mythopoeics

Hector's dead.

[ warning for implied death ]

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

Mine and Apollo's fairies ruined all of the electronics in the apartment. It put my cellphone in the garbage disposal and turned it on the first day it appeared. They started fires with our mail pile and paperwork, had food fights. Snapped the wires on Apollo's guitars -- I think he actually cried. Every time I tried to sleep mine would pull at my eyelids and kick my nose. I have tiny bruises! The only time I did actually get a full night of rest, I woke up with a chunk of facial hair missing and marker on my face.

It was like having a miniature War following me around constantly

It was a strange and invasive experience I'd like to never have again. But it certainly is good to have an open line of communication again so; Hello.

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.

Hello, strange community! I am...well, I think I might be Peter Pan.

Minus the flying, but I'm still working on that. Apparently pixie dust is a lot harder to come by than it is in the movies, even when you've got one following you around and all. Who knew?

[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.

He wakes to be told that he has been in the hospital for several days. That only the smallest handful of people know where he is due to the investigation and issues surrounding the shooting. The details around that aren't coming to him but he only nods and offers the fewest of words to show understanding.

When he has finally been left alone, Troilus then lets his eyes close in disinterest to everything around him. His mind is flooded with memories of a wife, an unborn child and siblings that should not have been his. A place where he had been happy - that didn't exist, did it? But, as expected, he had died in war. The constant that would not leave him.

He doesn't know what he will do when he gets out but space is needed. Would be gotten and kept for as long as he wished it.


[ ooc: he will update over the weekend to let some people know where he is. for now, only uriel and aeneas would be now told of troilus' whereabouts and to keep it quiet for now. ]

( and in retrospect I'll say we've done no wrong. who are we to judge what is right and what has purpose for us? with designs upon ourselves to do no wrong, running wild unaware of what might come of us. )

warning: character death, set for Friday

[Filter: Soldiers of Iriy]

I hope you all have been getting a good night's sleep, you might no longer have them again after this all blows over. Is anybody else soiling their pants in excitement?

[Filter: Daphne]

Have you gotten cold feet yet?

[Filter: Soldiers of Iriy & high ranks]

I know that for a long time a few of us saw this war as a possibility, but it is now a reality. In this following conflict, no death is meaningless, each one is a sacrifice to bring a better future to Iriy, free from the threat of Niflheim.


May God give us the strength to face our enemies and defend out region.

[Filter: Athena]

I'm still not very good at speeches.

[Filter: Family (siblings, in-laws, cousins, etc)]

Polyxena and I are very happy to announce that we will be parents within a few months. And, really, is there anything more than needs to be said?

Brothers of mine~ visit soon and adore your sister-in-law. Euterpe, tell Reed for me. ♥

[Filter: Private]

The war...is going to be a problem. This was too soon.

[ filter; iriyian soldiers & high-ranks ]
There is no forgiveness for anyone who has wronged us as we've been wronged. War once was simply an option, but now it's become our only solution. We will show no mercy to those who would not return the same courtesy.

[ filter; hera and lilith ]
We'll be in Iriy by tomorrow morning. How has Iriy fared in our absence?

[ filter; ares ]
I'm returning with the Czar in the morning.

[ filter; angrboda ]
Behaving?

[PRIVATE TO EUTERPE]
Euterpe. Dearest. Light of my life. I have to go to Niflheim for a day or so. Apparently there is a guy who has the part I need to fix that old piano in the attic. I will be home long before it's time to go to Camelot.

[PRIVATE TO DAPHNE]
I'm headed your way for a day.

[PRIVATE TO GABRIEL AND TROILUS]
I hope you idiots are well.

[Filter: Hera]

Mother?

[Filter: Hermione]

I'm afraid we might have to delay the trip a little, something came up. I promise to explain soon, please forgive me, sister?

[Filter: Troilus]

Are you busy?

[He'd heard there were some people who looked down on cigarettes but Troilus had never had an issue with the substance. If people didn't like it, they could deal with it by not being around him. Too few would he even think about putting out a cigarette for. The three that quickly came to mind were Hera, Euterpe's son and, of course, his wife.

Besides, the anti-tobacco sentiment was small and he had grown far too used to rolling the fragrant cylinder between his fingers when in thought. It was his body and he would do as he pleased within reason.]

Of all the things to lecture me on, some foreigner had the gall to say my smoking was an 'unnecessary habit' and that I should stop for my own good. Really. The nerve some people show all too easily.

It seems things are looking good on the eventual travel front. Reed is looking forward to visiting Camelot and his favorite 'uncle' almost as much as I am. The only snag we've run into so far is that he wants to bring Mini Mew, and I'm not sure how well the kitten will behave during the trip. I suppose there's only one way to find out since he's decided he's not going without his best friend.

I'd say I have no idea where my boy gets his stubbornness from, but that would be a lie and I've been trying to teach him the joys of honesty. I think he's a little too honest, though. It's made for some funny moments, like when he asked our overweight neighbor when her baby was due, which had her turning a few impressive shades of red. I had to apologize while trying not to laugh, which is harder than it sounds.

[Filter: Family]
If it works for everyone, I think we should try and leave for Camelot by mid-July.

[Filter: Apollo]
Will you be coming to Camelot with us?

[Filter: Gawain]

Gawain, you have been quiet. No letters, no visits, is everything alright?

[Filter: Public]

I awoke this morning so nauseous and went back to bed- it is not certain yet, but perhaps... I can wait.

Summer never reaches Iriy, the wind still has a sharp bite to it.

[Filter: Gavin]

visit brothers, can I?

[Filter: Osiris & Hades]

Please be careful. I will

will cheer for you both.

[Filter: Aeneas & Trolius]

♥

[Filter: Gawain]

May the outcome you wish come to pass, knight of Camelot.

[Filter: Troilus]

Are you faring well, brother?

[Filter: Troilus]

I

... You see...

I...

but...

In the ludus, brother? I know what I asked for before but that is best ignored under these circumstances.

Is there something you need?

Well, this is very much a good news/bad news situation. At least I still have my sister and Gabe and I are actual brothers instead of just "bros" but the three of us are gladiators. And Hyacinth..I still have yet to figure out how to see him. Apparently we have more siblings as well but thankfully they don't seem to be sharing our fate.

I miss my piano.

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.

This? Again?

Dammit, I just want my iPhone. And I'm being told that I'm a gladiator. That's just peachy. Fuck it. Someone is going to bleed for this and they're not going to get an apology.

The hours he had free from work and other obligations he spent on distractions. Whether it was going for long walks, roaming in museums or going to the gym, he was seeking things to do to keep his mind from wandering. He was even debating on rock-climbing over the weekend all stemming from his last chat with Polyxena.

A part of him ached still (wished so strongly for something different) and he was glad he had not hurled himself into a relationship with anyone. There was too much weighing on him, too much from the past and too little he could give to the future.

Time was needed. And it seemed his sister needed that as well.

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: Osiris]

okay?

[Filter: Cas]

♥?

[Filter: Public]

quiet

i like it quiet

[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.

[Their brief sojourn to the maze aside, Mordred had been floating through life in a sort of haze. While under usual circumstances that haze would be accompanied by the stale stench of booze and cigarettes, this time it was different - this time he was perfectly clear-headed, just operating on between two and four hours of sleep a day. Somewhere in there was the threshold between when the actual sleep stopped and the nightmares began.

He'd taken to staying cooped up in his condo, avoiding other people to the best of his abilities, and was currently on a conference call with his attorney in the process of working out details on his last will and testament. He couldn't live like this, not knowing that nothing he did could erase the nagging feeling that he should be dead. The knowledge that Merlin was here only increased his desire to rid himself of this mortal coil, the appearance of the druid fueling the paranoia that death had bestowed upon him.

He had to find a way to carry out his final wishes without anyone getting wise to what he intended, and that all began with systematically cutting himself off. From everyone.]

I'm looking to get rid of a few belongings. If anyone would like to assist me with that do let me know.

[There was nothing like a fresh start in ways. It was necessary if he was to move forward and find himself well several months or years from now. The obsession had to be cast aside, the ideas and fantasies needed to be washed off his mind and hands.

Troilus simply thought of how much better his mother would feel if she arrived and saw that he wasn't behaving in an abnormal way. To further boost his plan, he damned his sinful lust as something the gods would do, could get away with. Therefore, it would no longer be something he'd want for himself.]

It seems I'm rusty at the game of finding women who want to date and not just...well. There is nothing wrong with that but goddamn. Sometimes a little more doesn't hurt. I'm fucking thirty-one. When did it get hard? Is it because I want something real now? Or maybe it's the job that doesn't help.

Before it even comes up: I don't want anything to change me to suit today's women. Don't even go there. I'll go to Russia and find myself a bride if needed. ...jokes about mail-ordering on can be kept to yourselves and fuck you for thinking it.

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.

And after everything that's happened over the past few months, this is somehow the least surprising of all. My divorce came through this morning. I didn't contest it.

There'll be a further custody hearing this month but, to be honest, I can't contest that, either. It's not fair to drag two children into this mess of a life I lead.

I hope you all have an enjoyable Easter, if you celebrate it at this time (I shall follow in a week) but, for now, it's back unto the breach. Being on call is never quiet but at least I can do some good, I guess.

[Humanity was an interesting thing. The life of an archangel was far different compared to the life of a human down below, and now Uriel had the opportunity to experience the life of what he'd protected once before. But dealing with being human was something else entirely. Stress in particular settled right into his bones and made concentrating a feat and a half, and so he'd resorted to cigarettes ever since becoming a cop.

But maybe it was time for some change. Maybe it was time to stop relying on the cigarettes to deal with his deep-seated issues and his day-to-day problems. Rather than lighting up his cigarette, he tucked it back inside the carton and tossed the thing onto the couch.

For another day.]

[Filter: Iseult]
My apartment is open to you when you need it. If you find yourself needing me for any reason, I'm a phonecall away.

[Filter: Troilus and Aeneas]
Where does one start when they want to quit smoking?

[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.

[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.

[At work, Cassandra kept turning things into bagels. Bagels and muffins and the occasional loaf of bread. It was weird, and at first she thought she was imagining it, except that she couldn't think of another explanation as to why chai lattes kept disappearing. Well, whatever this was a sign for, it wasn't good.

Roy let her go home early, though, and on the way back she shared the cookie that her metro card had turned into with some pigeons.]

Mr. Midas learned the inconvenient truth early, but for me I guess it's not so inconvenient. Everyone likes bagels.

Troilus, the toaster may be cinnamon raisin bread now. Sorry.

[It should be no surprise that someone as emotionally unstable and immature as Syrinx was having trouble with this. She kept shrieking out, gasping and crying whenever something in her hands changed shape. The latest was a glass of milk that ended up becoming a glass of red acrylic paint which she'd dropped.

The shattering glass had caused her to jump and flee the scene in tears. Not that she thought Aeneas would be mad at her, but because she didn't like this. She didn't know what to do with this. She just wanted it to be over.]

[her voice is soft, broken]

Please let it stop, let it stop, let it stop.

Ah, so, look. I, well, I feel like I am interrupting something here. Something odd, really. But I am only here because my cousin would not stop pestering sending me these invites.

He made me do it, I swear.

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.

[He didn't think he could stay and watch her marry his king. No. No, he couldn't. Not even if Morgan was at his side as reassurance. Not even if he was drunk. Not even if he closed his eyes. He had to get away as soon as possible. At least long enough to be sure when he returned that no one would be talking about the bloody affair.]

[Filter: Polyxena]

I can't stand you

[Filter: General of Mictlan]

If you don't mind, I'd appreciate some time off after the weddings are over with, perhaps even the day of. I'd like to travel to Ilium to see my family.

Personal reasons.

[Filter: Morgan]

Who is the bigger fool? The one who couldn't fight for a good thing and let herself get roped into some political marriage or the one who has said nothing while knowing they can't stand the idea of marriage between his ex and your brother?

As lovely as the hospitality has been, it's wretchedly hot in Mictlan. I don't know how these people can bear to keep their clothes on.

If it were my kingdom, I should mandate that all the men wear loin cloths (stylish loin cloths, mind you).

For my own personal use, I've been inspired to design trousers with a lower cut and frock coats without sleeves. I should like to make more if anyone has an interest in keeping cool~

[filter; iseult the fair]
Darling wife, I humbly request your presence tomorrow evening for dinner and conversation. There's something I wish to discuss with you.

[filter; siblings]
I plan on asking my wife if she feels so inclined as to grant you nieces or nephews. Your thoughts?

[Mictlan is safe for now, from all the bad memories but that wouldn't remain that way. Arthur had taken such a liking to that princess of Camlann. Why couldn't he have taken a shine to perhaps the one in Glastheim? Or the Svargan girl? No, it had to be her and soon, she would rule over him.

Troilus couldn't stand the thought of it.

He worked to forget and works to remember. Though he could have reached out to Morgan, he decided that he wanted to hear from his family. Family never would betray him, would never dare turn on him. And, because he was curious, he included his sister-in-law. The wedding he may have attended but he still didn't know that well.]

[Filter: Siblings + Iseult]

I was thinking of going to Ilium next week, pretties. I have to clear it, still, but it's a nice idea, agreed? Seeing the newlyweds, inspecting whether the new addition to the family's given Mordred a happy glow or something ridiculous like that. Or is it usually the other way around? Feh.

Daphne, precious. You've been too quiet. I'm going to be so sore if you don't speak to me within the next forty-eight hours. I'd appreciate knowing if you're mad at me as well.

[filter; mictlan faction]

Dare I say that Mictlan is rather quiet? I begin to think that Hermes and Morgan must be the trouble-makers if life is this peaceful in their absence.

(I jest, of course. I love you both dearly. Come back safely.)

Well.

Well.


It'll be interesting.

I always thought wedding season was in the summer.

[Filter: General Gawain/visible to Iseult and Uriel]
Requesting permission to become part of the retinue escorting my wife and her brother to Glastheim, please.

My commiserations to King Heimdall, to the Lady Gwynevere and to the people of Glastheim on the passing of their ruler. I hope that the relations between our states may continue to grow, despite this uncertain time.

[filter; mictlan faction]

Be on your guard. There may be unrest and I doubt that Glastheim will be happy with my choice of bride.

Thanks and all, but I'll pass.

His Christmas was still some time away in January. He had even scheduled himself to work partly on Christmas Day. Clearly the holiday didn't go as planned for anyone.

His mood had been bleak since the hotel incident. He couldn't help it, had thrown himself into his work and had been far less social. Even now, he was so very reluctant to reach out to those he cared for, those he called family.

And as he laid in bed, he made a vow to turn things around next year. He had to for his own sake if no one else's. Perhaps it was also time to let go of the past and find something new.

[Patroklos' family had not been particularly devout Christians, though he had nominally been brought up in the Orthodox faith. They were devoted to family, though, and since he had gotten married and had children, Christmas had been an important time to him.

Today, he was supposed to be in Arizona with Sasha and Mishka. Today, he was an absentee father.]

I am going to find a bar in this building if it's the last thing I do. Weather like this calls for vodka.

Happy Christmas, Vova.