A bit of a Chat

"Not that I'm not happy you're coming around to the whole 'saving the world' concept, but this is scaring the...heck out of me. I mean, does this mean other myths are real? Vampires, werewolves, all that jazz? Ugh. Also, what's Ragnarwhoosit?"

Nils sighed. "I don't THINK Vampires are real, or at least I know that when we thought Steve was a Vampire Rachel thought we were idiots for thinking so. But I don't really know." He took another, smaller drink of his wine. "Ragnarok is the Norse name for the end of the world. It's been prophesized that one day the Jotunn will rise against the gods, and the gods will fall one by one until the world is destroyed." He paused, took another drink. "Supposedly, Loki is the one who will lead them."

"Wait, you're...dad, is supposed to lead the bad guys when everything hits the fan for real? Why is he trying to convince you to, you know, save the world now? That doesn't seem to make any sense."

Nils shrugged, the alcohol now starting to hit his system. He knew he should probably get off the phone before Mary realized what was going on, but he couldn't quite bring himself to leave the conversation with his family. He needed the comfort, even if it meant Mary finding out about the drinking. "Hell if I know, Mary. I don't think he wants to, any more than the other gods want to die. It's just what's supposed to happen. But for all I know he could be manipulating me. He's the god of lies and trickery, I can't begin to fathom what his motivation for anything is." He was fighting the wine, but he couldn't quite keep from slurring just a touch. If Mary wasn't looking for it, she might not notice. Those cross continent phone calls could get a little sketchy.

"Ok, maybe this has to do with the whole god thing, but I don't understand. What do you mean 'its what's supposed to happen?'" I didn't think you bought into predestination, and I certainly don't. That kind of thinking is what got us into, well, most of the problems we've got in the world right now. and now you're telling me the people in charge of it all, the people with the power to change it, are sitting on their," Mary lowered her voice to a whisper for one word, "asses because that's what's supposed to happen? That's insane!"

Nils smiled. "I agree, Mary. These Norse gods are way too fatalistic, all in all. From what he said, Loki's not buying into this, at least. And that's comforting in a way. It shouldn't matter, but knowing that he's working against what he's supposed to be doing gives me hope. Well, as much as you can really KNOW anything about what Loki's doing." He started to take another swig of wine, only to be pecked hard on the hand by Watson. He frowned at the bird but put the bottle down. "In any case, WE'RE not going to sit around and let it happen. Y'know, if we can figure out what to do to stop it."

Nils could hear his parents voices indistinctly in the background for a few moments, accompanied by several noncommital noises from Mary. Sighing, she responded:

"Well, they're telling me I need to get off the phone, but I don't want to leave it like this. Things sound really crazy right now, and it doesn't seem like that's going to change anytime soon. Luckily for us, crazy has been our lives for a long time. I can't pretend to understand, but I feel I need to say something here that, if you mention it again, I will kill you, but here goes. I believe in you, Nils. Whatever the weirdness, no matter what comes our way, I know you can handle it. You've dealt with so much, and I'm sorry we've got this bit more, but I'm here. And I'll be there as soon as I can. Stay safe, big brother."

Nils smiled at Mary's vote of confidence in him. "Thanks, Mary. As usual, I'll be sure to keep in touch. Try to get Mum and Dad to send you during spring break, if you can. Aimee's got a really great gig in New Orleans. I'm sure you'd enjoy it. I'll do my best to stay safe, and you make sure to do the same. BE CAREFUL. Now that you know, you're better prepared, but until you get your visit, you're relatively helpless. Just take care of yourself."
He sighed. "Tell Mum and Dad I love them, and same to you, Mary."
With that, the call was over, and he settled back down with his wine bottle, fully intending to drink himself into a stupor if at all possible.