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“I am so glad it’s not our turn to host. Can you imagine the clean-up?” The woman in a stunning blue kalasiris dress said to the other woman walking beside her.
“Hosting can be quite the chore, sister,” the woman in red replied coolly, staring straight ahead.
“I do love these get-togethers! I find it as an opportunity to catch up with some and gossip.” The first woman’s optimistic tone was a sharp contrast to the other’s more reserved and cool temperament.
“You’re too optimistic. You should know that these events are nothing more than a glorified display of social networking,” the other woman replied deadpanned.
“Sister. It’s not often we interact with our peers and colleagues. I like to think of it as a mini vacation. I’m told that Odin has something prepared for us. Oh, this is just like going to a festival at Bubastis,” the younger woman purred like a content cat.
“I am only here to see what I can gain from this sordid affair, as should you,” the other woman said with a deep guttural sound in her throat. Her voice and composure was intense. Her honey colored eyes and face bespoke a queenly composure. Her regal walk was measured and intense, like a lioness on the hunt.
“But sister, we are guests. Odin has become more generous in recent years. I admit, I am curious to see if this is more than just blather. I heard that his son has spent a lot of his time amongst man and that may or may not have influenced his demeanor.”
“I just hope Thor won’t bore us with the details of man’s creations,” Sekhmet moaned.
“Man is resourceful. Do not underestimate them.” Bastet observed.
“Yes, but man has forgotten how to be self sufficient. They have traded their own personal fulfillment with mindfulness distractions. Machinery has taken away their agency,” Sekhmet commented.
“Yes, that is true, their manners of engineering have become more complex. It is fascinating,” the cat headed woman added.
“They worship their own mechanical creations and false prophets,” the lioness replied.
“Not all of them, we still have a small following,” Bastet replied.
“Sects are not the same, dear Bast. You’re acting as if we were one of man’s traveling musical minstrels,” Sekhmet rolled her eyes.
“We should be grateful. No one remembers Cloacina. The poor dear,” Bast mewed.
“And that is why we are here. To network and update our mission statement and goals, sister.”
“Yes, Thor is gaining a resurgence due to his good works. Shall we trade tips?”
“We shall see. I am most looking forward to meeting his brother, the other prince,” Sekhmet replied, her lips curved slightly upward.
“Loki is a wily one, I would proceed with caution,” Bastet warned.
“Sister, did you forget that he’s not the only god of chaos?” The lioness headed woman smiled. “I hope Lord Odin accepts this gift, the finest wine made with the waters from the Siwa Oasis.”
Beside them, a caravan of other visitors traveled carrying an assortment of gifts: gold, gems, oils, and special aqua vitae from their lands.
A small group next to them discussed and debated amongst themselves the merits of the visit and how it weighed against the possible gains.
“I’m only here because I want to hear about the war with the trolls and the mead,” muttered a third.
“I want to see if it is as good as our summer wine,” the red haired man replied.
The guests arrived at the palace. Every thousand years, a new host was chosen to lodge and feed the guests and this time Asgard was the anchor for this special occasion. It was an event that took delicate and thoughtful planning. The palace halls were decorated with an assortment of laurels, various assortment of flora, intricately ordained statues, and banners. Each was carefully placed in a manner that showed acknowledgement and honor to the guests.
Of course, not everyone was mesmerized by the facade. Most of them knew the real purpose behind the ostentatiousness.
It was part business, trade show, and social network with some games and sports thrown in for these were gods and goddesses from various pantheons making a trek to Asgard.
The large rooms lit up as guests entered. In the halls, torches brightened the hallways while in the smaller chambers, the clarity was enough so that the lights shimmered overhead like small diamonds and fairy lights.
The palace walls were living mantle pieces that told stories of the guests' specializations and experiences. Paintings, triptychs, sculptures, and overhead decorations that were intricately designed came to life, retelling the tales of heroes and gods in a constant battle for control and destiny. In one panel, a man slew the snake haired Gorgon, her blood sputtering around the image and onto the floor in front of it. Some of the gods clapped. Tapestries were thoughtfully designed with symbols and various beasts invited viewers to examine the piecework. One one piece, there was a black and white dog, one evil and one benevolent. The benevolent white dog was guiding poor travelers in the forest while the black dog was claiming the less fortunate souls. Another image portrayed a hooded skeleton asking for his piece of restitution before helping newly departed souls cross the dark river where plumed smoke waves disappeared into the ether. The image came to life with the haunting sound of their howls while dense smoke filtered from the moving parchment.
Another room hosted scenes from a variety of battles. Many of the war gods were heard debating loudly about the techniques and weaponry. Ares felt that the best strategies were going on the offensive while others such as Astarte debarred that subterfuge was a more effective method. In another chamber, moving imagery retold famous stories of lovers who were either star crossed, forbidden, or killed. In another room, the gods of their respective Underworlds debated the merits of one another’s interior design choices.
“Too much light, Hades,” Mictlan said dimly.
The dining hall was set with a variety of rich meats, succulent desserts, a variety of verdant greens and stews. A marble fountain spewed golden wine. A marble and gold pavilion invited the guests with sweets. Dancing girls wearing veils charmed the visitors while musicians played music and skilled bards retold the accomplishments of those invited.
Loki found these gatherings very tedious. He hated the formalities and felt that these spectacles were over the top. The cutting smiles were hidden beneath a veneer of honeyed words and feigned courtesies. Performative compliments and forced socialization all in the name of comradery or whatever the Hela phrase they wanted to call it this time. It was all performative, a dog and pony show. Asgard was footing the bill, and they have the nerve to call me the liesmith, Loki muttered to himself.
At one table, a tall and stunning dark haired woman marveled at the entertainment. She was the essence of grace and beauty and was surrounded by her sisters who donned similarly colored off-white dresses but she was the only one wearing golden cuffs and tiara. The golden lasso at her hip indicated that she was also a skilled warrior.
“Princess, I am honored that you have graced the halls of Asgard with your presence,” Thor greeted his guest in a welcoming tone. Thor bowed his head and held the princess’s hand. Loki’s suspicions were confirmed for Thor was acknowledging the presence of the Amazon who was sitting at the table enjoying the revelry.
“My lord, it is my pleasure but I believe the honor is mine for you have been so gracious to host myself and my sisters,” Princess Diana replied warmly. A perfect composure of dignity.
She was a visitor from an island that was visible to the Ygdrassil which granted her privileges. Her pedigree merited an invitation for her mother was a warrior queen and she was the daughter of the Olympian All Father himself. She was donning a gold tiara sat atop her dark locks which made her stand apart from the others who wore similar raiment but bore no adornment that indicated royalty. Some of them had their helmets on which indicated that they were her guards. Their grandstanding reminded Loki of Asgard's own Valkyries.
“Aye, Princess. The honor is mine. I shall show you around Asgard after you have supped on our finest meade and our most succulent meats,” Thor said generously. Ah, how cute, the golden locked dunderhead is playing host to the princess. Loki noted to himself.
“You are too kind, my Lord. The theater is worthy of the poetry of Calliope herself. I shall like to hear more of your epic stories,” she smiled. Thor returned the gesture, humbled by her grace.
“You are too kind, Princess. Our stories are merely cautionary tales and stories for amusement,” Thor replied. Handsome and regal, the assurance of Asgard’s warrior prince equaled that of the Amazon. Many of the guests marveled at the meeting of two renowned and beloved figures. The epic poems could never completely capture the moment of the meeting between Asgard's own son and the warrior princess from Paradise Island.
“Ah, the same thing can be said about our own myths. They serve as lessons as well. My favorite is the one where the giant built the wall,” Diana exclaimed.
“I hope you will find our lodgings most accommodating for our architects carefully crafted them to your liking.” For a moment, Loki was glad that his brother did not bring up the sordid details as to how the wall was built but that was always Thor. Underneath that muscled big head, Thor had decorum and was never mean spirited about things. Loki was sometimes grateful for that sickening altruism but he could also see the love struck puppy dog eyes beneath the pompous facade. It was so offensively saccharine that he wanted to watch the show before playing his cards.
“They are indeed very well, my Lord,” The dark haired woman bowed lightly. “The boar was most famishing but I am most intrigued by your statues. The busts of our philosophers were a thoughtful personal touch but I am interested in the philosophies and teachings of your Asgardian thinkers and poets.”
“Aye, our thinkers placed importance on courage and a warrior’s strength. This is very similar to your own philosophers. If the time allows, perhaps we can pay a visit to the original skalds of our histories,” Thor responded warmly.
“You have done so much to accommodate. One day, I shall host you, my Lord. Perhaps a race around Paradise Island or discus throwing?” Diana smiled.
“Your modesty inhibits you, Princess. I am told from our histories of Paradise Island and what you call Man’s World that you have battled monsters and aliens as well,” Thor replied. Loki smirked. Thor was acting like he was having a school boy crush. It was best to seize the moment and embarrass this oaf.
“It is true. If you prefer to do that instead of racing I would be more than happy to oblige,” she smiled. They had common experiences which is why his brother and the Princess hit it off. They were both of different worlds and they both had connections to Midgard or as she referred to it as Man’s World or as those Midgardians called it, Earth.
“How do you recuperate after a long day of battle, my Lord? I prefer a steam bath at one of our hot springs and stories with my sisters over a hearth.”
“Aye. I also enjoy the company of compadres and a good serving of mead. The company of a beautiful woman is not unwelcome,” Thor smiled. Diana laughed gently trying hard not to notice the generously proportioned biceps of the thunder god before her. He reminded her of a certain Kryptonian.
“I am told Lady Sif is one of your finest warriors. I should like to meet her,” the princess retorted.
“Aye, and you will. As of this moment, she is dealing with the mountain trolls,” the Asgardian Thunder God said proudly.
“The Valkyries are skilled and formidable fighters. Perhaps we could train together one of these days and-!…”
“Don’t give him ideas, Princess! My brother may play the part of a gentleman but he cannot resist a challenge. He is only being modest because his knees turn to jelly while in the presence of such refinement," Loki cut in. The horned green and gold clad figure stood between them, smiling. Thor’s face dimmed slightly, partially for being intrusive and eavesdropping on a conversation he was having with an important guest but also because he had to make such a grandiose entrance. Subtlety was not Loki’s forte. At times.
“My lord, it is most gracious of you to host my sisters and I,” the Amazon acknowledged Loki with a curt nod of her head.
“I am glad you find our lodgings most gracious, Princess. Now I understand that you and my brother here have a lot in common. You’re both skilled warriors of noble blood and you both have a soft heart for mortals and their idiosyncrasies,” Loki noted. He was everything Thor wasn’t, slight of build, pointed features with hair as black as obsidian and a smile that was more serpentine than generous.
“That is indeed correct but it is not a competition, Lord Loki. I am only here for diplomatic purposes and as a favor to your brother who was most generous to extend an invitation. We were merely trading stories and experiences,” she replied gently. Thor glared at Loki who smiled demurely knowing that he spoiled his brother’s hopelessly hilarious attempt at flirtation. Not far from the party of three, Sekhmet was noting the exchange in the shadows.
“Indeed, he is certainly generous with his time and attention. I may not have the warrior expertise or bulging muscles of my big brother but you and I have quite a lot in common too, my dear,” the trickster closed the distance between himself and the Princess who gazed at the former prince of Jutenheim with cooled wonder. Loki gazed at Thor with a look that said ‘She is way out of your league, big brother’.
“I believe that no matter our origins or circumstances we are all part of Gaea and that there is good in all of us no matter how original circumstances,” Diana observed. She remembered her friend Barbara and how her quest lead her to become the bloodthirsty Cheetah. Underneath that exterior, there was a woman who was hurt underneath it all.
“Aww, isn’t that sweet. See big brother, even they believe in sappy redemption stories. Let me tell you about the time I was tied to a rock. I made some rather questionable decisions in my youth and father sought it fit to chain me while a serpent dripped its poisonous juices on me. I believe you were blinded by a Gorgon’s hair, weren’t you?” Loki mused, a smile curving around his face. Thor looked on suspiciously but kept his distance, wanting to see where this unusual exchange was leading up to.
“Indeed, I was, It was perhaps one of the most trying moments. It reminded me to have humility and to rely on my senses and my friends for support during one of my most difficult trials,” Diana affirmed. She kept her composure neutral, not wanting to give the horned one a glimpse of the warrior underneath. Some battles were best fought with words.
“Aye, very inspiring. My brother forgets that sometimes, he prefers to solve his problems with his hammer than with his wits,” Loki turned to his brother who was glaring at him.
“And how did you get out of this predicament, my lord?” Diana responded, attempting to neutralize the tension between the two brothers which she found more charming rather than intimidating. After all, she had experience in being the peacemaker when it came to dealing with two strong and opposing personalities.
“Well, I had my own support system. My wife Sigyn was there to make sure to capture the poisonous drops. She’s very good at that, you know. Devotional and all but sometimes she was like a rash. I had to push her away but she would always come back. I realized that I had to be better at communicating with others and that gifts and sugary words can make things better. For a time.”
“I just briefly met Lady Sigyn by the fountains. She had a most beautiful glow and she had nothing but good things to say about you,” Diana stated simply.
“Oh, is she here? I hope she has forgiven me for my last transgressions. Nothing too big you see, but I may have breached her limits when I accidentally, and I do mean unintentionally gave away one of her favorite pieces of silver dishware to a traveling nomad in exchange for his gold,” Give her my regards,” Loki yawned dismissively.
“I beg your pardon, my Lord?” Diana replied, surprised by the gesture.
“We have been, as Midgardians say, taking a break. I didn’t mean to. I just completely forgot that it belonged to her mother” Loki mused, looking almost bored by the topic. Thor narrowed his eyes.
“I am sorry, my Lord. It may not be my place but have you tried open communication with Lady Sigyn?” Diana nodded.
“Aye, Loki communicates just fine, princess,” Thor said dryly. His gruff tone reminding Loki that he was keeping an eye on him.
“Oh, not to worry, my dear. Sigyn is forgiving like that but sometimes I wish she would learn to respect a man’s space,” Loki yawned dismissively.
“And she has, brother. Perhaps you would like to entertain the princess with your tales of marital bliss.” Loki glanced at Thor, not wanting to let his brother get away with the transgression. Diana blushed and placed a hand over her lips, attempting to hide the small smile that appeared.
“I admit I have not been the model at that sort of thing so I do keep my distance from her out of respect, you see,” Loki began.
“Aye, you returned the favor by cavorting with other women like some common Midgardian bard,” the thunder god countered.
“It was during one of our breaks, brother,” Loki corrected him.
“The giantess was a ‘break’? Loki, you had children with her.” Thor crossed his arms, a small smile forming on his face. Diana tried her best to look neutral. She did not want to appear that she was listening to the private affairs between two brothers but she also wasn’t sure if she was amused or not of the brotherly competition before her.
“Oh come now, brother. You would have done the same. You remember when she was younger. All curvaceous and two of the biggest-!” BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Loki’s words were cut off by the sound of a loud horn which temporarily drowned out the words he said but gestured up and down using his hands-“-that I had ever seen! You should have seen them brother! They were so glorious you could bury yourself in them!”
“Aye, I do not doubt your claims, Loki. Did you forget after Sigyn learned about your transgressions, she wanted to put a curse on you, brother. I had to step in and ask Karnilla for a favor, remember that,” Thor reminded him.
Diana let out a gentle laugh. She kept the thought to herself. Sigyn reminded her of someone who took his romantic partner, her own friend, for granted and mistreated her horribly.
“Your story reminds me of a dear friend. She also had troubles with her relationships,” Diana smiled.
“Oh, those are the best ones. Cautionary tales make the best comedy!” Loki exclaimed.
“Yes, they serve valuable lessons,” Diana interjected.
“Brother, you were not laughing when you tied a goat and a piece of rope around your—” Thor began before Loki closed a thin palm across his face. Diana smiled trying to gracefully bow out of the situation. Great Hera, not even Bruce and Clark are like this.
“Ah, ah, ah, dear brother, please do not tempt me to place an axe into your brains unless you wish to show our guests your assortment of weaponry.” Loki said with a venomous smile.
“Brother, I am tasked with presenting the welcoming speech. I must be at my post. Won’t you join me?” Thor said with a slightly gritted look after taking Loki’s hand off his face. Ah, so the big oaf was finally catching up!
“Princess, you must give Balder a demonstration of your golden cuffs which I must say elevates your look. Balder, be a good boy and show the princess and her cohort the assortment of weapons in our artillery gallery?” Loki shooed her away into Balder’s direction who took it upon himself to guide the cohort.
“Um, yes weapons. I am told that there is a collection of your finest metallurgy, but I must assure you that the cuffs aren’t cosmetic, my Lord. They deflect anything aimed at myself or others, not unlike your brother’s hammer or your scepter,” Diana chimed in.
“I am not so sure about that, my dear. I remember when you had that Venice Beach meets Thunderdome aesthetic, the cuffs added something. The shorts were really cute too.”
Instead of responding to his comment, Diana chose graciously to head towards the weapons depository, finding a graceful way to bow out of a brotherly quarrel she found more amusing than troubling but mostly to get away from Loki’s incessant banter. Near a dark corridor, Sekhmet watched in amusement at the whole exchange.
“A most gracious and memorable welcome, my Lords,” Diana bowed her head gently.
Checkmate.
“Was that necessary, Loki?” Thor said finally.
“Not really but I admit, it was adorable watching you fawn over her like your little friend Parker does with that Watson girl,” Loki giggled.
“You are either drunk or you have concocted some elaborate scheme to get my attention or to be involved in some elaborate ploy,” Thor stated simply.
“Actually, it’s both. Have you tried the Pulque that Quetzi brought? Strong stuff!”
“Enough. What is it this time?” Thor cut him off. Not wanting to waste time.
“Why brother, I was merely saving you from any further embarrassment. If I had done nothing and let you continue, I would have asked the handmaidens to clean up the drool at your feet,” Loki replied with a sly smile.
“The princess was asking questions. It would be rude of me to give her curt responses,” Thor said dimly, looking bored.
“Aye, while you were answering her questions everyone could see how you were staring at her golden goblets. I just wanted to save you from the embarrassment,” Loki laughed.
It was no use. Thor smiled. He knew Loki was just busting his flails. It was best to quash the situation before it got more serious. After all, today was not the day for fights.
“I thought you enjoyed these gatherings, Loki” Thor smiled that hideously warm smile.
“I like gossip and meeting new targets, I mean hosting the guests, though I don’t like the forced compliments,” Loki teased.
“Be on your best behavior, or father will have one of the mummers reenact the tale of the ill-fated eating contest,” Thor winked, taking Loki with him as they walked to the main hall. The horn from earlier indicated that it was time for all to gather. Behind them, Bastet and Sekhmet walked by closely. Sekhmet listened intently on the conversation between the two brothers.
The sons of Odin sat in front of the hall which was covered with various decorations. They both looked regal sitting ahead where the guests could see them. Gold garlands, fires that burned brightly, roasted meats and various gallons of drink. Dancing girls and silks entertaining the various guests. Gods and goddesses marveled at the palace’s architecture. Bards sang bawdry poetry which made Dionysus laugh with mirth.
“I feel like such a trophy. I would have better use if I was mingling with the guests.” Loki scoffed.. Near him, Sekhmet’s ears perked up.
“Father didn’t ask you to sit with me so you could preen and socialize. You are here because you are a son of Odin, and thus your presence should be noted,” Thor nodded and waved a hand at the guests who slowly trickled in.
“Don’t wave. It’s not regal!” Loki hissed.
“Aye, but brother why does my manner of greeting cause you slight?” Thor nodded and quietly thanked the guests who brought their assortment of tributes.
“It’s so informal! You are a god,and you are acting like a Midgardian prom king! It’s so unbecoming, brother!” Loki huffed.
“You are acting more like a meddling wife, than a future king, Loki.” Thor replied back.
“Dearest brother, what is the point of sitting here if we are not meeting our guests? I am not some trained beast for show,” Loki replied bitterly. “Oh look, I see some of my friends are here!” Loki waved.
“Aye? I should hope that these are not sycophants or followers of your lies.”
“Just let me have a moment to say “Hello!” to the girls and I will be back!” Loki replied curtly.
“Loki, if we were on Midgard in your other form, would I see these friends in your stream?”
“My Lords,” the lioness headed goddess walked up to the brothers greeting them with a nod and curtsy. “I must thank you for the invitation. It has been too long.”
“Lady Sekhmet,” Thor nodded.
“Sekhi. How is the desert? My. tsun is doing wonders for your complexion,” Loki commented.
“Lady Sekhmet,” Thor nodded.
“Sekhi. How is the desert? My, my, the sun is doing wonders for your complexion,” Loki commented. “How is Alexandria this time of the year?
“It is quite lovely thank you. I would love to give you a tour of our library. I apologize for cutting into what seemed like an intense conversation but I wanted to personally let you know that I agree with your observations about these gatherings.
“Ha! See brother, I am not the only one who notices the ridiculousness of this glorified pageantry!” Loki hissed.
“You can gossip all you want later. We do this to foster strength among the pantheons,” Thor stated simply.
“To foster strength among the pantheons! Gods, you are so boring. Brother, sometimes I wonder if I look under that cape I will find father’s hand up your-!”
Mind your tongue, today. Brother. I know your love of jests and gossip but father and I see the good in you.” Thor, his rock, his pain in the ass.
“I wanted to give this to you. It is some of the best vintage from our desert oases.
“Aye, thank you, Lady Sekhmet. I am pleased you and Lady Bastet are present.”
Just then, a familiar voice called out behind them.
“My lord, my lord, your father would like a word with you.” It was Balder, a concerned look on his face.
“Balder, keep an eye on Loki while I sort this matter,” Thor said before taking his leave. Upon seeing that Thor was gone, Balder noticed that Loki rose from his seat.
“Um, my Lord. My task was to make sure you wouldn’t leave the throne.”
“Oh, Balder, as if I need a babysitter!” Loki hissed.
“Sometimes your father has made such observations in his private study, my Lord.”
“I beg your pardon?!-” Loki hissed.
“Um, nothing, my Lord. Just make sure you return before Thor returns.”
Loki turned around and walked with Sekhmet until they found a corner.
“That was ingenious,” the lioness smiled devilishly.
“Believe me, it wasn’t easy. Tricking that big oaf has become a challenge especially since he has found his little superfriends on Midgard. Especially that Stark.” That pain in the arse and the fire in his loins.
“You make it look like an art form,” Sekhmet bemused.
“You are too kind, my dear but you haven’t seen the best part yet,” the horned god of lies smiled.
“Oh?” she replied, piqued.
“Hmmm, I have something special planned for tonight’s festivities.”
“Oh, am I privy to the details, my Lord,” Sekhmet purred.
“Not yet, my pet. Let’s just say that this little soiree could use a little….chaos.”