Willow Allaene Aides

Lady or Kyria Willow Allaene Aides (a.k.a. Wills, Willow, Princess, Itia)

She is the Patron Goddess of Cear Wen, and Kyria of the Underworld and House Aides. She is a very approachable goddess within reason. She had friends who knew her before she ascended into her godhood, and they are who she keep close.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Willow is slender, like a reed, but she still has the curves of a female. She is athletic, and it shows in the muscles on her legs and arms, and core.

Body Features

Notable marks and scars:
Along her Left side from just under her left shoulder to under her left breast is about 6 inches wide, she has a piece of demon skin that matches her own flesh in shade as a piece of armor to protect her heart. This piece of demon flesh goes from her mid-back to her left side, around her front on the left, under the breast, and just under her armpit to protect her heart. this was put in place by her former husband (DA) after Persphone attempted to remove her heart in 2018 A new scar on the right side of her back from the most recent attack on her person that granted her Godhood. Dec 30, 2021.

Tattoos/Brandings/Markings:

Willow’s Shadow demon is on her left rib cage, just under her breast. Notes: He is a sentient, symbiotic creature that was placed on her shortly after the demon skin was put in place. He is her protector and for the most part, is inactive. However, if something comes close to attacking Willow’s heart, it will attack. Willow calls him her little Shadow. http://prntscr.com/riq6j2 A Black swan with a Gold crown on her left pelvic hip bone. - a combination symbol of her status in her Underworld and was her symbol when she was a Nightingale. It is still a symbol she feels very closely tied to. http://prntscr.com/riq5l6 Right hip: Daisies with paw prints up the right hip and side. - a mortal tattoo, a symbol of Ryder and herself. http://prntscr.com/riq668 Right Shoulder: A trio of hearts that flow together in stark black. - mortal tattoo Left upper arm- a Narricus flower tattoo- mortal tattoo- a symbol for Jax. Left ankle in the back: A small Spirit symbol - mortal tattoo Dragon Rider Marking: Left inner thigh- black dragon in flight- marked when the bond with Lord Dragon was secured. She does have multiple rows of iridescent scales that are the same color as her skin that run down both sides of the back of her neck, her spine, and legs. They are mainly noticeable when she is in water. They are a trait due to her Siren Half.

Facial Features

Her eyes are larger than normal, and icy blue more the most part. Her lips are full, and normally are fairly pink. Her nose is straight and shows her Greek heritage in how it is prominent. She is not classically beautiful and would be considered more on the striking side of things. She has freckles during the summer months when she is outside more.

Identifying Characteristics

Icy blue eyes, platinum blonde hair that is nearly white.

Physical quirks

She tends to stay covered up and is careful in how she acts around members of the male gender.

Special abilities

Abilities, Weapons, Training, Strengths, Weaknesses: Abilities: Vocal Power: True Sirens ( EXTREMELY RARE!!! ))) can use their Siren song to placate, control, heal (limited), alleviate pain, kill (Limited, with cost to Willow), and banish someone, which is either produced as a whistle or sonic waves. Affects the elements, can with focus blow things up ( ala black canary style notes hit but there is a price for use). She can draw water to her, aka can be used to drown people in a few ways ( again, price to pay for such use.) She rarely uses her voice as a weapon, and rarely sings in public for everyone’s safety. She does hum or sing doing her potion work to increase or enhance her potions to work better than other potion makers’ potions. This can make her potions more volatile during the brewing process, and if her mood is wrong can be very dangerous. When she does sing, she tends to sing the truth as her emotions rule over what songs she sings. Siren Eyes: They shift colors, depending on mood and location. Ability to see energy as if it were colors, including seeing good, bad, and such. It’s from when Sirens were more like birds and less like the merpeople they are now. That and their voices are the main things that give them away from merpeople anymore. The purer the stock of Siren, the more likely they have both the voice and the eyes. The more ‘Royal’ the bloodline, the more likely they will have these eyes. ( See below for the cost of such.) Elemental Manipulation Water bending: Water balls, geysers, whirlpools, small vortexes. - Can cause fog, as well as mists, and can drown a person from the inside out. Weather Manipulation: She can create fog as well as she has the ability to summon and attract rain, waves, and shift tides if focused enough. It’s mostly uncontrollable and attached strongly to her emotions. She is strictly tied to Water-based storms such as Wind, lighting, Toranos, Hurricanes, and Tropical storms. Rainstorms are her strongest and most common. Longevity: While not immortal, As a half Siren/Half Nymph demi-goddess, she does possess a much longer lifespan than a human. There are rumors that she’s working on Goddess status but She is not actively looking for such. - On Dec 30, 2021, She is now a goddess, but is still partially Mortal, and can be hurt, or killed in battle and by other means. She went through seven tasks and is in the process of ascending to her newly discovered powers. It’s a learning curve. Heightened emotional response stirs up terrible storms- aka thunder/lighting, She can sing storms into being, normally when in a heightened emotional state, aka great sadness, or anger. Storms tend to happen around her a lot i.e. rainstorms, thunderstorms, thick fogs, and heavy mists. Heightened Agility/ extremely good swimmer/can hold her breath for a very very long time. She has amazing breath control and can go underwater for a long time without needing air. She can move even more gracefully underwater than she does on land and that’s saying alot. Sonic cry: The last defense of a Siren is to use their voice to hit a pitch that echos a sonic radar. This sound will and can destroy human tissue ie, impode a heart, brain, and burst all the blood vessels. Siren’s cry: Sonic screams powerful enough to shatter metal and stone, and take out buildings. Siren’s songs- she can use her voice to calm, encourage, heal, and depress, among other emotions. Recently discovered a Siren can mind-fuck even the goblin king, whitch is something she never thought possible. She can enchant using her voice and or dance but rarely does. She considers using such things as cheating and is violently against love potions as she thinks those and using her enchantment abilities to ‘trap’ a mate or plaything as a form of rape and it makes her ill to even consider using such like that. She has discovered she has a few added powers and passive abilities that are still being explored. She is a fertility goddess, and a healing goddess when it concerns the land/Gaia. She is capable of both helping to produce life and causing destruction. Dragon Rider: Mindspeak- ability to speak to each other, and to pegasi. Access to Dragon’s abilities, when in physical contact with Dragon.

Apparel & Accessories

Special Items: She has a special messenger bag that Andrea Nightingale gave her for her birthday in 2019. Custom-made black fingerless gloves that help her control a lighting whip powered by her own abilities. - currently out of commission due to overloading the crystals. She currently wears only a few pieces of jewelry: Most importantly: Her wedding ring with the blue diamond in it A charm bracelet with several noticeable charms on it. ( See Charms list.) A ring on her right ring finger is three metals that has personal value to her A penchant that the Horde aka Kiwi’s children gave her for her most recent birthday. A gold Ankh necklace- given to her by Anubis Willow Charm bracelet: Charms that are currently on it: A cage with a bird in it. A black wing A potion’s bottle A blue water bubble A purple cat- the get the fuck out of here portal- A bear paw A key A red dragon The middle finger Cocktail shaker Ankh Triple interlocked hearts

Specialized Equipment

Training: Hand-to-hand combat training Master martial artist and hand-to-hand combatant Blade throwing/ knife work- not swords- Dance- Ballroom, ballet, Pole, Belly Kickboxing Singing Potion’s Mistress /Herbalist. Has an extensive library of lore and myth, focused on Greek and Roman areas. Trained with Ares for the same amount of time as 10 human years. Herbal knowledge Some medical knowledge of the human body and how it works. Fashionista. Extensive closets are held in locked temperature-controlled spaces.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Willow was orphaned at a young age. she spent most of her childhood in an orphanage and being fostered out to different households until she was eighteen when she was thrown out with the clothes on her back just enough information to find out she wasn't broke after all. From age six months till she was around five she was sheltered by an elder Siren her dragon Elliot, and Jareth the Goblin King. At that point, she was given away. In high school, she became "That girl" the one who always knew things or how to get things. She kept training with blades, dance, and such her entire life.

Gender Identity

She is female.

Sexuality

Willow is bisexual with a stronger draw towards males. She is more drawn to strong males who can protect her, and keep her safe. she is always scared of being unprotected and left alone. It causes problems sometimes for her.

Education

She has degrees in the mundane in Social work and Literature. She also holds certificates in cooking and design. She also has trained under Hecate and Circe for her potions mistress degree, and she has extensive battle training with Ares and the Spartans. She also has had over a decade of dance training and is trained in blade throwing and hand-to-hand combat.

Employment

She owns two shops called Astari which specializes in bath supplies, potions, and teas. She also works for the government of Cear Wen as a Trainer for the Songbirds.

Accomplishments & Achievements

She became a full-on Goddess 12/30/2021.

Failures & Embarrassments

May 2019, a nearly year-long affair came to light, and she has never quite been able to throw off the stigma of those events. To some, she is labeled as a whore or a man-stealing slut. She in response is very careful with how she acts with members of the male gender so no one thinks she is being improper.

Mental Trauma

Willow has signs of PTSD, a deep fear of abandonment, and failure. She also deals with OCD and has an eating disorder. She also deals with an overwhelming about of pressure to be perfect in everything she does. She also never feels as if she is loved because does not understand that love is a wide variance of an emotion.

Intellectual Characteristics

She is very intellectually gifted. She took the Mensa test and scored 143. she prefers books to people as a rule, and she is very much a research sort of girl. in the Mundane, she would be referred to as Hufflepuff with google.

Social

Contacts & Relations

Raven of Fae/House Aides Kiwi Dragott Myvish Aides- Is her publicly declared Heiress. Antonia Dragott- Daughter of Kiwi and Fox, Willow and Ryder’s Goddaughter. Sin Haley of Nightingale Ashlyn of Nightingale and Cottage Andrea (formerly of Nightingale) Valeera Direwolf Ninja of Fae Pete, Dragon of Caer Wen- Lord Dragon Daestorm Lady Jules Daestorm - Lady of Cear Wen Meru of Fairhaven Mywren Daestorm of Caer Wen Thomas Daestorm: Archon of Cear Wen-her adopted Grandfather Heather-adopted daughter of Sam Dragon. Norwould Aides Isis- goddess Lugh- Goddess Anubis- God

Family Ties

Hades- (Mother’s side) Achelous ( Father’s side) Great- great- Great grandfather Krista Nightingale- younger half-sister - Same mother. Willow was made with a male, Krista was born in the more traditional way of elementals without a father. They do not speak. Hermes Aides- her Uncle ( sort of.). Thomas Daestorm: Archon of Cear Wen-her adopted Grandfather Ryder James Nightingale- Aides: husband Jackson Nightingale-Aides: husband to be Darkness Arising: Late husband.

Religious Views

Willow is a firm pagan, which is not surprising considering she is a Goddess in her own right.

Social Aptitude

She is quite social, but she is careful with who she trusts, as she has learned some people can never be trusted with anything. She can be cold to the point of being frozen when angry, and she has a temper that is cold as ice.

Mannerisms

She moves like water, very fluid-like. She's a fan of chocolate, salty snacks, and peppermint tea. She tends to wear either very expensive clothes or things custom-made for her.

Hobbies & Pets

She has a cat named Sasha. She is also often in the company of a Dire wolf, affectionately referred to as Doug.

Speech

In the Words of Willow aka Notable quotes:

“I am not a vampire, nor am I a blood servant. I have my own gifts that are my own. I am the Dark Nymph and Siren, The Unexpected. The Original. Why should I bother lowering my worth to what others want me to be?” -Fact when she was the Hearld and Black Swan of Nightingale.- "I am who I am. I am more than a pretty piece of arm candy. I have claws and I have no issue with using them to defend those I love. " - fact/threat? “I’m Willow Fucking Aïdes. I don’t do anything half-assed. Ever.” -fact- “I’m sorry, you matter...why?”- cold insult- “My silk knickers have more class than you do.” - insult “Did you not get the memo? I’m the Ice Queen, I’ve been known to freeze people out for wearing the wrong shoes, much less for what you just attempted to pull. Just ask my sisters.” - to someone who tried to pull some bullshit on Willow concerning Ryder. “ You say I think I’m better than you? No darling, that is where you are seriously mistaken. There is no thinking. I simply AM better than you.” - to one of her exes.- “I apologize, I didn’t understand. I don’t speak whore.” - backhanded insult “Ah, yes, I forgot I needed to speak Bitch for you to understand me. My bad.” - polite insult “I expect the best, I pay more than most for the best, So why should I accept less than such for my hard-earned coin?” - Referencing how she pays workers/craftsmen/venues/vendors for events- “Don’t worry, No florist was killed in the production of today’s event. Maimed, maybe, but no one died... Yet. “ - Vendor joke- "Anyways, ignore the Demon, she's not quite herself these days. I swear, Luci's messing with the fates again, those hookers." - in ref to Meru when she was losing it- “If I wanted your opinion, I’d give it to you.” I just no longer care about what anyone thinks of me. There is something to be said for one's reputation to be in the gutter and had it trashed to tatters. - smiles softly- you no longer give a damn if people think you are the slut for an entire village. I’m Willow Fucking Nightingale and I choose what is right for me, no one else does. I am free to do as I wish with who I wish when I wish. No one owns me, no one decides what is right for me, and by the Gods, I decide who and what is right for me. If people can’t seem to stop spreading lies about me, I’ll start spreading some truths about them.

Wealth & Financial state

Due to her own investments, her businesses, and incredibly large inheritance, Willow is quite wealthy independently of any male.

The Kyria of House Aides, Patron Goddess of Cear Wen, Aprosdókitos ie Kyría of Underworld, Potion's Mistress, Leader of the Songbirds

View Character Profile

Alignment

Lawful Neutral

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Kyría of the House Aides - Head of House/Founder Patron Goddess of Cear Wen Aprosdókitos, Kyría of Underworld Goddess of the Unexpected Goddess of Απροσδόκητος Τυφώνας & δικαιολογημένη οργή Potion’s Mistress The Catalyst Child of Prophecy- Vrak di Lorsvek Goddess of Maat Dragon Rider

Age

None of your concern Mister.

Date of Birth

July 27, 1977

Birthplace

Under a Willow tree, in Greece

Children

Current Residence

The Archron's home in Cear Wen.

Gender

Female

Eyes

The base color is ice blue that is shadowed. Color changes. Ice blue = normal, Silver=nymph, Black=Siren

Hair

It's pure platinum white that hits her lower back.

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Pale as cream, very cool toned

Height

5’ 4 3/4

Weight

103-125

Known Languages

Languages: Fluent: English, Greek, Latin, Italian, French Passing: German, Dragonic. Learning: Mythology: Hellenic ( ie Greek, Roman, some Egyptian), Medical Sciences, Cooking,

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Quest pt 2- Feb 2022- Egpyt
From the memories of Willow: Road to become a goddess

Somewhere deep beneath the sands, in a labirynth of caves more ancient than many civilizations the ancient sphinx sat reading. The idea of her being a hoarder came from popular fiction but also... she was just that ancient. You tend to collect things over time, and even the most spartan mind eventually collected things. She was especially impressed by her Hall of Heroes, as she called it. He'd find his way to the Gate, or the sands would take him. She halfway wished he'd wander the deserts for a bit so she could finish sipping her tea. Then she'd get to this Dragon and his business. Thebes was, by any definition, a really long way away, the only portal to the mundane world that he knew of took him to Inverness in the far north of frigid Scotland, it was a few thousand miles of flying time from there, at an altitude high enough to not be spotted from the ground (Dragons never seemed to do well in Mundania) and avoid those flying tubes of metal (which never seemed to do well when flying into a Dragon).... But after Several hours of barely subsonic flight, the outline of the Grecian mainland faded into view below the clouds. The Lord Dragon knew where Thebes was, finding anything even remotely helpful in determining the whereabouts of the Sphinx within, or around the ancient city, was a completely different matter. With a sigh, and a newly discovered craving for an ancient map with a big X on it, he picked a mountain at random and dropped down. He was barely a hundred feet from the groud when the power left him. It was like that fire that was inside him, that had always been inside him... just went out. His claws turned to arms and legs, his wings disappeared and the silent stillness of the night sky as suddenly replaced by a wooshing sound as gravity helpfully pulled him down to Earth. With a yelp, a grunt, a crash and more than a sneaking suspicion that something vaguely important had broken, he smashed in into the mountainside Rolling her eyes as dust fell onto her book, and scowling at her tea. She set them aside and stretched out catlike. Front paws out, but in the air and tail and wings high in the air as she shook herself out and began padding along through her lair. Thanatos was the only one of the Gods willing to deal with her incessant riddles, something that endeared him to her. And like a cat she made the world claws and hisses for anyone else. Like her beacon, the slow thread hum that pulled Champions in. Not a sound, but a feeling they needed to go That way. A challenge to step forth and come to her Gate. That also drained most magics from everyone who approached. On her turf they would face her with wit, for power and strength mattered not at all. That he would have to march across sands rather than fly, well that was just playing with her food while she got ready. Pulling himself to his feet with a groan and looking up at the sky that seemed to have unceremoniously refused to grant him further support... literally in this case. He was halfway through rolling his second shoulder, before he realized he was walking.... now apparently limping on both legs. He didnt know why he was walking, he didnt know where he was walking to, but with all things of divine or mythical nature, he played it off to something he knew nothing about and just went with it.... Slowly... gingerly... and in no insignificant amount of pain from one, or both legs. He couldnt tell. Alright, even he had heard of the Gates of the Sphinx, he was rather surprised to find an actual gate carved into the mountainside. It was one of those odd carvings that only seemed visible from a certain angle, or at a certain time of the day... or if you were probably nursing a concussion having had the magic sucked out of you like some over zealous vacuum cleaner.. he remembered that part of the Lady's notes... albeit ten minutes and a hundred feet too late. He looked up at the gate, nothing happened.... He tried looking at it from another angle, to see if there was a way to puch or pull it open, still nothing happened, he put his hands on either side of what he hoped was the join between the two gates and pushed... nothing, stubbornly, continued to happen. So he knocked, it seemed as good an idea as any... and in a massive break with recent tradition... something happened. With a cracking, crunching sort of noise that sounded, in a word, 'ancient', the gate moved inwards, only enough for him to squeeze himself through the gap and step inside..... into thin air. With another yelp, another grunt, another crash and something vagualy important being broken a little worse, he landed at the bottom the pit. Looking around and seeing a sandy looking cavern stetching out into the drakness beneath the mountains of Thebes. He muttered something that would make polite company blush... stood himself up, and started walking0 Snortpurrs to herself as he figured out the riddle of her Door. The polite thing to do was to knock, so many meals came from grave robbing idiots who lead with a chisel. Didn't mean she made that first step easy, plus it tenderized the meat. Sliding her golden vambraces into place she stepped into her Hall of Heroes. Them that came before. He'd step out into somehow a massive hall under the ground. Sunlight streamed in to light her up on her majestic marble pillar. Blue flames burned to either side of her filling the chamber with an eerie light. Making it here wasn't meant to be the hard part. And around him to either side were stands of armor. Those that came and failed, their armor kept old and forgotten. Armors of all kinds in droves, covered in webs. Ahead of him were three steps of ground, broad and cut from the marble the great sphynx sat upon. On the first were only about a few hundred suits. On the second, a couple of dozen. Kept polished and pristine. She knew each of their names those that answered correctly twice and failed. Several of those that answered once. With a resounding Crack, the way closed behind him. Leaving the only way out of the great cavern the way behind her. "Champion Pete Daestorm, Lord Dragon of Caer Wen, it's been a while since a dragon flew over my realm. Answer me truthfully and you will have hospitality under Xenia in my realm for this Task." Icy blue-white light gleamed out of her eyes as she looked down dispassionately at the champion before her. The only exit from the room, the massive intricate stone gate behind her. He stepped in... looking around in interest at the various suits of armor, some of them millennia old, his eyes drawn to them with the curiosity of his profession. Not daring to touch, not only in fear that they may crumble to dust under his fingers, but that it... and the probable result of it... was something that probably wouldnt be appreciated. Call it intuition. He looked up at the pedestal, as she spoke.... okay, there was no denying it, she was impressive. The ominous mood lighting and colorful pyrotechnics were nice touches, but he had built a life around Dragons, Griffins, Pegasi and Goddesses, not to mention the occasional Demon. Impressive was par for the course. He had to be honest... although he wasnt sure why.... but he felt more fear from his daugher approaching a non-fireproofed room than he did right now... right now he was just tired. and his leg hurt... One more than the other, but they couldnt seem to agree on which one that should be. It was her voice that captivated him though. They eyes were pretty, the wings looked luxurious and impressive, the hair looked silky smooth and fine... but the voice seemed to both challenge him and sooth him at the same time. He performed his best bow, his legs screaming in protest at the gesture. "Thank you,.. Erm... My... Lady... Sphinx?" The use of titles in this situation was never taught to him by his parents. He winged it. "I will be forthright and truthful in all things... but first, would you mind if I sat for a moment? I feel it would be impolite to fall?" Eyes him with a half annoyed and half amused smile. In several thousand years, nobody had asked to sit. Zues and Odin had Chosen to Sit as had others, and one lounged like a cat. But nobody had Asked to sit. And for such a truthful reason. Behind him appeared a heavy wooden chair, a blue cushion on it. A piece won over a fortune from a French Lord when Napoleon had charged across the world. "Have a seat Champion. Seems you've advanced to the third stage of manhood early." -He smiled warmly, he wasnt sure why, although he doubted it mattered, but he took a liking to the Sphinx. In war, there were three things that a general needed. Frank, brutally honest discussion was one of them... it was something he valued, not only in a person, but in what they were saying and what they were expecting to be said to them. Airs and graces were his wife's domain and he had no time for them... and less ability. "My thanks, My..... Lady? My apologies, I never thought to check the correct or proper way to address you." He said, taking a sit down and letting out a long, grateful sigh, arching an eyebrow at the stages of manhood, but choosing not to question it. The smile slid to more amused, and her head cocked to the side. Her voice purred out into the room as only a massive feline chest could make it, vibrating the air along his skin even from that distance. When he sat, just in view was an officers uniform. Dusty and cobwebbed. And old, exposed to the dust of years. Once the same blue and gold of the chair he sat in. Perhaps it was a trick, but dust was trailing from the bill of the mannequin's hat, and the head had turned to look right at him. "It is an odd conundrum, a riddle you bring me. What does a steak call the being with the fork and knife, about to methodically slice the meat apart for consumption?" Sapphire flames burst around her, and behind her blue glow her eyes rolled. "To the Task Champion. Three riddles, in exchange for a talisman for your Kyria. Are you ready to stand... Sit to Attention of your Task?" He chuckled.... a friendly sort of laugh that wouldnt be out of place between old friends. "I imagine it would call for help.... But yes.. to the Task. You are correct, I am here for the Talisman and must answer your riddles in order to get it. I am ready and at your service." "Oh is that what the squeaking is?" Sinewy and lopsided, her smile showed her teeth. Which were feline and quite impressive. But the smile was genuine and match his laugh. Even if she stayed propped upright and straight. Even if she also had a feline mind, and that genuine smile was about how she'd enjoy eating this one. Intelligent ones tasted better. "Answer me untruthfully, and you will join the legions of my Hall and become my meal. Fail a riddle, and you will join the legions of my Hall and become my meal. If you wish out, answer truthfully that you are a coward. I will send you home on your shield." There was a seriousness to her voice, and a thread of those powers from long long ago. Filling the room with her voice, a rumbling growl of Power and sound, "There are two sisters: one gives birth to the other and she, in turn, gives birth to the first. Who are the two sisters?" -nodding at her threatening words, holding the smile, half of respect, half at genuine enjoyment- That is fair, My Lady... but I must warn you, I have been told I taste like burning." Chuckles again, sitting back into the chair in time for the first riddle.... Pondering it over in his head but saying nothing... one giving birth to the other ... a fancy way of saying one comes after the other. Two sisters, both female? no, too obvious for a riddle. Okay, then illustrating similarities... so two things the same, one following the other. He frowned a little until the one word jumped out at him.... Birth. "The answer, My lady." He spoke with confidence. "Is day and night." The room shifted. or he did? There was no sensation of motion but the chair was suddenly on the first step. Behind him there was the creak of several bits of dry wood. The dry soft sound of the settling of dust, a sound under the ear. As if the spirits of this place became interested. Her smile was split broad as she leaned in. Towering over him, looking at him with a knowing pointed look. There was only so much the Gods and she herself could do to interfere, the answer to the next riddle was a clue somewhere else. "Your Kyria needs to get herself somewhere for her last task." Purring at him she let that hang and before he could say anything, straightened up. "I have towns without people, forests without trees, and rivers without water. What does your Kyria need?" -The sudden rush of imperceptible, yet unmissable, movement threw him for a second, he looked around and the newer, shinier armor on the step in front of him, and the significantly larger number of armor on the same step as he was on. The implication becomes clear quickly, although still slower than it probably should have under the circumstances. The Kyria needs to get herself somewhere for the next task. He would have to remember that, and none of the paraphrasing that he usually received in his line of work. Short and snappy repartee was all well and good, but it needed to be accurate. The question was, where? He looked up at her towering over him, still not afraid, or even feeling small, just being very careful as to keep his eyes where they were supposed to be. His blood may not have been as hot as when he had left home, but it was still pretty warm... and the male part still seemed to be intact. Although it occurred to him, with no small amount of concern, that he hadn't actually checked... He cocked his head to the side, holding her eye for a moment. "Hmm... oh, Im sorry,... The answer is a map... ohh, she needs a map. I get it.... well played, My lady." There was a bit louder of a creak. A little louder cheer in the hollow haunting sound that rolled through the room. It drowned out the uglier cries trying to pull him down. Few had gotten past this point. And as he answered, she towered higher. Appearing on the second step, he was within an easy paw swipe of those massive talons. From here he sat her claws were longer than spears, and her fangs towered glimmering in the light. "Thanatos told me of my part in this Task." For a moment she looked like she wanted to say more. Then she looked more feline and hard, and hungry. Her favorite meals sat on that shelf, and she was looking famished. Every bit of armor around him gleamed, and only one was simple. A samurai, black and red lacquered panels. The red ropes and leather looked like they were made yesterday. Gold guilt and ruby hilts surrounded him, one sword glimmered blue and a voice whispered in his head. -Take me up... we can take her... And then we could lay waste to your ever enemy... We could keep Jules and Myrvens Safe.- Power dripping off it and the armor that knelt before the Sphinx and promised him Power so knowingly. Letting a long moment pass in the howling wind, the hollow cheers behind him. Feline eyes peering down at him and looking entirely like he could just be a snack, and in that cat way making it seem like she was considering it. Which she was. In her heart she knew she wouldn't, she was bound to her rules about three riddles. But she was also a large portion of a massive lion, far more than any other thing. And she wondered if he'd squirm. "I know about everyone there. As if I've lived their lives. Those clever enough to make it halfway to the stars. If you fail and stay... They may eventually talk with you. They eventually accepted Barnabus after almost three centuries." Smiling a disturbingly feline smile, and eying him like he was a gourmet Sunday roast with all the trimmings, she purred out. "I am wasted by a foolish man, spent by an average man, and invested by a wise man. Everyone succumbs to me. Who am I?" His eyes flicked off into the shadows, looking for the source of the mysterious cheers, but neither they nor he, were surprised when he didn't find anything, they then moved to the armor and the sword, probably lingering on them longer than he would like to admit. It wasn't the power part, power was much like wealth or fame, in that it held no interest or appeal to him. Easily acquired, fleeting, and ultimately worthless. If he was here, to be honest, truthful, and forthright, he may as well start with himself. No, the impressive armor and the seductive sword appealed to him in a very different way. It wasn't to kill his captor, either. She had a role to play, and she was playing her part. She could have killed him on sight and didn't.. that showed honor, honor was something he respected above almost all other things. He conceded his mind might change rapidly if he got the answer to the next riddle wrong. No, it was family. His beloved wife Julie, his daughter Myrwen. How many countless numbers of men had already died in his quest to keep them safe? To keep the Princess safe? How many more would he willingly send to their deaths to make sure she kept the safety those lives had bought? the answer was simple.... All of them, if necessary. Such was a parent's love. It was to this that the sword’s seductive song sang... less so the armor, he was Dragon, it would break as soon as he shifted, but the sword.... he would be lying if he said he was not tempted.... and lying was not something that could be forgiven here. His ears perked at the mention of Barnabus... he had heard the name before but couldnt place it. The clues were becoming more cryptic, and cryptic was far from the straight talking he valued so highly... His Kyria would need to get somewhere for her next task... and to get to that place, she would need a map... and something about Barnabus.... unless that was just an offhand comment. Maybe the others would know. He shifted in his seat as he looked up at her... wincing... yeah, something was definitely broken. Her eyes looked at him the way that he looked at a battlefield. He knew the power behind those eyes, in those claws and within that fang-lined maw... he knew it the moment he stepped in. Power can always recognize power... heh, was that him acknowledging his own? But no, behind that power was her restraint. If she was going to kill him, it would be forgetting the next riddle wrong. "Time." he answered simply. It was instantaneous, both the shift in her smile and where he was. He was floating as if on stone, still sitting in the chair, but at eye level with her. Sitting on the same power that was a moment ago considering consuming him, and now... Smiling with complete friendship. As much as a cat could have anyway. "Don't listen to Barnabus and those like him. " "The amulet your Kyria requires was stolen from me long ago. In exchange, I give you two tokens." Into his lap, a cube of metal dropped out of thin air. It was about three inches across on a side and made of bronze. Or seemed to be, it was far heavier than it felt and cold to the touch. Her face was smirking as she knew how close she dropped it, and then he felt a pull. Before he could really inspect it and find the maker's mark under his thumb, right behind his belly button as she bent time. There was no animosity that he wasn't a meal, one moment he was a possible meal. And the next he was not, the rules were clear and well outlined. But she was feline, and he was male. So she bent space and sent him away from her lair with her smile in his face. The purr of her voice followed him, tickling along his flesh and spine. "Your Kyria acquired her prize already. Your last token. Tell her she acquired it in her darkest silence, from her greatest enemy." The pull got stronger, pulling at more of him as time slowed down around him. The great Sphinx, done with her task turned slowly and went through her gate, seeming to move faster and faster. Her big fluffy tail came at him fast as it could, but impacting with the force of fluff, folding around him and sending him wherever he desired to be. But Away. She was a massive cat Afterall and he had interrupted tea time. With the benefit, and blessing, of being covered in fur that would take months to get out of his clothes somehow. In a blink of an eye, and a beat of a hummingbirds heart, the world spun and folded itself out of existence.. and then regurgitated itself back into it again... covering him it all the furriness of itself and dumping him somewhere not entirely unrecognized, but not necessarily where he should have been. Primarily cos it was wet... and... being a cat, and all cats being sadists, she decided to dump him into existence a dozen feet off the floor. So he supposed it wasn't wet immediately... just became very wet, very quickly after he landed. He snarled something out that wouldn't just make polite company blush, but consider legal action as the pain that had been lessened by his comfortable seat in the Sphinx's lair, was replaced by thin air and a lot of gravity.... and then a splash and then pain... lots and lots of searing, blinding, god (or goddess) seeking pain as both legs simultaneously hit the bottom of the Caer Wen spa pool at once... and both broke a little more. Of course, she dropped him in the shallow end. Through the pain, he scrambled to remember the words, and thrashed around the waters wildly for the token before finding it still in the palm of his hand and... had she dropped him in the deep end, would now be trying to drown him and probably doing a damned fine job of it. Spluttering and pulling himself to the side. Dragging his top half out of the water and breathing heavily, then looking down...at all the Fur. He shrugged, there were worse smelling things than wet pussy..... cat.

Quest pt 1: Feb 2022- @ Lux
From the memories of Willow: Road to become a goddess

The of icial logs from Lux: At the event of the week, Amphictyonis was making the rounds, dressed in a gold channel dress, her red hair pinned back into a waterfall of red curls. her lips matched her hair color and her eyes lined in gold. She moved, like a snake through the crowded party- Lucifer was there in his element as his club was hosting the event for a change. He rather enjoyed the crush of people, the music in the air, and the power that ebbed through the guests as he watched unfold from where he stood above it all made the fallen angel smile. Meru came into being in the way that only she could. The sky-high crimson red heels she wore clicked down the street, announcing her before she ever stepped into view. A body that belonged on a movie poster pulled out of dreams of desire, the red dress drawing attention to the curves as she slipped along in a gliding bounce rather than hiding anything. Curls of golden blonde and soft curves bouncing along with the red pleats, she moved like an hourglass of soft curves. Power of heat and lust barely contained behind her skin, making her almost shimmer along. Meru smirked, smiling as she was lipping the bouncer a couple of hundred dollar bills under the golden wrapped envelope, her blue eyes glittering with golden light she found her spot looking down on the crowd grinning. So much power pouring off of them all a demon could feast for a thousand years and get lazy. Like a church bell that brought the promise of sex on ecstasy while she stepped down to the floor moving sharp lines and sensual curves to the party. Lucifer walked down the stairs, dressed as he always did in a black designer suit, tie left off, jacket undone, but instead of looking unfinished, he looked cool, and put together, right down to the smirk on his lips. Meru grinned at Luci- “Hai hai Sir Morningstar. Is Maize around? I need to ask if she remembers how to make Greek fire. “ the demon smiled her most riotous grin and did not explain why.” Lucifer sighed, pointing over his left shoulder, up to where he had just descended from. “Just a stone’s throw away Meru.” She smirks wickedly- “Excellent.” He headed behind the bar and fixes a drink, watching her, Maze, and Ampi- Amphictyonis makes another round, drinking wine, and hearing the latest news as she moved though Lucifer -keeps a watchful eye on all there, sipping bourbon- Meru, -Watching Amphi's movements till she found the place of pause in her dance of hospitality and the moment to step into the circle. Giving a little curtsey of respect, eyes cast down and then smiling.- Lady of Friendship, Goddess of Wine, mother of diplomacy, I am Meru and I come on Lady Willow's behalf. Unfortunately, my Lady's health keeps her away. Lucifer -listens in acutely- Amphictyonis

The woman looked at the pretty blonde in the red dress, and listened to her words, noting that

from the formality, this must be quite important.- Please, shall we speak over there away from the noise. "- she looked over to Lucifer- Can you keep people from interfering Lucifer? Lucifer As you wish -smiling, raising my glass and nods- Amphictyonis -She ushered the demoness to a private booth, sitting her glass down. - I'm sorry, Meru was it, I am not familiar with a Lady Willow. Does she have another name? Meru, -Smiles at the room, letting the shine ring out, her power trill along. Making sure everyone would remember a moment of fascinating conversation rather than an interruption of festivities. Then follows along behind her to the private booth.- Lord Zeus just proclaimed her Godhood under another name. Aprosdókitos? Lucifer -watches and listens- Amphictyonis "Ah, the kyria of the Underworld who seems to shake things up wherever she goes and had the sheer nerve to punch that little savage of a queen Hades calls his own. Yes, what of the little Storm? Meru, -Smiles brightly up at her and offers a sealed envelope- I could bore you with endless details or simply... From her hand to yours. Amphictyonis

She nodded taking the note, opening the seal and then reading it, her eyes widening, and she

looked to lucifer, signaling him to come and witness what she had read- Lucifer -refills his drink and walks over- Amphictyonis "you know all manner of contracts, read over this and tell me if the offer is true Meru, -Purring out.- That was the deal my Lady wished for. -and smiling along patiently to the side, bopping a bit to the music idly.- Amphictyonis

she waited for Lucifer to look it over.

Lucifer -takes the contract with his free hand and looks it over, noting nothing in hidden ink, nothing between the lines or hidden in code- It’s, as the young kids would say, legit Amphictyonis -She nodded, as her eyes looked over the offerings- Why does she want for my chalice? Lucifer A choice of one very expensive handbag, one shoe or pair of shoes, and a bottle of wine, all very priceeeyyyyy I might add Mer:, -thinks a moment and purrs out She was given a choice, between two and chose yours over the frat boys. It will be handled with the care of a cure. Amphictyonis

she tilted her head, then smiled- "She is in her trials, is she?

Lucifer By the seam of it Amphictyonis

She holds her hand out Pen Luci dearest

Meru, Oui. And one of the uppity ones is interfering. Lucifer -hands Ampi a pen- Amphictyonis -She marked the wine, the shoes, and then of course the bag she wanted in exchange- "Bring them to me and you will get the chalice, and possibly .. a clue about your little goddess's destiny Meru, -Smiles and eyes them.- Where would you like delivery? Amphictyonis

she smirked- Lux, tomorrow. say two pm. and you beautiful demon.. should wear something

more.. body hugging. show off what you have Lucifer -chuckles Meru, -Grins brightly- Want me to come back just for delivery? Ah schucks, and with all, I could do with a party. -Her voice was a flirty purr as she looked down and somehow the dress pulled tighter, the pleats looking shorter and showing off more leg, wrapping to show more curves. Nods and raises an eyebrow.- I'll be here. One day He'll -Nods at Luci- will let us roam in full color. Lucifer One day Amphictyonis

She looked at the girl- I think it's far more important you handle your business and show your

devotion to your chosen deity Meru, -Nods- If you'd like I'd bring them now, and if she'd let me my shrine would be a temple, and I wouldn't be the lone prayer. -Smiles at them both.- I shall secure the trades and bring them at the chosen time. Amphictyonis

She smiled thinking the little demon has.. spark

Meru, -Smiles at her and winks almost turning to go before Maize tackles her, and somehow does not fall out of her dress.- OOh, Hai hai chaos. Lucifer -chuckles -The next day- ~ Amphictyonis is waiting outside of Lux, dressed in head-to-toe designer. She is not impatient, as she, much like her niece of sorts, understands the best things come to those who wait.- Lucifer -taps his finger to open the door from the inside- Amphictyonis -She stepped in, her red hair pulled up in a twist, the vintage black Dior knee-length dress, with red bottom heels looked classic as she peeled off the red trench coat from some french designer she couldn't remember. Her makeup was tastefully done, and she wore a thick gold collar style necklace and hoops that matched. - Amphictyonis -She takes a seat in a booth, a red leather box is placed next to her, and she smiled at Lucifer- hello Lucifer. May I get a mojito, please? Lucifer -reaches behind his back and presents her the Mojito, setting it in front of her- Amphictyonis "thank you, Lucifer. Lucifer You’re welcome -She sipped, waiting, asking a question of the fallen angel, “Lucifer, you have met my neice, correct?” Lucifer I have Lucifer A bit of a rambunctious sort and a good singing voice if I ever heard one Meru, Using the power of the command given, she blinked into existence as close as she could politely to the club. She’d measured the steps and used it to prowl on her red-soled heels. Outside somehow she didn’t sweat in the LA sun, even though her entire form was covered by a thick blue and silver coat. This she handed to Mazikeen with a wink as it slid off her shoulders, handing her weapons to her sister before stepping into the club they were only to keep things safe between. In Lux she was far from safe, but not from anything she needed to worry about today. She was told skin tight, and so she wore the black dress that looked painted on and left no doubt about underneath. She'd had some designer make her before giving his wish in exchange for his soul. She'd hidden some things so Hell couldn't take them. Through the skill of the design and demon magic, she managed to not slip out of it. All smiles and her golden hair pulled around to fall like a cascading golden river down one side of her face, hiding her right eye and cheek as she moved. A ripple of scarlet made each curl slide into the exact right spot before she slinked down into the club, pausing at a mirror and grinning.- Amphictyonis

she nodded- tell me more of her as I have yet to meet the girl. she has not ever once attended

one of my sorries and I am wondering if she thinks she is too good for one of my events Lucifer That she isn’t I can assure you. She is usually busy with business affairs with her friends and playfulness. Also met her grandfather after an incident -looks down- downstairs where Hades resides Amphictyonis

lifts her brow- Whitch grandfather, I haven't been kept in the loop on the girl's bloodlines. I

only was made aware that we had a new, possibly undeserving goddess who was the crowned Kyria of the underworld. Otherwise, It's mainly been pieces of loose gossip. Such as some female punched Persephone, Zeus's new nickname, and some goddess of the storm? You get all the best tidbits Lucifer. tell me what you know. Lucifer Hades It’s him -sips a tea- He’s the one that came here not long after her punching Persephone Amphictyonis

She sipped her drink, her eyes showing a bit of surprise- So, the gossip is true? Our newest

unproven goddess, punched out the bitch queen? Lucifer Indeed she did Amphictyonis

she half-smiled before she laughed-, well our newest goddess has guts, that's for sure. Tell me

what else do you know of them? Lucifer Well, she likes to dress well, elegantly I might add, she knows her drinks, and can sing. And willing to make a bargain. She’s asked me for things and all I have asked and will ask in return is a song. On occasion Amphictyonis

lifts a brow- is it true she's a true siren? I heard of her halfing bloodline, but a is it true?- the

goddess asked, knowing that a true Siren was rare and was thought to have been mostly died out. Lucifer I have heard and believe she is a siren and possibly something else as well, although it’s best to hear it from her if she turns up here again Amphictyonis

she nodded- Let me know, if she's a true Siren, and now a goddess, her voice could be... " - her

words trailed off as she was thinking- Meru, -Slips nearby and sets each of the boxes onto a table, quietly making sure they hadn't so much as moved even though she knew they were safe. Grinning around with her riotous smile, gold glimmering behind her blue eye.- Divinely spectacular. Amphictyonis

She looked up Ah I see the little demoness is back. Lucifer would be a dear and escort her and

my..prizes over here, please? Lucifer -leads them both to the booth- Meru, -Smiling as she's led over bringing the boxes behind her, but carrying the wine with a careful reverence to its balance. Smiling up at Lucifer.- Lord Morningstar, dapper as ever. Thank you for seeing me again Lady. Amphictyonis " hello, Meru. and oh.. are these my..pretties? Meru,\ -Nods and smiles, sliding each box stable in front of her.- From her hands to yours. Amphictyonis -She opened the first box, to see what was inside-She smiled- Excellent. Meru: I also thought these would look best on your feet. There was a debate, but these and I won out. Amphictyonis

she smiled- Tom ford? lovely

Meru, -Smiles brightly at that and then pulls a purple box out from behind herself, grinning and setting it down.- Now this is special. From the Lady to you. Not part of the trade. But the last... One does not follow. Lucifer -watches- Amphictyonis

Her eyes widen- well this is a generous gift.

Meru, The Lady is generous unto pain it seems. -Sliding the last box into place and pulling it open.- Is one of its kind. Used to be easier to get that, but in this day of manufacturing... Hand-made, each pearl and bit of gold was placed by an expert craftsman. Lucifer -watches- Amphictyonis

the Goddess looked at the bag, knowing instantly what it was, and the value. It had been on her

own personal wish list for the past thirty years.- How did she come to have this piece Meru? Last I heard it had been bought by some demon as a trinket for his new wife? Meru, -Smiles sadly at that.- It did not feel like a trinket. She hoped it expressed how important this was to her. I know it pained her to part with it. Amphictyonis I am telling you how I was told of its sale, according to the gossips Meru. The person who sold it has stated that the person who had bought it from him had told him it was a trinket for his new wife. I am well aware of the value of this piece. I know how difficult it must have been for her to give up some priceless piece. Meru, -Nods at that and purrs- Only passing along the truth to her emotions, to honor this trade and its seriousness. Meant no challenge at all. Amphictyonis -nods- I know, I am sorry that she is in pain over this. Meru, -Smiles- Shall I relay that to the Lady? Amphictyonis -She nodded- please do so Lucifer -listens- Amphictyonis -she moved the case over so Meru could check out what the trade was Meru, -Smiles and opens it in front of Lucifer, keeping her hands in the clear and moving with deliberate care.Eyes blinking and her pupils slipping to hourglasses as she opened up to magic, always fascinated by such things.- The Linework is exquisite. You don't see work like that anymore... Amphictyonis It's not the fancy gold one that my cousin uses, but the request was for mine, and I've preferred to stick with something more.. classic. I am the Goddess of Wine and Friendship. Of Loyalty respect, and building trust and bridges when need be. Those who are mortal who drink of my cup, are forced to be honest for a time, to speak the truth and mend broken things. Gods, Goddesses who drink, will discover the truth of who to trust and who to rebuild broken bridges. It can do minor healings, for a god or goddess, but it's only a temporary solution. -She pulled out a small envelope and slides to the demoness.- This is for your Lady dear. A clue, a part of who she will become. Lucifer -listens- Meru, -Smiles and slips the envelope behind a wing and made it disappear- You and she should speak. You'd like each other. -Closes the box while watching the cup and looking her in the eye.- It will be guarded with all I am, kept safe. Amphictyonis -She nodded- Thank you. One day after she has.. proven herself with her tasks, she should accept an invitation to one of my parties. Meru, If I have to drag her, your parties seem a bit of glorious fun. -Grinning riotously.- I should be back to her. Lucifer -chuckles Amphictyonis -she nodded- Thank you Meru Meru -Taking the box she dropped a respectful curtsey to them and stepped over to Mazikeen, sliding on her jacket and grinning while she hugged her sister while armed. Grinning at her, knowing he sister would definitely take her out and waving as she slipped away to the point she could teleport, riotously grinning and daring anyone to try and stop her.- Lucifer -smiles as she leaves, going to clean up a little as the night approaches- Amphictyonis -The goddess stands picking up her boxes and the wine, and vanishes out of sight, leaving a few hundred dollars as a tip for lucifer Lucifer -snaps his fingers to put the bills in the till-

To Begin the Quests: Early February 2022
From the memories of Willow: Road to become a goddess

Early February 2022 Inside Lux, Lucifer Morningstar was sitting being lazy, whiskey in hand, watching the door, knowing someone is coming, someone tied to the list in his jacket pocket. He wondered if the little would-be goddess was feeling alright. The club was filling up with the usual subsets for a Friday night. He patted his pocket, as he sipped the 20-year-old whisky, and he was curious how the little would-be goddess would handle what she was about to face. He’d offered more help but his hands were tied by the bloody rules. Not his pantheon, so, he had to stay out of it, as did all of the other deities in question. It was a solid rule, when one of them was going through the awaking, no one was allowed to interfere. Granted, it would.. Interesting to see what happened as the little demigoddess shifted and each of the elements woke in her. There had never been one like her, so, they were all watching to see what happened next. Meru slips into being with her hair pulled back, falling casually over her shoulder. The blue and silver dress she wore covered everything for decency's sake as she moved through public, flashing her riotous grin up at the bouncer. She was still clearly Meru, just blonde and pale, hornless and devoid of her demonic eyes. “Hai hai, Charlie! Did my pass here get revoked too?” -She purred out to the bouncer, with large, blue innocent doe eyes. The bouncer, Charlie, who was a big, well-dressed black man, did his job, and he was well paid for it. He kept low lives and those who would or could fuck up his boss's money. He also knew there were certain people that always got in. Top of the list was this pretty blonde and the amazing female who had an ass on her that wouldn’t stop. He just smirked as the sexy blonde in the skin-tight blue and silver minidress that he knew he couldn’t ever touch slides her way in, grinning knowing it was gonna be one of those nights. He half wondered where the other blonde she was normally with was, the Ice Queen with the voice that could make a man fall to his knees and beg to worship her was. He waved the blonde in, giving her a wink as she passed by. “You’re good here, your sister would have my ass in a sling otherwise. Go on in. The boss is here tonight. Meru slips him a wink and a thin stack of higher numbered bills before slipping in to look around. Thanking the heels and the platform on the staircase, she grinned and slipped through the crowd, pushing a bit of magic into them and making them grind a bit more. Just enough everyone would have a good time. Bowing to the Devil and purring out. “ Lord Morningstar, I bring word from my Lady.” Lucifer looked up at his own demon’s sister and merely lifted a brow. He knew Meru, quite personally in fact, and knew her loyalty would never be questioned for the demoness was as loyal to her Lady as his demon was to him. He of course was well aware of what the demoness was there for, but they had the stupid little games they must play. “Oh? What word would that be?” The little sassy demoness takes out an envelope, with his name written on the front and he knew the little songstress had written it herself. The demoness slides him the folded note and smiled. “ From her hand to yours.” The letter to Lucifer was written on slightly aged parchment, in deep blue ink, and her handwriting was neat, slanted, ladylike... The handwriting of a woman who wrote handwritten thank you notes and correspondence still. the Parchement read the following- Dear Mister Morningstar, Hello. I normally would come to you in person but currently, I am unable to leave where I am due to a major case of mostly dying. As I am sure you know, recently I was granted the title of a goddess by General can't keep it zipped. However, no one told me of the trials and tests I would need to undertake. I am hoping, that as a dear friend, you may have a copy or the actual list even of the trials I or my song-bound champions must face in order for me to pass and not be mostly dead anymore. Of course, I realize this will cost me several favors. Meru is acting as my messenger for now. thank you for your time Luci, Always, Willow Aides. Lucifer reading the note, one eyebrow arched up, wondering how he could almost hear that almost fragile ice queen tone she got as he read her words on the parchment he sat it down and looked at Meru who was smiling at him, in that eerie way she always did when she wanted something. “Yes, Meru?” Meru just smiled back, speaking softly. “ I was told not to leave without an answer. I could stay and cause trouble with Mazikeen...” the unspoken threat was in the air. He knew the demoness would drink his bar dry and possibly screw half of the males here for a fix. He pondered keeping the list a bit longer. He chuckled, as he-reach into his coat pocket and pulled out a list, handing it to her- “And as strange as it may seem, this won’t cost her anything, it’s the year of the tiger and the Olympics are on, and yes that is odd coming from me but I am trying to keep my mind and body cleansed up until the end of the month. If I can do that, I can do it a lot longer.” The sassy demoness blinks at that, being surprised that Lucifer her old boss isn’t asking a favor of her Lady. She then grins riotously.-” I would never have offered you this...” -Blinks away and slips back into being fast enough nobody should notice. Sliding him a bottle that looked like vodka, but was filled with glacial and pure water. Setting it down on the table and taking the list. “Thank you, Lord. If I can help. You know you just have to ask. “ Lucifer smirked at her in that little grin he gets when he’s got a plan in his head. Meru bobs and dips into a trance of a curtsey and eyes the crowded nightclub, full of the Hollywood scarlets, and heartthrobs, the wannabes, and social climbers all decked out in their designer and not so designer duds, drinking the booze from Lux’s bar. She nearly purred as she spoke once more. “Such a feast... But I must away. I'll leave you to only One demon, and the best of us.” Meru simply grinned as she bowed to her old boss and slips off to disappear into the crowd, waving to her sister who was behind the bar, dressed in leather, waving to the crowd, leaving a last pulse of lust to send them higher. It was Friday.- Lucifer smiled, breathing in deep, closing his senses to everything but the music pounding the club, the smell of the whiskey in his hand, and the delicate scent of his Detective as she walked in to see him. It was a good Friday. -breathes deep and smiles, closing all senses off to all but the noise of the club-

Dec 30,2021- A Parlay
From the memories of Willow

December 30, 2021, 10:30 pm start time. The space was walled, by curtains, and there were wide marble benches in place, a large table in the center, and a smaller one to the side. on the table were wine glasses, wine, and trays of bread, grapes, meats, and cheeses, as one shared refreshments as an agreement not to harm the other. There was a small fountain with a pitcher to one side, flowing with the purest of water, in order to offer oaths by. on the smaller table was the book that Jax had given, as well as a multitude of accounts of the various crimes that the Queen had done to the Kyria, as well as a copy of the personal invite from Hades to Jax. Lord Achelous, Rivergod and Grandfather of Willow Aides, sat to the left on one side of the table, dressed in dark blue robes as his station demanded, dressed more traditionally than others would be. He was a slightly older-looking gentleman with dark brown hair, a full beard, and deep blue eyes that looked like the Nile on a clear day. He looked rather serious. Lord Hades was attired in a dark blue and silver modern sort of suit with and slight elvish flare to the trim work. His hair was pure white platinum, and he was clean-shaven with icy blue eyes that were almost cold. He sat on the right side of the table, not pleased about being summoned here by some stupid request. He appeared calm, but Hermes knew the Underworld’s king better than most and he knew the King was nervous. Hermes bowed, to allow the others to find a seat at the proper places. He was there simply in position as Hearld and neutral party for this meeting. He knew quite well that the charges were valid as was the request for restitution. He only hoped that all concerned would mind their manners. The Lord Dragon was the third to arrive. He stepped in with a serious look on his human form’s face, wearing a black tux with red and golden trims, similar to the one worn to the party to open the House Aides estate. The Lord Dragon nodded a greeting to the two ditties and stood aside for Lord Jax, Lord Ryder, and Lady Meru. He took the position in the back left side of the table, leaning against the back wall closest to where they had entered. Next was Jackson Nightingale, the Lord Protector, and the person who had requested this meeting steps in, after having been through a portal to reach the location. He was dressed in a dark suit with a deep blue tie, with cufflinks of House Aides crest on them, and made his way to an appropriate seat on the left side of the table, leaving a chair on his other side for the next person to arrive. Ryder Nightingale, the husband to Willow, stepped in next, dressed nearly identical to Jackson but his tie was silver. It was clear the two men were close friends and possibly that their suits had been picked by the same person, whitch was a possible thing, considering they both lived with Willow who was a known fashion girl. Hermes moved, handing each person a glass of the greek red wine, thinking it may be best to do so now, to help calm any pre-meeting nerves. He had a feeling this was going to get messy as fuck, but he reminded himself he must stay calm. The Lord Dragon took the offered glass with a nod and a short bow, speaking low “Thank you, my Lord” Jackson nodded politely to Hermes, taking the drink as Ryder did the same as well, adding a Thank you afterward. Lady Meru semi floated in, wearing a flowing black dress, with a dark blue coat over it, pulled tight against the brisk cold of December and the chill. Her long black hair was pulled straight back and fell in a cascade to her waist, framing her three horns. She looked around as she took the red wine with a nod of thanks to Hermes and stood behind Lord Ryder and Jax, not really sure where a demon sat amongst Lords and Gods, but knowing where she stood in general. She would stand behind the men of her House. Hermes closed the curtains and bowed to both sides of the table before he spoke. “ Now, Are we all here?” Lord Hades, already dreading this meeting, merely nodded, keeping his face neutral. Lord Achelous nodded, his fingers tapping on his knee, a nervous tick. Jackson spoke, stating, “It would appear so.” Meru spoke, her slightly French accent adding a certain tilt to her voice as she spoke. “Oui, my Lords.” Ryder, staying quiet, maintaining his serious calm face, merely nodded. Jackson cleared his throat and spoke. “Should we begin our business, then?” Hermes nodded and began to speak- We are here to discuss the issue and the proper restitution due to the Lord Protector, Jax Nightingale for the damage and injuries done to the Kyria by the Queen's orders. Lord Achelous is here to speak on the behalf of his granddaughter as she is unable to leave medical isolation at this time. Hermes spoke, looking to Jackson. “Lord Nightingale, You have the floor first.” Jackson looked to Lord hades, sitting alone on the other side of the table. He spoke, his voice calm, steady, but it was spoken with respect and a hint of control. “Lord Hades, let it be known that I hold no animosity or ill will towards you personally. I seek no quarrel with you, merely restitution for ills done to me in your realm. “ Hades, looking slightly bored and annoyed spoke. “Lord Nightingale, no ill was done to you, as for Willow, she is my heiress is under the laws of the Underworld. She can not claim the damages you are seeking. This entire meeting is a waste of my time. “ Ryder, still maintaining his silence, sipped the wine, leaving Jackson to speak, trusting his friend. Lord Achelous lifts his brow, thinking bullshit, seriously considering saying it out loud. He shared a look with Hermes who nodded, agreeing with the shared thought. Jackson’s voice raised only a smidge but enough to show that Hades had definitely offended the normally quite calm vampire with his words. “No ills? Was not something of mine damaged, permanently, by an inhabitant of your realm, while I was there as your invited guest? “ Hades lifted one brow as he asked Jackson a direct question. “Jackson, are you saying you own Willow, the Kyria of the Underworld?” The Underworld deity looked over at Ryder and Jackson both, waiting for the answer. He knew the answer of course, but he was looking to see if there were any cracks in the two men over this fact. After all, one was her husband, the other the girl’s ‘friend’. Jackson continued, his own blue, red-tinged eyes never leaving the icy-eyed deity who sat on the other side of the table. “Is the attempted murder of one of mine no longer considered an ill? Would it be acceptable, then, if I, while staying as your guest were to wander your realm and cut the throat of one of yours? Even if they received emergency treatment and managed, miraculously to survive As for my ownership of the Kyria of the Underworld, you know as well as I that not only have I claimed that but that you yourself have ACKNOWLEDGED and accepted that claim” Ryder grips his glass, almost to the point of breaking, thinking of what he had seen, and what he had done to his beautiful wife. He had no issue with Jackson and Willow’s relationship. He trusted his friend, his brother to protect her as Jackson had always protected the demigoddess since the day the two met. Hermes pauses- "Forgive me, Lords, It's a well-known fact, and is documented that Jackson Nightingale is the Lórdos Prostátis idioktítis to Itia Aides, Kyria of the Underworld aka Willow Aides. (Translation: Lord Protector of Willow Aides, Lady of the Underworld.) You personally signed off on it. I have the paperwork if needed. “ The herald once again nodded to the Lórdos Prostátis, singaling him to countine. Meru seemed about to speak a few times, but closed her mouth each time she heard Jax speak, finally settling down and just letting him have the floor. She realized he had this handled, but listened and waited in case he needed her to speak. Lord Achelous listened, the utter amazement of the audacity of the actions seen on his face. He then looked to Hades, speaking in that low deep voice of his. “ You allowed your queen to..violate such... rules? Within the laws of our people, he could ask for her head or the queen to be banished for such a violation. It is one of the hallmarks of our Code of Honor.” Jackson, still maintaining that steel sense of calm, inclined his head towards him slightly, speaking again. “ Out of respect for her position and the chaos that would throw the realm of the dead into and the horrible ills that would affect upon everyone, I have refrained from either. My thirst for justice is strong, but not so strong as to blind me as to the consequences of such.” Ryder, tense in his shoulder, tapped on his glass, a nervous tick as he listened to them all. Once more the herald spoke, as he handed Hades the bound book, with the pictures of the Kyria’s injuries, including some from earlier beatings and such from the Queen’s hand or her direct order. "If one of you would state what has happened to the Kyria, please? Ryder spoke, fighting to keep an even composure, looking at Hades with hard hazel eyes. “She was.......” The man paused, to down the rest of his glass. “ Incapacitated, due to a crop hitting her back, to which a few days ago, emergency surgery had to be performed. Several, and I mean, SEVERAL, small, and large blackish-purple balls were removed from her back and spine. Some of the large ones had spikes or barns in them and black gunk seeped out of her back as we drained and operated on her.” Jackson nodded, as he also spoke. “ While last in the Underworld, Willow was forced into a combat arena with one of the Queen's underlings. And in that fight, she was injured by a whip he had. Normally, this is accepted as the cost of doing business. A fair fight, combat done to preserve her. And while I dislike it, I'm afraid I can find no grounds to object to it or stand against it. HOWEVER. In this case, the weapon of her opponent was poisoned. I'm afraid I'm... poor at recalling names. Meru, you know far more about this poison, its uses, its effects, and its origins than I. Would you please detail all of those to our gathered presences?” He motioned to the demoness who still stood quietly behind himself and Ryder, looking as a family would sitting for a photograph. Lord Achelous as his large left hand created a fist, as he turned his dark blue eyes to Hades in such a cold stone glare, the others would feel it, the utter disgust was clear on his face. Meru took a breath as she stepped forwards, the black dress flowered around the demon, like water would have moved. “My Lords, it was the Tarda Mors Ignis.” There was little that made her shiver or queasy, but in this she let her sickness bleed out. “I've cared for many of my demon sisters and brothers... But for it to be used on... “ The demoness growls louder than her small frame should have been capable of doing, as she paused before she kept going with her words. “The Tarda mors ignis mutates, poisons, and twists ones healing back on one's self. It’s used to mark a demon permanently, to poison Gods. That it was used in a ritual combat...”, she hisses at hearing that particular detail and looks at Hades like her hero had shown his true colors and a shattered heart was the result. “If it hadn't nearly killed her...” Lord Achelous growled in the back of his throat, "That is..utterly forbidden... Will she survive? Has it damaged her mind?” Ryder’s glass in his hand started to shake, the glass bottom tapping away trying to push the image and name of the poison out of his head, the fury clearly hinted at as his face stayed nearly frozen save for the flame in his eyes. Meru looked back at Achelous, speaking again, answering the River god’s question. “I believe so Lord, she would do with a glass of Ambrosia I think, but I doubt in my ability to make her drink and I gave my last bottle to Lord Hades before I knew...” Her words trailed off. Hermes shared a look with Lord Achelous, their eyes meeting, nodding. “ It shall be done, My Lord.” Jackson cleared his throat and then looked to Lord Dragon, speaking. “Lord Dragon, Pete, you and your wife performed the surgery, I believe you are the most qualified to give a prognosis on her likely outcomes. If you would not mind terribly, could you share them with us? “ The Lord Dragon nodded to the vampire, nodding and stepping forward- Hades was looking at the images, and was..shocked that a body could survive such ... well he would think it as butchery, that being said, he had an oath and his loyalty was first to his wife. Ryder could still feel the balls he had pulled out of her back, wincing as he remembered seeing them dotting her back where the wound was opened. The Lord Dragon nodded and bowed to those present before he spoke. “Of course” He then turned toward Hades to speak. “My Lords, I have been accused of being many things, inarticulate has never been one of them, and yet I could not possibly overstate the seriousness of the Kyria's injuries. As Lord Ryder said, the balls of this poison had attached themselves to my Lady's flesh, inside the wound... deep inside. Most had barbs which made their removal impossible without cutting away the flesh as well, all of them contained that black, corrupted liquid that, when in the bloodstream turned her flesh and skin necrotic, also had to be removed. The Lady Willow WILL be permanently scarred, there is absolutely no question of that. The fact that she is alive at all is nothing short of miraculous. Any notion that this type of injury was done accidentally, or the seriousness of its use overlooked is frankly, absurd. This poison was used with an intimate knowledge of the Kyrias physiology for maximum effect. A little under a pound of flesh was removed from Willow's body, and we are talking blood loss that will be measured in quarts. Whether she fully recovers or not is yet to be seen.” Jackson, his voice steady as a rock thanked the Lord Dragon as Hermes bowed to Lord Dragon as well. The Lord Dragon bowed in return, before resuming his position against the back wall. Achelous looked at Hades, growling low, still holding the list of ALL of the injuries done to his grandchild at the hands of Hades's wife. Ryder’s hand was still shaking, and he drops the glass. Jackson snatches the glass before it can shatter on the floor, gently placing a hand on Ryder's shoulder, to give moral support to his brother and friend, knowing exactly how Ryder felt about the damage done to their Willow. Hermes moves but stops as Jackson catches the glass. He himself was rather pale hearing the Dragon's account. “ Do we need a moment to .. catch our breath Gentlemen?” Ryder shook his head, not trusting his words currently. Jackson was clearly as enraged as anyone here, and as hurt by hearing all of this, but is not allowing himself to break. That can wait for later. More important right now is this. And nothing will distract him from it. He spoke calmly as steel. “If a recess is desired, then I have no objections to it.” Hades looked at the pictures and downs his wine before he spoke to the young vampire. “ I can not give you everything you ask for Lord Nightingale.” Meru merely sighs and places a hand on Ryder and Jax's shoulders, standing at their backs and resettling her masks to a neutral face. These men were Willow’s, and as such she would protect them. Jax nods, speaking once more “ I understood that this may be the case. My thinking was that it was a better idea to ask for too much and then find a reasonable position than it would be to ask for too little and receive only that. Or even start at a reasonable position and be forced to compromise down from there. While, of course, I would have LIKED to receive all I had asked for, I anticipated to not do so. I would hear your offer in response.” Hades looked at the vampire, speaking “ I offer, in light of the fact she is a member of the court, I will offer my apology and one pound of gold for the scarring of the Lady Aides.” The room was deadly quiet when a snorted laugh could be heard from the back of the room, where The Lord Dragon snorted a laugh before composing himself from the sheer audacity of the Underworld King’s proposed... offer. Jax nearly choked, his eyes flashing scarlet for a moment as he spoke. “ An apology, and one pound of gold, from Hades Plouton ? From he who's possessions are innumerable? Who is Lord of all wealth buried in and under the earth? That would be like asking for recompense from your brother who is lord of the seas and of earthquakes and receiving in compensation a vial of salt.” Ryder, whose growl seemed to rumble the earth, but then took a deep breath at the insult He just heard. The Lord Dragon muttered, loudly. “ I'd expect more if she were livestock.” Meru spoke, barely heard over the males in the room. “Would you like to smell it Hades? “ She dropped one title and remembered the others. “Lord Jax gave you that book but there is enough magic here we could easily recreate that stench that will haunt... Would you like to feel what Lord Ryder felt? What Lord Jackson smelt and felt while Our Lady was fighting for life due to Your wife’s actions?” Achelous growled, his fury clear for all to see in his ocean eyes. “Not even close to enough Hades. Not EVEN close. Do you wish for a full accounting of what she has suffered at the hands of that.. that cesspool of a whore you call wife?” Hermes snaps his fingers and pulls out the list, and lets the scroll open and it falls to the floor in length, looking to the group, as he spoke. "Would you like me to give a partial list my Lords? Jax nods to Hermes, speaking once more “Please do. I am going to take a moment to compose myself. I do not wish to deliver unto Lord Hades an insult of the magnitude his offer was to me. I understand when haggling you never open with the offer you expect to be accepted, but if I were to have made an offer as outrageous as his, I would have asked for her head on a pike, to be displayed in Olympus for a term of fifty years. “ Hermes bowed, granting the Lord a moment to collect himself, as he prepared a pared-down list of injuries.- Jack nodded to Hermes. “Begin your list, please, Lord Herald. Achelous rose, exiting to breath, as he spoke. “ I shall join you, Lord Nightingale, for the stench of bullshit is enough to make me forget to be ... quiet of the insult of his ... offer towards my Grandchild's price. “ The Lord Dragon took a large gulp of his wine. Long, painfully so minutes went past before the River god returned. Achelous returns, sitting back down, a look of ice on his face. “ I can bear it now, I think Lord Hermes.” Hermes looked to Jackson “ Are you ready my Lord?” Jax simply nodded to him, motioning him to go on. Hermes stood, and began to read from the parchment in his hands. My Lords, and Lady, here is a partial list of injuries and insults done to the Lady Willow Aides at the hands or the order of Queen of the Underworld: Seventy-three broken bones, by the way, that does include the bones of the hand, foot, ribs, leg, and arm. Thirty-seven burns to her face, ribcage, and back, as well forty-seven burns to her feet. Two hundred forty-eight lashes with a whip One hundred and five lashes with a crop Six attempted murders towards her person Nine thousand, one hundred twenty-five Forced Sexual assaults while she was in the cell Two kidnappings Five hundred and nine sexual harassments while in the court of the underworld Seventy thousand insults, comments, and disbarring remarks against her virtue and ability to be a proper wife Four hundred and fifty threats to her family and loved ones One thousand, three hundred and two items of her stolen or destroyed while in the court, under the protection of Hades. Her honor, respect, and her reputation. And The cell mentioned my Lords is from when she was kidnapped and... I use the term Sexually assaulted ... rather than a more graphic term for what she went through, and this does not include the loss of her voice and her abilities for three months after. This of course is not everything, but I only had a few minutes to get a list together. “ Achelous blanched and crushed the glass in his hand in to sand, as the utter.. shock and fury on his face was clear to be seen as the storm outside would rock the entire kingdom they were in with how hard it poured down from the sky- Meru spoke, keeping a respectful tone as she did so. “I have hunted for fractions of this. At the Lord's order. Some quite specifically, have somebody parts still. Excuse me a moment.” The demoness takes a much needed step back and goes still for a moment. The Lord Dragon gawked a moment, forgetting himself as he made the smart mouth comment to Hades “ So, I have a pound of gold lying around somewhere, can I do those things to your wife?” Then remembering himself and shutting up Hermes's eyes go wide, as Hades hears what the Dragon says. Jax spoke, quietly but knew he needed to in order not to start more issues. “Lord Dragon, while your expertise is appreciated, and your knowledge of surgery invaluable, I would ask that you please refrain from further outbursts such as that one.” Hades, growled, his fury felt in the room “Are you comparing a full goddess with a mere demigoddess? Do you DARE think your self worthy to touch a Goddess in any manner.. .. dragon?” Hermes spoke, “ Let us not start insulting people Hades.”, all the while thinking if the right diety gave him the a-okay, he could make that a goddess vs goddess thing two shakes of a finger. The Lord Dragon shook his head, speaking “ I am just surprised at the low value you place on your own blood, my lord.” Ryder listened, his face maintaining a mostly stoic appearance at all times. Jax took a breath, considering his next words. Hades narrowed his eyes, waiting for the counter by Jackson. “I have a question for you, Lord Hades. And as well for Lord Achelous. Which would you consider a deeper breach of Xenia? A kidnapping and subsequent well-treatment of the kidnapped? Or attempted murder only prevented from being more than such by a near-miraculous surgery. I swear to you on my bones that this is a relevant question, beyond even how it appears as such on the surface.”, Jax asked, having a reason behind his questioning. Achelous answered first. “ Both are horrid, as kidnapping is to remove one from the choice of being where they wish, but the latter is worse, as murder, attempted or not is an unforgivable crime, as would be any scaring from said crime.” Hades cocked an eyebrow as he asked. “Why do you ask? bBoth are against Xenia.” Jax responded with, “I ask because I wish to know your opinion that I may make a point. Do you consider them to be at least equal?”. Hades responded with “There is no difference in the law of Xenia, as a guest should be treated better than any other member of your household. “ Hermes listened, pouring fresh wine to those who needed such. - Jax responded back. “Because the former is the most well-known transgression of Xenia in all of the stories of your pantheon. It lead to all of Greece being obligated to war against Troy. It lead to your very brother who rules Olympus demanding they do so. Because otherwise would have been the deepest insult to him.” Achelous looking at Jackson, tilting his head, when a slow smile slid over his features briefly, rather impressed with this young vampire’s knowledge of his family’s history. Jax kept speaking. “I do not care to involve more people in this than are necessary, but I am afraid that if you offer as grave an insult as your previous offer was to me again, I will have very little choice but to invoke his name, to involve him. I wished to settle this among us, as privately as possible, to keep this low-key and quiet out of respect for you and because of your reputation for fairness. But if I must drag this into the light in order to secure what is owed I will not hesitate for a moment to do so. “ Hade snorted into his wine. “Are you comparing the Kyria to the legendary beauty that was Helene of Troy? You clearly must be utterly blind to make sure a comparison. I can offer my apology, 100 pounds of gold, and a thirty-day banishment of my wife to live with her mother. “ Jax fired back “ And with zero measures to prevent this re-occurring? Nothing at all to assure that she does not once more try to murder YOUR granddaughter? The woman I hold as MY dearest friend and confidant? That you yourself have doted upon and, until this point, treated with the utmost care and love? That you yourself have admitted as mine? “ As he gestured to the invitation granted to Jackson in Hades' own hand. Hermes was so prepared to go and fetch his royal pain in the assness himself if Lord Nightingale wishes. Hermes looked to Ryder and Jackson. “ Shall I fetch Zeus, my Lords?” Jax, after sharing a look with Ryder, who nodded twice to the vampire. “NORMALLY I would allow him a chance to answer the questions I just asked, but I can tell by the look on his face he has no intention of doing so. I must state again that this is NOT a course of action I intended to take. But yes. I am afraid it is the only avenue left to me.” Ryder answered as well “ If Jax agrees, I do as well, And as I had tried to keep my composure up till this point, and it may seem minor, let’s not forget Saturday night’s dinner, to which he acted stubborn as a mule.” Hermes bows, speaking to the two men. “ Pardon me for two shakes, I shall return with His lordship. “ Hermes returned shortly, with the King of the gods, Zeus. The King of Mount Olympus was dressed in a rather nice dark three-piece suit. He took a seat and looked at the others. Each of the men rose and bowed as did Meru in respect for that is one did in the presence of such. Jax bowed deeply to him as he enters, speaking. “ Lord Zeus. I have requested your presence here in your capacity as the one who is Lord of Xenia. To settle a matter deeply concerning to myself. Lord Hermes, if you would not mind recounting the matters addressed here already? My throat grows parched from speaking at length and I wish to retrieve everyone here a glass of water. “ Meru pops to the wine and brings Zeus a cup, then refills Achaellus, then Ryder and Jax, working her way around the room to Hades last and filling his cup out of pure spite, before slipping back to the background and going still. Jax stepped to a side of the room, pouring a glass of the clearest, purest water for each person in the room, in case anyone has had enough wine for the moment but still wishes to have something to drink, while Hermes did his duty. Hermes bowed “ As you wish my Lord Nightingale.” He stood, with parchment in hand, and began to read once more from his parchments. “We are here to discuss the issue and the proper restitution due to the Lord Protector, Jax Nightingale for the damage and injuries done to the Kyria by the Queen's orders. Lord Achelous is here to speak on the behalf of his granddaughter as she is unable to leave medical isolation at this time. We have included testimony from the demoness known as Miss Meru Aides, Lady in waiting to the Kyria of the Underworld, Lord Dragon, leader of the land Cear Wen who, with his wife operated and helped to save the Kyria's life. We also have listed a partial list of the crimes against the Kyria at the hands of the Queen or at her command, which I will repeat now. A Partial list of injuries and insults done to the Lady Willow Aides at the hands or the order of the Queen of the Underworld: Seventy-three broken bones, by the way, that does include the bones of the hand, foot, ribs, leg, and arm. Thirty-seven burns to her face, ribcage, and back, as well as forty-seven burns to her feet. Two hundred forty-eight lashes with a whip One hundred and five lashes with a crop Six attempted murders towards her person Nine thousand, one hundred twenty-five Forced Sexual assaults while she was in the cell Two kidnappings Five hundred and nine sexual harassments while in the court of the underworld Seventy thousand insults, comments, and disbarring remarks against her virtue and ability to be a proper wife Four hundred and fifty threats to her family and loved ones One thousand, three hundred and two items of her stolen or destroyed while in the court, under the protection of Hades. Her honor, respect, and her reputation. And The cell mentioned my Lord is from when she was kidnapped and... I use the term Sexually assaulted ... rather than a more graphic term for what she went through, and this does not include the loss of her voice and her abilities for three months after.” Hermes moved and hands Zeus the book, with the pictures of the wounds, and what was removed, as well as what the poison was as well. Jax was doing all of this as a show of good faith and hospitality, as he was the one who called this meeting, and therefore the closest thing to its host as can be called, careful to give no reason to insult Zeus by lack of basic manners. Zeus gave a cursory acknowledging nod to those who bowed to him, listening to Hermes as he spoke and then taking the list, quietly reading it over again as he runs his hand over his beard... the opened the book to look at the picture of the injuries done. His face was impassive as he closes it again after a short time... turning to Hades with a sigh. "So, still not able to control your wife then, I see." Hades narrowed his eyes. “I made an offer, he is refusing to see to reason.” “ What was the offer?” Zeus asked, expecting Hermes to answer it. Hermes speaks “The last offer was His apology, 100 pounds of gold, and a thirty-day banishment of his wife to live with her mother. The first was an apology, and a single pound of gold, My Lord. Would you care to see what the original request was?” Zeus looked between Hermes and Hades a few times. “ I hope that is a joke. Did she break a nail? Beauty has been permanently, maliciously, intentionally, and repeatedly scarred... and we all know how I feel about beauty.” The king of the Gods turned back toward Hermes and nodded Hermes hands Zeus the official request, that had been sent by The Lord Protector to Hades. - -The official request read- To the Lord Hades, God of the Underworld, of Wealth, and Keeper of the Dark Gates, As the Lórdos Prostátis of the Kyria of the Underworld, Itia Aides, I charge you, as the Lord and husband of the attacker who plotted such, with a breach of hospitality, and causing permanent bodily harm to the Latreméni kyría under my protection. As such I, along with her Antívaro and Sýzygos, demand restitution as-is our right due to the permanent damage that has been done to the Kryia of the Underworld’s body. She was forced into one of the battle games where she and her virtue were the bait, at the orders of your wife, Persephone of the Underworld. Four of her chosen guards were told to catch her and do as they willed to her in the process. One of the spiked riding crops ripped her back open and said spiked item was heavily coated in the poison known as Tarda mors ignis. With this formal request, we send you evidence of the damage done to the Kyria. We request the following from your wife and from you as your oath to protect her The Kryia has been violated by these actions. 1: The Lord Hades keeps His word and does not turn a blind eye to what is happening in his own court. 2: The value of the blood loss must be repaid. There was a pound of flesh and much blood removed from our Kryia in order to save her life. the Lady Persephone is the reason for such and as our Kyria carries the blood of not only Lord Hades but also of Lord Achelous, a high price must be repaid for the loss of noble blood. She must be made to suffer such a loss as well in order for the price to be paid. 3: The Lady Persephone must also swear an oath to The River Styx to both never harm or cause her to come to harm again,, for the violation of her obligation as host, as well as an obligation to, in any ways possible protect our Kyria from as much harm as she caused her in this instance. -With the exception of anything that may happen in her private chambers with our Kyria’s full consent. 4: All her oaths must be sworn against her title, status, and powers on the River Styx. Sincerely, Jackson Nightingale- Lórdos Prostátis of the Kyria of the Underworld Ryder Nightingale- Lórdos Antívaro and Sýzygos of the Kyria of the Underworld Zeus took his time reading over the request, speaking as he read. “How much of this did you know about before today, brother?,” he asked, waving the list of charges in Hade's direction. ( translations for those who need such: Lórdos Prostátis= Lord Protector, Antívaro and Sýzygos= Counterbalance-aka partner- and Husband, latreméni kyría = Cherished lady) Hades spoke. “ I received the official request and the images in the book. That.. the longer list was not addressed in the request and should not be counted against my wife.” Zeus was still reading as he responded. “It's not being counted against your wife, it's being counted against you. How many did you know about before today?” The Underworld king responded. “Again, not included in the original request and I refuse to answer to an upstart Vampire and a mortal. “ Zeus was slowly lowering the paper, smiling a smile that would make most gods and men shrink into despair as a crack of thunder exploded outside.” and which of those am I? They didn't ask you, I did. “ Achelous barely hides a smirk as Zeus did not scare him. Hades responded. “I knew of some but they have been dealt with, banishment for a year handled roughly half of them “ Hermes shifted to one side, standing closer to the trio and the dragon- Meru was snarling out, with her fangs showing, as she growled,” He's known about the Cell for a while, He's known.” Zeus nodded as he spoke. “There, that wasn't so hard, was it?... so. The matter, as I see it, is a simple one. You have allowed the law of Xenia to be broken... Repeatedly. Your knowledge of... some ... of these crimes establishes a pattern of behaviour. So the question is simple. Do you give proper restitution to the Lord Nightingale and give ADEQUATE punishment to your wife to prevent reoccurrence, hereby showing that you are applying the law in your realm... or do I charge YOU with knowingly and repeatedly allowing our highest laws to be broken on your watch?” Jax and Ryder watched, listening in silence. Jackson’s calming presence the only reason Ryder hadn’t decked the Underworld King full in the face. Hades growled, “ I will not force my wife to make any oath against her will. To force her to do such is an offense against all of the Gods. “ Zeus looked at his brother and spoke, “Chose carefully. This shows either ignorance of your wife's actions, indifference to our laws, or impotence to control your wife. None of which are permittable.” Jax spoke, “The oath was the only solution I could conceive of to prevent reoccurrence of this manner of acts. She has been shown to not be deterred by hospitality or by previous punishments. If you can think of any means by which to prevent these acts from happening again, Lord Hades, I would be more than willing to hear them out. Recompense is important to me, but prevention of these attempts on Willow’s life is by far the more valuable to me. “ Achelous spoke softly "Did not even the Queen Hera make oaths on the River Styx? Is your queen considered higher than the Queen of Heaven? Meru spoke, her rage barely contained. “After you let her pass the last time it was proven she harmed the Lady Willow, your Queen escalated her attacks. How long must Our Lady suffer escalating attacks before someone makes your wife act decently? “ Zeus looked to Lord Nightingale and then to Anchelos before back to Hades, waiting for an answer. “The.... upstart vampire ... seems to be the reasonable one here. I'd have asked for her head.” Hermes spoke softly “ The Vampire actually wanted her head on a spike” Zeus looked down and rereads the requests. “ Ah, yes, the mortal and the Dragon wanted the equal value in flesh...” He looked back to Hades, still waiting for an answer. “When I married her, I gave my wife equal domain and rule over all that was mine, if you did not remember brother.” was Hade’s response. Jax answered, “Oh, yes, earlier I did make a comment that if I were to have made an offer equal to his first, it would have been for her head on a pike. But I very much did not request such. I would very much have liked to have done so, but thought to make such an offer would have been in poor taste. Regardless of my wants, I sought only what I could find justifiable. “ Zeus smirked. “I remember... well, I remember the bridesmaids.... but, with equal domain comes equal responsibility. The laws of gods are not subject to the whims of those charged with enforcing them. They are not requests. You can make her swear her oath... after provided adequate recompense... and don't give me the line about it being an insult to the gods, breaking our laws is insult enough... or I can choose her punishment for you. And then I can choose yours.” Ryder smiled at the thought of the queen’s possible punishment as Hermes quietly moved to shield the mortal, the dragon, the vampire, and demoness from the possibly blow up about to happen. Meru, blinked at Hermes and puts a hand on his back, offering him a secondary battery. Just in case, considering who stood outside the shield. Hades draws himself up “You forget yourself BABY brother.” The smile grew a little wider on Zeus’s face. “ As do you. Remember from whence your power is drawn, and how you got it... not to mention the consequences if you were to challenge me... over your wife, no less... but if you mean to challenge me... ask the Titans how that went.” Hades growled low. “I will not force my wife to take any oath. Just as you do not force yours to make any that she will not harm any of your bastard offspring.” Jax spoke up, “The difference is Hera was never playing host to them at the time of any attacks. Since he shed his mortality and took up residence alongside his father, has even the most hated of his children, he who was named for her, Heracles, received any harm or threats from her?” Zeus nodded “This is true... although my wife doesn't break the law as often, or as intentionally as yours does... but okay, I will consider that a choice made... “ He turned to Lord Nightingale. “ Tthe 100 pounds of gold and the apology... would you consider that as fair restitution for the offense against Willow on this occasion?” Achelous narrowed his eyes at Zeus at just considering such. Jackson spoke once more. “The problem is not the venom she holds. The problem is when and where and how she went about enacting such. “ Zeus smirked. “ Oh, that is the punishment part and the assurances that it won't happen again... we will get to that.” Hermes speaks, “No, He has not granted Our Queen rarely if ever goes anywhere near him, and other calling him the bastard, she controls her tongue. They actully have even learned to become friends over the years.” Zeus nodded at Hermes. “ I do not make her swear such an oath because she has never given me reason to. “ Jackson looked at Hades as he spoke once more. “I never before have heard you to break an agreement. Never before heard you to be anything less than true to your word. Were you not willing to part with a subject who was by all rights yours, just by a simple request and under more than generous terms? Eurydice was dead, and by no malice of yours. And yet you were more than willing to let Orpheus take her away for no greater price than a song. You let said bastard himself borrow your dog for no price at all other than returning him when he was done in order to carry out one of the famous Labours foist upon him by his cousin at Hera's orders. You are known for being, and I mean no offense to anyone else in your family, the MOST just of the gods. I pray, what justice is on show today? You, Sir. Gave me your WORD. That she was mine, and as such would NOT come to harm in your realm while I was there. That as she was mine, any injury to her was as an injury done to me. That my guest-right extended to her, so long as I remained in your realm for any and all time she was there. Was I ever absent during her last stay? Did I part from your domain? “ Zeus took the measure of the young vampire, nodding as he listened, before turning to Hades again. “You see? This one has a solid grasp of our laws.” Jackson continued on speaking. “Orpheus broke the terms of his agreement. And exactly as he was warned, was what happened. Heracles did exactly as the two of you had agreed, and was even allowed to free Thesues, who had been imprisoned alongside his brother for attempting to kidnap your wife. Did you seek revenge? Of course, you didn't. Though you did give him a quite stern warning when he attempted to free the brother, which he refrained from doing. “ Achelous leaned back, rather impressed by the Vampire's knowedge fo their world, thinking his granddaughter and her husband chose wisely for a protector of her person. Hades latched on something Jax said, "Fine, I shall have her imprisoned for three months, as well as 500 pounds of gold for the damages done to what is yours.” Jax shook his head as he answered. “I ask with great sincerity, Lord Hades. What value has gold to either of us?” Hades spat back “Six months then and no gold. “ Zeus stood aside and nudged Hermes with a smirk- “so three months of his wife's time and freedom is only worth 500 pounds of gold... interesting. “ looks at Zeus, “I already am without her for six months the damn year.” Zeus lifted a brow “so a full year is only worth 500 gold?” Hermes nodded, making note. Hades growled, “The vampire made it clear gold was of no value to him, so I did not include it in the last offer as he made it clear gold was not what he wanted.” Zeus smirked. “ Aaaah. I was starting to wonder.” The young vampire spoke once more. “In lieu of asking your wife for her word, I offer you this. The chance to redeem yours. Swear to me, here, with these witnesses, and upon your reputation and power. That you yourself will do everything within your power to uphold your previous to me. That you will allow, while in your domain, defined to include all of the realm known as Hades. from the outermost ring of the Styx, to the shores of the far Oceanus. Across the Depths of Tartarus, Asphodel's Gray fields, and throughout the isles of Elysium and your own hall NO HARM to come to her. That she will have your personal aegis upon her, and that any acts of harm to her are to be considered as such against you. No further punishment to your wife or your self. Merely that. Merely a reinforcement of what had already been promised, but this time with personal consequences to your self should it be violated.” Achelous raised his hand- Zeus snorted, “No, Anchelus, you may not use the bathroom.... speak, dammit.” Achelous laughed- “No, Would this forbid me from asking for further punishment on the behalf of my granddaughter?” Zeus tilted his head, as he looks to Lord Nightingale as the requester- Jax mutters under his breath “this is exhausting. shoulda just called the erinyes, see what they thought of oathbreaking” Meru grinned brightly, “ I have several ideas on what my cousins might have to say. I had thought our solutions were off the table.” Jackson spoke, his words careful. “This I think would settle the debt to myself. Any grievances you may have, Lord Achelous, are your own business. Because technically, none of this is about the injuries done personally to her, its about the oath sworn to me, and about the harm done to me by means of doing harm to her. Any grievances resulting directly from the harm to her are legally separate. The other things listed by Lord Hermes are merely illustrative. They demonstrate a pattern of behaviour that is indicative that Lord Hades was well aware of her proclivity to such actions and knew that she would do such and that he was aware the keeping of his word would have meant preventing such actions.” Achelous looked to Zeus,” Care to straighten both issues out at once or shall I call for a full concil to deal with my issues with the so called Queen of the Underworld.” Hades looked at the vampire with a sigh, “ My oath and that's it. done. “ Zeus pondered for a moment before answering. “ Lord Nightingale is correct. The issue of harm done to the Kyria is separate from the issue of Hades ensuring her safety with a vow of his own. It allows ongoing security without having to force his wife to make an oath of her own. As for the punishment for the actual permanent harming of a beauty under the protection of Xenia... I don't think an oath by Hades is a punishment for his wife at all. It only shifts the responsibility for her actions away from her... I'm all for more punishment. “ Achelous answered to Zeus, “Agreed. Lord Nightingale's Oath deals with Hades's part of the deal, but nothing on the actul person who did the damange.” Jackson once more spoke, looking at Hades, unblinking. “Lord Hades, I mean no offense. But given the nature of it. I want to hear every. word. of it. The whole of the oath, from your lips. In front of all who are gathered here. I want to be certain that it is binding.” Hades narrowed his eyes at the idea that his word is not binding enough. Jax looked back at him, the meaning clear "Apparently it didn't bind you last time" Zeus smirked, “ The man's got a point. You tarnished your own honor by allowing this to happen.... again” Jax met his gaze and did not look away or blink. Meru whispered, “And again... Sort of a pattern...” she then eeped to herself and goes back to being still. Hades growled out, “I, Hades, God and King of the Underworld, make this solemn oath. I shall do all and everything within my power to uphold the promises made by me to Jackson Nightingale. That Willow Allane Aides- Nightingale, Kyria of the Underworld, while under the protection of Jackson Nightingale, under any name, shall have my personal Aegis on her, and any and all acts of harm on her are to be considered the same as if they were taken on to myself while in my realms, including Tartarus, The Grey Feilds, Elysium and the Underworld courts. So mote it be.” Zeus coughed, “ under pain of....” Hades added the line “Under pain of being an Oath breaker by the River Styx, with all I am able to offer.” Jax nodded relaxing, knowing at least he was able to protect what was his, from some of the damage from now on.” Thank you. I extend to you and Cerberus the best of wishes and greatest of lives in this new upcoming year. “ Hermes coughed, slipping a note to Zeus, before looking the most innocent/not so innocent- look he has ever attempted to pull off, as Meru looked at him, with a tilted head. Zeus took the note with his best "Oh, how did this get here?" look and reads it. Hermes snorted while nodding Meru. the two shared a wink and both went back to looking innocent. Whitch just was strange on their faces. Zeus looked up and nodded at Hades “okay, good. That's settled... now...” -Glancing at Anchelus- ... for the punishment for the crime of inflicting permanent harm against a guest under the protection of the law of Xenia... what would you deem a suitable punishment, Achelous ?” Achelous looked to Meru-” how long would it have taken for you to pass that poison from your system, Miss Aides?” Meru had made herself busy filling folks' glasses, one hand carrying wine and one water. “ The last time that was used on me it took me a month in magma to burn the deformity off no matter how I manifested.” She pauses a moment and looks between the Gods, lastly Hades and then finally at Achelous,” In Hell. Not in the mortal world.” Achelous spoke, looking ever so causal even as his words were deadly serious. “ I say six months imprisonment, the minions who played the stupid game executed, and Say.. 30 lashes with a spiked crop on the Queen's back. “ Hermes's eyebrow rose, and he just sits back, reminded this is why no one fucks with the River god Meru has to bite her lip not to volunteer to dish out the lashes herself, nodding with a grim smile at the punishment. Jax stood. “I apologize. But I must excuse myself. The morning comes rapidly, and there are things I must do tomorrow.” Achelous rose and nodded. “ Thank you, Lord Nightingale, for protecting her when few would have. Jax bowed deeply to him, “ of course. “ The Dragon bows to Lord Nightingale. “Goodnight” Meru slipped back and bows low to Lord Jax and to Lord Ryder. “ Sleep, Sweet Lord. Thank you.” Hermes takes him and Ryder back to Willow so they can sleep, but returns shortly. Drumming his fingers on his chin, then looking down at the list of charges. Reading over them again. Zeus finally spoke once more. “ No, I'm afraid the punishment doesn't fit the crimes... and yes, I used plural intentionally. There are too many, they are too intentional and, so far, they have been woefully under punished... so... amended, if I may pull rank... all of this...” He thuds a finger onto the long list of offenses against the Kyria of Aides- ...” gets done to Persephone, with the same severity, in the same order, for the same duration... if that is less than 6 months, she stays in there until those six months are completed... if it takes longer than six months.... too bad. I will consent to the 30 lashes, provided it doesn't cause permanent harm or scars, because, brother, that is the law. Moreover, and primarily because it will piss her off, I hereby decree that from this moment, henceforth and forevermore, the Lady Willow will be elevated to the status of full goddess. Entitled to the full measure of RESPECT due to any member of the olympiad pantheon... Persephone will personally and publicly acknowledge this... under pain of having to repeat her punishment, again and again, until she does. Oh. And the minions die... obviously.” Meru grinned brightly at that, purring out, “Oh ma Deesse..” Meru raised her hand overly excited. “ I volunteer as executioner unless Lord Jax or Ryder in their absence wish to step above me.” Zeus looked at the River god, “Would that satisfy the injury to your granddaughter, Anchelus?” Hermes bows low- Achelous bowed “ Quite. Thank you My Lord Zeus” Zeus nodded and spoke “ then it is settled” Achelous nodded- “We should get these people back to their homes. And Hermes, see that my Granddaughter gets the Ambrosia that will help her heal.” The Dragon straightens himself and bowed low. Hermes bowed low again, before speaking, “ Then As the Offical Herald of the Gods, I am pleased to inform all, That the demigoddess known as Aprosdókitos is no longer a demigoddess, but a goddess in her own right, by the degree of the God Zeus.” Meru cheered and bounced up and down a moment before realizing exactly where she was. And who with before settling on clapping- The Lord Dragon stood, smiling proudly. Hermes nodded, holding the curtains open so they can exit towards home- Zeus waved a hand to hurry things along...” I have a hot tub fill of naked, nubile wenches waiting for me, so.... “ Hermes shook his head “how did you replace your book so quickly my lord?” Hades exits and heads towards home, knowing this was going to be a horrid night but that his wife, as much as he loves her, had every bit of this coming to her. Meru perked up and then just grinned at the debauchery, biting her lip not to say anything as she stepped out.- “Excuse me, I got to go congratulate someone... And be insufferable before she sleeps and I feel guilty. I do love being right! “ -She dragged the Dragon with her “.- Come on you, your Jules is going to love you being out this late with Gods. OOh, wait till Myvren hears...” The Dragon chuckles. “Julie has been away for hours, she will have to find out on the morning... Mrywen might actually burn down a city in excitement though... “ He followed her out with a nod to the remaining gods. Meru poofed back and bowed low to A in particular, whispering- “Thank you for remembering the Ambrosia.” And disappearing back onto the Dragon's arm since they were going to the same place. Achelous handed the bottle to Meru to give to the new goddess, before he vanished to home, thinking a good old getting drunk with Hep may be in order. The blacksmith was going to want to hear all about this. Meru grinned and hid away the precious liquid, heading back to Cear Wen with the Dragon and Hermes. Zeus after finding himself alone belched loudly and then disappeared for a night of debauchery.

December 26-27- Agreement's broken-Log
From the memories of Willow

Pete,, 4:10 PM Sealing the door, putting another bottle of whiskey on the side table and looking through the medical kit with an arched eyebrow... thinking it looked more like a combat triage kit... before setting it on the table closest to willow and helping her to a more comfortable seat. Willow, 4:11 PM

she looked to Ryder, silently asking for his help to get her out of her shirts and cloak, as .. she didn't want to have to cut them off of her. when the first shirt was removed, a very clear and large sticky area seemed to be on her back right where the bandage was-

Ryder, 4:12 PM -helps her- Willow, 4:13 PM

She speaks softly- there.. should.. be some.. ear plugs inthere.. both of you..put them in. I.. I may loose control if this hurts as badly as I fear, and I don';t want to make your heads go boom.

Pete,, 4:14 PM -blinking for a moment before rummaging through the kit, handing the first set to Ryder before finding the second and keeping them close Willow, 4:15 PM "both of you. If.. my cry can literally stop a heart, I'd rather not risk anyone. " Pete,, 4:16 PM Putting in the earplugs in, looking to the door for jax Ryder, 4:17 PM -puts them in as far as I can- Jax, 4:17 PM entering Willow, 4:18 PM -she looked to Ryder, as he peeled off the the under tank, revealing Willow in her sports bra, whitch was her most covering one. Jax would see her, paler then normal, shadows under her eyes, with a fine sheen of sweat over her brow, whitch was more then most had ever seen her do- Ryder, 4:19 PM -watches her movements as I do so- Pete,, 4:20 PM -wincing slightly at the obvious pain she was in, pushing the earplugs in deeper- Willow, 4:24 PM whispering- Jax? Jax, 4:24 PM squeezes her hand Willow, 4:25 PM

She grips his hand, nodding, letting them know they could remove the bandage, one hand holding Jackson's hand tight, the other gripping the edge of the space she was half sitting/half laying on. She knew Ryder was helping Pete with getting things out.-

Pete,, 4:26 PM Pulling out the bandage from the kit, setting it onto the table before taking another look at Willows back, then pulling out the rest of it and laying it out as neatly as I can, ready fro when it's needed Willow, 4:28 PM

she gripped Jax's hand, knowing that just removing the bandage and the tape could be painful, thanks to her own .. issues the adhesive in tape- "Just.. Rip it off.. easiest way to do it.

Ryder, 4:29 PM -takes a deep breath and rips the bandage off, wincing as I do- Willow, 4:30 PM

She bites her lower lip, to keep from crying out. When the bandage was removed, where it had been red and angry the night before, today looked right down furious, a line of bright white around the edges of the nine snitches and the length of the injury. There were dark veins that looked purple threading out from the wound. The entire area smelled slightly like rotting flesh and bone.

It was on the right side of her mid-back, roughly three or four inches from her spine. It was roughly six to seven inches in length, and about an inch at the widest, and a quarter of an inch at the narrowest. When opened, it was between half an inch to two and a half inches in depth, depending on where in the injury it fell. The cut/welt was at a strange angle, that was about at a 60-degree space, the lower part being higher up, and going down as if was taken while turning away from the attacker. - Ryder, 4:31 PM -holds her down with my free hand as I pull it off- Pete,, 4:32 PM -tilting my head and looking at it- there is absolutely no way that was done with a riding crop, unless something was added to it, a poison or something. I've seen enough combat wounds to know a simple infection smells like almonds... that's necrotic. Willow, 4:33 PM

She does her best to stay still, knowing they haven't even gotten to the hard part, of cutting the snitches open. From what meru had said.. this.. was going to be the worst pain she could feel.-

Ryder, 4:34 PM -takes a bottle of whiskey, pops it open and downs a quarter- Willow, 4:34 PM

whimpers- Crop.. had.. spikes. just.. cut it..open... Ryder.. find a bucket or two... one for you to use if you need to throw up.

Ryder, 4:35 PM -goes to quickly find two buckets- Willow, 4:37 PM

She grips Jax 's hand tight, eyes locked on her best friend's eyes, doing her best to keep still-

Pete,, 4:38 PM Reaches over to the table and picks up the blade. Sucking in a holding a breath for no conceivable reason before holding the wound closed a little to relax the tension in the stitches. Flicking a glance up at Willow, before quickly, but carefully and as gently as possible, cutting through each stitch individually, then slowly releasing the grip and letting the wound open. Willow, 4:38 PM

When the snitches were cut open, a good amount of dark purple brackish puss and liquid oozed out of the wound, releasing a nasty, rotting stench. Inside the wound, there were dozens of white and dark purple, angry puss-filled bumps of various sizes, some held tiny balls of foreign things, the larger ones had pieces of broken spikes in them. It was clear that not only would things need to be plucked out, but she may quite possibly need to have pieces of her back muscle and tissue removed to stop the spread of whatever poison and infection were in the wound from her latest battle in the Underworld. It was clear if they didn’t, she may not make it. -

Ryder, 4:39 PM -cheeks bulge slightly as I swallow hard, looking her back over Ryder, 4:40 PM -slips on surgical gloves- Pete,, 4:41 PM -with a look inside the wound, things seemed to snap into focus. I had had very little medical training until recently, but after a certain incident with the Demon and a crate full of healing potions, I had made a point of educating myself.. running my hands over my mouth as I glance deeper into the wound before also slipping on the gloves Willow, 4:41 PM

she had tears sliding down her face, feeling the cuts, and feeling the liquid slide down her back, and the smell was enough to make her want to throw up. She kept her eyes on Jax, using him as a focus point to keep from screaming or buckling under the pain-

Ryder, 4:42 PM -turns my head, takes a deep breath, takes needle nose grips and starts to go to work on the spikes carefully taking them out- Ryder, 4:43 PM -starts to work on the large balls, making sure none rupture- Ryder, 4:44 PM -uses magic to take out a gag and uses it on her so she’d have something to bite down on- Ryder, 4:44 PM -tosses all large “bumps” in the trash can- Jax, 4:44 PM squeezing Willow's hand, keeping her grounded Willow, 4:45 PM

she sinks her teeth in to the gag, fighting the scream as they work on removing the puss filled balls, a few do rupture cause they were so angry. Her eyes on Jax, not even fighting the tears as they wouked on her back-

Ryder, 4:45 PM -blinks my eyes to take a mental picture and sends it to storage, just in case- Ryder, 4:46 PM -finds a baster and sucks out the bad fluid with one hand as I work on the small bumps- Meru, 4:46 PM -Her self outside the door went still a moment, and a red form slipped inside, one was illusion but it wasn't time for that. A couple more buckets were placed in easy reach and the waste bucket was taken out, a ball of fire dropping into it as she stepped out. Proud that she didn't hiss out loud while inside, trying to think of how else to help.- Pete,, 4:48 PM Keeping her back as still as possible, and keeping the wound open. Ignoring the smell but keeping my eyes on the purplish hue to the veins around the wound. Hoping they didn't start to spread and the... infection or poison... hadn't made it into her blood stream Willow, 4:48 PM

She tightened her hold on Jax, screaming against the gag, not quite breaking Siren level but, if not for meru's sleincing charms, the kingdom would have heard her scream, even with the gag-

Willow, 4:49 PM

there was a list, of herbs and amounts. things to help heal, since this was a demonic/underworld posion, typical cures woudln't work. it was seriously a get rid of it so it didn't spread.-

Ryder, 4:49 PM -takes a syringe with some of my healing and staving magic and drips it around on the affected areas, stopping whatever it was in its tracks- Pete,, 4:50 PM Whispering quietly, "if that doesn't work, it is going to have to be cut away. There may be too much damage" Willow, 4:51 PM -She fought it, the magic feeling like acid on her exposed muscles, and she nearly bucked from the shot of pain that ripped though her, and her screamed nearly broke Meru's silencing charms, as those just outside to could hear her scream- Jax, 4:54 PM Hold still, willow. You have to hold still. Ryder, 4:54 PM -smh- There shouldn’t be any need for it, and I hope not, it’s bad enough that…….her and her ilk did this to her, to which -wipes away her skin to clean it up as I take a few more bumps out, tossing them and the cloths- Willow, 4:56 PM

She looked to Jackson, hearing him tell her to be still, feeling him tighten his grip on her hands, doing her best to do as he said, not hearing anything, as the pain had blocked everyone one else out, Jax was able to get to her becuase she was using him as her grounding focus-

Ryder, 4:56 PM She needs to pay a hefty price -slowly removes the last bump- Ryder, 4:57 PM -takes the gloves off, tosses them and puts on a fresh pair, takes another syringe and drips more healing onto all her muscles and exposed areas the crop had hit- Willow, 4:57 PM

She screamed as the last one began to tear the fragile tissue it was attached to, her eyes were wide, and gone utterly black from the pain-

Pete,, 4:58 PM -nodding slowly- first things first, if this festers, or the corruption spreads, she's in trouble. I cam cauterize the wound to seal the vessels and make sure nothing gets into her blood stream, but only if you are certain the magic is enough. Each one of those nodules is enough to kill a mortal. Ryder, 4:59 PM Meru ? You’re needed Meru, 5:00 PM -Slips in next to Ryder- And we are here. Jax, 5:01 PM Is there anything you need more to help Meru, 5:01 PM -Drops a pair of balls of fire into the waste buckets, kicking them to the fireplace to burn up the chimney as I place two more.- Willow, 5:02 PM

She looked at Jax, shaking, doing her best not to move, not to scream, even though she was failing at the screaming part. -

Meru, 5:03 PM -Eyes past the two doctors, arching in and keeping as much of herself away from Willow in case her own demonic essence interacted and whispering- I burn this out with magma, I don't... -Eyes the wound with a shaky eye- I'm not sure how much heat Sirens can take. Jax, 5:05 PM I don't know that lava's a good idea? Ryder, 5:06 PM -places my hands at the top and bottom of the wound, focusing on it as I push heat through my hands and into her muscles surrounding the area- Willow, 5:07 PM

She lets out s scream that starts to crack Meru's silencing charms, the pain ripped though her spine, and she couldn't stop the scream-

Pete,, 5:07 PM -winces at the pain she must be feeling, grateful for the ear bids Meru, 5:08 PM -Winces- My experience with this is with demonic physiology... Willow is -Her red self shatters in form from the scream, falling away as the illusion it was.- Ryder, 5:10 PM Pete, carefully cauterize Jax, 5:10 PM holding her hands Willow. It's going to be okay. We've got you. It's okay. We're here. I'm here. Meru, 5:11 PM -Growls around the room, just a voice, not able to fully form.- You have to get it all out. It will fester and return if not. Ryder, 5:11 PM And watch out where the last ball was, it ripped her muscle- Willow, 5:11 PM

She blinked twice, the old signal that she knew, from back when she had no voice for a time, her hands never leaving Jax's pretty sure her nails were leaving marks on his hands from how tight she held on-

Ryder, 5:12 PM -mind moves another syringe and drips all of its contents onto where the last ball was to accelerate the healing Pete,, 5:12 PM Nodding slowly, taking another deep breath and letting a curled talon extend from one finger... building in heat until it is glowing hot, then slowly, carefully inching it into the wound and dabbing the tip against every open blood vessel or point of bleeding i can find. Jax, 5:12 PM not caring about the grip, or nails, just being there for her Willow, 5:14 PM

She was screaming, with no sound now, as her vocal cords were straining under the consent use from her screams, her body tightened and it was clear she was on the verge of bucking even as she did her best not to move, and keep her eyes on Jax, her vison blurred by how much she was crying-

Pete,, 5:15 PM Looking up as Merus voice echoes... "if this doesn't work, I'm a afraid she might be right." Ryder, 5:18 PM If any muscle or tissue needs to be removed then……..-swallows hard- it has to be done Jax, 5:18 PM I know it hurts. I'm sorry. It's gonna be okay. Pete,, 5:18 PM -flashing my eyebrows with a nod.- I can do this if you need me to Jax, 5:19 PM pressing one hand to her forehead Willow, 5:19 PM

whimpering, looking at Jax, feeling his hand on her forehead, which was burning up-

Ryder, 5:20 PM Find something to cool her -removes my hands- Ryder, 5:21 PM Willow, I know you are wanting to pass out and before and if you do, do you think it wise to remove any affected muscle and tissue? Nod once for yes and twice for no Willow, 5:21 PM

The pain overtakes her and her head falls on to Jackson's hands, as she finally couldn't handle the pain ripping though her body, down her spin, passing out from the pain. Everyone has a point, and Willow had just found hers-

Ryder, 5:22 PM -lowers my head- remove a little bit of each, especially where the last ball was Pete,, 5:24 PM Sucking in another deep breath and rolling my neck before looking up at the unconscious willow-... I'm sorry, my lady. This is going to hurt, I will be as fast as I can...- picking up the blade and reaching it into the wound. Deftly slicing away the necrotic tissue, carefully avoiding the exposed muscle. Carterising everything as I went. Leaving as much of the actual skin in tact as possible to allow the wound to be sealed neatly and properly. Paying special attention to the areas where the puss balls had burst, the last one especially. Being done and dropping the necrotic tissue into a bucket after only a few minutes Jax, 5:24 PM holds her in place gently Willow, 5:25 PM

Her body bucks, even as she's passed out, as the pain takes over again-

Ryder, 5:26 PM -feels tears run down my cheeks as I fight back, letting my anger at that thing that calls herself a queen is still alive after this even me out- Meru, 5:26 PM -Fully manifests herself so she can look over their shoulders, peering in- We may need to call for a rotation. -This time she checks on the men, seeing Willow unconscious and peering around. Trusting her tenders to do whats right for Willow, and making sure none of them were hurt by the Siren screams.- Pete,, 5:27 PM Looking up at Willow, and then at Meru... my skills are.. limited, my wife would be better, surgery is her department and as we both know, potions and I don't mix. Would you be able to bring her in? I think she could help Meru, 5:28 PM -Nods at that, looking between Lord Ryder and Jax, before picking up a pair of earplugs and slipping out the door.- Jax, 5:30 PM yes, that is a good idea Willow, 5:31 PM

the smell was still strong, and there was clearly more of the poison, as it was the only term that could be used still in the wound, even though they were doing their best to stop it. It was.. insistinh on destroying as much of her as possible. -

Pete,, 5:34 PM Sighing a huff and looking up at my wife. "I've reached the limit of my abilities, love. I've cut away everything I can find, cauterised the wound as much as I cam, and it's still spreading. Whatever was used on her back is... persistent. I need your eyes, and your hand." Jules, 5:34 PM Please lady. Willow, 5:36 PM REposting: Willow, 5:36 PM When the bandage was removed, where it had been red and angry the night before, today looked right down furious, a line of bright white around the edges of the nine snitches and the length of the injury. There were dark veins that looked purple threading out from the wound. The entire area smelled slightly like rotting flesh and bone. It was on the right side of her mid-back, roughly three or four inches from her spine. It was roughly six to seven inches in length, and about an inch at the widest, and a quarter of an inch at the narrowest. When opened, it was between half an inch to two and a half inches in depth, depending on where in the injury it fell. The cut/welt was at a strange angle, that was about at a 60-degree space, the lower part being higher up, and going down as if was taken while turning away from the attacker. - Willow, 5:37 PM When the snitches were cut open, a good amount of dark purple brackish puss and liquid oozed out of the wound, releasing a nasty, rotting stench. Inside the wound, there were dozens of white and dark purple, angry puss-filled bumps of various sizes, some held tiny balls of foreign things, the larger ones had pieces of broken spikes in them. It was clear that not only would things need to be plucked out, but she may quite possibly need to have pieces of her back muscle and tissue removed to stop the spread of whatever poison and infection were in the wound from her latest battle in the Underworld. It was clear if they didn’t, she may not make it. Jules, 5:41 PM Delicately and gently beginning to remove those tiny balls, which must be the source of the infection. Beginning antibiotic injections to counter the infection and threat of sepsis. Using aseptic technique to remove the majority of the puss. Willow, 5:43 PM -Willow was currently passed out, a gag in her mouth to keep her from screaming louder, everyone was wearing earplugs to help block out the worst of her Siren screams, Jackson was holding both of her hands, to keep her still and be her focus, Ryder, Pete were both gloved up and had done the best they could to remove all the puss balls, but one had ripped her tissue, and there was still clear signs of the poison inthe wound. In the med kit or in Ryder's pocket, was recipes for two potions to help draw out the poison but willow clearly could not brew them since she was in no state to do so.) Jules, 5:44 PM Washing the wound in saline solution. To clean and flush away more puss. Meru, 5:44 PM -Pokes her head in from the ceiling and eyes the wound.- Persistent, it needs to be to Mark. Most of us don't use it, would rather kill and feast. If you leave a tiny piece, it will come back, again and again. Lady Willow said we would need a special potion... or two? After this... But those shouldn't be as Painful. Ryder, 5:45 PM -fishes out the recipes for two potions and hands places them on a side table- Willow, 5:46 PM

she came around a bit, whimpering as the pain had brought her back out of it, looking for Jax, feeling his hands holding hers, and she was.. shivering-

Pete,, 5:47 PM I think we got the nodules, aside from the few that burst, and I cut away as much of the tissue as I could, but you are the expert in these things. Lady willows potions should draw out the rest of the corruption. But... -looking up at Willow as she comes around, then back to Jules-... they need to be made and our work needs to be checked. Otherwise, if Meru is right, this comes back and we are back to square one. Jules, 5:48 PM Finishing cleaning the site. Inspecting the work to remove the puss balls. Pointing to one final one still in place. Delicately picking it from the wound and washing again. Jax, 5:48 PM easy there. easy. Jules, 5:49 PM Then I must go to the apothecary to ensure we have a good supply. Jules, 5:50 PM My lord, start the dosing with this potion, while I take this to use as a sample to make sufficient for recovery. Pete,, 5:52 PM -nodding, taking the first potion and carefully treating the wound, noting the increase in the smell as some of the poison is drawn to the surface of the wound. Wrinkling my nose but carrying on undeterred. Unwilling to let a guest and friend of Caer Wen to be lost under the city's care. Willow, 5:52 PM

- she whimpers spitting out the gag, looking up at Jax -- Can't ..find it.. at .. a shop.. it's... custom... to.. fight..the.. poison

Ryder, 5:52 PM -cleans up her wounds/wound, shaking a little as I do- Jules, 5:55 PM As the poison is drawn out, it must be kept from reinvesting the wound, we should provide a drain. To draw away the badness. We can use the drained poison to create new ways to neutralise it. Pete,, 5:56 PM Okay. I can handle that with the baster while you make up the custom potions. Maybe, in time and when she has recovered, willow can use it to find out what was used agsisnt her and prepare a countermeasure agaisnt in for the future. Pete,, 5:57 PM Or... another use.. Jax, 5:57 PM nods of course. they know. They're working on it Willow, 5:58 PM

she holds on to Jax's hands tight, knowing that.. she was not going to let that fucking bitch take more from her then she had already-

Pete,, 5:59 PM -nodding, pushing the end of the baster into the wound as carefully and gently as possible and sucking out the poison as it is drawn from the wound, squinting it into a separate dish in case it is needed later. Making sure the wound was kept clean and poison free. An oddly furrowed brow showing my concentration as I did so Meru, 6:00 PM I... I know it was designed to be used on demons and the deities, to bypass our normal healing, make us feed on ourselves and deform us. I'm not entirely sure how she was allowed to use it on... -Goes quiet and gestures at Willow.- Willow, 6:04 PM

whispers softly, shaking, as the poison is being drawn out, and her back was exposed- one of her.. stupid.. mock.. games.. with ..me ..as the bait. I..fought back..

Willow, 6:05 PM

looking at Jax - Violated.. agreement... can't let.. her.. beat.. me

Jax, 6:07 PM of course Ryder, 6:07 PM -cleans up, shaking, going to her and placing my hand on her heart- Meru, 6:09 PM -Snatches the pails of nast and takes it to the fireplace, dropping a couple of fireballs into them to destroy the waste. Then slipping to a window and cracking it to let the air out.- Jules, 6:09 PM Checking lady willows temperature. And heart rate. Pete,, 6:10 PM Do you have the second potion, darling, to burn away the last of the poison? Willow, 6:10 PM

she was feverish, but her heart rate was.. off, and the secoind potion still needed to be made-

Jules, 6:11 PM My assistant appears, with the newly made potion. Which we administer immediately. Pete,, 6:12 PM Holding the wound open amd steady as the second potion is administered. The smell coming from the wound seeming to lessen. Willow, 6:14 PM

she bites back a scream as the second potion is poured in to the wound, making willow straighten up and biote on her lip so hard it draws blood-

Pete,, 6:15 PM Holding her as steadily as I can while Julie pours in the second potion. Watching as the dark lines around the wound seem to fade a little and return to a slightly more normal colour Jules, 6:15 PM The dark lines radiating from the wound are clearing. The colour of the skin is returning to a more normal colour. Jules, 6:16 PM Lady willows temperature is receding. Pete,, 6:17 PM Sucking in a deep breath as it looks as if the worst has passed Willow, 6:18 PM

she whispered- Do..I need to stay here.. or.. do I go.. home and let.. them.. take..care of me?

Meru, 6:18 PM -Leans into the vapors rising from the wound, and recoils immediately as if what she smelled was something vile to another.- Oh Goddess, what is in that Blessed stuff! -Holds her nose and walks out the door.- Yar, thats doing it. -Shaking her head to try and get it out of her nose- Jules, 6:19 PM I would be happier if you would accept our hospitality for a couple of days lady. Pete,, 6:19 PM We need to close the wound before we do anything. My lady, this is a wound serious enough to get a mortal solider medically discharged permanently. I know you are stronger than any mortal man, but I'm not sure we could overstate the seriousness of this wound Willow, 6:20 PM

looking to Ryder and Jax - Can..they stay with me.. please? I..feel..safest with them

Ryder, 6:20 PM -listens Pete,, 6:20 PM -not even having to think about it- of course they can, our home is your home. Any who wish to visit, or stay with you, or any you wish to have around, are always welcome Jax, 6:22 PM So. we should... get that cleaned Ryder, 6:22 PM -keeps cleaning up on her- Jules, 6:23 PM Once we are sure that your temperature and heart rate are normal. And that the poison is all gone. We can begin to use these new disposable sutures to draw together the internal structure of the wound. And after that We can staple the external lips of the wound. I am afraid you will carry a scar lady. Willow, 6:24 PM

she whispered her thanks, knowing she sounded so much more weak then she ever had, but.. this.. had.. destroyed her- I... can handle a scar. It..will give Jax.. another bargaining chip

Pete,, 6:26 PM -nodding- next time you see your grandfather, ask him how much his blood is worth. If you are of his blood, then a large amount of it is currently all over the floor here. If gods place as much importance on legacy as I think they do, then his wife is responsible for spilling his blood. Something to think about. If jax is owed what is taken, then let Hades put a price on his own blood Meru, 6:26 PM -Sticks her head back in and grins mischievously, Just her little red head sticking through the door.- If I may have access to your closets, I can fetch you all fresh clothes. Willow, 6:27 PM She looked to Meru and then to Jax, holding up her bracelet, so he could take her closet key off of it her fingers not.. working great yet- Jules, 6:30 PM Inspecting the wound, I think it's clear now but we will cover it tonight. Ensuring we have sufficient potion in case. And begin the process of closing the wound tomorrow. Meru, 6:30 PM -Whispers sideways to the Dragon.- He doesn't like being challenged like that.... -And offers a high five.- Ryder, 6:31 PM -rubs her shoulders- Ryder, 6:31 PM -looking at Willow- Pete,, 6:31 PM -offers a high five back- then he must be over the moon with the challenge posed by his wife to his heiress, and his blood having to be mopped off my floor. Willow, 6:32 PM

she nodded- the.. secondary potion, if.. you.. brew it for two hours, and stir counter clock wise before you add the..fourth thing, the potion will be.. stronger, and the color will be very.. pale.. teal.

Pete,, 6:32 PM Nodding to Julie as I look at the wound.- it's looking much better already. Meru, 6:33 PM I can clean that for you Dragon. Perhaps we should retire somewhere... less... -Gestures at the air- Tasty? No thats wrong... More comfy? Willow, 6:33 PM -she reached out for Ryder, one hand holding on to Jax Ryder, 6:33 PM -takes her other hand- Pete,, 6:34 PM -chuckles- once the Kyria is settled and comfortable, we can talk... and drink... and... drink more Willow, 6:34 PM

Whispers- .. Meru.. can.. you get.. on of my.. maxi dresses..and a button down .. to ..keep..my back.. safe please.

Jules, 6:35 PM Gently laying plastic covered gauze over the wound. So it will not stick. Then gently fixing it in place . I think you better stay on your front, till we can close the wound. Then we may sit you up my lady. Willow, 6:35 PM -nodding- okay..then.. something to cover my breasts please. this bra is stick with the.. gunk. Jules, 6:36 PM Yes lady, we will make you as comfortable as possible lady, shooing the men from the patients bedside. Pete,, 6:37 PM -chuckles and stepping aside- Jax, 6:38 PM I am not going to leave her side, I think. Until we're sure she's on the mend Jules, 6:38 PM Very well, sir. Willow, 6:39 PM

she gripped his hand, and Ryder's, not really caring if she looked needy, she.. just felt her.. secure with them, and had for years-

Meru, 6:39 PM -Nods at the Lady and smiles, blinking out of existence and then back in a couple seconds later, holding the items her lady asked for specifically.- Look you stubborn locks, nothing but what she asked... Oh Hai... -stands nearby with Jules- I'll need the key to get you properly set, Lady. Unless you want to make the request everytime? Willow, 6:40 PM "Ryder.. Jax, can..one of you take the key off my bracelet for my closet please. my fingers.. aren't moving so great Jules, 6:40 PM Arranging nursing care for the remainder of the time my lady is with us. Ryder, 6:41 PM -takes the key off Meru, 6:41 PM A bag for you as well Lord Ryder? Lord Jax? I will give one rare promise not to raid Anyone's closet this one time. Jules, 6:42 PM Stepping outside as lady willow is made more comfortable. Willow, 6:42 PM Please Meru, they will..need clothes, and.. someone to feed..Sasha Jax, 6:43 PM We'll make sure Sasha is taken care of Meru, 6:43 PM I'm sure Ravs has already cleaned up and fed Sasha, but I will check of course. Willow, 6:43 PM

She turned her head to look at Jules -"Thank you my Lady. I owe you a boon or five. I'd cursty but.. I can not

Jax, 6:43 PM Don't worry about her Willow, 6:44 PM

she nodded, moving slightly , wincing, letting Meru help get her out of the now ruined bra, and in to a a backless undress and a shirt to slide over the bandages-

Jules, 6:44 PM Please don't move my lady , we will check you tomorrow, and close you up if all is well. Jules, 6:45 PM Then after two weeks , we will need to remove the staples. Meru, 6:46 PM -Snaps her wings out and growls for the Lady to stop.- If I'm ever demon Godmothering you its now Lady, please stay still. -What normally was used to remove clothing got flipped, pushing the ruined bra off with a swirl of scarlet light and slipping the cloths around her Lady so she could stay still.- Willow, 6:47 PM

she nodded slowly, not moving, breathing-

Ryder, 6:47 PM -watches Willow Meru, 6:49 PM Ok. Bag for Jax and Ryder, bag for Lady Willow, checking on Sasha. -Eyes her Lady's hair.- Combs. Sage? -The list in her head went on and on, but she made sure to add a couple candles at the end so the room would smell better later.- I'll make as many runs as you need. I expect I should bring more alcohol? Willow, 6:50 PM -she nodded- and.. maybe a few of the blood bags for Jax. he will need them Meru, 6:51 PM -Nods and adds them to the list before all her forms swirled in red mist and disappeared off to her tasks.- Willow, 6:52 PM

she lays her head back down, her eyes closing knowing she is safe, and that they are taken care of-

Ryder, 6:52 PM -listens- Ryder, 6:52 PM -rubs Willow’s back gently between her shoulders Willow, 6:53 PM

sighed softly- Thank you .. love you

Ryder, 6:55 PM You’re so welcome Willow, 6:57 PM

whispers- is..there a place for you two sleep,

Pete,, 6:57 PM There is more than enough room, we have apartments with multiple bedrooms that can be accessed by the medical staff. Willow, 6:58 PM

nodding once, letting her eyes close, exhaustion slding over her-

Jax, 6:59 PM nods we'll find somewhere Pete,, 6:59 PM Rest a while we can worry about moving you there when the time comes. Jax, 6:59 PM Don't worry Willow, 7:01 PM

she nodded, feelign ryder's hand on the back of her neck, Jackson holding her hands, keepingher grounded-

Pete,, 7:02 PM I will be back shortly... -slipping out to help my wife make arrangements- Willow, 7:02 PM

she fell to sleep, resting, letting her body heal-

Ryder, 7:22 PM How do you want to handle this with Hades Jax? Ryder, 7:25 PM Other than showing him what I and Jules had pulled out, -shrugs and shakes my head Pete,, 7:31 PM -stepping back in a short while later with a small group of nurses and orderlies, all of them having abundant experience in painlessly moving the wounded. Letting them prepare the lady Willow for transport up to a new, more comfortable room. Opening a portal for them once they are ready and letting her carry her through as I turn to the Lords- the new Chambers has more than enough room for all of you, Meru included. It's not home, but it's about as comfortable as we can offer, please... -gesturing the the portal-... after you Willow, 7:31 PM

she wakes up, wondering who is carrying her-

Ryder, 7:32 PM -holds her close to me as I carry her- Willow, 7:34 PM whispers softly- Thank you my Lord Dragon, I appeciate the shelter fromt eh storm Pete,, 7:35 PM -Smiling and nodding a bow- anytime, my lady Willow, 7:38 PM

She waited til Ryder had place her ona soft sette, face down so her back was never touched, and she once again fell to sleep

Ryder, 7:54 PM -watches after her as I sit next to her- Pete,, 7:56 PM Taking my leave with another bow and heading out. Leaving the family to get some peace

Dec 26, 2021- Willow's injured.

Willow, 11:57 AM -*She spent the morning in her potion's lab upstairs in the attic, working in private, working on a new pain potion that would work on her, without the tossing of her cookies effect on her tummy. She knew what in the potion was causing the issue, but she hadn't found something else to use in it instead. Her discussions with Hecate had revealed a long-term issue with the herb in question, but which side it came from was unclear. Both sides had shown some minor issues, but not to such a degree as it had shown in Willow. She had considered that it could have been because of her own halfling status had made the issue more pronounced, showing up with more of a vengeance because she carried the carrier for issues on both sides of her DNA. She didn't know if it was her Nymph or Siren side or the combo of both. She hadn’t been able as of yet to study the blood of a full nymph vs the blood of a full siren to compare the DNA strands. Willow sighed as she blew her long bangs off her face, deep in thought as she made her way down the stairs. It could be it was par the course of what she was slowly becoming, despite her protests of such. She knew it had happened, a few times in her pantheon's history, but she could think of less than a handful who had done so. Most of them if not all, had done so back in an age of heroes and battles. She seemed to be doing it in a more modern age, and it felt like at times, out of sheer spite and blind luck. She looked a bit of a mess, her long white hair pulled back in a tight bun, save for some long bangs that had slipped from the pale, faded pink elephant-printed bandanna that held most of her hair off of her face. She wore a pair of old, baggy, stained black cotton wide-legged yoga pants that had some small burnt marks on the legs from past issues with a flame getting out of her control with an old cropped T-shirt, over a longer pink tank top, the shirt proclaimed she was a ‘motherfucking Princess in hot pink across her chest, as well as her old combat boots that were stained and had a small burned mark on the left foot. She peeled off the protective gloves she always wore these days when in her lab, as she had no desire to possibly burn or poison herself in the process of creating a new potion. Her back was hurting, but she knew that was because the snitches were more than likely being grown over by skin, which meant she would have to have it cut open, and drained. She had to think maybe that the crop that had caused the injury had been coated in something in order to keep her from healing so easily other than spikes that had gone along either side of it. . If Krista and she had been on any sort of terms, she'd had gone to ask her for help, but, since her sister hadn't lowered herself to speak to her past the bare minimum of saying hello in over a year, whitch was not much better then the new beta of the Gales not even acknowledging that she existed since the day she had left the Gales over a year ago despite the two of them have had been so close. And people still asked her why she had left and if she regretted it. The actions of most of them had proven to her, that she was better off not being in Nightingale, and under her own house’s name now. Even if she loved some who were still Gales. She would never ask any of them to walk away, as she was a full believer in free will. *- Willow, 12:22 PM -She thought quietly about the ones she had maintained contact with, even weakly so, making a silent list in her head. As she thought of such, she walked into the laundry room to throw her protective gloves into the special hamper, knowing the boys wouldn’t touch that hamper, cause they both knew she had to wash them separately in a special solution before they were deemed safe for anyone else to touch. She pulled out fresh clothes from the small cabinet in the Laundry room, figuring the boys were busy elsewhere, she stripped down to her skin, changing into fresh yoga pants that were still baggier than normal, less stained but clearly potion’s lab or cleaning pants, a long black tank top, and another cropped T-shirt this one proclaiming she was a Brat on it in dark blue lettering across her chest. She changed in thick, dark grey knee highs socks and put on her boots once more, all of this over a sensible black bra and panties, well as sensible as willow’s lingerie tastes would allow her. For as conservative and nearly prudish as Willow’s attire was when she was seen outside of the manor, her lingerie was never prudish in the slightest. She was known, well she had been known back when she lived at the Hollow, for her expensive bra and panty collection, and honestly, that was one of the few things that had never changed from the time before she had ever met DA, until now. She was a firm believer in being a proper lady in public, not so much in private. She made her mental list of Nightingales who she still considered her family, and despite the very low contact most of them had become with her, she still would kill to protect most of them, even Krista and Kathy, even if they more than likely wouldn’t be bothered to even throw water on her if she was on fire. There was Sara, Haley, and Ashlyn as well as Micheal They rarely spoke to her, but she figured that was as good as it was going to be, considering how many other ties they had to not just the Gales but to the Cottage as well. Considering just how low most of the latter thought of her, she was surprised they hadn’t demanded that Jax move out and cut ties with her entirely. Jax, Jackson. He best friend, her first friend all those years ago. He and she had their ups and downs, but when it came down to it, she knew he would always be there for her, and always had been, even when she was losing her sanity that horrid… painfully horrible summer after the whole Alan disaster, and Persphone’s attack on her, and then DA’s death and the finding out about all of DA’s… indiscretions and such that had literally crawled out of the woodwork. She knew, that if he hadn’t been here, she would have just… faded. To this day, he still had to remind her to drink something or eat something now and then cause she tended to slide back into the feeling of not being enough, even after all this time. Then there was Andrea, the matron, even if she wasn’t her matron anymore, in Willow’s eyes, She would always turn to Andrea for advice if she needed it straight. Willow, at one point, had been Karen’s consort, but Andrea was always the one to listen to her rant, rave and also smack her when she needed someone to snap her the fuck out of whatever funk she fell into. And..Ryder. She couldn’t even get started on everything with him, other than… Her Ryder. She knew they had some rough spots, back when they had first met, and she knew her actions during that summer of nothing going right had hurt him, but they had somehow reconnected and here they were, still married, still together, and for the most part, still happy. - Ryder, 12:22 PM -comes down from our room, stretching as I head to the kitchen to make lunch, making sure the fireplaces are well lit- Willow, 12:27 PM

She comes out, feelign the warmth and moves to see what he's making, thinking just a cup of tea is good

Ryder, 12:28 PM -pours her some soothing tea- Willow, 12:32 PM

she smiled, kissing his cheek- thank you love

Ryder, 12:33 PM You’re welcome hun Ryder, 12:38 PM -plates up half a grilled cheese and bacon sandwich for her along with her tea- Willow, 1:00 PM Thank you hun Ryder, 1:02 PM You’re welcome hun Ryder, 1:02 PM -plates a sandwich and a half for myself along with tea- Willow, 1:04 PM

she curled up in to his side as they eat quietly-

Ryder, 1:06 PM -smiles as we eat, watching it snow outside Meru, 1:11 PM There had been two reasons she had flown all night the night before. One was her worry she was fouling the Lady’s healing. An idle sideways worry about her own basic nature. None of them had seen her past attempts but a wry smile twisted her thoughts as she flew, remembering being mummified and feeding the Dragon the wrong potions until he was sick. Least with the Lady’s pain potions it was as simple as reading the labels. As she landed in the back of the estate, it was easily visible she had flown all night. Her hair was so windswept back from her face, her green sweater the same and pulled around till it was misshapen. But that hot hard need to Hunt was far more manageable with the long night of pushing muscle, her wings a shivery mess as she wrapped them around her shoulders like a long cape and stepped inside. Meru had meant a quiet return, slipping up to her room and napping before spending a quiet day of warmth with her new family. Then she smelt something she had not in centuries. Avoiding most of the deities and staying in her little wing had made sure she was well out of the ways of certain folk. The kind that used that oil to keep the wounds open and festering. A blend that is all her kind. They were designed to satisfy, and some of thems Downstairs wanted the damage to stay, to see their work. To achieve this they used several things, from holy tipped floggers to herb blends. The night before Meru had been surrounded by Gods and one she saw as a Goddess, and emotions had filled her nostrils with the scents that called her to Hunt. But unlike the mortals, she needed special permissions to hunt a Goddess. Even if that Goddess would have obliterated Meru with a thought, the urge to hunt her down had been mind numbing. Now, far from the pair, a string of curses came out of her mouth in a language that was never meant to exist in the air. Cursing herself for being a blind idiot, cursing her lower demons for not writing anything down and simply accepting the pain their “betters” gave them. It was their place after all. But mostly it was cursing a specific Goddess with crotch crabs and rotten tits after a bath in the Acheron. Following her nose she walked up behind Willow and took a long sniff and groaned before looking at Lord Ryder. “I’ll bring you something for… After. Whiskey?” Points at the wound, wincing at the thought of cleaning it, she wasn’t sure if he would understand. But if Meru didn’t wish to hear the Lady’s screams, she couldn’t imagine the Lord’s heart. “I… I’m sorry Lady, you are not going to like the cleaning that you will need… I can gather the plants they use to make those marks permanent, I don’t know what to do with them… I know someone who makes those blends or similar, I should be able to get the recipe from him. Based on smell. I…” She looked between them, quite a lot lost as healing was were her brain and knowledge broke down completely. Willow, 1:16 PM

She blinks slow, holding up a hand to make sense of what the little red demoness had just said- "Are you saying.. you know.. why this..isn't healing properly?

Meru, 1:19 PM -Nods tight and fast.- We... -Gestures vaguely- Heal normal wounds so quickly. -They were surrounded by folk who all would survive a stab wound and get back up far faster than mortals.- There's something left in there. It needs to be scrubbed out... -Winces and shrugs- Thats how us demons removed it, I... I don't know about other physiologies... The last time it was used on me I spent a month in magma to heal... -Winces again knowing that was entirely unhelpful for a siren.- Willow, 1:20 PM

she gripped Ryder's hand- "we may need.. help hun.

Ryder, 1:20 PM -gently squeezes her hand Willow, 1:20 PM "meru, if you can get the recipe.. I can.. work up an fix for it. Meru, 1:23 PM -Nods and tries to step directly to the Underworld, her red vaporous portal hanging in the air a long moment before violently shoving her back out and she nodded with a sigh- Longer than usual Lady, that Door is closed to me now... -Before slipping outside and taking to the skies.- Willow, 1:23 PM -she nodded, gripping Ryder's hand, having a sense this was going to fucking hurt- Ryder, 1:23 PM -grips her hand- Willow, 1:32 PM

she freezes up, thinking-

Ryder, 1:43 PM -runs my thumb over the back of her hand- Willow, 1:53 PM

leans in before speaking softly- I'll.. get a kit together, while.. we both think of who.. who can handle.. the worst of this.

Ryder, 1:55 PM All right Ryder, 1:55 PM -thinks Willow, 2:01 PM -She goes up to her lab, fetching the sharpest blade she has, one that will cause the least amount of actul pain if it nicks her skin. She also got other things from her medical kit in her lab: things to flush out wound, tweezers to remove any thing, magnifying glass, numbing balms, pain potion level ten, even if she threw up afterwards it may .. help a smidge of whats to come. She went and got a few other things, in order to help.. keep her still during the process IE handcuffs, gag, a bit to bite on if needed so she didn't hurt herself. She moved, getting bandages, the special tape she used for wounds, sutures, things to sew it up if needed. She then moved to make sure she had things to sterilize everything, repeatedly if needed, and lots of medical grade gloves. She packed it all in a case with needles, syringes and yes a bottle of whiskey for both her and Ryder. They may need it.- Ryder, 2:47 PM -gulps down a large glass of water- Meru, 2:51 PM She even gave him the extra souls for a direct portal back, she had used her last of Charon’s coins on the way Down, and appeared in a flash of black in the air, stepping through a portal not her own far above the Estate and out of the Wards. Letting herself fall a long moment before her wings snapped open and she used the momentum to glide down to the estate. With a single page for a dozen souls, which she was sure was going to evaporate at any moment. Slapping the page on the kitchen counter she wrote furiously on a pad of paper as the edges of the page began to burn and smoke, barely getting it copied before only the acrid scent of Hellfire burnt pages remained. Then she made two copies before the magic burnt its way through her mind trying to erase it. One she left face down, a small note about it being for the library. The other she brought to the pair and handed to the Lord. “By scent these are the things keeping that wound from closing. If left… It will scar so that Willow always bears a Mark. Its why they made those oils...” “There are those that would aid you against Her, Lady… if you let us…” She went sheepish after it burst out of her mouth, covering it and sighing sadly. Ryder, 2:53 PM -cleans up the burnt pages and cleans the countertop Willow, 2:54 PM

she looked at Meru- Let me see what is in it, so .. I can at least get the herbs together to help.. heal it once they clean it

Meru, 2:55 PM -Refuses to give her a copy for a moment, watching the Lord since it was about the Lady's health.- Willow, 2:56 PM "If i don't know what was..used in it, I can't even attempt to try to repair the damange. Ryder, 2:57 PM She needs to look at it Meru, she knows her potions and herbs Willow, 2:58 PM

She rolled her eyes, really tempted to remind the demoness of the fact she was a Potion's mistress even if some people had attempted to strip her of that title cause their panties was in a twist-

Meru, 2:59 PM -Nods and slides the page she set aside for the library to the Lady- Not questioning your skillz at all Lady. Am... Not convinced you take your safety as seriously, and might become insufferable about looking to your Lord when its concerned. Willow, 3:00 PM -she looked at the list, her eye brow raising, grabbing her note book, jotting down the list, and what it's counter was, and she saw a few things and her choice in swear words would have made zeus blush over how crass she sounded- Willow, 3:03 PM "okay, about half of this I can do now, but.. It looks like this will be a .. three fold potion, or three potions, the last one can.. wait until after the worst is handled, cause.. some of the counters are.. just.. nearly fucking impossible to get. Meru, 3:07 PM -Eyes her list, ignoring how she got those, or why, and just concentrating on the names.- Bet every single one the bitch has, just in case. -Grins mischievously and turns on some good heist music.- Willow, 3:08 PM she grumbles- Fuck.. You'll need Myvish, and Hermes to help you .. get a few of these things for the last potion. Ryder, 3:09 PM -eyes widen a bit at the mention of Myvish- Willow, 3:09 PM "Right now.. we should focus on.. getting this.. cleaned.. cause.. the longer it's..not.. the worst it will get and.. I hate to say this, even me, it could .. paralyze me or.. kill me Ryder, 3:12 PM -growls at the things that did this to her Meru, 3:15 PM So we have time to gather for the last? Should we gather folk to help with the first? Willow, 3:16 PM

she nodded- "the last potion.. is the most difficult, and the one that can wait.

Meru, 3:19 PM -Nods back to her.- I will gargoyle while you are... treated. Then hunt as you direct. I'm quite sorry I can't help with the healing... I could take your pain, but thats all Lady. Willow, 3:19 PM

She handed Ryder the list of what was needed for the first two. one woould be something to have bandages dipped in and then applied on to her wound after they cleaned it. the second was a simplere posion reducer of sorts-

Ryder, 3:22 PM -takes the handed list- Willow, 3:24 PM -most woudl be easy to get from the gardens- Willow, 3:28 PM -She wrote down the amounts, knowing it was best to be done right before use. She sighed softly, wincing as a spike of pain shot though her and she dropped her pen- Ryder, 3:29 PM -places my hand on her shoulder gently- Meru, 3:30 PM -Slides the paper away and picks up the pen, ready to take notes so she didn't have to use the arm.- Willow, 3:33 PM

She looked up at Ryder- We.. needto go love.. it's .. getting..worst

Ryder, 3:33 PM As you wish Willow, 3:34 PM -She moves, to get her hooded cloak, her left arm struggling now to swept it over her clothes- Meru, 3:39 PM -slips past her to grab her own blue coat, the end of her tail slipping the cloak over her Lady's shoulder and smoothing it out feather light as she slipped on her own coat for the trip.- Ryder, 3:40 PM -slips my jacket on and helps Willow beforehand- Willow, 3:41 PM

she took his hand- Where you lead, I shall follow my love

Willow, 3:41 PM

She leaves anote for Jax-

Ryder, 3:44 PM -leads her first to our first stop-

Early August 2019- Parlay
From the memories of Willow

Willow, 4:12 PM Outside in Willow’s gardens gathered an odd grouping of people. There stood a tall ice blonde man, with Willow’s ice-blue eyes, dressed in black and silver, next to him a woman with generous but not so generous to be called anything but beautiful sort of curves with long black curls, with dark brown eyes dressed in black and silver with a crown on her head, sporting a rather hurt expression that didn’t quite meet her eyes. To the side were two men: one big, burly, built like a man who was active and strong, leaning on a silver looking crutch, one leg in a metal brace, with dark curls, and a bit of a reddened face from hours by the fire in his metalwork shop. The other was a rather boyish-looking male, with dark curls that looked like he needed a good haircut, golden tan, bright blue eyes, and a cocky grin, wearing dark black jeans, a hot pink Shirt that proclaimed Team Willow on it in silver, gold winged sandals, gold baseball hat, and gold sunglasses, who winked at Kathy and Willow as they joined the group. Willow rolls out with Doug on one side, Kathy, pushing her out. She doesn’t look down, not once. She looks to her sister and begins. “This is neutral ground. If any attack, it shall be given to Dike and Styx to judge and punish. If you can not agree to such, Say so now and Leave. Otherwise, Let me begin by introducing the person seeking this parlay. “ Looking to Kathy, and nods, letting Kathy introduce herself- Kathy, 4:24 PM Has a somewhat serious expression on my face, not hard, not like I’m going to go into battle. “Welcome. I am Kathy Nightingale, Daughter of Karen and Andrea Nightingale, rider of gold Auratenth, and Sentinel of our House. I am the Captain of the Nightingale Guard and am responsible for the safety of our Hollow’s visitors and our family.” I look to each of the Olympians, “Some of you know me as Guardian of the Fae and were with us in Duat a few years ago. I am here, not representing the Tuatha dé Danann, but my House and Family.” Kathy, 4:24 PM I look down at the Direwolf, “And this is Doug.” Doug the Dire wolf, 4:25 PM

Doug growled low, and Willow put her hand on his back, and he stayed close to her side-

Hermes, 4:33 PM

Hermes stepped forward with a little smirk and bowed very courtly and spoke up- I’m Hermes,

the god of trade, heraldry, merchants, commerce, roads, thieves, trickery, sports, travelers, and athletes, the god of boundaries and the transgression of boundaries, protector of travelers, and the conductor of those visiting the underworld. I am also the emissary and messenger for the gods, and Herald as well. I am also the demigoddess, Willow Allaene Nightingale, also known as Aprosdókitos, uncle, and Herald. ~Hephaestus stepped forward, and simply stated his name, - Hephaestus, blacksmith, God, uncle. Protector of Aprosdókitos Kathy, 4:35 PM Smiles and nods to both. Persephone 4:38 PM Willow looked at Kathy and blinked, having not realized she had a name or.. a nickname in Greek, but listened as Persphone stepped forward to speak, her voice was ever so soft, but almost as if she was trying to sound gentle and soft. “Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, Goddess of Flowers, Wife to Hades. Anything else does not matter. Hermes looks at Persephone and speaks up: you forgot a few things Queen P. You’re also known as the destroyer, the one who brings death, and you don’t want to know YOUR nickname. Hades, 4:46 PM

Willow bit back giggle, as Hades stood up and spoke- "Hades, King of the Greek Underworld,

God of wealth, wearth, minerals and metals and gems. Great Grandfather of Willow and Krista and Husband to Persphone. Kathy, 4:48 PM Nods, “Excellent. Whoever makes our business cards definitely has their work cut out for them.” I look around to each, “Shall we begin?” Persephone, 4:52 PM Persephone speaks- "She" - pointing to Willow- Has failed to greet her betters or give proper introductions. " Kathy, 4:54 PM Holds out a hand to Willow, “Intro yourself, sis. I jumped ahead. My apologies.” Willow, 4:54 PM

Willow smiled, that pristine, plastic perfect polite sort of smile and spoke- "Willow Nightingale.

Honorio for the House of Nightingale, Great- granddaughter to Hades and Minthe, demigoddess. I greeted everyone equally for I see none who are better or less than any other here. Now, Kathy, you requested this parlay, you get to speak first." Kathy, 4:56 PM Waits a moment for any objections... Willow, 5:00 PM

Willow nods, to let Kathy speak-

Kathy, 5:10 PM “It has come to our attention, and to my understanding, witnessed that actions against the House Swan were taken as she was making her way home. Additionally, it has been brought to bear that during this attack an order was given to debilitate her to the point to facilitate a deathstrike.” I take a breath, maintaining my composure. “I am thankful, as are my Sisters, that did not happen.” “Willow’s injuries... a mere mortal would be dead. A lesser person would be dead. I am hopeful that the conditions which give opportunity to facilitate this be remedied.” Hades, 5:11 PM Hades spoke: Hermes, I understand you bare some wittiness to this? Hermes 5:18 PM Hermes stepped forward, and his face was every inch of seriousness- "I came through the Portal, in order to escort my Niece home, as I had promised. I walked into a bloodbath that even Caligula would have found a bit too much. Willow was laying on the ground, Persphone was maybe a hundred or so feet away, screaming at Willow, Why wouldn't she die.. why couldn't she just kill her and make her go away. I was more concerned about getting my niece home and where she could get proper care away from that female." Kathy, 5:23 PM Looks from Hermes to Persephone, to Hades. Persephone 5:24 PM

Persphone looked amused- "Now Hermes, we both know you are simply lying for the girl. I'd

never do actual harm to the mortal. After all, why would I ever do such a thing to her? " Hephaestus, 5:27 PM Hephaestus spoke, clearly: because Persphone you know the truth about her grandmother and Hade's relationship, and you know that your daughter holds no claim to anything that Hades has been so kind to offer due to the girl's actual parentage. You have been jealous since Willow has stepped foot near the underworld. You say it's because Willow's looks are of Mithe. they are not. She looks much more like her Siren Father and Hades and then she does her Nymph blood, but she does have Minthe's backbone and courage and you know as well as I do, that is what scares you the most. " Andrea, 5:30 PM *a soft shimmer ripples the air off to the side of the garden before a deep purple rift opens for a few moments, closing swiftly after I step through and stride forward* Apologies for being late, got tied up in a few projects... *looks between the celestial being arranged before me, pausing to gaze at Persephone* Kathy, 5:32 PM smiles softly to her Maker. Willow , 5:32 PM

Willow smiled at Andrea- "Andrea Nightingale, Matron of House Nightingale. Please, you are

never late, you simply come when you are supposed to come. Andrea, 5:33 PM *chuckles softly at the introduction* A witch is neither early nor late I suppose Just, 5:37 PM

smiling- "we have Hermes, Hades, Persephone, and Hephaestus here as well. "

Hades, 5:42 PM Hades nods his head in greetings, as do the other males. Persephone merely stares back- Kathy, 5:44 PM Glances to Hades and then Hermès. “We have...differing points of view...as to what transpired the other day.” Persphone, 5:46 PM Persephone speaks “More than likely she's just covering up a minor injury due to her whorish behavior, after all it's been proven by her own admission she's a slut who can't seem to keep her hands off other people's males. So, I do not believe anything the slut says.” Willow, 6:01 PM

Willow looked right into the eyes of Persphone and spoke clear as day, "Hermes, I know a way

to prove if I am telling the truth or not, and if she states the truth, one way that can not be argued against. Can you bring me a vase of water from the River Styx, please?" Kathy, 6:02 PM “I witnessed and evaluated her injuries. They are and were god-sourced. They were not minor; they would have been lethal.” I look at Hermès and back to Persephone. About to say something, I pause as Willow calls for Styxwater. “That would settle it....” Hermes, 6:05 PM Hermes bows to Willow, as Persphone looks suddenly a bit taken back and shocked, stating" She can not use such water.. she's just.. just.. a mortal." Hermes flashes out to fetch the water as requested- Kathy, 6:05 PM She’s more than that.... Persphone, 6:06 PM Persephone with an angry glare at Willow speaks. Her voice was angry, her words coming out as if she had to fight to find the words in English to speak: "No, she is not. She is not a Goddess . not even... a member of the.. immortal... she's.. barely above .. human." Kathy, 6:07 PM Motions to Hades, “He has even said he is in her bloodline.” Willow, 6:08 PM Willow waits to speak til Hermes returns, handing her the vase and Willow looks at her sister and Andrea, waiting to get their nod of okay before she does this- Kathy, 6:10 PM nods, “Fine by me.” My eyes unfocus for a moment and I grin. I look to Andrea. Andrea, 6:11 PM *listens intently, eyes following the conversation before nodding to Willow* Do it Andrea, 6:12 PM *fingers trailing idly along a few of the charms that are bound to the bracelet on my wrist* Willow, 6:12 PM

Willow takes a deep breath and speaks clearly as she begins to pour the water from the vase

over her hands and her bared feet, in Greek first, then in English so all parties could hear what she said, and understood exactly what she was saying- Just, 6:14 PM Káno ton órko ston potamó Styx, gia na po tin alítheia, akóma ki an ponáei pós me vlépoun oi ánthropoi makropróthesma. Den écho na afíso típota na krýpso kai na min trécho. Dilóno ton órko ston potamó Styx, ópos kai to dikaíomá mou, os éna apó to aíma tou Ádi. ( Translation: I make this oath on the River Styx, to tell the truth, even if it hurts how people see me in the long run. I have nothing left to hide, and no place to run. I make this vow on the River Styx, as is my right, as one of Hades's blood.) Willow, 6:16 PM

hands the Jar back to Hermes, still half full, and they see a pale figure, just the merest ghost of

a female standing to the side, flipping an hourglass, silently saying when the hourglass runs out, so end's the time limit of the oath, due how it was done.- Willow looked at Persephone and spoke clear" Your turn. Can you make the oath to tell everyone here the truth or would prefer I start spilling everything I know?" Willow, 6:18 PM

She spoke - Andrea, Kathy, ask your questions of me. I will answer them with the truth even if

they hurt. Kathy, 6:26 PM My voice is mid-toned, “Persephone, are you the one who attacked Willow as she was returning home, as Hermès has witnessed?” Willow, 6:27 PM Willow spoke softly- Sis, you have to ask your questions of me. Persephone did not take any vow to tell the truth Kathy, 6:30 PM “Willow, who attacked you as you were returning home? Are the events as Hermès has described?” Willow, 6:34 PM I was out of the underworld, Thanatos himself had shut the gates, told me he'd see me in six months, as he always does. I was heading toward the meeting place when a blade sliced my back.. from shoulder to just under my rib cage. Luckily I had my corset under my shirt, or it would have cut into my lung and I would have been dead. I heard Her voice, call for an attack.. and they were everywhere.. from left.. right.. from behind. I heard her calling for Hecate to curse me.. to make me.. weaker.. I do not know what her answer was, but I am assuming that since I am here, she did not. There... there was a lot of blood.. my gloves came in handier than I thought... My right arm took a lot of damage.. but I couldn't stop swinging.. had to keep fighting... couldn't stop, I had made a promise to come home... She looked at Persephone, her eyes ice over blackened steel as she spoke- “She taunted me over Him. She claimed I was the reason He's .. he's.. Willow stopped, her right hand shaking a bit as she pulled herself together, Hephaestus’s eyes narrowing with rage, realizing what Persphone had done. Willow began to speak again, her voice clear, even as parts seemed to break apart. “ That He.. was not coming back because I was never good enough... and that He never wanted to keep me and why would a demon want a nothing like me. I punched her.. She struck first, and I swung and I didn't stop til I couldn't move my arm anymore. Something hit my leg and I went down.. they... dragged her away.. She kept screaming for me to die.. screaming why wouldn't I die.. “I .. remember.. saying I almost.. had her.. and I flipped her off.. called her a bitch.. things are fuzzy.. just remember a lot of pain now.. Hermes came.. I said I wanted to go home.. got blood on his shirt.. I don't think I said thank you for him bringing me home. “ “ I came home.. one hour shy of my birthday being over... I didn't get to make a birthday wish... Hermes.. had to get home... Andrea.. sisters... I made a promise. Potions.. everyone was scared, worried for me.” Kathy, 7:43 PM Looks to Hades...then Persephone...then Hermès, and back to Hades, “Respectfully, her words corroborate with Hermès.” Hades, 7:45 PM

Hades nodded, also knowing that since his grandchild had done the oath, willingly without any

prodding, she was not lying. It made him question how much his wife had lied to him about other things then.- “I see.” Kathy, 7:50 PM Speaks softly and respectfully, knowing that there is a line, knowing that she is his wife after all, “Unless Willow has other requests I am unaware of, we simply want this to end. We are not asking for any kind of recompense. We want our Sister safe and welcome to see her family. Both her families, as any person would see fit. No more attacks, direct or by proxy.” I let out a breath, “You know all too well, there are bigger issues out there. One, in particular, affects all pantheons, not just yours. Hermes, 7:53 PM

Hermes bowed- "As you wish my Lord." - he walked over to Persephone and took her arm as

she tried to pull away from Herme's grip and they flashed out of sight- Lily, 7:55 PM -has been perched outside of the area getting bits and pieces of the conversation on the wind. Only overlooking the surrounding areas as a guard- Hades, 8:00 PM Hades looked to Willow and walked over and touched her face- "I am so sorry I did not see or believe the stories. I should have protected you. It seems however that you are officially a demigoddess of something now, my Willow tree or, should I call you Aprosdókitos now? " he grinned at her, and Kathy could see where Willow's smirk came from as Willow grinned up at her grandfather- Willow spoke, looking up from her wheelchair at him. " Grandfather... I should be honest. Hermes.. helped heal me this far. He.. gave me..ambrosia. I only had two... three bites no more. I had to be... Convinced by my sisters to eat that much of it." Kathy, 8:02 PM Auratenth lumbers from around the backside of the house and settles under where Lily is perched. Kathy, 8:06 PM Auratenth croons softly and turns to her rider and sisters and Olympians. Hades, 8:06 PM -Hades nodded and touched her face where her face was scared and frowned- I can not take these away from you. I'm not a healing god, but I can give you this piece of knowledge. Your demon is not in my realm, and You are not the reason he can not come back. No more guilt for such, The love you have for him, the child is as clear as my niece's love for Ares is. Willow, 8:10 PM

she nodded, pushed to tears- “Thank you, grandfather. I would say I won't call you to captain

grumpy pants anymore, but that would be a lie. “ Kathy, 8:11 PM Tries really hard not to laugh and the sound coming from Auratenth...if a dragon could laugh, this might be it. Hades, 8:12 PM

Hades Mock glares- you realize your uncles are calling me that correct? "-

Willow grins - "Even General can't keep it in his pants? Hades 8:14 PM

Hades cracks up at that, even Hep starts to laugh at the true but slightly insulting nickname of

Zeus- "Yes, even General unzip. Now, I have to go back, come and visit me again princess. and not just when you have to. "

He looked at Kathy and nodded to her-

" I have a feeling you and I shall speak again on other concerns. Kathy, 8:16 PM nodding, “I look forward to it. I have a feeling.... Oh, may I bring my Cerberus, Oreo?” Hades, 8:18 PM

He blinked- "Yes of course. I shall bring Spot as well. She needs to get out and play more

often. Willow always brings her rawhide bones." Kathy, 8:21 PM grins. “Excellent, Thank you.” Auratenth croons softly. I call over my shoulder, “No Dearheart, you will stay here.” Hades, 8:21 PM Hades nods and kisses Willow's forehead- "be a safe princess and take care of your sisters. Willow, 8:28 PM

Hades and Hep both leave with nods, and Willow took a much needed breath as the hourglass

emptied and the ghost-like figure faded from view- whew Lily, 8:38 PM -once everyone is gone slowly creeps from my location towards Willow and Kathy- Willow, 8:43 PM

she looked to Lily- It's all clear sis

Early August 2019- log
From the Memories of Willow

Setting: Early August 2019 Place Swan Manor Time: around 9 30est pm. Weather: It was hot and muggy. 98 degrees F with 87 percent humidity. It was just beastly outside. The Sky grew Very very dark suddenly, and there was a hard heavy pound on the front door. Willow sniffed the air, smelling a familiar scent, one that she didn’t smell often but one she knew, almost as well as her own scent. It smelled of dark overly roasted black coffee, dark, overly salted caramel, and an earthy almost graveyard scent mixed with metallic afterburn on the tongue. She rolled herself, using her good arm to do so, moving toward the door that was shaking hard with every pound on it, like fists the size of small cars were banging at her door. A voice growls in greek, making no sense to anyone else, but Willow’s eyes widen and then narrowed as she knew it was, and oh did this one have some serious explaining to do once she got to the damn door to answer. She finally reached the door and opened it and looked up at a very tall, broad male form. ~ Hades, 9:29 PM ~The male looked down, his eyes narrowing as he looked down and saw Willow in a chair on wheels. He looked a lot like her. Ice blue eyes, platinum silver-blonde hair. Strong jawline, dressed in silver and blue, looking as if he was created to glow in the moon. He looked a lot like her. It was clear where Willow got her hair and eyes from. It wasn't from her Siren parentage, clearly, she had gotten such from this big broad-shouldered man in front of her. Willow glared at him as he spoke, his voice booming through the house.- “WHY DID YOU SEND THE BLACKSMITH TO TAKE ME TO TASK FEMALE? DID YOU NOT CAUSE A BIG ENOUGH SCENE INSULTING MY WIFE WITH YOUR REFUSAL TO CONSIDER HER OFFER?” ~Outside: Thud... and flutter. the sounds of a certain sister and her dragon landing. ~Willow’s eyes narrowed sharply, as she spoke clearly. her voice was calm, with a tinge of anger and pain whipping through it. - ''First off, Hades, Calm your tits. You’re in my home, and if anyone is going to yell in my house it’s me. So either you can calm your shit, sit down and speak to me with some damn respect, or you can get the hell out and not bother with ever summoning me again. Understood? Good. now. Sit down, and take the big bad god voice down to a level 1. We’re not in the Underworld. We’re in my home, so my rules, got it? Good. Now, Want to try that again, like a gentleman and not like some asshat with his thong in a twist?” Kathy looks around the person at the door from Auratenth’s side and grins. ~ ~Willow waves Kathy over, from her Wheelchair, using her 'good ' arm to do so.- "Come in sis, have a seat. Seems to be the night for guests. Hades sat down and grumpily stared at his great-granddaughter “You have a great deal of nerve to tell me what to do. You are still mostly mortal, you know. You were rude to my wife Willow, refusing her offer to be one of her ladies. Why were you so rude? And why are you in that chair on wheels, and why are you not using your right arm, and How did your face get to be more scarred? Why are you acting like a spoiled child!!? Persephone told you that your slutting around would get you into trouble. " ~Willow finally rolled herself to where he was sitting and looked at him and took a deep breath, processing what he just said.~ “First, I’m your great-grandchild Hades. I dare a whole fucking lot and after the the trip, I had in your realm, I’ve earned every damn right to be as bitchy as I damn well, please. Secondly, your wife has been trying to kill me for nearly a damn year, or would you like to see the battle scars from her actions, including where she attempted to mark me as a whore? And her offer? Do you mean the one where she kindly told me to go, cut my throat and bleed out so she could pain her vanity with my blood or the one where she offered me up like a fucking trophy to whoever could fuck me against my will in YOUR realm? Or the one where she offered to rip Krista’s intestines out and wear them like a goddamn necklace if I failed to show up on time for HER summoning? As for my so-called slutting around, oh Hades, Persphone’s got a lot of nerve calling me a slut considering her fucking activities. Now, as for why I’m in this chair..."

she paused, breaking to count to three, looking at Kathy speaking softly-

“John is in the guest room, he dropped by to wish me a belated birthday and bring me some sushi. You may want to make sure he doesn’t come out while I am dealing with the loud-mouthed deity with an attitude problem.” Kathy regards the white-haired man, one brow arched, her eyes being quite serious, even for her. “Nice of him to come back. This must be... Hmmm.” Willow spoke, her eyes focused on Hades as she did so. "Captain ass hat grumpy pants himself." Kathy regards Willow and to Hades but doesn’t say anything yet. she just moved a little closer to her sister. Hades started to speak to defend Persephone's honor, and to such Willow cuts him off with a word, laced with her Siren’s power, her eyes sharp as blades, and as cold as ice in the middle of December. “No. I speak, You listen. “ Hades looked a bit shocked that Willow dared to speak to him like this but he shut up, and listened as Willow spoke. Kathy simply stands. Occasionally she glances outside. Willow spoke, her words clearly spoken. “Do you want to know why I am in this chair? Here is why Hades. I was out of the underworld, finally home free for six freaking months... Yes I had some new burns, some clothes stolen, but I got out with my virtue intact, and for once, no broken bones or open wounds. However, I was attacked by your wife and her minions. She was armed with blades and tried to convince Hecate to curse me so she could finally kill me. Hecate refused or so I assume considering I’m still alive. Hermes had to carry me through the portal and bring me home. My sisters have been here, so as my best friend, and Uncle Hep and Hermes have been here making braces, redoing this chair, all things to help make sure I am protected from your wife and your step-daughter’s bullshit. I came home, an hour before the end of my birthday, Hades. My fucking birthday, in pain, on the verge of fucking screaming from the pain. My sisters and Hermes had to patch me up, reset my bones. Yes, bones. My right arm was shattered, my left leg was broken, internal damage.. Concussion... Burned, back sliced up and my face cut up to the point I couldn’t open my eyes.” She paused, to sip on the bottled water tucked to her side. “So Hades, I don't give a flying fuck what your wife thinks of me, or for that matter, if you think I was rude for refusing her oh-so generous offer to sell me as whore for the cheapest bid. You have bigger things to worry about than my sex life, or lack thereof one. Your 'daughter' Melione - ~ She put daughter quotes ~ "isn't your child. She's Zeus's. It's really not surprising when people believe you're going to be dead and no one will care just how much people will tell you. And you don't have to believe me. I gain nothing from lying. Now, let's discuss the new rules over my life as far as it concerns Your wife and any control over it she may think she has.” ~Hades looked shocked and yet... surprisedly proud of his great-granddaughter for standing for herself, even if her language was more suitable for a barroom and not for his great-grandchild. He narrowed his eyes in a match of her own when she said she had new rules for her own life- “Careful there child. Who do you think are to dictate terms to a God? You are barely a demigoddess. “ Willow looked at him and straightened up her back, ignoring the small cramps that were from sitting in the same position too long. “Who am I Hades? Is that what you were asking me?” She looked at him, her eyes flashing silver then black, then swirling as her voice went pure ice over steel. “ I’m Willow Allaene Fucking Nightingale of the house Nightingale. I am Nymph, Siren of the Royal line, Honorio of my house. Your granddaughter. I’ve earned every damn right to decide what is best for MY life.” Rule One: I do not jump hoops for her, EVER again. That means if she tries to make me into some cheap-bought hooker, I get to tell her off. Rule Two: I'm not to be treated lower than the scum on the bottom of the boots of the titans. Rule Three: No one threatens my family. PERIOD.” She paused, and then looked to her elder sister, who even when things were rough between them, she depended on. Kathy Smiles at Willow’s name and speaks softly. " “My opinion?” Willow nods, silently giving her sister the floor, trusting her with this. Kathy smiles softly, and in a respectful, but firm voice, looks at Hades and speaking. “I am Kathy Nightingale, Daughter of Karen and Andrea. Sentinel of the House and Captain of the Nightingale Guard.” There is an obvious rumble outside, “I am the rider to my gold Auratenth.” She takes a breath, “I am also Guardian of the Fae, but I am not here in that capacity. Let me be clear: I am here as all those other things. I am not speaking for the Tuatha at this moment.”

listens, Hade listens, knowing the name-

Kathy keeps speaking: “I am her Sister. And,” smiles, passing to look at her sister, with the white-blonde hair. “I am her dragon. Her safety is my primary concern here. This petty...dislike, as I’ve come to understand it, serves no purpose. It only hurts my Sister and only weakens Persephone’s position.” I turn back to Hades, “After all.... aren’t there bigger concerns out there?” Willow smiles at her sister, rolling herself using her good arm closer to her. She parks her chair to sit next to her in her wheelchair. Lily comes by dropping at the door with a thud as my wings are retracted, just comes in and immediately my eyes narrowly as I look to Hades. Doesn't say a word but obvious that I am not in the mood to beat around the bush- Willow lifts her much weaker right arm to Lily, motioning her to join us- Hades nods to Kathy- “I know who you are. “ Kathy, 10:58 PM Nodding, “Good. Then you know my reputation as well, I hope. I suggest a parlay, tomorrow, shall we say?” Hades, 10:59 PM Hades nods

Very well. I will give me a moment to .. look into my.. grandchild's accusations.

Kathy, 11:00 PM Nods respectfully, “Thank you. I have had positive experiences with your pantheon here and in Duat. I hope to continue that trend with you. May I recommend speaking with Hermes and giving him my regards?” Hades, 11:01 PM ~He nodded and stood giving his head a slight incline to her and a nod to Willow and then leaving- Kathy, 11:02 PM Watches him leave, pass Auratenth, and then through Auratenth’s eyes sees him disappear. “Gives me time to think more about what to say...”

July 28, 2019- the aftermath.
From the memories of Willow

As of midnight on July 28, 2019, Earth Realm: Willow is home at The Swan Manor ( now known as Aides Manor. ) and her sisters are doing their best to put the broken pieces of their sister back together. Andrea Nightingale ( now Dawnfeather), Kathy Nightingale, Haley Nightingale, Krista Nightingale, and Lily Nightingale are the sisters who came running to help her when Hermes carried her body home. Willow's full injuries: Split lip Large cut from shoulder to just above rib cage on the back, shattered right arm, broken left leg in three places, some internal damage. Half healed burns on right hip to mid-thigh, The old scar on the left side of her face now is freshly re-cut from forehead to chin and is a bit deeper, with black and blue bruises that look horrid. Her nose is broken Fracture of the right front orbital bone In a level 2 concussion A puncture wound on the right leg Claw marks all over her midsection, some are infected. There are severed muscles, nerves, broken bones, and dislocated pieces. Hep comes and creates a harness for her. Hermes brings her ambrosia and makes her drink some to help her heal. Andrea offers her pool to be an option to help Willow heal faster. Willow is confined to a wheelchair and needs help to move around her house. Jackson moves in as her roommate to help her do the day-to-day. John from the Cottage comes daily to keep her company and to read to her as she can't get her eyes to focus. Ryder also comes and He and willow slowly reconnect after their break-up in December. DA is fully aware of her relationships with these men and gave his approval before he vanished in early July with only a note left behind. She hasn't opened his office door yet, and she's a bit scared too. She knows about one girl he had collared, without even telling her. She was scared there was more. she was scared she would never walk again. There was a wedding in a matter of weeks which she had to attend if she wished to maintain any friendship with the couple. Jackson said she could go with him. She never told anyone, but, Jackson was her favorite person, but, no one needed to know how she felt about her best friend, save for her.

July 27, 2019 - part 3
-From the memories of Willow

( The Battle is here! Unseen All we see is what Hermes walks into.) (( Music cue: Amy Shark:I said Hi https://youtu.be/kygGzQiQc7k )) In the underworld gate area: Hermes stepped through the portal, noting the earth world time, dressed in faded denim jeans, a bright yellow tank top boasting of the fates like to shake it up, denim jacket, sunglasses, and a gold lame baseball hat, his inky black curls shoved under his hat for a change, whistling some new poppy song, knowing he needed to get Willow home, or Kathy was gonna cut his heart out with a spoon. He slipped as he stepped out and he looked in horror and blinked as he saw blood and fallen bodies on the ground. To his left side was the queen of the Underworld, the dark haired doe eyed Persphone, bloodied, bruised and looking like someone had wrapped her in lighting and whips, and looking like she had been beaten, bloodied and then half-drowned in the process. The Queen of the Underworld was laying looking like a broken doll, thrown against the wide stone wall, with what appeared to be lighting burns across her chest and arms. Her saffron yellow monochiton was ripped, burned and bloodied, and she looked more furious as she struggled to move, and scream, as two of her minions crawled through the bodies on the ground to help their Queen. To the right was his niece, laying on the ground, shaking, clearly in distress, with copious amounts of blood on her face and her torso. He couldn't see how badly she had been injured but her face seemed to be broken in places. Her legs were bent in unnatural positions, and her right arm was clearly broken as he saw pieces of actual bone sticking out. He swallowed back the need to vomit, knowing she needed healing and that was beyond his skills. Hermes moved to get to Willow, when in utter shock, stopping as Persephone screamed at Willow, her rapsy half screams sounding more like a banshee in heat, the rage was deep in the goddess of destruction who could not fathom not beating the mere demigoddess in training. “Why won’t you just fucking die? What do I have to do to fucking end you?” The bloodied Goddess of the underworld half screamed, her voice raspy, blood pouring down her shoulder from the worse whip lighting marks. The great dark empress looked like someone who hadn’t won, but clearly hadn’t lost either.. Was this a stalemate? Had Willow reduced the Goddess of the Underworld to a stalemate? These thoughts ran through Herme’s head as he watched this all play out as if he couldn’t move. Willow half sat up, grunting through the pain as she did so, not rising very far before she spoke softly, her own voice almost gone, the sheer amount of inner strength she was showing in this action assounded Hermes as he watched. “I almost got you this time. “ The blood covered demigoddess held up her left hand, two fingers measuring a short distance between them. “this close... “ She turns the fingers until she flips the Queen of the underworld off. “Bitch.” She turned her head and the pain overtook her as she realized Hermes was there, and whispered, “ Can I go home now? I’ve been here too long. I really want to go home.” (( Music cue: Chord Overstreet - Hold On https://youtu.be/8ofCZObsnOo )) Hermes carefully picked her up, cradling his niece’s broken, and mangled body, noting her bag was strapped to her side as if this had been an attack on the sly. He noted such and nodded. He spoke clearly, again his voice sounding like it was a declaration to the Moirai themselves: “Yes, Willow Nightingale, Demigoddess of the Aprosdókitos. Let's take you home. You have more than earned A Home.” He carried the woman who was his niece, and A woman with more strength than he had ever seen in anyone before they went through the blue-purple portal, taking his niece home. In the Village, one hour left of Willow’s birthday: A purple-blue portal opened, and as soon as it was large enough, could be seen, stepping out of it, carrying another one. The Male looked serious, and had a fierce protective look on his face, blood smeared on his clothes from the woman in his arms. It was Willow, and she wasn’t moving, her eyes were closed. Her face was bloodied and bruised, She had a huge cut along her right shoulder blade that was deep. She had what looked to be healing burn marks on her left hip going into her pants, her right arm was turned inward, at a very wrong angle, and it was clearly badly injured. There were other injuries, a bloodied lip, a fresh cut down her face, that extended her current scar to her chin. Others were unseen but clearly were there from the blood soaking her pants and how her left leg was turned awkwardly. He carried her out of the Portal and looked for any of her family, knowing she needed healing. He spoke clearly so it could be heard: Willow is home. END OF DAY

July 27, 2019 - part 2
From the memories of Willow

PART TWO: The Underworld aka 513 days (Music cue: Ella Henderson - Ghost https://youtu.be/eaTijQbWxsc)) The dark purple-y blue portal opened, not far from the very gates to the underworld. As the two stepped out of the portal, the moment Willow’s combat boots touched the ground, the air stilled, as if reacting to her presence, then once again the wind began to blow as Willow took a breath, and looked at her uncle who had escorted her from the village to the gates of the Greek Underworld. Next to her, holding her arm, was the Greek god Hermes. The hipster-looking blonde male was dressed in black leather pants with hot pink pinstripes, a hot pink thin T-shirt that said: Team Willow on it in black metallic, a gold lame sequined winged hat, matching sunglasses and gold leather sandals with gold wings hanging off the back. He knew that she was fucking terrified, but he could not see any outward signs of the fear. He looked at her, and he saw someone other than the niece he loved. Standing there, chin slightly down, in dark roughen up pants, a black tank top, a beat-up black leather jacket, her braid wrapped in leather that hung down her spine, fingerless gloves, black leather laces up her legs, he saw a woman who would take no shit. She wore a blackened metal collar of branches that hung semi loose around her throat, a long silver wolf necklace, a charm bracelet, an ear cuff set, and a black diamond on her left hand. Her chin was slightly lowered, as she seemed to be taking a few deep breaths to prepare herself for this. The platinum blonde, who was scarred, and battle tired and she hadn’t even gone to the gates yet. Hermes squeezed her small gloved hand and tilted her chin up, speaking softly to his favorite niece, his blue eyes meeting her cold as ice blue ones. “ Just remember who you are. No matter what happens here, no one can take that from you. You are someone very important to me, and to your sisters back at the Hollow. You are Willow Allaene Nightingale.” Willow nodded once, whispering “I’m Willow Allaene fucking Nightingale I don’t do anything half assed, ever.” She hugged him once, and the turning, stepped away not looking back as she took those steps down the stairs to the gates of the underworld. Hermes watched, with pride, and once she was out of his sight, he spoke quietly, his words carrying weight, as he spoke not as her uncle, but as the Herald of the Gods, making a quiet proclamation to be known to the Fates. “ She is the least of all the demi goddesses, with more backbone than even the king of us all. Daughter of love betrayed, forgotten by Sire and wave, she will rise above them, to take her rightful place. She has fought for her right to shine, and she shall outshine the ones who made her.” When she reached them, a tall serious-looking gentleman who had dark charcoal grey eyes, stark black inky hair and a strong brow, dressed in stark black, looked more a club bouncer than what he actually was. He lifted a brow as he saw the familiar face coming toward him. “Itia” His voice was low, and sounded like whiskey poured over rocks. ( Think James Spader’s voice.) “Thanatos. I believe I was summoned?” Thanatos sighed looking her up and down, as he opened the gate. “I dikí mou Kyría Itia, you are a glutton for punishment it seems. Are those above ground really worth the timoría kai katadíki you suffer at the hands of our Skoteiní Aftokráteira? Willow looks at Thanatos as two others come and begin looking through her bags, as per the normal routine. She spoke clearly. “They are worth everything to me Thanatos. “ Thanatos looked at her as he spoke in Greek. ξέρεις ότι θα σε προδώσουν κάποια μέρα, γιατί αιμορραγείς για εκείνους με τέτοια αδυναμία; ( translation: “You know they will betray you someday, Itia. Why do you bleed for those with such weakness?”) Willow looked at him, her eyes like ice, and the left side of her lips smirk, eerily like her grandfather as she answered. “I made a promise, and my word is the only thing I have left of honor. I won’t betray myself. A promise is a promise after all. “ One of the ones who had searched her bag began to run his hands over her ass and she stepped back and narrowed her eyes and spoke, in clear Greek, “Den me angízeis esý vrómiko skoulíki pou eínai chamilótero apó to skouróchromo pou sapízei sto Tartário í alliós orkízomai tin epómeni forá pou me angízeis, tha sou apomakrýno to laimó gia diaskédasi.” ( English: You do not touch me you filthy worm who is lower than the scrum who rot in Tartarus or else I swear the next time you touch me, I will be removing your throat for fun. ) -The male quickly stepped away, with a healthy dose of fear in his eyes, as he realized that while this one did not have the insanity of Persephone's daughter, she was not one to be played with, and clearly was Hades's blood in more than just name. Willow was handed back her bag and then led to a small chamber where she would be living for the time she was here. Every trip the room became smaller and smaller and smaller, this was not much bigger than a cell, with a wide hard bench instead of a bed. Willow slicked on the red lipstick from her bag and took a breath. “Let the games begin.” ((Music Cue: I'm Gonna Show You Crazy - Bebe Rexha https://youtu.be/MAyNDUPQS04)) DAY: 110 She gritted her teeth as she was paraded through the courts in her underwear, while her grandfather was called away for some reason. Persephone decided to attempt to have an auction, and she was the prize. Whoever won was in for a surprise when she removed their testiles with her bare hands rather than ever becoming Persephone ’s whore for sale. DAY:115 She was thrown back into the cell she called her room after being untied from the whipping post for her actions against the demon who had won her in the auction. He would never touch another again. Hard to do that without hands. She had taken the lashes rather than have Persephone attack her sisters. DAY: 249 Willow was using a broom someone had left in the passageway to fight off another handsy bastard who did not take no for an answer. She was never so damn glad she had watched and learned from her sister Kathy’s training with her staff how to use such. She swung the broom handle between the minion’s legs, making the male fall to his knees, right before she swung her broom and knocked him out with a strong hit to the side of the head. She was dead serious when she had declared herself off fucking limits to her stepgrandmother’s minions. She had no issue with protecting herself from unwanted liaisons. DAY 487: Her things had been stolen, again. She had managed to hide one lipstick and keep her boots, her jewelry, and gloves. Granted they never left her body, but that wouldn't stop people from trying. One of Persephone's maids, a little psychotic nymph, had attempted to steal her wolf necklace during the few times Willow had been allowed to use the private baths. The little bitch had ended up with her face smashed into the stone wall, and her arm busted, and her fingers broken. Willow had growled low a warning for her to tell her little friends what happened to people who tried to take what wasn’t theirs to fucking take. The nymph had spread the word that the daughter of Hades was not to be fucked with, no matter what the Queen ordered. She would not take the abuse lying down. Day 513: aka Last day- Leaving Thank the fucking gods, it was time to go home. She missed her family, the ones who kept her close. She couldn't think of DA, and the fact she was fairly certain he was never coming back to her. She did however have her bestie waiting for her, and gods know, Jackson was steady and always there, thank the fucking gods.

July 27th, 2019- Part one
From the memories of Willow

PART ONE: The Hollow (Music Cue: Taylor Swift: The Archer- https://youtu.be/8KpKc3C9V3w ) Upstairs, in the Hollow, Willow was singing Taylor Swift’s Archer, softly. -Singing- Combat, I'm ready for combat I saw I don't want that But what if I do? 'Cause cruelty wins in the movies The tune fit how Willow had been feeling as she packed. Inside the seemingly small side slung dark brown messenger bag with a few items she knew she was allowed to keep on her, and a couple of things she knew would get thrown out, and that was why she packed them exactly for that purpose, knowing how thoroughly her bag would be searched. She shoved a total of what appeared to be three days worth of clothes, even though she knew she’d be there much longer, but she also knew if she carried more clothes, Persphone’s minions would torch the entire bag just out of spite to make a point about her daring to attempt to outfit the dark-haired queen of the underworld. So many fucking mind games with that one, but Willow had learned her own way of coping with them. She didn’t pack any of her favorite clothes or anything she couldn’t stand to lose. She learned that the hard way the first trip to the underworld. She still missed that same pair of black diamond studs she had gotten from her husband for her birthday that somehow vanished in the underworld. Persephone had been wearing them on her next visit, in a sheer boast of the fact Willow had no power there. She packed three pairs of rough and tough pants, mostly patched together, three dark tank tops, in various shades of grey and black., some socks, some fancy bra, and panties mainly because she knew if she packed plain ones, Persphone’s minions would know something was up. It was well-known that, thanks to Melinoë’s snooping, Willow wore sexy and expensive undergarments as a rule. They were normally the first things to go missing each trip and then shown off by Melinoë at one of the many “fight for your life” banquets Persphone would host, in order to make Willow earn every minute she spent with her grandfather, so she may have made sure these were extra special, cause, might as well use what she knew they would take against them. -Singing- I see right through me,I see right through me. All the king's horses, all the king's men, Couldn't put me together again, 'Cause all of my enemies, Started out friends. Help me hold onto you She also packed a paddle shaped hairbrush, some spare black ponytail holders, four tubes of deep red liquid lipstick, because it never failed that at least two would be stolen and if she wore none to the various banquets, Persphone would accuse her of not dressing her face properly for her future suitors. As if she even wanted any of them. So in went four unicorn blood liquid lipsticks, her signature shade as her entire family was well aware of, as well as two black liquid liners, for the same reasons. One was for herself, the second a bribe for the handmaid who guarded the doors to the bathing chambers so Willow could take a bath in private once in a while without being attacked by one of the many males who had tried to mount her before. She tucked in two vials of what appeared to be perfume, which surprisingly enough no one ever tried to steal, so, this time, one was the scent Willow would use, on Persephone’s direct orders NOT to use, that smelled of mint, rosemary and spring water, and the other was not perfume. She wore the defiant scent as her private nod to her actual bloodline and a quiet distinct fuck you to Persohone at every turn. It reminded her of who she was, inside and what Phershone could never be. She checked the side pocket of her bag where the runes were marked to protect herbs she would bring, which were not against the rules, but she sensed would come in handy. Bless Andrea for this early birthday gift, one of the top five presents ever. (( Music cue: Reba McEntire - Going Out Like That https://youtu.be/SDZwBjJQ3ZA )) Willow dressed carefully. She pulled on the stark silver-white silk and lace boy-shorts, then the custom platinum white strapless silk lined under bra tank Lily had made using Willow’s own hair, and Lily’s thread to create an armored under piece to make a chest piece to protect her heart, lungs, etc from being mortally wounded while she was there. Since it was made of her own hair, wasn’t even bending the rules. She tugged on the leather straps up her legs that looked totally fashionable but they were more than that, then the well worn fitted leather and denim pants that hugged her curves much like a lover would have. She then pulled on the ribbed black cotton tank top over the strapless under the tank that still showed a good two inches of her midsection, scars and all. She pulled on her gloves, fastening each of them with her teeth, making sure the buckles were secure. She popped her knuckles before touching DA’s mark on them, the symbol that would not let them be removed from her person at anyone’s request. Gods knew how much she was missing her husband and Master. She touched the side of her ribcage where the shadow demon tattoo lived, and she spoke softly, reminding, not to reveal himself unless it was a do or die sort of thing. It grumbled and curled up tighter along the underside of her left breast, pouting. She knew he would behave unless he thought her life was in danger. She reached for her old beaten up black leather jacket with it’s patched elbows, and its worn outness had become her one constant traveling companion on each of her journeys. It had scars from each journey, but it was like her own version of armour, even if it was just thin leather. She put in the bag a box of dark chocolates, and a bag od the dark roasted coffee beans for her grandfather, the only gifts she was allowed to bring him, but never permitted to enjoy with him, and a bottle of very rare perfume for Hecate, a gift she never failed to bring to her honorary godmother. She also put in the bag inside of three gallon-sized Ziplock, three rawhide bones for Cerberus. She loved that silly old dog. He was a big sweetie who sometimes would let her sleep tucked next to him, when she needed to sleep, and be safe from everyone in the Underworld. She stood in front of the mirror, and then carefully braided her long platinum white hair in a thick long warrior braid, tying off the end. She then slipped a very thin, long band of semi flexible titanium down into the braid, unworried about cutting her hair as there was only one blade that had been able to cut her hair. She then took a long strip of black leather and wrapped her braid from the root to the tip before burning off the ends, making it nearly impossible for anyone else to get into her braid. It was no blade but it may help make her very braided hair a weapon if needed. It was pushing the line of no weapons, but she refused to go unprepared. If she was lashed for it, so be it. She checked to be sure her bracelet with the charms in place was on her left wrist, locked in place, and checked to make sure the wolf necklace hung around her neck, as well as her collar. All her normal jewels were still on as they never left her skin. Her ear cuff, on her left ear, was locked in place, as was her wedding band, with the black diamond sparkling on it. She laced up her roughed up combat boots, and then picked up her bag. She touched the picture of her and DA and whispered softly- “I promise, I will come back in one piece. She doesn’t get to break me.” And then she headed down the stairs to where her family called home, grateful she had decided to pack here, to be here for a few hours before she had to leave, but now, time was getting close. She had to get to the village square before it was time to go, or else all hell would break loose and it would fall on her shoulders as who was to blame. She came down the stairs, to hug everyone who happened to be around, determined to leave her family with a smile. She kissed her sweet Sasha kitty on the head and trusted that her sisters would make sure she would be safe. She petted Doug’s ears and whispered for him to be a good wolf and to protect the pack while she was gone. With a nod to those there and her head held high, she walked out of the Hollow out into the daylight, pushing her dark sunglasses up onto her face, she left, heading to the village. ((Musical cue: Shawn Mendes: Stitches https://youtu.be/UYCg6NBiXMI ) ) In the Village: Willow would be seen dressed as if she was leaving for battle or a war, granted that it was sort of what she was doing by going to visit her grandfather in the Underworld, but she looked like a woman who was going to face it head-on. Dressed in dark clothing, her platinum white hair in the leather-wrapped warrior braid down her back, her boot heels hitting stone pathways of the village, all signs of the damage from the night before gone, her eyes sharp as she stepped toward the edge of the village, nodding to those she may pass, but she didn’t stop to talk. She didn’t have time to be polite today, if she was late, knowing who had issued the summoning, she’d be stuck there for another year to pay for being even five minutes late. She noticed how much work had been done in the village on the expansion of the shop with Lily. She could hear the sound of the workers and smell the baking from Krista’s shop. She wished for more time, gods, how she wanted more time, but she had already touched the coin to request Hermes to come sooner and she knew she didn’t have much time. Five minutes at most. Maybe enough time to hug her baby sister goodbye. Maybe. She started to the door and then she saw the dark purple-y blue portal opening and saw the hipster-looking dark haired male step out, dressed in black leather, and a hot pink shirt that said: Team Willow on it in black metallic. “Time to go Willow. Can’t be Late, not for this one.” Hermes spoke, knowing that he had to escort her, hating this part of his job. He hated seeing his niece look like she was ready for war everytime she went to see her grandfather. Willow nodded and took his hand, not daring to even look back at the village, knowing if she did, she wouldn’t be able to leave without tears and she refused to show weakness, not this time. Too much was riding on her coming home in one piece. She had promises and oaths to keep, and five hundred thirteen days until she could come home to the people she was leaving behind. “I’m ready, Let’s go” The two walked into the portal, and it closed seconds after, leaving only a trace amount of smoke, and the smell of mint behind them- (( Total time she had to be away to the Underworld: 1 Earth day which equals: 513days, aka 71.71 weeks, aka 1 year and 4.5 months spent in the Underworld.)) End of Part One.

4: July 20, 2019 : a Talk with Hermes.
From the memories of Willow

Willow makes her way home, and avoids going inside, instead heading toward the back area, to work her body out more. She had less than a week to get stronger, to get her head on straight, to clear her mind of everything before she went to the underworld. She stopped at the new statue that she had Micheal make, create for her, of DA, in his demon form, much like his groom cake topper. She touched it, and tried remembered that she was not out of hope, not yet, and she had to keep pushing forward, and keep holding the fact she had him, and all of his love for her, for what they were to each other, inside of her, and that never would be taken from her. A rather boyish-looking male, with dark curls that looked like he needed a good haircut, golden tan, bright blue eyes and a cocky grin in what looked like an odd mixture of modern and antiquated Greek clothing stepped out of a blue portal. It was strange to see what looked to be a 20 something wanna be hipster wearing black leather jeans with robin egg blue metallic piping down the sides, a pastel blue T-shirt that had the words “Helen wasn’t that hot” on it, with gold winged sandals, a gold lame’ hat with gold wings on it, and his pinkie nails coated in robin egg blue glitter nail polish while carrying a messenger bag, and wearing a pair of gold sunglasses at like one am in the morning. She didn’t look up when he said in that normally bright voice of his “hey niecey -pants, what’s shakin bacon?” -She straightened her back and turned to look at her uncle and he saw first handed just how hard his favorite niece had been handling everything that had been happening to her. He frowned and walked over and put his arm around her and spoke; “hey, It’s okay.. Uncle Hermes is here. Come on, talk to me. I’m sure we figure this out. You look like you’re about to cry. What’s brought all of this on. Tell me everything. don’t think about hiding shit just so I think you’re okay, cause clearly you’re not okay. If you were you’d make a comment on my why I wasn’t out chasing a skirt on a Friday night, even though here lately, been more into boys then chicks but I’ve always been more bendable then most in our family, go figure, but this isn’t about me, it's about you.” She looked up at her uncle, and she just talked, telling him about the whole fisco that happened in May with Alan saying something that wasn’t supposed to be said, and the whole Candy/Sara thing, and told him of the letters and public confessions and the statements she had made and the amends she had thought she had done to make things right. She didn’t try to make it look like she hadn’t fucked up, cause she knew she had fucked up, big time. Hermes gave her a look at one point and smacked on the back of the head and swore at her in Greek, basically calling her an idiot child and reminded her the only way to be sure a lover didn’t speak out of turn was to take out their tongue when you were done playing with them. That had made her laugh. He pressed her to tell him the rest,a nd she did, the veiled comments, the not so subtle insults, the words of those who called her a slut and a liar and the ones who assumed that if she talked to a person of any gender she must be fucking them, and using them or playing games. She talked to him about DA, and how much she worried and missed everything tied in there, and his eyes went very soft and he hugged her when she started to cry over her husband. Her heartache and worry was more than merely seen, but felt as her tears soaked the shoulder of his shirt. He tilted her chin up and after a long pause spoke clearly so she would hear him- “ Wills, okay, where to begin... “ He nodded and spoke clearly and made sure she was looking at him- “Wills, you have a tough road, you know this. It’s sort of a rule of being a demigod or demigoddess. Yeah yeah, don’t give me that whole ‘I’m not a demi-goddess’ line of bullshit niece. You carry the royal siren, nymph blood though Minthe’s line, and the blood of Hades himself in your veins. You’re a freaking demigoddess, get over it. Embrace it. You are still you. It doesn’t mean you get superpowers or god-like anything. If anything, most demigods and demigoddesses have a rougher path and life then mortals or gods because they are stuck right in the middle. Not god enough to have the power, and not mortal enough to just be okay with being unseen. Think about it Wills, do you know any demigod that didn’t have it rough? That’s right, none of them had it easy. Herc, who is in the stars themselves, had Hera riding his ass since before he was born, all because Zeus couldn’t keep his dick in his pants. Herc didn’t ask to be born a demigod. He, however, did what he could with what he had and proved himself better than what anyone thought him capable of being.. Even though he had that crazy moment and killed his wife and children. We’re not allowed to drive ya nuts. It’s against the rules. So let's get down to business, to defeat the bums that you’ve been dealing with okay?” Willow sighed, still grasping the fact she wasn’t allowed to deny what she was anymore, even though she really hated that term- “Alright...” “First things first: this Alan fellow .. and these two ladies and all that business that happened? The thing you call the May bomb? Fuck them. It’s done, it’s over. You did what you did, so did he. You fucked him, he fucked you. You both screwed the pooch there sweetpea. No more apologies for that. Do I make myself clear? As for you being a whore or a slut, hun, I know my sisters and your aunts. Trust me, most of them would look at you and think you were a bloody virgin in comparison. Do I need to bring up Apho’s long list or fuck, Zeus’s list of ex lovers? I will literally die right here before I could recite all of them cause the man can’t keep his toga on for two minutes. Seriously. You are the furthest thing from a whore or a slut. Got it? Good. As for people wanting or demanding to know who you are or aren't sleeping with? Fuck them. It’s none of their concern and none of their damn business. Period. I know you Wills, you don’t make the same fucked up mistake twice if you can help it. I doubt you would be going and screwing someone’s sub ever again because you wouldn’t want to do this a second time. So.. you do not answer to them about what you do in private. Hell, you don’t answer to them if you wanted to drag a guy, girl, dragon, centar over the counter at your shop and fuck them right there. You are Willow Allaene Nightingale, Demigoddess, Nymph and Siren granddaughter of the God and King of the underworld, the favorite niece of Hephaestus and Hermes. You do not “grovel'' to anyone nor do you get their permission to be who you are. Now, snap the hell out of it. “but...” -Willow blinked, and started to speak and Hermes right hand up and kept going for he was on a roll.- “Now, the sisters who you hurt when you were exhausted and lashing out. You do owe them apologies and I firmly expect you to put on your big girl panties and heels and do so. Even demigoddess have to admit when they fuck up. I expect better from you. Got it? Good. Now for DA.. I do not know what his status is, but I will do some looking and when I hear something, if I hear something, I will come to you and tell you myself. You know he loves you. I know he loves you, so you just hold on to that. Now, about next week. Girl.. we got some stuff to talk about.. Queen P is in a pissed-off mood. Did you really have your tattoo bite princess bitch’s toe off?? Cause.. If so..kudos for having some balls of steel and a bonus for flipping her off. I heard the story and honestly.. So fucking proud. Now, I know someone is watching over there, even if they aren't coming out, so if you want I can go so you can process all of this. But no more thinking you are less than anyone else. Cause you; my beautiful, snarky, smart ass, the songbird of a niece, have a spine of steel, and more guts than most of the gods in a lot of pantheons. I am proud of you. Now, It’s about time you start to embrace not just what you are here. “ He used one finger, tapping her temples. “But here too.” The finger moved down, tapping her heart. “You get it? “Yes Hermes, I got it. No more fuck ups. “That’s my girl.” The two hugged, and Hermes stepped in to a portal heading off to get doughnuts for Hera, and to go bail Dionysus out of whatever bar he had gotten drunk in this week-

Early July 2019 - sneak attack - log
From the memories of Willow

Location: Nightingale Manor ( now know as Aides Manor) Time: Late Night, Early July 2019 Setting: Evening, back garden training area of Willow’s home. Training dummy. Weather:hot, muggy Players: Lily, Willow, Melione, Sin. Willow, 10:48 PM -gives her a thumbs up and then stops- "fighting style in general sis or just with the gloves? "- making sure she understands, because She knows she's not the strongest fighter in the family, not by a long shot, but she's gotten stronger and while her technique is.. questionable, she has focus. - Lily, 10:56 PM -smiles- give me gloves at least once more then go into fighting, and if you feel up to it sis I can spare with you if you like. Always works a bit better when you have someone there to practice on Willow , 11:02 PM "Sure, but.. maybe when I try the thing that keeps causing a lake. Oh, well, fuck it , step back.. you got cute shoes on.. I've ruined four pairs of really expensive combat boots this week alone. Lily, 11:05 PM She just takes her shoes off and just sets them aside and out of the way, enjoying the feel of the ground under my feet- “Even if I left them on it wouldn't hurt sis, so go ahead, it won't bother me.” -Lily smiles once more- Willow, 11:14 PM Willow nodded, and walked over to the shed again, opening up the metal box inside, and pulling out what looks to be two pairs of bulky headphones, and heads over and sticks one pair on Sin’s head, and hands the others to Lily.- “Noise canceling. The button adds white noise to help block some of the higher notes. The best I can get, not foolproof, but that way if I scream,or lose control of my voice, you have at least a better shot at not hurting your ear drums, I don’t have to worry about Kathy coming and gutting me like a fish on a hook, okay?” ֆɨռ, 11:17 PM -pulls the headphones off as I tap my ears before I sit up once more.. Placing the headphones onto Tox head instead. Grinning- Lily, 11:17 PM -giggles and puts them on, then as an extra effect wills my scales and accidentally goes full armor feeling something tear. Curses as the hoodie has been ripped apart. Just sighs and carefully wills it back leaving some for my ears- Willow , 11:22 PM

blinks at Lily thinking that was cool, nodding to ֆɨռ, thinking she was a sneaky little thing.-

Lily, 11:24 PM -Raises an eyebrow noticing her looking after tossing what is left of my hoodie with the shoes I had on earlier- Willow , 11:47 PM -Willow popped her jaw, and then whipped her head around, as if she heard someone say something, and a snake of shadow seemed to slide across the ground almost unseen, sliding dangerously closer to Willow, hidden mostly by the night. Willow’s pale silver ice blue eyes shifting to black for a split second, and then narrows her eyes and throws her hands out at the dummy, her braid flying back, parts coming undone in the process, leaving hair flying behind her as she propelled her hands out in an unexpected force of strength, as a shock of a burning sensation slid up her arms. The thickening whips of light and energy that had all night been smooth and flowing much like a controlled wave of water, burst from her gloved in a jointly hard held torrent of energy toward the dummy’s head, and Willow’s eyes shifted without warning, filtering as they when she was using too much energy to control things inside or when her body stress was overtaking her senses. They had done this sporadically ever since Dev had given her a milkshake spiked with something and send her still forming abilities in to overdrive shortly after she had been woken as a Nymph, and had jump started her Siren side at the same time, before she had been ready. She still cursed him sometimes, when her muscles seized up at night as they fought the changes. She made a sound that was half growl-half cry as she struggled to pull the energy back, knowing the whispering in her head wasn’t real.. she knew it. She knew that that son of a bitch wasn’t there.. She half growled, the energy building around her hands, her muscles in her upper arms seizing up, as the visions of one of the monsters in her nightmare seemed to take form to her left and to the right, unseen to the others- Lily, 12:00 AM -Launches forward and wills the scales back over my body, in a tighter stronger formation but stumbles a bit but propels forward still. Grabs a hold of Willow and tries to take the gloves off growling, feeling the energy flowing some the scales some but still feeling it as my locks in focus- “Willow listen to me, you can control this, do not let anyone or anything tell you that you can't!” -grips the gloves on her hands slowly taking them off, but they stay partially. She does the next best thing and tests my own thread to regain control of it and winds it around the gloves, and has made sure to use a different kind to help block the energy from being used. Making the energy cycle out slowly but keeps spinning the thread as each layer will eventually wear away- “Focus Willow! Listen to me! You got this!” Willow , 12:15 AM

Willow finally is able to pull the energy back, sinking to her knees, Her throat raw from the

inside out from holding back her voice, even in the middle of the need to release those notes, she head Lily, and she knew the other voice was a lie, and she shoved her semi-gloved hands in to the mud, cooling the burns that overtaken her hands and whipped up her wrists. The dummy... well..the dummy was ash... maybe.. one step beyond ash whatever that was... The light of that energy would have been seen in town, maybe to the Hollow itself from the pure force of the torrent of light that had shot from Willow’s gloves. Something inside, not the water or her voice, not the two powers that she counted and worked so hard to train and learn control, something else had been tapped, and Willow didn’t know what the fuck it was. Willow could feel Lily next to her and her face was soaked, tears sliding down her face, and her mouth moved and spoke... her words are not much more than a harsh rasp of sound. Her eyes were black as obsidian, colder than ice in December as she spoke.- “Melinoe, you bitch, show yourself. Or are you a coward like your mother to attack unseen?” Melinoe, 12:21 AM -Stepping from the shadows, a very pale, black-haired female who looked no older than mid twenties, with a scar that ran down her face, just opposite of where Willow’s was, but it looked much older then Willow’s was. Wearing the simple black silk toga, barefooted, the woman’s pale sky blue eyes looked almost.. dull in comparison to Willow’s siren silver eyes, yet full of madness, looked at Willow.- “Mother sends her love... niece. I can’t wait to see you get what you deserve... Why won’t you just..die... Stupid halfing cow.” Her voice was pure hatred, the sound of nightmares, the pure venom in it could have destroyed worlds with the poison dripping from it. Her right foot comes up and kicks Willow right in the ribcage hard on the left side and then the goddess screams and comes back, missing her pinky toe on that foot.. the toe is on the ground. She glares at Willow, and she attempts to swing her left hand into her Willow’s Left ribcage, and screams as she pulls her left hand back, minus her left pinkie. A low growl could be heard from the area around Willow’s left rib cage that was not Willow’s voice. ”You’re gonna pay for that you bitch... Mother’s coming and you’re weak...” “Melinoe” - Willow speaks again, her voice a raspy whisper still, pulling her partially gloved hand up from the mud, flicked the hand at the goddess, and flipped her off- “Fuck off.” -the Goddess went to stomp her foot, and screamed as the pain hit her again and vanished in to the shadows, and Willow touched her side, where her shadow demon mark was, where DA had placed him on their wedding day- “good boy.” The shadow demon made a growl snort sound as Willow’s fingers stroked the wings of his, soothing him back into a place of rest under her left breast. Lily, 12:53 AM -just nods and smiles softly- yeah well I'd say I'd use some holy healing but I do believe I am unable to do such a thing since I don't have angel radio -makes sure to be carefully with WIllow and a bit of myself- trust me when I say questions can wait -removes the ear protection, and while doing so has moved just right to show a nice dark spot where the light had first made contact. The dark coloring spreading around as if like a spiderweb, due to the natural ability of the scales to try to divert and redirect power as well as elements around me. Though it still can not block everything especially that close- Willow looked frantically at the baby sister of her heart. 'Damn.. please tell me you didn't get hurt.. and the earphones blocked out that scream..I'm not even sure what notes were there..I wasn't all here” She looked worried for her little sister, one of the ones she loved more than most. Lily, 1:07 AM “My ears are fine, Willow” -retracts the scales and sighs a bit, not a scratch on me but the first point of impact and being seen on the sports bra I have on. Rubs the spot and winces a bit- “No wound so you're all good just feels like I got hit with a hammer or something” Willow took a deep breath- “Thank the gods. “

Late March 2019
-From the memories of Willow

{ I do not own any of the music in this piece. These are to be used in order to help to connect to the way a Siren connects to music 24/7. Thank you to those who gave me songs, and helped me bounce ideas off of them during the writing process.} (Musical Cue: Adele – Hello https://youtu.be/9h0Arg_-380 ) Sunday, April 28, 2019, 7:05 EST

Willow slipped in quietly making her way upstairs, moving without a sound but

quickly. Once in her room, she writes three notes, tucked them into envelopes to mail later, and tucked into her messenger bag, then moves, changing into more durable clothing. She pulled on her favorite cotton boy shorts and T-shirt bra, then her favorite carpenter style dark blue jeans with all the pockets. She slipped various things into her pockets, as she pulled on first a black tank then the oversized button-down that was DA’s in stark black then grabbed her semi-fitted trench faux leather coat that hit right past her ass. She tugged on a pair of black comfortable but fashionable boots that molded to her feet. She braided her hair and wrapped it in a leather wrap. She slipped a blade into the side of each of her boots, far from stupid, and knowing not to go unarmed. She slipped another thin blade into her bra, feeling safer with it there. She picked up the black faux leather highly worn out duffle bag she had packed that morning, moving to put the last few things she needed to have on hand as she went through this journey. She shoved a few protein bars into the pockets of her messenger bag, a picture of her DA well, leaving a note on their bed, knowing he would always be able to find her. She flicked the lights off, and headed down the stairs, moving quietly, setting her bag down by the door, out of sight, and moved to the kitchen to grab some water, and she knew she had to eat something. Even if it was just grapes. She hadn’t been able to handle food for a while, but She had things had to do, and a promise that had to be kept. She nabbed some grapes, and then took a look around the Hollow, and then stepped out into the gathering storm, toward the village, having a portal to catch, knowing she had something to do, and a promise to keep. (Musical Cue: Here I Go Again-Lyrics-Whitesnake https://youtu.be/oohFGOmcxuo) 8:05 pm EST Willow had hiked to the village, dressed in black and gray, duffle bag in hand. She paused for a moment, wondering if she dared to stop at the cafe to say goodbye, but she reminded herself, she was on a deadline, and if she missed this portal, there would be hell to pay for breaking a promise. She did one last turn around the village, to the shops, old and new, taking a deep breath. The Wind shifted, and she heard that voice again the one that others felt more than heard. Krista would have understood the inflection, one of a parent who had had enough of a child not doing as they were told, but to the world, and perhaps pick up a bit of the underworld tone of the scent Willow was now surrounded by. Willow mutters- I’m coming.. - She moved quickly into the dark blue swirling portal, as no one saw a hand push something into the portal after her, and before anyone could have stopped it, the portal closed tight- -last thing anyone saw (Musical Cue: In the End- Linkin Park https://youtu.be/g9j5UzxEhEM ) 8:06 pm EST... or..so you’d think... Willow had stepped into the portal, having been listening to her Great great great grandfather yelling at her in her head in Greek for the past two days about how he’d given her the extra time, and yea, yea but enough was enough. Hades was patient, but apparently, uncle Hephaestus had been getting his thong in a twist about having to wait for even one more day and having a full man fit about getting this thing in her bag by the beginning of May. Hades even set up a Portal to get directions to him, so she didn’t have any more excuses. He informed her she’d be gone a few days, cause when she was done there, He wanted a “Serious word” with her about her “abysmal” choice in husbands and her” audacity of choosing to marry a demon “of all things and “not valuing tradition” and failing to get his blessing. As she stepped into the portal she was greeted by a rather boyish-looking male, with dark curls that looked like he needed a good haircut, golden tan, bright blue eyes and a cocky grin in what looked like an odd mixture of modern and antiquated Greek clothing. It was strange to see what looked to be a 20 something wanna be hipster wearing gold jeans, an orange T-shirt that a picture of Zeus on it, with gold winged sandals, a gold lame’ hat with gold wings on it, and his pinkie nails coated in gold nail polish. He smirked, looking Willow up and down, taking in every inch of her and winked. The tunnel itself spinning it seemed and though normally steady as a rock Willow for a bit of a look, as it threw her sense of balance way off. It had some strange swirling fog throughout and it looked like there were numerous side tunnels where the different color fogs were coming from, and she started toward one of them, when the guy grabbed her arm and laughed- “Well...Hades never said you were the hottie, and a bit jumped into things without thinking. Clearly, you are his great great.. well lets not bore ourselves with however many greats granddaughter’s. I’m Hermes. I’ll be your escort to.....Fuck!” He suddenly moved to the left, his seemingly sinewy hands forced Willow to slam into the tunnel’ s spinning blue walls, the blue-gray heavy-ish smokey fog making it hard for her to see, and things were getting fuzzy. She thought she saw a gold goblet flying past them and she could vaguely hear a female’s voice, swearing in Greek. She tried her best to focus on the strange guy, who was now smirking and giving a dramatic sigh. “Well. Hate to do this doll, but, We’re going to have to take a little detour. I may love Queenie’s little dramas but I owe someone a favor, and you, beautiful creature, is what he wants as his favor so... See you soon doll. Promise.” (Musical Cue: Under Pressure-by Queen https://youtu.be/BWdLt3Afjrg ) She started to ask what he meant.. owed a favor and then the next thing she knew she was falling, tumbling down another side tunnel the spinning was making her dizzier as she seemed to be tumbling and the feeling was like being caught in one of those wind tunnel machines after eating way too many funnel cakes and drinking a forty-two-ounce icy then hitting the monster roller coaster for the first time like an idiot. She reminded herself to never refer to herself as Alice ever again cause this fucking sucked.

She kept tumbling and tumbling faster, seemed faster and faster, she closed her eyes as

she fell, afraid to see what was to come. She had always hated the fall, the landing always was the worst when you couldn’t see what was coming next. The tumbling was getting faster, faster... she tried to open her eyes but it just made sense of going to toss her cookies even worse... and plops.. she landed.. flat on her ass on what felt like.. grass, rocks and dirt and Ewww was that a bug in her hair! Willow sat up and looked around and rubbed her head, looked around, thinking “Where the hell am I” She stands up, slowly, thinking, wherever she fell, it sure the hell was beautiful. She could see nothing but incredibly blue skies, that looked like one of those Caribbean vacation postcards she thought had to be faked, and green grass, and there was some sort of orchard it seemed down the path it seemed. She looked around, suddenly panicked about her bag, and for the third time in so many minutes took a sigh of relief, and thanks to the gods, that amazingly enough, her duffle bag is on the ground to her left, her messenger bag is still tight around her, thankfully. She checks it for the package she had to deliver and takes a grateful ragged breath as she finds the wrapped thing in her bag. ‘Thank all the gods, even the bitch who wants my head on a damn stake. I lose this, and all sorts of shit would have gone down. It’d be as ugly as a morning without coffee for my sisters.” (Musical Cue: Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey - The Middle https://youtu.be/xQzS3JnZQZM ) She carried her bag down the path, unsure where she was, but she figured it was best to keep moving forward, find some sort of shelter and estimate where she was exactly. The sun was shining down on platinum blonde hair as a brisk breeze was stirring the leaves, and bringing her the scents of the place she was in. Blood oranges, figs, vanilla. And a hint of fire. Not a strong hint, but a hint nonetheless. She walked down this very long narrow sort of walking path, she didn’t seem to come across anyone for a few hours. The breeze kept the area cool, though, after only a few hours, She started to feel her skin feeling sticky. Not sugary sticky, but...a heat type of sticky. One that made the person feeling it feel unclean. In fact, when the breeze would stop momentarily, she'd notice that it was really warm. Definitely too warm for a jacket. Time to stop and peel it off. (Musical Cue: Bon Jovi - It's My Life https://youtu.be/OQIHTe7cYCg ) She felt sticky and sort of gross and gritty even as she was relaxing in the balmy heat of the day. She peeled off her jacket, and shoved into her duffle bag, and taking out a hair clip that had a small nightingale on it, she used it to hold her braid into a bun to get the length off of her neck. She ate one of the protein bars from her bag, nasty as it was, but it was better than nothing, and pulled out one of the bottles of water from her bag and took a healthy gulp of the lukewarm coolness and then splashed some on her sweaty throat and chest, letting the coolness calm the heat coming off of her skin. For the first time in weeks, she was actually a little hungry. She thought maybe falling on her ass down some temporal Rabbit’s hole like Alice but it was controlled by the Greek god of travel, may have shaken her more than she thought. She started walking and since she didn’t see anyone, she concluded she was safe to maybe sing a little bit, as long as she didn’t like belting out show tunes, she thought she was safe. ‘It’s my Lifeeeeee” She started to sing a song she thought seemed to fit the odd moment she was having, humming starting, as she moved down the path, her boots barely making a dent into the rocks and clay under her feet. The lyrics of Bon Jovi’s It’s my life, flowing from her lips as she sang in perfect key, her hips swing to the unheard tune in her head as she sang the chorus a bit loud.. and she didn't care who heard for a little while, she just relaxed, as she walked. This place seemed to calm her normal hectic brain. she even sang it twice in a row cause.. She was starting to begin enjoying the beautiful scenery and the adventure. She didn’t notice that as she sang things seemed to brighten, as she gave in to her music merrily. (Musical Cue: Nickelback - How You Remind Me https://youtu.be/Ps-mZ5BQQDY ) Despite the heat, it was a lovely day. The smell of the blood oranges was actually mouthwatering, and let one know they were ripe and ready to be picked. This all distracted from the near-constant rumble under her feet. It wasn't a large rumble. Just a subtle vibration under her feet, hardly even noticeable. The further along the path she went, the more it became clear she wasn't alone on the island, and though her voice, pure as crystal, was ringing out, it seemed that the two she came upon, arguing in Greek, hadn't noticed her. At least, they didn't seem to. It wasn't odd that they were arguing in Greek, or that she understood it. No. What was odd, was that it was ancient Greek. And they were loud. One was louder than the other, though both were slurring. She slowly made her way toward them, her own curiosity making her wonder if they could tell her how to find the great god of the metalwork and the volcano. Thanks to any number of factors, either her birth line, her being god touched, Hades actually wanting her to understand, who knows. Anywho, she could understand Greek, and speak it, but she never filtered it in her like it was said in that time frame. She always seemed to filter it into more modern terms in her head which made for interesting conversations, to say the least in her Underworld adventures. Just try telling your step-great great great great great grandmother you think Medusa was more beautiful, and you’d rather french kiss all of her snakes on her head, then speak to the Step grams. That did not translate so well. ( Just saying...Akwardddddd.) (Musical Cue: Evanescence - Call Me When You're Sober https://youtu.be/OCyL6pa_L4M ) Now..why they slurring, was utterly beyond her until she saw the empty casks, of what smelled like either really old wine, or a frat boy’s wet dream of a Friday night, as well as the number of fat clay wine jugs tossed about the ground. Willow stayed back, watching, not wanting to be seen. She kept her silvered eyes sharp and kept them on the two men, taking it all in. “I'm sorry, bro. But, I have to cut you off.” The portly one with the red nose said. Oddly, the man was kind of shaped like a wine jug. His hair was a mess of unruly corkscrew curls, with this coppery sort of band of sorts around his head, deep wine-colored, for lack of a term, toga covering all the vital parts, thank the gods. “You're cutting me off?” The other man, who had a stocky build, deep bronze skin, and hair the color of fire, sounded disbelieving. This man didn't look to be too much taller than the other man, but...boy, did he look bigger. Not muscular, per se, but not fat, either. Just big, with brawny arms. He was sitting on what looked to be a giant rock of sorts, one leg stretched out in front of him, And she couldn’t tell, but it looked like he had a cane lying at his side. She was far too well how that felt. “Yes, I am, dude. It was fun for a while, having a drinking buddy that could keep up for a bit. But, dude... Dude after last night, when you tried to grab Athena's ass, and instead, fell onto the buffet table and spilled the Ambrosia, that then flew up and landed on old Zeus’s head, which was Freaking funny as hell, that's when I figured enough is enough.” As Wine Jug spoke, the subtle rumbling began to increase, until it felt like the very ground began to rock, and pitch, as if an earthquake had started. Brawny Bronzer was clearly getting angry. VERY angry. It was actually getting harder, and harder to keep her balance as the shaking went on. - She had to fight to stay standing upright as the earth shook like when one of her sisters came downstairs in a new string bikini. “You don't get to cut me off. YOU DON’T CUT ME OFF! Not after what that whore of a wife of mine did to me. AGAIN.” He growled out, but Wine Jug seemed to be made of sterner stuff since he didn't back down at all. He just gave a long-suffering sigh and reached out to place his hand on the other man's shoulder. Mister all big and Brawny Bronzer growled at him but nothing shook Wine Jug. “My brother. My awesome artist of metal. You need to stop trying to drink the memories away. Dude, it’s been Thirty damn years. Give it a rest. We're Gods. It doesn't work that way, Hephaestus. Trust me, as the God of Wine, I know.” Wow...Mister Bronzer was Uncle Hephaestus! Jackpot! She was gonna get things delivered, and get back to Hades and home before Cofa got home from his latest summoning. Gods, she missed that demon. The other man seemed consoled by this since the ground started to shake less. The man he had called Hephaestus seemed to shrink a little as if the wind had gone from his sails. To her, Wine Jug called out, “You might as well come on out. He may not know you're here, but I do.” ( Musical cue: P!nk - Don't Let Me Get Me https://youtu.be/K_t9AA3Z4PE ) She knew he was now, He had to be her other uncle, Dionysus, aka as her college classmates had dubbed him, the God of Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll. She muttered a swear word under her breath as he basically told her he knew she was there. Damn it. “Fuck here goes nothing.” She said, and both men could hear the rich smokey tone of her voice, another mixture of her mixed bloodlines that tended to make people confused as they couldn’t define her. She stepped out, carrying the duffle bag, messenger bag thrown over her body, long white-blonde hair tied up in a braided bun, messily. She had that good old fashion ‘I’m sweating my ass off’ sort of glow happening, her skin was fair, but it was showing some pink, that luckily with some aloe, she would be okay with fairly quickly. She knew she was not the beauty of her other sisters. Her arm had a long wicked thick scar, as did her face. Her exposed belly was flat, with some muscles, but it looked more like a combo of someone had carved her guts outs, or like she had been whipped, since some of those very marks wrapped over her hips, and down her thighs. She was certainly not dressed as they were in any way shape or form. She wore the beloved, dirty and sweaty carpenter style dark blue jeans with all the pockets, that were now mostly emptied thanks to the Hermes tunnel of crazy town. Her boots were dirty, and clearly well worn, and he could see a hit of one of her blades peeking out of the top of one of them. If they paid any attention, they’d notice the wrap of blackening metal branches with the metal hoop on her throat, the sparkle on onyx and black diamonds on her right ear in the form of a demon, looking over a black swan. On her right wrist was the perfect circle of black polished onyx, a clear gift of a lover, or one of importance,, not a lowborn or a slave. Her tank top had been ripped and tied to show off even more of her Belly, and actually framed her breasts in a rather daring, sort of way that also made it clear, this was a woman who could and would kick your ass if you tried something. Her left hand dropped her duffel, and there was a sparkle off of it, as her left hand went to her hip, slightly cocked as she looked at them. “Hello, Uncle. I think you all were expecting me? I’m Willow.” (Musical Cue: Miley Cyrus - Can't Be Tamed https://youtu.be/nE4RxbcLPGs ) Dionysus took a moment to look her over appreciatively, perv. He clearly found her mode of dress to be rather odd, having never seen clothing like hers it seemed. And what he did see of her, he obviously liked, once again, she’d never been so glad someone was covered by toga in her life.. Not even hearing the word Uncle could curb that. But, he looked a bit confused, which made her take a step back and tilt her head. Hephaestus, for his part, hadn't even looked up. In fact, he looked...kind of like he was pouting. And though he was looking at her, and had even heard her say that she was expected, and calling them uncles, there was no recognition in his eyes. Not to her name, not to her face, or any other feature, of hers. She really started to feel like Alice beyond the looking glass and was about thirty seconds from saying curiouser, and curiouser like some Lewis Carroll character on a fucked acid trip. “Uncles?” He repeated, turning to Hephaestus, who was now rubbing his leg as if it pained him “Were you expecting anyone today, bro?” He asked the other God. She watched, now feeling even more confused, and wondering how hard she hit her head on the way down Hermes’s tunnel of insanity. “You're the only one who comes to visit me, Dionysus,” Hephaestus said in a surly tone. Yeah, he was definitely pouting. He did turn towards her a bit, and if there was still any question of who he was, the face made them disappear. Half of it was covered in a thick, shaggy beard. And he was not handsome. He began to get up, though it seemed to take some effort to do so. He grabbed his cane, and lurched over to her, leaning heavily on a truly marvelous metal cane. It looked to be one solid piece, with intricate designs all over it. She was seriously jealous of the workmanship of the cane, thinking that was a bloody freaking showpiece, which really should have surprised her. After all, he was the metalsmith of all damn metalsmiths. “Who sent you, girl?” *He asked, his voice gruff. The closer he got, the stronger the smell of flames got. And not just flames, but heat as well. He smelled of flames and heat. And metal. But, as big as he was, he had a gentle air about him, which would be a nice change of pace if he really were a gentle giant. She looked up at the big scarred up giant, who was finally close enough to see her road map of scars on her tummy, her arm and face. He also finally could see the silvered black eyes of a Siren mixed with one either god born or god touched, with the frame of a nymph, with something stronger than both of those creatures that kept her chin held up, when most would look away. Willow took in the signs that she was so not in Kansas anymore and screwed the rainbow.. looks like.. something got twisted. Better Confirm her suspensions something stank in the state of..wherever the hell they were. ‘Quick question.. What year is this? We are in Greece..Right?” (Musical Cue:Carly Rae Jepsen - This Kiss https://youtu.be/8jpVWupCdHY ) Hephaestus’s dark, deep black eyes narrowed at her, but not in a threatening type of way. More like he was scrutinizing her. Inspecting her as he would any of his other pieces. He still leaned heavily on his cane as his eyes roamed her. Not with pervy intention, but out of curiosity. It was a bit unnerving but Wills had seen and been a lot worse than some guy looking her up and down like she was one of his pieces of artwork, but she kept her chin up, not showing any sort of fear. The heads of her house didn’t call her the unexpected for anything. “Well, you certainly have something of us in you, girl. The eyes say it all.” His speech was slurred, as if he had been drinking for quite some time. But he seemed to be lucid enough. He hobbled around her some, with a limping gait, showing that one of his legs was shorter than the other, as he inspected her. “Your ... clothing is odd. Definitely not of this age.” She stared at him, as if to say, duh, you think? He finished his inspection, standing in front of her, leaning on his cane, that Willow seriously thought was the coolest piece of metalwork she had ever seen in her entire life, a bit more now. “Yes, we are in Greece. As for the year? Well, I am not really sure. I don't measure time like that...” He admitted, which said how much he committed to his craft. Willow could respect that. When she caught up with one of her passions.. painting.. dancing..she sometimes forgot for hours about anything else. It got her into so much trouble before and would again she was sure. It was good to know she got it from one of her family members naturally. Dionysus piped in with, “It's the year 1519. And while your garb is strange, it's not unwelcome, in fact, it’d look rather fetching on the floor and you in my bed.” His gaze was still pervy, but Hephaestus was looking at her with appreciation. “Who sent you here, girl?” Hephaestus asked again. (Musical Cue:Dua Lipa - New Rules https://youtu.be/ClhLNUPqv8Q) She blinked once, first in shock that Dionysus had the utter gall to hit on her, granted he’d hit on a stone if he thought he’d get any action. He stepped closer to her and her left foot stomped hard on his instep. She spoke low, her voice smokey with a clear tone of promise as her words were very clear to both men. “I’d not let you touch me if you were the last male in the world you perverted, drunkard, pathetic petty excuse of a male. If you try, I will remove the ingrown grapes you call a ball sack and carry them as a very, very small, tiny coin purse. Do you understand Uncle?” - Her eyes never left Hephaestus, processing what he said about the year, and Dionysus nodded quickly and she stepped off of his foot and stepped back, trying her best not to lose her cool, but she was on the verge of flipping out. “Did you just..seriously say.. 1519... It’s supposed to be the year 2019, where I’m supposed to be delivering this package to you, Hephaestus, by the pain of my ass in the flames by my great great great great great great grandfather Hades by Beltane eve. Oh, I am going to kick that little hipster god with the winged shoes and hat... Pushing me down the wrong freaking smoke-filled tunnel.. damn damn damn! (Musical Cue:Bebe Rexha - I'm A Mess https://youtu.be/qhSds5jPnFo ) Hephaestus smirked as she threatened a god. “I like this one. She has fire in her veins, and Spartan Steel in her spine.” He said, giving her high praise. It was very clear that he wasn't like the other Greek Gods. Dionysus stepped back as she mentioned her familial line, and Willow began to get upset. “Seriously, I’m so going to get reamed. It’s bad enough Persephone hates my guts and would love to have my head on spike cause gramps got jiggy with some nymph before they ever were an item and then.. several generations later outcomes me and I happen to remind her of his side piece. Do you know how much trouble I’m gonna be in if I mess this up? The last time I screwed up I almost got my arm removed and now this.. I’m so freaking dead.” Willow started to pace as was her fallback when she got overwhelmed about things out of her control and this was so out of her control. “I do not know what a hipster is, but if you speak of Hermes, he does not control time. That would be Urania, and obviously, you are here for more than delivering a package granddaughter of Hades.” He explained, trying to calm the woman down. *As it stands, I do not recall asking Hades for something, but I am curious as to what it is.” He said. “Technically speaking, Urania doesn’t control time either. She’s the muse of astronomy and astronomical writings, basically a big old math geek and then some with really good genes. However, Hermes is not only the messenger to the gods, and the only god I can think of save for Hecate, Persephone, Hades and Thanos who can leave the underworld without some serious issues afterwards. He’s also the god of boundaries, literal and figuratively speaking.” She tossed back, having actually done her research on the Greek gods since she was related to them. (Musical Cue:Snow Patrol - I Won't Let You Go https://youtu.be/plUTOMoUsxA ) She sank to the ground, running out steam and literally... Frustrated by this whole...insanity. “Sorry, It’s been a really, really rough few weeks. Sorry about that.” He seemed to be very patient. But then, in his line of work, he had to be. Any lapse in concentration could ruin whatever he was potentially working on, making it flawed, and he would have to begin anew. “I am also curious as to why you have been brought to this time.” She looked up at him and thinks, speaking out loud ‘Hermes said that while he loved Queenie’s little dramas, He owned a favor, and the guy wanting the favor, wanted me and then I got pushed down the tunnel where I fell til I landed on my, according to more than a few people, my remarkably fabulous ass, a few hours away. I was supposed to bring you this”. She dug out from her bag, and when he would open the wrapped paper, He would find what she would call a small metal orb, that looked like a very fine replica of one of Hera’s apples at least to her. Hephaestus accepted the package, opening it to reveal one of his mother's famed golden apples. He actually chuckled, even as Dionysus turned 10 shades of pale. “You're so on your own, bro.” Was all he said before he was just simply gone. Unlike in movies, there was no flash, no puff of smoke. First he was there, and then he wasn't. Hephaestus seemed unconcerned, however. He stared at the apple for a minute. And then, a surprising sound came out of him. It was laughter. A full-on belly laugh the likes of which had never been heard from him. (Musical Cue:Taylor Swift - Shake It Off https://youtu.be/zIOVMHMNfJ4 ) He laughed to the point where it became infectious, though others who were laughing would have no idea why they were laughing. Perhaps the god was a bit crazy as well. Slowly, the laughter trailed off, and he spoke again, no longer slurring, his voice full of mirth. “The only god I know who would take one of Hera's apples is myself. And only the family can deliver it. So, it seems that you are, indeed, who you say you are. But, I still have no idea as to why you are here, in this time. Perhaps you need something from me?”

Willow who had indeed started laughing with him, thinking this was funny and

chuckled, paused and looked at her uncle- “So.. does this mean I can call you Uncle? And honestly, I’m not sure what I’d be needing. I was told to bring that to you directly or else my ass would be in the fire.” It seemed that whatever had made him sullen, and pouty had been lifted. At least for now. Like this, he seemed to exude the warmth one would get from sitting by a fire. A nice, cozy heat that evoked feelings of safety. It was clear that, despite making weapons of war, Hephaestus was not a warrior. She watched his face soften, and she frowns thinking his leg had to be hurting and she dug out a small notebook from her messenger bag and stood up- ‘You know..I can make you some Tea and a.. if I can find everything, I can make some oil to rub into your leg to help ease some of the aches in your legs. I know that scar tissue has to be a right bitch to deal with. “ She went to gather the things she needed to make the pain relief oil infusion and the tea mixture in order to help him ease his aching leg a bit more. She moved about, and with a skill, he hadn’t seen in a very long time, not even from some of the better herbalists, she gathered herbs, and such, before making a small flame and warming up water and making him a strong cup of some very floral smelling tea and making him sit to drink it all up- ‘every drop. It helps with some of the swelling. And... this.” She moved to her duffle bag, then her hand slips in, and pulling a blue glass bottle from her bag, she offers it to him. “It’s my own private supply, but it will help with the pain in your leg as well. I know the muscles can tighten up the longer you are on them.. this is a condensed version of it. You mix with 1 part carrier oil like olive or mint oil is even better, and rub your muscles. It can help ease the swelling and pain.” She didn’t know why Hermes had dropped her here like a bag of hot potatoes but she was going to at least help her uncle. Hephaestus found a large rock to take a seat on. Warily, he drank the tea. Given the time period. It was understandable that he was wary of anything that had water in it. “Thank you, little niece. And yes, you can call me Uncle.” He said. He took the bottles, but rather than putting the oil on his leg right then, he figured he would wait. His leg did often pain him, and he did not often find relief. There were days when he had to use his Godly Essence in order to help him walk. The heat from his forge helped some, but not enough. (Musical Cue:Mary Lambert - Secrets https://youtu.be/AvX3WdYoKvM ) “Perhaps we can make a trade. You have helped me, and now, I will help you. Tell me what it is that troubles you, niece?” He asked. He seemed to enjoy her company, and he didn't even ask about her scars. Thus far, he was treating her better than he had been treating his own brother, Dionysus, who, despite looking like a wine jug, had no scars, and was rather handsome for a wine jug looking fellow. Hephaestus sat with one leg stretched out as if trying to relieve some of the aches. She took one of the bottles and added a bit to her hands and knelt down. ‘I’m going to try applying this to some of the more complex scar tissue of your thigh and calf, and then, if it’s all right, focus the water magic around it to cool the muscles and that should help ease these tendons for a time in order to give you some temporary relief. My sister, Krista, She’s a full nymph, she has far better skills with water magic and healing then, and from what I understand she’s far better on the eyes as well. If I can ever get back to my own time, I can bring her and ask her to see about easing you of this discomfort from your leg. (Musical Cue: Run home to you: Austin Grant https://youtu.be/ptkw2rPhAuM ) She spoke softly, letting her voice calm, thinking out loud, talking to him about her family, and the person she loved more than anyone could ever love, period. “I got married, just about.. two weeks ago. His name is DA. He’s a demon, headstrong..and perfect. I wish someday you two could meet. My grandfather is pissed I didn’t seek out his permission for breaking tradition, but, I’m not considered the black swan just for as a title, but because, I tend to never do the expected. “ She touched the tattoo of the shadow demon and sighed. She didn’t know why she was here, but also knew she had a reason for being here, but she had a feeling she could not do this alone. She knew she would sound like some silly newlywed, or a lovesick girl but the words were truth and well, lying was never her strong suit anyways. “I miss Him a lot, but I know When I am finally home, and when he is home. I have his full undivided attention.” She smiled at her uncle, a look that clearly spoke volumes about how deeply her bond went with her husband. The jewelry piece he may have noticed before, may have made more sense. Her throat encircled with the branched collar, the cuff on the wrist, the black diamond on her left hand, the ear cuff and swan in her ear, all seemed to speak of a woman who was not merely with someone, but who was happily with them. (Musical Cue: Danity Kane- Damaged Danity Kane- Damaged Lyrical Video ) Hephaestus noticed each piece, and even though his own wife once again ran off with his brother, the great god of war, the rotting piece of shit, he could tell his niece had a demon who clearly doted on the woman before him. He looked her over again, and noticed small things he hadn’t seen before, small things that Gods could see that most humans, and other creatures could not. Some demigods could. He noticed there were fractures along her spirit lines, the part of her.. Aura, spirit that made her who she was. His head tilted, and he looked at her with a more critical eye, sensing this was why she was here, but he needed to distinguish how he could help his niece with the strong spirit, even though there were clear fractures along it. “Tell me child, What are you exactly? I know you of Hades’s blood, meaning you are related to Minthe’s blood, so a half nymph clearly, which I can tell in your frame, and somewhat in your bone structure.” Willow blinked at him when he said that and he looked back at her and kept speaking, “ Nymphs have a certain bone structure, A delicateness in the wrists, the ankles, the way hips flare out. Minthe was a waterfall spring nymph, and water nymphs tend to move as if they were always in water. They sway when they walk, they move like waves. You move like that, but a bit more restrained, as if you have trained yourself not to do that.” He looked at his niece again, not like a perv or a man admiring a woman, but as a creator, an artist admiring a creation and continued to speak. “You have the siren’s eyes, they shift colors, and I would fathom to even guess you may have issues with seeing things as one suspects is normal. Vision issues, seeing things in differing colors.. as if.. energy instead of color was outlining the objects you looked at, with headaches, pain..correct?” (Musical Cue:Elle King - America's Sweetheart https://youtu.be/0F4tHvgziyI ) Willow nodded, as it described exactly how her eyes sometimes would filter and she had to hide from light and noise and people cause She saw things that hurt. Whenever it had happened, Andrea or Karen, and even Krista had petted her hair, and helped to soothe her headaches and kept putting cool clothes over her eyes. “Yeah, sometimes. We never could figure out what it was or even how to control it.” ‘It’s from when Siren’s were more like birds and less like the merpeople they are now. That and their voices are the main things that give them away from merpeople anymore. The more pure the stock of Siren, the more likely they have both the voice and the eyes. You, my dear, clearly have both, which means, your family line of Siren must be one of the Royal lines left. And don’t say you do not have the Voice as I heard you singing, and I’d had to be dead, blind and brainless not to see how things reacted to you child. Only a Siren has a voice that pure. I sense something else beyond the diluted demigoddess inside of you. I only ask to understand what I see, and to help.” Willow stood up, rolling her shoulders a bit, not exactly sure how to answer that without a lot of possibly confusing explanations that she didn’t always understand herself. “Me? Half nymph, a sort of pitiful one at that, at least compared to full nymphs. Half siren, one who feels most like herself in the middle of a storm, in the rain, surrounded by crashing waves and thunder and lightning then I ever do in the calm springs. I’m.. I.. Carry some vampire blood now, small amounts to tie me to a family that I claim as mine, and who I’d do anything to protect. I’m utterly bonded to my Husband and Master, My DA, my demon. He’s drunk of me, and I of him before. I’m Demon bound, Demon loved. So..there is that. “ Hephaestus considered what his niece said, pondered, and nodded, as he looked at his niece once again. “I imagine the combo of having vampire blood and the blood of your husband both strengthen what you can do, and help cause the fractures I see. I believe we should see about doing something about those, don’t you Niece? “ (Musical Cue: What about us -Pink https://youtu.be/wKOEJs602uk ) She looked at him, a bit worried, unsure about this idea, but knew she should listen. “I’ll listen to your idea Uncle.” Willow looked nervous, but she knew she couldn't keep running from whatever was the issue, and she suspected it was more than the outside forces. Granted she was far from blind, and she saw a lot of things she never spoke about, because no one even cared to hear but she couldn’t control them, she had to be able to control herself first. She didn’t know what to expect, but she had a feeling she needed to do this, and it was a choice no one could make for her. It was one only she could make. She nodded and took a breath as she answered. “Yes. What do you suggest?” They talked a bit longer, then He showed her where she could rest, as it had been a very long day or two for her, and she rested, sleeping deep for what felt like days. When she woke up, she had slept nearly forty eight hours, she woke, smelling something sweet, and she rose and there was the same golden haired winged male who had pushed her down the tunnel, holding out a pink pastry box and a Nightingale Cafe to go cup that smells like her sister’s hot cocoa blend. “Well, welcome back to the living. I told you I’d be seeing you again soon. I thought you’d like some cocoa and one of these maple bacon doughnut things. They are seriously divine.” (Musical Cue: Ashlee Simpson - Pieces Of Me https://youtu.be/tuy5qNDKKkY ) She reached for the cup, she loved her sister’s recipe for hot cocoa. She didn’t even care if she looked like a wreck right now and was sweating, she needed chocolate. The male chuckled and handed them both to her. “So, You’re Willow. You know your grandfather is having a fit of all man fits. He’s screaming about how you have broken every tradition with your marriage and you didn’t even get his blessing, and ya ya and so forth. You should bring that male of yours to see him, when you get yourself out of this. I want front row seats to see how this all goes down.” Hermes said, as Hephaestus walked over, leaning on the thick metal cane again. “Hermes, what is happening now you trickster you?” Hephaestus asked as he sat on the large rock-like chair, to observe his niece’s morning behavior. Willow sipped the hot cocoa and sighed a soft happy sigh of relief. She loved her sister’s cocoa. She broke off half the maple bacon doughnut and handed it to her uncle, who took it and nodded. “He thinks too much of Captain Grumpy Pants having a fit over my marriage. And I was wondering how to send a word to my sisters to let them know I am safe?” “Write them a letter, I’ll get it to them. I vote for the pretty blonde with the nice figure from the cafe? She looked.. yummy.” - Hermes said with a wink and purr. Willow rolled her eyes- “She’s your niece Hermes, and she’s firmly batting for only girls. so.. not interested. And yes, if I can have something to write with?” Hermes handed her a scroll, pen and ink and Willow wrote the scroll, wrapped and took a piece of black lace from her undershirt, tied it, and then sealed it, quickly handed it to Hermes. “I’ll be back in few to talk to you about where we need to go.” Hermes seemed to vanish into nothing. Willow sat back and discussed quietly with her uncle about what he had described, but he personally had never seen. Siren’s Cavern. Supposedly a place where fractured Sirens could go, when they had lost their song, or they lost part of who they were, it was a place of stories where a royal siren or one of their line could go, and reconnect to the songs of their soul to repair injuries to their psyches. Willow wasn’t so sure about the royal part, but both Hermes and Hephaestus were positive of the line, and well, for once, She wasn’t gonna argue with two gods. She saved her arguing for her step-grandmother, and her grandfather. She looked up when Hermes returned and told her the stroll had been delivered. (Musical Cue: Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out https://youtu.be/RCWnVznnWcs ) “All good, she’s a cutie too. Queen P should be glad Captain grumpy pants hasn’t met her. She actually looks more like Minthe then you do, but you have more of her... Fight me attitude. That was what always got to Persephone, it was the way Minthe would hold herself. She had this, well in your terms, this, ‘Yes, I may have been a mistress, but, trust me, He screamed my name every night, and came crawling back for more the next day, and everyone knows it.’, smart mouthy kill them with the truth thing, which is more than likely what got her ass in trouble. She didn’t really know the word tact. You do, which is good, but you still have the chutzpah to be like, you want to really know what I’m thinking? So it’s less the actual physical she’s reminded of in you, it’s that you have more backbone then she’s used to seeing in a nymph or a siren. Even though I know some sassy sirens...” Hermes trailed off til Hephaestus cleared his throat loudly. “Anywaya, So, you need to go to the Siren Cavern. You can only go there one way, in sleep. I can help with that.” (Musical Cue: Pitch perfect: I've Got the Magic in Me https://youtu.be/A0gcdN7H8mU ) With that, Hermes stood up, and snapped his fingers and in his hands, a long metal rod staff that appeared to have multi colored gem encrusted snakes wrapped around it along the top, was a pair of gold wings in mid flight it seemed. Willow knew what it was, it was the caduceus, the very symbol of Hermes, and well, a dozen other messenger gods. It is said the staff, or wand as it could also be called if you believed in fairy tales, which of course Willow, being Willow, totally did, would wake the sleeping and send the awake to sleep. If applied to the dying, their death was gentle; if applied to the dead, they returned to life. “Now, I’ll touch you with this, and you’ll sleep, pretty deeply, deeply enough, that you can enter the Siren’s Cavern. You’ll meet a guide, or three, and you will have to go through tests to prove you are worthy of entering. You know that nothing comes for free, you have to prove yourself at every stage before you enter. Once you enter, it’s on you to fix the broken pieces. We will be here to guard over you while you sleep, and I will wake you in twelve hours. Any longer than that, and It’s harder to bring you out of it. Got it?” He asked her. She nodded and laid back down the makeshift cot she had slept on before, her uncle lighting a candle that smelled strongly of the ocean, lighting, and blood oranges and Hermes touched her lips with the caduceus, and within seconds Willow was sleeping the deepest sleep she had ever slept in her entire life. (Musical cue: Halsey - Without Me https://youtu.be/J6enOG547lk ) Place: Someplace only accessible in sleep, only by Sirens of royal blood. The outer gates of the Siren’s Cavern. Willow stood on the shore of this place that was completely not a place she had ever been but, somehow, she felt as if she knew this place. It seemed so very familiar. She looked down, and she wasn’t dressed as she had been, which was a little weird but she did not feel like she was dressed odd considering she seemed to be on a quest in a dream on a strange island of sorts. This whole week had been strange and unusual for her, so why stop now. She wore what appeared to be layers of very translucent iridescent fabric in shades of gray and blue. The top was wrapped securely around her breasts and held in place with a small black swan shaped pin, as well as a small gold crown between her breasts to cause a sweetheart neckline. Her midriff was left bare to her hips where the same translucent iridescent fabric fell from low on her hip bones to mid thigh at an angle, exposing more of her scars and skin then she normally would but it felt.. normal here., around her hip was a thin gold belt that held the fabric in place..She wore no shoes, but she did wear an anklet, with small gold and black charms she couldn’t see, but she began to walk down the black sand beach toward the flat black stones, hoping to find this guide or a sign of where she was supposed to go next. Willow felt the coolness of the black smooth stones under her feet, and she smelled the ocean in her nose, mixed with the scent of citrus, and something almost floral in the air. She paused, feeling the wind picking up, pulling her hair out of the loose braid, leaving it long and blowing behind her as she once again walked down the black stoned pathway, when a trio of figures in long almost ceremonial robes stopped her, stepping in the path. (Musical Cue: Elizabeth Gillies - "You Don't Know Me https://youtu.be/UC9C5OR9kTI ) “Are you sure this is what you want, Child of Gods and More? Once you have begun, you can not turn back. “The first figure spoke, in almost a child-like voice, while holding something in her tightly hand almost in a fist, with a ribbon falling from her hand. The second spoke in a slightly older, almost, exasperated voice, sighing as she spoke, “Of course this is what the girl wants. We all know this. Why else would she be here, silly girl. The figure looked back at Willow, and Willow gasped, as the face looked almost like Karen, and the first looked much like Krista, as she turned her face to Willow, as the third cleared her voice and spoke, and Willow turned to give her full attention. “You should be sure you want to keep going. Once you start the journey, you can not turn back. You will not be the same as you were when you entered. Are you sure this is something you are able to face, Willow, child of Gods, child of Nymph and Siren, Carrier of Blood of others, keeper of Secrets?” Willow knew that voice and blinked as the eyes came clear and it was Andrea. She must have looked utterly confused, as she spoke again. “We appear as women you respect and trust. You must answer. Yes or no. Do you wish to keep on this path to the cavern, and the tests that you will have to face to find what awaits you inside?” Willow took a breath, nodded and then spoke clearly, nervous, but she knew she needed to do this. “I am ready and I am sure of this.” The trio spoke as one, “Proceed Child, and may your quest grant you what you truly need.” With that they vanished and she kept walking down the smooth black stone path, feeling suddenly as if there were high black stone walls.. like the sides of a mountain on either side of her, she could almost feel them scrape her shoulders as she passed, until she was blocked by what looked to be a pile of stones.. in all different colors.. with words.. she moved closer, and she stepped back, as she realized they were not just words.. but..names. Names of lovers. Past and current, people who she had hurt and had hurt her, some looked to be small and other larger than she could possibly lift. She looked around, looking for instructions or a hint how to get around the wall of stones that she could almost hear. Some with taunts of what they had done, others with tears with what she had done to them, those were the hardest ones to handle. She was never good at facing her own guilt, or handling her own trauma. (Music Cue: Christina Aguilera - Candyman https://youtu.be/FlZCh_pX_60 ) Meanwhile, back in the land of the not so sleeping, Hermes and Hephaestus took up positions around Willow's prone form, speaking of family issues. Hermes was catching Hephaestus up on all the family drama as Willow began her journey. Hermes of course was bubbling over with the latest Zeus debacle of a love affair, and Hephaestus rolled his eyes thinking of how Hera had to keep putting up with his skirt chasing ways. In a blink there stood a very tall, concerned looking blue eyed male, wearing all black, with a fierce expression on his face, one that got even more fierce as he saw what appeared to be a sleeping Willow on the makeshift cot. “What have you done with my girl?” - he said, kneeling down to check her pulse, his blue eyes flashing red at the two gods, not caring who they were, his only thought on the white haired beauty who was sleeping. Hephaestus looked at male and merely nodded and spoke, “You must be the demon husband. I am Hephaestus, her uncle. Come, sit. We have a lot to discuss.” (Musical Cue: EUZEN - Judged By https://youtu.be/iRiFxgmI9fg ) Meanwhile, back in Willow’s Vision Quest Sleep: Leaning against the wall suddenly there was a person which was one of the very last people she ever wanted to see, a person who had seriously destroyed her trust in people to the point it had been a catalyst for demolishing her trust in others which had added to the wall, but that was on her, as she had made those choices. Fuck her fucking luck.. Of course this would be her gods be damned test. That Gods be damned twice over the beast. Just.. Fuck... She knew that smirk, and the blue eyes of the shifter well. He spoke in that same lazy low growl of a voice she knew too well, that once had made her shiver, but now just made her angry and want to punch his face in. He stood there, wearing black leather pants, boots and holding a long metal staff with a spear tip on the end of it as he leaned against the mountain face smirking. “Well, well.. the little half breed bitch has to face the damage she gave to others too. This should be fun to watch. Oh where oh where to start.. Mmm lets start...here...” -his spear tapped a name that made Willow flinch. “oh that’s right.. He’s dead. He chose to die rather then deal with you and your endless baking and fucking sugar sweet goody two shoes attitude you show the public, when You and I both know you are nothing more then dirt and slime under their feet. I remember when that happened.. and it was your fault, you stupid waste of a pair of pathetic tits.” Willow flinched as his spear tapped yet another name, this one a female’s. “oh and this one. I mean yes she was a gossip and liar, but you.. oh you are cruel indeed, not unexpected since you have no actual heart inside of your.. Less the average body. You made her unwelcome , and still treat her as if she is.. something to be disrespected when you and I both know know you’re the one who doesn’t fucking belong.” His spear kept hitting names rapidly, each tap, felt like a stab, and she did not realize she was being stabbed by them in fact, and she felt small, shrinking under the assault of insults, and the worst parts that hurt were the truths.. of her own fears, her own petty vengeance, her own hatred of things seen. Her own lack of faith in people, in those she loved and should have trusted.. the problems, the issues she herself had caused. She felt every single cutting word he said and stab of the spear and for what seemed like hours she took it then, she stopped, and looked at him. She realized he was gaining strength the more she shrunk, the more she tried to hide from the harsh truths and the lies he threw at her and began to fight back. (Musical Cue:Imagine Dragons - Warriors https://youtu.be/o3W5ngVTtRE ) Hephaestus looked worried as Willow began to twitch, jerk semi-violently and moan, in her sleep, as if in pain. DA, touched her face as if he could take her pain, to remove her from this, hating she felt any of this. Hermes let out a sigh, explaining, “And so it begins. First, she must face her past, and all of the wrongs she believes she did.” DA half growled at the god at the idea of his Willow facing such a thing,” Wrong, If you had any idea of the shit my girl has seen..” Hermes cuts him off, speaking again. “No, It’s what she THINKS she did. This is all about Her and what she believes she did wrong.” (Musical Cue: Shatter Me Featuring Lizzy Hale - Lindsey Stirling https://youtu.be/Wsysh9VWEv0 ) Willow turned, her face bloodied, facing him, staring him down with her own silvered black eyes, refusing to give in to the blinding fear that beat at her, as she began to speak, soft at first, her voice shaking, then slowly gathering strength. “I accept my faults. I accept that I have failed, and I have harmed others in my life. I accept that I am not perfect and that I am at fault for damage to others. That does not mean I am at fault for your actions or the misdeeds of others. I have learned, and I have grown from my fuck ups. You are not in control over me any longer. You do not get to decide who I trust or not trust. You do not get to hold on to any part of me any longer. “ Her voice kept gaining strength as she grew, the image of the male shrinking, changing into the small bug he was.. into dust as she finished speaking and touched the wall and spoke clearly. “I accept my failings, and my loss, I accept that I can not change others, but I can choose to change what I do from this moment on to be more willing to be open to what may be.” The wall shifted and seemed to shatter into thousands of tiny drops of glistening water droplets, splashing over every mark on her skin, washing the blood away. She looked at the tiny excuse of a bug and quoted her favorite goblin king movie- “You have no fucking power over me.. Asshole.” (Musical Cue:Delain - We Are The Others https://youtu.be/XyuA5TC7fns ) She stepped though and looked as she began to walk deeper into the cavern, her eyes adjusting easily to the darkness, seeing the shimmering colors of dark purples and blues. Her fingers reaching out to touch the wall of the cavern.. then she turned and she saw people.. people she knew.. each looking at her, as if waiting for her to accept what they held... they each held a round glowing crystal in their hands.. and she moved between them, touching one after another.. song after song, flooding her senses, touching her mind, her soul..her heart.. The more rock n roll of Delain, with the lyrics We Are The Others coming from the black dragon with the purple eyes who didn’t speak, and the smooth voices of Lone Star singing amazing from the sassy blonde vampire hybrid in purple leather and dangerously high boots, to Seether - Broken ft. Amy Lee being sung by a pair of her sisters, one with a smile and a blown kiss.. then there Kelly Clarkson belting Stronger from her first friend in the Hollow, with a cocky grin and wink, as if to tell she had this. She was surrounded by all these people, who loved her, cared about her, even though she had fucked up, and failed them. Her baby sister’s crystal sang Katy Perry’s Rise, she could feel the tears swell up in her own eyes as she stared at her baby sister, who held her attention, silent, as if to say ‘you got this sis. you’ve always had this.’ She felt several of the fractures healing like little stings and she felt for the first time in possibly her entire life, not quite so.. unwelcome. She turned, looking, seeing her alpha, her matron.. the direwolves.. each with another song, people she had gotten to know on this journey from every house; her family, her friends, those she loved, and those whose words had no place to be. It wasn’t just hearing their songs.. or feeling the music sliding through her core, it was as if she was connecting to each of them through the music that they were playing.. the songs were wrapping around her, in a way that it felt like she was apart of the music, part of the melody and the beat of the drums. She watched as each person seemed to fade as their song faded and she was standing there alone in the silence, and she waited.. silently waiting. (Musical Cue:P!nk - Beautiful Trauma https://youtu.be/XhkwOxKmWJU ) “I see a few of the fractures are healing.” Hephaestus said with warmth in his voice as Willow seemed to calm. She even seemed to become somewhat happier from what he could see. “Her journey isn't over yet. Now comes the difficult part.” Hermes said. DA looked at Hermes, his hand still stroking Willow’s long white hair. “the difficult part?” Hermes nodded. “She has to face the one person she can’t run from.” (Musical Cue:head above water avril lavigne https://youtu.be/uAbxrtKOr_Q ) “Took you long enough to get here. Now do you have the courage to face who you really are afraid of?” A voice spoke from the darkness. It was a very familiar voice, but at the same time, not one she knew very well. It was female, and smooth, with an edge of smoke, darkness and yet a bit of something bright on the edges. A light began to get closer and then the cavern began to glow, and then Willow’s eyes opened, and she was shocked by what she saw, the core of who she saw. It was... her, but not her. She leaned in, and reached out...and touched a polished glass, its her own image. She had changed here. She heard that voice again, as she looked into the glass. “Look at what you are. You are Siren, Nymph. You have more in you then you realize, and so much more to discover as you embrace who you are. Stop fighting yourself.” Willow looked at the image and stepped back, she always struggled with this, with just accepting she was both, with the abilities she had been given, with feeling..less than others. She looked back into the glass, and she saw the woman she could be staring back at her, as if she was just waiting for her to accept that she was part of her too. She took a deep breather and spoke. “I.. am.. okay, just being me.” With that, she felt the last major pieces patch and felt the burn along them heal (Musical Cue: The Greatest Showman - This Is Me https://youtu.be/CjxugyZCfuw ) She looked to her left and she saw a woman with the same white blond hair but she was taller, slender... skin had the same sort of glowing quality Willow’s took at times, but her eyes were pure silver with a touch of purple to them. She felt like..someone Wills should have known, but different. “Hello Willow. I’ve been waiting to meet you” “Hi. Um.. Who are you?” Willow asked nervously. The woman smiled and spoke, gesturing to Willow to sit with her a moment. ‘I am Peisithoe, daughter of Achelous and Melpomene. If I am not mistaken you are familiar with who they are little one?” Willow nodded, knowing about the Muse and the River god who had borne a good number of the Sirens. The muse of chorus and Tragedy, and God of the greatest of the rivers of Greece, and their sorrow of their daughters being taken from them. Willow had been studying Greek Myths, lore and legends for months, if not a bit longer, to understand more of her family’s history. ‘You did not know you were one of our direct line’s. Distinct, but you are still one of ours, with some of course Hades’s line. If you will allow it, I’ll send you some help over the next few months in sleep, to help guide you to learning what you can do with your voice, and show you what you are capable of. For now, I wish to correct a serious misconception that Hades’s Wife has helped spread. Your voice isn’t only for sex or killing. With proper training, you can sooth, calm fears, heal minor ailments, and If I am not mistaken, your own personal abilities with potions is a bit more advanced than others? That would because you more than likely hum, sing or dance while you are making them, adding a bit of power to them. Music isn’t just a tool for a siren, it’s part of who we are. It’s second nature for us to be surrounded by such. But you will learn.” Willow listened to every single word, her eyes focused, learning, taking every single thing to heart, amazed by all she’s learned. (Musical Cue: No Doubt - Underneath It All ft. Lady Saw https://youtu.be/wTRTnxzp6X0?t=9 ) Willow began to blink and open her silvered eyes, feeling stiff, and she slowly sat up, making a wincing face- “Did anyone get the name of the mac truck that hit me?” She heard a low chuckle, and a familiar scent, of the man she had fallen completely for, the demon who she carried His mark, a smell she’d know anywhere, and she turned a smidgen too fast, that made her a little dizzy, but she had to see His face. She looked to her left, and there He was, looking down at her, those deep blue eyes that she swore there days she could just swim in them, looking at her with love, concern, and total devotion. She reached for Him, then she was crushed into his chest, locked in lap with his voice in her ear, muttering how she was going to kill him with her sudden road trips. He whispered in her ear, “You are in so much trouble when we get home.. I’m gonna have to keep a better eye on you baby, with all your running off to hang out with gods and such. “ She lowered her lashes, and even Hermes blushed as she spoke softly, her tone a bit more smoky under toned, and more rounded than before. “Promise You’ll keep a very close eye on me Master? I’ll do my very best to be a good girl for You.” DA cracked a smile and pulled her tighter to him with a laugh. “Such cheek. I’ll have to see about this cheekiness too. “ Willow cuddles into his strength and sighs softly. “promises, promises.” “I’ve decided the house is ready, we’ll be moving there. I want you to be in a guaranteed safe space at all times, and no more of these impromptu trips with no notes. You’re gonna make me want to put a leash on you baby.” Willow smiled and merely lowered her lashes, as Hermes and Hephaestus started to laugh. Hephaestus spoke, “The fractures are mostly healed. Time and love will handle the rest, and I have a good feeling You Sir, will take care of both of those. Granted, I’m not exactly sure how you will handle my uncle Hades, but this should be fun to watch.” DA smirked and nuzzled Willow’s throat, speaking softly. “That will wait. I need to make sure my girl is reminded of where she belongs before I go and have a.. discussion with her grandfather and his high handed behavior with my wife, and give him some.. suggestions on how to properly discipline his own wife’s behavior. “ ( music cue: https://youtu.be/akxi_oce0wA) Hermes’s eyes went wide at that, mouth dropped open, as DA picked Willow up, bridal style, picked up her bag, nodded to them both and with a blink, they were gone, leaving strands of Mecca Kalani‘s song Feel me playing behind them as they left. Hephaestus grinned. Hermes grinned and held out his hand. Hephaestus spoke “500 gold on DA kicking Hades’s Ass. 1000 on Willow taking Queen P for a run for her money.” Hermes chuckled. “You’re so gonna make a killing on this one.”

Willow Allaene Aides

Lady or Kyria Willow Allaene Aides (a.k.a. Wills, Willow, Princess, Itia)

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In the Words of Willow aka Notable quotes:

Wealth & Financial state

Quest pt 2- Feb 2022- Egpyt From the memories of Willow: Road to become a goddess

Quest pt 1: Feb 2022- @ Lux From the memories of Willow: Road to become a goddess

To Begin the Quests: Early February 2022 From the memories of Willow: Road to become a goddess

Dec 30,2021- A Parlay From the memories of Willow

December 26-27- Agreement's broken-Log From the memories of Willow

Dec 26, 2021- Willow's injured.

Early August 2019- Parlay From the memories of Willow

Early August 2019- log From the Memories of Willow

July 28, 2019- the aftermath. From the memories of Willow

July 27, 2019 - part 3 -From the memories of Willow

July 27, 2019 - part 2 From the memories of Willow

July 27th, 2019- Part one From the memories of Willow

4: July 20, 2019 : a Talk with Hermes. From the memories of Willow

Early July 2019 - sneak attack - log From the memories of Willow

Late March 2019 -From the memories of Willow

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