“Oh, honey, no,” Lottie shook her head even as she pulled Harm closer. “No, this isn't a punishment. He wouldn't think of it that way. After all, he's got mortal children of his own. And yes, you're going to have to watch them live their lives, but Harm... you're going to get to watch them live their lives. You get to watch them learn and grow, you get to watch them find husbands and wives, you get to be the prettiest grandmother anybody ever had and you'll get to spoil them rotten, you'll get to watch them lead fulfilling lives full of adventure and challenges and, with your guidance, love and happiness. They will pass away, but they will do that knowing they've had the best lives and that you have loved them. And you know that once they pass into the Underworld, I'll make certain that they're alright. I'll check on them. You're like family to me, so they will be too. You'll see, this isn't a punishment. It's a blessing.”
Philotes was babbling again, but it wasn't her usual headlong rush with the words pushing to get out almost before she thought them. This time it was a slow, measured speech, each phrase carefully considered as she tried to explain to her best friend that it wasn't nearly as bad as she was thinking. Lottie wasn't sure how Harm ended up in such a state, but she wasn't going to leave until this was fixed.
“You know,” she mused aloud, “I think that you need some sunshine. Come on, what do you say? Let's get you a pretty chiton and that blue himation that brings out your eyes, and we'll go outside and maybe find something to look at. Is there a meadow nearby that we can walk to? Flowers are always lovely. Or maybe you have some gardens here in the palace? C'mon, Harm, let's go for a walk.”
As she spoke, she was urging her friend to her feet. After she got things evened out, Lottie would talk to her about why she was being so stubborn about calling her family. She could understand why Harmonia would want them to visit of their own accord, but hadn't her own long absence shown her that time could get away from gods? Aphrodite probably planned to visit “soon,” but soon was always in a day or two and then things would come up to take her attention, and before she knew it, months would pass, then years. It was always how things happened. Harmonia should remember that.
Later. Philotes would remind her later. First she needed to get this pale, damp, rumpled version of her friend up and moving again. Starting with at least leaving this room.