mythopoeics

[This little birdie always beats her wings so hard against her cage, either the cage will break or those wings will crack.]

[Filter: Aeneas, Castor, Sita, Anubis, Neph & Troilus ie.FAMILY STYLE PEOPLE]

there is a monster here..... you should be careful because he is hiding in the corners
under every bed and he is waiting.

there is a monster and he will be coming soon for all. i have seen him creeping.


and my mortal brother is here
he left and do not want.

[ Marriage. It had been on Aphrodite's mind since they had returned from Zurvan. Which by itself was odd, in reference to Ares, as she had always been content with the title of consort. So long as Ares was hers; she was happy. But to be married finally seemed like such an enthralling path to embark on with him -- even if it only counted as mortals. They were pretty much at that point, unofficially. And she loved his human daughter, Alice. In a lot of ways the young girl reminded Aphrodite of their own daughter, Harmonia.

Heck part of her was just curious to see how he'd react to the subject of marriage. They were long past hiding their relationship, obviously, and neither had significant-mortal-others to answer to. Except for her estranged husband but he was a loser and a half who had crawled into some hole somewhere. So, rationally, Ares really didn't have any reason to avoid the subject or get annoyed. Which naturally led her to decide to make a game out of it. Game meaning she'd ask him a question or two and if he answered wrong he'd sleep on the couch for a month. ]

[ filter; ares ]
How much do you love me?

[ filter; children ]
Lovelies, I say we go buy your father a new wardrobe because while we were stuck in that alternate universe Zurvan he looked damn good in uniform and he needs more suits. Aeneas you don't have to go if you don't want, I imagine shopping isn't at the top of your favorites list. But we do need to spend more time together, Sweetie ♥

Also, what do you all think about planning a trip to Hawaii for Christmas??

[ filter; public ]
It's October next week, there's no avoiding it and it's never too early -- what is everyone thinking about for Halloween costumes?

Last year I went as a stewardess because I was in love with Pan Am, but I hate repeats. If I can't decide I could always be lazy and just throw a top and shorts on and carry my board around to be a surfer, but then I have to lug that around a party.

It's wet and kind of blah out. And I really want pizza tonight but pizza alone is a little depressing.

MORGAN, WHERE ARE YOU?

[Filter: Private]

Ask about Ch
Well, does he want to you ask? And what are you going to do, Elaine? Just be his mother? Like he probably won't be confused enough by some strange lady in his life.

SOMEONE, QUICK, DROP THE ANSWER IN MY LAP.

[Filter: Agravaine]

Don't be an ass but I want to ask you your opinion. Because I'm trying not to screw this up.

[Filter: Aeneas]

I NEED A WISE MAN IN MY LIFE. HELP.

Hi. I'm Ryan. I'm a mechanic. Own my own shop and everything. It's nothing exciting.

[Filter: Angrboða]
Thought I'd try you first. You might remember me as Fenrir. Are you even here?

I just wanted to say hey. So...

Hey.

[Released, he is unwilling to go home, unwilling to deal with the problems likely to be cast his way through work or other directions. His head is spinning and restless and it's been advised he take some time off until he is settled again.

He takes it without much protest and arranges his ticket back to Moscow. Then he deals with everything else.]

[Filter: Aeneas & Uriel]

Say nothing of whatever the official story is, please. Say nothing at all if you can help it. I'll be in Moscow until I'm ready to return to work. I'll still be here if I am needed. Or by phone. Whatever suits.

Be well, brothers of mine. In one way or another, you know you are that to me.

[Filter: Trojan Family]

Don't worry if you don't see me for a while. I need time away. It'll be good for me to go home to Russia. I'm used to dying, I suppose. There are other things that have made this harder. A wife, a child, Apollo for a brother. How I cared for him. So much. I'm nauseated at this stab toward me. ...and perhaps I lied. Perhaps dying again isn't so fucking easy to deal with.

Take care of yourselves. And if Paris or Helenus show up in the meantime, I'd appreciate it if you could hit them for me.

[Filter: Zurvan Family]

I
I don't know what to even say right now. Perhaps another time.

I love getting into debates with idiots, it's by far one of my favorite things about the whole college experience. This one was rather epic too, if I do say so myself. It started out being about how women claim they want nice guys but go for douchewaffles, then morphed into a discussion about homophobia (I hate the word homophobia; you're not scared, you're just an asshole who can't accept things that make you uncomfortable), gay rights and peoples' perceptions of gay marriage (this letter/op-ed piece should be required reading for everyone), and ended with me explaining to a dipshit classmate that calling me a 'fruit' isn't as insulting as he thinks it is because everyone loves fruit.

Thankfully, I was able to keep things classy, though I think my poor opponent had no idea what he was up against. He seemed to assume I would fall apart over his repeated insults, when the opposite happened. Victory is sweet.

[ He's all smiles when the feed turns on, and maybe a little too hopeful for his own good. ]

When did school get so goddamn boring? I've never been in a place with so many people eager to learn. Take me back to high school please. Or better yet, why don't all of you fine people give me the dirt on this place?

Who loves who, who doesn't love who. Affairs, orgies, virgins, whatever it is, I want to hear it. Just please don't tell me about your vacation homes or pets, unless it has to do with sex. Pretty sure if the latter comes out of anyone I'm going to have to single you out as Zeus. And what haven't we been through together?

I'm itching to get some sparks flying already, so if it makes you feel more comfortable reply anonymously or send me a private message. You can definitely trust me with your secrets, and know, that I know what I'm talking about. [ Yeah right. ]

I think there will be a fair few of you convinced you need my help when you figure out who I am. You can call me Reese, or Eros, if you insist. Hell I'll take Cupid, even if the name brings to mind images of fat kids flying butt naked with wings obviously not designed to support that kind of body weight.

( problems and problems )

[ filter; freyja ]

The girl. Our girl. They threw her here.

[ / ]

[ filter; elaine & visible to Aphrodite ]

There'll be a new addition to the house. Don't freak out.

[ / ]

Got back home in one piece. Random notice.

I've never been so grateful for Starbucks. That was a fun time but I can't say I'd want to do it again. Well, I'm sure you all know what I mean by that.

[ filter; ares ]
My apartment. Now ♥

[ filter; all angels ]
We are being toyed with once again.

[ filter; gabija & mordred ]
Despite the circumstances, I still consider you family.

[ filter; troilus & aeneas* ]
Where are the both of you?

[ filter; morgan ]
Tell me you're alright.

[ filter; death ]


[ ooc: he's not aware troilus is gone, sob ]

[Filter: Norse + Aeneas]

Stay away from the Niflheimians unless you are one. I have long since ceased to trust them but I have no way out at this time. War comes in many shapes and forms but I took the best of warriors into my halls. Those who understood what it meant to fight and die in the glory of real battle. I wouldn't pick any of these people to sit in my halls and drink my beer.

This isn't war if you butcher those who can't even defend themselves. It isn't war if the other side didn't know it was coming. This filth they have dragged Niflheim through is crime. And if they do not even care about that, they are little more than thugs and barbarians who are not fit to viewed in pleasing light.

[Filter: Aeneas]

It was lovely, wasn't it? ♥

[Filter: Hector]

Do you think when I was queen that I would have allowed such needless tactics as the Niflheimians have? I worry for what may still come. I worry that no one will stop these dishonourable people. Even of those they slaughter do not truly exist, they are disgracing themselves with these moves. And they may kill those we know.

Guard yourself. Protect yourselves and do what you can for others, dearest man.

[Filter: Zurvan family + Raven]

Not saying I like what the kids did but going to try to be more sane for a moment. So. What do we do now?


Oh. For the record, being related to Aphrodite is up there on my list of top ten 'DO NOT WANT EVER AGAIN'. Sorry, Aeneas. Just getting that out of the way.

[Filter: Hermione]

Honey?

[Filter: Helen]

Know who you are by now?

[ filter; siblings ]
I miss you all dearly, even if you can be little hellions at times. Not being around for endless opportunities to tease you and rightfully make your lives more difficult is starting to weigh on me though. We need to fix this.


[ filter; public ]
Such a gorgeous day out surprisingly; which means the night is likely to be even more so - it'd be a shame to have to spend it alone..


[ filter; ares ]
Darling, I need to see you. And not just for the night -- stay the weekend if you can? Make up some excuse about your men so she doesn't suspect anything. Or just leave your wife altogether, so it can be just you and I finally.

Really didn't feel like going off to some.

Probably not the best place to speak of this.

Seriously, who knows why this war started to begin with? Wash the laundry in the house like the rest of us.

My youngest suddenly asked to learn how to handle a sword. And not the boys, mind you. But now that she asked, the other two are all up for it. I think I need to hide every kitchen knife just in case.

[ filter; elaine ]

My mother is.

You see.

You know Aphrodite?

...

If I mention I'm injured, maybe.

Remember how I said my mother hadn't arrived yet? Surprise.

[ / ]


Never thought I'd say this but I just want to get back to work.

[Filter: Helen]

You know I love you more than words could ever say, don't you? Thanks. For being here. I will make it up to you. Starting with getting some proper food for you delivered in here. And we'll take a trip, ok? I swear to whatever God there is I'll make you feel loved cared for beyond reason and that's only the goddamn tip of things.

You are a good wife, Helen. In your own way, you are a good wife.


Can you get me more pudding?

[Filter: Hermione]

I think you need to speak with your mother at last, darling. After everything that's happened, life's way too messed up for you to be scared of meeting with her.

[Filter: Public]

Sorry if I scared any folks. Should be all good soon.

[Aphrodite gave a long languid stretch as she woke up and yawned softly, able to feel a warm body against her back. She carefully rubbed the sleep from the corners of her eyes before turning over somewhat to look at Ares still sound asleep beside her. They had spent the weekend together catching up and simply ignoring the world around them in exchange for each others company. Only now, it was finally time to resume their mortal responsibilities. Yet another reason to hate Mondays. With a smug, satisfied smile on her face she sighed contently and reached over to grab her cellphone from the nightstand.]

Morning, darlings ♥ ♥ ♥ While I don't remember everything just yet, I've got a good majority of it under my cestus and can I just say... it's wonderful some so many are all here.

Today's random question; what would be your ideal romantic getaway and why?

[ filter; aeneas ]
My beautiful, darling boy! I'm sorry you were put through that in Rome, but I am so proud of you!

All I've done so far is drown my feelings in pint after pint of Ben & Jerry's.

For anyone who needs it; my office will be open through the weekend and all next week from 7am til 7pm. Walk-ins welcome. If you feel as though you need to talk about what happened, or get something off your chest, set up an appointment -- free of charge. Maybe it'll help me make a bit of sense about everything too. Or if you're not comfortable with face to face counseling you can reply to this.

And if this all sounds entirely random and weird just ignore it because that means I really am going crazy.

[ filter; aeneas ]
I don't know you or anything, or if you even really exist.
But... I'm proud of you, and I was wondering if you were okay?

[It bothered Hector greatly that he woke up alive. Not because he'd wanted to be dead, quite the contrary, but it was unnatural. Though not entirely unheard of for the dead to return. Now, he was one of them.

He'd woken to a nurse tending to his bandages, and only after he'd left the room did he reach for the iPhone on the bedside table.]

I won't deny it is good to be alive. But I don't understand how.

[Filter: Gavin]

visit brothers, can I?

[Filter: Osiris & Hades]

Please be careful. I will

will cheer for you both.

[Filter: Aeneas & Trolius]

♥

I'm dead aren't I?
No that's just ridiculous why would my afterlife be

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!?!

THIS ISN'T
IT CAN'T

Okay cool, I'll play along until I wake up from this incredibly vivid dream. In which I'm wearing a sheet of some sort, have a sister, and am apparently married. Oh! and we own a gladiator.

If anyone sees Russell Crowe around can you point him in my direction, please?

I know what Khaos is capable of. We've all witnessed it. But this is something else.

[filter; andromache]
Are you alright?

[filter; true family]
Tell me where all of you are. Aeneas, I know you're with me.

home?

I could enjoy this a bit more if people weren't telling me I'm a gladiator.

But it's home.

...I am pretty sure we all have paper journals again and that we aren't in NYC anymore. I am also pretty sure I should be wearing more than I am because I did not go to bed in a...subligaria.

Someone tell me I'm dreaming. Or that I'm not. Because this can't be Zurvan and it feels like Rome. I remember who I am. I know who I am. ...and I have a daughter. I know that. One blood-related to me and she's



Fuck it all, it's another game.

[Filter: Galahad]

Could I see you one of these days? If and when you have time? No pressure. I just thought, perhaps, it might be nice. To talk once in a while.

Entirely up to you. It's fine if you are busy, really.

[Filter: Public]

I reaaaally want to go dancing. Someone please make plans with me!

AENEAS, THIS MEANS YOU, TOO.

Helen. I -

[filter; helen]

So, last week was fucking weird. Don't know how it was for you. But come over, please? I Ti-Voed a bunch of shit movies of stuff getting blown up.

[filter; public]

It seems there are a lot more Italians around these days. I entirely approve. Sometimes, my name is Celestino.

[With his family, prisoners and pregnant wife gone, Menelaus felt more comfortable tackling things again. He could get around without feeling a pressing need to go back home. There was no worry of being groped by his perfect!wife or being tugged on by his perfect!brother.

There was just peace and quiet.]

Hey, Helen, if I were gay who would you do you think would be my type?

Mona, you're banned from giving me any looks.

[filter; private]

There is something about this that seems perfect and so it's unsettling. The last time I had a perfect life was long before Helen crossed Paris' radar, when Troy was strong and true and when my beloved child was in my womb and Hector and I were assured our happiness.

I cannot look at him without feeling guilty and yet here Astyanax is and he looks at me as though I am some radiant sun.

[filter; public]

Hector, I am going for a run. Keep an eye on our son - why does that not seem right? It is too perfect to be right.

(New York in spring is ideal for a photographer.)

My kids are here. Both of them are here. And their mothers. And father. And mother. That last part shouldn't be said, just in case.

What's going on this time?

Seriously, Khaos. Don't you get tired of this?

Extra, extra, read all about it! An entire city's worth of former mythological beings all underwent the same torture yet again and everyone's pissed! I, for one, might have liked that place a little better, just because I had an awesome dad it was more fun.

I think we should all compare notes, and while we're at it I think someone from the Trojan War should help me ace this paper I've got to write on The Iliad. I'll be super-grateful.

We're back now, and I've got an unholy ton of homework. You know what would make me feel a lot better about all this? If I had a puppy. Seriously, puppies make everything better. Hint, uncle, big fat ~ sparkling~ hint.

[She'd been walking home alone, something Uriel never encouraged, when she'd broken down. Shattered. After being approached in an alleyway for a light, she'd simply unraveled in a series in screams until the ambulance had come to bring her to safety. Uriel had been called in to find his sister strapped down by her wrists to a bed, a sight he wished he hadn't had to witness.

But he would never question God's plan for his sister. Not now, not ever.]

[filter; nanna, morgan & aeneas]
Lucia is in the hospital. She's unharmed, but unstable. I can be reached on my cell while I'm with her.

( i caught your eye as the lantern light guttered out, and the afterdamp swallowed us slowly )

[Filter: Trojans]
This is Hector. I'm in Camlann with Andromache and Aeneas.

To those who don't know yet, this is Aeneas. Camlann.

Fun moment. I have to give whoever did this top marks for originality. What's next? Troy?




Please, don't. One war was enough.

[He'd woken up with memories flooding him fast. From his childhood with Agamemnon to Helen as his wife to multiple other lives, all the way to New York. And waking in such a fashion nearly sent Diana to the floor as the child can curled up beside him some time at night.

Upon seeing her, he felt his heart lighten, delighted to know he was a father to such an endearing thing (Hermione, he recalled, never failed to not have a cute phase but perhaps that was his paternal bias). But then he realized that Diana's mother was not Helen. He knew exactly who his wife was right then.

There was really only one thing to say:]

Oh shit.

I am, it seems, rather lost.

[filter; trojans]

Are any of you here? Do you know yourselves? This is Andromache, by the way. My horse bolted and I'm in the middle of nowhere in approximately Camlann.

[Filter: Hector]

Could I have a moment?

[Filter: Aeneas]

Guess what I'm doing!

[Filter: Arthur & Lancelot] no, no I don't want to speak to them at all
[Filter: Public]

There is nothing like being home. There is also nothing like being chased by one of your annoyed dogs. Silly thing.

[Leaving Samael's side was not going to happen. She ate, she slept and she allowed the windows to be opened for fresh air and light but she did not leave his side when it could be helped. She knew her people would work for Camlann, would manage it all when she was unfocused.

And though it was unreasonable, she loathed Gwynevere for her supposed role. Wasn't this how the Glastheins felt for Svargans for the suspicion that fell on them? Perhaps the little princess would understand, perhaps not. Freyja didn't very much care at the moment and it wasn't as if she could really get involved. The investigation into the matter couldn't contain her direct involvement, the twin sister of the victim. It would be biased with Glastheim questioning the results and the queen knew herself well enough to know she would want blood - fast.]

[Filter: Camlann Faction (top ranking)]

Tell me of what has been going on, lovelies.

[Filter: Polyxena]

You have poor luck, duckie. But with no report from Ilium of your harm or death, I suspect you kept yourself safe.

[edited in later] [Filter: Heimdall]

Your sister is returning to you as swiftly as possible. The investigation has cleared her. Speak to my right-hand for details.

[filter; camlann faction]
No one is to see the queen unless they speak with me first. There will be no room for discussion on this matter.

[filter; elaine]
Did you see? Something has happened, sister.

[filter; gwynevere]

[With great power, and height; with an imposing stature; with an arrogant nature; with all of these things comes complacency. Samael is stabbed. Samael is in shock. Samael cannot breathe and if he cannot breathe, he cannot talk. He cannot call for help. He cannot rage. He just about manages to drag himself to his journal, which is fortunately lying nearby. He has not the wherewithal to filter to the important parties but he needs get a message across. ]


He
L
p

[She had delayed no time in seeing their things be readied after stirring the princess from her sleep. No one was given notice of their leaving. Elaine had zero interest in making this into something even worse - and something slow. The moment things were just right, Elaine immediately wrote to her friend. The hour was late but she wanted to push through with the idea of vanishing now.

They wouldn't be alone for too long.]

[Filter: Polyxena]

Ready? Come meet me by the horses soon. The sooner we leave...

Yes.

[Filter: Hector]

The princess and I are coming home. I'm asking Aeneas to meet us as swiftly as possible on the road back home.

I'll explain things better in person but I don't believe any marriages will be happening, brother.

[Filter: Aeneas]

Leave immediately for Mictlan, please. Polyxena and I are on our way back immediately. We'll meet you part way.

I'll answer all questions when I see you.

( and i'm holding onto all that I have )

[filter; freyja]

Camlann is quiet without her. I do not like it. It's not even that she's a rowdy creature; she is as delicate and silent as becomes any princess.

Go on. Tell me that it is my fault. Tell me that you can kiss it better.

[filter; public]

[A week had passed since Arthur's arrival in Camlann with Lancelot. And now it was her turn, with Polyxena, to go to spend time with them in Mictlan. If all went well as everyone hoped, she would be married the nineteenth.

Elaine was doing her damned best to pack and not have a panic attack. She was not ready for this, even as bride at her age. Lancelot was wonderful, so terribly wonderful but wasn't ready. When would she ever be?]

Camlannian sunsets are so inspiring, I think. And I won't see one again for a long time. I hope Mictlan's sunsets and sunrises are as beautiful if not more.

I'll soon know!

[Filter: Polyxena]

How ready are you for tomorrow? For the rest of our lives

[Filter: Hector]

HECTOR.
HECTOR.
YOU CAN HEAR ME THROUGH PAPER. I KNOW IT.
BROTHER OF MINE, I KNOW YOU CAN TELL WHEN I NEED Y

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I have doggie drool all over my left hand ewww Olivier

[Filter: Aeneas]
[Filter: Aeneas]

I'm leaving tomorrow.

Today, a cat swiped a claw at me and drew blood. Guess I was taking too long to hand over what remained of my breakfast. Then one of the guard dogs was just in a bad mood and kept snarling at me. Wouldn't even let me get very close. Thought I'd go out for a hunt but one of the falcons clawed the back of my hand. He's never liked me much but he's a good one. Bastard.

Thankfully skipped on checking on the horses. Wouldn't care for a kick in the head. But I think I'll stay inside the rest of the day. It's going to be one of those days.

Hello


[Filter: Aeneas]

Hello


hello

Guess everyone needs a change in scenery.

Little brother, I'm visiting. Save me a spot that's not on a barn.

And here's to nothing happening while I'm away.

[As she told her sister, she herself would deal with the invitation to Arthur. It hadn't been immediate but she sent it off the moment she had the chance. Freyja made easy work of it, keeping it light (keeping it like he was already a dear, dear friend) and then had it sent off during the weekend.

Dearest Arthur,

Your health and region's well-being are things I hope are well. Camlann suffers little if at all and, no doubt, we all have the marriages between our regions in mind. Such joyous times are ahead of us, wouldn't you agree, sweeting? Keeps one's spirit uplifted and all that goodness. I do think, sometimes, once I have my siblings secure in happiness I may consider a marriage of my own. Perhaps!

I'll not drown you in pleasant talk too much for this letter has a stronger purpose. For sake of my sister's comfort as well as to get to know you much better, I propose you come here for a week. At the end of that week, my sister and your general's betrothed will accompany you to Mictlan to stay with you a week. This should give all peace of mind about what is to come as well as certainty that it is right. A chance to bond and such lovely business.

Consider it for our futures. I'm sure you will want my sister to feel at peace with the marriage and yourself.

With regards and love,
Queen Freyja of Camlann
[a red kiss mark is printed here]

The paper is then scented lovingly with one of her signature perfumes (one with notable hints of jasmine and neroli), sealed in an envelope and sent. She prayed by the beginning of the next month Arthur would not only have responded but would arrived. Polyxena's feelings about the whole matter came first.]

It'll be lovely when majority of the world begins to thaw from the season affecting some of us. I've always been greatly fond of fertile seasons opposed to the barren ones.

No, there is no code in that, it's a desire to




Cats are such troublesome creatures. Pesky thing. Now I need to go see what's knocked over.

[Filter: Freyja]
My queen, would there be any chance that I may have your leave for Glastheim? I will return as soon as the wedding is over.


after the filter to freyja
[Filter: Gwynevere]
In a few days time, I'll be seeing you, my lady. Perhaps I may see you on the road before the wedding.

[Filter: Elaine]
Tomorrow I leave for Glastheim. Do you want any souvenirs, or shall I bring you back a snowman?

[Filer: Aeneas]
Aeneas, I can't say how long I will be in Glastheim, but could you watch over Elaine in my absence? Provided you are not attending as well.

Apparently, my daughter was been found sneaking out of lessons and slipping into the yard so she could learn to ride. A maid brought this to my attention. I think she was expecting me to be upset. Not grateful that she didn't do like some and sneaked into a nearby forest or lake. Hm.


Dad, we will be coming to the marriage. Closer to the date but we will.