mythopoeics

[The camera is accidentally switched on, when it comes into focus there is an angry red fairy buzzing about, while Helen tries to swat it away with a mosquito-swatting thing. She is not pleased, if anything, she's anything but that. The fairy manages to grab a lock of hair and tug on it hard.

There is that awkward sound of hair being cut, and Helen gives out a squeak before she falls over. This battle is not over, because she manages to swat the red thing before it pulls out another, more significant, lock of hair giving Helen a new unwanted haircut.]

Someone do something!

[Selene had been resting (Not sleeping, of course. It was night. Night was no time for sleeping). She'd just stretched out on her bed when something orange captured her attention...and her hair. Making a small, surprised noise, Selene sat up, eyes watching as the fairy picked up a pen and started to draw on the walls.

"Oh dear."

She'd have to ask Benny to clean that up. He was much better at scrubbing than she was. It would be a good job for him. She'd make it up to him, of course. Quietly, she moved to grab her laptop. She could protect it better if it was closer.]

There is a strange creature in my room. It is orange and drawing on the walls with a pen. I hope it doesn't draw too much. It would be very difficult to clean then. It pulled my hair.

[How do you deal with everything when everything is hurting? Helen feels there is something inside her chest folding and gnawing at her ribcage, beating its way around - restless and unhappy. Helen isn't good at any of this, she was perhaps at her best behaving like a little girl- running around and getting her knees scrapped from falls, her hair tangled from rolling in the fields. Helen was always so free spirted, marriage had been a chain. To all three of them, she didn't want that kind of hold on her right now.

Maybe not ever.

Even having a daughter... it didn't mean Helen didn't love Hermione, because she did- but she was a reminder of being tied down. Helen didn't want that either, she didn't want the responsibilities that came with what she recalled being a wife. It was an old memory, but still there.

She makes a copy of her apartment key and stores it away, it is a grand gesture to be made, but the timing isn't right just yet. It haunts Helen to think that might never come, and then what would she do? It wasn't a question of not loving her husband, had it been that, she would've found someone else.

Helen doesn't want to lose him, and that is why she's trying to do this, even though her palms press over her eyes and she stifles the urge to cry. The playfulness evaporates, and there is no choice left to her. What to do when communications broke down?]

[ 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.

[Filter: Everyone but Menelaus]

I love the beach~ ♥ First time in Hawaii but hopefully not the last. There is nothing better than family time, I mean real family. Which reminds me...


Thor. Oh brrrrrrrooooooother. ♥

I named this frog Pierre. Enough people at the greenhouse asked me what his name was. That was apparently the only name I could think of. Now I have Pierre the frog. It's annoying that I still miss those boys. They'll never be here It's more annoying that I can't get any fudging sleep, but that's another matter altogether.

Other than that, I'm debating a vacation considering I nearly fell asleep in the geraniums the other day. Apparently I was at work the whole time we were gone anyway, so I might as well. Maybe I can actually focus on what everything means then

[Filter: Private]
I don't like feeling like this. The fall and winter are never my best months, but this is just overkill. I think my body's losing it...or maybe my mind. I can't be sure. I know he said to let it come, but what if I don't want to know? I'm just going to try to get some sleep again.

brb Hawaii. If anything drags us back, I'll be very displeased.

...

Nutjobs, the whole lot.








Who the hell are you people?

[Filter: Hermione + Helen]

So when we were you going to tell me you planned on skipping school to go on vacation with your mother and uncles?

Read this also as my telling you it's a bad idea and you shouldn't do it. Pulling you out of school to go on vacation isn't help while you're settling back into a more normal routine. And you'll miss classwork that will pile on you later. Yes, I'm saying this as your father even if I haven't got any legal right to do much.

Your mother is included in this filter because I'm going to be fair and not bribe you with any ponies.

[Filter: Hermione]

Clearly, I would bribe you with maybe a lop rabbit first.

[Filter: Menelaus]

I'm going on vacation.

[They'd just been sitting there. In a little pile next to his bed. His brother's rings. His fingers brushed over them before he got up. He was home...so why were the rings there? Perhaps more disconcerting was finding Echo there with him. At least she wasn't a stranger in his apartment. He'd introduced her to Sam and then they'd watched cartoons. It could have been a lot more strange, he supposed. Now he supposed he'd better let everyone know he hadn't died.]

I thought we weren't supposed to bring things back with us...Not that I'm complaining. Just made things confusing.

[That was good enough, wasn't it?]

[ooc: The rings in question! 1, 2, 3, and 4]

Well. That is that then.


I'm going to Hawaii.

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 ♥

Uh huh. Uh huh. Well, that was interesting.

I also work up with Benz licking my toes. I'm conflicted how I feel about this only because I wish it had someone else doing that. I won't say who. It's not classy to say such things.

Does anyone else feel something doesn't feel quite right yet?

[Filter: Helen]

Helen, darling. Taking callers?

[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?

This again. I want to go back to the graveyards. At least that made sense If this were surprising, I'd be surprised...but it isn't. If you don't count being Sultan. That's surprising. That's the most surprising thing that's ever happened. No. Second most surprising. I think Helen is the most surprising. Well, this is awkward

At least...the being fucked around part isn't surprising. Now what?

[Filter: Nephthys]
Did you ever think this would-

[Hector]

I'd like my ring now~

[Hermione]

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

fucked with all over again
is anyone really surprised this time?

helen, pol, mene, morticia, look here

Because allowing foreign countries into your own to fight on your soil has always been such a good idea. I wonder who the genius behind this master plan was.

Well, you don't see something like that every day...

[Filtered AWAY from ALL high ranks and soldiers]

Oh.

My.

Word.

So... I went to go visit the chancellor of Camelot, because I'm totally a concerned citizen and I wanted to bring a 'get well basket' from my parents to him and give him my best wishes, and when I snuck got to his room you'll never guess what I saw!

There was a man curled up in a chair just watching the chancellor! The man was pale, had weird and stupid curly hair, and I could hear him speaking in a strange accent! I didn't catch what he was saying because I didn't go in the room; I didn't want to be rude; but from where I was standing it totally looked like he and the chancellor were being intimate.

...does this mean the chancellor is somehow in cahoots with one of the enemies? I think the accent was Ryugu-jo-ian, but I'm not sure. I ran before they could spot me.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

[Helen had heard rumors of a rival family wanting to put an end to Rosier's family, but she didn't really care much for them. She had more important things in mind, like... Hector, and that weird brother of his. Other things to take care of. Still, when the day was done and she sat down to write -anything not to think of that man - she wondered and thought to ask.]

[Filter: Rosier]

Tell me, do your fields burn yet?

Am I hearing right or did they finally find that runaway princess dead? I caught wind of this while wrapped around a slim, elegant Iriyian merchant, all cold toes and nose, but such a warm, wet mouth working. If so, thank whatever God there is. An end of that stupid mess.

In other news, my sister is dreadful at playing nice and I need a back rub. The two are not necessarily connected.

[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: Graveyard Lurkers]
How is everyone? There's a lot going on, so I don't want anyone to-

We should try to see each other soon. I just want to make sure no one's dead I could pay for a ticket if you can get the time, Echo.

[Filter: Horus]
What have you been up to? Did your talks go well? I mean...did Osiris or Aunt Isis say anything?

[Filter: Public]
Work's been...work. Nothing terrible. Just a lot of it. I would like to say I've been doing something outside of work, but I haven't. Not unusual. I guess I should fix that Helen, do you want to-

[ filter; helen ]
One year, Helen.

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

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

[Castor never noticed it, but when people came too close, he had a tendency to flinch. If people swung an arm too close to his face, he'd back up. And two people really knew why he did this, only one of which he actually, truly card for. The way he reacted was subtle, noticeable but not distracting. Over the years, he'd reacted less violently, flinched less and trusted more easily.

But only one person could ever understand just how difficult it was to trust.]

[filter; helen]
Eight years today.

[filtered away from babylonian officials]
Does anyone know what's actually going on in Babylon?

If anyone tells you mothering on your own is easy, don't listen to them. Don't. Never believe them. Call them a liar. Minnie's kind of threatening my sanity. Four-year olds are just...well. I have no real words for them. But she's taking after me and mixed together some flowery little scents. My darling baby. ♥

Speaking of which, Helen, come over on Thursday. I need to have you try this soap.

Today's been a pretty good day so far. Except for the part where one of the coffins tipped over and the dead body rolled down the hill Had a few mishaps, but nothing major like rolling bodies or anything. At least there weren't too many people to look after today. I count that as a good day.

Outside of that, I don't know if there's much to talk about. No wife or kids to ramble on about. Not that I'd really ramble on about them if I had them

[Filter: Horus]
We had our first roller of the year today. One of the men upset the coffin...and it opened and rolled down the hill. It might've been amusing if it weren't so unamusing. Not to worry, though. We got it fixed. Though, I'm not even sure why I'm telling you about this

Oh, and I may have told that story about the time we accidentally ran into each other with our mouths during that one game of hide and seek. I still don't understand how we managed that.

[Filter: Anubis]

Ready to make good on your promise~?

[Filter: Public]

Somebody stole my shoe. Why would you steal one shoe and not the pair? They weren't even my good pair, but still. They were mine. Darlings, this is very upsetting.

Where is the trust? Or have thieves taken over?

[Filter: Castor]

Help me find it~

[filter; helen]
If she hates me, I'm telling you I told you so. Hi.

[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.

[filter; gwynevere]

Apparently there is a shoe sale down at 5th Ave. Want to come with? I need a break from sitting in a hospital room like a muppet to watch over an idiot husband.

It's a little disheartening to realize how much I've missed normalcy.

[filter; family]
Are we all safely home, now?

[filter; galahad]
...how are you?

[filter; gwynevere]
I know this might seem strange, but I'm sorry.

[Helen didn't exactly go looking for him- at least, not that she would admit to it. Yet there she was, outside his hospital room, thinking to herself and yet not knowing if she could go in. She might have been the most beautiful woman in the world once, but she had many flaws back then and now. Forgiving, being a mother, hell- being a good, proper wife; none of those were skills she had. It didn't bother her on a day-to-day basis, but she worried now.

Worried about that feeling in her stomach, that emptiness - raw fear at knowing she really was alone. That the only man who ever loved her, for her would leave. Helen hated that weakness; she hated herself and she hated Menelaus for it too.

Yet still she waited.]

[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.

No more Rome. My brother and I are slightly disappointed. Emphasis on the slightly, as little can replace New York. Home sweet home and all that.

Mene, if you're not alive, we're hunting you down.

[Words couldn't begin to describe the emotions that swelled in Percival upon waking up in a strange bed in a strange room that wasn't the arena. He was alive. He was alive. Suddenly nothing seemed more important to him than feeling for his wounds, establishing just how alive he really was.

Alive and well. Stitched up, it seemed, but he could breathe, he could move.

And then the memories of the arena dawned on him. Fighting Galahad. Kissing and being kissed by Galahad. Being stabbed. Too much, way too much. He needed to speak with him. Now.]

[ txt to galahad ]
where are you?

[ filter; public ]
i don't even know what to say.

[From the moment Menelaus had died, it seemed like Helen had too. She stopped talking, stopped eating- getting out of bed was impossible unless her servants moved her from the bed to a chair and back again when the sheets were changed.

She had not stopped crying. Her husband had given her a disgusted look and left her alone. That was fine, Helen didn't need him. Men came and went. All men did, even if Menelaus had not. The point was that now he had. It was over.

Helen had never given up until now, she just didn't have the energy or drive to do anything. What was more- she hated it- that when he left her it was a totally different story.]

This is kind of like shopping, only better.

[Filter: Gladiators she owns]

Hi darlings. ♥

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.

...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; pasithea, helen, menelaus, and syrinx]
Until further notice, we'll be occupying our brother's flat. I would rather not say why, but you can still reach Pol and I on our phones.

[filter; morgause and gawain]
This is Nick, or Castor if you will -- Mordred's my half-brother in this life. My twin and I are going to be staying with him for a time. In case you feel like worrying he's not in good hands, he is.

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.

Aloha everyone! My name is Kallista Martin, I just settled into my new apartment this weekend ~ I'm originally from Oahu and relocated to your lovely city to open up a brand new office on Academy Street. I'm a sex therapist and matchmaker. We're accepting appointments and our hours are 9am to 6pm. Additionally, if anyone is looking for a job we could use a front desk receptionist! Must be 18 or older; please reply to this post if interested.

If you have any questions; about myself, the practice, or anything pertaining to relationships and all the issues that come with them ~ feel free to go ahead and ask! It's what I'm here for, after all.

And! I've actually got a question for you ~ what's your favorite romance/love song? This is mine.

I love the way a simple bouquet of flowers seems to brighten a room. Sometimes it's even more effective than a smile. I'm still not sure if anything is more powerful than laughter in filling a room with joy, but I'm sure flowers could give it a run for its money if they tried.

And now I probably sound a little off. I promise I'm not insane. Can I promise that? I'm really not insane. At least most days!

I'm Aubrey (or Brie, if you prefer), by the way. It's nice to meet you all. Well, it will be nice, I'm sure.

[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.

[filtered away from theseus and deiphobus]
Can't say I'm entirely unhappy with this arrangement.

[To begin with, Helen was not an outdoors sort of person. Never had been, never would be. She much preferred indoors activities, comfortable beds and fancy-food. However, right now all she had was this. A bunch of grass, some apples and her laptop. In which she was furiously typing a rant about the injustices of her situation.

Did no one realize she was a creature of comfort and pleasures? She scowled and hit a few more keys.

However, to her eternal mistake, she did not look behind her as the bushes began to part and make way for some(thing)one else.

Well, shit.]

[Pheme wasn't too weirded out to find herself in the maze armed with only a pocket knife and a compass. In fact, minus the lack of mosquitoes, it reminded her a lot of being a kid growing up in the bayou and going frog gigging with some scissors tied to a stick. She was making the most of it, practicing her survival skills and doing pretty damn well as far as she thought, when someone decided to change her fortunes.

She'd climbed up a tree in order to get some fruit, and was relaxing on a large limb when they first appeared. She had no idea who 'they' were, except they seemed pissed (maybe this was their tree?) and were coming right for her. Jumping out of her perch in the foliage, she began to run as fast as she could, but she could tell they were right behind her. Thinking quick, she half-turned, throwing her little knife as hard as she could before diving around a corner and looking for a place to hide.

A convenient hollow in a tree seemed like the perfect place, and she squeezed herself in there prepared to wait until whoever was chasing after her gave up. A few hours later, once she was sure the coast was clear, she pulled out her phone and shakily typed up a message.]

Anyone know where I can get a new pocket knife? I threw mine at these lady-things who thought it would be fun to chase me down, and now I don't got one. Hope I don't end up needing that...

Oh yeah, my compass says I'm west, who all is in this area, anyway?