Loki, of course, had little use for such human ceremonies as wedding receptions. He whistled as he headed down the corridor toward the appropriate room, then slipped in unnoticed.
At the long table at the front of the room was the wedding party, the guys in their tuxedos, the girls in their burgundy bridesmaid dresses, except of course for the bride in her elaborate white gown. Various relatives and friends sat at the round tables that mostly filled the rest of the room -- it was easy to spot the bride's relatives, since they, and she, were Chinese.
Most of the attendees had turned their chairs to face the long table, since the best man was standing up, wireless microphone in one hand and glass of champagne in the other, to give his toast. "All kidding aside, though, to John and Jennifer," he said, turning to face the bride and groom and raising his glass, "I thought you were perfect for each other from Day One, and I wish you all the best, and a long, happy life together."
There was a general murmur of agreement throughout the room. John, the groom, stood up to shake the best man's hand; then Jennifer stood up so she could give him a hug. The best man had left the microphone lying on the table, and Loki walked across the room to pick it up.
"Another hand for John and Jennifer!" he exclaimed, gesturing toward the couple. The guests applauded, more out of habit than anything else.
"Now, I know you don't know me," Loki said with a smile, "but I would like to have your attention, and I'm sure you won't even think about leaving this room until I say you can." He looked around at the dozens of faces looking at him expectantly.
"I'm going to give some gifts to the happy couple, and probably some favors for the rest of you," he continued. "So first, I have a question for the groom..."