat]

Well now, wasn't that a rather cryptic response and one he hadn't expected to slip from the younger man's lips. Maybe once they formed a solid friendship with one another, Dorian would spill the secrets about his hands to Loki.

"Oh? A little lonely, are we?"

It was not meant as a spiteful question, but one out of curiosity, since the god did not know what humans did in their own time. Most of the time he assumed it was drinking, socialising and watching a large glass screen with flashing lights. That would be called a television, Loki.

"Indeed I do. Art, music and food can be awfully good at filling one's time when they seek it. Asgardian art and music are very tasteful and I'm sure it would interest you. Although, I could be persuaded to eat some mortal food and spend some time with you, Dorian."

Loki was mildly flirting with his new friend, his voice taking on a softer tone, wondering how this would pan out.

[mayfairmonster]

"Something like that. No harm in expanding one's social circle, hm? It keeps things interesting."

And a god, while a bit closer to an angel than he's entirely thrilled about, is infinitely more likely to be comfortable with the trappings of immortality and all of the inevitable darkness and conveniences of it. That kind of shorthand is valuable in an acquaintance-- or a friend.

"Glad to hear it." Genuinely. He's been so dreadfully bored. "I'm interested in seeing what your culture has to offer. What's Asgardian art like?"

[tr1ckortreat]

"I quite agree. As for Asgardian art it's probably best if I show you rather than try to explain it all."

Would the human even understand the art itself? Loki wondered about that and wondered if Dorian would enjoy seeing tales of battle, mythical creatures and tales of woe and legend. It was quite a heavy subject and most Asgardians revered their art. Yet, the young man was curious and the god was making a new friend it seemed.

"As for keeping things interesting. How about we have a more....private liaison with one another rather than here at the shop."

[mayfairmonster]

"I had several books dedicated to Norse mythology as a child," Dorian explains. "I'm sure whatever you've to show me will be triumphant." If any of the dramatic images and myths he's somewhat familiar with would seem to hold. He's always like the styles of art related to Norse mythology, and wonders if it compares to anything Earth has to offer on the subject.

At Loki's offer, the immortal smiles and tucks his wallet away again. This is a diversion he's looking forward to, regardless of where the god is about to take them. "Lead the way."

[tr1ckortreat]

[continued here]

[sordiddetails]

She hadn't forgotten the promise she made when they first met, to teach him how to cater to Anthean tastes. She's out with her husband who is reluctant to leave her out of his sight. She understands while given her condition and the problems that the family have been having with enemies in the Nexus.

It's early in the day to allow her to avoid the heat.. Still she's cheerful and Tom is smiling as they walk up to the popsicle stand looking for the owner.

"Loki." She lets go of Tom's arm to come to the window. "I didn't forget my promise."

[tr1ckortreat]

Ah, Aletayria. Loki had come to meet her back at the Plaza a few weeks back. She was an interesting one since she was not like the others that resided within the Nexus. There was something about her that the god could not place his finger on. A glance towards the man accompanying her and Loki guessed it was her husband or lover.

"I am glad you are here. It's good to see you again, Aletayria."

A polite smile and a nod and Loki was curious to know what sort of gift she would bring along.

[sordiddetails]

"I've been busy, but I didn't forget." She offers him a paper bag through the window. There's bright bluish berries in the bag about the size and shape of a grape. If he tries them they are sour and a little bitter but not at all sweet. "So you can make something for my people."

She turns to her husband who looks about 50 years old. His human age stresses her sometimes. "This is my husband, Tom Jones. This is Loki."

Tkm looks at the man in the stand curiously though he still offers his hand. "Loki?"

He's met enough here to need to question the nature of the person he's meeting but it's not unfreiendly.

[tr1ckortreat]

He takes the paper bag from her and places it down on his desk. Thorkitty immediately takes a shine to the bag, nuzzling it and rubbing himself up against it with his big furry head. Loki has to pick the catwing up so that he doesn't accidentally knock the bag over.

"Thank you. I am sure these will make perfect popsicle flavours."

Placing Thorkitty on his shoulder, he offered both a friendly smile and a nod. Really, why were animals so curious all the time? A friendly handshake to the mortal man and Loki realised he really was adapting into his new world. Even giving people handshakes. This was something he never really did before.

"Nice to meet you, Tom."

[sordiddetails]

She brightens when she sees the cat. She does adore them and that may well be why the catwing is at the bag. She has many cats and a pair of catwings that live with her.

"Just remember, for my species, no sugar." It is a gentle reminder. "Our fruits are not like others and it may be lightly alcoholic when done. I can't be sure since we didn't make these foods with them."

Truth is, she's excited about the prospect. Her diet is limited because of food restrictions. This will at least be a good way to cool down in the future.

Tom is still looking at Loki with open curiosity. "Are you the god or named for him?"

He has to ask because he's naturally curious and after hearing he looked like the devil and meeting all he had... one has to ask these questions here.

[tr1ckortreat]

"No sugar. Alright."

As for the mention of slightly alcoholic, that got a rise out of him, offering her a sly smirk. Oh yes. He was going to have fun with these alien fruits and make sure they made good popsicles. The taste though. Now, that would be the outcome he wanted to find out. Glancing towards Tom, Loki offered a boastful smile towards the human.

"I am him. Loki, the god of mischief as you see him before you."

A slight bow and he couldn't help but milk the small moment for what it was worth. Was he a show off? Oh yes. He even summoned his full regalia, green cloak, extra gold clasps and the famous gold helmet with long goat horns adorning the top.

[hellomajortom]

when you have Ziggy Stardust as a child boastful and flamboyant overtures hardly phase you. Momentarily he is glad Ziggy doesn't have this costume change ability. His clothing would change every five minutes and it would be dizzingly confusing.

"I used to tell my son the Norse stories." And other myths for that matter. Ziggy always preferred the Oni myths of Japan over the Norse though.

[skyti]

A little building that somewhat resembles the architecture back home? Atreus isn't sure what a popsicle is or if this shack really qualifies as a 'palace' but he's certainly game to investigate. The inside resembles more of a shop and he's still not sure about these pop things but there's at least a familiar face.

"Loki! Are you running this place?" He leans against the counter, "What's a popsicle and are you doing anything funny with them?"

He'd guess the answer to the last bit of the question is likely a resounding yes.

[tr1ckortreat]

Ah, the little wolf cub, Atreus. Loki offered his young warrior friend a smile and leaned at the counter top to get a better view. The young man's enthusiasm was most welcome and the god wondered what flavours Atreus would enjoy.

"Indeed I am. A popsicle is a mortal flavoured iced treat. Let me show you."

He figured it would be easier to show Atreus rather than try to explain the intricacies of popsicles. Summoning a wooden stick from his pile, Loki cast his magic around the stick, sliding a long column of clear ice, attaching it to the stick. It wasn't flavoured yet. No. That would come after his customer had decided what he wanted.

"What flavour fruits do you enjoy? I can use my magic to create any flavour. Also any shape."

To iterate, Loki morphed the long column of ice into a shape of a horse.

[chiaro_oscuro]

There's a moody-looking young man with black hair and black clothes sizing up the popsicle stand. Loki's first official customer has returned. The Nexus really is an interesting place. Two space tyrants holding...surprisingly ordinary jobs. Granted, both of them are trying to reform, and what better way to prove it than take up a legitimate business? Ben feels a certain obligation to help.

"I'll have a strawberry." Ben holds out some gold coins."Two, actually - I liked the last ones I had here. The change is all yours."

He's sure there's some magic or harmless trickster goings-on here. This is a shop run by a Nexus Loki, after all, and probably the one he knows the best - he doesn't consider Atreus a Loki on his request. As long as it doesn't turn him into a small animal or otherwise have strange side effects in his stomach, he doesn't care.

[tr1ckortreat]

Seeing Ben at the stand was not a surprise since Loki knew the man had a favourite spot for strawberry. Who didn't? It was a very nice and sweet fruit.

"Of course you will. Oh, two? Feeling a little hungry today are we, Ben?"

Loki offered his friend a knowing smile and summoned two strawberry flavoured popsicles in both hands, passing them to Ben. They were bright red with tiny flecks of ice still attached to them. Don't worry, they won't have any ill effects.

"They're not trick ones. At least I don't believe they are."

[chiaro_oscuro]

"What can I say? I ought to enjoy them while the weather here's still warm. Fall's coming soon and I'll have other concerns then."

Once Loki hands them over, Ben greedily eyed the popsicles. The first popsicle was savored, while the second disappeared in a couple of bites. Ben licked his lips once both were gone, clearly approving of the treats.

"Ah. Your popsicles never do fail to hit the spot."

Ben enjoyed strawberry, though he was thinking of experimenting with other flavors sometime. With Loki's magic there must be very few limits to what he could do with the humble popsicle.