Grugar got stuck in a tree again.
This morning was already better than yesterdays with a normal alarm waking the couple up instead of a nisse in your face. Loki put on more comfortable asgardian clothes. While Mobius put on a huge sweatshirt that looks like a giant would wear. (It was loki’s sweatshirt.) They the whole day to themselves before the family are going to go to the Dwarven party. Apparently Sean woke up esarly and made breakfast for everyone.
“Thank you Sean, I was ready to make simple cereal.” Mobius said sitting infront of the plate of cinnamon rolls.
“No problem, besides I was bored.” Sean sat in his regular seat next to his brother, who was already half way through his second roll.
“How early did you wake up?” Loki asked while sitting into his chair, holding two cups of coffee. One for himself and one for Mobius. Sean grabbed himself a roll and put on extra icing with a spoon.
“Eh, around Six? Maybe a little earlier.” Sean took a bite of his roll. Loki leaned back in his seat. He liked the rolls, he did, its just that sometimes they were a little to sweet for him. Mobius loved them to pieces. The man was already on his second roll, and kevin was on his third. Loki grabbed one and put it on his plate, planning to eat at least half to make sure Sean feels good.
“That’s real early kiddo, any reason why?” Mobius said, pieces of icing stuck in his mustache.
“Nothing really, Tontu was trying to get my alarm clock to add to his stash and accidentally set it off, and I couldnt get back to sleep.” Sean looked over to loki’s plate, where he had only taken one bite. “Is it good dad?” Sean asked, changing the subject.
“Yeah! Yeah, I just am not the sweet tooth. But hey more for these two.” Loki gestured to Mobius and Kevin. Mobius gave Loki one heck of a side-eye before finishing his roll.
“Alright mr. not a sweet tooth, tell that to the box of pop tarts you can eat in one sitting.” Mobius smirked at Loki’s gaping face. Its true, he really can. Specifically the ones with blue icing.
“Hey Thor is the one who peer pressured me int trying one! And now I can’t stop.” Loki groaned, putting his face into his hands. Mobius and Kevin were laughing. “Listen, Sean the rolls are really good, I swear. But like have you tried a pop tart?” Loki said while Sean looked at him with done look on his face.
“Dad I’ve lived on midgard all my life, of course I’ve had pop tarts.” Sean said rolling his eyes slightly. “Anyways what’s the plan for today?” Sean said while loki gave Mobius the rest of his roll.
“I might want to check in with the Council to see what the newest update is on the current situation,” Loki said, straightening his back. “Kevin, Sean, could you two go check on the trolls, make sure none of them are stuck in the sun.” Loki said in a more serious tone, not harsh, but informative.
“Yeah of course. Im sure Grugar got himself suck in a tree again.” Kevin groaned, even Sean shared the same reaction. “Always have to be careful getting him out, scared one day were gonna break his arm off.” Kevin picked up his plate and brought it to the sink.
“But let me guess, im gonn have to do all the dishes again aren’t I?” Kevin placed his plate into the sink. “Oh Sean, I’ll help you before I leave.” Loki grabbed the rest of plates around the table and went into the kitchen.
“So, how’d you sleep last night?” Mobius asked, using a napkin to clean his signature mustahche. “Fine, I was fine. Dad you relly don’t have to worry about me.” Sean leaned back in his chair.
“Sean, I’m married to the god of lies I know when your lying.” Mobius leaned forward over the table, grabbing his mug of coffee. “And I’m going to stay married to the god of lies if that’s your concern.” Mobius added right before sipping his coffee. Sean bite the inside of his cheeks.
“I know you arent gonna split up, not after all you did just so you could be with each other. But it’s just, the idea haunts me.” Sean shuddered a bit, wrapping his arms around himself. A worried look fell over Mobius’ face.
“Im sorry kiddo, I know it must be hard. If you ever need to talk you know me and your father are always here for you.” Mobius said, getting up and putting a hand on Sean’s shoulder.
“I know, you always have. It’s just, even after Einar’s parents just split up too. I want to be there for her too, but it’s not like she can move in with us that’d be a lot.” Sean said, looking up to Mobius, slight tears prickling at the corners of his eyes.
“Well she also knows that our door is always open to her. And we’ve talked about this before how she can stay for multiple nights because of her” mobius paused, “situation.” the ‘Situation’ was a pretty crazy one. Einar is a close friend of Sean’s. Met at Sean’s old job as a book keeper, bonded over their shared love for scandinavian mythology and short stories. But Einar’s parents have been less than kind to her for years, not to mention each other. They finally cut off from each other a year ago and now they finally have to paperwork to prove it. Einar went to the closest friend she had, Sean. Worried, Sean told Loki and Mobius and immediantly took pity on her, making sure she has a safe place to be away from both of her parents. But since the family moved to The Valley away from a lot of people, they still wanted Einar to have easy access to them, so Loki made a small portal in a closet of their old house so she could sneak in and out, and also helps the family go to events and things in town.
“Yeah, but also we haven’t seen her in a while, I want her to be ok. But at the same time how am I supposed to help her when I’m constantly scared that you two could just end at any moment.” Sean spoke very fast, Mobius almost missed most of it. But it was true, It had been a couple of days since they’ve seen her.
“How bout this, I go into town and go visit the bookstore and see if she’s there.” mobius offered, and Sean perked up. “Could I go?” Sean sounded excited. Makes sense since it was always his favorite spot. Surrounded by stories, it feels so homey. “You’re gonna leave your brother to deal with Grugar by himself?” Mobius put his hands on his hips while Sean seemed to melt in his seat.
“I dunno. Can we go after lunch then? I know she likes to go there during her lunch break, I’m sure we can catch her then.” Sean added before standing up next to his seat. “I’ll go with Kev to go fish Grugar out of a tree then at lunch we can go check on Einar?” Sean asked as Mobius moved out of the way so Sean could make it to the kitchen.
“Sounds like a plan.” Mobius said before following Sean into the kitchen. Loki and Kevin were just finishing up the dishes and putting them away into the oak cabinets. It was a pretty big space with tiled floors and pale white painted wood for the walls. Pothos were growing along the walls, the pot sitting ontop of the wooden cabinet by the window above the sink. There was no wall separating the kitchen from the dining room, only a long island to the side of the room. The four of them can fit in the room but would have to press up against the walls to pass each other.
“Im just about to head out, Does anyone need anything before I leave?” Loki said drying some water off of his hands with a sweet orange towel. “Nope! All good here.” Kevin said still placing bowls onto a shelf.
“No, we’re alright. Good luck with the council unless you want me to come too?” Mobius asked, putting his hands back onto his hips like thats where they were supposed to be. Loki had a thinking look on his face, the debating in his head showed in his eyebrows and scrunched nose.
“I wouldn’t mind, but I was hoping you could get the boys to the trolls but I’m sure they can handle themselves.” Loki said looking at the two kids who look like puppies and Loki just offered a treat.
“Yeah we can handle ourselves, besides the worst thing that can happen is the Goblins decide to pull a prank on the path agin.” Sean said, sounding less annoyed at the goblins and more amused. Loki himself chuckled lightly, probably at a memory of himself falling victim to one of the Goblin’s playful mischief.
“Alright, I trust you two enough to go without one of us, but bring Tontu please he has to get out of the house.” Loki said just as the little furrball poofs onto the counter. Even though you can’t see his eyes you can tell that the little nisse had a cross look on his face.
“For your information I am perfectly fine inside this fine home. Especially that I clean it for you and I keep it safe.” Tontu lifted his huge nose into the air, and puffed out his chest even though it was hard to tell with his over sized sweater that covers even his legs. “As guardian of your household, I request to stay here while you all go out and complete your duties.” Tontu announced, he even pressed his tail against the counter to make himself seem bigger.
“Yeah, uh no, youre going to go visit the trolls. Perhaps you can meet some other nisse.” Loki suggested. Tontu groaned with disappointment.
“Sire, you should know us nisse do not fancy each other. We are to protective of our possessions.” Loki looked like he wanted to roll his eyes so badly, but instead he patted Tontu on the head with a stretched grin and said, “you wil be just fine Tontu.” the nisse groaned again and poofed into seans bag which was sitting on the island.
“Well alright then, lets get going.” He said with as little enthusiasm as he could muster. Sean laughed as he picked up the bag and placed it across his body. Kevin waved enthusiasticly before bolting out the back door and running into the woods.
“Kevin! Wait up!!” Sean tightened his grip on the bag “Hold on Tontu!” And ran after the younger brother. Loki and Mobius were left laughing at the kids and their tom foolery.
The plan was to walk to the trolls on foot, or run as Kevin was doing, but it was an honest surprise when they saw Skinfaxi and Hrimfaxi came running up to them, coming to a halt infront of them. “Sup guys, going for a run in the woods? Cool, cool.” Kevin Looked straight up to see the very tall stallion looming over him. Harifaxi lowered his nose that was an inch away from Kevin’s face and made direct eye contact. After a moment Haifaxi reered back and danced on his back hooves before returning to all four. “So you’ll give us a ride!” Kevin exclaimed, Sean was very confused. Harifaxi nodded his head, his long black mane dancing in the air. Kevin squealed and immediantly jumped on the back of the horse.
“So i guess it’s you and me huh?” Sean said when Skinfaxi turned to his side so Sean could easily climb on. Skinfaxi snorted in response, Sean assumed that meant a yes. And so the drumming of hooves echoed through the trees as they raced under the green leaves of summer. Sean clung onto Skinfaxi’s mane to stay on. Kevin was waving his hands in the air as if the path was a rollercoaster. Hooping and hollering as they began to near the Goblin village. The path went wrather close to the village suspended in the canopy. Sean looked up to see the little green and blue creatures swing on ropes and run across bridges going branch to branch all laughing and grinning. A couple turned to wave, a few piled ontop of each other to see the brothers. Sean looked to see Kevin waving back at them, the biggest smile on his face.
Kevin loved the Goblins, they loved going and setting things ablaze just for either Loki or Mobius to find them later. Setting up harmless pranks on the trails and making the loudest fart noises with their armpits. It was like a whole colony of 14 year old boys. Of course the Goblins had some respect, they learned from the start to not cause any harm to anyone or anything or else. Once the goblins tried to prank a poor mare running in the woods and that mare almost broke a leg if Loki didnt swoop in and stop them. He really made the Goblins stay in their place. Of course the God didn’t care for a harmless prank from time to time, setting up his own in the kitchen for Mobius, but he doesn’t want any one getting hurt.
Sean pulled Skinfaxi to a halt for a moment and called out “See any trolls stuck in the sunlight?” Some of the Goblins put on a thinking face. Holding their chins with their hands, sticking out tongues, and scratching heads. A female Goblin jumped up onto a railing to make herself visible, holding a cup of øl in her hand. “I think I saw that green lookin’ one stuck in a birch tree up on the northeast side!” She called out, clearly some influence on her voice. Sean called out a thanks before tapping Skinfaxi with his calves and had to run to catch up with Kevin.
“So what’s the news bro?” Kevin shouted when they were galloping side by side. “Grugar is stuck in a birch tree this time!” Sean looked to his left side where Kevin was. “Ha! At least he’s adding in some variety!” Sean nodded. “Come on! She said northeast so we’ve gotta pass the troll market.” Sean yelled as Skinfaxi took the lead. “Do you think we should stop bye the market? Just to make sure everyone there is good?” Kevin poked his head out from behind Harifaxi’s dark mane. Sean looked behind him seeing Kevin’s floating head he shook his head. “I’m sure the fairies are already there for trade and stuff.” Sean got an “Alright!” in response.
They passed by the cave’s entrance and Sean was right, some elves just got someone out of the light with an umbrella. Fairies carrying a small troll back to a waiting mother at the mouth of the cave. It always made Sean feel good when everyone got along. Sure everyone had some grudges and poinions but for the most part they made it their buisness and no one elses. Of course there’s always one old toad who’s gotta be made at everyone, but hey, there must be balance or else druagr are gonna start popping up everywhere and no one wants that.
It didnt take long to see the large green rock with a face high up stuck in a pale white tree. “How in the realms are we gonna get him down?!” Kevin shouted, thrusting his hands into the air. Skinfaxi and Harifaxi both stood still with Kevin and Sean still mounted on their backs. “Perhaps Tontu could climb up there and push him out while we hold a towel or something to catch him.” Sean suggested opening the brown bag at his side.
“Dang it I’ve gotta do what now?” Tontu groaned, poking his nose outside of the bag. “Oh come on, hes not that heavy, just a good shove and he’ll be down in no time.” Kevin hopped off of Harifaxi and stood at the botom of the tree’s trunk peering up at Grugar who was snugged between two thick branches.
“Or, Tontu can bring up something to block the sun and help him climb down with shade?” Sean dug into the bag and found a towel, holding it up for the three to see.
“Oh, thats so much smarter.” Kevin said lifting Tontu to the tree trunk. Sean handed him the towl.
“Now Grugar is nice but he’s like the blond white guy of the trolls. Just a little lost.” Sean said as Tontu climbed the tree. “A little? He’s stuck in a tree!” Kevin exclaimed while pointing up at the stuck troll. “Good to know!” Tontu shouted, a bit of sarcasm stuck in his sappy voice.Tontu finally reached the troll and suspended his the towl over his bod, blocking the sun, and he came to life.
Grugar shooke some of the leaves out of the blue fur around his shoulders. “Where am I? And who are you?” His deep grouchy voice sounded simply lost. He looked around with his big green eyes. “I’m Tontu and you’re stuck in a tree so lets climb down together buddy.” Tontu jumped onto Grugar’s back and they climbed down with Tontu holding the towel over them.
They hit the grass with a thud Sean and Kevin grabbing the edges of the towel to help make more shade. “C’mon we need to get you to the market,” Sean said as they lead the crouching troll back to the cave a little south of where they were. Skinfaxi and Harifaxi followed close behind them, acting as extra shade for them. The walk wasnt terribly far, but it felt like an eternity with Grugar being as slow as he was. Trolls weren’t that big either, Grugar only came up to around Sean’s waist, but they couldn’t seem to get the troll on his feet.
“Grugar, it’ll be ok if you touch the sun a lil bit, im sure it may sting a bit but you’ll be fine,” Sean tried to consol the poor thing, patting him on the shoulder, his skin felt like it was still rock, etched with runes that Sean couldn’t decipher. “I know, I know. I’ve got to stop getting stuck in trees. But the berries look so good.” Grugar groaned, putting his flat face into his large hands.
“Oh c’mon buddy, im sure someone can get you berries. A fairy or an elf maybe,I’m sure they’d be happy to help you out.” Kevin said, peeking underneath the towel. There was a grunt from the troll, Sean couldn’t tell if it was a happy grunt or a sad grunt. “Alright, I’ll ask.” Grugar mumbled just as the cave came into sight. Some trolls with little umbrellas stood at the threshold talking to other trolls or elves, or dwarves.
“Oh we’re so close!” Kevin said as the entered the small meadow between them and the mouth of the cave. “Hey! Can you help us out with this guy! He’s a little slow!” Sean shouted and two elves rushed over, their own umbrellas in hand.
“Oh thank you so much,” Sean said taking the whole towel back, putting it back with tontu in the bag. “Of course, no problem your majesty.” The taller elf said, crouching down to Grugar’s level to help him across the grass. “Wait, your majesty? I’m not a prince or anything,” Sean said as Skinfaxi moved to stand behind him. The shorter elf looked at him with a knowing look in their eyes. “Just wait until you get the news.” She said before opening her umbrella to help cover Grugar.
“What the heck does that mean?” Kevin asked as Harifaxi moved closer to him so he can climb on. “I have no idea, all I know is that im gonna have to make a visit to the book shop in town.” Sean said after he mounted Skinfaxi. “Wait really?! Can I come!?” Kevin asked with little animated sparkles in his eyes. “We’re only checking on Einar.” Sean said as the horses began to trot towards the trail. “Oh, yeah you go get your girlfriend. Count me out.” Kevin left Sean with a look of shock on his face.
“Ok 1, she is not my girlfriend. 2, Only I’m allowed to do that with Frida and Hilda.” Sean said as they hit the trail and soon the sound of thumping hooves drowned out their conversation.
“You ‘bout ready kiddo?” Mobius asked as Sean put Tontu onto the counter so he could easily jump back into nowhere space. “Yeah,” Sean grabbed his loose green jacket that defiantly looked Midgardian. Loki walked into the living room, clearly something was on his mind by the look on his face.
“Oh please, just because you’re going into town doesn’t mean you have to look homeless,” Loki remarked with a playful look of disgust replacing the previous look of concern. “Ok not everyone’s midgard clothes are sleek black suits,” Mobius said grabbing an old rainjacket, the tva logo clearly shown on the sleeve.
“Well, good luck finding Einar, and tell her she’s welcome here whenever,” Loki said leaning on the couch, watching Sean open the closet door revealing nothing but clothes. “Thank you lovebug.” loki rolled his eyes as Mobius left a goodbye kiss on Loki’s cheekbone. “Love you too, see you later,” Loki said before returning to his office upstairs.
“Alright, time to hit the road.” Mobius said as Sean moved the clothes the show the swishing green portal that leads to their other house. The other house they live in during the school year to help Kevin get to school easier. And Sean to his new university. Sean looked to Mobius with a hopeful look on his face.
“To Narnia!” Mobius said as they entered the portal.