mythopoeics

[When he had discovered the poem, Ittan-momen felt himself grow still and cold. What had they seen? What did they know? And were they serious at all? Or was this just a prank? Maybe it was just a silly trick. Unless it was someone from his past who he had forgotten and now was obsessed with him.

His life better not become an episode of Criminal Minds. Any which way, the other individual was deranged despite what the odd poem said and he wanted them caught. They couldn't know what he was, for their own good if they were serious.]

Someone is playing a game with me! And it could be a bad game, a very bad game for me. That or I'm legitimately being stalked, in which case I'm buying a gun if I can.

[Being married and an expecting mother hadn't actually changed Polyxena's perspective much, this might be because she was a psychiatrist, just getting her footing in the professional world. There was so much she wanted to do with her life, and marriage wasn't really on the table for her yet.

It didn't mean she kept thoughts away; not at all, she allowed herself to dream a little and think back fondly of her husband. Whose death had been a crushing blow back in Zurvan. Polyxena doesn't forget, she just mourns and puts the ashes away.]

[Filter: Fenrir]

Are you free?

Apparently, some of you think you're reincarnations of gods and goddesses.

I think you need someone to tell you that's the stupidest thing you could ever be proud of, and you belong in a mental institute, surrounded by padded walls. Straitjacket optional.

Hi. I'm Ryan. I'm a mechanic. Own my own shop and everything. It's nothing exciting.

[Filter: Angrboða]
Thought I'd try you first. You might remember me as Fenrir. Are you even here?

I just wanted to say hey. So...

Hey.

[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.

So those soldiers that girl was talking about... I don't like this Samyaza, if we die, I swear-

I need to find indoors activities for the children. Unless I can see them every second when I'm outside Coloring has apparently lost its appeal. I don't know if I trust them with paint, though. Knowing them, it'll end up all over them, the floor, the walls, and me. Fiammetta doesn't quite understand hide and seek. Perhaps blocks.

It has been a stupidly long day with work but work was more tolerable than my dog, who wouldn't stop barking at the trees. Maybe something was up there but why couldn't he understand barking wouldn't work? Then he peed on side of the house, ran off when I came out to scold him. I chased him but then he leapt over a small stone wall into the pond and ugh. UGH. I got so wet fetching him. It was really annoying.

I want a long hot bath again and someone to massage my headache away. But I won't have that.

Tomorrow will be better.

[ filter; selene ]
Will you come brush my hair? Please?

[ filter; theseus, polyxena, selene, eve, odr & lilith]
She'll come back Can you tell her to I don't want

I love you. I just wanted to say.

[ filter; troilus ]
Please come back in one piece

[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: 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?

I've been accused of working far too much and speaking far too little. This means I haven't been keeping contact as well as I should. Hopefully nothing incredibly damaging happened while I was busy?

And I could definitely use something to eat. When was the last time?

Nothing says 'today's not your day' like bad weather at sea.

[Filter: Family]

Girls, make some time for your family this weekend. I'd like to see both of you at leas for dinner. Your mother and I would appreciate it, especially if your mother has the time.

Wife of mine, I hope you can make it as well. If you can't be, don't worry. I'll stay up for you. ♥

Siblings, you're more than welcome to join us. Please.

[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: Private]

I'm done jabbing at the Czar today. I wonder, though, if Selene will visit him tonight.

[Filter: Family (all relations including in-laws)]

It's nice to be home, I suppose. We'll see how long it is before the Czar sends me off, though. At least I've never minded the travel. Part of me hopes I'll get to go to Babylon. I wonder if I can get citizenship there as well. I'd love a set of husbands to maintain.

Eve, is your engagement still on? Or have you reconsidered being someone's pet wife?

[She thought her brother's words were all well and good; she also thought that if he'd been in her position, he wouldn't have followed them either.]

[Filter: Troilus]

I know you can't read this, but know that it doesn't matter how long or what happens. I'll never forgive that man for what he did too you, and one day, if I can- I'll bring him down.

And you- you- how dare you ask such a thing? Haven't I been witness to your death at the hands of others enough? It is not required of me to forgive anyone, maybe Neoptolemus and Achilles used it all up. Who knows.

You know, I'm coming to realize it is not required of me to forgive you for leaving me.

[Filter: Polyxena]
Sister, how do you fare?

[After the battle, he hadn't lingered for long. He'd said a quiet prayer for the man and left. Old habits.

It was a long time after the fight, after getting his wounds treated and what celebration was going on that he picked up his journal. Troilus - that was his name - had asked him to tell the Trojans he was not upset. The possibility that this could end with dealing with other's emotions was high. However, a dying man's request wouldn't go ignored. He could give him that and once he had, it was over. It was done.]

[Filter: Trojans]
I am afraid I am not knowing any of you and this will probably not be something you are wishing to read. I am Erol.

Your...Troilus. He was wanting me to tell you he is not bearing me ill will. I would normally not be bothering, because words could...uh...make it worse and I am not having proof, but I am believing dying requests should be given. Even if it is making unpleasant responses.

I am...sorry for your loss. If you are being angry with me, it is okay. I understand.

[Filter: Leyla; language: Turkish]
See, cousin? Your confidence was well placed. I am mostly okay. A few cuts...but it's nothing.

[Filter: Gawain]

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

[Filter: Troilus]

Are you faring well, brother?

[ filter; mother ]

He's not dying. I promise you.

[ / ]

[ filter; polyxena ]

I could use some words. If you would. Please.

[ / ]

[ filter; brothers ]

I don't care about what these people think of me. I'll surrender. Better than the alternative.

[ / ]


Good luck, Asya. Good luck to all of the involved.

[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?

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.

Oh.


Um.





I've had dreams about something like this in Latin class, but I never...


I'm suddenly very uncomfortable. Why am I

I seem to have a different family here, but... Halcyon? Paul? Anyone really?

Is this really what I think it is?

[There is something freeing in this decision. Her own. No one could make her do anything. No one was trying to make her do anything. Enough time had not passed, things in her still ached, memories in her wouldn't leave. The ever present memory of drowning blood.

And yet, without the pressure to reciprocate, she found it so much easier to think. In an unusual gesture, she snapped a picture and printed several copies, posting them in the mail to those close to her: Elaine, Locrine, Gawain, Troilus, Hector, Cassandra, and yes, even Arthur.

There is nothing written on the back. It is simple beauty.]

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?

Do you ever have those days where you feel like you've forgotten something, but you know that you've remembered every little thing? Something is just off about today.

A part of me thinks I should have stayed in bed this morning.

Or at least at home.

I'm not sure.

Perhaps it's just my shoes. I ran out with one black and one brown today, and I didn't notice until lunch. Either other people haven't noticed, or they've been too polite to say something. I'm guessing it's a mix of both.

More importantly, I suppose I should be asking about where I'm writing now. Is this more like tumblr, youtube, or blogspot?

[ this wasn't the wife he remembered. That one he had taken in his king's name, given her choice and received a companion in return. That wife, he respected. This one was slowly but steadily keeping him away from home. He didn't want to pretend to be married, didn't want to play along with those people's illusions all over again. And more than anything, he wouldn't betray his present.

But he couldn't deny. To have his brothers nearby; younger, happier, carrying no hatred nor disgust, reminded him of happier times. Unlike his wife, he welcomed these illusions, spending time with both parents and siblings as if the world outside was Camelot.]

I feel tired.

When it comes to odd events, I prefer this one. Less violent.

[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.

[Men had always been a source of discomfort. Starting with her unfortunate demise at Neoptolemus' blade. Polyxena had not been afraid then, nor now, but the discomfort was always there. Any advances made unsettled her- her own brother's wooing had her freezing in her spot whenever he was a little too much. It had been better when she'd known nothing, Polyxena had been able to trust him implicitly then, instead she pulled back (a bridge that perhaps would never mend). Yet she found herself resenting his intentions to move on; it was not that she didn't want him to be happy- she did. However... she felt a weird gaping hole now. Inadequate and unable to live up to Troilus' expectations.

and yet

Polyxena didn't know, she didn't feel comfortable in her own skin, she felt wary of Arthur's invitation, of Troilus' intentions to move on.

It was simple and not, she wasn't ready.]

[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.

[Arthur had been quiet, and deliberately slow. When not caught up in the games of the mighty, he had escaped to England and spent a few weeks with his parents who were surprised but pleased to see him.

Arthur being Arthur, though, it wasn't in his nature to hide from problems for all that he yearned for peace and quiet. His sojourn in England hadn't solved any of his issues (and, oh, his issues wore such beautiful faces) and he returned to New York none the wiser.]

I'm back in Manhattan. I trust my absence wasn't any great inconvenience. Now, what and who have I missed?

[filter; polyxena]

Princess. I have been an utter boar and I'm sorry.

[filter; lancelot]

I think I am ready to talk now.

[Asmodeus was well enjoying himself in the maze. He loved his life, enjoyed his work, but this was a nice little vacation. Well-deserved, really. The puppy back in his apartment should have come along with him. He'd have liked this as well.

And then Cihuateteo ruined everything, appearing out of no where, forcing him to run and leap across streams. He'd even ended up on hands and knees, crawling under some ruins and then holding his breath until the danger had passed. It was well over an hour later when he opted to speak out about the matter.]

I think...someone tried to kill me. She was a very, very lovely woman but, still, she had twin daggers. I'm not really sure I want to know where she wanted to plant them. I'm slightly offended that she even wanted to. Wasn't Raphael being a little bitch bad enough for multiple lifetimes?

Ah well. I have peaches now. ...but I lost my compass. Last I recall, I was in the south. Frankly, I think I probably still am. I'll just use the sun and the stars. Somehow. How annoying.

[Filter: Gawain]

Please be safe.

[Filter: Gawain]

General.

[Filter: Freyja]

Sister.

[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.

Arthur shouldn't have been nervous. He was a king, after all. He was used to making nice with any number of royals and diplomats. He did know that this was different though. This was his future wife. He'd seen pictures of her and declared her beautiful but he was never sure how accurate oilpaint and canvas could be.

Arthur had met Queen Freyja in the past, though, and he knew that she was beautiful. The queen's twin brother was also feted as quite the looker. Still, Arthur probably should have known better. He should have known that Polyxena would be more beautiful than any woman he had ever met.

Polyxena never knew what to think of Arthur, she had declined seeing portraits of him. There was nothing in a painting which would tell her what she needed to know, it was best to see how he spoke, how he acted. His mannerisms in public- and when he had arrived and she had observed him privately from a window above, she had been pleasantly surprised.

There were no expectations of anything, but she still liked the unexpected blush that crept along her throat whenever she felt his eyes on her. Again, she tried not to expect too much (and she had promised Gawain to see him, there was no denying where her heart laid), but she was still very soothed by the goodness she saw in Arthur.

"My king." Polyxena extended her hand in greeting.

"Princess." Arthur inclines his head before he gently takes her hand and kisses her knuckles. When he raises his eyes to meet her gaze, he offers her a smile. He is not the sort to modulate his smiles depending on who he's talking to; this smile is purely Arthur and surely she can see that he's a little nervous but the smile is open and friendly.

"I am so glad to finally have this opportunity to make your acquaintance," he says, as though they have all the time in the world, and all the freedom to dally (they do not).

The treacherous blush rises along her neck, spreads across her cheeks as if she's but a mere girl (she is not). She inclines her head, "Likewise." And they are to be wed, and they are expected to be happy- could they be happy? Maybe. There is something dashing and confident about him- a little warm but not too openly. Private enough to be just between them, but true all the same.

"Please, let me show you around, I hope we shall get to know each other well before the wedding." For both of their sakes- and if not happiness, at least peace of mind.

Well.

Well.


It'll be interesting.

If anyone needs me I'll be at my office, avoiding anything holiday related to the best of my ability.

All this talk of Christmas. I've decided not to return to England for it (much to my mother's dismay). Who else of my acquaintance is staying in New York for the day itself?

(Lancelot, I would offer your pub as a prime location for festivity if it was not overstepping some bound or other.)


[ooc: no, your eyes don't deceive you. arthur has been returned to his pb of yore (hugh dancy)]