mythopoeics

[ warning for implied death ]

( and my heart is a hollow plain for the devil to dance again )

[ PTSD. That was interesting. Coming out of his service years ago, Hector had been entirely certain he hadn't come out of it with PTSD, but that didn't seem to be the case here. The consensus had been that his time serving in the second World War had ruined him psychologically. But he knew himself better than anyone, so all of this was just another game of Khaos' that he wasn't interested in playing. ]

[ filter; family ]
I appear to be in the hospital for post-traumatic stress disorder. I don't recall ever developing that.

I'm so thrilled to be back dealing with this mess. I'm not in the city just yet but it appears I have a companion. He's been...interesting.

[Filter: Trojan Family]

Obviously, I'm back. I'll be home by evening.

[Filter: Hector]

You filtered to me a little while back. I see it now and am sorry I didn't reply. Did something happen?

And I hope your Thanksgiving was good, brother.

[ filter; family + menelaus + helen ]
I'm leaving in five hours to be home for Thanksgiving. I'll do my best to be reachable at all times, but long-distance costs may amount to too much, so if you need me, reach me through here. I may be gone for some days, but one may never know if Khaos will allow me that. I suppose we'll see.

[ filter; troilus ]
Brother?

[She drifts through the house aimlessly without Troilus around. Sometimes he'd bring home little things for her. Sometimes she'd bring home flowers. Now there's nothing. Why bother bringing home flowers or the leftover cupcakes that Roy gives her after work?

Well, maybe the cupcakes are still important. She brings them back and eats one for dinner, the frosting sweet and red. She wipes her hand across her lips and it comes away looking too bright. She turns off the lights, which helps a little bit.

Times like this, she doesn't know how a princess of Troy got to this point. She's a failure and she knows it. She couldn't even keep Troilus here, where he belongs, with the rest of them.

She doesn't turn the lights back on that night.]

everything's clearer on the backs of your eyelids
but to see that you have to close your eyes.

[ He'd always been a man who thought too much. Someone who preferred to think before he acted, someone who listened to others and mulled over their advice before doing anything rash. And for a long time, it suited him. He sought counsel not because he didn't feel his own decisions held no weight, but because he valued others' advice, knew if something was flawed, they would point it on. And it in them that he trusted.

If only more of his brothers were around now. Deiphobus, in particular. Above all, he valued their words most. But never more than Andromache's. It was her words that moved him, that gave him strength.

What he wouldn't have given to have her here. ]

[ filter; menelaus ]
Are you free tomorrow?

[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?

[Hector]

I'd like my ring now~

[Hermione]

You little ungrateful brat that was trying to hide from me- Hello, darling.

[Filter: Castor]

I miss you, Camelot is boring with you. I'll be home soon, but you will come with me, right? We cannot live apart.

[Filter: Hector's family]

It is so very nice to have met you all, I really hope my visit isn't an intrusion or imposition. Unless you're- ...

[Filter: Hector]

♥ Are you pleased, darling?

[ filter; helen ]
One year, Helen.

[ filter; menelaus, aphrodite & aeneas ]
I have a confession to make.

[Her writing is jittery now and then but there is a reason for that. Anything crossed out should be especially considered poor writing.]

I have terrible hiccups. And everything that I
have tried
- know to try - won't

work

HELP ME RIGHT N

NOW OH I HATE THIS
AT LEAS
least the children have ceased laughing, the little

[ 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.

[filter; helen]
I've been meaning to come up to Babylon, but the timing may not be right. But soon.

[filter; siblings]
I feel like something isn't right. I don't know what it is, but it's like a change in the air pressure.

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.

[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.

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.

[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.

I very badly wish for this to be over. This is cruel.

[Filter: Troilus]

Thank you. For letting me go.


[Filter: Hector]

When this ends, there is something I wish to ask of you.


[Filter: Gawain]

May we speak for a moment, sir knight?

[filter; family (including aeneas and andromache)]
While we seem to be safe and away from mazes, I propose we all do something together. We haven't been together in some time.

I have decided that I shall bury myself in work for the foreseeable future. At least I know where I am with my job. No compasses necessary.

Family, family. One of you - try to organise something, will you? A gathering. Hector. You're good at rallying the troops. Say it and they will come.

[filter; private]

Well, that's not strictly true. Compasses and GPS and coordinates and logistics and give me numbers or give me death.

[Filter: Family & Andromache]
If any of you are not planning on celebrating with other family, you're welcome to come over for a brunch for Easter. Provided nothing strange happens between now and then.

It's wrong if a guy tries to impress you with a rumbling beast of a car, right? SOMEONE AGREE WITH ME BEFORE I DO SOMETHING STUPID I AM INFAMOUS FOR STUPID ACTIONS IT PURRS LIKE A GIANT TIGER DO TIGERS EVEN PURR THIS SOUNDS LIKE IT RAWR It is a beast. And sends this hot flash of excitement right through me

Anyway. Easter is right around the corner and I have a pile of cousins planning an egg hunt. I'm in charge of dyeing at least fifty eggs. Fifty. And they can't be the same. I guess they want everyone to be able to find these eggs but LORD ABOVE. The things I do for family.



HECTOR, TIME TO PROVE YOU'RE AN AWESOME BRO. MORDRED, YOU AS WELL. Aeneas, you are saved because you are going to help me look for bunnies as prizes. Yeah, the kids involved as responsible enough. The younger kids are going to get candy and toys. ...Galahad, do you want to dye eggs? Percy? Nimue? MORGAN? GAWAIN? ANYONE ELSE? HELP?

For the record, we'll probably not start until two or three days before. I think that's best? Maybe? Yes, it's fine to bail on me if you HAVE to. If. If.

[The days have been tolerable. Work a welcomed distraction, Syrinx and Aeneas' sister even more welcomed. His thirty-first birthday was approaching. Knowing more of his blood roamed the community, though, made him pray Antonin was not a Greek bastard. Not like Patroclus. God knew he needed to figure out how to deal with that matter still. Still, his cousin's face was a pleasing thing to see. Even if he wondered if the man would make anything of himself.

There had been no contact between himself and Polyxena.

He decided he would manage.]

[Filter: Mordred]

A drink some time. Up to you.

I just wish I could remember our sister but she's nothing more than a fuzzy image in our head. Is it the same for you?

[Filter: Public]

What's the saying, April showers bring May flowers? Isn't there more to that?

Cassandra~ we'll go shopping for all we need to replace sometime soon.

I meant to turn on the video but I am not going to change it over now because I'm terrified to touch anything. But tell me, am I going mad? Am I stuck in some bizarre dream or is this another game? Because I was going to go to bed when Baldric insisted he needed to go out immediately. And, annoyed, I went to get his leash.

[something is shaken and it's certainly not a leash] And that, the moment I grabbed it, turned into silk flowers! And after he took care of himself on my kitchen floor, I grabbed the mop and it turned into butterflies. Good lord, butterflies! And after that, my struggle to not screech down the whole apartment building and then ridiculous concern I had swallowed one of the butterflies, I managed to make myself tea after five tries.

[a subtle groan is offered then] Please tell me I'm not alone in this. Please tell me something is going on with everyone and I am not mad. I am not.

Please?

When I returned, I learned that one of my photographs had been short-listed for an award. And apparently I was in Australia for the tennis in January. That explains the tan.

I must admit, I enjoy being free of the ridiculous corsets and gowns. I enjoy being able just to run again. Speaking of which. Hector, can we meet tomorrow? Perhaps go for a run and then talk talk?

Aunt Regina. I believe I promised you afternoon tea. Pencil me in some day this week.

Helen. What the ever-living fuck am I supposed to say to you?

I should say that I was acting out of sorts but I think that would be a most profound lie. Everyone knows I'm a violent, unpleasant man. I will never say it with fucking flowers.

[Filter: Heimdall]
[insert all the contact details a brother should typically know about his sister]

Congratulations, you have a brand new younger sister named Geula Sinclair. She is wondering if you are all right and settled.

[Filter: Hector]
Please don't abando Please know that I don't hold you to anything.

[Filter: Helen]
I wasn't able to write you when everything got... crazy. You okay?

[Filter: Gawain] sorry joana >__>
It might be weird for you to hear from me, but we were friends once. And in Zurvan.

I'm sorry for the way things ended. Then and now. Is your brother all right? For Arthur's sake

[Filter: Aeneas]

I don't even know what to say right now. I don't even know what to think.

[Filter: Hector]

I should have said something when it all sank in but
I needed a little time to let it settle.


How are you handling things?

[Filter: Arthurians] Mordred's gone. He's gone and I
Why? You'll end up snarled at or worse. But
[Filter: Arthurians]

To his family: I'm so sorry about Mordred.

( 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.

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.

[Samael is a big man and a strong man and, despite Leukothoe's undoubted skills as an assassin, he survives.

When he opens his eyes, he thinks to tell the community of the strange dream he had in which he was a prince in a very foreign land who got stabbed for no good reason. When he opens his eyes, he sees that he's lying in a large four-poster bed, with a bandage wrapped around his torso.

He scrambles for his journal, which fucking exists, and, holy fuck, all the memories-]

WHAT THE EVER-LIVING FUCK IS GOING ON HERE?

[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.

( but there are dreams that cannot be, and there are storms we cannot weather. )

[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.

( and i forgot to tell you i love you )

[ ooc: set on Friday! ]

[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.

[backdate to the 15th]

[Filter: Heimdall]

Will you be attending the weddings?

[Filter: Hector]

How are you faring on such a fine morning? Will you be leaving for Mictlan soon?

[Filter: Arth
[Filter: Lancelot]

It was lovely to meet you. You're pretty handy with a bow.

You should use that skill to take care of Elaine. It's going to be a beautiful wedding, and I have no doubt a beautiful marriage as well.

[Filter: Public]

Camlann is very lovely, in both nature and people. I feel so privileged to be guest to such warm and wonderful hosts. Would any Camlannians be able to recommend some must-see places?

( i loved you first, i loved you first )

[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.

[Filter: Private]

Hey. Hey. HEY. NOT A WORD TO ME. Hmmm. HMMM.

OH REALLY? REALLY? Just up and gone, not a 'do you want anything?' or 'I'm off' or 'take care' or
Not that you have to but it would have been nice seeing as I'm getting married and, oh goodness, is this very selfish? Or hopeful? Or am I going mad to expect these things because soon I won't have it AT ALL? MAYBE ALL OF THAT? BUT I

REALLY, AENEAS? HMM? HMMMM


ow

[Filter: Public]


DOCTOR

ok ok not really, just jabbed myself I AM FINE. but HECTOR. TO THE BEDROOM oh, wait a second, rewrite COME TO MY ROOM we must plot things. things only a brother and sister can plot. hurrhurrhurr

if you are available. of course. I LOVE Y



PUPppppy

[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.

As I close up on a rather fruitful week-long stay at one of my favorite watering holes in all of Camlann I find myself considering where I should look for temporary employment next. I thought about just getting in my little caravan and driving until I found a place that seemed in need of entertainment, but then I realized it's winter and I'd rather not overwork my poor horse. It occurs to me that there might be someone who knows of someplace in need of a minstrel, and I just happen to be one of those musical types who enjoys broadening her horizons.

So, if anyone could offer suggestions, or perhaps even be in need of a ride someplace for a small fee, do let me know.

[She does not use the journals to convey her condolences but sends to Glastheim her written sympathies, most heartfelt and, of course, gently perfumed. Alongside them were a number of glass flowers, colourful and obviously capable of surviving the weather, and a healthy amount of tea (a suggestion of bringing them warmth and comfort). There would be a pipe somewhere in there with the finest of tobacco for Heimdall, too, something personal for the new ruler to use at his discretion.]

[Filter: Camlann Faction (highest ranks only)]

We have five birds. Two are smaller, one adopted by one larger bird and the same goes for the other. The childless bird, it's been watching, understand what these allegiances mean.

But what is this? One of the larger birds has smashed into glass. Tell me, my lovelies, do we nurture it and then send it along its way? We are already robbing it of its 'child', marrying it and forever linking ourselves to it. I have no mind made up about the matter, not with our good fortune thus far. I can easily strength ties and shatter them, depending on what would be best for us. I wish to hear you all out, understand where you stand right now.

And if you have not already, remember to send along your condolences to the new king and his family. Include some gift.

[Filter: Siblings]

I will not be available for dinner the next two nights, not with the work I must oversee with my advisers. But I will be at breakfast and lunch whenever possible.



[ooc: yes, highest ranks in this case being: region & faction leader, right-hand, diplomat and general]