Re: Loki and Hermes and Eris leaving and Open
Ares was on to her. She had to lose him, and her running strategy was obviously not working. Eris had to lie low for awhile before she started running again. There was a time limit on this contest after all. She didn't remember if she'd reminded Ares of this, but Eris was positive that he'd remember. Ares remembered everything. And if he didn't remember it, it was only because he didn't want to, and the only reason he wouldn't want to is if the information wasn't worth knowing, which meant Eris wouldn't remember it either. Maybe if she played it right Ares would go straight past her, then Eris could go in a totally different direction than the one she just barely planned on and then double back to the original direction she'd planned and lose him that way.
Eris looked around. She saw her parents with Mr Barbarian and Mrs. Barbarianess, but Eris had already visited with them. Even if they were royal, they still weren't worth double points. Eris would have to file an affidavit to Ares to approve the rule change, and there was no time. She looked a bit further, and her eyes fell on Wonder. He was talking to the barbarian who used to be her favorite ever before he betrayed her friendship and became horrible. Perfect.
Breathless, Eris slowed and casually walked up to them. In between breaths she forced herself to laugh. If this was going to work she had to blend in. She had to act like she'd been there and belonged there the whole time. “Hah. Hah. Hah.” Eris said in between breaths, “You two are so funny. I forgot just how funny you two are!” She punched them both playfully in the shoulder. Her eyes scanned for Ares. Now what? Oh small talk. Eris could do that. She just had to do it fast.
“Loki! I haven't seen you in such a long time.” Eris couldn't remember the last time she'd seen him, actually. “I just saw your wife. She looks lovely. But her neck is a little bare. I think I saw a gorgeous necklace in the sand. I think Ninkasi likes to bury treasure for her guests to find. I bet your wife would LOVE it. You should try and find it for her. How is she doing, by the way? Do you guys have kids yet? It's been so long. We should hang out more. The three of us. It has been so fun getting caught up with you. Just like old times.”
She didn't wait for him to answer, instead she immediately turned to Wonder. “I met your pretend wife the other day. You should have introduced us sooner. The Celtic one. We're getting to be really really close. Like super super close. I'm thinking about naming my next child after her.” Eris turned to Loki, and said to the side, “It would be a Norse again.” She winked. Then Eris looked down at her watch. Thirty seconds. That should be long enough. Eris took a deep breath. “ANYWAY,” she said. Then before she said anymore small talk, Eris jumped up, grabbed Loki and kissed him. After she'd gotten a proper taste of his lips, but before he had time to respond, she turned and kissed Wonder. It was only fair.
“This has been fun. Call me,” Eris called over her shoulder as she ran out of there again.