Shadows of Olympus: Chapter Two IC

[Lillian Thorne]

Athene

Athene was watching the drift of the crowds when a small brown form dropped onto her shoulder. No one saw it and she barely felt it as its eight legs skittered across her pale sculpted shoulder towards her ear. She smiled as she heard its message and with a causal gesture placed it on the pedestal behind her. So the host was here but biding his time. She didn’t blame him, he was sure to get different reactions from those who bothered attending, she herself vacillated between wanting to strangle him on sight and hug him. He was ever a scamp and she always forgave him.

She felt a brush of power against her and turned to see Apollo approaching. He was a sight, like gold that had somehow tarnished. He was unshaven and his hair was a tumbled mess of bright curls, she saw about his face a melancholy that troubled her. Of all those that had faced the hordes at Etna he and Persephone were the most changed. Persephone made sense, she’d lost her husband and never having been a strong goddess the loss had changed her. For the better in Athene’s opinion as the girl had begun to exert herself. But Apollo, he seemed lessened by the experience and she had no real sense of why. This greatly troubled the goddess of wisdom and she found herself puzzling at the source. She smiled at his question and spoke, her voice low and smooth against the faint sounds of the string quartet in one of the galleries which was subtly being piped through the whole affair.

“For the most part. The others will soon arrive I suspect. I am surprised to see you here Harper, but pleased.”

She took a small sip of the champagne and let the full sparkling tartness of it linger on her tongue as her eyes drifted over the crowd of servers still setting up drinks and bustling about, likely providing visual distraction for the early guests so they wouldn’t feel so out of place. One in particular caught her eye for a brief second, slight youth with bright gold hair, the sort that Apollo himself once sported but before her eyes could take him in fully another figure caught the grey eyes of the goddess. She said nothing simply let the figure approach, affection making her hold her tongue, she wouldn’t want to spoil Artemis’ surprise especially since she was likely the only reason that Apollo had come.

As the twins greeted each other she offered them affectionate smiled but made her excuses as she headed across the room to the patch of darkness which held her favorite sibling. He’d slipped in quietly and stood with his back to the room seemingly in deep contemplation of the portraits that decorated the walls. She knew he was aware; his keen mind likely had taken in everyone there. She wondered what he was waiting for, was it her or Her. Either way she made her way to him. He’d been scarce since the battle and she had hated it. Pausing a few feet from him she spoke, the set of her shoulders strong but the look in her eyes much less so, even so great affection filled her low voice.

“Greetings brother, I am pleased to see you, I have missed you these past months.”

[Kartha Rolein]

Poseidon


The mail had arrived early that morning with the mail barge going out towards the other side of the waters to deliver postage to all the sea fairing vessels that made their lives on the sea. It was near mid day by this point. The sun was near the middle of the sky above, its warm rays beating down upon the waters and land alike. A small vessel floated alone about a mile off the coast of Athens, anchored in place.

His pupils dilated just a little with the skin of the lids closing near center as he focused upon the fine letter sitting on his desk in front of him. He hadn't moved from that spot since he noticed the letter in the pile of mail. His fingers were clasped together with his index knuckles pressed to his lips. The boat rocked upon the gentle waves, but he was unstirred in the slightest as he pondered what the letter was for.

Another hour passed without his moving, though the time was spent in more open thought than simple curiosity. A firm breath passed from his nostrils for a moment. His left hand broke from the clasp of his right. He reached the hand towards the letter, grasping it at the base. He slid the letter through the mail till it was at the front of the desk a few inches from him. He leaned forward, grasping the small silver letter opener sitting a few feet from him in its holster.

His fingers held the right corner of the letter in ever so tender a manner as his right hand slipped the blade of the opener under the paper fold. He pressed, cutting the opener blade clean along the edge of the fold to open the envelope up without damaging the contents. He sat the letter opener down, moving his right hand to the opened fold where he grasped at what lay within.

His eyelids expanded away from his pupils in slight amazement that it was an invitation for some family reunion. He examined the fine craft and effort that went into it, knowing just from this that it was from Hermes. The man had always held fine taste, and besides only he would go through such effort for an invitation, or even invite them all to begin with.

Poseidon spent a few moments pondering the reasons, the whys, and the possible explanations but they all angered him a little. Of all the gods who were upset by their present status Poseidon found himself near the bottom of the list. He remembered what it was like to be loved in so glorious a manner, to be strong. It angered him often that he was so weak, so frail as a mere human, save for his immortality. Despite this he found life much simpler now.

There were no arguments, or family quarrels to deal with. There was no treachery, nor vandalism's to occur. Their ego's had been calmed, and their prides diminished but in exchange there was a sense of peace in this. While he longed for worship and love from the mortals again, he had his ocean. He had the creatures within his rich waters. He had his children who visited him often. What's more, he had no reason to worry for their safety.

He leant back into his chair, keeping the invitation within his grasp. He noticed the time, and its date. It was tomorrow. He had a day to make preparations and attend. Just then he heard a soft yawn emanate from the small bedroom in the back of his office. He turned his head and took notice of his waking wife. Her eyelids fluttered open a little, and her supple lips curved to greet him with a gentle smile. She often slept in as she had little to do. It pleased him he could provide her so much comfort in their dire circumstances, and he took pride in it.

He raised his hand bearing the invitation and her smile slipped away. Her eyes pouted for her soul, and she rolled over to the look the other way. The one calm she and he both enjoyed in this painful situation was the pleasant, uninterrupted joy of being together without a parting. Anywhere he had to go she would come, but this she had little desire for.

"Come now my sweet Amphitrite. You know I will not be gone for very long. You could always come with me if you so desired." He attempted to comfort her in such a way as to impress upon her his belief she was so valued amongst them. Still her reply remained with her back turned to him.

"You know if you go, there will likely be a quarrel. You and your brothers can never get along...let's not speak of the others...always choosing sides in your infighting. Just tell them no." She'd reply without looking at him. He offered a comforting exhale as he stood from his chair, tossing the invitation upon his desk. He approached her, sitting upon the side of the bed against her back. He leant over her torso some, grasping at her chin to turn her head towards him so that their eyes would meet.

"You and I both know something has happened. We could both feel it. Whatever it was, it is my responsibility to learn if there is a problem. At the very least I must do so to ensure your protection, and that of my children, if not even taking mortals into consideration. Do not condemn me for such responsibility." He seemed to plead with the end of his statement. His words were taken in a kind gesture, as she would grasp his hand from his chin then raise it to her lips to kiss it in so soft a manner. He took that as her leave for him to depart. With her embrace he lent down, nuzzling her lips from his hand to embrace them with his own. The intimacy lasted only moments, but for them moments were lifetimes.

"Come back to me...and remember though their anger is as strong as yours, it is not so deep within their breast as it is for you. You have accepted this fate far more than they have. Embrace their pain, and try to be comforting." He offered her a sweet smile in return for her words.

"I make only the same promise as I always have. I'll do nothing to jeopardize what is important. Beyond that, I have little control." He's speak back to her, offering another brief peck before departing from her embrace. He walked back to his desk, and picked up the invitation. He slipped it into his pocket as he walked towards the holds door. His left hand grasped the handle and he paused, glancing back to his fair wife for but a moment. "I'll return." He offered as a soothing promise. It was met with a gentle nod.

He opened the door to leave, sighing in a soft tone yet again as he shut the door. He walked upon the deck looking around him at the waters. He then approached the starboard side of the small vessel. His eyes shimmered a moment with a bluish flutter. From the water a triton slipped forth in the hands of a well toned merman with a slightly elongated beard.

"Your weapon father, as you have summoned me to deliver it." Poseidon shook his head in a slow manner looking upon his child.

"No Triton, I've summoned you because I must depart for a meeting with my brothers and the others. It is to you to protect this boat and your mother while I am away, as I have always entrusted you to." His son offered a firm nod, taking the weapon back into both hands.

"How long will you be afar?" His son offered the question with dire curiosity and some worry.

"Not long I should hope, unless there is a crisis. With my brothers it is more likely that we will start one but I will take heed and hope for cool minds. Would you mind forming the portal for me? Such things drain me far sooner than they used to and I don't wish to arrive seeming a mess." He offered his son a soft smile with a cheerful voice to accompany as he made the request.

"Of course father." With that Triton lay the weapon just under the waters clear surface. From the tip of the blade a small maelstrom began to form. It grew until it was about three feet in diameter, sinking down under the water's surface like an upside down tornado within the water. With that formed Poseidon stepped off the side of the ship, falling into it to vanish.

Moments later the waters of a fountain within the establishment they were all meeting began to quiver a little. The shape of hands, then arms, formed out of the waters. The liquid continued to rise until his fully formed body was crafted. The water then drained away as if her were within a shell that could be so easily removed. He stepped upon the floor with a few beads of sweat upon his brow and his breathing increased just a bit.

"Even with his help it drains me to reform. How long past days haunt the present status of our existence so." He'd take a moment, looking around the room to see who was already present. There were a number of them already there, and no doubt many would view his presence in an unhappy manner. He'd ignore such scorning looks and make is way to get a drink.

[Killerclover]

Hecate

When the rest had arrived, well everyone for now, there was some more to be expected, the female leaned against the wall thinking. She was way lost in thought to focus on the fellow Gods and Goddess's. She felt some familiar auras fill the air, pin pointing for a certain one, her best friend out of all the Goddess's mainly because she never had to much time to spend with the rest, except for Athene sharing their knowledge together alot, she learned alot from that woman, probably even gave some knowledge of her own back. She smiled at the memories and shook her head lightly, her current emerald with a silver streak eyes scanned the crowd and then she saw Artemis she smiled abit and after taking a quick glance at Poseidon she felt abit sorry that alot of them looked badly toward him, he did do what he had to. Nothing more or less, she nodded respectfully toward him but didn't say anything, fading off into the crowd and heading toward her friend.

When close she stood near Artemis waiting for the woman to turn, once she would Hecate would smile abit.
"It has been far to long, how have you been dear friend?" She asked with a rather soft, enchanting tone as usual it would have that magical touch to it, reading the aura flows in the air she noticed some more people inside, Athene was there upstairs speaking with someone also familiar.

Shadows stirred faintly nearby, ghosts that only Hecate could see clearly without any trouble at all, Witchs and Necromancers could see them as well, she smiled at the long dead figures, it wasn't her job to handle the dead, just guide them in the right direction with the cross-roads. Looking back at Artemis she awaited the answer, not fully paying attention to Artemis's twin brother at the moment, but would answer anything he said.

[Poison Ivy]

Callie Dumont's phone bleeped at her from the depths of her handbag. She fished it out only to discover that it was a memo she set herself, reminding her of the party tonight, as if she could have ever forgotten. She has just got home from work and could think of a million things she'd rather be doing than visiting her family. She was only going to see one person in particular and if he wasn't there, then her whole night would be ruined. Still with her cellphone in her hand, she took the liberty of composing a message, Are you going tonight? and hit send.

She walked through her bedroom and into the ensuite bathroom of her lavish apartment, and began running the tap in her large spa bath, that took up an entire wall in the bathroom, pouring an excessive amount of pink bath salts in. The bubbles began appearing under the thunderous roar of the taps. She walked back into her bedroom, before stripping off her work clothes and taking her hair down. Naked, she walked into the bathroom again, glimpsing at herself in the mirror over the sink. She knew she was a beautiful woman, it was after all, in her area of expertise, but she had grown paranoid recently that she might be ageing. She slipped into the bath, letting the water cover her, soaking her completely, letting her fall into complete relaxation.

It didn't last long. Callie's phone bleeped from the bedroom where she'd left it. She pulled herself out of the bath, relieving the plug so it could drain the water. She grabbed a towel off the nearby rail and wrapped it round herself. She then walked into the bedroom, picking up her phone from her dresser. The reply was short and not so sweet. Not going. Callie sighed, knowing that this meant she had even less time to get ready, as she would have to make a trip on the way.

She walked into her overflowing wardrobe. She knew exactly what she would wear. A floor length gown, red in colour, gathered at the shoulder, a true Grecian dress, flowing from the waist, accentuating her figure, her narrow waist, her womanly hips, her ample cleavage. They would go well paired with some red strappy stilettos that she knew she had somewhere in the closet. Red was going to be the colour of the evening for her, her dress, her nails, her lipstick. She was nothing if not colour-coordinated.

Once she was dressed, makeup and hair done to a satisfying standard, she looked herself in the mirror.

"Welcome back, Aphrodite," She said to herself, using her real name for the first time in a long time.

She pulled out the invitation from the drawer she'd kept it in. She saw a small irony that the event was being held in a replica Parthenon. The original was decay and unused by worshippers, just a hot spot for tourists. Eerily, it was like the gods themselves, unworshipped, powers diminishing. She had always been lucky, love, sex and beauty were still prevalent in the world, her powers had not been sapped as much as others.

Finally, she was ready to go to the party, ready to face her relatives. She wasn't sure all of them would be there, but there was someone that she needed to be there. She had taken it upon herself to make him go, for her sake and sanity. Aphrodite closed her eyes, thinking hard about where she wanted to go. When she opened them, she was standing outside a large building. Without thinking too much about the consequences of her actions, she walked into the building, and took the elevator to the penthouse. Outside the door, she took a deep breath, reaching her hand out to knock.

"Ares, are you there?" She said in her soft, melodic voice. As her hand touched the door to knock, it opened slightly, like it had never been shut. She looked inside. The apartment was a mess, like a bomb had hit it. She took one step inside, waiting for Ares to reveal himself.

Ares was sitting in a burnt sofa with a bottle of ale in one hand. He remained silent, probably stunned and couldn't believe that his lover had came to visit him.

Aphrodite saw him sitting in the middle of the room. She couldn't tell if he was happy to see her or not. She walked over to him, he long red dress swaying.

"It's a little early to be drinking your immortal life away," she said with a chuckle.

His fiery eyes shifted and slowly faded, no longer burning, revealing the guise of blue eyes, staring at Aphrodite. He watched her as she swayed towards him.

"It's better early than being too late for it, my Love. What brings you here?" he asked before getting to his feet. The bottle still in his hand.

"You said you weren't coming to the party. This causes a small problem for me, seeing as you are the only reason I was going to go." She took a step closer to him, minimizing the gap between them. "Now I'm all dressed up with no where to go. I RSVP'd saying I would be there, but what's the point if the only person I was looking forward to seeing is content enough to sit in a charred house drinking low quality alcohol when he could be sipping champagne with the world's greatest dysfunctional family."

The Wargod laughed heartily at her comment. His sorrow suddenly forgotten upon seeing the beauty that stood before him. Ares approached her and dropped the bottle of ale. A hand reaching to her face before the tip of his fingers brushed aside the strands of golden hair that falls over her forehead. He rested his palm over her smooth cheek.

"You're as beautiful as ever, Aphrodite." he said as he stared into her lovely eyes. "But I wouldn't want to ruin the party with my presence. You'll hate me for it."

She twisted her cheek into his touch, only just realising how long she'd been yearning for him, how much she'd been missing him in this mortal world. "Ares, my love, your presence could, in no way, ruin anything. And you forgot, the goddess of love prides herself on never hating anyone." She pulled away slightly, stroking her long fingers down his forearm. "It would mean a lot for you to be there. And not just for me, for everyone."

He held her gaze for a moment before he sighed. "For everyone, it wont be but for you.. For you I would," with that, a ring of fire ignited from his feet and slowly rising to his head, revealing an all white suit with golden embroidery on his sleeves and collar. His golden hair hung over his shoulder and the golden beard was trimmed to define his strong jaw.

She stood back and watched him change, before smiling in admiration. "You always knew how to scrub up well didn't you, my love. Now we must get going before all the fun starts without us." She put out her hand to clasp his.

[MerlotBeauty]

Areiôn

Really, he wasn’t a god. Immortal? Yes. Powerful? “Oh god, yes!” Or so the nymph gasped, basking in his afterglow. Areiôn, originally, was a horse. That he walked and talked like a man in the 21st Century was merely a result of having two powerful Gods for parents: Poseidon and Demeter. For such a pairing it was always wondrous to him that he never received an actual godhood. Not that his deeds and accomplishments were anything to ridicule. This Prince of Horses was a prize to behold at the command of heroes such as Herakles the legendary demi-god of Zeus, and Adrastos king of Argos, to name a few. As such, Areiôn never before received an invitation to a “family reunion.” In fact, he did not receive an invitation to this event either.

That he found it at all was mere happenstance when taking in mother’s mail for her. He always did little nice things for her when he would visit, which was not often, but she seemed to appreciate the gestures nonetheless. He did not even realize what he was carrying when he set the pile of various credit card offers and Wal-Mart savings. When he did notice it, he shamelessly broke the seal and read the flowery words of invitation. Carefully he’d put the letter back in the pile where he found it and thought: What the hell? Mom might enjoy a recap of the night’s events.

The Prince of Horses--more commonly known as Aaron these days--enjoyed visiting his mother, never having the opportunity in millennia past. Persephone had always been the golden child, and the only recipient of mother’s affections. On the other hand, as a horse it did not bother him so much. Now that he was trapped in the guise of a man, he came to appreciate their meetings when his business took him to her corner of the world.

Now in Nashville, having traveled day and night without pause, the Prince of Horses found himself waylaid in lawn maintenance shed of the Parthenon. Rather than walking in the front door, Aaron figured it would be easier to crash by way of the servants’ entrance. As he approached he found little brunette standing in that doorway and he just could not pass her up. So here he was, he thought wryly, zipping up the fly to his washed-out blue jeans and helping the nymph adjust her clothes back into place. He stopped her then, gently resting his hands on her shoulders. She looked up at him and smile as he bent down stealing yet another kiss. Giggling she pulled back and turned to the door. “I have to go now, I’ll be missed.”

Aaron smirked, lightly swatting her out the door. A few moments later he followed shrugging on his leather jacket over a plain black T-shirt. He ran his fingers through a long mane of velvet black hair and left the shed, closing the door behind him, the recently broken padlock rattling against the metal.

It would have been a lie to say that Aaron wasn’t nervous about his decision to crash an Olympian Party. It had never been his scene before, and yet the adrenaline of his inner thrill-seeker urged forward. Just at the top of the stairs and through the pillars and just inside the entrance, he stopped and took in the scene. Just about everyone was there: Zeus--wait, that's Republican candidate?!--and Hera, both dressed impeccably with glances sharper than daggers. Athene and Apollo were chatting quietly in a corner, and not too far away he spied his father heading toward the bar. Persephone was even in attendance, apparently sulking in a before a scene of Nike. Actually, he noticed quite a few gods lurking in the corners and doing their best to hide, or at least not draw attention. Maybe that was how the gods started their party? Then again, mother once said these parties were rather dull until the first insult or two. Areiôn chuckled quietly to himself and began strolling leisurely toward the open bar.

[Lillian Thorne]

Hera

Hera regarded her husband’s outstretched hand and not for the first time considered not taking it, of telling to driver to go and leaving him. She stared at those hands that had touched her a million times and given her pleasure that was a lie, those same hands that had touched countless women and given them all different lies. He was good at that, at saying something simple, something that could be taken in so many ways. He’d do that and the women, herself included would hear what they wanted to hear and fall in love, not with him, but with what they wanted him to have said. She knew this, she’d had it branded into her heart countless times until she was a bitter shriveled up Hag who found no pleasure in life and still she fell.

She regarded the hand and knew she would take it, knew she would wrap her pale and graceful fingers around his and let him draw her out of the car and into the lies. She felt bile tickle the back of her throat at the thought but one thing buoyed her. This wasn’t merely a social event, this was their family and she didn’t have to smile if she didn’t want too. So she took his hand, let him draw her forth, her peacock-blue floor length gown hissing as she moved until she stood next to him, her shoulders back and bare but for the tumble of black curls that emphasized the slender slope of her exquisite neck. She turned to him then and felt suspicion fill her at his compliment and even as it did, a wave of satisfaction filled her as well. She had taken extra special care with herself this evening and had been pleased with the results but still it galled her to feel so satisfied that he had noticed. But she offered him a smile because she wasn’t certain she had words for him just then.

They walked towards the museum and she felt a wash of irritation fill her: The Parthenon. It had been a paltry thing when built, small in comparison to her own majestic temple the Heraion at Samos but it had survived simply by lucky chance of location and now her temple had become synonymous with Greek architecture and her own largely forgotten and long since destroyed. She felt irritation towards Zeus’ favorite daughter as she always did. Athene was careful to say nothing overtly insulting but Hera knew, Hera heard the sarcasm and smugness in her every word. She resented the respect Zeus showed his eldest girl, all his children really, except for theirs.

She heaved a great sigh and thought about their boys, as different as could be and a disappointment each one of them; one ugly, twisted and ungrateful and the other headstrong and temperamental. She loved them both but it pained her to see them fall so short in their father’s eyes, it seemed yet one more wedge between Zeus and her, their disappointing children when his others, by other women were so accomplished. He never saw their faults they way he saw them in her boys.

It seemed his thoughts must be drifting along the same lines as her because he spoke aloud, musing about the state of the children. She didn’t answer, just kept her jaw tight and walked along side him. She’d been silent a great deal lately, ever since the intern had gone deliciously missing. She’d been, perhaps a little hasty in her actions but it hadn’t been the first time she had responded so. His every affair was a mockery of her, of all that she stood for and she had almost forgiven him so many times because immortality was a heavy thing when bound to someone eternally. She would have let him have his discrete affairs but didn’t keep them discrete; he flaunted his women and that, that was unforgivable to Hera.

This last time she’d taken her revenge in the only way she had left to her had been different. This time he had something to lose besides a warm place to put himself when he wasn’t with Hera, he’d put himself into the public eye and now he could lose everything he’d built, all the temporal power and respect and he hadn’t enough power left to hide it the way he once used to. It frightened him and exhilarated her to feel the change. So she’d kept silent, knowing it would unnerve him while she bided her time, deliberating what exactly to say, to do. For once in their eon long relationship she felt like she might have some power. But still she didn’t want to sour the evening any more than it had to be.

“I suppose they fare well enough, Athene would have sent you one of her disgusting little messengers were it otherwise.”

She smiled regally to the young Faun who opened the door, a tall man with an oddly familiar face with a hawkish cast and dark hair. It was no matter, Fauns were a dime a dozen even in this day and age and she spied someone she wanted her husband to talk too, largely because it would displease him to perform his duty.

“Poseidon?” she called with a smile and began pulling Zeus after her towards his elder brother, “How is the lovely Amphitrite?”

[Serge Drevlan]

Apollo

His sister had arrived, in all her natural beauty, and had clasped his hand in her own ever tender and loving one. As she did Apollo felt his heart beat hard, it'd been dead until now. It seemingly beat once every five minutes before; Apollo was living in the past always. But when his sister grabbed his unworthy hand, he felt his blood begin to run and his heart pumped harder than it ever had. This, of course, was not entirely new; before, when Apollo and his twin were separated then reunited, he would always get a bit of a jump. He smiled as she commented on his beating her to the party. She mocked him playfully like all older sisters would.

"Isn't it nice to be first at something?" she very well stated. It might have been formed as a question but it was a very clear statement that was meant to toy with him, and it did.

He frowned slightly but replaced it quickly with a smile, he hadn't done so in a while and he wasn't about to let his sister think he was upset at something so foolish. After all, she wasn't entirely wrong. She was the faster of the two, even beating him out of the womb. It wouldn't surprise him if her zigote form had beaten him to their mother's egg. The heavenly woman even helped their mother give birth to him, it was something beyond his imagination, and that connection, that love which was so built through their strife, is what made them so close. The twins, having embodied true adoration, loved each other because of each other's flaws, not despite them, Aphrodite would be pleased.

"Feels like heaven," Apollo responded, a sly smile crossing his roguishly beautiful face and soft, supple lips. He broke from the playfulness of the two siblings as Athene left, she seemed intent on something that wasn't good for her, like she was walking toward a disease. Apollo saw Hephestus in the background, might as well have been a disease. He turned back to his sister and sent a smile her way again. "Like my hair?" he asked, scratching his scalp with his free hand. "You didn't like it the way it was, so I changed it." he followed. A thought came to his mind like a spark from the heavens and his eyes brightened. The light then died down as he consciously realized what the thought was, it wasn't something to be particularly proud of. It was the painting he'd drawn and sent to various family members, those he thought would care. The painting was gruesome, it was also very realistic. It resembled something done by da Vinci but with far less symbols, everything was very straight forward in that piece. He frowned a bit and looked at his sister with a sort of muffled pride. "Did you get my package? My painting? I sent it through one of Hermes' messengers." it was clear in his voice he felt strange about it. Apollo didn't particularly like thinking about the battle, much less talking about it, but he was always one who loved critiques- or rather praise.

Before she could properly respond Hecate, the face Apollo less wanted to see, appeared behind her. She was the face of betrayal for the pantheon. Of course, it wasn't really her but that doesn't change the emotional damage that did to the already unhealthy Apollo. He feigned a smile and let go of his sisters hand. He felt terrible afterward, he wanted to grab it again but if he did he would feel worse. He thought that if he just let it go she wouldn't notice it ever happen. Such immaturity from an immortal being was truly sad. He couldn't deny it, however, Hecate made him nervous.

Apollo then wondered where Hermes was, the host of the party should surely be among them. Perhaps he was dressed as a faun and would jump out of his costume to scare or scar his guests. Apollo chuckled at that thought and turned awkwardly to the bar behind him. He stuck his middle finger up to the server and mouthed the word "One." The server handed him a shot glass with scotch in it. Apollo couldn't stop thinking of Hermes, though. This was the man who, last year, during the battle, was his main means of support. He listened to the sun god when he had a nervous break down outside Olympus. He was the one who went to get Apollo. The two had made an interesting bond, something that was close to he and his sister. They were partners in crime, it seemed.

Apollo drank his scotch and searched future for a sign of the host. He would walk in soon with his daughter. That's all Apollo could see before his head began hurting and he could hardly concentrate. He ordered another scotch and hoped his sister would talk to him again, grab his hand again, preferably without Hecate's company. His father had just walked through the door with his bitch of a wife, Apollo felt sick.

[Fallenreaper]

Tyche

What was he up to? The thought twisted itself in her yarn of worries, her choice to stand was worn away piece by piece. Regret, longing, and her inner goddess all battled among themselves as time quickly hissed for her to walk away. It bothered her that her dad just stood there, unaffected by the anxiety she felt about this event. The skeptical look was not because of him but more at the long overdue punishment she tensely wished to avoid. Tyche was desperate to follow through on the coin’s decision, taking a deep breath, her eyes tried to push out the negative. The running was over and now the consequences were the only things left unsolved. She was going face it with her birth right, luck, and a heart of forced courage if she must. This was the moment to erase her error, Ty's right toe curled in the last minute plain tan sandals.

Once more Ty took strength from him, his touch alone was her courage yet today it was small comfort. It didn’t surprise her that her graceful arm fit him well enough and even the way she moved match his pace delicately. Feet stirred to follow him, father led her path in, and now there was no chance to escape. The only image in her memory was century’s old, forms of their past pride and glory, stood ready to be rendered apart. Time itself had changed her parents a bit and it could only worsen the rest of the family ties, hate had time to fester as their domains- her own included- diminished slowly. Their survival became a dark thread, a single web that held tightly from everyone, which had now lain unraveled. It was during this time they always failed to pull together, fell victims to each other’s own violent grudges. Ty didn’t expect them to love each other, their personalities clashed like the earth and sea, but she hoped they tolerate their differences even for their own survival. She wouldn’t mind being the only one to care about them all, even those who bore no blood connection.

This temple seemed to be a memory, a memorial of the days when life was simply played by the gods and a time that mortal men wished for again. Then again it was also a tourist trap, its fake history made to draw in those who couldn’t worship the real thing with their presence. Either way, Ty felt the great structure tower over them like mount Olympus had once with the same familiarity of home. The goddess of luck could only guess how each member felt about it and that alone closed the gap between her and them just slightly.

Just beyond the door stood a creature that was ideal icon of myth and legend at least in her mind. Ty left her father’s arm briefly to pass her jacket. The Faun took her grateful smile with one of his own as his little cleft hooves clicked clicked clicked about the marble floor. It came to Tyche that the phrase “Lady Luck is smiling on me” was likely coined before modern times as a few tree nymphs innocently gestured for the young Faun to chase them. It was clear the idea excited him. The pack shrieked in delight, they scattered while their part goat playmate made only a loud skid on the floor in his pursuit-jacket still clutched in his hand. A chuckle at his chances of winning eased Ty momentarily, it turns out her jacket would be in need of a dry cleaner.

Once more Ty latched on to him, the hold stiffened and warmth emerged at the first sight of them. Not everyone, but the group still made a difference to Tyche. Instantly a serene happiness on her face revealed itself just for a moment, then the moment was gone. The last memory was torn down and guilt reared its ugly fangs, the pain inflicted into her peace. No matter how much she wished it wasn’t, the points it hissed felt true: look how far you let them fall…

“I did this…” Tyche agreed each word was misery and self hate concealed beneath her breath.

Seeing her family had created a new serpent pit of emotion, her throat did a dry swallow. She shut out everything surrounding her mind until it emptied into calm. This was not the time to be mortal... With the last bit of her will, Tyche managed to shove the hurt, pain, regret, and more into her little “Pandora’s box”. It wasn’t sealed well but the space that was left offered her peace for now. Much more in a normal tone, she shifted to her dad and spoke. She wanted to just feel her family’s presence right now be it good or bad.

“Lead the way and, Dad, when mom comes, I rather let her come to me if she wants to. I don’t want to spoil her fun or make her feel forced.” The gentle sentences escaped as her hand pulled her bangs, a more fitting lighter pink for the party, out of her eye. Then again luck was a perfect fit to Aphrodite, goddess of love/lust, and Hermes, the god of thieves.

[Unlit]

Zeus

Zeus entered, his wife at his side.

He entered this recreated Parthenon as he entered all places. The God of Thunder strode majestically inside as if he owned it, and the immortally beautiful woman at his elbow did not diminish the effect in the least. There was that cant of entitlement in his broad shoulders, the sense of authority in the angle of his jaw, that spark of command in a sharp, crystal blue gaze that traveled over each and every face, unrestricted and fearless like a ruler surveying his kingdom and leal subjects, regardless of the actual setting. The invisible charges in the air shifted subtly, as if giving way to a more dominant energy, a low electrical hum in the sixth-senses of those gathered.

Make no mistake, the King of Gods had arrived.

His gaze sorted past all the nymphs and servers and lesser creatures, finding the higher beings he sought most. His unlined face lit up with a white smile, breaking the darkness of his beard and olive skin. Ah, my lovely girls... He saw Athene, Artemis. And... Apollo? He squinted a frown. The boy looks like one of those damned scruffy tree-huggers that picket outside my office. And there was somber Persephone, as well. His heart dimmed a little at the mere sight of her. He had hoped... well. He had hoped she'd have recovered some in a year, but he knew a year was too short for most gods and goddesses to accept a change. A year was barely a blink of an eye to a god, less than a heartbeat...

He leaned towards Hera, murmuring quietly, "I'm going to go have a word with-"

“Poseidon?” Hera brazenly interrupted, her gaze casted off elsewhere in the room. Zeus gritted his teeth in annoyance. Then he felt the insistent tug of her hand on his arm.

The King of Gods refused to be dragged, heels dug, across the floor against his will, nor would he get into a tug-of-war here on the floor with his wife or snatch his arm away like a tantruming child. After the briefest of resistances, he stepped forward to match her tread, albeit with open reluctance. Zeus cared little and less for his elder brother. The sharks and squid could keep Poseidon, as far as Zeus was concerned.

“How is the lovely Amphitrite?” Hera asked the God of the Sea with a queen's civility.

Zeus rolled his shoulder irritably after the pressure of Hera's grip had slackened, but he placed on a bright, cutting smile all the same.

"Yes, Dear Brother. I've been wondering about her all this time. Have you worked that fish smell from her yet?" Zeus asked with that smile coupled with mocking eyes. Those eyes did turn for a moment, though, as he reached across to collect the stem of a wine glass passing by on a tray. He momentarily considered offering it to his oh-so-endearing wife... but no. He raised it to his own lips and near drained it in one swallow. No doubt he'd need much more than that before the night was through.

[May]

Artemis

The Huntress smiled and nodded at her brother's question, lifting her free hand to run through his golden curls. "Mmm now that is the brother I missed seeing," she chuckled. She couldn't help it, even when he looked so down and worn, being with Apollo made her so very happy. They'd been together since conception and while their duties and powers tended to keep them separated often, she couldn't be what she was without him.

Her smile fell a little after a moment and the mention of the painting. It had been as lovely as ever. How could her twin's work not be? But looking at it made her heart ache some. Because while she'd lost no one of that deep of importance, she'd been shown up that day. Shown up by being kidnapped yet again by a pair of stupid men who couldn't ever begin to compare to a half brother who's face had haunted her for so long. And she'd been reminded that day of him again. Seen his face. And as lovely as it had been... it hurt to remember the memory of that.

She wanted to tell him that he'd done as amazing as ever, but Hecate was there at her side. Artemis turned slowly, feeling the same way that Apollo did. She'd trusted the woman she thought was Hecate but it hadn't been. Sadly though, that left a nasty stain on ones memory. But this woman was Hecate. She had to be. She felt Apollo take the few steps away from her and she sighed softly, missing the warmth of him so close to her again.

"Well enough considering," she said with a little shrug, her bare feet allowing her rock onto the balls of her feet and back onto her heels much more easily than if she'd been wearing any shoes. And that was what she did just then. Her dress still felt odd to her. And Apollo hand't even said anything about how strange she must have looked dressed like a proper lady for once and not just the tom-boy that Zeus had always allowed her to be. "I've been reunited with my dearest brother and now a dear friend. What more could a goddess need?" Her question was of course rhetorical, but she smiled still. Glad to have the real Hecate before her again.

♦♦♦♦

Persephone

With the statues of Athene and Nike towering over her she was distracted. But she felt it. That subtle shift. There was something going on in the Underworld. Something that wasn't happy. But there was so little happy left there. She hadn't even set foot on the Asphodel fields, or made her way over to Elysian fields either. She didn't want to. Death was pain and that was all she had left now. She wouldn't punish the mortals, at least not yet. But she could damn well punish herself.

And that was all this was.

Her dark eyes closed as she felt her uncle and her uncle-father's presences enter the room as well. Well wasn't that just grand. Two of the Three there and neither of them would say a thing about it. She turned slowly to watch Zeus enter with her step mother, both of them looking so ridiculous holding hands like that still while every single one of them in there knew how much neither of them enjoyed each other's company.

She wasn't at all surprised when they made their way to Poseidon, when Zeus only seemed to spare her a moments glance. Of course her father wouldn't care. He'd never been there for her much as it was. And the only time he'd stepped in to help with anything to do with her, he'd never bothered to ask her what she wanted. No, she wasn't Artemis or Athene, his precious little warriors. Maybe he'd lover her more now, now that she wasn't so defenseless.

Persephone snorted and rolled her eyes at that, making to turn back to the now mocking statues but before she could, she noticed something else off in the room. A presence that shouldn't have been there. Whatever was her brother from the same mother doing here?

She looked around for his large, dark form and couldn't see it anywhere. Had she finally cracked? There was no Areiôn to be found. But there was a face she didn't know, and he was not a faun. No, it couldn't be...could it? The new full time Queen of the Underworld took a step towards the dark haired youth, and then another until she was walking steadily towards him. She had promised herself that anyone who wanted to talk would have to come to her, but this was not what she had expected. And besides, she harbored no hate for him in the slightest.

Her hand reached out for his once she was close enough behind him, pulling on it before he could make it to the bar that he was headed for. Now was not the time she wanted to deal with the rest of them, but he surely wouldn't be so bad. "I might have finally cracked," she said as she stepped in front of Areiôn, dropping his hand, and looking worried almost that she had actually done just that. "But I do believe that you look rather different than the last time I saw you, brother."