*if ((hades_touch = "averse") and (hades_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hades_touch2 "averse"
*if ((hades_touch = "unknown") and (hades_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hades_touch2 "ask"
*if ((hades_touch = "ask") and (hades_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hades_touch2 "ask"
*if ((hades_touch = "fine") and (hades_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hades_touch2 "permission"
*if ((hades_touch = "permission") and (hades_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hades_touch2 "permission"
*if ((hermes_touch = "averse") and (hermes_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hermes_touch2 "averse"
*if ((hermes_touch = "unknown") and (hermes_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hermes_touch2 "ask"
*if ((hermes_touch = "ask") and (hermes_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hermes_touch2 "ask"
*if ((hermes_touch = "fine") and (hermes_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hermes_touch2 "permission"
*if ((hermes_touch = "permission") and (hermes_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hermes_touch2 "permission"
*if ((charon_touch = "averse") and (charon_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set charon_touch2 "averse"
*if ((charon_touch = "unknown") and (charon_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set charon_touch2 "ask"
*if ((charon_touch = "ask") and (charon_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set charon_touch2 "ask"
*if ((charon_touch = "fine") and (charon_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set charon_touch2 "permission"
*if ((charon_touch = "permission") and (charon_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set charon_touch2 "permission"
*if ((pyri_touch = "averse") and (pyri_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set pyri_touch2 "averse"
*if ((pyri_touch = "unknown") and (pyri_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set pyri_touch2 "ask"
*if ((pyri_touch = "ask") and (pyri_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set pyri_touch2 "ask"
*if ((pyri_touch = "fine") and (pyri_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set pyri_touch2 "permission"
*if ((pyri_touch = "permission") and (pyri_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set pyri_touch2 "permission"
*if ((alekto_touch = "averse") and (alekto_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set alekto_touch2 "averse"
*if ((alekto_touch = "unknown") and (alekto_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set alekto_touch2 "ask"
*if ((alekto_touch = "ask") and (alekto_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set alekto_touch2 "ask"
*if ((alekto_touch = "fine") and (alekto_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set alekto_touch2 "permission"
*if ((alekto_touch = "permission") and (alekto_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set alekto_touch2 "permission"
*if ((hekate_touch = "averse") and (hekate_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hekate_touch2 "averse"
*if ((hekate_touch = "unknown") and (hekate_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hekate_touch2 "ask"
*if ((hekate_touch = "ask") and (hekate_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hekate_touch2 "ask"
*if ((hekate_touch = "fine") and (hekate_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hekate_touch2 "permission"
*if ((hekate_touch = "permission") and (hekate_touch2 = "unknown"))
	*set hekate_touch2 "permission"


Several days after the judgment of Pirithous and Theseus, you find yourself in your room, studying the walls appraisingly. The guest chamber you'd previously been staying in has since become your permanent quarters, though it has been moved from the old corridor and into the wing of the Keep where its permanent residents reside. 

You've been making a few changes to the look of it to reflect this new permanence. 

*fake_choice
	#I'm happy with what I had, really, but I'm adding a few new things I've acquired.
		You're happy with how you'd decorated your room at first opportunity, but knowing it will always be yours allows you to add to it further.
		
		*if (room = "plain")
			You never did paint it or change much of the furniture, but over time, your own finds have added up to make it [i]yours[/i] in a way a simple color selection wouldn't. Now it has things you've made, things you've been given, and things you've simply acquired, like new blankets and new shutters for the window. 
		*if (room = "plants")
			Of course, the most important part is still your collection of houseplants, and those are doing remarkably well, now that you have more experience growing and tending things in the Underworld. You've even added one or two, but the room also has things you've made, things you've been given, and things you've simply acquired, like new blankets and new shutters for the window. 
		*if (room = "simple")
			You never did get particularly complicated about the decor, but over time, your new finds have added up to make it [i]yours[/i] in a way a simple color selection wouldn't. Now it has things you've made, things you've been given, and things you've simply acquired, like new blankets and new shutters for the window. 
		*if (room = "cozy")
			It of course maintains its sumptuous coziness, but over time, your newer finds have added up to make it [i]yours[/i] in a way it hadn't been at first. Now it has things you've made, things you've been given, and things you've simply acquired, like new blankets and new shutters for the window. 
		*if (room = "art")
			The art-oriented feel of it remains the same, but over time, your newer finds have added up to make it [i]yours[/i] in a way it hadn't been at first. Now it has things you've made, things you've been given, and things you've simply acquired, like new blankets and new shutters for the window. 
		
		You're quite pleased with the way it's all come together, actually. 
	#Quite a lot of them, actually; I'm changing the entire look and feel of it.
		*set roomchanged true
		Quite a lot of them, actually; you're changing the entire look and feel of it. 
		
		You started with the color palette, which is
		
		*fake_choice
			#Bright
				*set roomcolor "bright"
				You opted for bright, vivid colors, ones that stand out even in the generally dim light of the Underworld. Not that your room is especially dark, of course, candles and magical lights both have their place, and you took that into account, choosing several of your favorite saturated hues and arranging them between walls, rugs, and furniture to keep things balanced in a way you enjoy.
			#Soft
				*set roomcolor "soft"
				You opted for soft, pastel colors, ones that relax you and aren't too harsh on the eyes. The Underworld may be pretty dim on average, but your room isn't especially dark, between the candles and the magical lights. So you chose several of your favorite desaturated hues and arranged them between walls, rugs, and furniture to keep things balanced in a way you enjoy.
			#Dark
				*set roomcolor "dark"
				You opted for dark, relaxing colors, ones that suit your taste and aren't too harsh on the eyes. The Underworld might be pretty dim on average, but it isn't as though your room is lit any less than you'd like, between the candles and the magical lights. So you just chose the colors you liked best for the purpose, arranging them between walls, rugs, and furniture to keep things balanced in a way you enjoy.
			#Mostly neutral
				*set roomcolor "plain"
				You opted for mostly neutral, simple colors, ones that suit your taste and aren't harsh on the eyes or likely to detract from the other features of your space. Your room isn't especially dark, between the candles and the magic lights, so you chose a mix of lighter and darker neutrals, arranging them between the walls, rugs, and furniture to keep things balanced in a way you enjoy.
		*line_break
		*line_break
		Once you'd picked out the colors, you opted to change the style, too, giving it a distinct feel.
		
		*fake_choice
			#The most prominent feature is plants. I brought some from Olympus, and have acquired some here, mostly via the mortal realm, and so I've got quite the collection.
				*set room "plants"
				The most prominent feature is plants. You brought some from Olympus, and have acquired some here, mostly via the mortal realm, and so you've got quite the collection already. 
				
				They occupy various pots and wooden boxes and vessels of all sorts, sitting on the floor, your windowsill, and several shelves and end tables and the like as well. Perhaps the most prominent color in the whole place is [i]green[/i], but you like that, and how fresh and alive all of them smell. 
			#I really enjoy art, and so I've made sure to arrange a lot of different pieces around my rooms. They're all a little different, and the collection is eclectic, but they manage to exist in harmony regardless. 
				*set room "art"
				You really enjoy art, and so you've made sure to arrange a lot of different pieces around your rooms. They're all a little different, and the collection is eclectic, but they manage to exist in harmony regardless. 
				
				A few of them, you've made yourself, others have been given to you, and still others you've simply bought, whether from Underworld artisans or because they were previous acquisitions from Olympus. You've got everything from vases to glassware to paintings to even a woven tapestry of sorts, and it all suits your taste very well, meaning that the combination feels just right.
			#It's nothing too complicated. I want it to feel simple and pretty minimal. Less visual clutter, less to actually clean when I need to, also. That's most relaxing for me.
				*set room "simple"
				It's nothing too complicated. You want it to feel simple and pretty minimal. Less visual clutter, less to actually clean when you need to, also. That's most relaxing for you, and you think you've managed it quite well, here.
				
				You do have a few sentimental possessions, of course, some you've brought over from Olympus and some you've acquired since, but you don't need to have an [i]empty[/i] room to feel comfortable. Just one that isn't untidy or overfull of what you don't really need. You think you've accomplished this, and the clean lines and feeling of spaciousness seem just right. 
			#More than anything, I want it to feel cozy and comfortable, so I've paid the most attention to that, rather than things all matching or fitting some theme.
				*set room "cozy"
				More than anything, you want it to feel cozy and comfortable, so you've paid the most attention to that, rather than things all matching or fitting some theme. You have to live in these rooms, after all; it might as well be easy to do so. 
				
				Of course, you do have [i]some[/i] eye towards making it look nice, as well, because that in itself can help you relax, but really it's mostly just filled with sentimental items, warm blankets, and the occasional artwork you like; things like that. It's no untidy, but it's not rigorously at particular angles or anything either. It's just… lived in, and for you, that's just right.
*page_break
You've just reached what you think is a good stopping point for the day and sat down on one of your low couches with a sigh when there's a knock at your door. 

"${name}, it's Daeira. There's been… something of a disturbance, and the others would like to see you." 

That's extremely vague, which isn't typical of Daeira, but probably a sign that whatever it is is something everyone would rather discuss in person.

*fake_choice
	#"Sure thing, Daeira. I'll be there in just a moment." Whatever this is, I'm sure it'll be fine.
		*set warm +1
		*set confident +1
		"Sure thing, Daeira. I'll be there in just a moment." Whatever this is, you're sure it'll be fine. Things always tend to work out around here, after all, even if it takes time and effort to make it happen.
		
		You don't have to do much to ready yourself; just freshen up a little from your work and then head out into the hallway, where your former attendant waits. Maybe they are still sort of your attendant sometimes, but it's more of a favor to you now than anything. It'll be a while before you're as accustomed to the Underworld as everyone else. 
	#"Um... all right. Just give me a moment and I'll be right with you." It's a little worrying, but hopefully I can help.
		*set warm +1
		*set unsure +1
		"Um... all right. Just give me a moment and I'll be right with you." It's a little worrying, but hopefully you can help. Things tend to… mostly work out okay, around here, but that doesn't mean they're never dangerous or labor-intensive. Quite the opposite, actually. Hopefully this is an issue with an easy solution, or the kind that turns out not to be an issue at all. 
		
		You don't have to do much to ready yourself; just freshen up a little from your work and then head out into the hallway, where your former attendant waits. Maybe they are still sort of your attendant sometimes, but it's more of a favor to you now than anything. It'll be a while before you're as accustomed to the Underworld as everyone else. 
	#"Fine. I'll be a moment." I'm sure it'll be fine, if not trivial. 
		*set confident +1
		*set cold +1
		"Fine. I'll be a moment." You're sure it'll be fine, if not trivial. Granted, there are sometimes genuine problems or crises around here, but a lot of the time it seems to you as though entirely too much effort is wasted for things that don't matter so much, also. In a way, you sort of hope this turns out to be such a case of mountains from molehills, given the alternative is a genuine mountain, so to speak. 
		
		You don't have to do much to ready yourself; just freshen up a little from your work and then head out into the hallway, where your former attendant waits. Maybe they are still sort of your attendant sometimes, but it's more of a favor to you now than anything. It'll be a while before you're as accustomed to the Underworld as everyone else. 
	#"I... will be there presently." Hopefully I'm not actually needed for this; I seldom am, and that suits me fine.
		*set unsure +1
		*set cold +1
		"I... will be there presently." Hopefully you're not actually needed for this; you seldom am, and that suits you fine. You aren't [i]put off[/i] by the tendency to consult you a little too often, exactly. You know it indicates that the others respect you. But you do always worry that being summoned means something [i]genuinely[/i] dangerous is about to happen, so it does induce a certain… anxiety. 
		
		You don't have to do much to ready yourself; just freshen up a little from your work and then head out into the hallway, where your former attendant waits. Maybe they are still sort of your attendant sometimes, but it's more of a favor to you now than anything. It'll be a while before you're as accustomed to the Underworld as everyone else.
*page_break
Daeira gives you a small nod and a faint smile before striking off. The walk to the common room is much shorter since your change of location, and it's only about two minutes before you're stepping over the threshold. 

For some reason, it's only Hades, Hekate, and Pyri inside; you'd sort of imagined it would be everyone, as it usually is. But perhaps the reason for this will become clear soon enough. 

Daeira leans back against the doorframe, crossing their arms over their chest, and everyone's attention naturally moves to Hades, who clears his throat softly. 

"I apologize for the abruptness of all this," he says softly, "but I would like to know if you have ever heard of a man named 'Iasion.'"

It does, of course, immediately ring a bell, and your heart kicks in your chest despite yourself. You've never heard anyone say it so plainly, so straightforwardly. At your mother's estate, it was spoken in hushed whispers, or left only implied, as if a frank conversation about the man to whom it belonged might call down the wrath of the house's mistress. 

For all you know, it might have. It is, after all, the name of your mortal father.

*fake_choice
	#"Well, that's my father's name. Why do you ask?"
		*set forthright +1
		"Well, that's my father's name. Why do you ask?" You can't help but be keenly interested in what brought this up, and you see no reason to withhold the answer from them. 
		
		Hekate blinks in obvious surprise, and Pyri sucks an audible breath through their teeth. Those are interesting reactions, and just as interesting is the fact that Hades's face doesn't even twitch. 
	#"I have. But why are you asking me that?"
		*set reserved +1
		"I have. But why are you asking me that?" You can't help but be keenly interested in what brought this up, but you're not inclined to explain [i]how[/i] you know the name until you understand what this is really all about. 
		
		Hekate arches and eyebrow, and Pyri looks towards her with pinched lips, obviously tense. Those are interesting reactions, and just as interesting is the fact that Hades's face doesn't even twitch. 
	#"I mean, it's my father's name, I'm told. But he probably shares it with thousands of other people at least, so..."
		*set forthright +1
		"I mean, it's my father's name, I'm told. But he probably shares it with thousands of other people at least, so..." You shrug; you see no reason not to be straightforward, but you're hardly going to expect anything but an odd coincidence out of this. Whatever it is, and whyever they're asking you about it. 
		
		Hekate blinks in obvious surprise, and Pyri sucks an audible breath through their teeth. Those are interesting reactions, and just as interesting is the fact that Hades's face doesn't even twitch. 
	#"I may have, but a first name is hardly helpful if you want to know whether I know a specific person." 
		*set reserved +1
		"I may have, but a first name is hardly helpful if you want to know whether I know a specific person." You shrug. You're not sure what this is all about, and you're certainly not going to get into the specifics until you know you need to. It's probably just some sort of coincidence, anyway. Whatever it is, and whyever they're asking you about it. 
		
		Hekate blinks in obvious surprise, and Pyri sucks an audible breath through their teeth. Those are interesting reactions, and just as interesting is the fact that Hades's face doesn't even twitch. 
*page_break
He's the one who elaborates. "As it happens," he says, carefully enunciating each word as he folds his hands into his sleeves just beneath his chest, "someone by that name is here. He says he was once the leader of a particular cult of Demeter, and was… interested to have verified the rumor that Demeter herself had a ${son}."

A cult of Demeter? And he was interested to know she had offspring? You certainly understand why they came to you about this now, but could it really be… could this situation really just fall into your lap like this?

Do you [i]want[/i] it to happen at all?

*fake_choice
	#My head is spinning. It really could be... no. I shouldn't assume anything just yet.
		Your head is spinning. It really could be... no. You shouldn't assume anything just yet.
		
		If this man [i]did[/i] turn out to be your father, well, you're not completely sure what you'll do in that case, but one thing you do know is you can't let yourself assume anything. You can't just fall into the trap of believing it without more evidence, no matter how tempting it is. 
		
		No matter how much at least a little corner of you has already accepted it. An Iasion with a strong connection to Demeter, who wanted to know about her ${son} specifically. Who else could he [i]be[/i]? 
		
		You pull your thoughts away from that trajectory, determined not to doom yourself to the emotional whiplash that will occur if you're wrong. It's… only so effective.
	#For a moment, I stare blankly ahead, trying to get my thoughts in order. The idea that my father might be [i]here[/i] is... overwhelming. My heart's racing, but I'm not sure if it's fear or excitement.
		For a moment, you stare blankly ahead, trying to get your thoughts in order. The idea that your father might be [i]here[/i] is... overwhelming. Your heart's racing, but you're not sure if it's fear or excitement.
		
		There could be good reasons for each, you suppose. All your life, you couldn't help but wonder about this man, whose name was all but forbidden in your home for reasons you've never been sure of. About someone too far away to reach, and whether he felt the strain of that distance the same way you did, when you were young. 
		
		But then also the thought that perhaps he didn't think of you at all. That maybe the reason no one spoke of him was because of something he'd done, or something he'd failed to do, maybe he was perhaps not the kind of person who'd ever reach back, even if the distance had been reduced to nothing. 
		
		This is a man you have known only as [i]absence[/i], as conjecture, and the idea that the real, flesh and blood version of him might finally be close enough to meet is… you're not sure whether you want to try or not. 
	#I'm still trying to catch up here. If this man really is my father, and he's [i]here[/i], maybe I could... I've always wanted to know him.
		You're still trying to catch up here. If this man really is your father, and he's [i]here[/i], maybe you could... you've always wanted to know him.
		
		All your life, you couldn't help but wonder about him, whose name was all but forbidden in your home for reasons you've never been sure of. About someone too far away to reach, and whether he felt the strain of that distance the same way you did, when you were young. 
		
		This is a man you have known only as [i]absence[/i], as conjecture, and the idea that the real, flesh and blood version of him is finally close enough to meet is… exciting and perhaps a little terrifying, as well. 
	#I feel a tight knot of dread in the pit of my stomach. I'm not ready for this. I'm not even sure if I [i]want[/i] to meet him, and a spike of fear lances me in the gut. 
		You feel a tight knot of dread in the pit of your stomach. You're not ready for this. You're not even sure if you [i]want[/i] to meet him, and a spike of fear lances you in the gut. 
		
		All your life, you couldn't help but wonder about this man, whose name was all but forbidden in your home for reasons you've never been sure of. About someone too far away to reach, and whether he felt the strain of that distance the same way you did, when you were young. 
		
		But then also, you've wondered if perhaps he didn't think of you at all. If maybe the reason no one spoke of him was because of something he'd done, or something he'd failed to do. If he was perhaps not the kind of person who'd ever reach back, even if the distance had been reduced to nothing. 
		
		This is a man you have known only as [i]absence[/i], as conjecture, and the idea that the real, flesh and blood version of him might finally be close enough to meet is… you're not sure whether you want to try or not. 
*page_break
"I hate to pile this on top of all the other information," Hekate says, lips pinched. "But, unlike our many distinguished mortal guests of late, this man did not trespass. He's here in the Underworld by the, let's say, [i]conventional[/i] method." The muscles around her eyes tighten. 

"I'm sorry."

It takes you a second to catch up, but you eventually recognize that she's saying he's dead. Iasion, possibly your father, is [i]dead[/i].

*fake_choice
	#"Tell me everything you know."
		*set cold +1
		"Tell me everything you know." Your tone is brisk, efficient. That makes the most sense to you, right now. Whether he is related to you or not, you don't know this man, and you find yourself able to compartmentalize what's going on. It leaves you in want of more information, however, and so that is what you're after next. 
		
		Her shoulders relaxing slightly, Hekate nods. "It isn't a great deal," she points out. "We know that he came down amongst a group of other people. Soldiers in a war ongoing above. Apparently, he was also the king of a small island—he says he was obligated by alliance and debt to participate in this war, where he was eventually killed." 
		
		"He's taking it… pretty well, honestly," Pyri says, toeing at the ground with furrowed brows. "I saw him on his way past my river. He seemed to know who I had to be, and was very… polite, and everything. Like he wasn't afraid. I don't know if that's relevant, but it's what happened."
		
		"…And now he waits in the queue," Hades finishes. "Charon has yet to ferry him across, and that is in part because there has been such a large influx of people recently and in part because he doesn't have the toll. It happens to most war-dead." His lips thin, but he finishes with that and nothing further. 
	#"Dead... no. He can't be dead. Mother wouldn't let him die, surely."
		*set warm +1
		"Dead... no. He can't be dead. Mother wouldn't let him die, surely." Why would she? You don't know anything about their relationship, but you [i]do[/i] know how she conducts her relationships now. Which is to say, none of them are romantic, even though there have been plenty of suitors. That has to mean something, right? It has to mean she really cares?
		
		Hekate, still tense, shakes her head slightly. "I wouldn't know what she thinks of it," she replies slowly. "I only have the basics of what actually happened. We know that he came down amongst a group of other people. Soldiers in a war ongoing above. Apparently, he was also the king of a small island—he says he was obligated by alliance and debt to participate in this war, where he was eventually killed." 
		
		"He's taking it… pretty well, honestly," Pyri says, toeing at the ground with furrowed brows. "I saw him on his way past my river. He seemed to know who I had to be, and was very… polite, and everything. Like he wasn't afraid. I don't know if that's relevant, but it's what happened."
		
		"…And now he waits in the queue," Hades finishes. "Charon has yet to ferry him across, and that is in part because there has been such a large influx of people recently and in part because he doesn't have the toll. It happens to most war-dead." His lips thin, but he finishes with that and nothing further. 
	#"Wait, so... how much time do we have before he drinks the waters of the Lethe?"
		*set cold +1
		"Wait, so... how much time do we have before he drinks the waters of the Lethe?" The first question to mind is logistical. You might still be working out exactly what you do or don't want to do with all this information, and there's an anxiety there, in the back of your head, that the choice might be taken from you, but your first thought is to figure out exactly what you're dealing with. 
		
		Her shoulders relaxing slightly, Hekate hums. "It should be a while yet," she replies. "We know that he came down amongst a group of other people. Soldiers in a war ongoing above. Apparently, he was also the king of a small island—he says he was obligated by alliance and debt to participate in this war, where he was eventually killed." 
		
		"He's taking it… pretty well, honestly," Pyri says, toeing at the ground with furrowed brows. "I saw him on his way past my river. He seemed to know who I had to be, and was very… polite, and everything. Like he wasn't afraid. I don't know if that's relevant, but it's what happened."
		
		"…And now he waits in the queue," Hades finishes. "Charon has yet to ferry him across, and that is in part because there has been such a large influx of people recently and in part because he doesn't have the toll. It happens to most war-dead." His lips thin, but he finishes with that and nothing further. 
	#I can't respond to this right away. It's just a little too much information, and I have to get my head around it.
		*set warm +1
		You can't respond to this right away. It's just a little too much information, and you have to get your head around it.
		
		"We've a few more details to convey," Hekate says quietly. "But take your time. Just let us know when you're ready for them."
		
		It takes you a while. There are so many questions to deal with here. Not just about who Iasion really is and how he got here, but about whether your mother knows, whether she allowed it or reacted in any particular way. What this means for you. Whether there will be enough time to even decide how you feel before the opportunity to do anything is taken away—
		
		That. That seems important. You nod, hoping whatever else they all have to say will contain what you need to know. 
		
		Her shoulders relaxing slightly, Hekate nods. "It isn't a great deal," she points out. "What we know, I mean. He came down amongst a group of other people. Soldiers in a war ongoing above. Apparently, he was also the king of a small island—he says he was obligated by alliance and debt to participate in this war, where he was eventually killed." 
		
		"He's taking it… pretty well, honestly," Pyri says, toeing at the ground with furrowed brows. "I saw him on his way past my river. He seemed to know who I had to be, and was very… polite, and everything. Like he wasn't afraid. I don't know if that's relevant, but it's what happened."
		
		"…And now he waits in the queue," Hades finishes. "Charon has yet to ferry him across, and that is in part because there has been such a large influx of people recently and in part because he doesn't have the toll. It happens to most war-dead." His lips thin, but he finishes with that and nothing further. 
*page_break
"Yeah, not exactly people around with the spare time to give them the rites and stuff." Pyri grimaces. "But it could happen soon, or, well… it could also happen never." 

That, of course, would mean that he simply has to wait on the shores of the Styx for as long as it took for his tethers to the world of the living to deteriorate on their own. Given that he is apparently a king, his worldly concerns would be many, and that process could take quite a while. 

"All to say," Hekate picks up, "he still has his memories, but we can't be sure for how long that will hold. Which means that if you'd like to meet him, or personally investigate his claims, this would be the time to do it." 

And there's the obvious crux; the reason all of this had such an air of urgency. The man claiming to be Iasion, who might in fact be your father, will only remember who he was for an indeterminate amount of time. You have to decide whether you want to go see him, knowing that even if he is who he might be, you could lose that version of him. 

*fake_choice
	#"It would, and I will. Please allow me to meet him. I have to know."
		"It would, and I will. Please allow me to meet him. I have to know." 
		
		Whatever else might turn out to be the case, you'd regret it if you never even tried to find out the truth. Never even tried to reach out to someone who might be able to fill in a lot of gaps for you, both in your knowledge of your own circumstances and also in your sense of [i]why[/i] your life has gone the way it has. 
		
		You don't [i]need[/i] two parents to have a full life, and the time by which a father could really have influenced you is probably past, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be nice to know more about him. And if this [i]is[/i] him… you can't possibly let the chance go by. 
		
		"Then you will," Hades replies. "As it happens, the others are with him now, so we will make our way over presently, if you are ready."
	#"I want to meet him, but I'm... a little afraid of how it might pan out. Could you go with me?"
		"I want to meet him, but I'm… a little afraid of how it might pan out. Could you go with me?"
		
		Whatever else might turn out to be the case, you'd regret it if you never even tried to find out the truth. Never even tried to reach out to someone who might be able to fill in a lot of gaps for you, both in your knowledge of your own circumstances and also in your sense of [i]why[/i] your life has gone the way it has. 
		
		You just aren't sure you can handle asking the questions—or getting the answers—entirely by yourself. This is the kind of thing that at least [i]could[/i] change how you see your own life. It would be an immense comfort not to have to confront it alone. 
		
		"Of course we will," Hades replies. "As it happens, the others are with him now, so we will make our way over presently, if you are ready."
	#"I'm not sure if I want to meet him, but I suppose going to see how things look can't hurt." 
		"I'm not sure if I want to meet him, but I suppose going to see how things look can't hurt." 
		
		You might regret it, after all, if you never even tried to find out the truth. Never even tried to reach out to someone who might be able to fill in a lot of gaps for you, both in your knowledge of your own circumstances and also in your sense of [i]why[/i] your life has gone the way it has. 
		
		But you'd regret it [i]more[/i] if you just barreled headfirst into a series of events with the potential to do you a great deal of harm. So you have to approach cautiously, with as much circumspection and logic as possible. Only once you've decided the potential risks are worth the potential outcome will you let yourself really invest in this meeting.
		
		And if you never get to that point, well… you'll be able to protect yourself. 
		
		"Then we shall," Hades replies. "As it happens, the others are with him now, so we will make our way over presently, if you are ready."
*page_break
You're not sure how ready you [i]could[/i] be, for something like this, but you nod anyway. There's no sense in making yourself [i]more[/i] anxious by fretting over… what? Clothing? Posture? How your face looks? 

You can't change most of that, anyway. 

"Very well, then. If you three would be so kind as to follow me, I shall transport us there. Do not forget: if at any time you become too uncomfortable to continue, you can always stop. Any of us will be happy to facilitate your exit as urgently as you require."

There's something a [i]little[/i] comforting about the words, though you'd really rather it didn't come to that.
*page_break
The banks of the River Styx are not precisely featureless, but other than a few campsites and large buildings meant for communal housing, there isn't much about them to remark upon. Nothing here is as vibrant as the culture of the dead [i]within[/i] the Underworld proper, most likely because by their very nature these people still cannot quite think of themselves as dead, nor of this as their permanent home. 

So there is an eternal impermanence to it, a transience that leaves few traces, for spirits cannot leave behind even the artifacts that the living traveler might. It is wholly impersonal and largely without any character apart from whomever happens to occupy it at the moment. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, what you're looking at has all the features of a relatively-organized military encampment. 

Those within, the vast majority of them men, range in apparent years from adolescents to late middle age, but they're all dressed for battle, and move about the campsite with a sense of organized frustration, almost as if they're mimicking procedures that would normally mean something, only to be reminded that there, there is nothing, especially, to [i]do[/i]. Certainly no enemies to fight. 

At the moment, you stand a short distance away from camp, and for whatever reason, none of the occupants seem to notice you or the other three at all. It must be some sort of magic, because the presence of this many gods, especially the Lord of the Dead himself, probably isn't something that could go unnoticed under normal circumstances. 
*page_break
You're swiftly joined by Charon and Alekto, the latter of whom nods at an angle, drawing your attention in the corresponding direction. "That's him," she says. "With Hermes." 

It takes you a moment, first, to adjust to seeing the winged god without the… winged part. Indeed, he looks almost startlingly human for a moment, all trace of divine aura and inhuman features gone, eyes darkened to a deep grey and clothes matching those of all the other soldiers in the camp. 

But next to him must be the man everyone is talking about. Iasion. 

He's of middling height for a human, you think, perhaps just a fraction taller than Hermes himself, and his posture, even just standing still, tells you he carries himself with a certain dignity. 
*if (skintone = "light brown")
	The tone of his skin is a little darker than yours, marked here and there with scars of lighter or darker hue.
*if (skintone = "pale")
	The tone of his skin is almost as pale as yours, save a little touch of the sun, and marked here and there with white or pink scars.
*if (skintone = "tan")
	The tone of his skin is a little more darkly-tanned than yours, most likely due to the sun, and marked here and there with white and pink scars. 
*if (skintone = "tawny")
	The tone of his skin is tawny like yours, made just a little darker, perhaps, by the sun, and marked here and there with scars of lighter or deeper hue. 
*if (skintone = "medium brown")
	The tone of his skin is similar to yours, perhaps a shade darker, and marked here and there with scars of lighter or deeper hue.
*if (skintone = "dark brown")
	His skin is an even deeper brown than your own, by a shade or two, and marked here and there with scars of a lighter or darker hue. 
*if (((hairtexture = "smooth") or (hairtexture = "coarse")) or (hairtexture = "wavy"))
	*set iasionhair "wavy"
	$!{haircolor} hair has gone nearly half-grey, and he wears it to the nape of his neck, where it sits, wavy and a bit disheveled, as though it's been pushed down by the plumed helmet tucked under one arm.  
*if (hairtexture = "curly")
	*set iasionhair "curly"
	$!{haircolor} hair has gone nearly half-grey, and he wears it to the nape of his neck, where it sits, curly and a bit disheveled, as though it's been pushed down by the plumed helmet tucked under one arm.  
*if ((hairtexture = "coily") or (hairtexture = "dense"))
	*set iasionhair "longrows"
	$!{haircolor} hair has gone nearly half-grey, and he wears it in neat, tight rows of braids against his scalp, the long ends of each gathered into a tail at his nape to trail down his back, perhaps in part to sit easier beneath the helmet tucked under one arm.

He's speaking easily with Hermes, either oblivious to the god's true identity or just remarkably sanguine about it. 

As though anticipating you might have a question about this, Charon clears his throat gently. "He knows who he is," they explain. "The disguise is for the benefit of everyone else. We'd prefer not to cause a great deal of turmoil amongst the recently-arrived if possible. If you would like to speak to him, we can move to a more discrete location."

Which of course means it's your last chance to change your mind. [i]Do[/i] you want to speak with him?

*label iasionmenu
*fake_choice
	#"Then please do that. I want to know more about him."
		*set forthright +1
		"Then please do that. I want to know more about him." Whatever comes of this, you want to know. Even if it means that, after he drinks the waters of the Lethe, you're the only one who does. Even if he isn't excited to learn that he has a child. Even if it turns out he's not your father, though… you have to admit it seems more likely than not that he is, somehow. Like something you can [i]feel[/i], just looking at him. 
		
		But in any case, even aware of all the ways this can go wrong, you want to take the risk and get to know this man. 
		
		"All right," Charon replies with a nod. "Then so it shall be." 
	#"Go ahead, then." I do want to try this, but now is not the time to be getting emotional.
		*set reserved +1
		"Go ahead, then." You do want to try this, but now is not the time to be getting emotional. There are, after all, so many ways it could go poorly. After he drinks the waters of the Lethe, he won't remember you, for one, and that's all but a guarantee, so investing yourself too wholeheartedly into this seems foolish. But even if you can set that aside, it's always possible he isn't excited to learn that he has a child, or that he [i]isn't[/i] your father. Though… even you have to admit it seems more likely than not that he is, somehow. Like something you can [i]feel[/i], just looking at him. 
		
		But in any case, even aware of all the ways this can go wrong, you want to take the risk and get to know this man. 
		
		"All right," Charon replies with a nod. "Then so it shall be." 
	*disable_reuse #"Do... you think I should?"
		*set unsure +1
		"Do you… think I should?" Your hesitation is obvious, but you hope at least that someone else might be able to give you a little more certainty.
		
		The rest of them exchange glances. 
		
		*if (((route = "hades") or (route = "hermes")) or (route = "charon"))
			Hades opens his mouth as if to reply, then closes it again. Finally, words emerge. "I'm not sure if anyone can know whether you should but you," he says. "However… I will say that, in general, I less often regret doing something than refraining from something. Whether that is true in your case I cannot know, but…"
			
			"But he has a point, I think," Charon says. "As someone who has definitely regretted [i]doing[/i] things, I still think that if you're indecisive, it's probably worth the risk to at least try."
		*if (route = "pyri")
			Pyri scrunches their face. "Well, I don't know the answer to whether you should," they admit. "Of everyone here, I probably know the [i]most[/i] about staying away from anything from the past, but… if even a little bit of you is considering it, I think it's probably worth listening to. Because there are a lot of reasons not to, so if you haven't convinced yourself, it means you have some really good reason to try, right?" 
			
			"They have a point," Charon says. "As someone who has definitely regretted acting with my feelings, I still think that if you're indecisive, it's probably worth the risk to at least try."
		*if (route = "alekto")
			Alekto presses her lips together, lifting her hands. For several moments, they simply hover, but then they're in motion. [i]No one can answer that but you. However, since you asked for advice, I will say that it is easy to lose family, and difficult to gain it. It therefore seems worth at least attempting in this case.[/i]
			
			"She has a point," Charon says. "As someone with… not really any family left at all, and who really didn't even like mine, I still think that if you're indecisive, it's probably worth the risk to at least try."
		*if (route = "hekate")
			Hekate folds her arms over her chest, staring across the intervening distance for a moment before bringing her focus back to you. "Honestly? Even if this turns out to be a terrible idea, you'll still get something from it. A better understanding of yourself, even if all you can say in the end is, 'that person has no influence on who I am and never will.' I tend to think that kind of information is worth it, but you might not, and that would be okay."
			
			"She has a point," Charon says. "As someone who really didn't much care for my family, I am still glad that I [i]knew[/i] them. If you're indecisive, it's probably worth the risk to at least try."
		*goto iasionmenu
	#"I don't think I want to do this. What's the point, if it will only end in him forgetting we met?"
		*set forthright +1
		"I don't think I want to do this. What's the point, if it will only end in him forgetting we met?" That's the part that's really sticking with you, about all this. In some sense it almost doesn't [i]matter[/i] how the whole thing goes, because he'll forget about it just the same. And in another sense, that makes it worse if it otherwise actually goes [i]well[/i]. 
		
		Something like that is setting yourself up for heartbreak.
		
		"Well, don't forget, a long-term relationship isn't the only valuable thing you could end up with because of this," Hekate says. "Isn't the idea of knowing at least a little more about [i]yourself[/i] by knowing abut him also worth something?"
		
		"Maybe, but is it worth putting myself through all that?"
		
		She shakes her head. "Only you can know. But… Fate works in strange ways, sometimes. That's all I'll say." 
		
		"Did you see something?" Pyri asks, brows knitting.
		
		"No, nothing like that. But sometimes it's what I don't get to see that's most interesting."
		
		"That aside," Charon says, clearing their throat softly. "Are you certain that's the decision you wish to make? None of us will say otherwise if so, of course."
		
		*label areyousureiasion
		*fake_choice
			#"I'm sure. There's no point to such a meeting anyway. We're strangers now, and we'll always be."
				*set refusediasion true
				"I'm sure. There's no point to such a meeting anyway. We're strangers now, and we'll always be." 
				
				Information about yourself might be valuable in some sense, but what would you really learn? This man has had no influence on raising you, whether by his own choice or because of circumstances he couldn't control. What would be the point in awkwardly trying to make sense of it all now, only for you to be left alone with the result in as little as days?
				
				You're not going to put yourself through that.
				
				"All right. In that case, I'll let Hermes know, and the rest of you can head back." Charon steps slightly out of place, then heads towards the camp. 
				
				You and the others take the suggestion, making your way back to the Keep. It's unsurprisingly a little odd, the atmosphere, because you've made a significant decision, one you're sure almost all of them would have made in a different way. Even if they don't mind that, it [i]is[/i] sort of difficult to follow up with ordinary conversation. 
				
				And you feel a weight to it, too. There [i]is[/i] a gravity in the situation. You have lost something, perhaps something that could have been important to you. The fact that you did so to prevent losing something even more significant does not simply melt away the feeling of loss. 
				
				When you reach the Keep, you head for your room again. You just need a little time, and then everything can go back to the way it was. 
				*goto makakerby1
			#"I'm sure. I can't invite that kind of heartache."
				*set refusediasion true
				"I'm sure. I can't invite that kind of heartache."
				
				Information about yourself might be valuable in some sense, but could it really be worth what would follow? What you could learn would probably be limited, considering that this man, even if your father, had no hand in raising you, whether for his own reasons or those forcibly imposed upon him by circumstance. And even in the asking about it, you'd be inviting connection, only for it to be severed far too quickly.
				
				You're not going to put yourself through that.
				
				"All right. In that case, I'll let Hermes know, and the rest of you can head back." Charon steps slightly out of place, then heads towards the camp. 
				
				You and the others take the suggestion, making your way back to the Keep. It's unsurprisingly a little odd, the atmosphere, because you've made a significant decision, one you're sure almost all of them would have made in a different way. Even if they don't mind that, it [i]is[/i] sort of difficult to follow up with ordinary conversation. 
				
				And you feel a weight to it, too. There [i]is[/i] a gravity in the situation. You have lost something, perhaps something that could have been important to you. The fact that you did so to prevent losing something even more significant does not simply melt away the feeling of loss. 
				
				When you reach the Keep, you head for your room again. You just need a little time, and then everything can go back to the way it was. 
				*goto makakerby1
			#"Positive."
				*set refusediasion true
				"Positive."
				
				Information about yourself might be valuable in some sense, but what would you really learn? This man has had no influence on raising you, whether by his own choice or because of circumstances he couldn't control. What would be the point in awkwardly trying to make sense of it all now, only for you to be left alone with the result in as little as days?
				
				It's not worth the effort, nor the way you might feel about it when all is said and done.
				
				"All right. In that case, I'll let Hermes know, and the rest of you can head back." Charon steps slightly out of place, then heads towards the camp. 
				
				You and the others take the suggestion, making your way back to the Keep. It's unsurprisingly a little odd, the atmosphere, because you've made a significant decision, one you're sure almost all of them would have made in a different way. Even if they don't mind that, it [i]is[/i] sort of difficult to follow up with ordinary conversation. 
				
				And you feel a weight to it, too. There [i]is[/i] a gravity in the situation. You have lost something, perhaps something that could have been important to you. The fact that you did so in a calculated way designed to minimize the impact on yourself doesn't change the fact that is has [i]some[/i], even if only the feeling of an opportunity intentionally let go.
				
				When you reach the Keep, you head for your room again. Probably best to let yourself rest, after all that.
				*goto makakerby1
			#"Well... maybe not. I'm just... I'm scared."
				"Well… maybe not. I'm just… I'm scared." You don't know what this will [i]mean[/i] for you, or how it will go, and it just seems so much [i]easier[/i] to avoid it entirely. To not engage, and let it pass you by. To tell yourself that the chances [i]this[/i] Iasion is really your father are small anyway, so you can safely miss the chance. 
				
				But all of those things are just excuses. What you really are is afraid of trying, because it might not turn out the way you're hoping. Or it might, and then he'll forget, and it'll be gone.
				
				*if (route = "hades")
					Hades considers this for a moment, the others readily ceding the opportunity to answer. 
					
					"I think…" he says slowly. "That it's perfectly natural to be afraid in a situation like this. But… I also think you have courage enough to do what you really want to do. So, if you can, try to think of it without thinking of the possible consequences. Is meeting this man something you wish to try doing, knowing what you know about him? Would it be something you wanted to do if you knew it would go well?" 
					
					It's still a hard question, but perhaps one with a clearer answer, if you really think about it. 
				*if (route = "hermes")
					Hades considers this for a moment, the others readily ceding the opportunity to answer. 
					
					"I think…" he says slowly. "That it's perfectly natural to be afraid in a situation like this. But… I also think you have courage enough to do what you really want to do. So, if you can, try to think of it without thinking of the possible consequences. Is meeting this man something you wish to try doing, knowing what you know about him? Would it be something you wanted to do if you knew it would go well?" A pause. "I also think Hermes would be unlikely to be speaking with him so animatedly if he were someone who would reject you, so if that is one of your fears…" He trails off.
					
					It's still a hard question, but perhaps one with a clearer answer, if you really think about it. 
				*if (route = "charon")
					Charon considers this for a moment, the others readily ceding the opportunity to answer. 
					
					"If I may offer some advice, I think perhaps the scenario you really need to consider is the one where he [i]is[/i] who we think he might be," they say slowly. "And where he [i]will[/i] wish to speak to you. I cannot guarantee those things are true, but I think there is at least a reasonable chance of the first, and a good one of the second. I spoke to him but briefly, but the impression I got was not of someone cruel in that way. For whatever that is worth."
					
					It's still a hard question, but perhaps one with a clearer answer, if you really think about it. 
				*if (route = "pyri")
					Pyri considers this for a moment, the others readily ceding the opportunity to answer. 
					
					"Well…" They scrunch their nose, shaking their head. "I probably already mentioned I'm not exactly great at dealing with things like this, but… he doesn't seem like a bad guy, right? I don't think Flyguy would be talking to him like that if he was secretly terrible. He has a good nose for those things. So… I guess the situation you really have to think about it probably the one where he's a decent person that might be your dad, who wants to talk to you. Is [i]that[/i] worth the risk?"
					
					It's still a hard question, but perhaps one with a clearer answer, if you really think about it. 
				*if (route = "alekto")
					Alekto considers this for a moment, the others readily ceding the opportunity to answer.
					
					[i]I think…[/i] She looks over to where Iasion and Hermes are still engaged. [i]The scenario you need to consider the most is the one where this is a good man who is indeed related to you,[/i] she says. [i]You are more than capable of handling the others, and so you must ask how you would feel if this one were true, and whether you would want to meet him in such a case.[/i]
					
					It's still a hard question, but perhaps one with a clearer answer, if you really think about it. 
				*if (route = "hekate")
					Hekate considers this for a moment, the others readily ceding the opportunity to answer.
					
					"Well," she says, rolling the end of a braid between her fingers. "Realistically, I don't think Hermes would be enjoying that conversation if the man were cruel, or even insufferable. So you probably don't need to worry too much about that. This whole thing has Fate written all over it, so there's a good chance he [i]is[/i] your father. So I suppose the question you really need to be asking is: 'knowing that, do I want to meet him?'" 
					
					It's still a hard question, but perhaps one with a clearer answer, if you really think about it. 
				
				*fake_choice
					#"Okay, I'll meet him."
						"Okay, I'll meet him." 
						
						The advice is sound. You need to think about what would happen if it goes well, because one way or another, that's the most important of the possible scenarios. You can handle it if he's not your father, or if he doesn't want to talk about it. But if he is, and he does, and you like him, and then he has to [i]forget[/i]… 
						
						You can handle that, too. You [i]can[/i], and you will. Because you need to know. You need to be sure. 
						
						Even aware of all the ways this can go wrong, you want to take the risk and get to know this man. 

						"All right," Charon replies with a nod. "Then so it shall be." 
					#"I can't. Thank you for doing all this, but I just can't."
						*set refusediasion true
						"I can't. Thank you for doing all this, but I just can't."
						
						Information about yourself might be valuable in some sense, but could it really be worth what would follow? What you could learn would probably be limited, considering that this man, even if your father, had no hand in raising you, whether for his own reasons or those forcibly imposed upon him by circumstance. And even in the asking about it, in the [i]best case scenario[/i], you'd be inviting connection, only for it to be severed far too quickly.

						You're not going to put yourself through that.

						"All right. In that case, I'll let Hermes know, and the rest of you can head back." Charon steps slightly out of place, then heads towards the camp. 

						You and the others take the suggestion, making your way back to the Keep. It's unsurprisingly a little odd, the atmosphere, because you've made a significant decision, one you're sure almost all of them would have made in a different way. Even if they don't mind that, it [i]is[/i] sort of difficult to follow up with ordinary conversation. 

						And you feel a weight to it, too. There [i]is[/i] a gravity in the situation. You have lost something, perhaps something that could have been important to you. The fact that you did so to prevent losing something even more significant does not simply melt away the feeling of loss. 

						When you reach the Keep, you head for your room again. You just need a little time, and then everything can go back to the way it was. 
						*goto makakerby1
	#"No. I've seen enough. Just leave him be."
		*set reserved +1
		"No, I've seen enough. Just leave him be." There's no point in pursuing this further. Or, at the very least, you're not interested in putting yourself in that position.
		
		"Really?" Pyri tilts their head. "Somehow I thought for sure you'd go for it." 
		
		"Why?" you reply, shaking your head. "There is no version of this where I end up with some kind of comfortable, familial relationship with him or anything. Even if I wanted that."
		
		"Well, don't forget, a long-term relationship isn't the only valuable thing you could end up with because of this," Hekate says. "Isn't the idea of knowing at least a little more about [i]yourself[/i] by knowing abut him also worth something?"
		
		"Maybe it's worth something, but do you really think it's worth all [i]this[/i]?" The timing, especially, is—you could say 'less than ideal,' but that would be quite an understatement.
		
		She shakes her head. "Only you can know. But… Fate works in strange ways, sometimes. That's all I'll say." 
		
		"Did you see something?" Pyri asks, brows knitting.
		
		"No, nothing like that. But sometimes it's what I don't get to see that's most interesting."
		
		"That aside," Charon says, clearing their throat softly. "Are you certain that's the decision you wish to make? None of us will say otherwise if so, of course."
		*goto areyousureiasion
*label meetiasion
*page_break
*set met_iasion true
They look to Hekate, who nods. Something in the magic around you changes.
*if ((tag_magic) and (training = "magic"))
	You recognize that the spell is shifting—whereas previously you'd been essentially undetectable to the spirits in the camp, now you think it's something closer to altering [i]how[/i] you're perceived. Some sort of minor illusion, at least.
*if not ((tag_magic) and (training = "magic"))
	*if ((tag_magic) or (training = "magic"))
		You recognize that the spell is shifting, somehow. You're fairly sure you were previously invisible to the camp, but it's no longer that. What it [i]is[/i] is beyond your ability to discern with any precision, however. 
	*if not ((tag_magic) or (training = "magic"))
		You have to assume that the spell is shifting, somehow, but that's about all you can say about it. Magic is not your area, to put it bluntly. 

"All right," she says, offering you all a smile. "Iasion should be the only one who can tell us for what we are."

Charon nods in return, then, with a glance at you, leads the group forward and through the camp towards Hermes and the apparent leader of your mother's cult somewhere. That part's still a bit… odd, to get your thoughts around. Maybe because you have so little experience with the 'religion' part of being a ${god}.

Most of the spirits seem to pay you no mind whatsoever, occupied with conversations or camp chores, though there is a distinct lack of [i]things[/i] in the camp. You're not even sure where the tents came from; they have to have been supplied by the Underworld, right? You've heard there's housing for spirits on this side of the riverbank, but most of it is further away.

You pull your thoughts back onto a more immediately relevant track when Hermes notices your approach, waving to the six of you as you draw closer. "Here we are. I did tell you I had a feeling, didn't I?"

Iasion shifts, turning himself to face you properly as well, and his attention fixes on you like he knows exactly where to put it. 
*if (eyecolor = "green")
	"Your eyes," he murmurs, so softly you can't be sure if he meant you to hear. "They're just like…" 
	
	He closes his lips abruptly, but you know what he has to be referring to. You've been told often enough that the green color of your eyes is the exact same shade as your mother's. 
*if (eyecolor != "green")
	"Your eyes," he murmurs, so softly you can't be sure if he meant you to hear. 
	
	He closes his lips abruptly, but being within a few feet of him now, you have a guess about what he must be referring to. His eyes are the same shade of ${eyecolor} as your own, you're confident of that much.

He shakes his head slightly. "I-I'm sorry. I'm saying useless things and getting rather ahead of myself." Clearing his throat, Iasion bows, the motion graceful and strong, somehow. 

"Welcome, esteemed guests. It is an honor to be in the presence of each of you. I deeply apologize that I cannot offer you proper hospitality at this time." Rising, his lips curl just a little into a lopsided smile. "Were it within my power, I assure you the feast would be too much and the guests too few."

*fake_choice
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "Sounds fun. What a shame we're not in the right circumstances."
		*set confident +1
		*set humorous +1
		"Sounds fun. What a shame we're not in the right circumstances." You offer a crooked grin of your own, and Iasion's smile only widens as Hermes chuckles. 
		
		"If anyone needs to apologize for lacking hospitality, it is we," Hades adds, his expression a tad gentler than usual. "I am well aware that sitting on the riverbank and waiting is far from the best of introductions to this place."
		
		"Forgive me, my lord," Iasion says, inclining his head deeply. "But considering the alternative is faster progress to a likely oblivion, I think your hospitality is perfect." Though this is subject matter that could easily turn grave or sour, his tone remains light, just enough so that you don't become distracted by the thought. 
	#"An interesting thought, but we are hardly in a place where you would be expected to host." 
		*set confident +1
		*set serious +1
		"An interesting thought, but we are hardly in a place where you would be expected to host." You arch a brows slightly, and Iasion's smile widens a touch. 
		
		"If anyone needs to apologize for lacking hospitality, it is we," Hades agrees, his expression a tad gentler than usual. "I am well aware that sitting on the riverbank and waiting is far from the best of introductions to this place."
		
		"Forgive me, my lord," Iasion says, inclining his head deeply. "But considering the alternative is faster progress to a likely oblivion, I think your hospitality is perfect." Though this is subject matter that could easily turn grave or sour, his tone remains light, just enough so that you don't become distracted by the thought. 
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "...'Too few guests'? What would that look like?"
		*set humorous +1
		*set unsure +1
		"...'Too few guests'? What would that look like?" Not your most confident delivery, by any stretch, but it's meant to be light, and you think it mostly manages that much. At least, Iasion's smile widens a touch. 
		
		"Only the interesting ones, of course," he replies, without missing a beat. 
		
		"If anyone needs to apologize for lacking hospitality, it is we," Hades adds, his expression a tad gentler than usual. "I am well aware that sitting on the riverbank and waiting is far from the best of introductions to this place."
		
		"Forgive me, my lord," Iasion says, inclining his head deeply. "But considering the alternative is faster progress to a likely oblivion, I think your hospitality is perfect." Though this is subject matter that could easily turn grave or sour, his tone remains easy, just enough so that you don't become distracted by the thought. 
	#I'm awkwardly silent, not quite sure how to conduct myself here. 
		*set serious +1
		*set unsure +1
		You're awkwardly silent, not quite sure how to conduct yourself here. 
		
		Iasion doesn't seem offended at least, his smile broadening for just a moment when you make accidental eye contact, then fading into a pleasantly-neutral expression after that. 
		
		"If anyone needs to apologize for lacking hospitality, it is we," Hades adds, his expression a tad gentler than usual. "I am well aware that sitting on the riverbank and waiting is far from the best of introductions to this place."
		
		"Forgive me, my lord," Iasion says, inclining his head deeply. "But considering the alternative is faster progress to a likely oblivion, I think your hospitality is perfect." Though this is subject matter that could easily turn grave or sour, his tone remains easy, just enough so that you don't become distracted by the thought. 
*page_break
"I rather imagine, in fact," he says, tone and expression sobering, "that many here would think the same… if it properly sank in that we were all, well, dead." He runs a hand over his hair, expelling an audible breath from his nose. Even this is still in the manner of one alive; the dead don't need to breathe, and many of the Underworld's 'older' residents gradually stop doing so, you've noticed.

"They don't know they're dead?" Pyri asks, looking at a couple nearby soldiers, who seem to be drawing a crude map in the dirt and discussing it. 

"Well… they do, on one level, but on another it sort of… hasn't sunk in yet," Iasion admits. "We all came here rather suddenly, after all, and there's a difference between being 'prepared to die,' and being 'prepared for death,' I think. We all knew it was a very real possibility, and yet we feel so much like ourselves that in some ways it is difficult not to want to adjudicate the conflict that killed us down here instead."

He glances at the soldiers, shaking his head. "No one thinks they are making battle plans to defend Troy, but they [i]do[/i] discuss what happened as though it still matters. And each new arrival is pressed for more information that genuinely affects morale, you see? We've even camped, and rather far from the 'opposing' camp, at that."

*fake_choice
	#"Well, it's like you said. Their deaths are so recent. We could hardly expect them not to care about the things they were putting their lives on the line for in the first place."
		*set warm +1
		*set forthright +1
		"Well, it's like you said. Their deaths are so recent. We could hardly expect them not to care about the things they were putting their lives on the line for in the first place." You take in your surroundings, frowning a bit. It's… deeply unfortunate, to be sure, that things have turned out this way, but clinging to life is, you understand, a natural part of the process, and extremely likely to persist for a time, especially if they don't get rites. 
		
		It would be cruel to ask everyone here to process the trauma of their deaths immediately and move on to full acceptance that this is the foreseeable future. That they no longer have any way of affecting the things or people they care about the most, presumably. 
		
		"I think they just need time," Iasion agrees, shaking his head. "It's… a difficult thing to get a head around, even for me. I was alive, and had all these plans for what the future would be, and then… I wasn't. I'm sure many of them are the same. This war… it took entire years out of their lives, years most of them would have vastly preferred to spend doing almost anything else, I'd imagine." 
		
		"So how come they did that, instead?" Pyri asks, brow creased. 
		
		"Honor," Iasion replies, with a wry smile. "Duty, obligation, the hope of fortune. There are probably as many reasons as there are people here." 
	#"...I don't think anyone can blame them for that. Why not just... let them?"
		*set warm +1
		*set reserved +1
		"...I don't think anyone can blame them for that. Why not just... let them?" You take in your surroundings, frowning a bit. It's… deeply unfortunate, to be sure, that things have turned out this way, but clinging to life is, you understand, a natural part of the process, and extremely likely to persist for a time, especially if they don't get rites. 
		
		It would be cruel to ask everyone here to process the trauma of their deaths immediately and move on to full acceptance that this is the foreseeable future. That they no longer have any way of affecting the things or people they care about the most, presumably. 
		
		"I think they just need time," Iasion agrees, shaking his head. "It's… a difficult thing to get a head around, even for me. I was alive, and had all these plans for what the future would be, and then… I wasn't. I'm sure many of them are the same. This war… it took entire years out of their lives, years most of them would have vastly preferred to spend doing almost anything else, I'd imagine." 
		
		"So how come they did that, instead?" Pyri asks, brow creased. 
		
		"Honor," Iasion replies, with a wry smile. "Duty, obligation, the hope of fortune. There are probably as many reasons as there are people here." 
	#"Well, they're going to have to get used to it sooner or later. We can't have anyone antagonizing the other dead."
		*set cold  +1
		*set forthright +1
		"Well, they're going to have to get used to it sooner or later. We can't have anyone antagonizing the other dead." You narrow your eyes a bit at your surrounds, frowning. It's one thing to still be connected to the life they'd lived—that, you understand, is a natural part of the process, and extremely likely to persist for a time, especially if they don't get rites. 
		
		But it's another thing entirely if how wound up they are about what just happened ends up making things difficult for the [i]other[/i] spirits trying to move through the queue here and get on with their own afterlives. Two hostile camps of people all but reenacting the war that killed them is hardly a conducive environment to letting go of mortal concerns, and it will make the waiting period unpleasant, besides. 
		
		"I think they just need time," Iasion says, shaking his head. "It's… a difficult thing to get a head around, even for me. I was alive, and had all these plans for what the future would be, and then… I wasn't. I'm sure many of them are the same. This war… it took entire years out of their lives, years most of them would have vastly preferred to spend doing almost anything else, I'd imagine." 
		
		"So how come they did that, instead?" Pyri asks, brow creased. 
		
		"Honor," Iasion replies, with a wry smile. "Duty, obligation, the hope of fortune. There are probably as many reasons as there are people here." 
	#"That is less than ideal."
		*set cold +1
		*set reserved +1
		"That is less than ideal." You narrow your eyes a bit at your surrounds, frowning. It's one thing to still be connected to the life they'd lived—that, you understand, is a natural part of the process, and extremely likely to persist for a time, especially if they don't get rites. 
		
		But it's another thing entirely if how wound up they are about what just happened ends up making things difficult for the [i]other[/i] spirits trying to move through the queue here and get on with their own afterlives. Two hostile camps of people all but reenacting the war that killed them is hardly a conducive environment to letting go of mortal concerns, and it will make the waiting period unpleasant, besides. 
		
		"I think they just need time," Iasion says, shaking his head. "It's… a difficult thing to get a head around, even for me. I was alive, and had all these plans for what the future would be, and then… I wasn't. I'm sure many of them are the same. This war… it took entire years out of their lives, years most of them would have vastly preferred to spend doing almost anything else, I'd imagine." 
		
		"So how come they did that, instead?" Pyri asks, brow creased. 
		
		"Honor," Iasion replies, with a wry smile. "Duty, obligation, the hope of fortune. There are probably as many reasons as there are people here." 
*page_break
"We must eventually welcome everyone," Charon says softly. "Some, perhaps, sooner than we might like."

Iasion nods. "And when you do, their time as themselves is likely short, I know." His brows knit. "It is strange, to know I have died, and yet still be awaiting something that feels much more like death, to me." Clearing his throat, he injects a little more energy into his tone. "Anyway! Whatever time I do have, I don't intend to waste. So, as pleasant as it would be to talk to all of you, I'm sure, I was hoping perhaps one of you in particular might be willing to speak with me a bit less… publicly." 

He makes eye contact with you, and gestures vaguely around at the camp. You're getting interested looks now, you observe, but no one is interrupting or anything.  

*fake_choice
	#"That's fine with me. Wherever you're comfortable."
		*set iasiontalk "none"
		"That's fine with me. Wherever you're comfortable." You nod once; there's no reason not to accommodate such a request. You might not be the only one with reason to feel nervous about this, after all, and keeping it private until you decide to do otherwise is how you'd prefer it. 
		
		"Well… I'm rather short of options, so I think it'll have to be my tent." He points to a rather large one, clearly intended to hold several people at one time, its fabric roof nearly as tall as Hades. 
		
		"Let us know if you need anything," the god himself replies, when you turn to face them. "We'll be only a short distance from here." 
		
		"Just far enough not to eavesdrop," Hermes adds with a grin. "Have a good talk." 
	#"My friends can hear whatever you have to say, but it's fine if you want to move."
		*set iasiontalk "all"
		"My friends can hear whatever you have to say, but it's fine if you want to move." There's no reason to keep this from them; you'd just be telling them what he said afterwards if they weren't there to hear it themselves. Besides, you'll feel a lot more comfortable knowing that the people in your life most staunchly [i]on your side[/i] are part of all this, come what may. 
		
		"…All right." Iasion looks a little uncertain for a moment, but he nods nevertheless. "As for where, I'm rather short of options, but I think my tent can fit everyone. You… may have to duck a bit, my lord." He points to a rather large structure, clearly intended to hold several people at one time, its fabric roof only [i]nearly[/i] as tall as Hades. 
		
		"That will not be a problem," the god himself replies. "Thank you."
		
		"This should be interesting," Hermes murmurs, almost under his breath, shooting you a worried look that softens into a smile. 
	#"I wouldn't mind, but if it's all right, I'd like to bring someone with me."
		"I wouldn't mind, but if it's all right, I'd like to bring someone with me." There's no reason not to accommodate the request for more privacy. You might not be the only one with reason to feel nervous about this, after all, and keeping it private until you decide to do otherwise is how you'd prefer it. 
		
		But not [i]completely[/i]. You're not sure you can handle this alone; at least, you're sure you'd prefer not to have to. But you understand that dragging everyone into this wouldn't be much of a compromise, and there's one person in particular you think would be of greatest support here.
		
		"I don't mind," Iasion replies, brow knitting for a moment before it smooths out. "Who will be accompanying us?"
		
		*fake_choice
			#I feel like Hades's steady patience and consideration will keep me grounded.
				*set iasiontalk "hades"
				"Hades. If you don't mind, that is." The answer isn't at all difficult. 
				*if (route = "hades")
					You feel as though he's the person in the Underworld you're closest to, and more even than that, it's his steadiness and consideration you feel you most need. There's a chance this gets… difficult, after all, and if that's going to happen in front of anyone, you want it to be him. 
					
					His eyes widen fractionally at the request, as though he's still just a little bit surprised to be asked such a thing, even after all this time. But that's just part of who he is, you suppose, and his answer is the furthest thing from surprising. 
				*if not (route = "hades")
					He might not be the person in the Underworld you're the closest to, but you know he's a lot of things, and steady, reliable, and patient are three of them. All qualities you think you might need to lean on, in a situation like this. 
					
					He blinks widened eyes at the request, gaze flicking to $!{route} for a short moment. But then he clears his throat, and his answer is not surprising. 
				
				"I would be honored to accompany you, of course," he says softly. 
				
				"Well. then… let's head to my tent," Iasion says, clearing his throat. "Apologies, my lord; you may need to duck." He points to a rather large structure, clearly intended to hold several people at one time, its fabric roof only [i]nearly[/i] as tall as Hades. 

				"That will not be a problem," the god himself replies. "Thank you."
				
				"Let us know if you need anything," Hekate adds. "We'll be only a short distance from here." 

				"Just far enough not to eavesdrop," Hermes puts in with a grin. "Have a good talk." 
			#Hermes's levity and good nature should help this go more smoothly.
				*set iasiontalk "hermes"
				"Hermes. If you don't mind, that is." The answer isn't at all difficult. 
				*if (route = "hermes")
					You feel as though he's the person in the Underworld you're closest to, and more even than that, he has a sense of levity and a basic and obvious good-naturedness to him that should help put both you and Iasion at ease. Something that you both honestly might need. 
					
					No one looks especially surprised to hear the request—the logic to it is sort of obvious, perhaps. 
				*if not (route = "hermes")
					He might not be the person in the Underworld you're closest to, exactly.
					*if (hermes_backstory = "friends")
						But he's still your friend, and you know from experience that he has a way of smoothing over social situations that most people would be hard-pressed to match.
					*if (hermes_backstory != "friends")
						You weren't friends beforehand, either. But you know from experience since that he has a way of smoothing over social situations that most people would be hard-pressed to match.
					
					His sense of levity and obvious good nature should help put both you and Iasion at ease. Something that you both honestly might need. 
					
					No one looks especially surprised to hear the request—the logic to it is sort of obvious, perhaps. 
				
				"Of course I don't mind," he replies immediately, offering you a broad smile. 
				
				"In that, case, let's head to my tent," Iasion says, the corner of his lip twitching as well. He points to a rather large structure, clearly intended to hold several people at one time, its fabric roof only [i]nearly[/i] as tall as Hades.  
				
				"Let us know if you need anything," Hekate adds. "We'll be only a short distance from here." 

				"Just far enough not to eavesdrop," Hermes lobs back with a grin. "Appreciated, everyone." 
			#I could really use Charon's gentle understanding at a time like this.
				*set iasiontalk "charon"
				"Charon. If you don't mind, that is." The answer isn't at all difficult. 
				*if (route = "charon")
					You feel as though they're the person in the Underworld you're closest to, and more even than that, perhaps the gentlest, most careful person you know. You have no idea how this is all going to go, but you do know that, if it goes badly, there isn't anyone you would need more than Charon. For his qualities, yes, but also just for [i]himself[/i].
					
					No one looks especially surprised, though there's a faint crinkle to Charon's brow that makes you wonder what they [i]are[/i] thinking, about it all. 
				*if not (route = "charon")
					They might not be the person in the Underworld you're closest to, exactly. In fact, that's clearly true. But at the same time, they're perhaps the gentlest, most careful person you know. You have no idea how this is going to go, but you know you still have anxieties about it, and you wouldn't be surprised if Iasion did, too. So having Charon around makes sense. 
					
					No one looks [i]too[/i] surprised by the request, though Charon does make brief eye contact with $!{route}, their brow crinkled. But whatever passes between the two of them results in him returning his attention to you, his face once more placid.
				
				"Not at all," he replies after a moment, offering you a mild smile. 
				
				"In that, case, let's head to my tent," Iasion says, clearing his throat softly. He points to a rather large structure, clearly intended to hold several people at one time, its fabric roof only [i]nearly[/i] as tall as Hades.  
				
				"Let us know if you need anything," Hekate adds. "We'll be only a short distance from here." 

				"Just far enough not to eavesdrop," Hermes puts in with a grin. "Have a good talk." 
			#I'd feel most comfortable with Pyri's warmth and protectiveness.
				*set iasiontalk "pyri"
				"Pyri. If you don't mind, that is." The answer isn't at all difficult. 
				*if (route = "pyri")
					You feel as though they're the person in the Underworld you're closest to, and more even than that, they have an innate warmth and protectiveness that you feel you need in a situation like this. You know that, whatever happens, Pyri will prioritize your well-being if there's any danger to it. If there isn't, they'll be a bright, comforting presence for you, and honestly possibly for Iasion, too, if he's feeling any shreds of apprehension. 
					
					No one seems surprised to hear the request; Hermes and Hekate even exchange knowing smiles for whatever reason. 
				*if not (route = "pyri")
					They might not be the person in the Underworld you're closest to, exactly. But you [i]do[/i] like them, and importantly, you know they like you, too. They aren't the type to mince words or try to be too diplomatic—if they have a concern for your well-being, they'll do something about it. And if they don't, they'll be a bright, comforting presence for you, and honestly possibly for Iasion, too, if he's feeling any shreds of apprehension. 
					
					And they know, uniquely among the others, what it is like to be human. 
					
					No one seems all [i]that[/i] surprised to hear the request, except maybe Pyri themself, who points at their own chest like the might have misheard, wearing a puzzled expression for all of a second before seeming to settle on the answer.
				
				"No way I mind," they reply, proffering a grin. "I've got your back, ${name}." 
				
				"In that, case, let's head to my tent," Iasion says, the corner of his lip twitching as well. He points to a rather large structure, clearly intended to hold several people at one time, its fabric roof only [i]nearly[/i] as tall as Hades.  
				
				"Let us know if you need anything," Hekate adds. "We'll be only a short distance from here." 

				"Just far enough not to eavesdrop," Hermes puts in with a grin. "Have a good talk." 
			#Alekto is good at seeing through people, and honest to a fault, meaning I'd really like her to be here for this.
				*set iasiontalk "alekto"
				"Alekto. If you don't mind, that is." The answer isn't at all difficult. 
				*if (route = "alekto")
					You feel as though she's the person you're closest to in the Underworld, and on top of that she is both perceptive and straightforward. You know that if something about the situation seems off or strikes her wrongly, she will not hesitate to point it out, and more importantly you know she will be [i]looking[/i] for things like that. 
					
					No one seems especially surprised with the request, except perhaps Alekto herself. There's a small frown on her face for a moment, but it smooths out readily enough. 
				*if not (route = "alekto")
					She might not be the person in the Underworld that you're closest to, exactly. In fact, you can say she definitely isn't. But you do like her, and more importantly for present purposes, you trust her. You know that if something about the situation seems off or strikes her wrongly, she will not hesitate to point it out, and more importantly you know she will be [i]looking[/i] for things like that. 
					
					No one seems especially surprised with the request, except perhaps Alekto herself. There's a small frown on her face for a moment, as she makes brief eye contact with $!{route}, but it smooths out readily enough. 
				
				She begins to sign, then halts her hands. "That would be fine with me," she says, measuring her words with more care than usual.
				
				"In that, case, let's head to my tent," Iasion says, clearing his throat softly. He points to a rather large structure, clearly intended to hold several people at one time, its fabric roof only [i]nearly[/i] as tall as Hades.  
				
				"Let us know if you need anything," Hekate adds. "We'll be only a short distance from here." 

				"Just far enough not to eavesdrop," Hermes puts in with a grin. "Have a good talk." 
			#Hekate's knowledge and regard for other people makes me want to bring her for this.
				*set iasiontalk "hekate"
				"Hekate. If you don't mind, that is." The answer isn't at all difficult. 
				*if (route = "hekate")
					You feel as though she's the person you're closest to in the Underworld, and on top of that she is both clever and considerate, traits you'll probably want around in equal measure. You have no idea how this conversation is going to go, but you know without a doubt that Hekate is more than capable of helping you navigate that uncertainty. 
					
					No one looks in the least surprised to hear the request, and Hades gives her a brief nod, as if he'd outright expected it. Then again, the logic is fairly obvious, here; it really [i]shouldn't[/i] surprise anyone that you've asked this of Hekate.
				*if not (route = "hekate")
					She might not be the person in the Underworld that you're closest to, exactly. In fact, you can say she definitely isn't. But you do like her, and more importantly for present purposes, you trust her. You have no idea how this conversation is going to go, but you know without a doubt that Hekate is more than capable of helping you navigate that uncertainty. 
					
					She might even be able to help clarify things for Iasion, if it turns out he needs something like that. 
					
					In any case, no one looks in the least surprised to hear the request. Hekate makes brief eye contact with $!{route}, and they exchange a small nod before she turns her attention to you.
				
				"Not in the least," she replies simply, favoring you with a gentle smile.
				
				"In that, case, let's head to my tent," Iasion says, clearing his throat softly. He points to a rather large structure, clearly intended to hold several people at one time, its fabric roof only [i]nearly[/i] as tall as Hades.  
				
				"Let us know if you need anything," Charon adds. "We'll be nearby." 

				"Just far enough not to eavesdrop," Hermes puts in with a grin. "Have a good talk." 
*page_break
You make your way over to the tent, one of the largest in the camp, you notice. Part of you wonders where the objects even came from; the dead don't typically bring anything with them to the Underworld save the payment for the ferry, in this part of the realm. Then again, you wouldn't be entirely surprised if the items were provided [i]for[/i] the spirits, because it's clear this is how these people are comfortable, for now. 

Iasion pulls aside the tent flap, admitting
*if (iasiontalk = "none")
	you.
*if (iasiontalk = "all")
	you and your guests. Hades does indeed have to duck somewhat, but it doesn't seem to bother him any.
*if (iasiontalk = "hades")
	you and Hades, who does indeed have to duck a smidge. It doesn't seem to bother him any, however.
*if (((iasiontalk != "none") and (iasiontalk != "all")) and (iasiontalk != "hades"))
	you and $!{iasiontalk}.

He files in himself after, closing the flap behind him and gesturing to where a moderately-sized table with several chairs is set up near the middle. "Please, have a seat."

You get settled in one of the chairs, casting your glance around the plain room. It is more of a 'room' than you'd expected at the word 'tent,' but then this is quite a bit larger than you thought, too. 
*if (tag_learned)
	There's an easy explanation for that, of course: this is a military commander's tent, designed for holding meetings and the like as well as the commander's living quarters in the field. It means Iasion is someone with relatively high status, whether he got that through a coincidence of his birth or through success in his military career, or both. 
*if ((tag_learned = false) and (tag_unlearned = false))
	You believe you've heard of constructions like this, though—a large tent near a battlefield would probably belong to a commander or leader of some sort, so you can imagine the table might be for strategy meetings. It's just a guess, though, and you don't draw any solid conclusions from it. 
*if (tag_unlearned)
	Then again, it's not like you know much about tents in general, or armies, or anything like that. For all you know, this is just what the Underworld was able to get for the people here, and doesn't correspond to anything about their previous lives at all.

*if (iasiontalk = "all")
	It takes some time for everyone to get settled, but they do, most finding places on one side of the table, whereas Alekto stands behind your chair at a reasonable distance, her arms folded over her chest. 
	
	Iasion himself settles on the clear side of the table, hemming quietly and setting his hands on the tabletop in front of him. With a small nod, Hades assumes a similar posture, and Iasion's shoulders relax fractionally.
*if ((iasiontalk != "all") and (iasiontalk != "none"))
	$!{iasiontalk} takes the seat directly next to you, and Iasion across, hemming softly as he rests his hands on the tabletop. 
*if (iasiontalk = "none")
	Iasion takes the seat across from you, hemming softly and placing his hands on the tabletop. 

"I would like to apologize," he says, tone low-pitched and quiet. "For how… abrupt all this is. Even now, I have to keep reminding myself that this isn't how I would have wanted it to be. That I am dead, our time is limited, and everything has to be… compressed." His lips thin, paling a few shades as he purses them. 

"In an ideal world, this would be much more leisurely a process. I would ask you as many things about yourself as I could think of, and answer anything you could think to ask, and simply be glad of the fact that you were interested enough to do so. Now, though… I suppose there are things you will need to know before the only person who knows them is unable to recall."

He smiles, but there's an edge of bitterness to it.

"I'm still trying to come to terms with my death, in truth. So I hope you will understand that this is not how I would have done this, had I the choice."

*fake_choice
	#"I understand. The circumstances aren't ideal, but we'll adapt."
		"I understand. The circumstances aren't ideal, but we'll adapt." 
		
		You can hardly blame him for the fact that things will inevitably feel rushed and truncated. He surely wouldn't have been expecting to meet you [i]after he died[/i], and it's not his fault that process works the way it does. 
		
		"Thank you," he replies, managing half a smile. "You know, in spite of all that, I'm looking forward to this. I'll never be able to satisfy my desire for answers, I suppose, but if you have such a thing, I hope I can at least make sure you know everything you want to."
	#"You speak as though you've had a plan for a while, but I got the impression you didn't know I existed."
		"You speak as though you've had a plan for a while, but I got the impression you didn't know I existed." 
		
		It's strange, and you're not sure how to interpret it. Maybe he [i]did[/i] know about you, and planned to meet you one day? It would have been difficult in any case; perhaps he was simply hoping that one day, Demeter would allow it. 
		
		"You existed," he replies, almost too softly. "To me, you existed. I didn't [i]know[/i] it, and I didn't let myself make too many guesses about you, but… in my wildest hopes, you always existed." He clears his throat, looking down at his hands for a moment. "I always wanted to be—well, it doesn't matter. Suffice to say that for me, this meeting is a miracle. If I had to die to see it, well… everyone dies." He manages half a smile, genuine in spite of the touch of wryness.
	#"It's not how I would have done things, either, but here we are."
		"It's not how I would have done things, either, but here we are." 
		
		You don't [i]blame[/i] him for the fact that things will eventually feel rushed and truncated. He surely wouldn't have been expecting to meet you [i]after he died[/i], and it's not his fault that things turned out this way. But it [i]is[/i] what you're dealing with, and the sooner you both start dealing with it, the sooner you'll get the answers you're after. 
		
		"So it is," he replies, managing half a smile. "You know, in spite of all that, I'm looking forward to this. I'll never be able to satisfy my desire for answers, I suppose, but if you have such a thing, I hope I can at least make sure you know everything you want to. I'll try not to get distracted."
	#"With respect, don't get ahead of yourself. We still don't know if there is any 'this' in the first place."
		"With respect, don't get ahead of yourself. We still don't know if there is any 'this' in the first place." 
		
		It's true that there is now some tentative evidence that the two of you [i]might[/i] be related, but you are reserving judgement on that matter until you've heard more. You're not just going to throw yourself wholeheartedly into believing this man is your father without a lot more idea how he presumes for that to have come about, for one. 
		
		"That's reasonable," he replies, managing a slightly-awkward half-smile. "I'll do my best to share what makes me think there is, but in the end your decision what to do about that is your own. I hope if you do come to think as I do, I'll be able to tell you everything you want to know, at least."
*page_break
Regarding you with thoughtful, slightly-hooded eyes, Iasion leans back in his chair. "So… I suppose I should start with as few assumptions as possible. I've heard… I've heard you are the ${son} of Demeter. Is that true?"

You nod once—obviously that's a big part of why he thinks what he does, and there's no reason not to be up front about it. You've come this far, after all.

His next question isn't quite what you expect. 

"…May I… ask you how she is?"

*fake_choice
	*if ((result = "underworld") and ((demeterstatus = "open") or (demeterstatus = "letters")))
		#"She's well. I live here full time, but we still write each other fairly frequently."
			"She's well. I live here full time, but we still write each other fairly frequently."
			
			For some value of the word 'frequently,' at least. 
			*if (demeterstatus = "open")
				You've still not broached the topic of a potential visit, and neither has she, but that's something that will happen when you're both comfortable enough with it, and you think it might take her longer than you.
			*if (demeterstatus != "open")
				You know she's probably hoping for more communication, or to actually see you, but she's respecting the boundaries you've set, and neither of you has yet broached the topic of a possible visit. 
			
			It means you can only answer the question so well, really. People can say whatever they like in letters. But your mother very rarely changes, and you haven't noticed anything unusual in her communications.
			
			"You live apart from one another? Well… I suppose that's obvious, if you're here." Iasion smiles wryly. "I suppose I'm a little surprised. I sort of thought… well, all kinds of circumstances change things, of course. You did live with her when you were younger, though?" 
			
			You nod. "I did. She raised me, with the help of her staff and Aunt Hestia."
			
			Iasion releases a soft, almost incredulous breath at that. "…I admit, I never quite got used to thinking of the gods as relatives, even if… well." He makes a gesture, as if the end of the sentence is obvious. 
	*if ((result != "underworld") and ((demeterstatus = "open") or (demeterstatus = "letters")))
		#"She's well. I actually live part of my time on Olympus, but even when I'm here, we exchange letters fairly frequently."
			"She's well. I actually live part of my time on Olympus, but even when I'm here, we exchange letters fairly frequently."
			
			For some value of the word 'frequently,' at least. 
			*if (demeterstatus = "open")
				You've still not broached the topic of a potential visit, and neither has she, but that's something that will happen when you're both comfortable enough with it, and you think it might take her longer than you. Right now, the parts of your life are [i]very[/i] separate, but if it needs to be that way for a while, then you can manage well enough.
			*if (demeterstatus != "open")
				You know she's probably hoping for more communication, or to actually see you, but she's respecting the boundaries you've set, and neither of you has yet broached the topic of a possible visit. You're not completely sure how you're going to handle going back to Olympus; the last few times, you've stayed with your aunt; it's difficult to figure out just if you're ready for in-person contact with your mother again, but perhaps you're getting there.
			
			It means you can only answer the question so well, really. People can say whatever they like in letters. But your mother very rarely changes, and you haven't noticed anything unusual in her communications.
			
			"You live in both realms? Well… I suppose that's a fair guess, if you're here." Iasion smiles wryly. "I suppose I'm a little surprised. I sort of thought… well, all kinds of circumstances change things, of course. You did live with her full-time when you were younger, though?" 
			
			You nod. "I did. She raised me, with the help of her staff and Aunt Hestia."
			
			Iasion releases a soft, almost incredulous breath at that. "…I admit, I never quite got used to thinking of the gods as relatives, even if… well." He makes a gesture, as if the end of the sentence is obvious. 
	*if (demeterstatus = "thinking")
		#"I'm not completely sure. We're... evaluating our relationship at the moment, but the last time I spoke to her, she was fine." 
			*set iasion_knowsawkward true
			"I'm not completely sure. We're... evaluating our relationship at the moment, but the last time I spoke to her, she was fine." It was a while ago, admittedly, but not that long at all for a being who measures her life in very, very many centuries. 
			
			Of course, plenty of things could have happened between now and then. But Hermes would have let you know of any major news. He might visit Olympus only very infrequently these days, but he's still an inveterate gossip, and very good at keeping abreast of new information. 
			
			*if (result != "underworld")
				Even if he didn't, your aunt still would. You stay with her, now, for the most part, when you're on Olympus, and it would be impossible to avoid knowing if your mother was much different from usual.
			*if (result = "underworld")
				Even if he didn't, your aunt still would. She writes, you, after all, and  it would be impossible to avoid knowing if your mother was much different from usual.
			
			"You live apart from one another? Well… I suppose that's obvious, if you're here." Iasion smiles wryly. "I suppose I'm a little surprised. I sort of thought… well, all kinds of circumstances change things, of course. You did live with her when you were younger, though?" 
			
			You nod. "I did. She raised me, with the help of her staff and Aunt Hestia."
			
			Iasion releases a soft, almost incredulous breath at that. "…I admit, I never quite got used to thinking of the gods as relatives, even if… well." He makes a gesture, as if the end of the sentence is obvious. 
	*if (demeterstatus = "cutoff")
		#"We don't talk to each other anymore, but last time I saw her was a few months ago, and she was fine then."
			*set iasion_knowsawkward true
			"We don't talk to each other anymore, but last time I saw her was a few months ago, and she was fine then." It was a while ago, admittedly, but not that long at all for a being who measures her life in very, very many centuries. 
			
			Of course, plenty of things could have happened between now and then. But Hermes would have let you know of any major news. He might visit Olympus only very infrequently these days, but he's still an inveterate gossip, and very good at keeping abreast of new information. 
			
			*if (result != "underworld")
				Even if he didn't, your aunt still would. You stay with her, now, for the most part, when you're on Olympus, and it would be impossible to avoid knowing if your mother was much different from usual.
			*if (result = "underworld")
				Even if he didn't, your aunt still would. She writes, you, after all, and  it would be impossible to avoid knowing if your mother was much different from usual.
			
			"You don't even speak?" Iasion looks genuinely surprised, but you don't detect any reproach in his tone, just honest shock. "I thought… well, all kinds of circumstances change things, of course. You did live with her when you were younger, though?" 
			
			You nod. "I did. She raised me, with the help of her staff and Aunt Hestia."
			
			Iasion releases a soft, almost incredulous breath at that. "…I admit, I never quite got used to thinking of the gods as relatives, even if… well." He makes a gesture, as if the end of the sentence is obvious. 
	#"As far as I know, my mother never changes, so you probably know how she is just as well as I do." 
		"As far as I know, my mother never changes, so you probably know how she is just as well as I do." It might sound a bit strange, or even harsh, but you mean it as a simple, neutral fact. Your mother is a being with thousands of years behind her and thousands more ahead of her. You suspect that in some ways, having [i]you[/i] changed her, but other times, you aren't so sure. 
		
		She's been essentially the same for as long as you've known her, at least, and the short span that your life has been in comparison would hardly be enough to alter who she is significantly since [i]he[/i] met her, you're sure.
		
		Iasion huffs softly, an unreadable expression crossing his face. 
		*if (tag_intuitive)
			If you had to guess, you'd call it wistfulness, or perhaps nostalgia.
		
		"I wonder about that," he murmurs softly. "I liked to think I knew her as well as nearly anyone, back then. But…" He shakes his head. "You live apart from one another? Well… I suppose that's obvious, if you're here." Iasion smiles wryly. "I suppose I'm a little surprised. I sort of thought… well, all kinds of circumstances change things, of course. You did live with her when you were younger, though?" 

		You nod. "I did. She raised me, with the help of her staff and Aunt Hestia.
		*if ((result != "underworld") and ((demeterstatus = "open") or (demeterstatus = "thinking")))
			I do sometimes live with her still, when I'm on Olympus."
		*if not ((result != "underworld") and ((demeterstatus = "open") or (demeterstatus = "thinking")))
			"

		Iasion releases a soft, almost incredulous breath at that. "…I admit, I never quite got used to thinking of the gods as relatives, even if… well." He makes a gesture, as if the end of the sentence is obvious. 
	#"I'm not sure I'm comfortable talking about her without her permission. I'm sorry."
		"I'm not sure I'm comfortable talking about her without her permission. I'm sorry." You're fairly sure the question is only benign, but this man is still a stranger, and you're not in the habit of sharing the details of other people's lives with complete strangers. Your mother has always been an intensely private person, and you have no idea how she would feel about [i]him[/i] in particular knowing of her, if he is who he might be. 
		
		There must be a reason she hadn't told him herself, after all. 
		
		Iasion pauses for a moment, then nods slowly. "That is… not unreasonable," he replies quietly, an unreadable expression crossing his face. 
		*if (tag_intuitive)
			If you had to guess, you'd call it wistfulness, or perhaps even longing.
		
		"I wonder, sometimes" he murmurs. "I liked to think I knew her as well as nearly anyone, back then. But…" He shakes his head. "You live apart from one another? Well… I suppose that's obvious, if you're here." Iasion smiles wryly. "I suppose I'm a little surprised. I sort of thought… well, all kinds of circumstances change things, of course. You did live with her when you were younger, though?" 

		You nod. "I did. She raised me, with the help of her staff and Aunt Hestia.
		*if ((result != "underworld") and ((demeterstatus = "open") or (demeterstatus = "thinking")))
			I do sometimes live with her still, when I'm on Olympus."
		*if not ((result != "underworld") and ((demeterstatus = "open") or (demeterstatus = "thinking")))
			"

		Iasion releases a soft, almost incredulous breath at that. "…I admit, I never quite got used to thinking of the gods as relatives, even if… well." He makes a gesture, as if the end of the sentence is obvious. 
*page_break
He presses his lips together, running a hand back over his hair. "I don't think there's an easy way to say this, and I also think you must already surely suspect what it is, so I'm just going to say it. I think there is a fairly good chance I'm your father, ${name}." 

He falls silent, clearly not inclined to continue without at least some form of input from you, which is… probably kind of him. 

*if (iasiontalk = "all")
	There's a palpable tension in the room; you can feel it radiating from your companions. Some more than others, you must admit. Pyri's quite nearly vibrating with it, but it's Alekto who speaks first. 
	
	"I hope you have more to give than a vague suspicion," she says flatly.
	
	Iasion inclines his head. "Of course. I would not come before you without anything to properly tell. But that is only if ${name} wishes to hear it."
*if (iasiontalk = "none")
	There's a palpable tension in the room, a sort of awkward expectancy that only needs two people. And that's all it has, which might be for the best. 
	
	As if sensing it, Iasion clears his throat. "To clarify, I do have actual reasons for thinking so. A story, if you will. And I'll happily share it, but only if you wish to hear."
*if (iasiontalk = "hades")
	There's a palpable tension in the room, a sort of awkward expectancy that reverberates between you and Iasion. It feeds, somehow, off the presence of Hades without touching him; he looks every bit as collected and stoic as usual. 
	
	"You have something further to say on the matter, I presume," he says, his voice almost too deep and rich in the silence. 
	
	"Yes," Iasion replies. "Yes, of course. I would not come before you without something to properly tell, my lord. And I would not do that to someone who might be my ${son}, either. But I will only continue if ${name} wishes to hear it."
*if (iasiontalk = "hermes")
	There's a palpable tension in the room, a sort of awkward expectancy that reverberates between you and Iasion. It even seems to catch Hermes up in it a little, from the way he shifts, leaning forward a little farther. 
	
	"Oh come on," he says, managing a light tone nonetheless. "You've got something besides just that, right? Some [i]reason[/i] for thinking so?"
	
	"Yes," Iasion replies, with a minuscule nod. "I do. I would not put someone through this for nothing but a vague suspicion or arrogance. But I will only continue if ${name} wishes to hear it."
*if (iasiontalk = "charon")
	There's a palpable tension in the room, a sort of awkward expectancy that reverberates between you and Iasion. It's unclear, but even Charon might be caught in it a bit; you imagine that the line of their shoulders is tighter than normal. 
	
	"You have [i]reasons[/i] for thinking so, I presume," they say, their tone soft but easily filling the entire space. 
	
	"Yes," Iasion replies, with a minuscule nod. "I do. I would not put someone through this for nothing but a vague suspicion or arrogance. But I will only continue if ${name} wishes to hear it."
*if (iasiontalk = "pyri")
	There's a palpable tension in the room, a sort of awkward expectancy that reverberates between you and Iasion. Pyri's just as much a vector for it, practically vibrating with it, too. 
	
	"You've got something else, right?" They say, making a valiant effort to keep their tone calm. It doesn't quite work; an urgency breaks through regardless. "Something that isn't just a few words and a 'believe me or don't'?"
	
	Yes," Iasion replies, with a minuscule nod. "I do. I would not put someone through this for nothing but a vague suspicion or arrogance. But I will only continue if ${name} wishes to hear it."
*if (iasiontalk = "alekto")
	There's a palpable tension in the room, a sort of awkward expectancy that reverberates between you and Iasion. Alekto is not immune; her jaw flexes as she clenches her back teeth. 
	
	"I hope you have more to give than a vague suspicion," she says flatly.
	
	"Yes," Iasion replies. "I would not come before you without something to properly tell, my lady Erinys. And I would not do that to someone who might be my ${son}, either. But I will only continue if ${name} wishes to hear it."
*if (iasiontalk = "hekate")
	There's a palpable tension in the room, a sort of awkward expectancy that reverberates between you and Iasion. Hekate's eyes shift between the two of you, and she purses her lips. 
	
	"You have more to adduce in favor of this hypothesis, I would hope," she points out. 
	
	"Yes," Iasion replies. "I would not come before you without something to properly tell, my lady. And I would not do that to someone who might be my ${son}, either. But I will only continue if ${name} wishes to hear it."

*fake_choice
	#"I do. Please tell me."
		"I do. Please tell me."
	#"You don't need to be so cautious. I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to hear it."
		"You don't need to be so cautious. I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to hear it."
	#"'Want' is a bit of a strong word for this... but I suppose I should."
		"'Want' is a bit of a strong word for this… but I suppose I should."
	#"You've come this far—we might as well finish."
		"You've come this far—we might as well finish."
*line_break
*line_break
You can't imagine anything would make this part too difficult or annoying to hear, after all. 

Iasion pauses for a moment, and then nods. "Very well." He clears his throat. "To begin with, I suppose I should tell you: while I consider myself human in every way that really matters, my mother was one of the Pleiades, the nymph companions of Lady Artemis. My father was Corythus, King of Samothrace, a position that I now occupy. Or, well, did, I suppose."

Technically, you're fairly sure this makes [i]him[/i] a demigod as well, or something akin to one. 

"I mention this mostly to explain why I was even [i]at[/i] the place and time where I met Demeter," he admits with a rueful smile. "The marriage of Cadmus and Harmonia; she's my half-sister, you see." He shakes his head, expression slightly baffled. 

*if (humorous > serious)
	"It sounds like you [i]should[/i] be used to thinking of the gods as relatives," you point out with a soft huff.
	
	"Perhaps," he replies, a hint of wryness in his tone.
*if not (humorous > serious)
	"And yet you still have trouble thinking of the gods as relatives?" Harmonia is a goddess, after all; it sounds like there are at least a few he can claim.
	
	"I do," he replies, a hint of wryness in his tone. 
"In my own defense, it is not often I encounter them, and I'm sure you understand that there are… boundaries. Degrees, by which their so-called 'lesser' children are and are not allowed into their world. I have never been granted much of that privilege, and in truth, I have only wished otherwise once."

*if (iasiontalk = "all")
	"Hey, I'm pretty sure Harmonia is my half-sister, too," Hermes observes. "Other half, of course. I'd say 'small world,' but I feel like the old man's progeny are about three-quarters of it, sometimes."
	
	Hekate snorts.
	
	Iasion blinks, then nods slowly. "I… wouldn't want to put it that way, exactly, but I see your point nevertheless." 
*if (iasiontalk = "hades")
	"Ah. Harmonia is the name of one of my nieces, I believe," Hades observes, clearing his throat softly. "As guesses for her other parent go, I suppose that one was a bit… obvious."
	
	Iasion blinks, then nods slowly. "Far be it from me to think so, my lord, but yes. Her mother is my mother, and her father is His Majesty." There's a careful detachment to his tone, one that causes Hades's expression to morph slightly, understanding passing over his features. 
	
	You're not sure what that's about, but Iasion does seem to relax marginally once it's over.
*if (iasiontalk = "hermes")
	"Hey, I'm pretty sure Harmonia is my half-sister, too," Hermes observes. "Other half, of course. I'd say 'small world,' but I feel like the old man's progeny are about three-quarters of it, sometimes."
	
	Iasion blinks, then nods slowly. "I… wouldn't want to put it that way, exactly, but I see your point nevertheless." 
*if (iasiontalk = "charon")
	"Harmonia…" Charon pauses, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "It has been some time since I heard that name. One of Zeus's daughters, I believe?" 
	
	Something about the way they put it makes you think it's definitely not a guess, even if he phrases it as a question. 
	
	Iasion blinks, then nods slowly. "My mother's daughter," he says, a note of caution to his tone.
	
	Charon smiles, ever so slightly. "Of course." 
	
	You're not sure exactly why, but Iasion's shoulders relax just fractionally at that. 
*if (iasiontalk = "pyri")
	Pyri blinks. "So… Harmonia is more 'in that world' than you? 'Cause if she married Cadmus—" They cut themself off, eyes rounding.
	
	"You know Cadmus?" Iasion tilts his head, the keenness in his eyes tempered by the good-natured cast of his features. 
	
	"Uh… apparently I do." Pyri pulls at a curl until it bounces back into place next to the others, only slightly distorted from the attention. "He's… king of Thebes?" 
	
	Iasion nods. "Yes. And you're right that the reason so many gods were in attendance was because of Harmonia. She is my mother's daughter, but also Zeus's." 
	
	Pyri scrunches their face. "I'm sorry. Though I guess I should probably be saying that to them instead of you." 
	
	Their frankness seems to catch Iasion off-guard; his eyes widen perceptibly, and for a moment he's frozen. Then, gently, like the crack of the thinnest ice over water, he smiles. 
	
	"I've never heard it put so bluntly," he admits, his expression sobering quickly. "But I do appreciate the sentiment. Very much." 
*if (iasiontalk = "alekto")
	Alekto's brows knit. "Harmonia," she says, enunciating slowly. "She is… a daughter of Zeus?"
	
	"And my mother, yes," Iasion replies, a note of caution to his tone. "My much older sister, as it were." 
	
	Alekto nods, accepting the subtle correction with equanimity. "Some of Zeus's children are his. The others are very much their mothers'." 
	
	You're not sure exactly why, but Iasion's shoulders relax just fractionally at that. 
*if (iasiontalk = "hekate")
	"Ah, Harmonia." Hekate nods slowly. "I believe that would also make her Hermes' half-sister, yes?"
	
	Iasion scratches at his neck, and you think the motion might be slightly uncomfortable. "Yes. Though of course I have no relation to such a… vaunted personage?"
	
	"As Hermes?" Her eyes twinkle with amusement. "You mustn't think so of the likes of him, Iasion. It would go straight to his head, and we'd never be able to fit him in the Keep." 
	
	Iasion huffs softly. "I rather meant His Majesty, but now that I think on it, perhaps your interpretation is better."
*page_break
He shakes his head. "Anyway, forgive me, I was meant to be telling of the event itself. I was invited to the wedding ceremony and attended, as did many of the gods, including Demeter. I would say… Harmonia's power was strong over the atmosphere, to put it one way. It was a rather unprecedented and unrepeated opportunity for humans and deities to simply… exist in the same place, under the banner of the same celebration, and it removed what I imagine must have been quite a number of barriers."

Iasion's lips turn up into a wry smile. "When I saw your mother, I didn't recognize her for who she was. How could I? I just knew she was someone I needed to talk to. And so, like an arrogant fool, I did. And for reasons I can hardly fathom… she spoke to me in turn. If I try to understand it, I have to guess I bemused her at first. Probably because she couldn't imagine where someone so unimportant got the gall to address her without at least twice as much bowing and flattery."

He rubs absently at the side of his neck with his fingertips, tracing along the line of an old, thin scar. "I certainly won't claim it was love at first sight, but it was… there was something. At least for me. A sense of connection. The desire to know more of her. And perhaps a bit too much ambrosia wine in the both of us." He lowers his hand, smiling softly. 

"That was the first time we met, but it wasn't the last. Over the months afterwards, I… well, I did just about anything I could to meet her again, and for reasons I still don't fathom, she allowed it. I knew who she really was, by then, but I was much too infatuated to let any sense of what my place was in the world stop me. She was a person, and so was I, and that was the only part that seemed to matter." 

The hand finds the surface of the table, and blunt fingertips tap gently, almost inaudibly, against it. "For the last… little while, it felt different. Like she was trying to keep something from me. And then I never saw her again."

*fake_choice
	#"And you think that was because..."
		"And you think that was because…" 
		
		He nods once, decisively. "I do. There were only so many things I can think of that would make her do that, and though I certainly don't claim to know every corner of her mind, I really do believe that I knew her more closely than most people ever get to." 
		
		It would fit. Your mother stopped contact with Iasion because she was with child. You're not precisely sure [i]why[/i], but like him you know her better than most, and you can think of at least a couple possibilities.
		
		Especially if it had come as a surprise to her.
	#"And this was how long ago?"
		"And this was how long ago?" 
		
		Iasion gives an answer without hesitation, one that lines up precisely with your age, such that your mother would indeed have given birth less than a year after they parted for the last time. 
		
		It would fit. She stopped contact with him because she was with child. You're not precisely sure [i]why[/i], but you can think of at least a couple possibilities.
		
		Especially if it had all come as a surprise to her.
	#"Never?"
		"Never?"
		
		"Never," he confirms softly. Then he gives you the number of years, and you're somehow not at all surprised to hear one that lines up precisely with your age, such that your mother would indeed have given birth less than a year after they parted for the last time. 
		
		It would fit. She stopped contact with him because she was with child. You're not precisely sure [i]why[/i], but you can think of at least a couple possibilities.
		
		Especially if it had all come as a surprise to her.
	#"...I see."
		"...I see."
		
		It would fit. Your mother stopped contact with Iasion because she was with child. You're not precisely sure [i]why[/i], but like him you know her better than most, and you can think of at least a couple possibilities.
		
		Especially if it had come as a surprise to her.
*page_break
*if (iasiontalk = "all")
	"It's a compelling story," Hermes says, leaning forward and catching his chin in his hand against the table. "I wish I'd been at the wedding, at least, but I wasn't invited. Children were excluded."
	
	"He's telling the truth," Alekto says quietly, arms still folded across her chest. "As far a he knows it, anyway." 
	
	You know she has some capacity to tell that sort of thing, though it's not as infallible as Styx's. Still, that he's being truthful was the feeling you had, as well, and the confirmation is easy enough to accept.
*if (iasiontalk = "none")
	It's an interesting story, one you have no way of confirming or denying without any certainty. At least, not without asking your mother, and she's certainly not present right now. 
	
	But you get the sense, nevertheless, that he is telling the truth. There are genuine hints of emotion in his words, and his body language is open, his tone sincere. He could be a very good actor, but you don't think so. What would be the point?
*if (iasiontalk = "hades")
	"I was not at this event," Hades says, his tone suggesting it should come as a surprise to no one, "but I did once hear a rumor of Demeter taking a shine to a mortal man at that time. I have no other details to compare with your version of events, and yet…" 
	
	He turns to you, expression solemn. "For whatever it is worth to you, I believe he is telling the truth." 
	
	You don't think Hades has any particular capacity to discern this, at least not magically, like Styx or Alekto could. On the other hand, he's ancient, and a king, and you suspect perhaps he's learned a thing or two about making such determinations. Still, that Iasion's being truthful was the feeling you had, as well, and the confirmation is easy enough to accept.
*if (iasiontalk = "hermes")
	"It's a compelling story," Hermes says, leaning forward and catching his chin in his hand against the table. "I wish I'd been at the wedding, at least, but I wasn't invited. Too young. Still… you're telling the truth as far as you know it. That's something." 
	
	You're not sure how he can tell, but it isn't hard to trust that he can. It was the feeling you had, as well, and the confirmation is easy enough to accept.
*if (iasiontalk = "charon")
	"A rumor once reached the Underworld," Charon says softly, "that Demeter had taken an unusual interest in a mortal man at this event. There were no further details, and so it is of little use as confirmation or refutation, but it seems to me that he tells the truth as he knows it." 
	
	At this last part, they turn to you, tilting their head. 
	
	You don't think Charon has any particular capacity to discern this, at least not magically, like Styx or Alekto could. On the other hand, he [i]is[/i] an intuitive person, and often seems to understand others well, so it's not as if there's [i]no[/i] weight to the assertion. And besides, that Iasion's being truthful was the feeling you had, as well, and the confirmation is easy enough to accept.
*if (iasiontalk = "pyri")
	"I… don't really have any way to tell this," Pyri says, furrowing their brows across the table at Iasion before turning to you. "But it just [i]feels[/i] like he's telling the truth, to me." 
	
	They don't, as they've said, have any particular capacity to discern this, magically or otherwise. You know Pyri tends to believe the best of people, and it's hardly surprising they'd believe this. Still, that he's being truthful was the feeling you had, as well, and the little bit of extra confirmation is easy enough to accept.
*if (iasiontalk = "alekto")
	"He's telling the truth," Alekto says quietly, arms still folded across her chest. "As far a he knows it, anyway." 
	
	You know she has some capacity to tell that sort of thing, though it's not as infallible as Styx's. Still, that he's being truthful was the feeling you had, as well, and the confirmation is easy enough to accept.
*if (iasiontalk = "hekate")
	"Interesting," Hekate murmurs. "There [i]was[/i] a rumor, one that even reached us, that Demeter had shown unusual interest in a mortal man at this event. The details were sparse, however, so from that alone I could not say whether he's being truthful. And yet…" she glances once at Iasion, then returns her attention to you. "For what it's worth, I think he is." 
	
	You don't think she has at least not magically, like Styx or Alekto could. On the other hand, she [i]is[/i] a socially-adept person, and one with likely very much experience interacting with others, if only for the number of centuries she has been alive. And besides, that Iasion's being truthful was the feeling you had, as well, and the confirmation is easy enough to accept.

"I… have little more to adduce in my favor," Iasion says, "except that I see my mother in some of your features. But I think, truthfully, there is scant evidence in that, for she is not with us for you to see yourself, and perhaps I just want to believe it badly enough that I'm imagining things."

Nevertheless… he makes a compelling case. You know your mother, and you know she doesn't [i]regularly[/i] take up with suitors of any sort. You've never seen her look twice at anyone on Olympus, and truthfully if it weren't for your own existence, you could have easily believed her just like your aunt—entirely uninterested in romance or sex. Maybe you could still have believed that. 

And yet something about his story seems not only true, but likely to be the explanation for how you came to be.
*page_break
"I also want… to apologize," Iasion continues, running a hand back over his hair. "I can't imagine what it must be like to wake up one morning to all of this, and on a time limit, no less. I want you to know that I don't—I don't expect anything in particular from you. To be honest, I'm just…"

He swallows, the cartilage in his throat bobbing, and coughs softly. His fingers curl against the surface of the table, nail beds paling. "I'm just… delighted. To know that you're not just someone I imagined might one day exist. That you're [i]real[/i], and alive, and well." 

Iasion's eyes drop to the table, then slowly drag back up to you. "I hope your life has been everything you could ever want. I hope it always will be. That's all."

*fake_choice
	#The irony and unfairness of it all forms a lump in my throat. "I... thank you."
		*set warm +1
		The irony and unfairness of it all forms a lump in your throat. "I... thank you."
		
		You can feel tears threatening, but you're fighting them, not so much for your own sake as for his. Wouldn't it just give him something to worry about, if he saw you cry over this? After everything, in [i]this[/i] situation, you don't want to make him concerned like that. 
		
		It's so—
		
		*if (iasiontalk = "all")
			"Damn." Hermes expels a quiet breath, and only then does Iasion seem to remember anyone else is in the room at all. 
			
			He sits back again in his chair, shaking his head. "I wish it could have been some other way," he admits. "But… this is the situation we have."
		*if (iasiontalk = "none")
			He meets your eyes, and you can tell his aren't quite dry, either. "I'm sorry," he murmurs. "I wish it could have been some other way. But… this is the situation we have."
		*if (iasiontalk = "hades")
			"I'm sorry," Hades says softly, and at first you don't know whether he is speaking to you or to Iasion, until it dawns on you that the answer is 'both.'
			
			Iasion swallows, leaning back again in his chair and shaking his head. "I wish it could have been some other way," he admits. "But… this is the situation we have."
		*if (iasiontalk = "hermes")
			"Damn." Hermes expels a quiet breath, and only then does Iasion seem to remember anyone else is in the room at all. 
			
			He sits back again in his chair, shaking his head. "I wish it could have been some other way," he admits. "But… this is the situation we have."
		*if (iasiontalk = "charon")
			"That is…" Charon seems unsure how to finish the thought, and only then does Iasion seem to remember anyone else is in the room at all. 
			
			He sits back again in his chair, shaking his head. "I wish it could have been some other way," he admits. "But… this is the situation we have."
		*if (iasiontalk = "pyri")
			"That's… that's really…" Pyri looks almost angry, though you can only suppose it must be on your behalf, because even [i]their[/i] eyes aren't dry.
			
			Only then does Iasion seem to remember anyone else is in the room at all. 
			
			He sits back again in his chair, shaking his head. "I wish it could have been some other way," he admits. "But… this is the situation we have."
		*if (iasiontalk = "alekto")
			Alekto lifts her hands, and then they drop back to her side with a small noise. You don't know what she was about to say. Maybe she doesn't, either, given the helpless expression that steals over her face. 
			
			Only then does Iasion seem to remember anyone else is in the room at all. 
			
			He sits back again in his chair, shaking his head. "I wish it could have been some other way," he admits. "But… this is the situation we have."
		*if (iasiontalk = "hekate")
			Hekate sighs softly, lips pressed together and a soft look to her eyes. She doesn't say anything, but it's just enough to remind you she's there. 
			
			Only then does Iasion seem to remember anyone else is in the room at all. 
			
			He sits back again in his chair, shaking his head. "I wish it could have been some other way," he admits. "But… this is the situation we have."
	#I can at least offer a smile, even if this is not the joyful occasion I might have wanted it to be. "It's been... there's been ups and downs, but I'm happy."
		*set warm +1
		You can at least offer a smile, even if this is not the joyful occasion you might have wanted it to be. "It's been... there's been ups and downs, but I'm happy." 
		
		That's the truth, but it's also meant to give him as much reassurance as you can, while you can. Your life hasn't been perfect, by any means, but you're satisfied with where it is and where it's going. And if he wishes for your happiness, he need not worry too much. 
		
		The situation strikes you as deeply unfair, but what can you do about that? There's no one here who can fix that, and so you simply have to cope with it as best you can.
		
		*if (iasiontalk = "all")
			"I hate this," Hermes says to the room. "I just want that to be known. I hate that we can't do anything about this." 
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people here at all. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "none")
			Iasion meets your eyes, and you can tell his aren't quite dry. "I want very much to lament the situation we're in," he admits quietly. "But instead I am going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "hades")
			Hades exhales softly, something you can only hear because of how quiet it otherwise is. "Would that I could give you more time," he murmurs, a hint of thoughtfulness making its way over the otherwise hewn stoniness of his expression. 
			
			Iasion clears his throat. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "hermes")
			"I hate this," Hermes says to you both. "I just want that to be known. I hate that we can't do anything about this." 
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people in the room. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "charon")
			Charon's brows crease, disturbing the still water of their expression, and for a moment their lips pale as they're pressed together. "In all my centuries, this is not a facet of the tragedy of it all I've ever had to deal with," they admit softly. "I hope you will believe me when I say I'm sorry it must be like this." 
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people in the room. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "pyri")
			Pyri frowns, tapping their first two fingertips on the wood of the table with a furrowed brow. "This is really—I'm sorry it's like this. I wish there was anything I could do." 
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people in the room. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "alekto")
			Alekto lifts her hands, and then they drop back to her side with a small noise. You don't know what she was about to say. Maybe she doesn't, either, given the helpless expression that steals over her face. 
			
			Only then does Iasion seem to remember anyone else is in the room at all. 
			
			"Much as any of us might wish otherwise," he says, clearing his throat, "this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful for your answer. Grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "hekate")
			Hekate sighs softly, lips pressed together and a soft look to her eyes. "It's unfortunate that things worked out this way," she murmurs. "It would have been much nicer to have found you [i]before[/i] all this."
			
			*if (fatedad)
				She glances towards you, then shakes her head. "I'm sorry. I knew you wanted to know, so I was looking for him, but such divinations are very imprecise. I had only confirmed that he was involved in a war somewhere before this happened." 
			
			Iasion clears his throat. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
	#I'm still reeling a little, not sure how to properly respond, but I manage a tight 'thank you,' at least.
		You're still reeling a little, not sure how to properly respond, but you manage a tight 'thank you,' at least.
		
		It's all… quite a lot. Of information, of ways in which you need to reconfigure your understanding of things. Filling in the largest blank in your understanding of your own life, your own origin, is naturally a significant undertaking, but even this much is leaving the parts you still [i]don't[/i] know to stand out in stark contrast. 
		
		Why did your mother stop speaking to him? Why weren't you allowed to know him? It seems he would have been willing to know [i]you[/i], but is that perhaps a more recent development than he has indicated?
		
		There are too many questions for you to even know where to begin, and the squeeze of the time limitation is [i]also[/i] looming large.
		
		*if (iasiontalk = "all")
			"I hate this," Hermes says to the room. "I just want that to be known. I hate that we can't do anything about this." 
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people here at all. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "none")
			Iasion meets your eyes, and you can tell his aren't quite dry. "I want very much to lament the situation we're in," he admits quietly. "But instead I am going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
			
			He doesn't press it, though, doesn't leave an expectant silence in which you might reciprocate the sentiment. Perhaps he knows you can't right now. Perhaps he senses that you're overwhelmed. You can only hope so, because it would be difficult to explain.
		*if (iasiontalk = "hades")
			Hades exhales softly, something you can only hear because of how quiet it otherwise is. "Would that I could give you more time," he murmurs, a hint of thoughtfulness making its way over the otherwise hewn stoniness of his expression. 
			
			That [i]would[/i] probably help.
			
			Iasion clears his throat. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "hermes")
			"I hate this," Hermes says to you both. "I just want that to be known. I hate that we can't do anything about this." 
			
			You're not even sure what you'd want to 'do' about it, but the sentiment isn't completely off-base, either.
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people in the room. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "charon")
			Charon's brows crease, disturbing the still water of their expression, and for a moment their lips pale as they're pressed together. "In all my centuries, this is not a facet of the tragedy of it all I've ever had to deal with," they admit softly. "I hope you will believe me when I say I'm sorry it must be like this." 
			
			You do, of course, even if you've not quite decided what the worst part of it all is, just yet. 
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people in the room. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "pyri")
			Pyri frowns, tapping their first two fingertips on the wood of the table with a furrowed brow. "This is really—I'm sorry it's like this. I wish there was anything I could do." 
			
			You're not even sure what you'd want to 'do' or have done about it, but the sentiment isn't completely off-base, either.
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people in the room. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "alekto")
			Alekto lifts her hands, and then they drop back to her side with a small noise. You don't know what she was about to say. Maybe she doesn't, either, given the helpless expression that steals over her face. 
			
			Perhaps she of all people understands how you feel. It's too big a… [i]thing[/i] to decide about all at once, or to know what to say about.
			
			"Much as any of us might wish otherwise," Iasion says, clearing his throat, "this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "hekate")
			Hekate sighs softly, lips pressed together and a soft look to her eyes. "It's unfortunate that things worked out this way," she murmurs. "It would have been much nicer to have found you [i]before[/i] all this."
			
			*if (fatedad)
				She glances towards you, then shakes her head. "I'm sorry. I knew you wanted to know, so I was looking for him, but such divinations are very imprecise. I had only confirmed that he was involved in a war somewhere before this happened." 
				
				She'd been looking? Somehow that doesn't surprise you, but you hadn't had a clue, either. She's right, though—it would have been easier to deal with all of this if… well. It doesn't matter now.
			
			Iasion clears his throat. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
	#I can't help but feel that's a tad presumptive of him, but I'll let it slide. He's not being overbearing with this, and I appreciate that. "Thank you. If it helps to know, I'm doing rather well."
		*set cold +1
		You can't help but feel that's a tad presumptive of him, but you'll let it slide. He's not being overbearing with this, and you appreciate that. "Thank you. If it helps to know, I'm doing rather well."
		
		At the moment, your emotions remain firmly under your control. There is still a fair bit of thinking you'll need to do about these matters, of course. Filling in the largest blank in your understanding of your own life, your own origin, is naturally a significant undertaking, but even this much is leaving the parts you still [i]don't[/i] know to stand out in stark contrast. 
		
		Why did your mother stop speaking to him? Why weren't you allowed to know him? It seems he would have been willing to know [i]you[/i], but is that perhaps a more recent development than he has indicated?
		
		The short time span in which you may be able to get hints as to the answers is daunting, in its way, but you will handle it in your own way and with your own priorities. 
		
		*if (iasiontalk = "all")
			"I hate this," Hermes says to the room. "I just want that to be known. I hate that we can't do anything about this." 
			
			You're not, really, surprised that he's more upset about this than you are. 
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people here at all. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "none")
			Iasion meets your eyes, and you can tell his aren't quite dry. "I want very much to lament the situation we're in," he admits quietly. "But instead I am going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
			
			He doesn't press it, though, doesn't leave an expectant silence in which you might reciprocate the sentiment. Perhaps he knows that you wouldn't necessarily be able to. You can't claim to feel exactly the way he does about it, but you [i]do[/i] think perhaps you're glad this happened, even if the circumstances are less than ideal.
		*if (iasiontalk = "hades")
			Hades exhales softly, something you can only hear because of how quiet it otherwise is. "Would that I could give you more time," he murmurs, a hint of thoughtfulness making its way over the otherwise hewn stoniness of his expression. 
			
			It's almost surprising that he understands where your head is at so well. Time is exactly what you feel you could use more of. Time to deliberate. Time to gather information. Time to get to know Iasion better, even, because you aren't immediately going to feel familial about someone you've just met, even if he is, literally, family. 
			
			Iasion clears his throat. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "hermes")
			"I hate this," Hermes says to you both. "I just want that to be known. I hate that we can't do anything about this." 
			
			You're not even sure what you'd want to 'do' about it, but the sentiment isn't completely off-base, either. It would be nice to feel like there was much of anything to be done, that you could potentially decide on with a bit more time. 
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people in the room. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "charon")
			Charon's brows crease, disturbing the still water of their expression, and for a moment their lips pale as they're pressed together. "In all my centuries, this is not a facet of the tragedy of it all I've ever had to deal with," they admit softly. "I hope you will believe me when I say I'm sorry it must be like this." 
			
			You wonder if, perhaps, he has misinterpreted you a little bit. Or perhaps he is simply expressing a view that is purely his own.
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people in the room. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "pyri")
			Pyri frowns, tapping their first two fingertips on the wood of the table with a furrowed brow. "This is really—I'm sorry it's like this. I wish there was anything I could do." 
			
			You wonder if, perhaps, they have misinterpreted you a little bit. Or perhaps they are simply expressing a view that is purely their own. They are the sort to easily become invested in other people, after all.
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people in the room. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "alekto")
			Alekto lifts her hands, and then they drop back to her side with a small noise. You don't know what she was about to say. Maybe she doesn't, either, given the complicated expression that steals over her face. 
			
			"Much as I might wish otherwise," Iasion says, clearing his throat, "this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, and for your answer, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "hekate")
			Hekate sighs softly, lips pressed together and a soft look to her eyes. "It's unfortunate that things worked out this way," she murmurs. "It would have been much nicer to have found you [i]before[/i] all this."
			
			*if (fatedad)
				She glances towards you, then shakes her head. "I'm sorry. I knew you wanted to know, so I was looking for him, but such divinations are very imprecise. I had only confirmed that he was involved in a war somewhere before this happened." 
				
				She'd been looking? Somehow that doesn't surprise you, but you hadn't had a clue, either. She's right, though—it would have been easier to deal with all of this if… well. It doesn't matter now.
			
			Iasion clears his throat. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
	#I do understand that he's holding back his emotions, which is good because I'd rather not confront those. We're still essentially strangers, but I can manage politeness. "I appreciate the sentiment."
		*set cold  +1
		You do understand that he's holding back his emotions, which is good because you'd rather not confront those. We're still essentially strangers, but you can manage politeness. "I appreciate the sentiment."
		
		It's not as though you can suddenly claim to feel a bond with this man. Or any sort of attachment. Perhaps, with time, something like that might have been possible. But time is something you do not have, and so the best choice is to remain at a courteous distance. 
		
		Even if somehow you think Iasion is not as capable of that as you are.
		
		*if (iasiontalk = "all")
			"I hate this," Hermes says to the room. "I just want that to be known. I hate that we can't do anything about this." 
			
			You're not, really, surprised that he's more upset about this than you are. He's never seemed all that good at emotional distance, either.
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people here at all. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "none")
			Iasion meets your eyes, and you can tell his aren't quite dry. "I want very much to lament the situation we're in," he admits quietly. "But instead I am going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
			
			He doesn't press it, though, doesn't leave an expectant silence in which you might reciprocate the sentiment. Perhaps he knows that you wouldn't necessarily be able to. You can't claim to feel exactly the way he does about it, but you [i]do[/i] think perhaps you're glad this happened, even if the circumstances are less than ideal. It's… something. More answers than you had, at the very least.
		*if (iasiontalk = "hades")
			Hades exhales softly, something you can only hear because of how quiet it otherwise is. "Would that I could give you more time," he murmurs, a hint of thoughtfulness making its way over the otherwise hewn stoniness of his expression. 
			
			It's almost surprising that he understands where your head is at so well. Time is exactly what you feel you could use more of. Time to deliberate. Time to gather information. Time to get to know Iasion better, even, because it might be worthwhile to do so if there was time in which to do it properly. 
			
			Iasion clears his throat. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "hermes")
			"I hate this," Hermes says to you both. "I just want that to be known. I hate that we can't do anything about this." 
			
			You're not, really, surprised that he's more upset about this than you are. He's never seemed all that good at emotional distance, either.
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people in the room. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "charon")
			Charon's brows crease, disturbing the still water of their expression, and for a moment their lips pale as they're pressed together. "In all my centuries, this is not a facet of the tragedy of it all I've ever had to deal with," they admit softly. "I hope you will believe me when I say I'm sorry it must be like this." 
			
			You wonder if, perhaps, he has misinterpreted you a little bit. Or perhaps he is simply expressing a view that is purely his own.
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people in the room. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "pyri")
			Pyri frowns, tapping their first two fingertips on the wood of the table with a furrowed brow. "This is really—I'm sorry it's like this. I wish there was anything I could do." 
			
			You wonder if, perhaps, they have misinterpreted you a little bit. Or perhaps they are simply expressing a view that is purely their own. They are the sort to easily become invested in other people, after all.
			
			Iasion clears his throat, clearly only now remembering that there are other people in the room. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "alekto")
			Alekto lifts her hands, and then they drop back to her side with a small noise. You don't know what she was about to say. Maybe she doesn't, either, given the complicated expression that steals over her face. 
			
			"Much as I might wish otherwise," Iasion says, clearing his throat, "this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, and for your answer, because it could very easily never have taken place."
		*if (iasiontalk = "hekate")
			Hekate sighs softly, lips pressed together and a soft look to her eyes. "It's unfortunate that things worked out this way," she murmurs. "It would have been much nicer to have found you [i]before[/i] all this."
			
			*if (fatedad)
				She glances towards you, then arcs a brow. "I'm sorry. I knew you wanted to know, so I was looking for him, but such divinations are very imprecise. I had only confirmed that he was involved in a war somewhere before this happened." 
				
				She'd been looking? Somehow that doesn't surprise you, but you hadn't had a clue, either. She's right, though—it would have been easier to deal with all of this if… well. It doesn't matter now. You push the emotions aside and resume your placid expression.
			
			Iasion clears his throat. "That's… I appreciate it, sincerely. But this is the situation we're in. I am… going to be grateful that this meeting happened at all, because it could very easily never have taken place."
*page_break
Releasing a long, slow breath, Iasion seems almost to resign himself to something, his hands relaxing on the tabletop and his expression clearing, then becoming something almost wry for a moment before he shakes his head. 

"I… would welcome it, if you wanted to visit again, of course," he says softly, one fingertip tapping lightly on the wooden surface beneath it. "But… I understand that things are complicated. With what will happen eventually, and with the fact that to you, I simply appeared from nowhere with all kinds of outrageous claims. I'll… I'll understand if you choose not to." 

He lifts his eyes, making steady contact with yours. "Whatever happens, know that meeting you was the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I mean that sincerely."

He is preparing to allow you to leave. Presumably because he knows he has said a great many things that require more thought, and because he cannot simply keep you here for the entire day. And indeed, he stands, pausing for a long moment before he moves to the tent flap and pulls it aside. 

"And… farewell, whether it be for today, or for always."

*fake_choice
	#"It won't be for always, Iasion. I can promise that much."
		"It won't be for always, Iasion. I can promise that much." You don't know yet how often you'll visit before he is brought across the river, but you don't need to do any more thinking to know that you [i]will[/i] be visiting again. 
		
		A smile turns his mouth, and he inclines his head in something almost akin to half a bow. 
		
		"Then… I'll look forward to the next time we meet, ${name}."
	#"Would you really... could you really be satisfied, with just this?"
		"Would you really… could you really be satisfied, with just this?" He's certainly speaking like he could, but everything else he's doing makes you less sure. 
		
		Iasion's expression becomes complicated, his mouth pulling to the side. "Not exactly," he admits. "Obviously, I want to meet you again. To speak properly about [i]you[/i] for a while. To get to know one another. But I also understand that something like that might not be what [i]you[/i] want. And not unreasonably. So… whatever you choose, I assure you I will be fine."
		
		Not the same thing as satisfied, but you suppose you could hardly expect him to be equally happy with anything. 
	#"And farewell to you, also."
		"And farewell to you, also." You give no indication of whether or not he might see you again, because right now, you are not certain. There's a lot to consider, and you don't even know exactly how much time he'll have. 
		
		But he doesn't try to get an answer out of you. Instead, a smile turns his mouth, and he inclines his head in something almost akin to half a bow. 
		
		"It is my greatest pleasure to have met you, ${name}."
	#"Thank you for everything you've said, but please try not to expect me again."
		"Thank you for everything you've said, but please try not to expect me again." You aren't completely sure of everything just yet, but right now you don't think you'll be returning. It would be unfair of you to simply think that while letting him live in hope that it might be otherwise, so you warn him instead. 
		
		Iasion doesn't seem to take this poorly, at least not outwardly. Instead, a smile turns his mouth, and he inclines his head in something almost akin to half a bow. 
		
		"It is my greatest pleasure to have met you, ${name}." 
*page_break
Taking your cue, you pass through the tent's entrance, returning to the riverbank. 
*if (iasiontalk = "all")
	The others are mostly contemplative, which makes sense, you suppose. No one immediately asks how you're feeling or what you're thinking, which is [i]also[/i] appreciated, because it's going to take you some time to decide. They're just [i]there[/i], presences familiar and welcome as you make your way back to the Keep, still deep in thought. 
*if (iasiontalk != "all")
	Meeting back up with the others is simple enough. No one immediately asks how you're feeling or what you're thinking, which is appreciated, because it's going to take you some time to decide. They're just [i]there[/i], presences familiar and welcome as you make your way back to the Keep, still deep in thought. 

*fake_choice
	#I'm already mentally composing the letter I'll need to write my mother, but it's... overwhelming.
		You're already mentally composing the letter you'll need to write your mother, but it's... overwhelming.
		
		Still, you have time. Iasion has time. You can take it slowly, and get there when you get there.
	#I'm just... trying to process. It's definitely going to take some time.
		You're just... trying to process. It's definitely going to take some time.
		
		Still, you [i]have[/i] time. Iasion has time. You can take things slowly, and see where they lead.
	#I'm going to put this from my mind for a while. Let it sit there in the background, and do other things in the meantime.
		You're going to put this from your mind for a while. Let it sit there in the background, and do other things in the meantime.
		
		It's not as though dwelling on it constantly is going to help you. Besides, you have time. Iasion has time. You can take things slowly, and see where they lead.
*label makakerby1
*page_break
The next day finds you, admittedly, still a bit preoccupied. You go through your ordinary routine, only to find yourself forgetting what you're doing part of the way through, distracted by your own musings. 

A walk seems like an appropriate solution, and so you take a break to make time for one, heading for the orchard. It's a quiet place, and spacious enough to walk in for quite some time, to stretch your legs and let your mind wander, not just to the matter at hand but to all sorts of other things. 

You suppose there are always a certain number of 'matters at hand' in the Underworld, after all. 
*page_break
You trail your fingers lightly along the trunks of the trees as you walk. 
*if (job = "gardener")
	This is a familiar place, one of the ones in the Underworld that you feel most deeply connected to. That's a function of all the work you do for it, no doubt, but also just of that intuitive connection you've always had to plants of all kinds. Something that will probably never leave you, considering who you are. 
*if (job != "gardener")
	You're not really out here all that often, given that your work involves other things, and it already has people to tend it, but still you feel a connection to it. Perhaps just a function of that intuitive connection you've always had to plants of all kinds. Something that will probably never leave you, considering who you are. 

Up ahead, you can hear a loud, booming bark with a slightly overlapping quality. That, of course, identifies the barker immediately—Kerberos's noises are usually a little like that, because he makes them from three mouths, often enough. 

*fake_choice
	#Kerberos is here? He's great.
		*set kerberos2 "like"
		You're rather fond of the Underworld's guard dog, even if he does seem unusually susceptible to sleeping spells. A small smile pulls at the corners of your mouth. 
		
		*if (tag_dogsfear)
			*set kerberos_nofear true
			For the longest time, you'd been afraid of dogs, but something about Kerberos in particular has gradually come to set you at ease. You're not sure what; visually, the fact that he's bigger than small carriages and and has three entire heads should probably make you [i]more[/i] wary, and once did. 
			
			You think it must be the near-human intelligence. He's not an animal you have to manage, he's a person who looks different. For whatever reason, knowing that assuages the worst of your fear, and you've been working on getting comfortable with him to considerable success. 
			
			Enough that you can enjoy the thought of running into him here. 
		*if not (tag_dogsfear)
			It'll be nice to see him again, really. He's around often enough, but he also has his own duties as a guardian, both of one of the entrances to the Underworld and of Makaria, though admittedly the latter is a bit of a self-appointed position. 
	#Kerberos is here. I don't mind if I run into him, but I won't seek it out, either.
		*set kerberos2 "neutral"
		It's not as though the two of you are especially close, but you've no aversion to his presence, either. 
		
		*if (tag_dogsfear)
			*set kerberos_nofear true
			For the longest time, you'd been afraid of dogs, but something about Kerberos in particular has gradually come to set you at ease. You're not sure what; visually, the fact that he's bigger than small carriages and and has three entire heads should probably make you [i]more[/i] wary, and once did. 
			
			You think it must be the near-human intelligence. He's not an animal you have to manage, he's a person who looks different. For whatever reason, knowing that assuages the worst of your fear, and you've been working on getting comfortable with him to considerable success. 
			
			Enough that you don't feel the need to swiftly exit the area for fear of running into him, at least. 
		*if not (tag_dogsfear)
			He's around often enough, but he also has his own duties as a guardian, both of one of the entrances to the Underworld and of Makaria, though admittedly the latter is a bit of a self-appointed position. 
	*if ((tag_dogsfear = false) or (kerberos_nofear)) 
		#Kerberos is here. I'd rather not run into him.
			*set kerberos2 "dislike"
			You wouldn't exactly say you're on good terms. 
			
			It's not that you're afraid of him, exactly. You decidedly are not, in spite of his massive size and three powerful sets of jaws. He has a near-human intelligence, you'd say, and so he's not an animal you have to manage in the first place. It's just that you… don't particularly enjoy his company, and it feels a little awkward to be in the presence of someone who can understand you but not communicate well. 
			
			As though you must pay him special mind, and carry a whole 'conversation' yourself. It's not  a very appealing thought, and is perhaps the main reason you prefer only encountering him when other people are present. 
	*if ((tag_dogsfear) and (kerberos_nofear = false))
		#Kerberos? I really don't want to run into him alone.
			*set kerberos2 "afraid"
			It's hard to say you're on good terms. 
			
			The thing is, you don't think you dislike him, exactly. You're just… afraid of him. There's no other way to put it. You've always had that problem with dogs, and it's additionally troubling because you [i]know[/i] that, even though Kerberos has the [i]shape[/i] of a dog, he's essentially a person. His intelligence is nearly-human, and you [i]know[/i] he doesn't hurt people, but still you can't conquer that instinct, no matter how you try.
			
			You've gotten to the point where you can sort of… forget he's there, in group settings. As long as you don't have to interact with him directly or alone, you're okay. But something like this, if you run into him by yourself—your throat tightens.
*page_break
The barking is followed by light, high laughter, which sort of makes sense. You rarely run into Kerberos without Makaria, and the other way around is only slightly more common. 

*fake_choice
	#Makaria's a sweet child. I do like spending time with her.
		*set makaria2 "like"
		Makaria's a sweet child, and easy to get along with. Sometimes it's hard to tell how old she really is, or rather how mature, because like many deific children, correlating such things with appearance is often a mistake. You've observed both uncanny maturity and obvious childishness in her, and perhaps the answer is just that she is herself, and will grow in her own time. 
		
		*if (makaria_refused)
			You didn't exactly get off on the right foot, mostly because of your own refusal to engage with her. But in the time since your residence in the Underworld became a more permanent part of your life, you've started to rebuild the bridge. 
			
			She's still a little cautious of you because of those early rejections, but slowly, you're getting to know one another. 
		*if ((makaria_befriends) and (makaria_refused = false))
			You hit it off with her almost immediately, and rather strongly at that. In the time since your residence in the Underworld became a more permanent part of your life, you've only grown closer, much to your continued enjoyment. 
		*if ((makaria_befriends = false) and (makaria_refused = false))
			You were never on the wrong foot with her, you don't think, but things have certainly improved between you since your residence in the Underworld became a more permanent part of your life. You've found yourself to be enjoying that more than you would have expected. 
	#We don't have the kind of relationship where we go out of our way to see each other, but she's fine, I suppose.
		*set makaria2 "neutral"
		The two of you are certainly not particularly close, but she doesn't bother you, either.  Sometimes it's hard to tell how old she really is, or rather how mature, because like many deific children, correlating such things with appearance is often a mistake. You've observed both uncanny maturity and obvious childishness in her, and it makes it difficult to decide exactly how to relate to her. 
		
		*if (makaria_refused)
			Even this state is sort of an improvement on how things started off between you, though. Mostly because of your own refusal to engage with her at all, at first. But in the time since your residence in the Underworld became a more permanent part of your life, you've started to rebuild the bridge. 
			
			She's still a little cautious of you because of those early rejections, and you're still not entirely sure how to socialize with her, but it's something you can manage if the situation calls for it, and not unpleasant.
		*if ((makaria_befriends) and (makaria_refused = false))
			It's a little awkward, honestly, because at first you thought you'd hit it off quite well with her. But perhaps time and insight were what made things feel a little strange, and left you unsure exactly how you ought to be treating her. As a friend? As a child? As someone in between those two things? 
			
			Your uncertainty has resulted in a bit of a cooling of the relationship, and you think she's noticed, because she doesn't seek out your company as often anymore, which for now feels like it's for the best. 
		*if ((makaria_befriends = false) and (makaria_refused = false))
			Then again, it's not like much has changed. You got along just fine to begin with, really; it's just that the time since your residence in the Underworld became a more permanent part of your life hasn't changed much. You still interact easily enough, but you prefer to do so in settings where there are at least one or two other people, for the most part. 
	*if (opinion_children = "dislike")
		#I'd prefer to avoid her, in all sincerity.
			*set makaria2 "dislike"
			Truly, you'd prefer not to need to interact with her. 
			
			You've never been the kind of person who likes children, and while she is perfectly tolerable in a group setting, you have no idea how to deal with her when most of the conversational burden rests with you. You bear her no ill-will, you just… don't want to find yourself in a situation where you need to navigate interaction with her. 
			
			Sometimes it's hard to tell how old she really is, or rather how mature, because like many deific children, correlating such things with appearance is often a mistake. You've observed both uncanny maturity and obvious childishness in her, and it makes it difficult to decide exactly how to engage her. 
			
			*if (makaria_refused)
				Previously, you've dealt with this by rejecting all opportunities to interact with her one-on-one, and you see no particular reason to change this policy now, particularly when the two of you are doing fine in group settings. There's no need to improve or settle anything, so sticking to what is comfortable is likely for the best.
			*if ((makaria_befriends) and (makaria_refused = false))
				For a while, you'd been making some headway with this, spending time with her in settings where it was only the two of you, or only the two of you plus Empusa. You;d even decided you wanted to be friends with her. But you very much have to be in the right frame of mind to handle such interaction, and you find that it's happening to you a bit… less. Since you've gotten to the point where you can both tolerate each other, maybe that's enough.
				
				And with everything else going on right now, you'd rather not have to puzzle out interactions with her on top of all that. 
			*if ((makaria_befriends = false) and (makaria_refused = false))
				For a while, you'd been making some headway with this, spending time with her in settings where it was only the two of you, or only the two of you plus Empusa, but you very much have to be in the right frame of mind to do that, and you find that it's happening to you a bit… less. Since you've gotten to the point where you can both tolerate each other, you've felt like it's enough.
				
				And with everything else going on right now, you'd rather not have to puzzle out interactions with her on top of all that. 
	*if (opinion_children = "nervous")
		#I'd prefer to avoid her, in all sincerity.
			*set makaria2 "dislike"
			Truly, you'd prefer not to need to interact with her. 
			
			You've never been the kind of person who handles children well, and while you're fine interacting with her in a group setting, you have no idea how to deal with her when most of the conversational burden rests with you. You bear her no ill-will, you just… don't want to find yourself in a situation where you need to navigate interaction with her. 
			
			Sometimes it's hard to tell how old she really is, or rather how mature, because like many deific children, correlating such things with appearance is often a mistake. You've observed both uncanny maturity and obvious childishness in her, and it makes it difficult to decide exactly how to engage her. 
			
			*if (makaria_refused)
				Previously, you've dealt with this by rejecting all opportunities to interact with her one-on-one, and you see no particular reason to change this policy now, particularly when the two of you are doing fine in group settings. There's no need to improve or settle anything, so sticking to what is comfortable is likely for the best.
			*if ((makaria_befriends) and (makaria_refused = false))
				For a while, you'd been making some headway with this, spending time with her in settings where it was only the two of you, or only the two of you plus Empusa. You;d even decided you wanted to be friends with her. But you very much have to be in the right frame of mind to handle such interaction, and you find that it's happening to you a bit… less. Since you've gotten to the point where you can both tolerate each other, maybe that's enough.
				
				And with everything else going on right now, you'd rather not have to puzzle out interactions with her on top of all that. 
			*if ((makaria_befriends = false) and (makaria_refused = false))
				For a while, you'd been making some headway with this, spending time with her in settings where it was only the two of you, or only the two of you plus Empusa, but you very much have to be in the right frame of mind to do that, and you find that it's happening to you a bit… less. Since you've gotten to the point where you can both tolerate each other, you've felt like it's enough.
				
				And with everything else going on right now, you'd rather not have to puzzle out interactions with her on top of all that. 
	*if ((opinion_children != "dislike") and (opinion_children != "nervous"))
		#I'd prefer to avoid her, in all sincerity.
			*set makaria2 "dislike"
			Truly, you'd prefer not to need to interact with her. 
			
			It's not as though you generally dislike children, and there's nothing in particular about interacting with them that makes you more uncomfortable than any other sort, but Makaria in particular is just not someone you can easily get along with. You bear her no ill-will, you just… don't want to find yourself in a situation where you need to navigate interaction with her. 
			
			Perhaps part of it is that sometimes it's hard to tell how old she really is, or rather how mature, because like many deific children, correlating such things with appearance is often a mistake. You've observed both uncanny maturity and obvious childishness in her, and it makes it difficult to decide exactly how to engage her. 
			
			*if (makaria_refused)
				Previously, you've dealt with this by rejecting all opportunities to interact with her one-on-one, and you see no particular reason to change this policy now, particularly when the two of you are doing fine in group settings. There's no need to improve or settle anything, so sticking to what is comfortable is likely for the best.
			*if ((makaria_befriends) and (makaria_refused = false))
				It's a reversal, of sorts, because before the trial on Olympus and your decision to make the Underworld a fundamental part of your life, you'd gotten along rather well with her. Even wanted to be her friend. It's not as though you disdain her now, you've just… grown apart, somehow, as you've settled into the rhythm of your life, in the form it takes when you're no longer just a visitor here.
			*if ((makaria_befriends = false) and (makaria_refused = false))
				Things had been going reasonably well, at first. Your relationship hadn't been the easiest one to form or sustain, but it was workable. Now, though, it just feels difficult. It's not as though you disdain her, but you have grown further apart, somehow, as you've settled into the rhythm of your life, in the form it takes when you're no longer just a visitor here.
*page_break
As they're together, approaching one would likely involve approaching the other, and they seem to be headed this way, from the tromping noises drawing closer. You could avoid the encounter if you so desired, but if you do nothing, you will certainly draw their notice soon.

*fake_choice
	#Of course I'd like to approach. As soon as I can see them through the trees, I'll call out.
		You can't see any reason to avoid them. It might even be downright pleasant, depending on what they're up to. So you keep walking a bit in the direction of their sounds, and it isn't long before you glimpse them through the rows of the orchard. 
		
		"Makaria, Kerberos!" You call out, lifting a hand to wave. 
		
		It gets their attention. Kerberos barks in a way you would interpret as 'happy,' and Makaria giggles. 
		
		"${name}! Stay there; we'll come to you!" 
		
		The tromping noises pick up into a canine sort of gallop, and they burst into your avenue of trees a little way ahead of you, Makaria astride the shoulders of her three-headed companion. 
	#It's fine, really. I don't need to avoid them.
		There's no particular need to avoid them. Seeking them out isn't really something you're going to do, but you don't mind continuing forward in the same way, and soon enough, they are indeed both visible, a couple rows of trees over from you. 
		
		One of Kerberos's heads lifts, his chest expanding as he takes in air, and he barks in a way you might interpret as 'happy.' 
		
		Makaria, perhaps noticing the direction of his attention, perks up as well. "Oh, ${name}! Hello! Stay there; we'll come to you!" 
		
		The tromping noises pick up into a canine sort of gallop, and they burst into your avenue of trees a little way ahead of you, Makaria astride the shoulders of her three-headed companion. 
	#I'm going to change my path in hopes of avoiding them.
		Overall, it's just really an encounter you don't want to have right now. There are far too many important things on your mind, and while in some sense distraction might not be the worst option, you'd prefer it in some other form. 
		
		So, you divert your path, putting some distance between yourself and the other two, and the noise of whatever they're doing gradually fades behind you, allowing you to complete your walk in relative silence. 
		*goto chapter02friendsmenu
*page_break
She slips down the admittedly long distance to the ground, Kerberos carefully angling his leg to make sure her angle of descent is safe. 

"I didn't know you were here," she observes, smiling with her whole face. "Did you need something from Grandpa Scala?" 

You can only suppose this is her name for Ascalaphus, but you've never heard it before. 

*if (forthright > reserved)
	Shaking your head, you explain. "I don't need anything. I was just on a walk to clear my head." Pausing a moment, you decide you might as well add a little more. "I've had a lot to think about lately, so I was trying to let my mind wander for a bit and see if it helps."
*if not (forthright > reserved)
	Shaking your head, you offer a partial explanation. "I don't need anything. I was just on a walk." You could probably say a little more than that without any negative consequences, but habit keeps you conservative with personal information. 

Makaria considers this for a few seconds. "Well, do you think you need to be walking? Kerby and I were going to play tag. Maybe running would be good, too?" 

*if (makaria_befriends)
	She looks at you with such undisguised hope you have to hold in a light huff of something akin to laughter. 
*if not (makaria_befriends)
	She looks at you with a tentative hope, and you suppose perhaps the invitation might be as much an overture of friendship as anything.

*if (tag_unintuitive)
	Her expressions, at least, are always so clear that even you don't have much trouble figuring out what they are.

*fake_choice
	#"All right; let's do that."
		*set makaria_touch2 "fine"
		"All right; let's do that."
		
		It's not a bad idea even if you're only thinking about clearing your mind for a while. Maybe some slightly more vigorous physical activity with low stakes will give you some clarity. 
		
		"Yes!" Makaria hops once in place, and then turns to Kerberos. "Okay, so the rule is that Kerby is it first. He's only allowed to tag with his noses, because he's big and his paws might hurt a little. But don't worry, he's really gentle at nose-tag!" 
		
		Kerberos makes a low, contented sound in the back of his throat, tail waving behind him. 
	#"Okay, but let's make this no-touch tag. If you get close enough to someone, you can just say 'tag,' or... bark, and that will count."
		*set makaria_touch2 "ask"
		"Okay, but let's make this no-touch tag. If you get close enough to someone, you can just say 'tag,' or... bark, and that will count."
		
		You don't particularly want to be in full physical contact with anyone for this, and perhaps even more importantly, you're not sure how well the strength discrepancy between the other two players will go for Makaria. 
		
		"Yes!" She hops once in place, clearly just happy to be playing in any form. "Okay, so the rule is that Kerby is it first, and no touching! But don't say tag unless you [i]could[/i] touch, or that's just cheating!" 
		
		Kerberos makes a low, contented sound in the back of his throat, tail waving behind him. 
	#"I'd rather not play right now, but you two should go ahead." 
		"I'd rather not play right now, but you two should go ahead."  You don't intend to get in the way of their fun, but it's not the sort of activity in which you're inclined to participate. 
		
		To your mild surprise, Makaria shakes her head. "No, that's okay. If you would rather walk, we'll walk with you! If that's okay." 
		
		"It is." 
		
		"Yes!" She hops in place once, clearly just happy to be invited along in any form. "Then that's what we'll do. I'll show you my favorite tree, and Kerby can show you his!"
		
		Kerberos makes a low, contented sound in the back of his throat, tail waving behind him. 
		
		Somehow, you're not at all surprised that she has a favorite tree. So you nod, and the three of you fall into step at your former pace. Makaria has to hurry a little to keep up with your longer strides, but she flits from place to place at a run anyway, exploring each new thing as it occurs to her to do so. By now, the orchard must be familiar territory, and yet she behaves as though each encounter with a tree or interestingly-shaped rock is brand new, keeping up a stream of narration to Kerberos, who whuffs and chortles and rumbles in all the right places. 
		
		When she asks you the names of the trees, you're able to provide them. After all, there aren't that many types, and this is something you were drilled in from a very early age. The new information about typical climate and growing conditions seems to enthrall her, and by the time you've once more reached the Keep, you've spoken considerably more than you planned to. 
		
		But it occurs to you that you feel just a little more at ease, too.
		*goto chapter02friendsmenu
*page_break
"All right. Once I say go, we have ten seconds to start running before Kerby can come after us. Go!" 

Makaria's off in, if not exactly a [i]flash[/i], a very enthusiastic effort at one. You do something similar, putting a bit of distance between yourself and the Underworld's guard dog, though of course everyone keeps to a reasonable amount of space for a game like this. It's mean to be fun, not actual escape from their company.

*if (tag_athletic)
	You could, probably, manage that if you so desired. You've always been quick on your feet, and while Kerberos's stride is much larger than yours will ever be, you though you could at least match him in a straight line, and you're [i]much[/i] better at small maneuvers, a skill you put to good use in present surroundings. 
	
	Makaria is, you observe, quite a bit slower than you were, as a child. Kerberos compensates for this, quite clearly, in a way he does not when chasing you, and you do the same. She, of course, has no qualms about running after either of you at full tilt; even when she trips over a tree root and lands on her hands and knees, she gets right back up to continue. 
	
	You play until Makaria has to claim exhaustion, flopping down in the middle of one of the aisles between the trees and waving her hands slowly in the air. 
	
	"I think… ${name} wins. What about you?" She turns her head to look at the enormous dog settling in next to her, all three heads happily panting, and he huff-barks, a noise that is somehow obviously affirmative.
*if not ((tag_athletic) or (tag_unathletic))
	You probably couldn't quite manage that, if Kerberos was actually intent on catching you. He's much faster on a straight line, and so while for present purposes you can manage to keep him at bay with more tricky maneuvers for a while, he does catch you. 
	
	Makaria is, you observe, probably a bit slower than you were, as a child. Kerberos compensates for this, quite clearly, in a way he does not when chasing you, and you do the same. She, of course, has no qualms about running after either of you at full tilt; even when she trips over a tree root and lands on her hands and knees, she gets right back up to continue. 
	
	You play until Makaria has to claim exhaustion, flopping down in the middle of one of the aisles between the trees and waving her hands slowly in the air. 
	
	"I think… Kerby wins. What about you?" She turns her head to look at the enormous dog settling in next to her, all three heads happily panting, and he huff-barks, a noise that is somehow obviously affirmative.
	
	You suppose he did probably do the best job, both at tagging and evading.
*if (tag_unathletic)
	Not that you could manage that even if you wanted to. Kerberos is fast, with a long stride, and you're not quite athletic enough to beat him on grounds of superior maneuvers, either. 
	
	Makaria is, you observe, probably a bit slower than even you were, as a child. Kerberos compensates for this, quite clearly, in a way he does not when chasing you, and you do the same… though it's not as necessary. She, of course, has no qualms about running after either of you at full tilt; even when she trips over a tree root and lands on her hands and knees, she gets right back up to continue. 
	
	Being rather ungraceful yourself, you end up with a scratched palm from running almost full-tilt into a tree and trying to push off with your hands, but like most minor pains, it barely registers.
	
	You play until Makaria has to claim exhaustion, flopping down in the middle of one of the aisles between the trees and waving her hands slowly in the air. 
	
	"I think… Kerby wins. What about you?" She turns her head to look at the enormous dog settling in next to her, all three heads happily panting, and he huff-barks, a noise that is somehow obviously affirmative.
	
	You suppose he did probably do the best job, both at tagging and evading.

Makaria, you notice, still has a few cuts and scrapes, including one on her knee that slowly oozes a reddish-black blood.

*fake_choice
	*if ((reading = "healing") or (reading2 = "healing"))
		#@{convotoggle [❋]|} "Here, let me heal you."
			"Here, let me heal you." You aren't sure exactly why her own deific healing hasn't already taken care of such minor injuries, but perhaps it has something to do with her partially-human nature.
			
			*if (tag_unmagic)
				Yours isn't the greatest, either, but you usually don't have to worry about minor injuries of this kind. 
			
			Makaria nods, sitting up as you crouch next to her. "I can do my hands, if you can help with my knee," she says, holding both palms up in front of her. Her nose scrunches, brow furrowing in concentration, and a moment later, it's as if the wounds were never there at all. Even the dirt is gone, for some reason. 
			
			"I didn't know you could heal," you remark, quickly taking care of her knee injury. As expected, your brand of assistance leaves the dirt and blood smear in place, but you know she won't get infected—the spell would have pushed any out of her wound if it had been there. 
			
			"I'm still learning," she replies, running her fingers along her palm as if to check that the scratches are really gone. "But you're really good at it!" 
	#"Let's get you back to the Keep and see Hekate." 
		"Let's get you back to the Keep and see Hekate." You aren't sure exactly why her own deific healing hasn't already taken care of such minor injuries, but perhaps it has something to do with her partially-human nature.

		*if (tag_unmagic)
			Yours isn't the greatest, either, but you usually don't have to worry about minor injuries of this kind. 
		
		But Makaria shakes her head. "It's okay; I can do it!" Holding both palms up in front of her, she scrunches her nose, brow furrowing in concentration, and a moment later, it's as if the wounds were never there at all. Even the dirt is gone, for some reason. 
		
		"I didn't know you could heal," you remark, as she takes care of her knee injury in a similar way, leaving no blood behind. 
		
		"I'm still learning," she replies, running her fingers along her palm as if to check that the scratches are really gone. "But dad and Auntie Hekate both say I'm getting better at it." 
	#"Are you okay? Does this happen a lot?"
		"Are you okay? Does that happen a lot?" You aren't sure exactly why her own deific healing hasn't already taken care of such minor injuries, but perhaps it has something to do with her partially-human nature.

		*if (tag_unmagic)
			Yours isn't the greatest, either, but you usually don't have to worry about minor injuries of this kind. 
		
		Makaria nods. "I'm okay. I can fix it!" Holding both palms up in front of her, she scrunches her nose, brow furrowing in concentration, and a moment later, it's as if the wounds were never there at all. Even the dirt is gone, for some reason. 
		
		"I didn't know you could heal," you remark, as she takes care of her knee injury in a similar way, leaving no blood behind. 
		
		"I'm still learning," she replies, running her fingers along her palm as if to check that the scratches are really gone. "But dad and Auntie Hekate both say I'm getting better at it." 
	#I didn't exactly expect to deal with an injured child today. What am I meant to do?
		You didn't exactly expect to deal with an injured child today. What are you meant to do? Take her to Hekate, maybe? You aren't sure exactly why her own deific healing hasn't already taken care of such minor injuries, but perhaps it has something to do with her partially-human nature.

		*if (tag_unmagic)
			Yours isn't the greatest, either, but you usually don't have to worry about minor injuries of this kind. 
		
		Makaria hums, seemingly oblivious to your uncertainty. Holding both palms up in front of her, she scrunches her nose, brow furrowing in concentration, and a moment later, it's as if the wounds were never there at all. Even the dirt is gone, for some reason. 
		
		"I didn't know you could heal," you remark, as she takes care of her knee injury in a similar way, leaving no blood behind. 
		
		"I'm still learning," she replies, running her fingers along her palm as if to check that the scratches are really gone. "But dad and Auntie Hekate both say I'm getting better at it." 
*page_break
Now that her injuries are gone, she stands back up, dusting off her clothes, albeit not very thoroughly, and offers you a broad smile. "Do you want to come back and have snacks with us? Empusa is making honey cakes today." 

Empusa [i]is[/i] quite skilled at making food. You find yourself nodding. "That sounds like a plan." 

It occurs to you that you feel just a little more at ease, right now, and there's no reason not to allow the feeling to linger.

So the three of you return to the Keep, and after a pleasant afternoon, you find that sleep comes more easily than it did the day before.
*page_break
*label chapter02friendsmenu
Your days are your own to fill, in the Underworld, and though recent developments still weigh on your mind, there is plenty else to do while you allow yourself the time to process. 

*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse #I'm going to join Alekto and Pyri for an art project.
		*set ch2activitycounter +1
		*goto alektopyriscene02
	*disable_reuse #Hekate and Hermes have invited me to spend time with them.
		*set ch2activitycounter +1
		*goto hekatehermesscene02
	*disable_reuse #Hekate and Daeira are asking me to take a message to Charon and Hades, which is unusual.
		*set ch2activitycounter +1
		*goto hadescharonscene02
	*if (ch2activitycounter > 2)
		#I think perhaps a little time relaxing by myself is called for, now.
			*goto styxhasnews

*label alektopyriscene02
You have, of course, been invited to do various art projects with Alekto and Pyri before. Most often it's just the two of them, but occasionally one or two of the others will join; Klotho is particularly fond of weaving, as she likes to see the result of the thread-spinning she's more familiar with, for example, and Charon joins when they're not too occupied with their work. 

*fake_choice
	#I'm a regular attendee, too. I never miss one unless I have to.
		*set artclub "regular"
		You're a regular attendee, too, and never miss one unless you have to. It's nice, to spend time like this with them, and the activities are usually fun, whether or not any of you are good at them.
		
		Of course, Alekto is good at all of them, for some reason, but perhaps that's just because she's spent a lot of time learning. She's usually the one teaching you and Pyri how to do something new. It's a side of her you don't see as often as others, and one more thing that makes the whole experience pleasant. 
	#I drop in every now and then.
		*set artclub "occasional"
		You drop in every now and then. It would be a stretch to say you participate with any regularity, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it sometimes. The activities are usually fun, whether or not any of you are any good at them. 
		
		Of course, Alekto is good at all of them, for some reason, but perhaps that's just because she's spent a lot of time learning. She's usually the one teaching you and Pyri how to do something new, and you don't mind borrowing her expertise in the least.
	#I almost never attend, but they're good for relaxing and taking my mind off things, so today I feel like it. 
		*set artclub "rare"
		You almost never attend, but the workshops are good for relaxing and taking your mind off things, so today might be a good day for it. Having something like that, an activity you can just do to relax, is a valuable thing, even if you aren't inclined to indulge in this particular one all that often. 
		
		Alekto seems to be good at just about every form of art or craft you've seen her do, perhaps just because she's spent a lot of time learning. She's usually the one teaching you and Pyri how to do something new, and you don't mind borrowing her expertise in the least.
*page_break
Pyri spots you first as you enter, offering a wave and a broad smile. "And we have ${name} today. I think it's going to be a good one, Leks." 

*if (route != "pyri")
	You wonder if there's a bottom to their enthusiasm and warmth. There must be, of course, but you've never seen it. 
	
	*fake_choice
		#It's one of the things that makes them a good friend.
			*set pyri_sequelinitial "friends"
			It's one of the things that makes them a good friend, even though you know they have their own problems. There's something uplifting about their ability to take things in their stride, even if you can't always manage it yourself. 
			
			*if ((pyri_initial = "crush") or (pyri_initial = "friends"))
				You've thought so pretty much since you met them, honestly. Or at least, you've been drawn to that deep warm and openness since then.
			*if (pyri_initial = "neutral")
				It's something that's grown on you, as Pyri themself has. You weren't entirely sure whether you'd get along, when you first met, and you certainly didn't predict it would end up like this. 
			*if (pyri_initial = "dislike")
				It's something that has really grown on you, as Pyri themself has. You were quite sure you disliked them, when the two of you first met, but time and familiarity has changed that quite a lot.
			
			You offer a small smile back at them for the words. 
		#It can be a bit much sometimes, but in small doses it's all right.
			*set pyri_sequelinitial "neutral"
			It can be a bit much sometimes, but in small doses it's all right. They just have a lot of energy, and you can certainly find it exhausting as often as you find it uplifting, but it's just the way they are. 
			
			*if ((pyri_initial = "crush") or (pyri_initial = "friends"))
				You'd been rather drawn to it, and them, when the two of you had first met, but it's one of those cases of familiarity making things a little more difficult, rather than less. Still, it's not as if you don't get along.
			*if (pyri_initial = "neutral")
				It's about the same as you've always felt about it, and them. When the two of you first met, you weren't especially enthused about your prospects of friendship, but at least you can get along well enough.
			*if (pyri_initial = "dislike")
				It's actually something of an improvement from how you thought about it, and them, when you first met. You weren't sure how well you'd get along back then, but you can at least manage that much consistently these days. Getting along.
			
			You offer a small dip of the chin at their words. 
		#It's honestly kind of annoying, but I can tolerate it for now.
			*set pyri_sequelinitial "dislike"
			It's honestly kind of annoying, but you do your best to put up with it. Pyri is friends with the people who are also your friends, and it's worth learning to tolerate their high levels of energy for that.
			
			The tendency isn't even [i]always[/i] unpleasant… if you take it in very small amounts, and on your own terms. 
			
			*if ((pyri_initial = "crush") or (pyri_initial = "friends"))
				You'd been rather drawn to it, and them, when the two of you had first met, but it's one of those cases of familiarity making things more difficult, rather than less. Still, it's not as if you're at one another's throats. You're certain they like [i]you[/i] plenty.
			*if (pyri_initial = "neutral")
				You'd been a little less irritated by it, and them, back when the two of you first met, but familiarity does breed contempt, you suppose. If you can even call it contempt. It doesn't feel like that extreme a dislike. Just a mild sense of preferring to be elsewhere, and one you can handle with maturity. You're certain they like [i]you[/i] plenty.
			*if (pyri_initial = "dislike")
				It's about the same as you've always felt about it, and them. Just a mild sense of preferring to be elsewhere, and one you can handle with maturity. You're certain they like [i]you[/i] plenty.
			
			So you offer a small dip of your chin at the words. 
	*page_break
Alekto lifts a brow at this remark, but doesn't counter it, instead offering you a nod by way of greeting. These two are perhaps the most contrasting pair of friends you've ever met, and yet somehow you never doubt that they [i]are[/i] friends.

*if (route != "alekto")
	*fake_choice
		#It's surprisingly easy to be friends with Alekto, honestly. 
			*set alekto_sequelinitial "friends"
			It's surprisingly easy to be friends with Alekto, honestly. 
			
			*if ((alekto_initial = "crush") or (alekto_initial = "friends"))
				Even in spite of her early prickliness to you, you've always thought so. There was something sincere about her, even then, and it wasn't too hard to understand that her defensiveness was wielded on behalf of her friends, against someone whose intentions she could not possibly know.
				
				Of course, no trace of that animosity remains, and so the friendship is one of the most pleasantly-simple things in your life. 
			*if (alekto_initial = "neutral")
				In fairness, things were a little different early on, as her prickliness towards you wasn't the easiest thing to see past. Still, you understood even then that it wasn't coming from a place of true malice, but rather protectiveness for her friends. You were someone whose intentions she could not possibly know, after all. 
				
				Of course, no trace of that animosity remains, and so the friendship is one of the most pleasantly-simple things in your life. 
			*if (alekto_initial = "dislike")
				Things were certainly different, early on. Even if you understood that her initial prickliness to you wasn't coming from a place of malice, it was hard to see past, and you admittedly didn't like her any more than she liked you.
				
				But you've since come to understand how sincere she really is, and she's long apologized for those first suspicions. Somehow, you've forged a friendship out of it, and that friendship is one of the most pleasantly-simple things in your life. 
		#I wouldn't call myself friends with Alekto, but we get along decently enough. 
			*set alekto_sequelinitial "neutral"
			You couldn't call yourself friends with Alekto, but you get along decently enough. 
			
			*if ((alekto_initial = "crush") or (alekto_initial = "friends"))
				The beginning of things was a little more tumultuous, between her suspicion of you and the way you felt drawn to her gruff personality, but as things have gradually worked themselves out, you've arrived at a sort of pleasant neutrality. 
				
				Perhaps in time this too will change, but for now it is comfortable enough, and that's all you really need it to be. 
			*if (alekto_initial = "neutral")
				The beginning of things was a bit tumultuous, between her suspicion of you and your guesses about her motives for such a thing. But as things have gradually worked themselves out, you've arrived at a sort of pleasant neutrality. 
				
				Perhaps in time this too will change, but for now it is comfortable enough, and that's all you really need it to be. 
			*if (alekto_initial = "dislike")
				The beginning of things was a bit tumultuous, between her suspicion of you and your reactive dislike of her as well. But as things have gradually worked themselves out, you've arrived at a sort of pleasant neutrality. 
				
				Perhaps in time this too will change, but for now it is comfortable enough, and that's all you really need it to be. 
		#I don't much care for Alekto, but she doesn't try to force me to be friends, so we can manage in one another's company.
			*set alekto_sequelinitial "dislike"
			You don't much care for Alekto, but she doesn't try to force you to be friends, so you can manage in one another's company. 
			
			*if ((alekto_initial = "crush") or (alekto_initial = "friends"))
				The beginning of things was a little more tumultuous, between her suspicion of you and the way you felt drawn to her gruff personality, but as things have gradually worked themselves out, you've arrived at a sort of cool mutual understanding. 
				
				Perhaps in time this too will change, but for now it is functional, and without outright hostility, and that's all you really need it to be. 
			*if (alekto_initial = "neutral")
				The beginning of things was a bit tumultuous, between her suspicion of you and your guesses about her motives for such a thing. But as things have gradually worked themselves out, you've arrived at a sort of cool mutual understanding. 
				
				Perhaps in time this too will change, but for now it is functional, and without outright hostility, and that's all you really need it to be. 
			*if (alekto_initial = "dislike")
				The beginning of things was a bit tumultuous, between her suspicion of you and your reactive dislike of her as well. But while that hasn't really faded, on your end, you've arrived at a sort of cool mutual understanding. 
				
				Perhaps in time this too will change, but for now it is functional, and without outright hostility, and that's all you really need it to be. 
	*page_break
"What's today's project?" you ask, looking around the workroom. Someone seems to have made some adjustments to the furnace; you're not even sure furnace is the right word anymore. Presumably the change is reversible, but then so are most things with magic. 

Pyri notices the direction of your gaze and grins a bit. "We've repurposed that into a kiln for today," they say. "Hekate and 
*if (job = "research")
	some of your department people helped out."
*if (job != "research")
	some of her research people helped out." 

This information in itself sort of answers the question, but it's made even more obvious when Alekto lifts something from one corner of the room and repositions it in the middle, making sure the moving parts are all sitting properly. 

A pottery wheel.

She sets two more down, so they're facing in towards each other in a rough triangle, then disappears into storage briefly, coming back with a bag of clay over each shoulder and a few other tools and accouterments in her hands. 

"Have you ever thrown clay before?" she asks, and you shake your head. Your crafts experience does not include that, in part because such equipment and materials were never something your mother kept around. 

She nods, returning to storage for a few more things as you and Pyri get yourselves settled in front of two of the three wheels. 

"How are you holding up?" Pyri asks, as Alekto returns for the last time, laying a few more odd-looking tools out on the nearby workbench.

*fake_choice
	#"I'm still thinking about everything that's happened. Nothing new to say, just yet."
		"I'm still thinking about everything that's happened. Nothing new to say, just yet." 
		
		You're not even sure if any of your thoughts are [i]useful[/i], or if all you're doing is ultimately just circling over and over again between the same few things. It's been a bit difficult to focus, or maybe just to decide how you should name your feelings, and what your thoughts really even [i]are[/i]. 
		
		But it's only been a few days. Perhaps that's fair enough, and all you need to do is extend yourself a bit of grace. 
		
		"That is not unreasonable," Alekto says, hands busy dividing out chunks of clay. She passes one off to Pyri and another to you before slicing one off for herself, pulling a string through the large block to carve the pieces apart. "It would be a large amount for anyone to deal with at once." 
	#"Oh, I'm fine. It's been a lot, lately, but it's not tormenting me or anything."
		"Oh, I'm fine. It's been a lot, lately, but it's not tormenting me or anything." 
		
		You don't have anything terribly definitive to say that you haven't already said, and you will admit that recent matters have been occupying rather a lot of your thoughts, but that's natural. It's not something that brings you a sense of unease or spiraling or anything like that. 
		
		You'll handle things. You always have. 
		
		"That is good news," Alekto says, hands busy dividing out chunks of clay. She passes one off to Pyri and another to you before slicing one off for herself, pulling a string through the large block to carve the pieces apart. "It [i]is[/i] a lot, and would be for anyone, but if you are all right, then that is all we could ask for." 
	#"I'm not sure yet. A lot has happened in kind of a short time. It's a bit overwhelming."
		"I'm not sure yet. A lot has happened in kind of a short time. It's a bit overwhelming."
		
		You're not even sure if any of your thoughts are [i]useful[/i], or if all you're doing is ultimately just circling over and over again between the same few things. It's been a bit difficult to focus, or maybe just to decide how you should name your feelings, and what your thoughts really even [i]are[/i]. 
		
		Which really isn't helping with the sense that you're being overwhelmed with it all, to say the least. But you're trying to take it all one step, one day, at a time. 
		
		"That is not unreasonable," Alekto says, hands busy dividing out chunks of clay. She passes one off to Pyri and another to you before slicing one off for herself, pulling a string through the large block to carve the pieces apart. "It would be a large amount for anyone to deal with at once. Of course, if there is anything any of us can do, say the word." 
	#"I'm... thinking mostly about Iasion, I guess. I'm really stuck on how [i]unfair[/i] it all feels."
		"I'm... thinking mostly about Iasion, I guess. I'm really stuck on how [i]unfair[/i] it all feels."
		
		You're not even sure if any of your thoughts are [i]useful[/i], or if all you're doing is ultimately just circling over and over again between the same few things. The one that sticks out is the persistent wish that it have happened some other way but [i]this[/i], that there had been more time, to properly get to know one another and maybe have a real relationship of some kind. 
		
		He's your [i]father[/i]. It just seems so wrong that you have so little time before he doesn't even remember that anymore.
		
		"I could not possibly know what it is like to be in your position," Alekto says slowly, hands busy dividing out chunks of clay. She passes one off to Pyri and another to you before slicing one off for herself, pulling a string through the large block to carve the pieces apart. "But I know what it is like to lose someone important. Or who could have been important. If there is anything any of us can do, say the word."
	#"Honestly, it's mostly the trial that's still on my mind. I keep wondering if we made the right decision."
		"Honestly, it's mostly the trial that's still on my mind. I keep wondering if we made the right decision."
		
		Iasion is… someone who exists. And there are implications to that. But it's strange to think of that existence as anything to do with yours, really, and those thoughts have been distant. Vague, compared to the ones about the trial and its consequences. 
		
		*if (route = "alekto")
			You've spoken about this a little bit with Alekto already, of course, but she looks thoughtful nonetheless, hands busy dividing out chunks of clay. She passes one off to Pyri and another to you before slicing one off for herself, pulling a string through the large block to carve the pieces apart.
			
			"It will take time," she says at last. "But if you come to feel that something went truly wrong, it is not as though the decision need be final. Speak with Hades about it. He will listen." 
		*if not (route = "alekto")
			You've spoken about this a little bit already, but not to Alekto. She looks thoughtful for a moment, hands busy dividing out chunks of clay. She passes one off to Pyri and another to you before slicing one off for herself, pulling a string through the large block to carve the pieces apart.
			
			"Judgement is always difficult," she says at last. "But if you come to feel that something went truly wrong, it is not as though the decision need be final. Speak with Hades about it. He will listen." 
*page_break
The chunk of clay is cool in your hand, and you mimic Alekto as she shapes it roughly into a ball before throwing it down against the wheel with some force. 

*if ((tag_crafty) and (craftsknowledge > 0))
	You've read enough about various crafting methods to understand how to use a pottery wheel, and your facility with the arts stands you in good stead here, enabling you to get a good base going, wetting the clay with water and shaping the vessel you want with confident hands. 
*if ((tag_crafty = false) and (craftsknowledge > 0))
	You've read enough about various crafting methods to understand how to use a pottery wheel, but you wouldn't call yourself a natural at this sort of thing by any means. You wet the clay, trying to get a steady spin going. The basic motions aren't too hard, but keeping things even and moving the clay how you want is challenging.
*if ((tag_crafty) and (craftsknowledge = 0))
	You know basically nothing about how to do this, but it isn't so hard to watch Alekto, picking up on how to use the wheel and how much to wet the clay from her actions, which you suspect are deliberately slowed for the purposes of demonstration. 
	
	Once you have that information, though, your facility with the arts stands you in good stead, enabling you to get a good base going, shaping the vessel you want with confident hands. 
*if ((tag_crafty = false) and (craftsknowledge = 0))
	You know basically nothing about how to do this, but it isn't so hard to watch Alekto, picking up on how to use the wheel and how much to wet the clay from her actions, which you suspect are deliberately slowed for the purposes of demonstration. 
	
	You mimic them, trying to get a steady spin going. The basic motions aren't too hard, but keeping things even and moving the clay how you want is challenging.

*if (route != "pyri")
	Alekto, beginning to shape her project with a sure sort of ease, keeps the steady motion of the wheel going as she speaks. 
	
	"Did you want to talk about what happened at the judgement?" she asks, eyes shifting towards Pyri. 
	
	Come to think of it, you do remember them acting a little strangely. It sort of wasn't the right time to talk about things in any detail, but as Alekto has already determined, this might actually be a better opportunity. 
	
	*if (pyri_sequelinitial = "dislike")
		You may not get along with them especially well, but even you're a bit curious as to what that might have been about.
	*if (pyri_sequelinitial = "neutral")
		You may not exactly be friends, but it's not as though you don't care about them whatsoever. If something's wrong, you want to know what that is. 
	*if (pyri_sequelinitial = "friends")
		You're friends, after all; if something is troubling them, you'd like to help. And knowing about it would probably make that easier. 
	
	Pyri's brow crinkles, and they let out a harsh sigh, shaking their head. "I dunno," they reply, frowning at their slowly-forming project. "It's not something I can explain very well. I just… I recognized one of them. Theseus. I knew him."
	
	Outright recognizing a specific person is… a pretty big development. Pyri's had only the vaguest of recollections of their life as a human before, as far as you know. 
	
	*fake_choice
		#"Knew him how?" I'm curious, and I don't try to hide that.
			*set forthright +1
			"Knew him how?" You're curious, and you don't try to hide that. It's a perfectly natural reaction to have to hearing something like that, and you know Pyri won't be offended. 
			
			Their lips crimp, turning their expression into something a little complicated. "I'm not entirely sure," they admit. "I just had this… this really strong feeling of recognition, and then… I don't know. Maybe it was anger. Maybe it was sadness. Whatever it was, there was a lot of it." 
			
			For a moment, the only sounds in the room are the whirring pottery wheels. Then, Alekto hems quietly. 
			
			"He recognized you, too," she points out. "Of that, I have little doubt. You could always ask him about it." 
			
			But at this, they shake their head. "I don't know if I want to do [i]anything[/i] about this," they reply. "I'm definitely pretty sure I don't want to do that." Lifting their shoulders, they shrug helplessly. "I think I'm going to take a page from ${name}'s book. Try to give myself as much time as I can stand to think about it." 
			
			You huff softly. That's… one way to describe what you're doing, you suppose. 
		#"Is that so?" I'm curious, but I don't want to be too overt about that.
			*set reserved +1
			"Is that so?" You're curious, but you don't want to be too overt about that. It wouldn't do for Pyri to think you only want to know more to satiate your desire for gossip. You don't think they'd interpret you that way, but there's always a chance. 
			
			"Know him from where?" Alekto asks. 
			
			Their lips crimp, turning their expression into something a little complicated. "I'm not entirely sure," they admit. "I just had this… this really strong feeling of recognition, and then… I don't know. Maybe it was anger. Maybe it was sadness. Whatever it was, there was a lot of it." 
			
			For a moment, the only sounds in the room are the whirring pottery wheels. Then, Alekto hems quietly. 
			
			"He recognized you, too," she points out. "Of that, I have little doubt. You could always ask him about it." 
			
			But at this, they shake their head. "I don't know if I want to do [i]anything[/i] about this," they reply. "I'm definitely pretty sure I don't want to do that." Lifting their shoulders, they shrug helplessly. "I think I'm going to take a page from ${name}'s book. Try to give myself as much time as I can stand to think about it." 
			
			You blink. That's… one way to describe what you're doing, you suppose. 
		#"We don't have to talk about this, by the way." Truthfully, I'm not interested in hearing more, and I don't think that's unclear when I speak.
			*set forthright +1
			"We don't have to talk about this, by the way." Truthfully, you're not interested in hearing more, and you don't think that's unclear when you speak. this is Pyri's business, and it's not an immediate emergency, so you don't feel a particular need to delve into it any further. 
			
			Of course, it's not all that surprising that Alekto's attitude is rather different. 
			
			"We do not," she says. "But we can, and I asked because I would like to know. If you would also like me to know." The last, she directs clearly to Pyri. "Where do you know him from?"
			
			Their lips crimp, turning their expression into something a little complicated. "I'm not entirely sure," they admit. "I just had this… this really strong feeling of recognition, and then… I don't know. Maybe it was anger. Maybe it was sadness. Whatever it was, there was a lot of it." 
			
			For a moment, the only sounds in the room are the whirring pottery wheels. Then, Alekto hems quietly. 
			
			"He recognized you, too," she points out. "Of that, I have little doubt. You could always ask him about it." 
			
			But at this, they shake their head. "I don't know if I want to do [i]anything[/i] about this," they reply. "I'm definitely pretty sure I don't want to do that." Lifting their shoulders, they shrug helplessly. "I think I'm going to take a page from ${name}'s book. Try to give myself as much time as I can stand to think about it." 
			
			You scoff quietly. That's… one way to describe what you're doing, you suppose. 
		#"I see." I'd rather avoid exploring the topic further, but I'm not going to say that outright.
			*set reserved +1
			"I see." I'd rather avoid exploring the topic further, but I'm not going to say that outright. It's Pyri's business, and apparently not an emergency or anything you think anyone else can help with, but if they want to talk about it, you suppose you shouldn't attempt to stop that. 
			
			"Know him from where?" Alekto asks. 
			
			Their lips crimp, turning their expression into something a little complicated. "I'm not entirely sure," they admit. "I just had this… this really strong feeling of recognition, and then… I don't know. Maybe it was anger. Maybe it was sadness. Whatever it was, there was a lot of it." 
			
			For a moment, the only sounds in the room are the whirring pottery wheels. Then, Alekto hems quietly. 
			
			"He recognized you, too," she points out. "Of that, I have little doubt. You could always ask him about it." 
			
			But at this, they shake their head. "I don't know if I want to do [i]anything[/i] about this," they reply. "I'm definitely pretty sure I don't want to do that." Lifting their shoulders, they shrug helplessly. "I think I'm going to take a page from ${name}'s book. Try to give myself as much time as I can stand to think about it." 
			
			You blink. That's… one way to describe what you're doing, you suppose. 
	*page_break
*if (route != "alekto")
	"Anyway," Pyri frowns at their project, removing their hand from the wheel for a moment and stopping its spin to try and correct an irregular edge. "You think Tartarus's repairs will be done soon, Leks?" 
	
	*if (route != "pyri")
		This is almost certainly an attempt to change the topic, and not a particularly elegant one, but that makes it an easy cue to follow, too. 
	
	Alekto hums, concentrating for a moment on what she's doing before looking back up, hands still moving. "Yes. It will shortly be… without damage, once more. There will be additional security measures and wards, which should thwart any future attempts by Kronos or his ilk to breach it."
	
	*if (megaira_dead)
		There is a hint of tension at the edge of her tone; there's no need to guess why that might be, and even Pyri is careful with their next words. 
	
	"How was it even possible for him to get in there the first time?" 
	
	Alekto frowns. "An oversight, I suppose. No one had ever imagined Kronos of all people would lower himself to such actions, and creating a key for Tartarus is also a difficult process, one he was no longer believed capable of. He had to obtain an artifact from the treasury to do so, and that breach was never detected." 
	
	Several layers of security had failed, then.
	
	*fake_choice
		#"Well... at least you can prevent it from happening again. And everyone will be better off."
			*set warm +1
			"Well... at least you can prevent it from happening again. And everyone will be better off." You know this hit Alekto hard, in a number of ways. Not just her sisters and the Special Guard being at the center of things, but also the fact that she takes so much of the Underworld's security as her personal responsibility. [i]Especially[/i] Tartarus. 
			
			But you know she isn't the kind of person to make the same mistake twice… if you can even call this a [i]mistake[/i]. It sounds like there were a lot of factors at play, that Kronos had planned it for quite some time, for whatever his reasons might have been. 
			
			"It will never happen again," she replies gruffly. "If it does, you may trust that I am dead, and he had to step over my corpse to do it." 
			
			Pyri's mouth pulls to the side. "Let's not talk about you being dead, okay?"
			
			Alekto blinks, then clears her throat. "Yes, of course. I am sorry for making things… morbid. Let us speak of something else."
		#"I'm sorry, Alekto. This must be so much to handle."
			*set warm +1
			"I'm sorry, Alekto. This must be so much to handle." You know it's all hit her hard, in a number of ways. Not just her sisters and the Special Guard being at the center of things, but also the fact that she takes so much of the Underworld's security as her personal responsibility. [i]Especially[/i] Tartarus. 
			
			But you know she isn't the kind of person to make the same mistake twice… if you can even call this a [i]mistake[/i]. It sounds like there were a lot of factors at play, that Kronos had planned it for quite some time, for whatever his reasons might have been. 
			
			"I am handling it nonetheless," she replies gruffly. "If anything like that happens again, you may trust that Kronos had to step over my corpse to do it."
			
			Pyri's mouth pulls to the side. "Let's not talk about you being dead, okay?"
			
			Alekto blinks, then clears her throat. "Yes, of course. I am sorry for making things… morbid. Let us speak of something else."
		#"I suppose it's a good thing security will improve, if nothing else."
			*set cold +1
			"I suppose it's a good thing security will improve, if nothing else." The error was quite concerning in its implications, but you suppose it would have been difficult to anticipate the Lord of the Isles leaving his territory to execute a prison break, not of his fellow Titans, but of a pair of Giants. At a guess, there would have been measures to prevent the [i]former[/i], at least. 
			
			In any case, Alekto isn't the kind of person to make the same mistake twice. 
			
			"It will," she replies gruffly. "If anything like that happens again, you may trust that Kronos had to step over my corpse to do it."
			
			Pyri's mouth pulls to the side. "Let's not talk about you being dead, okay?"
			
			Alekto blinks, then clears her throat. "Yes, of course. I am sorry for making things… morbid. Let us speak of something else."
		#"I hope there are no other catastrophically-overlooked security flaws in the Underworld."
			*set cold +1
			"I hope there are no other catastrophically-overlooked security flaws in the Underworld." he error was quite concerning in its implications, but you suppose it would have been difficult to anticipate the Lord of the Isles leaving his territory to execute a prison break, not of his fellow Titans, but of a pair of Giants. At a guess, there would have been measures to prevent the [i]former[/i], at least. You have to [i]hope[/i] there were. 
			
			In any case, Alekto isn't the kind of person to make the same mistake twice. 
			
			"There aren't," she replies gruffly. "Save the ones we must allow. If anything like that happens again, you may trust that Kronos had to step over my corpse to do it."
			
			Pyri's mouth pulls to the side. "Let's not talk about you being dead, okay?"
			
			Alekto blinks, then clears her throat. "Yes, of course. I am sorry for making things… morbid. Let us speak of something else."
	*page_break
"Ack." Pyri stops pedaling as one side of their pot collapses, and they exhale a heavy breath, one you note with amusement immediately dries out a small part of the clay in front of them. 

Alekto huffs softly, letting her own wheel come to a stop as well to grab them another portion of the material. Her vase, of course, is all elegant lines and almost impossibly-thin sides. "Take a few more breaths before I give this to you," she says, and Pyri does as instructed, returning their powers to their control. 

Discarding the old clay for now, they slap the new onto the wheel and wet it. 

"I swear this only happens when I'm trying to make things," they grumble, but the slight upturn to their lips rather ruins the impression that they might be sulking. 

*fake_choice
	#"Do you not have much experience in the arts, Pyri?"
		"Do you not have much experience in the arts, Pyri?" Of course, they do these projects, but perhaps they don't have much facility for it overall. 
		
		They scrunch their nose. "I don't know, exactly," they admit. "I remember being terrible at weaving, I think, but almost everything else we do feels new to me the first time. So you're probably right." 
		
		"Your weaving is…" Alekto trails off, eyes narrowing. "Hm." 
		
		This makes them laugh, and they only just remember to take their hands away from their project in order to keep it intact. "It's really okay if you can't think of anything good to say about it, Leks. I know it's bad." 
		
		"You are impatient," Alekto says. "Which makes crafts of that nature much more difficult."
		
		"True. And also makes me like them less, so I'm really not broken up about it."
		
		"And yet you manage patience well enough when it comes to making jewelry." Alekto arcs a brow, the expression on her face perhaps almost a touch [i]smug[/i]. Like she's caught them in something. 
		
		Pyri huffs. "I guess. It doesn't really feel like I need patience when I'm doing that, though. The time just… gets away from me and before I know it I realize I'm hungry or something."
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "Are you sure it's [i]only[/i] then?"
		"Are you sure it's [i]only[/i] then?" You offer a small, teasing smile in Pyri's direction, and they scoff in false offense. 
		
		"Of course it—okay, no, I can't even pretend that's the only time. But it's only little things, usually. I haven't caught anything on fire that wasn't meant to be in months. Maybe even a year." 
		
		"Ten months and twenty-three days," Alekto deadpans. 
		
		This makes them laugh, and they only just remember to take their hands away from their project in order to keep it intact. "I can't be surprised you know that," they say, smile becoming a grin. "Was it the time I was trying to sprint as fast as possible?"
		
		"No, it was the long jump," Alekto replies. "I believe you tried to power yourself with hot air propulsion."
		
		"Oh, right. That was Flyguy's idea. I still think it could work."
		
		"It did work. It just also set the grass on fire."
		
		You don't make any effort to smother a laugh of your own, and Alekto shakes her head.
	#"Alekto, how are you so good at every art project we do?"
		"Alekto, how are you so good at every art project we do?" As far as you've observed, it's true, and you've seen the evidence of other arts you've not yet tried, like the decorations in the common room. As far as you can tell, music is the only one in which she declines to participate, and she's always adept. 
		
		"It's no great mystery," she replies. "I have simply spent much of my life at such pursuits. 
		*if (alekto_disclose = "yes")
			For a time, they were almost [i]all[/i] I spent my life doing. A refuge, in a place I did not feel I belonged. When simply having my sisters was not enough to assuage it."
		*if (alekto_disclose != "yes")
			Skill grows with practice."
		
		There's a simplicity to the answer that hints at an underlying complexity, but for now it's enough. She's answered, after all, and it [i]does[/i] make sense that she gained her skill with practice. You wonder how many years she's spent just throwing pottery. It may be many, all up, considering her age. 
		
		"I'm never going to be that good," Pyri says on a sigh. "Making jewelry is really all I can do well." 
		
		"But you are very good at it," Alekto replies. "Do not dismiss what you worked hard for."
	#I let the conversation flow on around me, content to work at my project while the others talk.
		You let the conversation flow on around you, content to work at your project while the others talk.
		
		"It happens at other times as well," Alekto points out. "Though not for some time." 
		
		"Yeah, okay, that's true and fair, I guess. I'm working on it, though. It's been… what? Like a year or something?" 
		
		"Ten months and twenty-three days," Alekto deadpans. 
		
		This makes them laugh, and they only just remember to take their hands away from their project in order to keep it intact. "I can't be surprised you know that," they say, smile becoming a grin. "Was it the time I was trying to sprint as fast as possible?"
		
		"No, it was the long jump," Alekto replies. "I believe you tried to power yourself with hot air propulsion."
		
		"Oh, right. That was Flyguy's idea. I still think it could work."
		
		"It did work. It just also set the grass on fire."
		
		You can't help but smile at that, and Alekto shakes her head.
*page_break 
*if (tag_unathletic)
	You're getting the sense that your project might be almost the shape you want when your foot slips off the pedal, and your effort to compensate sees you accidentally squashing one whole side of your vase. 
	
	How did that even [i]happen[/i]?
	
	"Oh no," Pyri says, frowning sympathetically. "Maybe we can fix it?" 
	
	You make some effort to do so, guided by Alekto, but in the end, your project is definitely still a bit lopsided. Sometimes it would be nice to be graceful. Or not even graceful. Just… [i]not[/i] the clumsiest person you know. 
	
	"It is still worth baking," Alekto says decisively. "There is no reason it will not serve the function of a vase perfectly well."
*if ((tag_unathletic = false) and (tag_crafty))
	Finishing off your project requires a fair amount of focus, but by the end of it you're quite satisfied. You'd chosen something relatively simple for your first time at the wheel—a broad-bottomed vase—but you're pleased with the execution, which is symmetrical and elegant in shape, as such things are generally meant to be. 
	
	"Yours came out fantastic, ${name}," Pyri says, tilting their head as if to inspect it from another angle. "I'm jealous." 
	
	They don't especially sound it, and when you look over, theirs is far from bad, either. Clearly after the collapse they improved quite a bit. There are a few wobbly places and asymmetries, but it's perfectly serviceable. 
*if ((tag_unathletic = false) and (tag_crafty = false))
	Finishing off your project requires a fair amount of focus, but by the end of it, you're pretty satisfied. You'd chosen something relatively simple for your first time at the wheel—a broad-bottomed vase—and it certainly hadn't come out perfectly, but you like it nonetheless. It's symmetrical, at least, and while you wouldn't call it elegant by any stretch, it will certainly serve the function it is meant to. 
	
	"Yours came out pretty well, ${name}," Pyri says, tilting their head as if to inspect it from another angle. "I'm jealous." 
	
	They don't especially sound it, and when you look over, theirs is far from bad, either. Clearly after the collapse they improved quite a bit. There are a few wobbly places and asymmetries, but it's perfectly serviceable. 

So the three of you pick up your projects and set them down next to the kiln for a moment. 

*if (route = "alekto")
	Pyri moves up to get the fire going, and you and Alekto take a few steps back. You don't genuinely expect anything to go wrong, but you don't want to make them nervous by standing too close. 
	
	As you plant yourselves against a nearby wall, Alekto offers you a rare smile, lifting her still slightly clay-coated hands and signing. 
	
	[i]It was good to have you here, you know.[/i]
	
	*if (artclub = "regular")
		[i]I'm here all the time,[/i] you reply, a trace of a smile pulling at your mouth, too.
		
		[i]Even so,[/i] she replies, pausing slightly. [i]Even so, it is always a pleasure. I enjoy art with other people often enough, but I may enjoy it most with you.[/i]
	*if (artclub = "occasional")
		[i]I'm here fairly often, though,[/i] you reply, a trace of a smile pulling at your mouth, too.
		
		[i]Even so,[/i] she replies, pausing slightly. [i]Even so, it is always a pleasure. I enjoy art with other people often enough, but I may enjoy it most with you.[/i]
	*if (artclub = "rare")
		[i]Must be the novelty,[/i] you reply, a trace of a smile pulling at your mouth, too. 
		
		Alekto shakes her head, pausing slightly. [i]No. I don't think so. I enjoy art with other people often enough, but I may enjoy it most with you.[/i]
		
	That's… quite a thing for her to say. You're still deciding how you want to respond when her hands move again. [i]And, for what it is worth… if you need some time away from everything, or want to talk about any of it with someone, I hope you will think of me. I would—[/i] 
	
	Her smile is long faded, but now her fingers curl a little into her palms, a hesitation you can almost feel. [i]I would very much like to be able to help you.[/i]
	
	*fake_choice
		#[i]Thank you, Alekto. I promise if I need to talk, I'll come to you first.[/i]
			[i]Thank you, Alekto. I promise if I need to talk, I'll come to you first.[/i] You're genuinely pleased to be on the receiving end of such an offer. Alekto, you know, does not hold her ability to talk things out or deal with feelings in particularly high esteem, so the fact that she is putting herself forward for such a thing like this is… it means a lot to you. 
			
			Maybe you'll end up taking her up on it, when you're ready. 
			
			She nods slowly, her smile reappearing so briefly that you almost miss it. 
			
			[i]Good.[/i]
		#[i]I appreciate it, but this is probably one of those things I have to figure out myself.[/i]
			[i]I appreciate it, but this is probably one of those things I have to figure out myself.[/i] You're genuinely pleased to be on the receiving end of such an offer. Alekto, you know, does not hold her ability to talk things out or deal with feelings in particularly high esteem, so the fact that she is putting herself forward for such a thing like this is… it means a lot to you. 
			
			Unfortunately, she has done so at a juncture where you just don't think it will help much. You need time, and room to think, and that's about it. At least you know she will perfectly happily give you those things as well. 
			
			She nods slowly, a frown crossing her face for only the barest moment. 
			
			[i]I understand[/i]. 
		#@{convotoggle [♥]|} [i]You know that... that really makes me feel special. To you.[/i]
			*set subtle +1
			[i]You know that... that really makes me feel special. To you.[/i] It's almost a struggle to make your hands form the signs, and you can't say you have any idea what your face is actually doing right now. 
			
			But it felt like she'd taken a step closer to you, with what she said, in a sense that's [i]almost[/i] physical, and you don't want to leave that gesture—those words—without any answer. Any acknowledgment. 
			
			You see her throat work as she swallows, and she dips her head to you, eyes momentarily dropping to the floor before they return to yours. 
			
			[i]It should. You are.[/i]
		#@{convotoggle [♥]|} [i]I think of you a lot, Alekto. Not just when I want to talk about difficult things.[/i]
			*set overt +1
			[i]I think of you a lot, Alekto. Not just when I want to talk about difficult things.[/i] You offer her a broader smile, your hands forming over the signs with only a little bit of clumsiness. 
			
			It felt like she'd taken a step closer to you, with what she said, in a sense that's [i]almost[/i] physical, and you don't want to leave that gesture—those words—without any answer. Any acknowledgment.
			
			Especially when it feels like you're always anticipating those little steps. Always hoping for them. 
			
			You see her throat work as she swallows, and despite the fact that you aren't speaking aloud, she clears her throat softly, eyes momentarily dropping to the floor before they return to yours. 
			
			[i]I… I appreciate that. Sincerely.[/i]
	*page_break
	"All right!" Pyri steps back from the kiln, wearing a grin. "You two ready to put your stuff in? Heat's really low right now, but it's warming up fast!" 
	
	Alekto lets out a quiet breath, and moves quickly to take up her vase. "Well done, Pyri. Let's get this part organized." 
	
	It's an easy process, and the clay will need to fire for quite some time, so after you've settled your works within the belly of the kiln, the three of you go your separate ways for now.
*if (route = "pyri")
	Alekto moves up to the kiln to get it running, and you and Pyri step back, so as not to crowd her at her work. It seems like a rather involved process, so for now the two of you take seats at one of the worktables
	
	Pyri occupies themself scarping clay off their fingers, only to frown and dry all the clay at once with an exercise of their power you feel as a gentle gush of head against your head and chest. Picking off the hardened version of the stuff [i]does[/i] seem rather more effective and they look up at you with a half-smile. 
	
	"Thanks for coming, ${name}. I have a lot of fun when you're here." 
	
	*if (artclub = "regular")
		"I'm always here," you point out, with a trace of skepticism. 
		
		Pyri huffs, and shakes their head. "Well, mostly, sure. But I don't know. It's like… I love Leks. She's one of my favorite people ever. But you… I don't really know how to put it."
	*if (artclub = "occasional")
		"I don't think this is all that special an occasion," you reply, a slightly bemused smile curling your mouth for a moment. 
		
		Pyri huffs, and shakes their head. "Well, it's not that [i]rare[/i]. But I don't know. It's like… I love Leks. She's one of my favorite people ever. But you… I don't really know how to put it."
	*if (artclub = "rare")
		"Ah, so you're one of those people that enjoys novelty," you reply, a trace of amusement at the edge of the words. 
		
		Pyri huffs, and shakes their head. "Well, sometimes, I guess]. But I don't know. It's like… I love Leks. She's one of my favorite people ever. But you… I don't really know how to put it."

	They lean back a little, glancing over their shoulder towards Alekto, still manipulating the settings of the kiln, you suppose. But then their eyes fix back on you, the citrine of them a rather intense color, now that you think about it. 
	
	"It just feels like I'm always disappointed when you go, you know?"
	
	*fake_choice
		#"That's sweet of you, Pyri. I really enjoy my time with you, too."
			"That's sweet of you, Pyri. I really enjoy my time with you, too." You do understand that the feeling they're talking about is something worth noting. Often, when you part with someone, there is a sense of satisfaction. As though you've had the time you needed, and you're ready to rest, or move onto the next thing, or whatever it might be. 
			
			But a sense of disappointment… that implies they want to spend more time with you, and it's quite flattering to hear. Maybe sometimes you even feel the same. 
			
			"Well… I guess as long as you don't mind," they reply with a soft scoff. "I know I'm being kinda ridiculous." 
			
			You shake your head. "I don't think your feelings are ridiculous. I'm not even sure if they're unusual, in a new friendship like ours." And it seems like a very 'Pyri' way to feel, somehow. 
		#"I'm sure it couldn't possibly be 'always,' but thanks."
			"I'm sure it couldn't possibly be 'always,' but thanks." You do understand that the feeling they're talking about is something worth noting. Often, when you part with someone, there is a sense of satisfaction. As though you've had the time you needed, and you're ready to rest, or move onto the next thing, or whatever it might be. 
			
			But a sense of disappointment… that implies they want to spend more time with you, and it's quite flattering to hear. Maybe sometimes you even feel the same. 
			
			"No… it really is pretty much all the time." Pyri scoffs softly, and shrugs. "But it's not a big deal. I know that's kinda ridiculous." 
			
			You shake your head. "I don't think your feelings are ridiculous. I'm not even sure if they're unusual, in a new friendship like ours." And it seems like a very 'Pyri' way to feel, somehow. 
		#@{convotoggle [♥]|} "Can't get enough of me, huh?"
			*set overt +1
			"Can't get enough of me, huh?" The suggestive smile is curling your lips before you've even made a decision to put it there. Pyri, it is not hard to tell, is all but oblivious to such things, and so you aren't expecting too much of a response. 
			
			It's downright shocking, then, when for a moment you could swear there's a hint of a change to the color of the bronzed skin on their cheeks. Just a slight darkening beneath their spray of freckles, but could it be…?
			
			"Guess not," they reply, lifting one hand to rub at the back of their neck. "I know that's really ridiculous, by the way, so don't, uh, worry about it or anything." 
			
			You shake your head. "I don't think your feelings are ridiculous. I'm not even sure if they're unusual, in a new friendship like ours." And it seems like a very 'Pyri' way to feel, somehow. 
			
			The temptation to tease them more is there, especially given that intriguing reaction earlier, but it seems [i]more[/i] important to let them know that you welcome their attention.
		#@{convotoggle [♥]|} "I... that's... no one's ever said [i]that[/i] about me, before."
			*set subtle +1 
			"I... that's... no one's ever said [i]that[/i] about me, before." You wonder if maybe the hint of heat on your face is residual from them or something that's happening to [i]you[/i], but fortunately it's just a bit. Nothing too uncomfortable. 
			
			Though… you might have just made matters strange, with that kind of statement. 
			
			"Well that's absurd," Pyri says, their brows crinkling. "I get that not everyone clicks like we do, but I [i]bet[/i] some people have felt that way, before. Maybe they were just too, uh, polite to tell you. Unlike me. Sorry. I know it's kinda ridiculous."
			
			"No, please don't apologize." You shake your head. "I don't think your feelings are ridiculous. I'm not even sure if they're unusual, in a new friendship like ours." And it seems like a very 'Pyri' way to feel, somehow. 
			
			How exactly is makes [i]you[/i] feel is just one more thing you can add to your list of ruminations. 
	*page_break
	Alekto straightens in the corner of the room. "It's warming," she confirms. "We should put our work in before it gets too hot… for ${name} and I, anyway." 
	
	Pyri grins at this. "You two should go first, then. You know… just in case."
	
	It's an easy process, and the clay will need to fire for quite some time, so after you've settled your works within the belly of the kiln, the three of you go your separate ways for now.
*if ((route != "pyri") and (route != "alekto"))
	Pyri quickly lights the kiln, and Alekto adjusts some of the knobs and valves on it until stepping back with a satisfied nod. "Good work, both of you. We should place our projects in, now, before it grows too hot for ${name} and I." 
	
	Pyri grins at this. "You two should go first, then. You know… just in case."
	
	It's an easy process, and the clay will need to fire for quite some time, so after you've settled your works within the belly of the kiln, the three of you go your separate ways for now.
*page_break
*goto chapter02friendsmenu

*label hekatehermesscene02
Somehow, you're not surprised when this particular invitation is once more to the warded area Hekate uses to experiment with more large-scale magic than she does in the library. Equally-unsurprising is that when you arrive, the two of them are already playing around with magic, using wooden paddles coated in the colors of their spellwork to strike a ball of energy back and forth, a little contrail left in its wake for a few seconds with each successive strike. 

*fake_choice
	#I do enjoy when we get up to this kind of thing. It's always new.
		*set magicgames "like"
		You do enjoy when we get up to this kind of thing. It's always new.
		
		The smile on your face is something you can feel, along with a little twinge of anticipation. It's just [i]fun[/i], using magic for such unserious ends, 
		*if (tag_magic)
			considering you'd always used to think it was such a serious thing. Your natural knack for it meant you were often asked to put it to use in one way or another, but those ends were [i]always[/i] serious matters, at least to your mother. You'd never really tried to apply it frivolously until you came here. 
		*if (tag_unmagic)
			especially considering you're used to barely using it at all. You've seldom had enough magic at your disposal to handle serious tasks, and that meant you seldom found you were called on to do so. And for whatever reason, it just never occurred to you to apply it to anything… not serious. 
		*if ((tag_magic = false) and (tag_unmagic = false))
			considering you'd always used to think it was such a serious thing. You're okay at it, enough that you were occasionally asked to put it to one use or another, but those ends were [i]always[/i] serious matters, at least to your mother. You'd never really tried to apply it frivolously until you came here. 
	#I suppose I don't mind that this seems to be a hobby of theirs. It's interesting enough.
		*set magicgames "neutral"
		I suppose I don't mind that this seems to be a hobby of theirs. It's interesting enough.
		
		You can't say you especially understand their fascination with this sort of thing, but it isn't so bad. Sometimes unusual things happen, and other times you're basically just playing games, so there's no reason to dislike it. 
		
		*if (tag_magic)
			It's still a bit strange to participate, considering you'd always used to think magic was such a serious thing. Your natural knack for it meant you were often asked to put it to use in one way or another, but those ends were [i]always[/i] serious matters, at least to your mother. You'd never really tried to apply it frivolously until you came here, and maybe some part of you can't quite see past that just yet. 
		*if (tag_unmagic)
			It's still a bit strange to participate, especially considering you're used to barely using magic at all. You've seldom had enough at your disposal to handle serious tasks, and that meant you seldom found you were called on to do so. And for whatever reason, it just never occurred to you to apply it to anything… not serious. Maybe some part of you can't quite see past that just yet.
		*if ((tag_magic = false) and (tag_unmagic = false))
			It's still a bit strange to participate, considering you'd always used to think magic was such a serious thing. You're okay at it, enough that you were occasionally asked to put it to one use or another, but those ends were [i]always[/i] serious matters, at least to your mother. You'd never really tried to apply it frivolously until you came here, and maybe some part of you can't quite see past that just yet. 
	#This again. I really wish we could do other things more often, but I suppose for now it's fine.
		*set magicgames "dislike"
*page_break
As you enter the ward, stepping into the outermost glowing violet-white circle, Hermes catches the 'ball' on his paddle, idly bouncing it up and down as he offers you a smile. 

"Hey, Sunshine. Feeling up to some games?" 

"I wouldn't have accepted the invite if I weren't," you point out. There's about a twenty-five percent chance that any given invitation from the two of them will involve this kind of thing in some form or other, after all. 

"Fair point," Hekate says, tossing you another paddle. 

*if (tag_unathletic)
	You fumble it, of course, but by this point, that's so predictable that she catches it for you with magic almost before you even attempt to make the catch, and you're able to pull it from the air without embarrassing yourself or anything. 
*if not (tag_unathletic)
	You catch the easy lob readily, taking a relaxed grip on the implement. 
*if (tag_unmagic)
	Coating it in your magic, as they have with theirs, is a little bit more difficult. It's a novel application of energy, but at least you've always had good control. So something as simple as this isn't a problem, once you've figured out how to make it happen. 
*if not (tag_unmagic)
	Coating it in your magic is a novel application of your abilities, and it takes you a couple of tries to get the amount just right, but then it's as solid as either of their own. 

Once that's sorted, Hermes starts off by giving the energy ball a light lob in your direction. Lifting your paddle, you strike at it, and the magic works as intended, sending it streaking towards Hekate. 
*if (tag_unathletic)
	It's a poor hit from a physical perspective, but at least the magic part works well enough.

She takes a few quick steps to catch it, knocking it in turn towards Hermes, albeit well over his head.

This is, of course, hardly a problem for a god with both wings and magic, and he gathers his legs beneath him, jumping into the air and spinning several times before knocking it lightly back towards her. 

Hekate rolls her eyes, but she's smiling.

*if (route != "hermes")
	*fake_choice
		#He can be a bit ridiculous at times, but I do like him.
			*set hermes_sequelinitial "like"
			He can be a bit ridiculous at times, but you do like him.
			
			*if (hermes_backstory = "friends")
				You always have, more or less. At least since you were children, and even in that awkward phase where he was 'growing up' a lot faster than you were. You've never minded his spirit, nor even what some people would doubtless call his 'obnoxiousness.' Silly things like showing off in an informal game are just part of the fun. 
			*if (hermes_backstory = "strangers")
				It was a bit of a surprise to you, since you knew almost nothing about him before you came to the Underworld, save his reputation for 'frivolousness.' But you've found you never mind his spirit, nor even what some people would doubtless call his 'obnoxiousness.' Silly things like showing off in an informal game are just part of the fun. 
			*if (hermes_backstory = "rivals")
				It wasn't always like that. When you were children, and admittedly more or less until getting to know him here in the Underworld, you weren't too fond of what might be called his 'frivolousness.' But lately you've found you don't mind it—can even enjoy his spirit for what it is. And silly things like showing off in an informal game are just part of the fun. 
		#This sort of thing is rather mild, for Hermes. I can't say I especially enjoy his antics all the time, but we manage anyway.
			*set hermes_sequelinitial "neutral"
			This sort of thing is rather mild, for Hermes. You can't say you especially enjoy his antics all the time, but the two of you manage anyway. 
			
			*if (hermes_backstory = "friends")
				It's not a close friendship, anymore, but that's fine. People can outgrow each other and change, and there's nothing inherently wrong with it. You might not be as close now as you used to be. You may not be that close ever again. But you can still get along, and you suspect he will always be part of your 'circle,' so to speak. That's enough.
			*if (hermes_backstory = "strangers")
				You've never had a close friendship or anything, having started your time in the Underworld as much stranger to him as anyone else. And perhaps your personalities don't mesh as well as you do with some of the others. But you don't need to—you can still get along, and you suspect he will always be part of your 'circle,' so to speak. That's enough.
			*if (hermes_backstory = "rivals")
				It's not a close friendship, but it's certainly better than things used to be. There was a time in your life when you could barely stand him, and you think the feeling was at least partially mutual. And your personalities will never mesh as well as you do with some of the others. But you don't need to do that—you can still get along, and you suspect he will always be part of your 'circle,' so to speak. That's enough.
		#It is utterly typical of him to show off when he doesn't need to. One of the reasons I don't much care for him, to be honest. 
			*set hermes_sequelinitial "dislike"
			It is utterly typical of him to show off when he doesn't need to. One of the reasons you don't much care for him, to be honest. 
			
			*if (hermes_backstory = "friends")
				It's been a strange process, the unraveling of a friendship. When you were children, the two of you were close. But in hindsight, you've come to recognize that this was largely a friendship of convenience. With almost no one else in even moderate proximity to your own age, he was about the only person there to 'grow up' with you—and even then the strange pattern of his own aging had complicated matters. 
				
				But he'd been there, and you'd felt an affinity for him that arose from that, perhaps. But time has passed, and you have many more people who freely consider you peer now, regardless of actual age, and your relationship with Hermes has rapidly deteriorated. You know he'll always be in your 'circle,' so to speak, and you can cope with that, but you aren't interested in spending time with just him, anymore. 
			*if (hermes_backstory = "strangers")
				It's a simple matter of your personalities not meshing well. He'd been as much a stranger to you as anyone else here had, before, and you've found that you connect better with others. Which is a mild way of putting things. 
				
				Still, you know he'll always be in your 'circle,' so to speak, and you can cope with that, but you aren't interested in spending time with just him. 
			*if (hermes_backstory = "rivals")
				That dislike is persistent, and has been there essentially since you met. It's not going away any time soon, and if anything, coming to the Underworld has made that something you actually have to learn to deal with, because he is around a lot more often. He's Hades's nephew, after all, and friends with most everyone else you know. 
				
				You know that he'll always be in your 'circle,' so to speak, and you can cope with that, but you aren't interested in spending time with just him. 
	*page_break
Catching the sphere on her own paddle, the goddess of magic considers the both of you with a hum, the ball changing colors every time it comes into contact with her magic. "Let's try…" 

On the next hit, the ball splits in two, and she quickly hits both, sending one towards you and one towards Hermes. When he swipes his paddle through his, it dissipates—nothing more than an illusion. You manage to strike your own, sending it towards him, and he laughs, spinning just fast enough to catch it and keep the game going. 

"That's cheating," he informs Hekate. "I disapprove of cheating when I'm not the one doing it."

"Of course you do," she says with a soft snort. "Too bad." She knocks the ball back to you with a conspiratorial smile. 

*if (route != "hekate")
	*fake_choice
		#I smile right back. It's easy to get along with her, and I like her gentle sense of humor. 
			*set hekate_sequelinitial "like"
			You smile right back. It's easy to get along with her, and you like her gentle sense of humor.
			
			*if ((hekate_initial = "crush") or (hekate_initial = "friends"))
				Her presence is and sort of always has been a reassurance to you. Even at the beginning of things, when all of this was new and strange and there was a great deal to be unsure about. 
			*if (hekate_initial = "neutral")
				You weren't quite so sure what to make of her at first, but over time you came to understand that the reassurance and friendliness she exudes is genuine. That alone was enough to make you want to be her friend, but there's plenty more, too.
			*if (hekate_initial = "dislike")
				You were fairly sure you didn't, at first, but over time you came to understand that the reassurance and friendliness she exudes is genuine. That alone was enough to make you want to be her friend, but there's plenty more, too.
		#I nod. It's not difficult to spend time with her, though I can't say we're close, either.
			*set hekate_sequelinitial "neutral"
			You nod. It's not difficult to spend time with her, though you can't say you're close, either.
			
			*if ((hekate_initial = "crush") or (hekate_initial = "friends"))
				You thought you might be, at one point, and even now the genuineness of her friendliness makes it difficult to understand how you haven't quite gotten there, but things happen. There's always been a lot going on, and you've drawn closer to other people instead. 
				
				Perhaps, in time, that will change, but even if it doesn't, there's no discomfort to it.
			*if (hekate_initial = "neutral")
				That's more or less how it's been from the beginning of your time here. You've simply grown closer to other people, rather than Hekate, but she doesn't seem bothered, so you aren't, either. 
			*if (hekate_initial = "dislike")
				You were quite sure it was going to turn out worse than this, at first, but over time you came to understand that the reassurance and friendliness she exudes is genuine, even if it doesn't particularly draw you to her, and so things are comfortable enough. 
		#I press my lips together, focusing on the ball. I don't like her much, but her company is tolerable if I ignore this sort of thing.
			*set hekate_sequelinitial "dislike"
			You press your lips together, focusing on the ball. You don't like her much, but her company is tolerable if you ignore this sort of thing.
			
			*if ((hekate_initial = "crush") or (hekate_initial = "friends"))
				You thought things would go better, when you first met her, given what you understood of her then. But it never materialized, and you came to find yourself somewhat put off by her mannerisms. 
				
				Even so, you can coexist with her, and you practice that capacity now. 
			*if (hekate_initial = "neutral")
				You weren't sure how things would go, when you first met her, given what you understood of her then. But you wound up not really associating much, and found yourself somewhat put off by her mannerisms. 
				
				Even so, you can coexist with her, and you practice that capacity now. 
			*if (hekate_initial = "dislike")
				It's been like this more or less since you met, or at least, it's returned to where it began rather solidly. You've come to find yourself somewhat put off by her mannerisms, in a way that isn't just a bad first impression. 
				
				Even so, you can coexist with her, and you practice that capacity now. 
	*page_break
*if (job = "gardener")
	"So, Sunshine, how's things with Ascalaphus and the others, lately?" Hermes arches an eyebrow in your direction as he strikes the ball back towards Hekate at speed. 
*if (job = "minister")
	"So, Sunshine, how's things with the ministry job, lately?" Hermes arches an eyebrow in your direction as he strikes the ball back towards Hekate at speed. 
*if (job = "assistant")
	"How are you finding work these days, ${name}?" Hekate asks, receiving a rather speedy shot from Hermes with only minor difficulty. "I'd ask if you were used to dealing with the Moirae, but I don't think anyone ever is." A fond smile flickers across her face. 
*if (job = "research")
	"So, Sunshine, how's it going with the research?" Hermes arches an eyebrow in your direction as he strikes the ball back towards Hekate at speed. "This one only ever wants to talk about her own projects." 
	
	"That's because no one else's are my business to talk about," she replies, intercepting the shot with only minor difficulty. 
	
	"Yeah, yeah, sure. Question stands."
*if (job = "guard")
	"So, Sunshine, how's things with the Guard lately? Tired of the paperwork yet?" Hermes arches an eyebrow in your direction as he strikes the ball back towards Hekate at speed. 
*if (job = "none")
	"so how have things been going for you lately. with your hobbies?" Hekate asks, receiving a rather speedy shot from Hermes with only minor difficulty. "Anything you need from the library for something new?"

It sort of makes sense for them to ask, and you wonder if it isn't actually an oblique way of asking how you're handling recent events.
*if (tag_intuitive)
	Most likely, they intend the question as it is but suppose the answer might provide some insight about the rest as well. 

Either way, it's fairly harmless. Asking one another about how the separated parts of your lives are going is sort of exactly what you'd expect from an outing like this. 

*fake_choice
	#"Everything's all right for the moment. I've managed to handle everything without major changes to my schedule or anything."
		"Everything's all right for the moment. I've managed to handle everything without major changes to my schedule or anything."
		
		*if (job = "gardener")
			You wouldn't say your job demands the strictest schedule anyway. Ascalaphus, Minthe, and Leuke are not particularly regimented themselves, and the most you usually have is loose times for group work or the occasional meeting to discuss the state of the orchard. Even if you'd needed all the time between then and now off, they'd have had no trouble. 
			
			Well, perhaps they'd have worried a little, but if anything they'd have encouraged you to take more time, you're sure.
		*if (job = "minister")
			Your job does have certain demands, but very few of them are on any sort of schedule. Other than the occasional meeting, much of what you presently do is conducted by letters, either to the other parts of the Underworld or to other realms. Even then, a few days without attending to anything would have left you with nothing more than a bit of a backlog. 
			
			Perhaps Daeira would have worried a little, but if anything they'd have encouraged you to take more time, you're sure. 
		*if (job = "assistant")
			Your job does demand a certain amount of scheduling, given that what you do requires at least some supervision from the Moirae, but it's not as though they would have given you trouble if you'd needed to take time away. Even so, you hadn't felt the need to disrupt the smooth way things work now, and it's probably better that way. You like to do things a certain way, and you're a bit concerned that, with any substantial amount of time away, they'd somehow manage to revert your new filing system to how it used to be. 
			
			The thought is terrifying. 
		*if (job = "research")
			You wouldn't say your job demands the strictest schedule anyway. You have colleagues with whom you occasionally collaborate, but most of the time, everyone is working on their own research projects, and the only consequence of not coming in is that you don't make progress on that. There are no deadlines to meet, generally speaking. Even if there were, you don't doubt that one of them would have been happy to take over for you. 
			
			But you hadn't needed to take time away, and so you hadn't.
		*if (job = "guard")
			Your job does demand a certain amount of scheduled appearances, considering that you are in charge of other people, but things like the paperwork can be done largely at whatever times you prefer, and you know if you had to be away entirely, Attikos would have handled it without complaint. But you just… hadn't felt the need to take time away, and so you hadn't. 
			
			Honestly it might have been more difficult to explain everything than it would have been to keep coming in, even. 
		*if (job = "none")
			Insofar as you even have a schedule. It's not as though your adventures in finding hobbies and other things to do with your time are strictly regimented in the way a job might be, or anything like that. It's one of the reasons you hadn't particularly wanted to commit to one. Letting your time be wholly your own means that you can give yourself as much as you need to do things that aren't productive in any sense at all. 
		
		"Well, that's good to hear." Hekate offers you a smile, sending you the ball, which you
		*if (tag_unathletic)
			almost don't manage to hit, but do get over to Hermes, who has to dive for the save, laughing as he does. 
		*if not (tag_unathletic)
			manage to get over to Hermes without any trouble, making him dive for the save, which of course brings his laughter with it. 
	#"It's... fine. I'm distracted sometimes, but it's nothing that's really affected things."
		"It's... fine. I'm distracted sometimes, but it's nothing that's really affected things."
		
		*if (job = "gardener")
			You wouldn't say your job demands the strictest schedule anyway. Ascalaphus, Minthe, and Leuke are not particularly regimented themselves, and the most you usually have is loose times for group work or the occasional meeting to discuss the state of the orchard. Even if you'd needed all the time between then and now off, they'd have had no trouble. 
			
			You've coped well enough so far with that flexibility, and removing yourself from work entirely probably would have felt the opposite of restful or helpful to you, right now. 
		*if (job = "minister")
			Your job does have certain demands, but very few of them are on any sort of schedule. Other than the occasional meeting, much of what you presently do is conducted by letters, either to the other parts of the Underworld or to other realms. Even then, a few days without attending to anything would have left you with nothing more than a bit of a backlog. 
			
			You've coped well enough so far with that flexibility, and removing yourself from work entirely probably would have felt the opposite of restful or helpful to you, right now. 
		*if (job = "assistant")
			Your job does demand a certain amount of scheduling, given that what you do requires at least some supervision from the Moirae, but it's not as though they would have given you trouble if you'd needed to take time away. Even so, you hadn't felt the need to disrupt the smooth way things work now, and it's probably better that way. You like to do things a certain way, and you're a bit concerned that, with any substantial amount of time away, they'd somehow manage to revert your new filing system to how it used to be. 
			
			The thought is terrifying, and the distraction hasn't been nearly bad enough to really affect what you do in any major sense. Just a few minor mistakes, easily corrected. 
		*if (job = "research")
			You wouldn't say your job demands the strictest schedule anyway. You have colleagues with whom you occasionally collaborate, but most of the time, everyone is working on their own research projects, and the only consequence of not coming in is that you don't make progress on that. There are no deadlines to meet, generally speaking. Even if there were, you don't doubt that one of them would have been happy to take over for you. 
			
			You've coped well enough so far with that flexibility, and removing yourself from work entirely probably would have felt the opposite of restful or helpful to you, right now. 
		*if (job = "guard")
			Your job does demand a certain amount of scheduled appearances, considering that you are in charge of other people, but things like the paperwork can be done largely at whatever times you prefer, and you know if you had to be away entirely, Attikos would have handled it without complaint. But you just… hadn't felt the need to take time away, and so you hadn't. 
			
			Honestly it might have been more difficult to explain everything than it would have been to keep coming in, even. You've made a few minor mistakes here and there, but nothing bad and nothing that wasn't caught, so it's fine.
		*if (job = "none")
			It's not as though your adventures in finding hobbies and other things to do with your time are strictly regimented in the way a job might be, or that you have to worry about mistakes or what happens if you're distracted. This sort of thing is one of the reasons you hadn't particularly wanted to commit to a job in the first place. Letting your time be wholly your own means that you can give yourself as much as you need to do things that aren't productive in any sense at all. 
		
		"Well, I'm glad to hear the effects haven't been too dramatic, but [i]do[/i] take time for yourself and nothing else, if you think that would help." Hekate offers you a smile, sending you the ball, which you
		*if (tag_unathletic)
			almost don't manage to hit, but do get over to Hermes, who has to dive for the save, laughing as he does. 
		*if not (tag_unathletic)
			manage to get over to Hermes without any trouble, making him dive for the save, which of course brings his laughter with it. 
	*if (job != "none")
		#"Truthfully, it's been... difficult. To keep up with everything. Everyone's been good about it, but I hope things go back to normal, soon."
			"Truthfully, it's been... difficult. To keep up with everything. Everyone's been good about it, but I hope things go back to normal, soon."
			
			*if (job = "gardener")
				You wouldn't say your job demands much of a schedule out of you or anything. It's just that you've felt so scattered and out of it that you've not been able to keep up with it at all. Plans for more gardens are languishing on your desk, and you've left the tending of all the live plants to the others.
				
				You know they're worried about you, but they've encouraged you not to worry about it. Unsurprising, considering the sort of people they are. 
			*if (job = "minister")
				Your job does have certain demands, but very few of them are on any sort of schedule. Other than the occasional meeting, much of what you presently do is conducted by letters, either to the other parts of the Underworld or to other realms. You've fallen behind even on these, however, and you know there will be a backlog of some size waiting for you when you return. 
				
				Well. At least it won't be so much. You're sure Daeira is doing everything they can to take care of things in the meantime, and you know they're more worried about you recovering than the letters. 
			*if (job = "assistant")
				There's a bit of extra anxiety involved, because the delicate nature of your work means you really can't do it if you're as scattered and out of it as you've felt lately. The Moirae's records are important, and your filing system is precise. Errors could lose documents for a [i]very[/i] long time. 
				
				You just have to hope they're leaving everything out for you to manage when you return, instead of trying to do that themselves. Klotho had said they would, but the future was not her area of expertise. 
			*if (job = "research")
				It's not as though your job has much of a schedule. You have colleagues with whom you occasionally collaborate, but most of the time, everyone is working on their own research projects, and the only consequence of not coming in is that you don't make progress on that. There are no deadlines to meet, generally speaking. Even if there were, you don't doubt that one of them would have been happy to take over for you. 
				
				But still, being away from it for this reason, not having the presence of mind or the focus to work on your projects, is an unsettling feeling.
			*if (job = "guard")
				Your job does demand a certain amount of scheduled appearances, considering that you are in charge of other people. The paperwork can be done a bit more flexibly, of course, but it still bothers you that Attikos is shouldering your duties as well as his own right now. You've just been too scattered and unfocused to give matters the attention they need, and you know trying anyway would be even worse. 
				
				You know Attikos and the others are worried about you, but they've encouraged you not to worry about it. Unsurprising, considering the sort of people they are. 
			
			"I'm sorry to hear it; sincerely, take as much time as you need. Everyone else can cope, even if you're a huge help, which you are." Hekate offers you a smile, sending you the ball, which you
			*if (tag_unathletic)
				almost don't manage to hit, but do get over to Hermes, who has to dive for the save, laughing as he does. 
			*if not (tag_unathletic)
				manage to get over to Hermes without any trouble, making him dive for the save, which of course brings his laughter with it. 
	*if (job = "none")
		#"It's... I'm finding it difficult to stay focused on anything right now, really."
			"It's... I'm finding it difficult to stay focused on anything right now, really." Luckily you don't have a job or anything that really forces you to keep particular commitments or hours, but right now, the other things you fill your time with are difficult to concentrate on, and that leaves you with entirely too much time to stew around in things, which isn't really ideal, either. 
			
			"I'm sorry to hear it. Sincerely. If distraction helps, you know we're all around' don't hesitate to ask for help." Hekate offers you a smile, sending you the ball, which you
			*if (tag_unathletic)
				almost don't manage to hit, but do get over to Hermes, who has to dive for the save, laughing as he does. 
			*if not (tag_unathletic)
				manage to get over to Hermes without any trouble, making him dive for the save, which of course brings his laughter with it. 
*page_break
Things fall briefly silent as you focus on passing the ball around. This time, when Hekate introduces a second one, it's real, though eventually she fumbles it on a return pass and clicks her tongue against her teeth. "I [i]am[/i] going to get the hang of this," she says, creating another and smacking it in Hermes's direction. 

*if (route != "hermes")
	"Anything new on that whole debacle with your friend?" she asks him. "Perseus, wasn't it?"
	
	Hermes grimaces, nearly missing his next hit, and shakes his head. "I'm… working on it," he replies slowly. "It's weird, because, well. Athena's involved and I really don't want to make her mad. That's a bad idea in general."
	
	*fake_choice
		#"Who's Perseus?"
			"Who's Perseus?" It's not a familiar name to you, and you suppose that means it belongs to someone who [i]isn't[/i] a major god, either here or on Olympus, but there are many possibilities besides that. 
			
			"Uh… my half-brother. One of a lot of them, so I guess the more relevant part is he's a mortal and my friend. Sort of." Hermes clears his throat. "I'm trying to work out how to get him to not do something very stupid, but Athena wants to help him, so it's a mess, at the moment."
			
			"Challenging," Hekate observes. "If there's anything we can do…" 
			
			"Yeah. Yeah, I know. I don't really think this is a situation where rolling out all the Underworld's gods is going to help too much, though. It might actually do the opposite. Especially if Athena gets offended somehow." 
			
			It sounds like a pretty difficult situation to be in, though you don't know the details. Still, Hermes seems eager to drop the subject for now, so perhaps it's something he means to solve on his own. 
		#"Is there some kind of problem, Hermes? Anything I can do to help?"
			*set warm +1
			"Is there some kind of problem, Hermes? Anything I can do to help?" 'Perseus' is not a familiar name to you, and you suppose that means it belongs to someone who [i]isn't[/i] a major god, either here or on Olympus, but there are many possibilities besides that. 
			
			"Uh, well… I'm hoping it [i]won't[/i] be a problem in the end, but… you know. It's about my half-brother Perseus. One of a lot of them, so I guess the more relevant part is he's a mortal and my friend. Sort of." Hermes clears his throat. "I'm trying to work out how to get him to not do something very stupid, but Athena wants to help him, so it's a mess, at the moment."
			
			"Challenging," Hekate observes. "Like ${name} said, if there's anything we can do…" 
			
			"Yeah. Yeah, I know. I don't really think this is a situation where rolling out all the Underworld's gods is going to help too much, though. It might actually do the opposite. Especially if Athena gets offended somehow." 
			
			It sounds like a pretty difficult situation to be in, though you don't know the details. Still, Hermes seems eager to drop the subject for now, so perhaps it's something he means to solve on his own. 
		#"I prefer to stay out of the business of mortals, and you should, too."
			*set cold +1
			"I prefer to stay out of the business of mortals, and you should, too." You're not entirely sure that Perseus is a mortal, but it seems the most likely option. He's not a major god, you know that much, and the name sounds rather more human than anything else, at least to you. 
			
			Hermes grimaces. "Well, he's not a random mortal. He's my half-brother. One of a lot of them, so I guess the more relevant part is he's a mortal and my friend. Sort of." Hermes clears his throat. "I'm trying to work out how to get him to not do something very stupid, but Athena wants to help him, so it's a mess, at the moment."
			
			"Challenging," Hekate observes. "If there's anything we can do…" 
			
			"Yeah. Yeah, I know. I don't really think this is a situation where rolling out all the Underworld's gods is going to help too much, though. It might actually do the opposite. Especially if Athena gets offended somehow." 
			
			It sounds like a pretty difficult situation to be in, though you don't know the details. Still, Hermes seems eager to drop the subject for now, so perhaps it's something he means to solve on his own. 
		*if (athena_backstory)
			#"Athena? She's quite reasonable, though. If you have something to discuss with her, I'm sure she'll listen."
				"Athena? She's quite reasonable, though. If you have something to discuss with her, I'm sure she'll listen." You're not sure about anyone else involved, but you know that much. 
				
				Hermes grimaces a bit. "Well… she's reasonable about [i]most[/i] things," he half-agrees, "but trust me when I say you don't want to offend her. Or imply you're better than her at something she cares about. Or… a few other things. Also, she doesn't like me nearly as much as she likes you, Sunshine." 
				
				You blink. You hadn't realized… any of that. Maybe because you've never been in those sorts of situations? Or because Hermes is exaggerating—he's wont to do that.
				
				"Anyway, Perseus is my half-brother. One of a lot of them, so I guess the more relevant part is he's a mortal and my friend. Sort of." Hermes clears his throat. "I'm trying to work out how to get him to not do something very stupid, but Athena wants to help him, so it's a mess, at the moment."

				"Challenging," Hekate observes. "If there's anything we can do…" 

				"Yeah. Yeah, I know. I don't really think this is a situation where rolling out all the Underworld's gods is going to help too much, though. It might actually do the opposite. Especially if Athena gets offended somehow." 

				It sounds like a pretty difficult situation to be in, though you don't know the details. Still, Hermes seems eager to drop the subject for now, so perhaps it's something he means to solve on his own. 
	*page_break
*if (route != "hekate")
	He strikes both balls in quick succession, one to each of you, rolling his shoulders in a shrug-like motion. "What about you, Hekate? How have things been with the cults recently? Don't you have like, thousands of them now or something?"
	
	"Oh, please," she replies, rolling her eyes. "I have a fair number, but it's not as though I have as many temples as some people. And you have more road markers than me."
	
	"I do, don't I?" Hermes grins, running a hand back lightly over his hair. "It's okay. No one can help it if I just look better in statuary." 
	
	Hekate lifts a brow. "If you want to think that, I suppose I'll let you. Anyway, to answer your question, it's fine. Feels like I'm buried under prayers sometimes, but I do think the relationships are worth it." 
	
	*fake_choice 
		#"What kind of relationships?"
			*set forthright +1
			"What kind of relationships?" 
			*if (tag_unathletic)
				You fumble the return, and the sphere of light winks out, but Hekate creates another to replace it, and that one you manage to send back to her.
			*if not (tag_unathletic)
				You send the sphere back towards her, followed by the one that Hermes bounces to you. 
			
			You hadn't heard that she was involved to that extent with anyone who prayed to her. Your mother certainly hadn't been, to your knowledge. Well. Rather, not in your lifetime. You have to wonder how such a thing could work. 
			
			"Well…" Hekate hums, as if considering what words she wants to put to it. "I'd call them friendships, of a sort. Obviously I don't see them every day, and there are some difficulties that come with the mortal lifespan, but… yes. I would call some of my followers friends."
			
			"I don't think a lot of gods do that, right?" 
			
			Hermes shakes his head. "Definitely not. Hekate's got a way of interacting with people that makes it possible. For most of us, prayers are one-off or seasonal or occasional. But when you're a mortal witch trying to learn the craft…" he shrugs, and Hekate nods. 
			
			"I'm friends with them in part because I've tried, and in part because I don't want to just give people power without showing them how to use it." 
		#"I think that sounds far too difficult to handle, honestly."
			*set forthright +1
			"I think that sounds far too difficult to handle, honestly."
			*if (tag_unathletic)
				You fumble the return, and the sphere of light winks out, but Hekate creates another to replace it, and that one you manage to send back to her.
			*if not (tag_unathletic)
				You send the sphere back towards her, followed by the one that Hermes bounces to you. 
			
			You can't imagine trying to maintain a relationship within the constraints of prayer. It would have so many obstacles. How to make a person feel equal enough to have a real relationship of any kind when you hold all the power, how to keep the connection over time and distance… and to do such things for multiple people when you already feel overwhelmed sometimes. It sounds almost impossible, but perhaps experience has given her insight you lack. 
			
			"Well," Hekate hums, as if considering what words she wants to put to it. "It's not as if they're conventional friendships. And it is challenging, at times. But I [i]would[/i] still call them friends I have, I suppose." 
			
			"I don't think a lot of gods do that, right?" 
			
			Hermes shakes his head. "Definitely not. Hekate's got a way of interacting with people that makes it possible. For most of us, prayers are one-off or seasonal or occasional. But when you're a mortal witch trying to learn the craft…" he shrugs, and Hekate nods. 
			
			"I'm friends with them in part because I've tried, and in part because I don't want to just give people power without showing them how to use it." 
		#"Are they?"
			*set reserved +1
			"Are they?" 
			*if (tag_unathletic)
				You fumble the return, and the sphere of light winks out, but Hekate creates another to replace it, and that one you manage to send back to her.
			*if not (tag_unathletic)
				You send the sphere back towards her, followed by the one that Hermes bounces to you. 
			
			You can't imagine trying to maintain a relationship within the constraints of prayer. It would have so many obstacles. How to make a person feel equal enough to have a real relationship of any kind when you hold all the power, how to keep the connection over time and distance… and to do such things for multiple people when you already feel overwhelmed sometimes. It sounds almost impossible, but perhaps experience has given her insight you lack. 
			
			"Well," Hekate hums, as if considering what words she wants to put to it. "It's not as if they're conventional friendships. And it is challenging, at times. But I [i]would[/i] still call them friends I have, I suppose." 
			
			"I don't think a lot of gods do that, right?" 
			
			Hermes shakes his head. "Definitely not. Hekate's got a way of interacting with people that makes it possible. For most of us, prayers are one-off or seasonal or occasional. But when you're a mortal witch trying to learn the craft…" he shrugs, and Hekate nods. 
			
			"I'm friends with them in part because I've tried, and in part because I don't want to just give people power without showing them how to use it." 
		#I tilt my head to the side, expecting that she probably has more to say.
			*set reserved +1
			You tilt your head to the side, expecting that she probably has more to say.
			*if (tag_unathletic)
				You fumble the return, and the sphere of light winks out, but Hekate creates another to replace it, and that one you manage to send back to her.
			*if not (tag_unathletic)
				You send the sphere back towards her, followed by the one that Hermes bounces to you. 
			
			You hadn't heard that she was involved to that extent with anyone who prayed to her. Your mother certainly hadn't been, to your knowledge. Well. Rather, not in your lifetime. You have to wonder how such a thing could work. 
			
			"Well…" Hekate hums, as if considering what words she wants to add. "Rather than generic 'relationships,' I'd call them friendships, of a sort. Obviously I don't see them every day, and there are some difficulties that come with the mortal lifespan, but… yes. I would call some of my followers friends."
			
			"I don't think a lot of gods do that, right?" 
			
			Hermes shakes his head. "Definitely not. Hekate's got a way of interacting with people that makes it possible. For most of us, prayers are one-off or seasonal or occasional. But when you're a mortal witch trying to learn the craft…" he shrugs, and Hekate nods. 
			
			"I'm friends with them in part because I've tried, and in part because I don't want to just give people power without showing them how to use it." 
	*page_break
A few more rounds pass where most of your attention is focused on striking the spheres of light thrown your way, but that's not so unusual, and you're unsurprised when the conversation starts up again afterward. 

"Glad we won't have any more trials or anything for a while," Hermes says. "Feels like things are finally properly settling after all that panic with Olympus and everything." 

"I don't know that we're ever [i]entirely[/i] free of things to figure out," Hekate replies, "but yes. It does feel as though a few of the old ones are being put to rest. And in come the new, as it were." She shoots a glance and a small half-smile in your direction.

Hermes rubs at the back of his neck. "Yeah. True enough. Actually, that reminds me. I've got to head back to Olympus soon. Check in on my mother." 

*if (hermes_backstory = "friends")
	You know from long years of friendship that his mother's name is Maia, and she's a nymph, but you've never once met her, and Hermes doesn't talk about her often, except to say that she isn't well… whatever that actually means for a deity-adjacent being. You hadn't really known gods could get [i]sick[/i] until Lethe did, and admittedly Maia had come up so infrequently that you'd never thought much about it. 
	
	He, of course, knows what you know, and doesn't elaborate any further here.
*if (hermes_backstory = "rivals")
	You've vaguely assimilated the knowledge, over your years of dubious acquaintance, that Hermes's mother is named Maia, and you [i]think[/i] she's a nymph, but that's about all you could guess at. He brought her up extremely infrequently and never in any detail. 
	
	He, of course, knows what you know, and clears his throat slightly. "She's not well. So every once in a while, I have to go check in on her. Make sure she's being taken care of properly, that sort of thing." 
	
	You hadn't really known gods could get [i]sick[/i] until Lethe did, and you somehow doubt this has any sort of similar cause, but he doesn't elaborate.
*if (hermes_backstory = "strangers")
	His mother? He's never mentioned her before—you aren't sure who she is, and you hadn't been certain she was alive, at least not until just now.
	
	He, of course, must know that you're rather in the dark, and clears his throat softly. "Her name is Maia," he says, his voice uncharacteristically, catching one of the orbs on his paddle and just resting it there. "She's a nymph, if you were curious. I have to go check on her because she's not well." 
	
	You hadn't really known gods could get [i]sick[/i] until Lethe did, and you somehow doubt this has any sort of similar cause, but he doesn't elaborate.

"Anyway, Sunshine. Anything you want me to take with me when I go? Maybe, uh, you know. I could tell Demeter about Iasion being here, if you want her to know? I won't unless you prefer I do, though."

*fake_choice
	#"I want to tell her, it's just... difficult to figure out how to say it. I should write her."
		*set sequel_demeterletter "inform"
		"I want to tell her, it's just... difficult to figure out how to say it. I should write her."
		
		*if (demeterstatus = "open")
			It won't be difficult to do in the sense that she's probably expecting some news from you soon, anyway, but… it's not exactly the easiest thing to explain, either. Somehow, you expect that it might end up being more than just a letter, if there is any truth to the thought that Iasion might be your father. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				Of course, what she does or doesn't do about that is entirely her business. You still haven't met the man, and you don't know that anything is going to change your mind on that. 
		*if (demeterstatus = "letters")
			It won't be difficult to do in the sense that she's probably expecting some news from you soon, anyway, but… it's not exactly the easiest thing to explain, either. You have a feeling she might want to visit, if there's any truth to the thought that Iasion might be your father. You're not entirely sure how you feel about that yet, but one step at a time is for the best, here. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				The issue might be out of your hands when it comes to whether she's permitted into the Underworld at [i]all[/i], and in that case whether she sees him isn't really your business. Whether she sees [i]you[/i] is another matter. 
		*if (demeterstatus = "cutoff")
			You're not exactly sure how you're going to do it. You'd been pretty firm in cutting yourself off from all further contact with her, after all. But this is a completely different situation than anything you anticipated, and she deserves to know about it, if Iasion really is your father. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				You just have to content yourself with the thought that if she ends up coming to the Underworld, it will be for that, and since you've not involved yourself with him, whatever they do or talk about need not involve you.
		*if (demeterstatus = "thinking")
			You're not exactly sure how you're going to do it. You'd been unsure where you wanted to stand in relation to your mother, and you hadn't expected to need to take any kind of decisive action any time soon. But you do, now, because this is a completely different situation than anything you anticipated, and she deserves to know about it, if Iasion really is your father. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				You just have to content yourself with the thought that if she ends up coming to the Underworld, it will be for that, and since you've not involved yourself with him, whatever they do or talk about need not involve you.
		
		"Might not be a bad idea," Hekate agrees. "I have this feeling we might be getting an unexpected visitor soon. I'll make sure to tell Hades, though… something tells me he's already anticipated the possibility."
	#"I appreciate that, Hermes, but that's something I need to talk to her about in person. I'll send a letter inviting her here to do that, perhaps."
		*set sequel_demeterletter "invite"
		"I appreciate that, Hermes, but that's something I need to talk to her about in person. I'll send a letter inviting her here to do that, perhaps."
		
		*if (demeterstatus = "open")
			It won't be difficult to do in the sense that she's probably expecting some news from you soon, anyway, but… it's not exactly the easiest thing to explain, either. Invite her here with urgency without explaining exactly why. She might come to believe you're in some kind of trouble, even if you're careful to say that's not it. 
			
			You think perhaps your mother doesn't view the Underworld quite as she used to, but she's still wary, and you can understand that. At least it's already been established that she might visit at some point. Maybe you can just make it [i]that[/i] invitation and explain when she gets here.
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				Though that feels a little disingenuous, since you're likely to just… leave them to their business once she arrives. 
		*if (demeterstatus = "letters")
			The writing won't be difficult, in the sense that she's probably expecting a letter from you shortly anyway, but… the rest is going to complicate things. You've limited communication with her to letters very intentionally and for your own good. Opening that up to things like visits is a big step, one you hadn't ruled out for the future but weren't planning on doing any time soon. 
			
			The situation demands it, though, and you find that the thought doesn't make you [i]too[/i] anxious. Maybe that's a sign that it's time. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				Besides, if worse comes to worst and you're not prepared to handle it yet, you can just make yourself scarce. Whatever they discuss will be their own business anyway; you've no intention of involving yourself with Iasion.
		*if (demeterstatus = "cutoff")
			You're not exactly sure how you're going to do it. You'd been pretty firm in cutting yourself off from all further contact with her, after all. But this is a completely different situation than anything you anticipated, and she deserves to know about it, if Iasion really is your father. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				You just have to content yourself with the thought that if she ends up coming to the Underworld, it will be for that, and since you've not involved yourself with him, whatever they do or talk about need not involve you.
		*if (demeterstatus = "thinking")
			You're not exactly sure how you're going to do it. You'd been unsure where you wanted to stand in relation to your mother, and you hadn't expected to need to take any kind of decisive action any time soon. But you do, now, because this is a completely different situation than anything you anticipated, and she deserves to know about it, if Iasion really is your father. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				You just have to content yourself with the thought that if she ends up coming to the Underworld, it will be for that, and since you've not involved yourself with him, whatever they do or talk about need not involve you.
		
		"That's probably the best way to handle it," Hekate agrees, giving you a small nod. "I'll tell Hades we might be getting a visitor soon… though something tells me he's already anticipated the possibility."
	#"You can do as you please, but I don't really feel up to talking to her about it."
		*set sequel_demeterletter "hermes"
		"You can do as you please, but I don't really feel up to talking to her about it."
		
		*if (demeterstatus = "open")
			Not that you don't talk to her at all, because you very much do. It's not even outside the real of possibility to you that she might visit the Underworld one day. But this… you don't know how to talk to her about this. You don't know how to tell her that someone she might have once known, might have once [i]loved[/i], is here and dead. You'd rather she find out some other way, so you don't have to be the one to break the news. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				It's part of the reason you refused to meet Iasion, too. You just can't get involved in whatever this is going to do to them. You can't let it hurt [i]you[/i]. 
		*if (demeterstatus = "letters")
			Not that you don't talk to her at all, because you very much do. But this… you don't know how to talk to her about this. You don't know how to tell her that someone she might have once known, might have once [i]loved[/i], is here and dead. You'd rather she find out some other way, so you don't have to be the one to break the news.
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				It's part of the reason you refused to meet Iasion, too. You just can't get involved in whatever this is going to do to them. You can't let it hurt [i]you[/i]. 
		*if (demeterstatus = "cutoff")
			You don't want to talk to her at all, in fact, and that's been the case since you told her so after the trial. Perhaps she ought to know about these developments, but nothing obligates you to tell her, and honestly… the idea that she might appear here in the wake of such news is one you are [i]not[/i] prepared for in the slightest. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				You just have to content yourself with the thought that if she ends up coming to the Underworld, it will be because of Iasion, and since you've not involved yourself with him, whatever they do or talk about need not involve you.
		*if (demeterstatus = "thinking")
			You're not sure you want to talk to her at all, in fact. You'd been unsure where you wanted to stand in relation to your mother, and you hadn't expected to need to take any kind of decisive action any time soon. You're not ready to, and so you don't. Leaving the decision in Hermes's hands might be burdening him a little, but you're confident he can handle it with much more grace than you could. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				You just have to content yourself with the thought that if Demeter ends up coming to the Underworld, it will be because of Iasion, and since you've not involved yourself with him, whatever they do or talk about need not involve you. 
		
		"Well, uh… okay then?" Hermes shoots a helpless look at Hekate and shrugs.
		
		She hums, considering a moment, then nods. "In that case, I have the feeling we might be getting a visitor soon. I'll tell Hades, though… something tells me he's already anticipated the possibility." 
	#"I think that's a question you should ask Iasion. It's his news to tell or withhold, not mine."
		*set sequel_demeterletter "iasion"
		"I think that's a question you should ask Iasion. It's his news to tell or withhold, not mine."
		
		*if (demeterstatus = "open")
			It wouldn't be a problem for you to write your mother, obviously, nor even to invite her here. But the thing it is, that's not your invitation to make, and you don't want to undercut Iasion by telling her about him if he doesn't want her to know. It feels like he [i]should[/i] want her to know, if he is actually your father, but you don't know all the intricacies of their history, and he could have a reason for feeling otherwise. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				You know next to nothing about him at all, in fact, but this seems very much like something for your mother to deal with if she wants to. You… don't, particularly. 
		*if (demeterstatus = "letters")
			It wouldn't be a problem for you to write your mother, obviously, though you wonder if maybe such news wouldn't prompt her to visit, which is something you're [i]much[/i] less comfortable with, at this stage of your relationship. But even if you [i]did[/i] feel comfortable, it's not your invitation to make, and you don't want to undercut Iasion by telling her about him if he doesn't want her to know. It feels like he [i]should[/i] want her to know, if he is actually your father, but you don't know all the intricacies of their history, and he could have a reason for feeling otherwise. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				You know next to nothing about him at all, in fact, but this seems very much like something for your mother to deal with if she wants to. You… don't, particularly. 
		*if (demeterstatus = "cutoff")
			It's certainly not any of [i]your[/i] business, given the fact that you and your mother are no-contact at the moment. You understand why Hermes asked, of course; the situation is irregular and not at all like anything you anticipated happening when you made the decision. But you still don't want to deal with her, and you don't have to. It's not your invitation to make, and you don't want to undercut Iasion by telling her about him if he doesn't want her to know. It feels like he [i]probably[/i] would, if he is actually your father, but you don't know all the intricacies of their history, and he could have a reason for feeling otherwise. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				You know next to nothing about him at all, in fact, but this seems very much like something for your mother to deal with if she wants to. Entirely separately from you and without any shred of involvement on your part.
		*if (demeterstatus = "thinking")
			It's certainly not your business, considering that you and your mother are still… of uncertain status, when it comes to each other. You haven't yet figured out what, if any, relationship you want to have with her going forward, and you hadn't expected to need to take any kind of decisive action any time soon. You're not ready to, and so you don't. Leaving the decision in Iasion's hands is the right thing to do, anyway. He [i]probably[/i] wants her to know he's here, if he is actually your father, but you don't know all the intricacies of their history, and he could have a reason for feeling otherwise. 
			
			*if (met_iasion = false)
				You know next to nothing about him at all, in fact, but this seems very much like something for your mother to deal with if she wants to. Entirely separately from you and without any shred of involvement on your part.
		
		"Fair point," Hermes concedes with a small nod. "I'll ask him, and convey anything he wants to say to her next time I'm up there." 
		
		Hekate hums, considering a moment, then nods. "In that case, I have the feeling we might be getting a visitor soon. I'll tell Hades, though… something tells me he's already anticipated the possibility." 
*page_break
By mutual consensus, the game ends, and you step closer to each other to gather up the paddles, removing the enchantments from them so they can be stored… wherever they go. 

*if (route = "hermes") 
	They end up with Hekate, and she moves towards what seems to be a small stack of boxes on the other end of the warded area, leaving you, for the moment, with Hermes.
	
	He stretches his arms up towards the version of 'sky' the Underworld claims, turning his head to look at your profile. 
	
	*if (hermes_touch2 = "permission")
		Then he reaches out, lightly taking your hand and giving it a light squeeze. "I have a feeling more is going to come of this," he observes, passing his thumb gently over your knuckles, one by one. 
	*if (hermes_touch2 = "ask")
		Then he reaches out, offering his hand towards you in obvious invitation. 
		
		*fake_choice
			#I take it.
				You take it, and his grasp is soft. "I have a feeling more is going to come of this," he observes, passing his thumb gently over your knuckles, one by one. 
			#I shake my head.
				You shake your head, not feeling up to it even if you appreciate the implied question, and his hand drops back to his side. 
				
				"I have a feeling more is going to come of this," he observes, passing his thumb gently over his own fingertips, one by one. 
		*line_break
		*line_break
	*if (hermes_touch2 = "averse") 
		For a moment, his arm shifts, as though he's reaching out towards you, but he pulls it, letting the hand drop back to his side as though it had never been anywhere else. "I have a feeling more is going to come of this," he observes, passing his thumb gently over his own fingertips, one by one. 
	
	"But you know it'll be fine, right? No matter what happens. I've got you, and you've got me. And I guess the others are all around, too. It's a whole big… net. Of people to catch us if we take a fall or something. This metaphor is getting away from me, but you get the idea." 
	
	He flashes a grin, warm and sincere.
	
	*fake_choice 
		#"I know, and that's very comforting. I don't think it'll be anything I can't handle, but if it is, I know who to talk to."
			*set warm +1
			*set confident +1
			"I know, and that's very comforting. I don't think it'll be anything I can't handle, but if it is, I know who to talk to." You smile back, just a little, and push a breath out through your nose. Who knows, really, what it's all going to come to. 
			
			Demeter [i]is[/i] going to find out about this, one way or another. But how she's going to react, what she's going to want to do about it—you find that even as well as you know her, you have no way of predicting what she will think of the news, much less what she will do. She is capable of both great compassion and great overreaction, but also great self-control, and detachment. 
			
			You've seen them all, at various points in your life, aimed in various directions. She's a complicated person, but at least whatever happens, you're fairly sure it won't be too much trouble. 
			
			"You do," Hermes agrees with a nod. "And for what it's worth, I think you're right. I guess now we just wait and see."
		#"I know. I think I'm likely to need that support, if all of this turns out how I'm thinking it will."
			*set warm +1
			*set unsure +1
			"I know. I think I'm likely to need that support, if all of this turns out how I'm thinking it will."  You smile back, just a little, and push a breath out through your nose. Who knows, really, what it's all going to come to. 
			
			Demeter [i]is[/i] going to find out about this, one way or another. But how she's going to react, what she's going to want to do about it—you find that even as well as you know her, you have no way of predicting what she will think of the news, much less what she will do. She is capable of both great compassion and great overreaction, but also great self-control, and detachment. 
			
			You've seen them all, at various points in your life, aimed in various directions. She's a complicated person, and not knowing exactly how that first part is going to go means you have no idea what will happen after, either. It's enough to make you think you're glad you have a lot of people willing to help you. 
			
			"Well, if you do, it's yours," Hermes replies with a nod. "But for what it's worth, I think you've got it in you to handle whatever's coming. I guess now we just wait and see."
		#"I appreciate that, but I don't think I'm in need of any such thing, right now."
			*set cold  +1
			*set confident +1
			"I appreciate that, but I don't think I'm in need of any such thing, right now." Your tone remains cool and collected, and you make eye contact steadily with him for a moment before looking away again. 
			
			Demeter [i]is[/i] going to find out about this, one way or another. But how she's going to react, what she's going to want to do about it—you find that even as well as you know her, you have no way of predicting what she will think of the news, much less what she will do. She is capable of both great compassion and great overreaction, but also great self-control, and detachment. 
			
			You've seen them all, at various points in your life, aimed in various directions. She's a complicated person, but at least whatever happens, you're fairly sure it won't be too much trouble for you. 
			
			"You're probably right, of course," Hermes agrees, with a nod. "I'm just saying… I'm here if you [i]do[/i] need me, hm? I guess now we just wait and see."
		#"That's... nice, but I don't know if emotional support is going to suffice to see me through whatever's going to come of all this."
			*set cold +1
			*set unsure +1
			"That's... nice, but I don't know if emotional support is going to suffice to see me through whatever's going to come of all this." Your tone remains cool and collected, and you make eye contact steadily with him for a moment before looking away again. 
			
			Demeter [i]is[/i] going to find out about this, one way or another. But how she's going to react, what she's going to want to do about it—you find that even as well as you know her, you have no way of predicting what she will think of the news, much less what she will do. She is capable of both great compassion and great overreaction, but also great self-control, and detachment. 
			
			You've seen them all, at various points in your life, aimed in various directions. She's a complicated person, and not knowing exactly how that first part is going to go means you have no idea what will happen after, either. It's enough to make you a bit anxious, honestly. All you can do is hope you can handle whatever comes out of this. 
			
			"Well, if it'll help, it's yours," Hermes replies. "And for what it's worth, I [i]do[/i] think you'll manage whatever comes next, so you've one vote of confidence, even if not your own. I guess now we just wait and see."
	*page_break
	*if (((tag_poly) and (hekate_sequelinitial != "dislike")) and (hermes_mutualconfess))
		"Speaking of, uh, people around us, though…" Hermes looks oddly unsure of himself for a moment, brow knitting, before he turns to face you with an almost-sheepish smile. "I just want to be clear that I'm not pushing you for any particular answer here, but… how do you feel about Hekate? Like… [i]really[/i]?"
		
		*if (tag_intuitive)
			You can tell from the tone of his voice that he's essentially asking if you have any inclinations towards her of the same sort you have towards him. Perhaps a fair question; the three of you do spend a significant amount of time together. 
		*if not ((tag_intuitive) or (tag_unintuitive))
			It takes you a moment to understand what he's really asking, but then he tilts an eyebrow and it clicks for you. He's asking if you have any  inclinations towards her like you have towards him. Perhaps a fair question; the three of you do spend a significant amount of time together. 
		*if (tag_unintuitive)
			You have… no idea what he's talking about. There's [i]some[/i] sort of additional meaning being communicated here nonverbally; you can tell that much from the fact that his tone changed. But not even the subsequent tilt of his brow can enlighten you as to what it might be. 
			
			Apparently this is obvious, because he sighs, a quiet chuckle on the edges of it. "I mean, do you think you might have feelings for her. Of a similar sort to the ones you have for me."
			
			"Oh." Perhaps a fair question; the three of you do spend a significant amount of time together. 
		
		*fake_choice
			#"If I'm being honest, I'm interested. Is that okay with you?"
				*set poly "yes"
				"If I'm being honest, I'm interested. Is that okay with you?" You won't deny what you feel, but your relationship with Hermes, such as it is, is important to you, and that you might be able to pursue something with Hekate as well is not something you're taking for granted. 
				
				[i]Most[/i] people probably wouldn't enjoy that answer, but 
				*if (hermes_backstory = "friends")
					you know Hermes isn't 'most people' in this respect. He's had multiple partners before, though you aren't entirely sure 'partners' is the right word. Perhaps 'liaisons' is more accurate. 
				*if (hermes_backstory = "strangers")
					it's always possible Hermes isn't 'most people.' Maybe the fact that he's even starting the conversation is indicative of that. 
				*if (hermes_backstory = "rivals")
					you've certainly heard rumors about Hermes. It's hard to know whether he would be interested in having multiple partners, or if he's just someone who likes to sleep around, but either way, starting the conversation is probably for the best. 
				
				"That's great!" His smile is broad, and obviously genuine. "I was thinking, I guess, because we're doing this whole 'serious relationship' thing now… maybe it wouldn't be so bad for us to approach her about it, too." He tilts his head back and forth, wearing a thoughtful expression. "Take some more time to consider it, just so we can be sure, but I think if you like the idea, I do, too."
				
				You nod; that's fair. You've only just begun this kind of relationship with each other, after all; a little time for both of you to be sure you're sure is probably a good idea. 
			#"Well... I'm not entirely sure yet. Maybe there's something there? It's just that our relationship is still so new, and I've been kind of focused on that."
				*set poly "maybe"
				"Well... I'm not entirely sure yet. Maybe there's something there? It's just that our relationship is still so new, and I've been kind of focused on that." The idea has a certain appeal, you have to admit, but you can't say with complete certainty that it's something you want to try. 
				
				You hadn't even been sure how receptive Hermes would be to something like that. Most people wouldn't be, but 
				*if (hermes_backstory = "friends")
					you know Hermes isn't 'most people' in this respect. He's had multiple partners before, though you aren't entirely sure 'partners' is the right word. Perhaps 'liaisons' is more accurate. How that translates to relationships, though, and what he might be comfortable with in this specific scenario, isn't something you're certain of.
				*if (hermes_backstory = "strangers")
					it's always possible Hermes isn't 'most people.' Maybe the fact that he's even starting the conversation is indicative of that. 
				*if (hermes_backstory = "rivals")
					you've certainly heard rumors about Hermes. It's hard to know whether he would be interested in having multiple partners, or if he's just someone who likes to sleep around, but either way, starting the conversation is probably for the best. 
				
				"I get that," he says with a nod, half a smile curling his mouth. "Don't feel like you have to rush or anything. I was just thinking that I like her, and I think you like her, so maybe it was something we could discuss." He tilts his head back and forth, wearing a thoughtful expression. "Take some more time to consider it, just so we can be sure, but I think if you like the idea, I do, too."
				
				You nod; that's fair. You've only just begun this kind of relationship with each other, after all; a little time for both of you to consider it is a good idea. 
			#"I can't say I have any feelings of the type you're referring to, no."
				*set poly "no"
				"I can't say I have any feelings of the type you're referring to, no." It's not inconceivable that you could, one day, for someone else, but you don't where Hekate is concerned. 
				
				It's a little interesting that Hermes asked. You hadn't even been sure how receptive he might be to hearing that you were interested in someone else as well. Most people wouldn't be, but 
				*if (hermes_backstory = "friends")
					you know Hermes isn't 'most people' in this respect. He's had multiple partners before, though you aren't entirely sure 'partners' is the right word. Perhaps 'liaisons' is more accurate. How that translates to relationships, though, and what he might be comfortable with in this specific scenario, isn't something you're certain of.
				*if (hermes_backstory = "strangers")
					it's always possible Hermes isn't 'most people.' Maybe the fact that he's even starting the conversation is indicative of that. 
				*if (hermes_backstory = "rivals")
					you've certainly heard rumors about Hermes. It's hard to know whether he would be interested in having multiple partners, or if he's just someone who likes to sleep around, but either way, starting the conversation is probably for the best. 
				
				"Ah, then I've misread the situation," he replies, nodding slightly. "Never mind. If you do end up interested in someone else, though, just let me know. I'm not going to be worried about it, but I'd like to know." 
				
				That's fair, of course. Secrets between you would be unhealthy and unkind; it seems as if there's nothing to worry about if you do end up interested in a third party, though, which is good to know. 
		*page_break
	*if (((tag_poly = false) or (hekate_sequelinitial = "dislike")) or (hermes_mutualconfess = false))
		'Wait and see' is probably the only option at this point, anyway. Other people are going to do as they see fit; you can't make decisions for them. 
		
		All you can control is yourself.
*if (route = "hekate")
	They end up with Hermes, and he moves towards what seems to be a small stack of boxes on the other end of the warded area, leaving you, for the moment, with Hekate.
	
	For her part, she sighs quietly, turning towards you with a faint smile. 
	
	*if (hekate_touch2 = "permission") 
		Reaching towards you, she wraps her arm lightly around your back, her thumb moving gently over the fabric at your opposite side. "I admit, I do prefer it when things are quiet and predictable," she says quietly, "and I'm not sure they'll be that way for a while." 
	*if (hekate_touch2 = "ask") 
		Reaching towards you, she pauses, head tilted in the obvious question. From the way she holds herself, you expect she means to loop an arm around your back. 
		
		*fake_choice
			#I nod.
				You nod, and she steps in a little closer, wrapping her arm lightly around you, her thumb moving gently over the fabric at your opposite side. "I admit, I do prefer it when things are quiet and predictable," she says quietly, "and I'm not sure they'll be that way for a while." 
			#I shake my head.
				You shake your head, not feeling up to it even if you appreciate the implied question, and her arm drops back to her side. 
				
				"I admit, I do prefer it when things are quiet and predictable," she says quietly, "and I'm not sure they'll be that way for a while." 
		*line_break
		*line_break
	*if (hekate_touch2 = "averse") 
		She catches your eye, something warm in her expression, even if her mouth turns down with concern shortly thereafter. "I admit, I do prefer it when things are quiet and predictable," she says quietly, "and I'm not sure they'll be that way for a while." 
	
	You suppose she's probably right. 
	
	"That said," she continues. "I hope you know that whatever happens, we're all behind you. Me especially, if I may say so."
	
	*fake_choice 
		#"I know, and that's very comforting. I don't think it'll be anything I can't handle, but if it is, I know who to talk to."
			*set warm +1
			*set confident +1
			"I know, and that's very comforting. I don't think it'll be anything I can't handle, but if it is, I know who to talk to." You smile at her, just a little, and push a breath out through your nose. Who knows, really, what it's all going to come to. 
			
			Demeter [i]is[/i] going to find out about this, one way or another. But how she's going to react, what she's going to want to do about it—you find that even as well as you know her, you have no way of predicting what she will think of the news, much less what she will do. She is capable of both great compassion and great overreaction, but also great self-control, and detachment. 
			
			You've seen them all, at various points in your life, aimed in various directions. She's a complicated person, but at least whatever happens, you're fairly sure it won't be too much trouble. 
			
			"Just so," Hekate replies with a small nod. "And I think you're quite right about what you can handle. Just remember you don't [i]have[/i] to do it alone, even if you [i]can.[/i] But I suppose until we know what comes next, all we can do is wait."
		#"I know. I think I'm likely to need that support, if all of this turns out how I'm thinking it will."
			*set warm +1
			*set unsure +1
			"I know. I think I'm likely to need that support, if all of this turns out how I'm thinking it will."  You smile at her, just a little, and push a breath out through your nose. Who knows, really, what it's all going to come to. 
			
			Demeter [i]is[/i] going to find out about this, one way or another. But how she's going to react, what she's going to want to do about it—you find that even as well as you know her, you have no way of predicting what she will think of the news, much less what she will do. She is capable of both great compassion and great overreaction, but also great self-control, and detachment. 
			
			You've seen them all, at various points in your life, aimed in various directions. She's a complicated person, and not knowing exactly how that first part is going to go means you have no idea what will happen after, either. It's enough to make you think you're glad you have a lot of people willing to help you. 
			
			"If you do, please avail yourself of it," Hekate says seriously. "Even if it turns out you [i]can[/i] handle everything yourself, you don't [i]need[/i] to. But I suppose until we know what comes next, all we can do is wait."
		#"I appreciate that, but I don't think I'm in need of any such thing, right now."
			*set cold  +1
			*set confident +1
			"I appreciate that, but I don't think I'm in need of any such thing, right now." Your tone remains cool and collected, and you make eye contact steadily with her for a moment before looking away again. 
			
			Demeter [i]is[/i] going to find out about this, one way or another. But how she's going to react, what she's going to want to do about it—you find that even as well as you know her, you have no way of predicting what she will think of the news, much less what she will do. She is capable of both great compassion and great overreaction, but also great self-control, and detachment. 
			
			You've seen them all, at various points in your life, aimed in various directions. She's a complicated person, but at least whatever happens, you're fairly sure it won't be too much trouble for you. 
			
			"Well, if that changes, please do avail yourself of it," she replies readily. "Even if it turns out you [i]can[/i] handle everything yourself, you don't [i]need[/i] to. But I suppose until we know what comes next, all we can do is wait."
		#"That's... nice, but I don't know if emotional support is going to suffice to see me through whatever's going to come of all this."
			*set cold +1
			*set unsure +1
			"That's... nice, but I don't know if emotional support is going to suffice to see me through whatever's going to come of all this." Your tone remains cool and collected, and you make eye contact steadily with her for a moment before looking away again. 
			
			Demeter [i]is[/i] going to find out about this, one way or another. But how she's going to react, what she's going to want to do about it—you find that even as well as you know her, you have no way of predicting what she will think of the news, much less what she will do. She is capable of both great compassion and great overreaction, but also great self-control, and detachment. 
			
			You've seen them all, at various points in your life, aimed in various directions. She's a complicated person, and not knowing exactly how that first part is going to go means you have no idea what will happen after, either. It's enough to make you a bit anxious, honestly. All you can do is hope you can handle whatever comes out of this. 
			
			"Well, then consider it one among many things I'm willing to offer," she replies. "If you need me for something, all you need to do is say so. But I suppose until we know what comes next, all we can do is wait."
	*page_break
	*if (((tag_poly) and (hermes_sequelinitial != "dislike")) and (hekate_mutualconfess))
		"Speaking of waiting…" Her attention shifts briefly to Hermes before moving back to you. I was [i]going[/i] to wait to bring this up. You know, all things in their time. But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to at least say it and see what you might think." 
		
		She pauses, tilting her head. "Forgive me if this is too frank, but I wanted to say that I was open to this relationship including more than just the two of us… if that was something you wanted." She tips her head in Hermes's direction. 
		
		"And I suspect he might be open to that, too." 
		
		That is quite frank, but you definitely don't have to guess what she means. 
		
		"Not that you have to decide immediately, of course. I'm certainly not pressing you for an answer right now. But it might be something to think about?"
		
		*fake_choice
			#"It is. I'll think about it, but I'm pretty sure that it's something I'd be interested in."
				*set poly "yes"
				"It is. I'll think about it, but I'm pretty sure that it's something I'd be interested in." You meet her eyes, trying to get a sense of her reaction to that. You won't deny what you feel, but your relationship with Hekate, such as it is, is important to you, and that you might be able to pursue something with Hermes as well is not something you're taking for granted. 
				
				[i]Most[/i] people probably wouldn't enjoy that answer, but given the way she'd asked the question, it doesn't seem like she'd take any offense. 
				
				And indeed, she smiles. "Well, good," she replies. "I always like it when a problem has such a neat, easy solution. Not that there's a 'problem' here, per se, but you know what I mean. I have some interest in Hermes, you have some interest in Hermes, and Hermes has rather a lot of interest in the both of us." 
				
				She winks. "But anyway, if you change your mind, that's fine, too. I'll ask again after we've both had some time to think it over." 
				
				You nod; that's fair. You've only just begun this kind of relationship with each other, after all; a little time for both of you to be sure you're sure is probably a good idea. 
			#"I... yes. I'll think about it, though I'm certainly not sure."
				*set poly "maybe"
				"I... yes. I'll think about it, though I'm certainly not sure." The idea has a certain appeal, you have to admit, but you can't say with complete certainty that it's something you want to try. Your relationship is still so new, after all, and complicating it at this stage might not be the wisest idea. 
				
				You hadn't even been sure how receptive Hekate would be to something like that. Most people wouldn't be, but but given the way she'd asked the question, it doesn't seem like she'd take any offense. 
				
				And indeed, she smiles. "Of course," she replies, nodding once. "And if you decide you don't want to involve anyone else right now, or ever, that's perfectly fine by me. I don't need more than one parter to feel perfectly content and fulfilled. But it's something I'm open to. Let's both take some time to think about things, no? I'll ask again later."
				
				You nod; that's fair. You've only just begun this kind of relationship with each other, after all; a little time for both of you to consider it is a good idea. 
			#"Not in this case, no. I'm not sure I'd want to be adding anyone else to things too soon, and... I just don't feel that way about him in the first place." 
				*set poly "no"
				"Not in this case, no. I'm not sure I'd want to be adding anyone else to things too soon, and... I just don't feel that way about him in the first place." It's not inconceivable that you could, one day, have such feelings for someone else, but you don't where Hermes is concerned. 
				
				It's a little interesting that Hekate asked. You hadn't even been sure how receptive she might be to hearing that you were interested in someone else as well. Most people wouldn't be, but but but given the way she'd asked the question, it doesn't seem like she'd take any offense. 
				
				And indeed, she smiles. "Entirely reasonable, of course," she replies, nodding once. "And if you decide you don't want to involve anyone else right now, or ever, that's perfectly fine by me. I don't need more than one parter to feel perfectly content and fulfilled. But it's something I'm open to. Likewise, it's all right with me if you want to be with someone else as well, so let me know if that ever happens, all right?"
				
				That's fair, of course. Secrets between you would be unhealthy and unkind; it seems as if there's nothing to worry about if you do end up interested in a third party, though, which is good to know. 
		*page_break
	*if (((tag_poly = false) or (hermes_sequelinitial = "dislike")) or (hekate_mutualconfess = false))
		This does seem to be the case, all things considered. Other people are going to do as they see fit; you can't make decisions for them. 
		
		All you can control is yourself.
*if ((route != "hermes") and (route != "hekate"))
	The three of you end up walking over to the small stack of boxes on the other end of the warded area where the supplies are apparently kept, stowing your equipment before heading back to the Keep. 
	
	"Just so you know," Hekate says as you walk, "whatever happens, you've got us. Everyone, I mean, but also the two of us." 
	
	Hermes nods. "Probably no way to know exactly what's coming, but we'll be here when it arrives," he adds. "And hey, maybe it won't be anything stressful at all." 
	
	You suppose that's a reasonable thing to hope for. In any case, other people are going to do as they see fit; you can't make decisions for them. 

	All you can control is yourself.
*page_break
*goto chapter02friendsmenu

*label hadescharonscene02
You're not sure exactly why they're not reachable via Erebus right now, but Hekate had mentioned that they 'always do this when they go out there' and that it wasn't something to be particularly worried about. She apparently doesn't want to treat it as an emergency, but the message is, apparently, urgent enough to convey to them now, rather than when they go back. 

It's vague, though, just that Styx has said she's ready to meet them, whatever that's about. You've never really been able to get to know the prickly river goddess, beyond the fact that she's Charon's sister and altogether unfond of most of the people around her. But you suppose whatever it means is something for the two of them to sort out when they hear it.

*if (erebus = 1)
	Following Erebus's guidance towards Hades and Charon brings you to a part of the Underworld you've never visited before. It's actually quite remote, so it's actually quite fortunate that you've learned to expedite your travel with teleportation. 
*if (erebus = 0)
	You manage to get an exact location for Hades and Charon out of Daeira, who provides you with directions sufficient to get you there. It's a part of the Underworld you've never visited before, and actually quite remote, so it's quite fortunate that you've learned to expedite your travel with teleportation. 

It's not terribly surprising to find that the two of them are together, today. They seem to be quite close friends. 

*if (route != "hades")
	Hades seems to be close with everyone, on some level, but it's hard to deny that there's something particular about his friendship with Charon. Like a kinship, of sorts. 
	
	*fake_choice
		#I think perhaps one day, we could have a friendship like that, too. At least, we're already friends in some way.
			*set hades_sequelinitial "friends"
			You think perhaps one day, you could have a friendship like that with Hades, too. At least, you're already friends in some way.
			
			Not necessarily what you expected from the god you were married to against both your will and his, but life has strange ways of working out, sometimes. It's [i]nice[/i], to feel like you came out of that with a friendship. About the best possible outcome there could [i]be[/i], really. 
		#It's unlikely I'm ever as close to Hades as Charon is, but I feel perfectly okay with that. I don't need to be his friend. It's enough that we get along.
			*set hades_sequelinitial "neutral"
			It's unlikely you're ever as close to Hades as Charon is, but you feel perfectly okay with that. You don't need to be his friend. It's enough that you get along. 
			
			Not necessarily what you expected from the god you were married to against both your will and his, but life has strange ways of working out, sometimes. Considering all the much worse ways that [i]could[/i] have gone, you'll settle quite happily for comfortable neutrality.
		#I don't really understand it. It's still hard to imagine anyone being so close to the god of the dead. I can cooperate with him, and things aren't hostile, but they aren't comfortable, either. 
			*set hades_sequelinitial "dislike"
			You don't really understand it. It's still hard to imagine anyone being so close to the god of the dead. You can cooperate with him, and things aren't hostile, but they aren't comfortable, either. 
			
			Maybe that's the best you can expect to feel towards someone you were married to against both your will and his. You don't even think he would mind being friends with [i]you[/i], but you just can't bring yourself to do it. Some combination of the circumstances and the personalities involved, you have to assume.
	*page_break
*if (route != "charon")
	Charon's always been a rather reserved person, you suppose. Hard to get to know in any deeper sense. Hades has obviously done so, though, perhaps more than any of the others. 
	
	*fake_choice
		#And I think eventually I might learn some of that, too. Charon and I [i]have[/i] struck up a friendship, after all. 
			*set charon_sequelinitial "friends"
			And you think eventually you might learn some of that, too. You and Charon [i]have[/i] struck up a friendship, after all. 
			
			It's something you're willing to give all the time it needs, of course. They're not the most forthcoming person to begin with, and you hardly expect them to just divulge everything in their presumably very long history to you at no prompting. 
			
			Everything will take the time it takes, and if they're never as comfortable with you as they are with Hades, well, that's all right. It's enough to be friends in the first place. 
		#I don't really need any more information about them than I have, though. It's not difficult to be in their company, and that's quite sufficient.
			*set charon_sequelinitial "neutral"
			You don't really need any more information about them than you have, though. It's not difficult to be in their company, and that's quite sufficient.
			
			Perhaps, in time, things will change, but the important thing is they seem unlikely to deteriorate. Charon is a very measured, reserved person, something which makes it easy to maintain a cordial relationship, which is all you need in the first place. 
		#Which is fine for them. I certainly don't intend to go digging for things that are not offered. I can tolerate Charon easily enough, but we will never be close.
			*set charon_sequelinitial "dislike"
			Which is fine for them. You certainly don't intend to go digging for things that are not offered. You can tolerate Charon easily enough, but we will never be close.
			
			You're certainly not torn up about it, either. Reserved, constantly-cautious personalities like theirs don't necessarily endear you to a person in the first place. You couldn't care less what he's hiding or not, and that makes it easy to coexist without significant emotional investment, so to speak. 
			
			Which is perfectly fine.
	*page_break
When you arrive, you find something that you'd admittedly never expected to see. 

Charon swings their staff at an upward angle, towards Hades's head, but the Lord of the Dead raises one thick arm, blocking the blow and deflecting its course towards the ground. Charon takes a single, stumbling step, but recovers their balance too quickly to be caught by the sweep of Hades's foot, and leaps aside to put some distance between them. 

They've obviously been at it a while; both have worked up a sweat, and to your surprise, both have also adjusted their clothes to leave their upper halves bare, and their hair to keep it pulled out of the way. 

*fake_choice
	#I don't want to interrupt, but it would be most sensible to announce my presence.
		You don't want to interrupt, but it would be most sensible to announce your presence.
		
		So you clear your throat, loudly enough for it to carry across the intervening distance, and both combatants step away from each other immediately, turning towards you. 
		
		You lift a hand in a slightly-wry form of greeting. "I hadn't realized you'd be out here to spar, of all things," you admit. 
	#I'm caught by the obvious skill both of them have, and can't help but want to watch a bit longer. Maybe I could learn something. 
		You're caught by the obvious skill both of them have, and can't help but want to watch a bit longer. Maybe you could learn something. 
		
		*if (tag_athletic)
			You've never been too bad with physical combat, but watching these two is like watching it elevated to an art form. You don't think you've ever seen anyone with the kind of strength and precision they have.
		*if not ((tag_athletic) or (tag_unathletic))
			You're not terrible, athletically, but you've never seen anyone fight like these two do. The kind of strength and precision they have is well above the level of anyone you know of, as far as you can tell.
		*if (tag_unathletic)
			Not that you could probably apply anything you learned. You're not known for your athleticism, and these two would surely leave anyone else you know in the dust, with their strength and precision.
		
		They flow around each other like water, but the intentness of their expressions and the sheer decisiveness of every action convinces you that the spar is as much mental as physical, each trying to anticipate not only the next thing to happen, but perhaps the next half-dozen. It gives the whole thing the look of choreography, their adjustments to one another minute and lightning-quick. 
		
		For a while, you can't see any obvious advantages, but then, almost faster than your eyes can follow, Hades [i]catches[/i] Charon's weapon in one hand, a circular motion of his arm twisting it and throwing them off balance. A well-placed foot takes them to the ground, and though they roll to their feet with ease, they do so disarmed, and with what sounds to you like a wry sort of sigh.
		
		Only at that point do they seem to become fully aware of your presence, both red and blue pairs of eyes turning towards you with a synchronicity that's [i]almost[/i] funny.
		
		You lift a hand by way of greeting. "I hadn't realized you'd be out here to spar, of all things," you admit. "I wasn't even aware either of you did that."
	*if (route = "charon")
		#@{convotoggle [‪‪❤︎‬]|} I've never seen Charon like this before. Not even close. It's honestly... fascinating.
			You've never seen Charon like this before. Not even close. It's honestly... fascinating.
			
			He's never struck you as the kind of person who would spar for a hobby, but perhaps that's because he does it like this. Far away from everyone but someone who can keep up and challenge him. The way he moves is so graceful it's liquid, but every motion has more strength than you would have expected, strength that moves almost more comfortably than his gentleness. 
			
			It's almost like you're looking at a different person. Not just metaphorically but physically. Normally draped in layers that have a softening effect on their form, you can see now muscle straining in their arms and at their core, giving shadow to their pale skin and shape to parts of them you had always supposed were lean, and a bit soft. And they still are, perhaps, compared to a solid wall of muscle like Hades, but you can tell now that [i]this[/i], somehow, is what has always been lurking just beneath their demeanor. 
			
			Because it also lurks beneath their skin.
			
			For a while, you can't see any obvious advantages in the spar, but then, almost faster than your eyes can follow, Hades [i]catches[/i] Charon's weapon in one hand, a circular motion of his arm twisting it and throwing them off balance. A well-placed foot takes them to the ground, and though they roll to their feet with ease, they do so disarmed, and with what sounds to you like a wry sort of sigh.
		
			Only at that point do they seem to become fully aware of your presence, both red and blue pairs of eyes turning towards you with a synchronicity that's [i]almost[/i] funny.

			You lift a hand by way of greeting, shaking yourself out of your thoughts as best you can. "I hadn't realized you'd be out here to spar, of all things," you admit. "I wasn't even aware either of you did that."
	*if (route = "hades")
		#@{convotoggle [‪‪❤︎‬]|} Hades is... I knew he was strong, obviously, but he always seems to de-emphasize that fact. I've never seen him like this before, and I can't help but stare.
			Hades is... you knew he was strong, obviously, but he always seems to de-emphasize that fact. You've never seen him like this before, and you can't help but stare.
			
			You saw him fight Alcyoneus, of course, but this is a different thing entirely. Less desperate on your part, for one, giving you a chance to absorb details you wouldn't have guessed at the first time. But also, right now his opponent is a friend, and not enormous, and so you can somehow appreciate more the artistry of what you're seeing. 
			
			If Charon moves smoothly, almost like liquid, Hades is something more like… you're not even sure how to describe it. There is a confident competence in everything he does that makes you think he must be completely in control of the situation. Even as he's reacting, he never loses that steadiness and strength for a moment. He's just [i]inevitable[/i], somehow. 
			
			Perhaps the fact that he is [i]also[/i] apparently solid muscle all the way down helps the impression, because he is. The shadows stick firmly to the contours of his deep grey skin, clinging in a way that makes it apparent just how firm those lines are, and you could almost be forgiven for thinking him stone rather than flesh. 
			
			*if ((hades_touch2 != "averse") or ((hades_touch2 = "unknown") and (hades_touch != "averse")))
				You know if you touched him, even now, he'd be cool under your hand, and your fingers twitch at your side. 
			
			For a while, you can't see any obvious advantages in the spar, but then, almost faster than your eyes can follow, Hades [i]catches[/i] Charon's weapon in one hand, a circular motion of his arm twisting it and throwing them off balance. A well-placed foot takes them to the ground, and though they roll to their feet with ease, they do so disarmed, and with what sounds to you like a wry sort of sigh.
		
			Only at that point do they seem to become fully aware of your presence, both red and blue pairs of eyes turning towards you with a synchronicity that's [i]almost[/i] funny.

			You lift a hand by way of greeting, shaking yourself out of your thoughts as best you can. "I hadn't realized you'd be out here to spar, of all things," you admit. "I wasn't even aware either of you did that."
	#Sure, it would probably sensible to announce myself or something, but it's not every day I'm treated to a visual like this. I'm just going to watch a little more first. 
		Sure, it would probably sensible to announce yourself or something, but it's not every day you're treated to a visual like this. You're just going to watch a little more first. 
		
		You're not above enjoying something aesthetically-pleasing, and you have to admit, this tableau is certainly that. Hades and Charon are both very attractive individuals in their own ways, and that is certainly obvious in this moment. 
		
		While Charon is normally draped in layers that have a softening effect on their form, you can see now muscle straining in their arms and at their core, giving shadow to their pale skin and shape to parts of them you had always supposed were lean, and a bit soft. And maybe they still are, compared to Hades, but even this lends them the impression of liquid grace and easy strength. 
		
		Hades, on the other hand, is apparently just solid muscle all the way down. The shadows stick firmly to the contours of his deep grey skin, clinging in a way that makes it apparent just how firm those lines are, and you could almost be forgiven for thinking him stone rather than flesh. 
		
		For a while, you can't see any obvious advantages in the spar, but then, almost faster than your eyes can follow, Hades [i]catches[/i] Charon's weapon in one hand, a circular motion of his arm twisting it and throwing them off balance. A well-placed foot takes them to the ground, and though they roll to their feet with ease, they do so disarmed, and with what sounds to you like a wry sort of sigh.
		
		Only at that point do they seem to become fully aware of your presence, both red and blue pairs of eyes turning towards you with a synchronicity that's [i]almost[/i] funny.

		You lift a hand by way of greeting, unashamed of your perusal. "I hadn't realized you'd be out here to spar, of all things," you admit. "I wasn't even aware either of you did that."
*page_break
"Ah. Hello, ${name}." Hades offers a small dip of his chin, whilst Charon reassembles their clothing—with rather some haste, you think. When that's done, though, they offer you a smile, hemming softly. 

*if (route = "charon")
	You rather think their cheeks might have flushed slightly, though the color is something closer to a bruised purple than pink or red.

"Hades," they remind quietly, tugging lightly at their own sleeve. 

The taller god blinks for a moment, then seems to register what this is indicating, setting his own clothing to rights with less haste but perhaps more efficiency. 

"I do apologize for our dishevelment, ${name}," Charon adds. "We weren't expecting anyone else to be here."

*fake_choice
	#"Is it a problem that I'm here?"
		"Is it a problem that I'm here?" You hadn't thought it would be. Even with no specific invitation, you've come under the impression that you're welcome anywhere you're specifically warned not to be. 
		
		"Of course not," Charon replies gently. "It was just… unexpected. As you perhaps observed, the sort of practice we do here is rather demanding on our concentration. I did not feel you approach, and so was somewhat alarmed to find you suddenly here." 
		
		"But you are welcome," Hades says, with a soft huff. "We… occasionally host one of the others, but I think for the most part they prefer to train in their own ways, at their own times."
	#"Please don't feel you need to be more formal on my account. I'm not offended by skin."
		"Please don't feel you need to be more formal on my account. I'm not offended by skin." It had struck you as an almost strange reaction, the way Charon had immediately readjusted his clothing. The way Hades hadn't questioned the need to do so when prompted. 
		
		For whatever reason, the latter looks to the former when you say as much, arching a snowy brow just slightly. 
		
		Charon shakes their head. "It wasn't from fear of offending you," they reply. "Rather it is a matter of… personal comfort."
		
		You're not quite sure what that means. Is he less comfortable with you than Hades?
		*if (route = "charon")
			You'd thought the two of you were getting along very well, but…
			
			Before the uncertainty can grip you fully, Hades catches your eye and smiles, just a subtle thing. Something about the expression puts you at ease. Like he's telling you it's nothing you need to worry about.
		*if (route != "charon")
			You suppose that might make sense. They've apparently been friends for actual [i]ages[/i], so that's not unreasonable.
	#"I'm honestly just carrying a message. It seems like both of you are mostly separate from Erebus right now?"
		"I'm honestly just carrying a message. It seems like both of you are mostly separate from Erebus right now?" You suppose it sort of makes sense. Their sparring seems to take up much of their attention, and you can imagine them both being the sorts of people who don't want half a dozen distractions flitting by when they're doing something like that. 
		
		"Ah." Hades's brow furrows. "Anything urgent still should have gotten through, though. Is something the matter?"
		
		You shake your head. "It's apparently not an emergency or anything. Just important enough that Hekate wanted you to know right away, so I was commissioned as the messenger."
		
		"I see. Then, by all means please go ahead."
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "Why not? If I knew there was half-nude sparring going on, I'd have been here much earlier."
		"Why not? If I knew there was half-nude sparring going on, I'd have been here much earlier." You flash a broad grin, making the lighthearted nature of your comment clear. You're not [i]actually[/i] here to ogle anyone or make things uncomfortable, but it is a rather unusual thing to come across. Especially with these two, who are usually the [i]most[/i] dressed people you know. 
		
		Hades huffs softly, and Charon shakes their head. "A concession to sweat," they admit, "and one of many reasons why we take this so far from everything else." 
		
		"Are you that uncomfortable?" you ask, tilting your head. 
		
		"Not… as such," they reply carefully. "It is rather that I do not with to spar where others might see, and sparring is the only occasion for such a thing." 
		
		You get the sense that there might be more to it than just that, but you don't press it.
*page_break
This is the obvious opportunity to present what you came here to say, so you clear your throat softly and straighten up a bit. "Hekate and Daeira wanted the two of you to know that Styx has said she's 'ready.' I wasn't given any context for what that means, exactly, but that's what I was told to convey." 

The two exchange a look, and for a moment, Charon's eyes go out of focus, staring into the middle distance. Then he blinks, and sighs quietly. "It appears she'll be in your office after lunch," he notes to Hades. 

The other god nods thoughtfully. "Well, it's still only midmorning. Now that you're here, ${name}, would you be interested in joining us for a little while?"

*fake_choice
	#"Could I just watch you two? I don't think I'd provide sufficient challenge to make it interesting."
		"Could I just watch you two? I don't think I'd provide sufficient challenge to make it interesting." The way they'd been moving with one another for opponents was something you've never seen the like of before. 
		
		*if (tag_athletic)
			You're not a weak or slow person. In fact, you've always been rather disproportionately strong. But you don't have eons of experience, or a domain that makes you stronger physically, or even just the power of a fully-fledged ${god}. You can admit that you would not stand a chance against either of them, right now.
		*if not ((tag_athletic) or (tag_unathletic))
			You're not a weak or slow person, but neither is your strength extraordinary, not even for a demi${god}. You don't have eons of experience, or a domain that makes you stronger physically, either. You can admit that you'd never stand a chance against either of them.
		*if (tag_unathletic)
			Frankly-put, your only athletic virtue is that you can soften the damage your clumsiness does to you on a near-daily basis, or fall properly when struck. Even for a demi${god}, you're quite weak, and you wouldn't stand a breath of a chance against either of them, no matter how easy they took it on you.
		
		It would be much more interesting, compared to that, to see more of how they do against one another. 
		
		"You don't need to worry about being 'interesting,'" Hades points out. "But if you'd prefer not to participate, that's all right." He considers for a moment, then turns to Charon. "Perhaps, in light of this development, we could move on for now?"
		
		They dip their chin. "Of course." Shifting their eyes to you, they smile. "You may find this part more satisfactory. It is slow, and not competitive, but rather effective at building strength and durability." 
		
		You're not sure what he's talking about, but 'slow' and 'not competitive' sound like things you can certainly do.
		*if (tag_unathletic)
			Or at least try.
	#"That sounds like fun. Would you do me the honor of a round, Hades?"
		*set chaptwospar "hades"
		"That sounds like fun. Would you do me the honor of a round, Hades?"
		
		You don't think you've ever sparred against someone who prefers not to use any weapons. 
		*if (training = "magic")
			Not that you do much sparring these days, given your focus on improving your magic, but still. 
		*if (training = "combat")
			And you do a fair amount of sparring these days. Alekto and Pyri have come at you with just about every plausible weapon configuration at one point or another, but never this. 
		
		He blinks, considering for a moment. "Ah, forgive me." He smiles, just slightly, and with a touch of wryness. "Rather, I was inviting you to join us for the next portion of our training. Perhaps we could spar another time."		He considers for a moment, then turns to Charon. "If you don't mind moving on, that is."
		
		They dip their chin. "Of course not." Shifting their eyes to you, they smile. "You may find participation in this part useful, also. It is slow, and not competitive, but rather effective at building strength and durability." 
		
		You nod, perhaps a little disappointed to not have the match, but willing enough to go along with it for now. This other part does sound a bit interesting, after all. 
	#"All right, I could do that. Would you be my opponent, Charon?"
		*set chaptwospar "charon"
		"All right, I could do that. Would you be my opponent, Charon?" 
		
		You've sparred against people who use polearms before, once or twice. 
		*if (training = "magic")
			Quite a long time ago now, given your present focus on improving your magic, and even then, you're mostly familiar with spears. So this should be rather novel.
		*if (training = "combat")
			Much more often, recently, given your lessons. Alekto and Pyri have come at you with just about every plausible weapon configuration at one point or another, but Pyri favors the spear. It's not quite the same thing as a staff, though, so you'll be interested to learn the difference. 
		
		Charon presses their lips together with a hint of uncertainty. "Are you… quite sure that's something you want to do? I don't say this to put you down in any way, but… I have rather more experience fighting than I would like to have." 
		
		"I can tell that much," you reply. "I'm not expecting to win here. I just want to learn." 
		
		"I will officiate," Hades volunteers, meeting the Ferryman's eyes with something that must be understanding. "If anything seems awry, you have my word that I will stop the match."
		
		There is a certain tightness to Charon's frame that does not dissipate, and a moment of tense silence follows. 
		
		"…I am afraid I must decline," they reply, their voice taut in a similar way. "I think it would be better if we moved into the next phase of things. 

		Hades accepts this with a nod. "Very well. I do apologize, ${name}, but that might be for the best. If you'd still like to join us, however, the next part is good for building strength and durability."

		You nod, still a little unsure why Charon refused you, but willing to accept it. If he's not comfortable, he's not comfortable.

		His shoulders ease in obvious relief. 
	*if not (training = "combat")
		#"To be honest, I find the idea of violence rather... difficult. Could we not do something else, instead?"
			"To be honest, I find the idea of violence rather... difficult. Could we not do something else, instead?"

			*if ((tag_pacifist) or (violencesucks))
				*if (route = "hades")
					Hades considers you for a moment, a small smile tilting one side of his mouth. "I rather expected such an answer," he admits. "Please allow me to clarify. Rather than sparring, I was inviting you to participate in the next phase of our training."

					He considers for a moment, then turns to Charon. "If that would be all right with you as well?"
		
					They dip their chin. "Of course." Shifting their eyes to you, they smile. "You may find participation in this part more satisfactory. It is slow, and not competitive, but rather effective at building strength and durability." 
				*if (route = "charon")
					Charon wears a rather complicated expression as they consider the answer, then nods. "That is not surprising," they say simply. "I believe in fact that Hades was rather inviting you to take part in the next phase of our training."
					
					They exchange a glance with him. "No?"
					
					"I was." Hades tilts his head at you. "You may still be interested in our 'cool down,' so to speak. There is no striking, and not even any competition, but it still helps build strength and durability."
			*if not ((tag_pacifist) or (violencesucks))
				*set tag_pacifist true
				They both look a touch surprised to hear it, but neither troubles you about it. 
				
				"I'm not sure I'd call it violence," Hades admits, "but I can understand why it might be… distasteful, nonetheless." He considers for a moment, then turns to Charon. "As it happens, however, I was inviting you to participate in the next step of our training, rather than that. If that is permissible to you as well, Charon?"
		
				They dip their chin. "Of course." Shifting their eyes to you, they smile. "You may find this part more to your preference. It is slow, and not competitive, but rather effective at building strength and durability." 
			
			You're not sure what he's talking about, but that description sounds like something you could certainly do.
			*if (tag_unathletic)
				Or at least try.
*page_break
As they explain it to you, the point of this part is to stretch and control your breathing at the same time, holding the stretches longer than anyone has instructed you to do before, and trying to move between them in a way that is smooth and controlled rather than abrupt or perfunctory. 

You start on the ground, legs crossed beneath you, twisted to one side in a way that means you really [i]feel[/i] the muscles in the 'long' side stretching out. It isn't difficult, but you find that the longer you remain in the pose, the more you're able to coax out of yourself, as your muscles warm and grow more limber. 

*fake_choice
	#This actually isn't so bad. 
		*set tag_flexible true
		It's actually not so bad. As you go, things get more difficult, particularly as the stretches engage more muscles, but you find that you can kind of settle into it as well. 
		
		*if (tag_athletic)
			Perhaps it's just because you've always been good with physical skills, and have done your best to maintain your body's health. 
		*if (tag_unathletic)
			Perhaps it's because you've done a lot of stretching as part of learning to handle your own physical ineptitude, but in this respect at least, you're doing pretty well. 
		
		There's a challenge to it—you've never been [i]extraordinarily[/i] flexible, but you manage to get the slow stretch that each new position seems to call for readily enough, and your strength doesn't fail you.
	#Though it seemed easy at first, it definitely gets more difficult as we go.
		Though this seemed easy at first, it definitely gets more difficult as you go. The stretches engage more muscles, and you find that you sometimes lose track of your breathing trying to hold the positions steadily enough. 
		
		*if (tag_athletic)
			You've always been good with physical skills, and have done your best to maintain your body's health, but this is a completely new way of moving, so it's not surprising that it takes some work to get used to. 
		*if not ((tag_athletic) or (tag_unathletic))
			You've always been pretty average at physical activity, and this one is brand new to you, so it's not surprising that you're struggling a little. 
		*if (tag_unathletic)
			It's actually a bit surprising. You're terrible at most physical activities, but you [i]do[/i] stretch pretty often. It's part of how you moderate injury from the worst of your clumsiness. But you've never done it like this before, so perhaps it you should have expected to struggle a bit.
			
		There's definitely a challenge to it, and you think you must look rather ungainly trying to meet that, but you're doing okay for now.
	#This is... quite uncomfortable, but I'll do my best to hold steady.
		This is… quite uncomfortable, it turns out. The first few stretches were simple enough, but as you transition onto your feet and begin to work more muscles, you find yourself struggling to get into the poses, never mind to hold them for any length of time. 
		
		*if (tag_athletic)
			Considering how good you usually are with physical activities, and how hard you work to maintain your health, it's a bit of a blow to your ego, honestly. Of course, you should always extend yourself grace when trying something for the first time, but this… you sort of wish the grace could be in your motions instead. 
		*if not ((tag_athletic) or (tag_unathletic))
			You've always been pretty average at physical activity, and this one is brand new to you, so it's not surprising that you're struggling. But it's a [i]bit[/i] unexpected that you're struggling [i]this much[/i]. 
		*if (tag_unathletic)
			It's actually a bit surprising. You're terrible at most physical activities, but you [i]do[/i] stretch pretty often. It's part of how you moderate injury from the worst of your clumsiness. But you've never done it like this before, so perhaps it you should have expected to struggle.
		
		It doesn't get a lot better as you go, but at least you manage not to topple over or anything. Not yet, anyhow.
*page_break
Charon and Hades seem almost as natural at this as the sparring before, though you sense that the advantages has switched places. Hades manages everything gracefully enough, but in this instance his sheer bulk is something of an inhibitor rather than a facilitator, so to speak. The slighter and more gently-built Charon, on the other hand, makes this all look as easy as breathing itself.

"You're doing well," they observe. 
*if not (tag_flexible)
	You're not sure how true that actually is, but maybe for a beginner this isn't so bad.

"Thanks." You don't quite have the wherewithal to elaborate, considering how much of your focus is currently on keeping your thigh muscles still and steady as you deepen your lunging pose, but they don't seem to mind. 

"Speaking of," Hades says, "how are you feeling at the moment?" 

The question is clearly directed towards Charon, and from the corner of your eye you can see one of Hades's brows tick upwards, just subtly.

There's a small pause, which Charon is surely [i]not[/i] taking because anything's wrong with their breath control. A small movement alerts you to the fact that their gaze falls on you for a moment before returning to Hades. 

"I am… well enough," they say, and there's the vaguest note of pleasant surprise in it. 

*fake_choice
	#"'Well enough'? Do you two usually injure each other more, or something?"
		*set forthright +1
		"'Well enough'? Do you two usually injure each other more, or something?" You're not entirely sure how you'd feel if the answer were 'yes,' but you suppose that whatever stakes they want to put on all this is their business. Certainly you've never seen either of them walking around injured or anything, so presumably anything they [i]do[/i], they are also able to [i]fix[/i] easily enough. 
		
		"Well, that does happen from time to time," Hades replies, "though not often. The inquiry was about… something else." He hesitates, momentarily, but then shakes his head, leaving it at that. 
		
		"Hades was asking after my mental, rather than physical, state," Charon adds slowly. "Though I do not consider sparring to be true combat or violence, it nevertheless sometimes disagrees with me."
		
		You have to wonder why he does it, if that's the case. Then again, maybe the Tartarus breakout is reason enough. If things like that [i]can[/i] happen, then perhaps being prepared for them is just common sense to him.
	#That seems like a bit of an odd thing to say, but I don't comment on it. They'll explain if they want to. 
		*set reserved +1
		That seems like a bit of an odd thing to say, but you don't comment on it. They'll explain if they want to. 
		
		For a while, you surmise that they don't, because no one offers any further elaboration.
		*if (route != "charon")
			After some time, however, the tenor of the conversation changes, a bit. 
		*if (route = "charon")
			You can detect a hint of unease in Charon. Not because they're wearing any particular expression or moving any particular way—just because you know them well enough to understand that something is somehow… off. 
			
			Perhaps they'll explain it to you another time.
	#I'm working a little too hard trying to stay upright to comment, but I can at least follow the conversation.
		You're working a little too hard trying to stay upright to comment, but you can at least follow the conversation.
		
		At least, you could if there was any more of it to be had. But, at least for a while, no one offers anything further. 
		*if (route != "charon")
			After some time, however, Charon speaks up. 
		*if (route = "charon")
			You can detect a hint of unease in Charon. Not because they're wearing any particular expression or moving any particular way—just because you know them well enough to understand that something is somehow… off. 
			
			Perhaps they'll explain it to you another time.
*page_break
*if (route != "charon")
	"It…" The Ferryman glances in your direction, straightening from his lunge for a moment and standing like that rather than moving into another position. You and Hades do the same, the latter waiting with a quiet steadiness you've felt from him before. 
	
	"I rather wish the problem were that I abhor violence, and find it difficult to enter a mindset that allows me to strike another with the intention of wounding." 
	
	"It is," Hades says firmly. "It [i]is[/i] difficult for you." 
	
	Charon pulls in an audible breath. "Perhaps. And yet there is also a sense in which it is exceedingly easy. After all, for a very long time, violence was the essence of who I was. Ares."

	*fake_choice
		#"Wait, what? There's an Ares on Olympus, so how could you also be...?"
			"Wait, what? There's an Ares on Olympus, so how could you also be...?" You blink, trying to get your head around the idea that there are two Ares. 
			
			"Not 'also,'" Hades replies, shaking his head. "'Formerly.' There has only ever been one Ares at a time, and the bearer of the name is also the one who wields the domain of war." 
			
			Charon expels a breath; perhaps the same one they'd taken in. "That domain was once a part of me," they say. "Just as the name was once mine. Both were stripped from me as part of the terms of my exile to the Underworld. I… like to think I was an entirely different person, then, but the truth is not quite so convenient." 
			
			Hades frowns, but he doesn't attempt to argue otherwise. 
		#My eyes widen in shock. I'd never have guessed such a thing, and I'm not even sure how that would work, since there already [i]is[/i] an Ares.
			Your eyes widen in shock. You'd never have guessed such a thing, and you're not even sure how that would work, since there already [i]is[/i] an Ares.
			
			"To be clear," Hades begins, perhaps guessing at the direction of your thoughts, "Charon is only [i]formerly[/i] Ares. There has only ever been one at a time, and the bearer of the name is also the one who wields the domain of war." 
			
			Charon expels a breath; perhaps the same one they'd taken in. "That domain was once a part of me," they say. "Just as the name was once mine. Both were stripped from me as part of the terms of my exile to the Underworld. I… like to think I was an entirely different person, then, but the truth is not quite so convenient." 
			
			Hades frowns, but he doesn't attempt to argue otherwise. 
		#I press my lips together. Now that I really think about it... maybe it sort of makes sense. Their self-loathing, their obvious talent for physical tasks. Their exile from Olympus—but for a few gaps I don't know how to fill, I could see it. 
			You press your lips together. Now that you really think about it... maybe it sort of makes sense. Their self-loathing, their obvious talent for physical tasks. Their exile from Olympus—but for a few gaps you don't know how to fill, you could see it. 
			
			"To be clear," Hades begins, perhaps guessing at the direction of your thoughts, "Charon is only [i]formerly[/i] Ares. There has only ever been one at a time, and the bearer of the name is also the one who wields the domain of war." 
			
			Charon expels a breath; perhaps the same one they'd taken in. "That domain was once a part of me," they say. "Just as the name was once mine. Both were stripped from me as part of the terms of my exile to the Underworld. I… like to think I was an entirely different person, then, but the truth is not quite so convenient." 
			
			Hades frowns, but he doesn't attempt to argue otherwise. 
		#@{convotoggle [✘]|} "Do you take me for some kind of fool? I've not met Ares personally, but I've seen him, and you look nothing alike."
			"Do you take me for some kind of fool? I've not met Ares personally, but I've seen him, and you look nothing alike." It's a bit offensive that they could think you [i]so[/i] cloistered as to not even know something so basic. 
			
			"To be clear," Hades says, something the smallest bit sharp in his usually low, rounded tone, "Charon is only [i]formerly[/i] Ares. There has only ever been one at a time, and the bearer of the name is also the one who wields the domain of war." 
			
			Charon expels a breath; perhaps the same one they'd taken in. "That domain was once a part of me," they say. "Just as the name was once mine. Both were stripped from me as part of the terms of my exile to the Underworld. I… like to think I was an entirely different person, then, but the truth is not quite so convenient." 
			
			Hades frowns, but he doesn't attempt to argue otherwise. 
			
			You suppose that would explain it, and you feel your metaphorical hackles relax, just slightly.
	*page_break
	"I hope," Charon says, brows knitting, "that this does not change your opinion of me by too great a degree… though I would understand if it did. Above all, I want to assure you that you have nothing to fear from me." 
	
	*fake_choice
		#"Well... I don't know. It's a lot to take in, but I don't think it changes much."
			"Well... I don't know. It's a lot to take in, but I don't think it changes much." 
			
			Obviously, it's a bit surprising, but then you already knew that Charon, like Alekto, was an Olympian exile. It's not so strange, in your mind, for an exile to have taken on a new identity, even if you're not exactly sure just [i]how[/i] taking a domain away from someone works. 
			
			But Charon is Charon. Whomever they used to be, it's obvious that they've not been deceptive about who they are [i]now[/i]. It's always been clear that there are parts of their past they aren't comfortable talking about, and that's fine. You're not entitled to know everything about them. 
			
			*if (charon_sequelinitial = "friends")
				You're glad you have enough of their trust that they [i]would[/i] tell you something like this, but that's really it. 
			*if (charon_sequelinitial = "neutral")
				You don't even really [i]want[/i] to know everything about them, so this is fine.
			*if (charon_sequelinitial = "dislike")
				You don't want to know much more about them than you do, really, so you wouldn't have even minded if they'd never said anything about it.
			
			Their shoulders relax, but it's Hades who makes the audible sound of relief. Just the barest exhale. 
			
			"That is… gracious," Charon murmurs, and Hades finds a smile. 
			
			"I did tell you it would be like this," he replies. "Thank you, ${name}." 
			
			You're not sure it's anything to thank you for, but the obvious easing of their demeanors disinclines you to argue. Instead, you just dip your chin. 
			
			"Anyway." Charon clears their throat softly. "Let's… get back to it." 
			
			They bend to wrap their hands around their feet, relaxing their elbows, and you do your best to mimic the motion. 
		#"Of course it [i]changes[/i] things, but it's not as though it makes anything worse."
			"Of course it [i]changes[/i] things, but it's not as though it makes anything worse."
			
			Obviously, it's a bit surprising, but then you already knew that Charon, like Alekto, was an Olympian exile. It's not so strange, in your mind, for an exile to have taken on a new identity, even if you're not exactly sure just [i]how[/i] taking a domain away from someone works. 
			
			New information inevitably changes your understanding, of course, and so you won't say that nothing is different. You'd be a fool, were that the case. But it's always been clear that there are parts of their past they aren't comfortable talking about, and that's fine. You're not entitled to know everything about them. 
			
			*if (charon_sequelinitial = "friends")
				You're glad you have enough of their trust that they [i]would[/i] tell you something like this, but that's a different matter. 
			*if (charon_sequelinitial = "neutral")
				You don't even really [i]want[/i] to know everything about them, so this is fine.
			*if (charon_sequelinitial = "dislike")
				You don't want to know much more about them than you do, really, so you wouldn't have even minded if they'd never said anything about it.
			
			Their shoulders relax, but it's Hades who makes the audible sound of relief. Just the barest exhale. 
			
			"That is… gracious," Charon murmurs, and Hades finds a smile. 
			
			"I did tell you it would be like this," he replies. "Thank you, ${name}." 
			
			You're not sure it's anything to thank you for, but the obvious easing of their demeanors disinclines you to argue. Instead, you just dip your chin. 
			
			"Anyway." Charon clears their throat softly. "Let's… get back to it." 
			
			They bend to wrap their hands around their feet, relaxing their elbows, and you do your best to mimic the motion. 
		*if ((tag_pacifist) and (charon_sequelinitial = "friends"))
			#"I don't know... I just. War is..." It's antithetical to everything you are.
				*set charon_sequelinitial2 "complicated"
				"I don't know... I just. War is..." It's antithetical to everything you are. Everything you believe. The idea that someone you're close to, someone you're friends with, had at one point been not just a participant in willing violence but its very avatar, is… difficult to accept, right away. It might always be difficult to accept. 
				
				Hades frowns, but it's Charon who replies. 
				
				"That, of course, makes sense," they say, tone as deliberately-neutral as you've ever heard it. 
				*if (tag_intuitive)
					You catch the smallest flicker of hurt over their expression, but they mask it quickly. 
				"And you are welcome to do with this information whatever you feel you must. As I have said, I am no danger to you, and I no longer have the specific domain that troubles you, but I [i]am[/i] someone who finds satisfaction in my strength. I will not pretend that part of me has disappeared completely." 
				
				"But it is not all you are," Hades replies firmly. "You have made a different life for yourself. You have changed, since you first came here, and it is for no other reason than because you wanted to." 
				
				Charon swallows, and looks away. "Let us… talk of other things. ${name} does not need to be convinced of anything. We should let ${him2} come to independent conclusions, in ${his2} own time." 
				
				You suppose that [i]is[/i] what you'll have to do. For now, breaking the uncomfortable atmosphere does seem like the correct choice, and so when Charon bends, wrapping their hands around their feet and relaxing their elbows, you do your best to mimic the motion. 
		*if ((tag_pacifist) and (charon_sequelinitial != "friends"))
			#"Change what? It isn't like we're friends. This certainly won't change [i]that[/i]."
				"Change what? It isn't like we're friends. This certainly won't change [i]that[/i]." You almost have to wonder why they [i]care[/i] whether your opinion of them has changed, but you suppose, at the outward extreme, this could potentially have made group gatherings more difficult or awkward. 
				
				As it stands, however, it will not. It would be absurd for you to feel [i]betrayed[/i] by this information, and neither are you frightened. You already knew that Charon, like Alekto, was an Olympian exile. It's not so strange, in your mind, for an exile to have taken on a new identity, even if you're not exactly sure just [i]how[/i] taking a domain away from someone works. 
			
				But Charon is Charon. Whomever they used to be, it's obvious that they've not been deceptive about who they are [i]now[/i]. It's always been clear that there are parts of their past they aren't comfortable talking about, and that's fine. You're not entitled to know everything about them. 

				*if (charon_sequelinitial = "neutral")
					You don't even really [i]want[/i] to know everything about them, so this is fine.
				*if (charon_sequelinitial = "dislike")
					You don't want to know much more about them than you do, really, so you wouldn't have even minded if they'd never said anything about it.
				
				Of course your own nature runs rather counter to anything 'warlike,' but it's not as though you've witnessed them visiting violence on anyone just because, either. So there's nothing new to be concerned about.

				Their shoulders relax, but it's Hades who makes the audible sound of relief. Just the barest exhale. 

				"That is… gracious, in a way," Charon murmurs. "Thank you." 

				You're not sure it's anything to thank you for, but the obvious easing of their demeanors disinclines you to argue. Instead, you just dip your chin. 

				"Anyway." Charon clears their throat softly. "Let's… get back to it." 

				They bend to wrap their hands around their feet, relaxing their elbows, and you do your best to mimic the motion. 
		*if (charon_sequelinitial = "friends")
			#"I do wish you'd felt like you could tell me this sooner. That's the only part that bothers me."
				"I do wish you'd felt like you could tell me this sooner. That's the only part that bothers me."
				
				Obviously, it's a bit surprising, but then you already knew that Charon, like Alekto, was an Olympian exile. It's not so strange, in your mind, for an exile to have taken on a new identity, even if you're not exactly sure just [i]how[/i] taking a domain away from someone works. 
				
				You know you aren't [i]entitled[/i] to the specifics of their life or experience, but still. You find yourself wishing that perhaps they had trusted you with it a little sooner. 
				
				"I…" Charon pauses, glances once at Hades, then turns back to you. "I will not apologize for that. I wish as well that trust were easier for me to give, but it is not. You were never in any danger because of what I keep to myself, and so it is mine to keep. But perhaps we have somewhat different understandings of time. It took me years to tell everyone else who didn't already know themselves." 
				
				His smile is a bit thin, but it's present, and Hades lifts a hand to briefly squeeze his shoulder. 
				
				You suppose, perhaps, that might be true. For you, a year is still quite a long time. For them… it's probably not much at all. 
				
				"Anyway." Charon clears their throat softly. "Let's… get back to it." 

				They bend to wrap their hands around their feet, relaxing their elbows, and you do your best to mimic the motion. 
	*page_break
The exercise is meditative, and for nearly an hour, no one really breaks the flow to speak, except occasionally to instruct you on how to position yourself, if the method is particularly novel. 

*if (route != "charon")
	You're not sure how comfortable everyone is, exactly; Charon still seems to have a lot on their mind. But perhaps that's to be expected, considering what you just learned.

In any event, things draw to a close, and the other two stand, brushing down their clothes and making it clear enough that it is about time to depart. 

*if (route = "charon") 
	Hades, humming quietly, offers both you and Charon a tiny smile. "I shall proceed back ahead of you," he says. "Don't feel the need to hurry; I will handle the matter for today." 
	
	No sooner than he has made the declaration, he disappears. He's there, and then gone in less time than it would have taken you to blink. 
	
	Charon huffs softly through their nose. "I sometimes manage to forget how completely effortless things can be, for him. Would you like to take a slightly slower route back to the Keep, ${name}?"
	
	*if (forthright > reserved)
		"I think that might be nice," you reply, seeing no reason to refuse. It's rare to get time with Charon in the middle of the day; so often they're busy with their duties as chief among the Ferrymen, which as far as you can tell is more or less a neverending job. 
		
		You shudder to think of how he'd handle things if he were the only one. 
	*if not (forthright > reserved)
		Considering it for a moment, you nod, seeing no reason to refuse. It's rare to get time with Charon in the middle of the day; so often they're busy with their duties as chief among the Ferrymen, which as far as you can tell is more or less a neverending job. 
		
		It's rather difficult to imagine how he'd handle things if he were the only one.
	
	The two of you fall into step next to one another, Charon loosening the tie holding their hair queued at the nape of their neck, tucking the cord neatly into their belt and running long fingers through their hair a few times to give it a semblance of neatness. Well, more than a semblance, even; the waves of it seem to neaten into decorum with little difficulty at all. 
	
	"How did you find the exercise?" they ask, tilting their head at you. 
	
	*if (charon_touch2 = "averse")
		A quiet exhalation follows, and they drop their hands back to their sides.
	*if (charon_touch2 = "ask")
		A quiet exhalation follows, and they half-reach towards you before pausing. 
		
		"Your sleeve," they say quietly. "There's grass on it." There's an implied question in their tone. 
		
		*fake_choice
			#I nod, granting the permission being sought.
				*set touching true
				You nod, granting the permission being sought, and Charon returns it, picking a few loose blades of grass from your shoulders.
			#I shake my head. I'd rather take care of something like that myself.
				You shake your head. You'd rather take care of something like that yourself. So you do, brushing your shoulders off and getting the few lingering blades of grass clinging to your clothing.
	*if (charon_touch2 = "permission")
		A quiet exhalation follows, and they reach towards you, picking a few loose blades of grass from your shoulders. 
	
	*fake_choice
		#"It was good. I never realized there were such shortcomings in the way I usually stretch."
			"It was good. I never realized there were such shortcomings in the way I usually stretch." Maybe that's not the right way to put it, but the fact that you can still feel the warmth of a subtle burn in your limbs suggests that it's not that far off. 
			
			It's good, though. Almost a little bit exhilarating, in a way usually associated with more overt exercise rather than something so slow-paced. 
			
			"It's certainly a different kind of thing," Charon agrees, nodding slowly. "I think the part of it I enjoy the most is actually the breathing component. Having two things to focus on at once is helpful, for dealing with racing thoughts, but I think making myself breathe slowly and deliberately actually calms me." 
			
			You wouldn't, necessarily, have thought Charon was the kind of person who often found himself with a need to calm down, exactly, but perhaps that is precisely because he's so mindful about things like this. 
		#"It was all right. I prefer something with a little more vigor, usually."
			"It was all right. I prefer something with a little more vigor, usually." Things like running or swimming, with more obvious motion and so on. It just feels more like exercise, and more exhilarating. 
			
			This wasn't bad, but it's not your favorite way to move. 
			
			"It's certainly a different kind of thing," Charon half-agrees, nodding slowly. "I think the part of it I enjoy the most is actually the breathing component. Having two things to focus on at once is helpful, for dealing with racing thoughts, but I think making myself breathe slowly and deliberately actually calms me. If that's not the feeling you're after, though, I can understand why you might prefer something else." 
			
			You wouldn't, necessarily, have thought Charon was the kind of person who often found himself with a need to calm down, exactly, but perhaps that is precisely because he's so mindful about things like this. 
		#"It was nice to do something with you, I think."
			"It was nice to do something with you, I think." You're not sure you have a strong opinion one way or another about the exercise itself. At least, not one that supersedes what you've said. Time with them is valuable to you, and you'll gladly accept it in this form, if that's what's on offer. 
			
			"That is… very kind of you," Charon replies, almost in a murmur. "For what it is worth, it was enjoyable for me to share it with you, as well."
			
			He lets out a long, slow breath. "The part of it I enjoy the most is usually the breathing component. Having two things to focus on at once is helpful, for dealing with racing thoughts, but I think making myself breathe slowly and deliberately actually calms me. I think… perhaps your company helped with that, as well." 
			
			You wouldn't, necessarily, have thought Charon was the kind of person who often found himself with a need to calm down, exactly, but perhaps that is precisely because he's so mindful about things like this. You're glad you could help, in any event.
		*if (tag_unathletic)
			#@{convotoggle [❋]|} "I'm not very good at it, generally. Exercise, that is."
				"I'm not very good at it, generally. Exercise, that is." That, of course, is something someone as in-tune with others as Charon has likely easily picked up on by now, but it's what comes to mind with the question. 
				
				*if (tag_flexible)
					"Perhaps not, but you were rather able today, for someone who had never done it before." The remark is sincere, perhaps not even technically a compliment, even if the tone of his voice is warm. 
					
					"That surprised me," you admit, shaking your head. "I stretch often enough, to help resist injury, but nothing like that."
					
					He hums. "It's always nice to find something you've a knack for, is it not?"
				*if not (tag_flexible)
					"Perhaps not, but that need not matter. As long as it was at least a bit enjoyable, then it's worth doing regardless of your facility, isn't it?" Hardly a complimentary assessment of how things had gone, but a warm and sincere observation nevertheless, you suppose. 
					
					"It wasn't so bad," you half-agree. "I stretch often enough, to help resist injury, but nothing like that."
					
					He hums. "If that is your goal, then exercise like what we just did would no doubt assist further."
		*if ((touching) or (charon_touch2 = "permission"))
			#@{convotoggle [♥]|} "...Fine." My answer is a bit too late and a bit too awkward; Charon hardly ever touches anyone, and it's hard to pay attention to anything other than what they're doing.
				*set subtle +1
				"...Fine." You answer is a bit too late and a bit too awkward; Charon hardly ever touches anyone, and it's hard to pay attention to anything other than what they're doing. "It was fine, that is. I didn't mind it." 
				
				The recovery is… maybe a bit better. At least more properly a contribution to a conversation, you think. 
				
				Their fingers gently brush the skin of your arm, just where your sleeve ends. An accident, you're sure, and unintended consequence of their otherwise very deliberate and careful motions, but it almost makes you shiver. 
				
				It's certainly a different kind of thing," Charon replies, nodding slowly. "I think the part of it I enjoy the most is actually the breathing component. Having two things to focus on at once is helpful, for dealing with racing thoughts, but I think making myself breathe slowly and deliberately actually calms me." 
			
				You make an attempt to follow that advice [i]now[/i], pulling in a deep breath and holding it for a bit before releasing it slowly. 
				
				"Mm. Precisely like that." 
				*if (tag_intuitive)
					There's a faint edge of something in his tone. Almost [i]playful[/i]. Is he… no. He couldn't be. Right?
				*if not (tag_intuitive)
					There's a faint edge of something light to his tone, but you can't place it.
		*if ((touching) or (charon_touch2 = "permission"))
			#@{convotoggle [☆][♥]|} "I never realized you were this much of a mother hen." 
				*set overt +1
				"I never realized you were this much of a mother hen." Your tone is light, edged in amusement. "Or is it just that you enjoy touching me?" 
				
				Charon blinks slowly, and you think you see the [i]slightest[/i] uptick at the corner of their mouth. Just for a moment. "That's a rather interesting question," they reply. 				Their fingers gently brush the skin of your arm, just where your sleeve ends. An accident, plausibly, given their otherwise very deliberate and careful motions, but it almost makes you shiver. 
				
				And that makes you wonder just how accidental it actually was. 
				
				"Are you going to answer it?" 
				
				Charon tilts their head, humming softly as if in consideration. "Not today," he says quietly.
				
				That, of course, is an answer in itself.
		*if not ((touching) or (charon_touch2 = "permission"))
			#@{convotoggle [♥]|} "It was... nice." I'm not going to [i]say[/i] that part of the appeal was watching them move like that, but it's true.
				*set subtle +1
				"It was... nice." You're not going to [i]say[/i] that part of the appeal was watching them move like that, but it's true. It wasn't anything deliberately sensual, and you're sure [i]you[/i] didn't look half as appealing, but still there was something about it. 
				
				Charon studies you for a moment from the corner of their eye, a contemplative expression on their face. "I am pleased you found it so," they reply, almost in a murmur. "For what it is worth, it was enjoyable for me to share it with you, as well."
				
				There's a tiny pause there, just a beat longer than you would have expected, and then his tone clears, returning to something more ordinary and conversational.
			
				"The part of it I enjoy the most is usually the breathing component. Having two things to focus on at once is helpful, for dealing with racing thoughts, but I think making myself breathe slowly and deliberately actually calms me. I think… perhaps your company helped with that, as well." 
				
				You're not sure how it would have, but you're not displeased to hear it, either. 
		*if not ((touching) or (charon_touch2 = "permission"))
			#@{convotoggle [♥]|} "I liked the part where I got to watch [i]you[/i] do it, so... overall a good experience, I think."
				*set overt +1
				"I liked the part where I got to watch [i]you[/i] do it, so... overall a good experience, I think." You offer a smile in their direction, meeting their slightly-bemused expression with obvious mischief. 
				
				Not that the 'mischief' is 'dishonesty,' because it isn't. Rather, you just wanted to see how they'd handle something so overt. 
				
				Apparently, Charon handles it by huffing softly, their expression morphing into amusement. "I see. That was not what I intended to be the selling point of the experience, so to speak, but I suppose I won't complain if you enjoyed yourself." A small pause. "Whatever the reason may be." 
				
				You can't help but feel a little delighted that they replied so openly; you'd almost wondered if they wouldn't close off. Perhaps, a couple of months ago, they would have. 
				
				"There were a few," you reply. "But that was the primary draw, I'll admit."
	*page_break
	*if ((touching) or (charon_touch2 = "permission"))
		Apparently satisfied that you are now free of debris, Charon returns their hands to their sides, offering you a small smile. 
	*if not ((touching) or (charon_touch2 = "permission"))
		Charon offers you a small smile. 
		
	"In any event, you are welcome to request more instruction with it, should you so desire. The stretching, that is. There are further poses that build upon the ones we did today."
	
	Perhaps you'll give it some thought.
*if (route = "hades")
	Charon expels a soft breath, turning to you and Hades with a wry expression. 
	
	"I think," he says quietly, "that I will go ahead. It would perhaps be best if someone attended to the matter promptly, but I doubt it really requires the both of us." 
	
	Hades inclines his head. "I would thank you for it. I fear at this point that Styx will always barely tolerate my company." 
	
	The Ferryman shakes their head. "Believe it or not, I think she respects you more than most people. Not that that makes you wrong. In any case, thank you for your company today, as always. Both of you." 
	
	He lifts a brow in what seems to be a query, and Hades nods. A moment later, Charon has disappeared, presumably teleported back to the Keep in short order. 
	
	It's a few seconds before Hades says anything, but when he does, 
	*if (hades_touch2 = "permission")
		*set touching true
		he offers his arm as well, and you slip yours through it. It's not the first time, and you've almost managed to grow accustomed to this type of contact, companionable and simple.
	*if (hades_touch2 = "ask")
		he offers his arm as well, holding it slightly out from his body in a clear invitation.
		
		*fake_choice
			#I will gladly accept the gesture, and slip my arm through his.
				*set touching true
				You'll gladly accept the gesture, and slip your arm through his. You've found you don't always mind this type of contact, companionable and simple.
			#I smile, but shake my head slightly. 
				You smile, but shake your head slightly, preferring to walk untethered. 
				
				Nodding once, he uses the arm to gesture slightly in front of the both of you.
	*if (hades_touch2 = "averse")
		he smiles as well, gesturing slightly in front of the both of you.
	
	"Shall we make our way with a bit more meandering?"
	
	There is, of course, no reason to refuse, and the two of you fall readily into step with one another, the soft swishes of your feet over the grass underfoot for a while the only sounds to mark your passage. 
	
	It's almost strange, in a way. That someone of such a stature as Hades—metaphorical and physical—should be able to pass [i]anywhere[/i] as unobtrusively as a shadow, much less his own domain.
	
	*if (charon_sequelinitial2 != "complicated")
		For a while, things are quiet. You learned quite quickly in your association with this god that he was not the sort to speak simply for the goal of filling a silence. In this instance, you rather think he [i]will[/i] say something, but his expression is contemplative, for the moment. 
		
		*if (tag_intuitive)
			This, too, is familiar. Hades often needs some time to compose his thoughts into words he wants to say, and you've learned that the most helpful thing to do in such instances is simply to be patient. 
		
		"Many of us have stories we have not yet told," he says after a while. "And in turn, I think, stories we have not heard from you. Not all of them will be the most pleasant to hear, but I am… reassured, by the way you accepted the news about Charon. It is—I cannot describe to you how good it is to know that my friends are in safe hands, with you."

		*fake_choice
			#"Of course! I have no reason to judge anyone, really. I know life can be difficult in ways I've never experienced. And they're good people, obviously."
				"Of course! I have no reason to judge anyone, really. I know life can be difficult in ways I've never experienced. And they're good people, obviously."
				
				It's hard to imagine holding who someone [i]used[/i] to be against them in the first place. Charon probably didn't have any choice about being Ares or what his domains turned out to be. You know you've had no choice about yours, after all. But more than that, you know who he is now, and you imagine that if anyone else had something to tell you, you'd be able to keep a similar mindset. 
				
				Hades's lips curl in a tender smile. "It seems obvious to you, and yet I wonder if you know how rare that is. No matter—I am simply grateful."
			#"Well... I hope there aren't too many more surprises of that caliber, but I understand what you mean. And I'm glad you think so."
				"Well... I hope there aren't too many more surprises of that caliber, but I understand what you mean. And I'm glad you think so." You're not sure what you'd do if you learned that [i]everyone[/i] had been the deity of something rather shockingly-different from how you know them to be, but really you know you could handle even that. 
				
				It's hard to imagine holding who someone [i]used[/i] to be against them in the first place. Charon probably didn't have any choice about being Ares or what his domains turned out to be. You know you've had no choice about yours, after all. But more than that, you know who he is now, and you imagine that if anyone else had something to tell you, you'd be able to keep a similar mindset. 
				
				Hades huffs softly. "Well, there is one other former Olympian among them," he points out, "but no. Everyone has had their hardships, without a doubt, but it isn't the same hardship in every case." 
			#"Well, they're my friends, too. I just hope the day comes when I know more about everyone, and you all know more about me."
				"Well, they're my friends, too. I just hope the day comes when I know more about everyone, and you all know more about me." That's what this really was, in the end—getting to know one of the people closest to you. The manner was a bit abrupt, maybe, but you don't know of any more delicate manner in which Charon could have said what they did, and in the end, it's hardly a bad thing that they just said it. 
				
				It's hard to imagine holding who someone [i]used[/i] to be against them in the first place. Charon probably didn't have any choice about being Ares or what his domains turned out to be. You know you've had no choice about yours, after all. But more than that, you know who he is now, and you imagine that if anyone else had something to tell you, you'd be able to keep a similar mindset. 
				
				Hades's lips curl in a tender smile. "I have no doubt that it will, much to the benefit of us all."
			#"Is there something [i]you[/i] need to get off your chest, at the moment?"
				"Is there something [i]you[/i] need to get off your chest, at the moment?" There's a hint of playfulness to your tone, but you're serious in asking. Maybe it would be a lot for one day, depending on his answer, but you don't feel that anything you've heard is too much for you to hand, or even really distressing at all.
				
				It's hard to imagine holding who someone [i]used[/i] to be against them in the first place. Charon probably didn't have any choice about being Ares or what his domains turned out to be. You know you've had no choice about yours, after all. But more than that, you know who he is now, and you imagine that if anyone else had something to tell you, you'd be able to keep a similar mindset. 
				
				Hades huffs softly. "I appreciate the offer, but there is nothing I'm burning to discuss today, no. I'll let you know if that changes, shall I?"
				
				"Please do."
		*line_break
		*line_break
		The walk back to the Keep is pleasant, after that, the conversation turning to lighter topics and comfortable silences. 
	*if (charon_sequelinitial2 = "complicated")
		For a while, things are quiet. You learned quite quickly in your association with this god that he was not the sort to speak simply for the goal of filling a silence. In this instance, you rather think he [i]will[/i] say something, but his expression is contemplative, for the moment. 
		
		*if (tag_intuitive)
			This, too, is familiar. Hades often needs some time to compose his thoughts into words he wants to say, and you've learned that the most helpful thing to do in such instances is simply to be patient. 
			
		"…If you are not averse to doing me a favor," he says, so quietly that the rolling bass of his voice makes his words almost difficult to distinguish, "I would appreciate it greatly if you could try to accept what Charon has told you, and treat them as you always have." 
		
		A pause. "It may have been a shocking thing to hear, and I certainly understand that, but the person they are now is not any of the things I suspect you may be worried about. Like many in the Underworld, they have come from difficult circumstances, and the intervening time has changed much about them, besides."
		
		*fake_choice
			#"I'll do my best to do that. I think I was just a little shocked, really, like you said."
				*set charon_sequelinitial2 "resolved"
				"I'll do my best to do that. I think I was just a little shocked, really, like you said." The more distance you have from the exact moment, the easier it is to handle your initial reaction and see past it. Now, talking about it calmly with Hades, you can see clearly that he's right. 
				
				Charon is Charon. The person you know is at odds with what you'd expect from someone who was the god of war precisely [i]because[/i] you know them to be anything but warlike. For the same reason it surprised you so, you know you can overcome that first reaction and allow things to go back to normal. 
				
				*if (charon_sequelinitial = "friends")
					You can still be friends, because nothing has fundamentally changed about them. 
				*if (charon_sequelinitial = "neutral")
					It's not like you were even friends to begin with, and returning to courteous neutrality should be simple enough.
				*if (charon_sequelinitial = "dislike")
					It's not like you much cared for them in the first place. This doesn't have to be a reason to make things worse, though. Hades isn't trying to get you to be their friend.
				
				"Thank you," he replies gently, 
				*if (touching)
					giving your arm a squeeze. 
				*if not (touching)
					shoulders relaxing. 
				"I have spent rather a lot of time trying to convince him, over the years, that what matters most is who he becomes, rather than who he was. It's a bit easier when everyone is of a similar mind." 
				
				"I can imagine." 
				
				He smiles a bit. "As long as you don't feel pressured to have a specific reaction. This is something I feel very strongly about, so I try to put things as carefully as I can, but…" 
				
				It's not always easy, is the unsaid part of that, and you can certainly understand. It doesn't take an observant person to tell that the two of them are close. Best friends, even. Of course he would care about how his best friend sees themself. 
				
				"Don't worry. This is what I really think." 
				
				Hades exhales softly, and nods. "Then I am glad."
			#"I know you're right, but it's just... war? I can't make that sit comfortably in my mind."
				"I know you're right, but it's just... war? I can't make that sit comfortably in my mind." It's too much. Too at odds with everything you are and believe. You've never interacted with the current Ares, and you don't want to. It might not be something you've ever faced personally, but you know enough about the world to know it would be better off if that weren't something anyone could be the god of at all. 
				
				Hades presses his lips together. "I understand that the concept is unpleasant," he says slowly. "But it is not as though it was something Charon ever chose to be. Domains come about because of what humans need, not because of what deities want. And if it is simply the idea that Charon has fought and killed… you would struggle to find anyone of sufficient age who has not done that. I have. I have made war, in fact. So have many others. Few regret those sorts of deeds in the way Charon does."
				
				A pause. "I do not. Not entirely."
				
				*label ivedonethattoo
				*fake_choice
					#"But you're not the concept of war incarnate, you know? You have fought. It's not your very [i]nature[/i] to fight." 
						"But you're not the concept of war incarnate, you know? You have fought. It's not your very [i]nature[/i] to fight." You can't explain why it feels like this part matters so much, but it does. It matters, somehow, that while some of the others may have waged war, Charon [i]was[/i] war.
						
						"…I don't think this distinction is precisely where you think it is," Hades replies quietly. "I enjoy physical combat at least as much as Charon does, and that held true in the past as well. Neither of us enjoys needless conflict or killing. As for what happened when he was Ares, or what he did or did not do, those are his stories to tell. But I hope you will at least try to keep an open mind about things. There were many factors involved in his becoming as he was." 
						
						An open mind. You know it's not that much of a request, really. It's something you should probably do about most things, but you wonder just how much it will matter, in this case. 
						
						"I'll try," you reply, just as softly. 
						
						"That's all anyone can ask."
					#"I don't... I don't know what to say about any of this. I just [i]feel[/i] uncomfortable with them. In a way I don't with you."
						"I don't... I don't know what to say about any of this. I just [i]feel[/i] uncomfortable with them. In a way I don't with you." It's not a matter of logic or anything like that. Logically, you know that Charon isn't the god of war anymore. Logically, you know they're about the furthest thing from that. 
						
						But still. The instinct is there. Even Hades's words can't equalize it, can't stretch it far enough that it thins and becomes nothing. 
						
						"I understand," Hades says quietly. "Sometimes, all that can be done with feelings is to feel them, but I hope that they will fade. What happened when he was Ares, or what he did or did not do—those are his stories to tell. But I hope you will at least try to keep an open mind about things, and let the feelings pass. There were many factors involved in his becoming as he was." 
						
						An open mind. You know it's not that much of a request, really. It's something you should probably do about most things, but you wonder just how much it will matter, in this case. 
						
						"I'll try," you reply, just as softly. 
						
						"That's all anyone can ask."
					#"I understand where you're coming from. Just... give me some more time to think about it?"
						"I understand where you're coming from. Just... give me some more time to think about it?" You think, perhaps, that's what you need. Time. You've a lot of things on your mind right now to begin with, and this is just one more to add to the pile, which probably isn't helping you with any of them. 
						
						But in time, you'll be able to consider it properly, with the immediate feelings set aside, and decide what to think and how to react. 
						
						"Of course," Hades says quietly. "No one expects you to have everything worked out immediately. All I would hope for is that you keep an open mind about things. There were many factors involved in his becoming as he was." 
						
						An open mind. You know it's not that much of a request, really. It's something you should probably do about most things, but you wonder just how much it will matter, in this case. 
						
						"I'll try," you reply, just as softly. 
						
						"That's all anyone can ask."
			#"But the past matters, you know? The things he may have [i]done[/i]. I don't want to think about it." 
				"But the past matters, you know? The things he may have [i]done[/i]. I don't want to think about it." You suppress a shudder. You have been fortunate, in that warfare has never come to your doorstep, but you're not so naive that you don't understand just how much harm it can do. Not so naive that you don't know it would be better if no one were the god of war at all. 
				
				Hades is contemplative for a moment. "You're right that the past matters," he says slowly. "We should never ignore it entirely. However… you should consider that not one of the six of us has not been to battle in some form. Has not fought for something, in the past. Few of us regret it in the way Charon does."
				
				A pause. "I have made war. And I do not regret it. Not entirely." 
				
				*goto ivedonethattoo
		*line_break
		*line_break
		You make your way back to the Keep rather quietly after that.
*if ((route != "hades") and (route != "charon"))
	"Shall we?" Hades asks, and Charon nods. 
	
	"It would probably be best to see what she has to say. Styx is many things, but she does not waste her own time, or that of anyone else." 
	
	"Is this… something dire?" You ask, curious now about what the relatively innocuous message you were meant to carry might actually mean. 
	
	"I would think not," Hades replies, his brow knitting slightly. "It was not sent as any sort of emergency communication. I simply asked her to update me if anything changed on the Isles. So it is most likely related to that." 
	
	The Isles. Home of the blesséd dead… and Kronos. You have to suppose that a 'change' there would likely not be good, but he's probably right. Your one experience with the Father of Gods led you to believe that he's the kind who favors elaborate—and slow—schemes, given his poisoning of Lethe. Then again, the breakout at Tartarus was fairly sudden…
	
	"Try not to worry too much about it," Charon advises gently. "If it becomes something that might trouble anyone, we'll let you know." 
	
	That much, you know you can rely on.
*page_break
*goto chapter02friendsmenu

*label styxhasnews
Several days later, you are partaking of a quiet dinner with the usual six, plus Makaria, Daeira, and Empusa, when a throat clears in the doorway and a tall, thin figure with loose dark hair strides in. Styx—you rarely see her in person, but her appearance is distinctive, as is the trace of haughtiness with which she carries herself. 

"He's up to something," she says without preamble, fixing her intense blue gaze on Hades without so much as a greeting, never mind a bow. Then again, you somehow doubt he'd want her to do that, even if she were inclined. 

Hades considers this for a moment, flicking his attention to Makaria, then Empusa and dipping his chin slightly. 

She nods, using Daeira's shoulder to help herself stand and get her bronze prosthetic properly beneath her. Makaria, looking around at the adults in the room, releases a gusty sigh and stands, too, taking her plate of dessert with her.

"I can hear bad stuff, too, you know," she says matter of factly, and her father smiles gently. 

"I know. But for right now, the rest of us need to hear what Styx has to say privately." 

Another sigh. "Okay. Come on, Empusa. We're going to go talk about our own private stuff." 

"Are we? I think that sounds like a good idea." 

The two of them make their exit, leaving the rest of you with the severe river goddess. 

*fake_choice
	#"Do you know what the something is, specifically?"
		*set confident +1
		*set forthright +1
		You take the opportunity to speak first once they're out of earshot, and address Styx directly. There's no reason not to feel comfortable doing so—it's been made abundantly clear to you that your voice is welcome in important discussions. 
		
		"Do you know what the something is, specifically?" 
		
		"…I have a few ideas, but he has not shared anything with me. No doubt he is still wary of my allegiance after last time." She pinches the bridge of her nose with delicate fingers and frowns. 
	#I gesture for Styx to continue. 
		*set confident +1
		*set reserved +1
		You take the opportunity to move first, so to speak, gesturing for Styx to continue. There's no reason not to feel comfortable doing so—it's been made abundantly clear to you that your participation is welcome in important discussions. 
		
		She sighs. "I have a few ideas what it might be, but he has not shared anything with me. No doubt he is still wary of my allegiance after last time." She pinches the bridge of her nose with delicate fingers and frowns. 
	#"Um, so... what is it?"
		*set unsure +1
		*set forthright +1
		It's only with some hesitation that you speak—everyone has told you that your participation is welcome in instances like this, but you're still not so sure how to do that. Probably just sticking to the obvious is best until you have more information. 
		
		"Um, so… what is it?"
		
		"…I have a few ideas, but he has not shared anything with me. No doubt he is still wary of my allegiance after last time." She pinches the bridge of her nose with delicate fingers and frowns. 
	#I maintain my silence, looking around for someone else who might speak next. 
		*set unsure +1
		*set reserved +1
		You maintain your silence, looking around for someone else who might speak next. Everyone has told you that your participation is welcome in instances like this, but you're still not so sure how to do that. For now, letting someone else steer the conversation probably makes the most sense. 
		
		It doesn't take long, in any case. 
		
		"Any idea what specifically we're talking about here?" Hermes asks, arching a brow. "Because I'm pretty sure he's [i]always[/i] up to something."
		
		She sighs. "I have a few ideas what it might be, but he has not shared anything with me. No doubt he is still wary of my allegiance after last time." She pinches the bridge of her nose with delicate fingers and frowns. 
*page_break
"Your hypotheses and observations will be fine for now," Hades says, not unkindly. 

Her lips twist, but Styx pushes a breath out and answers anyway. "Fine. I suspect whatever's on his mind is something that has either only recently occurred to him or something that he has recently discovered an opportunity to actually implement, because for a while there, I could almost have sworn he'd given up trying to interfere with you." 

Styx folds her arms across her chest. "But he [i]does[/i] seem different. Almost galvanized by something. "I have no idea what, specifically, he's suddenly so interested in, but I will try to coax him into sharing."

*fake_choice
	#"Will you be all right? Kronos is clearly dangerous."
		*set styx +1
		"Will you be all right? Kronos is clearly dangerous."
		
		*if (inonit)
			You don't have the most personal experience with him, but you [i]do[/i] remember trying to navigate a particularly tricky conversation with the both of them, and how… [i]menacing[/i] he felt, just being in your proximity, with even a bit of his attention turned towards you. 
			
			Styx narrows her eyes. "As you are aware," she replies sharply, "I can handle it. I have been doing so for centuries, and I will likely be doing so for centuries more."
			
			Even in spite of the words and the tone in which they are delivered, though, she dips her head briefly in your direction. 
		*if not (inonit)
			Your experience with Kronos and his schemes is limited, of course, but
			*if (met_secret)
				you [i]have[/i] met him, and you have a sense of the sort of… passive menace he exudes, just being in proximity. It's enough to make you very wary of him, and concerned on her behalf.
			*if not (met_secret)
				even if you've never met him personally, you've experienced what is on the other end of some of his plans. Someone willing to release Giants from Tartarus and try to curse a goddess to death is not someone it's safe to be around. 
			
			Styx narrows her eyes. "I can handle it," she replies sharply. "I have been doing so for centuries, and will likely be doing so for centuries more." 
			
			But in spite of her words and the tone in which they are delivered, something in her eyes loses just a fraction of the chill, for a moment, or at least you imagine so. 
	#"I'm sure if anyone can get him to talk, it's you."
		*set styx +1
		"I'm sure if anyone can get him to talk, it's you."
		
		*if (inonit)
			You've seen her doing so, after all. In a limited instance and with limited success, but having interacted with him yourself, you find it hard to imagine doing so on a regular basis. If Styx can navigate his temper and his obvious hatred for everything Underworld-related, then you have little doubt she can eventually extract the information she's looking for. 
			
			*if (tag_intuitive)
				She gives you a strange, narrow-eyed look you think might be incredulity, and sighs.
			*if not (tag_intuitive)
				She gives you a strange, narrow-eyed look you can't place, and sighs. 
			
			"Someone has to," she replies bluntly. "That much is non-negotiable. Since none of these people will be able to get a word out of him, it falls to me. That is all." There's a delicate emphasis on 'these people,' and she sends something halfway to a glare in the direction of the others at the table. 
		*if not (inonit)
			She's the one who has always done so, as far as you're able to tell. Your experience with Kronos and his schemes is limited, of course, but 
			*if (met_secret)
				you [i]have[/i] met him, and you have a sense of the sort of… difficulty involved in getting things out of him. He is not the sort of god who would rely on confidantes, or bring others into his trust, but that doesn't mean he can't be convinced to share information. 
			*if not (met_secret)
				even if you've never met him personally, you can imagine how difficult it must be to deal with the kind of person who would free Giants from Tartarus or try to poison a goddess, all apparently to the end of making things more difficult for the other people here. 
				
			If anyone would know how to do that, it would surely be Styx.
			
			She regards you flatly for several long seconds, then nods tersely. "Someone must. That much is non-negotiable. Since none of these people will be able to get a word out of him, it falls to me. That is all." There's a delicate emphasis on 'these people,' and she sends something halfway to a glare in the direction of the others at the table. 			
	#"Are you sure you can do that? It doesn't seem like he's exactly forthcoming."
		"Are you sure you can do that? It doesn't seem like he's exactly forthcoming." 
		
		Frankly, you're a little bit doubtful that she'll succeed. She wasn't able to inform anyone that he was behind the poisoning of Lethe, or warn anyone before he released the Giants from Tartarus. Why would he tell her of his plans now, when he clearly hasn't done so before?
		
		*if (inonit)
			Even in the instance where you were both trying to talk to him, he seemed to mostly ignore her or put her down, largely in favor of talking to you.
		
		You can see a muscle in her jaw flex, just slightly, and she narrows her eyes at you. "I will thank you not to question my competence," she replies, her tone sharp. "Especially when you know [i]nothing[/i]—"
		
		"Styx," Charon says softly. "It's not unreasonable for ${him} to be unsure how well this will work. We all know Kronos is manipulative and arrogant. We also know he is cunning, and may already suspect that you pass information to us. Caution is not unwarranted." 
		
		She presses her lips together, but does not argue further. 
*page_break
"Well," Hekate begins, leaning back on one hand. She rolls an olive between the fingers of her other hand, brow furrowed softly. "As far as 'recent developments' go, I can think of two prominent ones. First, Tartarus is fully repaired now. And secondly, we've just received a very large influx of the type of souls likely to end up squarely in Kronos's domain." 

"…Many of them demigods or similar," Charon finishes, frowning. "But why would that matter to him, I wonder? It isn't as if he rules them in any robust sense." 

"I don't know," she admits, shrugging. "But it's a prominent development, and it's more likely to be what has his interest than the restructure of Tartarus. He's tried that already, and the measures we've taken would make it more difficult for him to use anyone in there, not less." 

"What do we do about it, then?" Pyri asks. "We can't like… put him anywhere else away from all those people, can we?"

"No," Hades confirms, shaking his head. "The terms of his sentence are clear. He must remain on the Isles. For now, the best we can do is monitor the situation, hopefully without his awareness that we are doing so." 

*if (met_iasion)
	"Sounds like a job for Sunshine, huh?" Hermes turns to you with a grin. "No one will think it's weird that you drop in to see your father now and then, right?"
	
	"Uh… but isn't that assuming a lot of things?" Pyri asks. "I know the people on the Isles get to remember for longer, but how do we know he'll end up there? We've kinda been thinking so far that he won't?"
	
	Remember… longer? You realize, quite at once, that they're [i]right[/i]. The souls assigned to the Blesséd Isles or Tartarus [i]don't[/i] drink from the River Lethe. At least, not before their reward or punishment has been enacted. You're not sure how great the chances are that his soul will be judged one way or another, though. 
	
	"Mm, I think he's got a good chance, actually," Hermes says with a shrug. "You're right that I don't [i]know[/i] that, but… call it an intuition."
	
	"If Kronos [i]is[/i] interested in these people, it will not surprise me if he starts doing whatever he plans to do while they're still in line," Styx replies, shaking her head minutely. "If his desire is to manipulate them, it will be much easier to do while they are ignorant of their final fates, and afraid of forgetting everything they care about. If you wish to monitor his actions in the line, I will attempt the same on the Isles themselves."
	
	*fake_choice
		#"Okay. I was going to talk to him again soon, anyway. I can ask about all this when I do."
			"Okay. I was going to talk to him again soon, anyway. I can ask about all this when I do." You'd reached the resolution that you wanted to develop a relationship with your father, whatever its duration might be, and now you have even more reason to take the next step in that process soon.
			
			It's a relief to hear that he might end up remembering for a much longer period of time, really; a bit of the weight you were feeling around the decision eases further. Probably not something to [i]count on[/i] just yet, but a flicker of hope nevertheless. 
			
			"That would be most appreciated," Hades replies, inclining his head to you. 
			
			"If possible," Hekate adds, "try to be discreet about it. If Kronos catches on, he might change tactics, or scrap the plan entirely and pick another that we wouldn't be able to identify soon enough."
			
			"I'll do my best," you assure her.
		#"Well... all right." I hadn't been sure whether I'd talk to him again or not, but I suppose this makes the decision.
			"Well... all right." You hadn't been sure whether you'd talk to him again or not, but you suppose this makes the decision. There had been a lot of factors to consider, and you really hadn't come to any solid determination, yet, but if necessity is settling the choice for you, then… so be it.
			
			It's a relief to hear that he might end up remembering for a much longer period of time, really; a bit of the weight you were feeling around the decision eases further. Probably not something to [i]count on[/i] just yet, but a flicker of hope nevertheless.
			
			"That would be most appreciated," Hades replies, inclining his head to you. 
			
			"If possible," Hekate adds, "try to be discreet about it. If Kronos catches on, he might change tactics, or scrap the plan entirely and pick another that we wouldn't be able to identify soon enough."
			
			"I'll do my best," you assure her.
		#"I hadn't been planning to talk to him again, but I suppose it is now necessary." 
			"I hadn't been planning to talk to him again, but I suppose it is now necessary." The reasons are multifaceted and your own, but you'd come to the decision that it might be for the best if you didn't interact too much more with Iasion before he drank from the Lethe. Or at all, really. 
			
			You wonder if knowing that he might end up remembering for a much longer period of time would have factored in; how much it might have moved you. Someone would have pointed it out, you're sure, if you'd shared the decision before now, but in any case, all the points are moot. 
			
			Kronos can't be allowed to do whatever he's planning to do, and if what you need to do to prevent it is keep in contact with your father, you can't say it's [i]that[/i] burdensome an ask.
			
			"That would be most appreciated," Hades replies, inclining his head to you. 
			
			"If possible," Hekate adds, "try to be discreet about it. If Kronos catches on, he might change tactics, or scrap the plan entirely and pick another that we wouldn't be able to identify soon enough."
			
			"I'll do my best," you assure her.
	*page_break
*if not (met_iasion)
	"Sounds like a job for me, I guess," Hermes says, grinning slightly. "I know a few of those guys now, including Iasion. Shouldn't be too weird if I drop in on him a couple of times." 
	
	"Uh… but isn't that assuming a lot of things?" Pyri asks. "I know the people on the Isles get to remember for longer, but how do we know he'll end up there? We've kinda been thinking so far that he won't?"
	
	Remember… longer? You realize, quite at once, that they're [i]right[/i]. The souls assigned to the Blesséd Isles or Tartarus [i]don't[/i] drink from the River Lethe. At least, not before their reward or punishment has been enacted. You're not sure how great the chances are that his soul will be judged one way or another, though. 
	
	"Mm, I think he's got a good chance, actually," Hermes says with a shrug. "You're right that I don't [i]know[/i] that, but… call it an intuition."
	
	"If Kronos [i]is[/i] interested in these people, it will not surprise me if he starts doing whatever he plans to do while they're still in line," Styx replies, shaking her head minutely. "If his desire is to manipulate them, it will be much easier to do while they are ignorant of their final fates, and afraid of forgetting everything they care about. If you wish to monitor his actions in the line, I will attempt the same on the Isles themselves."
	
	*fake_choice
		#I feel a surge of relief. As soon as Iasion came up, I was worried someone would try to force me to talk to him.
			You feel a surge of relief. As soon as Iasion came up, you were worried someone would try to force you to talk to him. You don't want to do that, and the fact that he might remember things for longer than you thought isn't enough to change your mind. That was never the major factor in your decision to begin with. 
			
			Perhaps you should have expected this. Your friends aren't known for forcing each other to do things they don't want to do, and so the fact that no one even gives you an appraising look like they're considering it shouldn't be surprising. 
			
			"That would be most appreciated," Hades says, inclining his head to Hermes. 
			
			"You should know this already," Hekate adds, but do try for a little discretion. We don't want Kronos getting wind of your presence among them."
			
			"Yeah, yeah. I get it. It's like you think I don't know how to disguise myself or something." 
			
			"I'm just making sure," she drawls. "With you, it's always better not to assume anything."
		#I feel a bit conflicted. If it's true that Iasion might get to remember longer, maybe... maybe it would be all right if I talked to him? But no, that's far from a guarantee. I can't approach him until I know for certain.
			You feel a bit conflicted. If it's true that Iasion might get to remember longer, maybe... maybe it would be all right if you talked to him? But no, that's far from a guarantee. You can't approach him until you know for certain.
			
			That he would forget you so soon after you met was perhaps the largest roadblock in the way of meeting him, for you. It was a thought you found it hard to bear. But this information is… well, you can see why it hasn't come up until now. Trying to figure out where someone's soul is bound when they've only just arrived, and with no knowledge of their deeds, is a fool's errand. 
			
			And that's exactly the reason you can't just rely on it now. Can't [i]count on[/i] him being sent to the Isles after judgement. And that means everything you were thinking before, everything that stopped you from going to meet him, is still there. 
			
			For now, you just need to wait things out and see what happens. 
			
			"That would be most appreciated," Hades says, inclining his head to Hermes. 
			
			"You should know this already," Hekate adds, but do try for a little discretion. We don't want Kronos getting wind of your presence among them."
			
			"Yeah, yeah. I get it. It's like you think I don't know how to disguise myself or something." 
			
			"I'm just making sure," she drawls. "With you, it's always better not to assume anything."
		#"I'll do it." The knowledge that Iasion is possibly destined for the Isles and a longer memory is enough for me to change my mind about speaking with him. 
			*set iasion_changedmind true
			"I'll do it." The knowledge that Iasion is possibly destined for the Isles and a longer memory is enough for you to change your mind about speaking with him. 
			
			You can see why it hadn't come up until now, of course. Trying to figure out where someone's soul is bound when they've only just arrived, and with no knowledge of their deeds, is a fool's errand, and very few people end up on the Isles. Even fewer than are sent to Tartarus. But if Hermes, after getting to know him, is confident enough to bring up the possibility, than you're comfortable enough to take the chance. 
			
			Besides, you want to help the others handle whatever Kronos is doing, and this is a way you can contribute. 
			
			The others regard you with varying degrees of surprise, but it doesn't take them long to recover from it. 
			
			"That would be most appreciated," Hades replies, inclining his head to you. 
			
			"If possible," Hekate adds, "try to be discreet about it. If Kronos catches on, he might change tactics, or scrap the plan entirely and pick another that we wouldn't be able to identify soon enough."
			
			"I'll do my best," you assure her.
	*page_break
There's a bit of a pause, everyone contemplating, you suppose, what else might be decided or contributed now, with so little information on the table.

"I have some friends on the Isles," Pyri says, brow creased. "I'll try talking to them. I'm not that discreet, but I go there pretty often so at least it won't seem weird?"

Hekate considers this, then nods. "That's not a bad idea, honestly. Daeira, do you think you could give them a few tips about how to do something like that without drawing too much attention?" 

The nymph in question raises a dark brow, then nods. "Of course I can," they reply. "Let me know when you're free, Pyri, and we'll make a proper spy of you."

Pyri snorts, and Hermes outright laughs. "Let me join, too," he says. "This, I have to see." 
*finish Chapter Three: Life in the Underworld