Brother coming to the Nexus. And all that stuff.

[lokiyouarenothelping]

Loki took to patrolling the 'borders' sometimes. Without telling anybody about it. Well, just in case. After an Asgardian lady came here - and she could've been hurt! Well, why wouldn't he check, just to make sure, that it such a thing wouldn't happen to anybody? Er, anybody from Asgard, he means, naturally. Doesn't he? And anybody (from Asgard, or wherever) could accidentally find themselves here, in this weather!

And no, he's not going to make this formal. That'd be a chore! He's decided to just 'patrol' whenever he feels like it. Barring strong winds that can topple him, it's not too unpleasant. It's just taking a walk! And right now, he's seen somebody.

In other words, it so was a good choice to 'patrol' right now. He's a genius, isn't he? And, wait, was it just him, or did that somebody look familiar... and feel familiar... and sounded familiar, because he - that somebody familiar - "Wait, by Norns, is it--" --noticed him, too, now, and was shouting---

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[ineednohelp]

Thor has no idea why the weather suddenly worsened, and, worse, why he's suddenly alone. And he'd say this place doesn't look familiar at all, but in these weather conditions, it's quite hard to tell.

But, then, he sees a silhouette he'd recognise anywhere, anytime, so now he's waving and shouting,

"Loki!!! Over here! Come on, keep up! You've followed me, haven't you?"

Because how else would his little brother be here? Wherever 'here' was, actually... come to think of it... well, Loki'd know! Possibly. So he's just going to ask him.

[lokiyouarenothelping]

"How could I've followed you, when I've been here for a long time now?!"

Not exactly long, only days. No reason to say that, though. He shakes his head, walking in Thor's direction, unsure how much Brother's heard, if anything, from what he's just screamed.

[ineednohelp]

"No, you weren't. I've seen you today."

Really, why would Loki even say something like that? Unless he was exaggerating.

Thor sighs. This place is really quite cold, isn't it? Maybe it's best if they get to shelter soon. He'd need to find one. Unless Loki somehow already knew where one was, but that seemed unlikely.

[lokiyouarenothelping]

"Is that so? You'll soon meet people who'll lay a claim to a different reality."

[ineednohelp]

Thor, now caught up with Loki, catches him by the shoulder. Don't get lost in this storm.

"In other words, liars. I trust my own eyes."

[coldsong]

Did someone say liars? I mean, that's more or less asking for other Lokis to appear, Thor.

This one, though, retains the Jotun form he's been wearing for much of the time in the wild. The last time the young Loki saw him he has antlers and scales, but today he's pure Jotun, save for the lack of height, bare-chested with a fur jacket and a black kilt over his trousers and boots. There's an obvious scar in the center of his chest now that the scales are gone, and similar dark scarring around his throat, but chances are neither of the boys cares too much about the details of his appearance as he appears between two snowbanks, in a whirl of icy wind.

"Oh, more Asgardians, now? Just don't bring Odin here, boy. I would hate to have to have words with him."

[lokiyouarenothelping]

As Thor unsheathes his sword - just a normal Asgardian sword, by the way - young Loki groans and then quickly says,

"Thor, this is my friend, Helblindi, who well knows that if he was to threaten my Father in anything but light jest, I'd murder him in his sleep."

[ineednohelp]

Thor glances at apparently Helblindi, then at Loki, then back at Helblindi, and then asks,

"Verily?"

"Most verily," Loki grumbles.

Thor, slightly confused, lowers his sword.

"Well met, Helblindi."

Meanwhile, Loki smiles a little and mouths No idea about your honour in such matters, almost stranger Jotun, but I'd say you owe me now.

[coldsong]

Oh, they're friends now? Even if that admission is merely a tactic to keep Thor from attacking him, 'Helblindi' can't help but feel a little pleased.

"And to you as well, Thor Odinson of Asgard," he greets mildly, and gives them both a courtly bow.

"You need not be so defensive, either, Prince Loki," he says with a little smile. "When I say 'words' with Odin, I mean exactly that, not an attack." Though Odin would not enjoy his words, he's sure.

"You should both stay within the circle of the torches, by the way," he advises, coming a few steps closer casually. "You are made of sterner stuff than the humans here, but Winter still holds sway and you will not survive in it unless you can accept all the seasons blessings and curses."

No, they're not friends, until Loki knows whether Helblindi kills little children. Sorry!

[lokiyouarenothelping]

"Blessings and curses?"

Loki looks slightly intrigued. This isn't literal? Or is it? Either way, this sounds interesting.

And he's going to be very cross if Helblindi ever goes around calling himself Loki's friend. He's decidedly not.

[ineednohelp]

"We're not as weak as you seem to consider us, Helblindi," Thor says, looking offended.

"Actually, come to think of it, I have a question. How do you know my little brother? I had no idea."

[coldsong]

Well, Helblindi isn't going to pull out papers certifying him as a non-child-killer, so they may be at an impasse there. He certainly doesn't think he has anything to fear from an adolescent Thor with no Mjolnir, though. But because they are in a way kin to him and most definitely children by his standards, he's content to be a bit gentler with them.

"You are not weak, but you are inexperienced. And easily offended, evidently. I'm attempting to advise you, not insult you. I could easily die in this storm, and I am made of Winter."

"As to how I know Loki? A recent meeting. He's been here a short while, and absolutely confident you would find your way to him soon."

Thor likes you now, Helblindi. 😂 That was easy.

[ineednohelp]

At this explanation, Thor glances at his Brother and smiles softly. Loki, busy eyeing Helblindi with a mix of suspicion and curiosity, doesn't even notice. Then, Thor Odinson turns to Helblindi, now with a wide grin.

"I wouldn't ever leave Loki to suffer alone in Jotunheim, or wherever this place might be. So he knew well I'd come for him, no matter what."

[lokiyouarenothelping]

Loki meanwhile, from behind his dear Brother, makes a hopefully clear enough apologetic gesture for what he considers Thor's usual boasts.

[coldsong]

"It's nice to see brothers so close," he says mildly. "I recommend you hang on to that trust while you are here. You may find the Nexus a difficult place to get used to."

These two are going to be such trouble. He's not sure if he should prepare to intervene or thoroughly distance himself.

"Just...please, stay within the circle of torches. Truly, it's dangerous out there."

[ineednohelp]

"I see you truly have our best interests at heart. Thank y--- Loki, stop! I was talking to our friend here still--"

Because Loki's already trying to drag Thor away into the direction of the nearest building, thanks.

"Helblindi," Thor utters very quickly, "I just wanted to apologise again for my rudeness in Jotunheim and say I was honest when ready for penan--- Loki, for Father's sake, stop pulling, I'm coming!"

And, after quickly inclining his head very slightly to Helblindi, Thor follows his Loki, now beginning to believe that somehow his little Brother already knows his around here.

(And yes, he does. He took a lot of walks.)

[coldsong]

"More or less, yes," he agrees, but his lips curl in a small smile as he watches Loki drag his brother toward safety. We'll see how long that lasts, really, but it's a start.

He follows along at a light jog, although he's certainly not going to enter the building with them. "I was not present for that, and therefore I take no offense and no apology is necessary. I would merely ask that you remember not all Jotun are alike, and that a leader does not always mirror the character of his people."

"As long as you wish me well, I will give you the same courtesy.
Be well, Asgardians."

[lokiyouarenothelping]

Loki stops for a moment.

"Same with Asgardians. Just look at me and Thor, same flesh and blood, completely different attitude towards 'friends', if they might ever cross us. I can tell you all about my attitude, someday."

Then he resumes walking towards buildings, now looking rather angry or frustrated. And, yes, he was trying to preemptively threaten Helblindi while making sure Thor doesn't notice said threat.

[ineednohelp]

Thor doesn't immediately follow. He suddenly looks slightly upset.

"My apologies. My Brother only means-- well, he's a sensitive soul. He doesn't react well if a friend does something that a friend shouldn't. Really, really, really, really not well or calmly. But if you have no ill intentions, that's fine. He's a wonderful friend, loyal forever, you'll see!"

And then he follows quickly after Loki.

[coldsong]

Well, that wasn't subtle, Loki. 'Helblindi' just smiles, stopping where he is, now.

And leave it to Thor to take up the diplomacy his brother has just failed at. There's some role-reversal there, and it's fascinating.

"Again, no apology is necessary, Prince Thor. Go on. Your brother is very clever, though his social skills may need further development. Listen to his warnings. I will see you again soon, I hope."

[ineednohelp]

"I suppose he's rather clever."

And then he must hurry after his brother, but, while beginning to do just that, he immediately shouts, as last thing,

"Well, so am I!"

Almost as if he's lately had people doubting that.

[coldsong]

Hellblindi's smile grows at Thor's protest that he, too, is clever. At this age? His Thor was not, particularly. Although he wouldn't call him stupid, either. Just naive and arrogant and reckless and anti-intellectual.

He's grown out of all of that save the recklessness, though. And if this one survives, he imagines so will he. He nods patiently and waves him off, turning to head back into the wilds.