video @L.Mills

[thestoriesarereal]

[The video turns on to show a little girl wearing a jean jacket with some store bought brownies on a plate. She looks a little nervous, but it fades when she smiles at the camera.]

So...I was told there were other gods and demigods here. And if none of you are busy, I'd really like to talk to you? Cause...I only know of gods from history books and stories, but it would be nice to know what actually happened and what was really embellished--cause author's tend to do that.

[And then she remembers the brownies.]

I've got brownies too! So...your time's not wasted or anything.

[Hopefully Grandma Emma won't be upset about this...her granddaughter basically asking to talk to strangers...

But really, what's the harm?

...And hopefully the gods and demigods like chocolate.]

Comments

[thestoriesarereal]

I think she would be. I can always ask. I promised I'd be careful...so..

But, I can always ask that later. May I hear the story please?

[dothelokimotion]

[ He chuckles. ]

Fine. How about the musician of Trill?

[thestoriesarereal]

Sure! I've never heard of them, but yes! Please!

[dothelokimotion]

[ His voice picks up a smoother cadence. ]

Long ago, there was a musician who traveled the lands with nothing but his two instruments, a lute and a violin. He would carry tales and spread them across the land. It is said that the earth could not breathe without music, so it was his mission to cover every tract of land.

[thestoriesarereal]

[Lucy nods her head, eager and excited. She's writing down a few things, but she does enjoy the sound of his voice. It's the accent, really it is.]

[dothelokimotion]

Unfortunately, along his travels, he was stopped at Trill where a large unruly group of giants resided. They were greedy creatures and never cared for others, only what mattered to them. They refused him passage, no matter how much the musician begged and pleaded. Instead, they laughed and said, "If you can make us dance, then we shall let you pass."

The musician was aghast for giants were cold and heavy at heart. Nothing moved them, nothing stirred their souls. They were cold, unfeeling monsters.

[thestoriesarereal]

[Lucy's stopped writing, hanging off of Loki's words, waiting with anticipation for what happened next. She hoped the musician would be able to play on. That the giants could have a change of heart.]

...And then what happened?

[dothelokimotion]

For a while, the musician languished, unsure of what path to take. He sang to the birds, the animals, the rocks. And they . . . listened. With that, he had an idea. Taking out his lute, the musician played a lively tune. The boulders rolled over the ground. The birds let out a cacophany to accompany the music. The animals ran, helter-skelter on the plains. The giants were confused. They had to move their feet to avoid the boulders, they clapped their hands to stop the noise and they turned around to catch the animals.

Once his song finished, the giants had fallen over, exhausted by the myriad of sensations they were exposed to, their worlds exploding with colour. The musician grinned and tipped off his hat. "As I promised," he said, "I have moved you to dance and song. So I shall take my leave of you."

With that, he departed, continuing his journey across the worlds.

[thestoriesarereal]

[That wasn't exactly the story she wanted to hear, but it was a good one nonetheless. Maybe next time, Loki will tell her a tale about himself.]

That was great! And it had a happy ending at the end. [She's grinning and really happy now.]

Have you ever met a giant? Are all of them mean like in your story?

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki wasn't ready to share stories of himself, children or not. He's far too private for that. At Lucy's question, he smooths his expression over. ]

Yes. Giants are disreputable and cruel.

[ Like Loki. ]

[thestoriesarereal]

...But why?

[Such a simple question from a small child who was trying to understand and explore more of what she was told.]

[dothelokimotion]

[ He shrugs. ]

That is their nature.

[thestoriesarereal]

...it can’t be just that. Is there another reason?

[dothelokimotion]

If there is, I know not what it would be.

[thestoriesarereal]

...that’s too bad.

[ Because Giants or any creature or person starts off evil. There had to be a reason.]

Thank you for the story Mister Loki—or should I be calling you something else?

[dothelokimotion]

Loki will do.

[ Mister just sounds . . . off. ]

[thestoriesarereal]

Okay, Loki.

Maybe...you could meet my grandma soon? I’d love to hear another story in person.

[dothelokimotion]

[ He smiles faintly, despite himself. ]

That depends on your grandmother.

[thestoriesarereal]

I think she would be okay with it! I mean, she's pretty easy going..maybe you've met her? I mean, she doesn't look grandma age so...

But her name is Emma.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Hm. ]

Well, she is welcome to find me.

[thestoriesarereal]

But how? And there's two of you, so...how will she know she's talking to the right one?

[dothelokimotion]

I work at the Gramarye Institute. I am not hard to find.

[thestoriesarereal]

Oh...and the other Loki doesn't work there?

...What does the other Loki look like anyway?

[dothelokimotion]

He is a younger, shorter version of myself. And no, he does not work in Gramarye.

[thestoriesarereal]

Oh...okay that'll make it easier to tell the difference.

I'll be sure to tell her, so you two can meet and so I can meet you in person too.