Loki, The Trickster's Story

At that time a shadow stepped forward into the radiance of Gaia's presence, and following it was what seemed to be a small white wolf. The shadow found itself pressed against a treetrunk, whereupon it resolved into a grinning, almost impish, fellow with pale skin and dark hair. He was clothed as a traveler, upon his hip sheathed only a single blade, and upon his back was a small bag carrying what could be anything from foodstuffs to water. He held in his hand a single apple, taken from the tree grown at The Day Star's behest, into which he bit, producing a satisfying crunch.

The white wolf stalked over to Gaia, changing form from wolf to cat, at which point it would rub upon the mothers legs, before returning to the very stump Gaia had been seated, climbing atop it as a cat would be wont to do. There upon that place the feline's pure white coat would shimmer and shift, and it's outline would dissolve, only to solidify as a small girl threw the long white locks of her hair back over her shoulder, smiling pleasantly at Gaia and Nim. "Hallo mother, Hallo bright one. I heard your call and came with heed. Why hast I been asked to forsake my forest? Why have I been called from my home?" The girl said in a voice young and musical, sounding like water falling among the leaves of the verdant wood. But beneath that vibrant melody was heard the undertone of roots stretching, of wood groaning in the wind, of aged trees sighing with the wind.

"yes indeed, I would much like to know this myself, green mother. I don't oft get invited to parties, and as I understand it this little festival was open to all? For what purpose could so many divine beings be needed to gather? Even my father readies himself to come hither, and the old codger doesn't move for any storm!" The grinning man said, from his place leaning against the bark of a tree. After saying his piece, he returned to his apple, ignoring all of them, or so it would seem.

For so it was that Loki the Trickster God, son of Odin, brother of Thor, and Heir to destruction was found at the Grove, and with him had come Imnariel Al'Toreth, as she was known, or Aisling, as mortal men had called her in their time. The Shifter she was, and the changer and the forest girl, the Elder Sage and Woodland Sprite. All of these was she, but above all was she Aisling, The Spirit of the Forest.

It was at first that Nimsirril seemed confused. He was not the only one to be called before the Great Mother of the natural world and yet the others who had arrived though similar in nature like his own could be considered drastically different from himself. The elvish man simply waited and listened to the green woman but found himself glancing between Loki and Al'Toreth with a bit of interest as he had not seen the likes of them before till just now.

"With just us? What can we do to help you in your cause great mother, what can I do, and surely there are others you have invited?" Nimsirril found his question partially answered as Loki said something of his father coming. It only cought his interests more as to how many more would arrive upon the scene. The Day Star knew of other beings such as himself who might have had interest in coming forth but feared that they would be unable to arrive intime to meet and great all who would show for such an occasion.

Sensing another, the Mother of all creation gently turned her head and nodded towards the figure almost clothed in the darkness of the woods, speaking kindly, "My dear, dear child, come I know you have misgivings about company, but even in times of great upheaval we must converse with snakes." the figure moved out, she wore a black robe, while wisps of white hair escaped her hood one half shrouded in complete blackness. Many would recognize her right away, including her father. Nonetheless she stood quietly listening but not speaking, although one could hardly ignore the scowl she made to one, before resuming to listen.

With her now here, the Mother of all Creation gave a caressing and maternal grin as she nodded to all, "My dear Day Star you make a valid point, but when one plants a tree it begins as a mere seedling. This is where we are we must intend to work diligently and keep things straight-forward. I have no doubt many would join us, especially since very few have ill feelings for I. But I would be wrong to choose to gather all, we need cultivate our forest, that means planting the seed with few, and let it grow into many."

Turning to Loki she gave an almost sad smile, "I know you dear Loki, I know you may have goals of world conquest, but even you don't want to mess with the prophecies of Ragnarok. I also know you crave respect and not be left out of such grand soirees, I am giving you this respect with caution. I need unity, and this means you won't be the only questionable element we use." pausing she went on after a exchanging life-long breath, "I intend to restart an idea you were not invited to originally... that is The Grand Pantheon. I am not Odin nor do I hold ill feelings towards you Loki, like all creations on this planet you are merely misguided at times, but I did not come here to speak about the past. You are being given this chance."

Finally she turned to the other, "I know I don't rarely call other, and it seems a shock... but desperate times call for desperate measures... as it was... Darkness looms in the ever horizon my naive brother Erebuz sees no sense in anything I call. Lucifer returns and with him things grow more difficult. I had a connection with children of Eden but they are outside of my sight now. I am sick of being helpless and watching malign people hurt my children or hurt me, I must only watch. We are weak when we are voyeurs, but as a group we could call to action those who would act. I am not asking something easy, but we are beings of considerable influence and power, yet we are restrained, we don't act like these beings. We instead are split, tell me how is this right? The Grand Pantheon must be restart and it must work."

Loki looked up as Hel entered the grove, and his grin grew only deeper. "Why hello there, my dear sweet daughter, How's Nfflhiem this time of year? Are you getting enough sleep, you look rather grim" He said, chuckling at her.

Then Imnariel spoke up "The Grand Pantheon failed in the past, what makes you think it will not do the same again?" As she spoke she hopped from the stump and, in the form of a child only four feet in height, walked about with her hands behind her head, kicking her feet as she stepped in a circle around the stump. "What has already been done and failed, must not be repeated with hopes of a different result. That is madness, and madness will only add to the dark evil growing in this age."

Into this moment a pair of Ravens flew down and landed upon branches overlooking the grove, and at the gap between trees where they were perched strode a tall figure in dark robe. In his hand was a staff bearing no design or mark, and his cloth was drab and without means to catch the eye. This figure would walk among the world unseen and unknown, but here his identity was all too obvious, for it was indeed Odin, The Allfather, come at the call of the mother of creation. His hair was moonlight, and one eye was all the galaxy for it's color, while the other was dark as pitch. A long beard completed his image of an old man of little note, but his bearing was such that none save a will to equal his own could stand unbowed by his presence. "Gaia, You have called me forth, and while I suspect much to your reason and designs, I would have them set plain to me. Do you truly seek to bring back the Grand Pantheon?"

Upon the arrival of Odin things seemed to grow a bit more intense. Nimsirril seemed to take a step back only to turn to an odd tree which suddenly grew a face and was in the company of an intense fiery being and one of shadow and light.

"Gaia!" Loa Racine boastfully and joyfully called out to the earth mother. The Shadow Lord presented with open arms a deep blue crystal while the fiery being added his own spark of life to the gem causing it to flair up seeming to come to life at the warmth of his flames.

"A pleasure to finally meet you." Shabot-Urn spoke while Akanatur just simply nodded and took the gem only to place it before the Mother of the Earth. Towards the other beings little was said but the talking tree and Nimsirril seemed to enjoy the show for what it was worth.

Glancing as all arrives she nodded at all, "as I said dear Loki, this is not meant to be something of pure goodness. I myself am not without tarnished actions, because even at times a Mother must be firm. That being said, yes Odin I do intend to bring this back completely, of course I would not endevour to do so under the old name, for despite what it resembled, the old name carries the baggage. The bickering, the infighting and such. No we must be united even if we don't see eye to eye on everything. And sadly because I am by far most neutral in this assemblance of Grand Cosmic powers I must be the one to make the call." pausing she surveyed them all, trying to diagnose their views or at least understand.

Finally she turned to Imnariel, "It failed because there was too much focus on what we are and less on what we can do. There were too many opposing voices and less unity. If we are to do this, we must all understand from this point on if we hold powers above this planet or any other we can only rely on worshippers, avatars or basically mortals. We cannot directly interfere unless dangeorus powers can be reined. Then we would call them here to stand before us and be judged for their crimes against the Cosmos. We need to show these planets we are listening and doing all we can. My belief is if we act as a United Front we could topple evils we have not been able to harm since their inception." gently she approached the spirit, "You are wise young one and wisdom is something many lack, but you have to understand as this planet suffers so do I. If I was to remove the glamor I wear, you would witness centuries of destruction on my body. I can't bear merely watching, we must act, but yes previously this failed. I can give no guarantee it won't this time... but surely I am not the only one who grows tired of watching all they work for be molested by dark intent?"

It was this time Hel spoke, still glaring, she stared away from her Father, "Noble gestures yes Mother of Creation, but can you be sure you can trust people like my Father? He has shown in the past that when trusted he will abuse it. The Great Allfather and my true kindred no doubt knows this... what is to prevent his schemes fracturing this?"

Listening Gaia nodded her mature but kindly feature radiating warmth despite the mood, "I know you despise him dear Hel, but by letting him be part of this, I am showing Loki something he rarely gets, respect and I believe he would not jeapordize that. After all few try make me angry and respect of I is hard to regain."

Loki chose then to step forward. "Far be it from myself to say I am without fault, indeed my faults are my pride, as it is my belief that perfection is boring, and that without chaos there is nothing to live for..." He paused then and looked to the east, as though seeing farther than his bounds would suggest. "That said... Chaos is ever it's own worst enemy, as a fire will burn unchecked until there is nothing left to burn, and then it dies... No, in this I am with all of you, even my step-father" He would shoot a glare at Odin. "For if the actions being taken in this grand game are allowed to continue unabated, then eventually the game will end.. And it would be at all our loss." He looked then at his daughter and took steps to be within her reach. "If you cannot trust me, then trust in my nature, for you know better than most that the last thing I could ever want is for all my toys to be lost forever" He said with a grin.

The spirit, in response to Gaia stepped lithely away, her body growing in height and stature till she stood a tall, mature woman with deep emerald eyes, both vibrant and eternal. "It is good, earth mother, that you do not claim to know what may happen, for it is folly to think to know the future. Even those among our stature who walk the endless paths of time know that there is no certainty in its existence. Still, though my doubts remain, my decision is made, indeed it has been made since I heard your call. I have been among those who ruin and desecrate your body and have long despised that no action or punishment has been made to them. That you finally take a stand against the evils of this reality is reason enough for me to march to your call" And then she tilted her head, her shape changing back into that of a child, "Even if I think your still not doing what you ought."

Odin was silent through all of this, and even those who knew his mind best would have had difficulty seeing his thoughts. His chin was tucked against his chest, his hands gripped the staff with strain as he pondered his own decisions. At long last he spoke "Long ago me and my kindred did partake in mortal affairs, and our actions made little impact, if indeed they ever made any, upon the course of affairs. And while I do not deem that my house be stronger than those gathered here, even so we were no small strength. And if all our power could change but a little, how can even a grand host as such we have here do much more than give pause to those forces we seek to array against? Even as mighty as we each may be, we shall need far more than we have, and it is doubtful that we shall be able to keep reign on so many divine beings..."

Odin strode forth and paced a small circle through the grove, his face grim and silent, his steps whispers of dark secrets and thoughts. At long last he paused, facing south. "Before we speak any further, Gaia, there are questions I must ask before I put forth my counsel." He spoke, facing south yet still. "First, you spoke of the dark creature Erebuz and his ambition, and of the darkness it shall bring. But spoke also you did of Lucifer, a child of eden, but all you had to say of him was that his return would make things more difficult... Do you know anything of his plans?"

"Out of all the evils in the world one truly has to imagine if you are even neutral anymore." The great tree finally spoke up and looked upon all with his wizened eyes. His branches and leaves would sway with the wind and for every leaflet that seemed to be lost to the air of the grove another would quickly take its place and change the appearance of the old wood into a different kind of tree.

"Gaia, it is the very nature of evil, you sought us out and called our names but change is inevitable." The old fire within the trees eyes and mouth seemed to turn a pale green as it began to look around and feel the world it had seeded itself in. "I recall when the world was gray and the only thing that remained was eternal dragons and everlasting trees. I was only a sapling but I was also like yourself."

Shabot-Urn and the fire elemental both nodded but Nimsirril crossed his arms and leaned himself up against the apple tree watching and listening. if this Lucifer and the other dark thing truly did pose a threat then it was obvious that this new pantheon would need followers that would worship and love them.

Hel grimaced with a look of utter hatred before saying very quietly but with much venom, "You speak such charismatic words Father, but in reality you would imprison your own children in your churlish machinations. I chose not to play that game and instead make more of myself. That being said..." she sighed visibly appearing utterly furious, "I respect Gaia and far be for me to speak over her trust. Does not mean I have to like it though..."

With that the Underworld Goddess was silent once more, while Gaia appeared saddened as she tried to think, "I find it both tragic and amusing only Loki out of most here can realize the true pressing concerns we have. I realize something must be done but once again we are being faceless sentinels only watching never acting." her expression grew more hurt as she continued, "Each act on this planet burns and marks my body. My planet, my beautiful child weeps. I weep for their follies, but like most children they need guidance and if we do nothing because we decide that time has decided we shall not act... what then... what even are we? Everyday diabolical and malign monsters, creatures wound my body and act without understanding the cycle... they harry it forward and we are to allow them? I am old, older than most here, but even I have patience that will end and it has reached this point." continuing she gazed at all, "I don't intend to control the fates I just want for things to be equal. My brother Erebuz would rather sod the laws and merely lead to her eventual act. Meanwhile the people who could do something are stuck debating and bickering... Is it not time we evolved the board. We can't directly act, but if people know of us they will listen and act for us."

Finally she turned to Odin, "The children of Eden Lilith and Eve once controlled Hell but an event took place and now he is free. I do not know what he plans, but I do know those who showed allegiance in the past will do so. Although those currently in Hell it is truly uncertain. I do think though Lucifer will try find a way to prevent himself being a tool of Erebuz. I don't know how he would but it is possible despite my Brother thinking otherwise."

Continuing she went on, "Dear AllFather I know you tried in the past, but if we gave up when we failed, we would get nowhere. I have done things lately to help others, even if consoling those without hope or even watching events that took place in Hell. I cannot directly act, but if we are united we could react again Erebuz since he is after all far more dangeorus than any mortal. We are the only bulwark against him. For this to succeed we must pledge to keep the infighting out of this and all personal or private disagreements should be ignored. We are not one anymore, we are many. We are the Astra Sigmatus the last line of defense for mortals when all else fails. We cannot directly intervene but we can do far more than twiddle our thumbs surely."

Odin turned to Gaia and nodded to her. "We are in agreement earth mother. For my part at least, I shall join you." He said to her, turning his eyes then to Loki.

Loki shrugged and said "Well, I mean I thought it was already obvious that I intended to join this game. I stated my reasons, and if you need to hear them again, well, too bad." He crossed his arms, feigning a look of disinterest.

Imnariel shifted into the form of a white dove that flew over and landed on Gaia's shoulder. She said nothing, but her intentions were clear nonetheless, the spirit of change would side with the mother of earth.

Odin then looked said aloud. "Further more, All those who would heed my command back in Asgard shall also be joined with this venture. For you are correct. The time of waiting is past. It is time for the gods to show their presence once more." He strode forth and stood before the stump and said, in a more dire tone. "However, Even with us all banded here together, your brother, Erebuz, remains a great threat, and there are none among us who hold a voice in Hell, at least not one strong enough to influence events. Knowing this, it is my counsel that we see to recruiting or otherwise gaining influence over Lucifer. For at this moment, if I were made to choose, it is he alone that I would pit against the odds to bar Erebuz's path."

Loki looked at Odin in shock at this. "Wh-what? Did I just hear that right? Did the Allfather, sacred doer of good acts just suggest we side with a demon lord?" Loki took a couple of steps back towards the edge of the grove. "This seems more something I would suggest, hearing it from you just sounds.... well, wrong!"

Imnariel tilted her head, looking between Loki and Odin, before looking up at Gaia with twinkling eyes.

The elvish sun god simply looked at the others who had accompanied him soon after only to frown as Shabot-Urn and Akanatur simply turned away from the others and made their way back to whatever business they thought was infinitely more important. Luckily Loa Racine remained though it seemed that the old tree began to snore or was in a rather deep trance.

"Might I make a suggestion?" Nimsirril piped up as he had nothing better to do. "I may not be as powerful or as all knowing as everyone here seems to be but it is obvious to me that instead of getting the influence of someone who seems to be detests why not send our scions out to act for us whilst we gain more influence?" Nimsirril crossed his arms and found himself leaning against the old faced tree. "I am unsure if Loa Racine has any scions but obviously it would seem to be the most appropriate way to deal with this situation."

Her soft warm eyes gazed over all and a sweeping sadness spread over her expression as others left, but most remained. There was a calmness to Gaia, a beautiful peace, but many warned of her temper and never dared broach it for fear of what may be unleashed. Nonetheless for now she remained the maternal side of her personality, the kind, compassionate face, "It is possible we could talk to the former fallen angel of Hell. It is difficult to speak to Lucifer, for his sin is pride and arrogance and like my brother he rarely thinks outside the box. Perhaps though his imprisonment has toned that side down. I would be open to the idea, if only because you believe Allfather that we should speak to him. I am apprenhensive about this, but we need allies and Lucifer would at least show we are not discriminating based on past sins. For this to work we must be a united front that much is evident."

Gently her head turned to towards Nimsirril, "Yes that is an idea we need our influence felt and to show mankind they are not alone. I approve of your thoughts and never diminish yourself child in our eyes. At least in mine no one is worthless or inferior so your thoughts and even ideas are welcome."

Finally her focus was on Loki, "You need to gather rest of your children Loki, because I am afraid Erebuz threaten Ragnarok for yourself. I am sure you don't want that. So gather them all and speak to the mortals let them know they no longer need feel abandoned. The Gods are listening and we are not seperate sentinels but united."

Loki bowed before the mother, and then faded as a mist blown away. Wherever he was off to, and whether he would do as was asked, was, as the mist, in the wind.

Imnariel fluttered over to Nimsirril, landing about his hair and changing into a white furred squirrel, who chittered and chattered in a sing song, thought if she was even paying attention was quite doubtful.

Odin closed his one eye and thought silently to himself, before speaking "A phrase mortals use 'When one is cornered, even a bargain with the devil has it's gleam' I believe it is. Lucifer no doubt finds himself in a troubled place, although I do not know if he is quite so desperate as to accept help from us. Still, we should offer him our assistance in some way, and in return we can make of him a request, giving us a powerful tool to restrain and pull back the growing darkness in the world. After all, no one stands better against evil, than the one who is that evil."

It took awhile but another figure soon joined the group. A woman wearing a bright pink dress and shouldering a bow with two studded gems inside it appeared and gave a small bow before the rest of the deities gathered together. "Apologies for being late, but to make up for this I heard everyone's conversation as I made my way here so there is no need to fill me in." She spoke as she gave a small smile. It was true, she heard the entire conversation from Loki greeting Hel to Odin suggesting that they should side with a demon lord.

It was understandable that she would not have kept up with the news, all she wanted was to live her eternal life in peace. But with the talk about hell and how something was going on threatened everyone's lives. She knew she had to stay here, there was to much of a risk for her to stay out of this. But what could she do? Sure she was an expert at the bow and hunting but other than that she had almost no followers except for that one lone hunter who's family passed their religion to their next of kin and she was not well known compared to the other Gods.

At the very least she was here now, and she was now participating is this meeting of sorts.

"I have to disagree with you Odin." Nimsirril piped up once more. The elven man finally began raise himself from his leaning post only to frown at the notion that the current deities seemed to agree upon. "If anything why would we bargain with any evil?" Nimsirril took a single step forward only to turn his gaze towards the newcomer in pink whilst offering a warm smile. "Again even though you claim my words are heard Gaia it seems that only Lao Racine and I remain, his situation is due until his form withers and dies, even if siding with a fallen angel is the only option present I would like to point out that it is not the wisest choice of action."

The elven godling simply conjured up his bow only to toss it upon the ground at his feet. "Gaia I can say that I know you and that your intentions are benevolent. However I think that this notion you and Odin seem to be under is something that I cannot stand with." Nimsirril like the sun began to set as he walked away from this conversation. His gaze however would linger upon the newcomer with sad eyes whilst the living tree sat unable to truly leave.

"I cannot speak fully for your wisdom. Action is often the best option and yet...." Lao Racine brought his ancient gaze over to the newcomer. "What do you think?" The tree spoke directly to Ondona. "Do you think siding with a fallen angel, something that was created by a being like us, is the best idea when dealing with another evil?" The tree narrowed his eyes upon her and then looked at the others. "I would appreciate what your thoughts on the matter are. My compatriots who left appear to have offered their feelings on the matter. The elvish fellow more so than the other two who had been present moments earlier." The Great Tree simply looked down at the bow Nimsirril had left.