Who: Lyra and Thanatos (side surprise entrances by: Hades, The Keres, Hecate, and maybe Kratos) What: Greeks rule the world, and Thanatos is required to introduce his mortal to his boss Where: Hades' domain When: Modern Times-ish Warnings: Language, TBD
Thanatos had watched the war with impassive eyes. He's seen his sisters gorge on the spirits, seen the Gods reclaim their power. He'd seen the fates of those unwilling to comply. And it was only then he'd stepped forward and had taken Lyra out of the crowd, claimed her as his own. She was his friend, and even now when she was forced to know he would keep her safe. She'd been terrified, and he regretted it, but it was better then the alternative. He'd been quiet when he'd taken her to the home he planned on giving her, requesting only she wear his symbol to tell the world who she belonged to.
But he didn't touch her. Trust was a thing easily broken, but he tried to re-forge the friendship he'd had with her, promising he didn't require anything more. The world however, thought differently. Even with him in several different places he kept up the appearances necessary to keep her out of the claws of other gods. Gods he knew would be less kind. Unfortunately, now it meant Hades wanted to meet the girl. Thanatos had no choice but to obey. With a sigh he walked into the house, looking for Lyra. When he found her he paused in the doorway. "Hello Lyra."
In another part of the palace, Hades was trying to ignore Hecate's chatter. For a goddess with a neutral territory she came to his often enough. Probably because her ghosts weren't much company. Sighing he watched her, leaning his chin on his hand, "don't pretend. You want to know who's caught Thanatos' attention as much as I do. He's not shown interest in anyone save this one girl." Hecate grinned, cheekily Hades would add and he had no idea why he let her do it, and shrugged, "of course I do." She said and Hades just shook his head, "then be more quiet."
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-03 02:16 pm (local) (link) Track This The Greek Gods were real. Not only real, but all-powerful and taking over the country without fear of retaliation from anything or anyone. It wasn't the world that anyone had ever known but now it was theirs.
And Thane was Thanatos.
That was also just a little bit shocking. Even more shocking was that he was making a public sort of 'claim' that she belonged to him, which was creepy as hell, especially when it came right after him telling her he was Death itself. But what choice did she have? Humans were played with by the Gods now however they liked, and people she knew had already come to violent ends, be it through godly maliciousness, desire, or uncaring. It was, Lyra understood, better to be 'owned' by her friend.
If they were even still really 'friends'. It was hard to know where she stood in this world.
But today Thanatos came to her and she looked up from her book and frowned. "Hi."
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-03 02:24 pm (local) (link) Track This He left her be, leaving her with a house of servants to do as she wished and tried to make this all easier on her by leaving books on who to avoid and who to praise. By telling her it was okay to say what she liked in private, but never public, and to never take the names of the Gods lightly. A little thing could summon their wrath.
He tried giving her what freedom he could. He didn't like it much either.
He cleared his throat, having taken care to look as normal as possible. He didn't want to frighten her. "Over time, I have let people think that I...well that you were mine in more then one way." He looked down at that, "I never corrected them. Sometimes it is safer. You are beautiful. I would not see you harmed. Regardless, people believed me. Now Lord Hades wants to meet you." He glanced up at her, "I'd not make you do this, but he did not request your company."
He winced, "he is fair, though, and you have nothing to worry about. But if he thinks we are...together others will as well."
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-03 03:06 pm (local) (link) Track This Lyra didn't like the thought of meeting Hades. In fact, everything that Thanatos said terrified her. All of it was so completely out of her league. "So... I don't have a choice in meeting your Lord Hades, do I?" Of course not. She was just some mortal girl now. "But he thinks I'm your... girlfriend... or concubine or something like that? And that will keep me safe from-" Well, she'd been reading a lot about the Greek Gods and learning even more than she'd known as a child in Greece. They really did enjoy raping and kidnapping human women.
Lyra sighed. "What things do I need to know before I meet him?"
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-03 03:36 pm (local) (link) Track This He kept his eyes on the ground. He certainly deserved her anger. He shook his head to her question, "no. I tried putting this off for as long as I could. He's stopped taking my excuses." He sighed and set his hands in his pockets, "concubine, yes." He nodded to the unspoken question . "Not from him. Hades is one of the few Gods loyal to his Lady wife. But there are others there who will listen and watch and carry the news to others. My position gives me certain rights. I am able to threaten some Gods into backing down."
He shrugged, "bow as you meet him. Greet him by My Lord or Sir." He reached into his pocket and offered her a necklace wit ha black onyx stone on it, "wear this and pretend I make you happy. Then, afterward I will bring you back to your home and you won't see me for a while."
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-03 09:28 pm (local) (link) Track This Lyra took the necklace carefully and looked at it. Then she sighed, closing her hand around it. "So this is my life now? Living in this house, the only friend I have left avoiding me?" She didn't even know what had become of everyone else she'd known. She only had Thane... Thanatos... whoever he was.
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 12:44 am (local) (link) Track This He sighed, "I did not think you would want my company Lyra." He moved into the room, settling on the couch. "In effect, I own you. I do not like this. I'd rather I did not. The alternative is too painful however. You are the child of parents who worshiped. Combined with your beauty," with a sigh he trailed off. "I'd much rather you stay here, even hate me, then become involved with one of them. I do not take joy in ending lives, but such a death would not be for me. You would meet my sisters again and I'd rather you did not."
He glanced to her, "I also have no idea what is required of me. I am not human. I never was. I am very good at pretending, but I am always on the outside. Tell me what you require nd if I can, I get it for you."
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 02:07 am (local) (link) Track This I own you. That was something nobody ever wanted to hear and Lyra was certainly no exception. She didn't want to be owned. But by the sound of it, it was either be owned by Thanatos or be owned or taken by someone else.
She sighed. "I don't hate you. I hate all of this," Lyra said, squeezing the pendent tightly in her hand. "I hate what your Gods have done to this country." She couldn't think of him like that. "I'd finally got my life on track. I'd finished my studies, I had an amazing friend-" she looked pointedly at Thanatos "-I was going to have a career and now it's all..." she shrugged.
Then she said, "but thank you. Since you've saved me from... whatever other fate I could have had." She didn't buy into the 'beautiful' part he kept saying - pretty she mostly knew was true, but beautiful felt far out of her league - but she'd already seen how the Gods took whatever they felt like.
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 02:20 am (local) (link) Track This He lowered his eyes and rose, "I keep telling you I don't like this either. Believe me or not, it matters little. I didn't want to lose your friendship. I consider you a friend, so I tried to do right by you." He sighed, "I do not like what they did but I cannot change it. I am bound by ancient laws Lyra. I can threaten, but it would cost me a great deal."
He watched her, "not a good one. Zeus had his eyes on you. You would have become another pawn to Hera." He ran his fingers through his hair, "please. Get ready. We are to arrive soon." With a subtle shift of power he allowed himself to look different, more the black robes and the sword now visible on his back.
"Please believe me when I say I did not want this for you. I am trying to make sure you get your career, and while I understand living under the grace of another is never something anyone wants I cannot change what has already happened."
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 02:34 am (local) (link) Track This Zeus? Lyra felt her heart tighten. Of all the Gods to been noticed by he was the last one she wanted.
Lyra stood up heavily but before she could ask her question he'd changed his appearance, the very image of Death himself. She didn't like seeing him like that because it scared her and she dropped her eyes quickly.
"What should I wear to meet him?" she asked, eyes on the carpet. "How do I act around you when we get there? Am I supposed to be subservient to you, or call you Master? Or... am I supposed to act like a girlfriend?" She looked up at him, her eyes pleading for explanation.
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 02:46 am (local) (link) Track This He knew it frightened her, but he had to keep appearances. "I'm sorry." He would have reached out, but didn't. He gave her the space she needed, "something dark. Black is preferable. And the pendant."
"My lover, and obedient. I will not task you with orders or anything like that but you must give off the appearance you would follow orders. You do not need to touch me. Words will be enough. Answer what questions he asks." he smiled at her, "I will make this as brief as possible, I promise. And considering...he isn't the worst of them. He is used to fear and hatred from man, and doesn't offend as easily as his kin."
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 03:03 am (local) (link) Track This "Okay," Lyra said, taking everything in. "I'll... go get dressed." She exited the room and quickly found a dress - not black, because she didn't have anything, but it was dark blue and would have to do - and slipped into it, coming back out as she clipped her curls behind her head to make them a bit neater.
"I can't get the clasp," she said, sounding a little panicked about it and with the offending chain in her hand. It wasn't the necklace that was freaking her out though. It was everything. "My hands are shaking."
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 08:26 am (local) (link) Track This "It's alright." He wished he could do more then that. Words felt empty. Gently he took the necklace to set it on her, setting his hands on her shoulders to try and let some of his calm seep into her. "I will not allow harm to befall you. I am very sorry it has to be like this." sighing he went to hug her, not knowing if it would make things worse or better.
"I wish I could do more."
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 12:28 pm (local) (link) Track This Lyra softened into the embraced, glad for the human(ish) comfort. She just didn't want to be alone. "I'm scared," she whispered. Had she not already been so close to him he wouldn't have even heard it. She understood though that Thanatos was doing a lot to protect her and not asking anything in return. He wouldn't do that if he didn't care about her.
So she drew back and gave him a shaky smile and a nod. "Okay. I'm ready."
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 12:46 pm (local) (link) Track This He held her for as long as she wanted to be held, doing what he could to provide some comfort. When she drew back he brushed his fingers under her eyes. "I know. But you are safe with me, I promise." He gave her a small smile and drew back. "You look very nice, if it matters."
He offered his hands, "I will transport us. Best if you close your eyes. It's not a method of travel most are comfortable with, not the first time."
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 12:55 pm (local) (link) Track This "Well then," Lyra joked gently, "at least I'm pretty."
Her expression fell at his next words though and she grabbed hold of his hands tightly, trying not to freak out. She didn't want to be teleported around by Gods, she just wanted to go embalm some old folks! She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to stop her damn shaking.
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 06:46 pm (local) (link) Track This There was no physical sensation, but he didn't need her to see the full truth of him. She would only become more frightened by his actual appearance. When they were in Hades' palace he reverted back to the black robed form she would be more comfortable with. "We are here." He glanced around and held her close, "what do I do? I do not want you frightened?"
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 06:50 pm (local) (link) Track This Lyra wasn't sure she was ready to open her eyes yet, so she kept them closed as she took a few long breaths. She was worried it was going to be all brimstone and demon imps. "Just don't leave me alone with him," she whispered, glad he wasn't getting her go. "Please."
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 07:06 pm (local) (link) Track This "I would never," as it was, her being close was good. The servants would see and whisper the news. He set his hand on her shoulders, lowering his other hand to keep her hand in his. "I will not let go, I promise you this. I wish I did not have to ask you all this Lyra. Please believe that."
Sighing he kissed the top of her head. "It is time."
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 07:09 pm (local) (link) Track This Lyra swallowed the hard lump in her throat and stayed close to Thanatos as she prepared to meet Hades, the Lord of the Underworld. The hand that wasn't on his touched the pendent at her throat, making sure it was still there. She nodded to Thanatos to tell him that she was ready as well.
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 07:19 pm (local) (link) Track This He sighed and stepped back, nodding to a nearby servant. Hades' home was not fire and brimstone. It was all dark colors and rich velvets. The Underworld was a bit different, but they would not need to go there. He kept her hand in his as he walked to the throne room.
There, he bowed, gently tugging on Lyra's hand to do the same. "Lord Hades." Then he frowned, only slightly, "Lady Hecate I did not know we would be meeting you as well." Hecate shrugged to that, "I'm curious. Can't blame me." With a motion from Hades, Thanatos rose.
Hades studied the girl for a while, used to the fear of the mortals. "Welcome Lyra," he said. "I've heard much about you."
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 07:25 pm (local) (link) Track This Lyra bowed low and respectfully, although she still had a death grip on Thanatos' hand as she did so. "Lord Hades," she said as well and then bowed to the woman as well (Hecate? The goddess of witches?) but said nothing.
Lyra swallowed, not quite sure if she was allowed to meet Hades' eyes. Probably not. Probably best to keep her gaze down. "Thank you, Lord Hades," she said to him, sure that they all must be able to hear her heart thundering. "It's... an honour to... be invited into your home."
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[info]unseenone 2011-05-04 07:38 pm (local) (link) Track This Hades watched the girl, giving a wry smile to the praise. "Don't be silly girl. I'm grateful for the praise, but few like coming to my home. They don't think they can leave." Curiously he studied the girl who seemed to have taken Thanatos so deeply. Not that he had room to speak.
He watched as Hecate circled the two, "you're going to give the girl a fright Hecate. Give them room." When the other goddess backed off, although with a pout, Hades rose, motioning for the girl to rise. "Settling in well enough Lyra?"
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 07:44 pm (local) (link) Track This "Yes, sir," Lyra told him politely. It was really no use pretending she wasn't completely intimidated by Hades and Hecate. She was just glad Thanatos had promised not to leave her. (She kept reminding herself that he was Thane. He was Thane and she'd known him for ages and he'd never let anyone hurt her... unless Hades suddenly demanded it maybe. No, best not to even start thinking those sorts of thoughts.)
Maybe she should say something else? She couldn't think of what though, and she found herself glancing to Thanatos at her side in question.
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[info]unseenone 2011-05-04 07:58 pm (local) (link) Track This Thanatos just smiled at her, his fingers brushing along her hand to let her know she was doing alright. Hades noticed the exchange and smiled. "I'm glad to see my old friend happy."
He stepped closer, watching the girl for a moment before stepping back. "Tell me, is it true what Thanatos tells me. That you went to school to be an embalmer?"
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 08:01 pm (local) (link) Track This "I did," Lyra nodded, slowly raising her eyes to Hades and ready to look down again if that was what he wanted. But if he was asking questions then she should look at him? Lyra was so out of her depth with Gods. "I finished a last year ago and had just taken a position in a funeral home when-" she stopped, because saying 'when you people took over and ruined everything about this country' wasn't the thing to say. "-things changed."
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[info]unseenone 2011-05-04 08:12 pm (local) (link) Track This He smiled at her, not seeming to mind when she looked at him. Hades had never cared much for pomp. He was dressed casually, for a God, and seemed to make an effort to not be too threatening.
He didn't need his subject to be in terror of him. If they liked him it was better to rule hem. Her words made him smirk, "no reason that has to change. People will always need funeral directors. As long as you're willing to learn the rites." He shrugged, almost gently. "The quicker things go back to normal, the best right?"
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 08:16 pm (local) (link) Track This Lyra didn't think her version of normal and his would quite match up, but she wasn't going to say that to him. "I'd like that," she told him. "Thanatos has only told me a little about all this will work now. I think he's trying not to overwhelm me," she added, looking at him with a fond smile that she only had to half-force. Better to say that Thanatos was being over-protective than admitting she barely saw him and lived in that house without him there. "I'd like to work, as long as it doesn't mean being sent away from him."
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[info]unseenone 2011-05-04 08:25 pm (local) (link) Track This He smiled, "no I don't think that will happen. I don't think my old friend would allow it to happen." Thanatos just shrugged and smiled. Hades gave the two a look before walking back to his throne and sitting down. "I'm sure we can arrange something."
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 08:28 pm (local) (link) Track This Lyra used the few moments that his back was turned on her to slump a little and let out the heavy breath that had been caught in her throat. By the time Hades sat Lyra was once again pretending she wasn't terrified. "Thank you, Lord Hades," she nodded.
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 08:37 pm (local) (link) Track This Thanatos smiled at Lyra, squeezing her hand. He glanced to the smiling Hecate before bowing his head. "If there is nothing else My Liege, we shall take our leave." He smiled to Lyra again, to re-affirm he would make this as short as possible. "We are grateful for your offer, as always."
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 08:41 pm (local) (link) Track This This had been even shorter than Lyra expected that it would be and for that she was grateful. She bowed her head again to both of them and hoped that they wouldn't ask her anything else. She half expected some trick questions about Thanatos that would prove she wasn't really his lover as she was supposed to be.
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 09:35 pm (local) (link) Track This He knew Hades probably didn't care too much what he got up to. As long as Thanatos continued his duties, he knew Hades would keep out of his personal affairs. Smiling he set his arm around Lyra's waist, praying she wouldn't tense at the touch.
When Hades waved them away he bowed again and stepepd back, gently guiding Lyra along.
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 09:39 pm (local) (link) Track This The touch was welcome, because she understood that as long as Thanatos was touching her no one else would. She let him lead her out and once the doors were closed behind them Lyra buried her face in her hands. "Oh thank god," she whispered and then looked up at him. "Um. You know what I mean. Not 'thank god' just-" She shook her head.
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 09:44 pm (local) (link) Track This He chuckled and set his hands on her shoulders. "I know what you mean. You have no need to fear around me. I told you it would be quick." He paused, "I didn't know Hecate would be here. She is a neutral in all of this. I suppose she was curious."
He released her, "you did fine. Let's take you home alright?"
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 09:49 pm (local) (link) Track This Lyra nodded quickly. She wanted to go home and make Thanatos never ever leave her again.
The voice came from behind her, high-pitched and sing-song. "This one this one not ours brother dear a present?"
Lyra turned in surprise at the three women walking towards her, the slightest of them - the one who'd spoken - reaching out sharp nails towards her.
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 10:05 pm (local) (link) Track This The voice made him straighten and with quick movements he pulled Lyra to his chest, glad she wasn't looking at him right now as he'd slipped into more of himself. Lyra didn't need to see his wings. His hands curled around her shoulder and he glared at his sisters. "No. back off Nosoi. She's mine."
He watched all his sisters, "besides, you cannot claim one who has not reached her end." He would apologize for the possessiveness later.
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 10:10 pm (local) (link) Track This Jesus Fucking Christ, one of them had her lips all sewn up. That was the thought that she couldn't stop thinking, even while three rather skeletal disturbing gods were looking at her like she might be lunch and Thanatos was grabbing her tightly. One of them had her lips sewn up.
It wasn't that one that approached her though, but the blonde haired one, and Lyra found she was leaning back a little further (almost not possible with Thanatos right behind her). The blonde looked at Lyra and then past her to Thanatos. "Aren't you gonna introduce us to your girlfriend, Thanatos?"
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[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 10:32 pm (local) (link) Track This He didn't like this, wished he had some way to tell Lyra this. He wished he could tell her he was sorry. Right now his mind was set on protecting her. He loosened his grip enough so he wasn't hurting Lyra, but the message was still clear.
He sighed, looking to Kakoi. "Lyra these are my sisters." He motioned to Kakoi, "Kakoi," then to Lugra, "Lugra", then to Nosoi, "And Nosoi. Also known as the Keres. Sisters this is Lyra." He gave them a tight smile, "She belongs to me. Now, I'm sure Lord Hades expects you."
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[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 10:43 pm (local) (link) Track This "Pretty hair," Nosoi crooned, reaching out to touch the curls. Lyra's desire was to yank her head away but instead she remained completely still, figuring that was smarter.
"Lyra," Kakoi said, looking at her carefully. "I remember you, girl. You and your parents."
Lugra just watched her sisters, keeping her distance from this girl. She was known among the three as the most violent and vicious, but she had little time for games with someone that clearly didn't belong to them.
[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 10:55 pm (local) (link) Track This He gave Nosoi a look, "I know. I don't like you fussing with it Nosoi." Gently he smiled to his sister, keeping his hands on Lyra.
He gave a tilt of his head as Kakoi mentioned Lyra's parents. "She was younger." He glanced to Lugra, hoping his silent sister would make the others move along fairly soon. Lyra didn't need this. "If you'll excuse us sisters. We do need to be going." He leaned down and set a kiss under Lyra's ear, whispering he was sorry to her.
[info]gardhouse 2011-05-04 11:01 pm (local) (link) Track This Kakoi looked between the two of them and then smiled easily. "Have fun kids." She made an air kiss to the mortal girl and then clicked her fingers to tell her sisters to follow. Nosoi ran off ahead of Kakoi, already chatting about something else. Lugra was the last to move, nodding to Thanatos before following her sisters.
Lyra just watched all three go and finally said, shakily, "we can go now, yes?"
[info]a_gentle_death 2011-05-04 11:06 pm (local) (link) Track This He watched them go and let out a breath, "yes. Sorry. I did not think they would be here." He sighed, "close your eyes." He waited until she had before taking them back to her home, where he released her and went back to looking as mortal as possible.
"I am sorry for that. I truly am." He sighed, "you should not need to see my family." Except maybe Hypnos. He could trust his twin. Hypnos would understand. "Can I get you anything?"