COAXING THE STORM (published 11/28/2013)

The Thunderer sat in his hall and brooded over a horn of mead.  The Trickster continued whispering his honeyed words coaxing the Thunderer to his cause.

“Why should our brother have all the fun in this new world, are we not as deserving as he?” asked Loki.

“Tyr is just beyond all measure and what do I care of some forgotten realm where Yggdrasil’s roots barely touch?” asked Thor dismissively.

Loki smirked, “even one as powerful as you yearns for the praise of your followers, it is the way of things.  We crave the devotion of our worshipers.  Tyr grows stronger while we are relegated to the nine worlds.  Why should Tyr be allowed such favor when Odin’s mightiest son is so caged?”

Thor stood and raged, “I am the lightning and the gale, the thunder that shakes the nine worlds, none may cage Thor!”

“Of course not, yet here you sit while Tyr roams where he pleases.” Encouraged, Loki seized the opportunity to stoke the volatile storm that brewed before him.  “Well I suppose you can always venture into Jotunheim and slay a giant or two that always seems to impress your devotees.  I on the other hand would have more.”

“What are you suggesting Trickster, the Allfather has forbidden us to stray from the nine worlds and even I would not court Odin’s wrath.”

“Nor would I dear brother, but where Tyr walks openly with the Allfather’s blessing I would play by proxy.”  Loki said with a wink.  Thor gave Loki a confused look and bade him continue.

“Has Heimdall not been present in Faerun even longer than Tyr under the guise of Helm?”  Asked Loki.

“Tis true, but this was at the Allfather’s bidding to guard Gladsheim from even the most remote threats.” Replied Thor.

“What better way to protect the Allfather’s interests than to bring more of the multiverse under Asgardian influence.  Is it not better to take the fight to the enemy than wait for him to deliver the first blow?” reasoned Loki.

“What do you propose brother?”

Loki smiled inwardly knowing that his dimwitted half-brother had taken the bait.  “Merely that we choose representatives to establish a presence, open a door so to speak, that when… if the opportunity arises we are prepared to step through that door for the good of the Aesir.”

“Very well Loki, I will allow this… for the good of the Aesir.” Said Thor as he drained his horn of the last of its mead.