12 days of Yule Mischief

Chapter 8 - Mead

Fenrir, Vali, and Sleipnir were outside playing in the forest, Jor was busy with the little ducklings, and Nari was now reading Shakespeare's Richard III and mumbling something about how the humans hadn't completely forgotten about the gods, since this Richard guy was somewhat similar to Odin - right down to having his two nephews killed, which, considering that Loki and Odin mixed blood, is basically what Vali and Nari are to Odin. Hel had pulled out one of the puzzles her half brothers got for her, and was attempting to find the piece with the point of the nisse hat with the help of Sigyn who had cleared away after dinner and loaded the dishwasher. Ian had, occasionally, been tempted to ask why Sigyn was the one doing all the housework, but then reminded himself that Loki would not be above putting laundry soap in the dishwasher just to see what would happen, much less opposed to throwing the knives around if he was asked to do the cooking. Perhaps, Ian decided, it was less of a gender role and more of a safety precaution in this house.

"How about a drink?" Loki offered, leaning back on the couch he shared with the ladies.

"Sure," Ian shrugged. "That would be nice."

"I have a batch of nice, old fashioned mead, like the stuff that used to flow from Heidrun to the basin in Valhalla - but I also have something called beer, which I've been told is more in fashion now." Not the slightest bit in doubt what they were supposed to answer, they both agreed to try the mead. Loki came back with glasses for everyone, a pitcher of mead, and a six pack.

"Hakon the Good once claimed," Hel informed. "That Yule lasts as long as the mead lasts, so drink slowly." Ian accepted the glass of mead Loki handed him with a soft chuckled.

"And how long did his Yule last?" he inquired.

"About three days," Hel answered with a soft chuckle to match his.

"Imagine drinking for three days straight," Max laughed with a shake of his head.

"Lightweight," Loki assured them. With cautious lips Max and Ian both took a hesitant sip at the same time, letting the dark golden liquid rest in the mouth before swallowing.

"Not what I expected," Ian admitted.

"Yeah, it's definitely more... more wine like than beer like." Both of them were acutely aware that Loki was watching them intently, waiting to see their reaction. They both took a sip more.

"It's actually not bad," Max declared. "Kinda sweet, like..." Ian took another sip.

"Like honey?" he replied unsurely. Loki smiled widely.

"Is there honey in this?" Max demanded.

"Well, it's mead," Loki replied. "Of course there's honey in it." Max took another sip, leaning back and enjoying it.

"Not half bad," he declared.

"Yeah, it's pretty good," Ian agreed. "No need to bring the beer out too." Loki laughed.

"Well, actually," he said, ripping a beer from the plastic and showing it to the guys. On a red circle, in the old English font, were written clearly in white letters: "Thor". No doubt it was a brand name. Max smiled softly, but Ian let out a chuckle.

"Guess your nephew is still famous," he commented.

"It tastes like dog's piss though," Loki informed them gleefully.

"Really?" Ian said. "Well, I'll be the judge of that." He opened up a can and took a sip. "Yeah, okay, American beer is definitely better." He put the beer resolutely back down on the table and didn't touch it again. Even Max had to admit he couldn't quite decipher if Ian was being truthful or telling Loki what he obviously wanted to hear, but it hardly mattered.