*if (route = "charon")
	*goto atlantis
*if (route = "alekto")
	*goto tartarus
*if (route = "hermes")
	*goto medusa
*if (route = "pyri")
	*goto minotaur
*if (route = "hekate")
	*goto witches
*if (route = "hades")
	*goto battlefield


*label atlantis
The ocean laps lightly at your feet, seafoam giving it an almost ticklish quality over your toes. Gulls wing by overhead, punctuating the ocean-sounds with the occasional squawking cry. It's a deserted stretch of beach, craggier than you'd expected, as it at some point, a chunk of earth was carved away from the rest and pulled into the sea. Or perhaps away with another continent or island. 

The wind is aggressive enough to pull Charon's hood down and toss their hair around, but this doesn't fully conceal their apprehensive expression, lips pressed together until they nearly turn white, the muscles around their eyes tight and their brows knit until a line forms above their nose. 

*fake_choice
	#"So... what exactly are we doing, here?"
		"So... what exactly are we doing, here?" They'd brought you here with only minimal explanation—this was the trip they'd asked you to accompany them on, earlier. Apparently they'd received permission to come to the mortal world, but beyond that, it's hard to infer from your limited information what exactly is going on.
		
		"We are… here to see Poseidon," he replies, and you see his jaw tighten, enough to flex a muscle in it. "Or rather, we will be properly on our way to do so in a moment. I just… need some time to brace myself." 
		
		"That's fine, but why? Is there something dangerous down there?"
	#"Are you all right?"
		"Are you all right?" They'd brought you here with only minimal explanation—this was the trip they'd asked you to accompany them on, earlier. Apparently they'd received permission to come to the mortal world, but beyond that, it's hard to infer from your limited information what exactly is going on.
		
		"Not really," he admits, and you see his jaw tighten, enough to flex a muscle in it. "But that was always going to be the case. We're on our way to see Poseidon, or… we will be in a moment. I just need some time to brace myself." 
		
		"That's fine, but why? Is there something dangerous down there?"
	#"We'd best get on with whatever this is, right?"
		"We'd best get on with whatever this is, right?" They'd brought you here with only minimal explanation—this was the trip they'd asked you to accompany them on, earlier. Apparently they'd received permission to come to the mortal world, but beyond that, it's hard to infer from your limited information what exactly is going on.
		
		"We are… here to see Poseidon," he replies, and you see his jaw tighten, enough to flex a muscle in it. "Or rather, we will be properly on our way to do so in a moment. I just… need some time to brace myself." 
		
		"That's fine, but why? Is there something dangerous down there?"
	#I remain silent, expecting that an explanation of some sort is forthcoming.
		You remain silent, expecting that an explanation of some sort is forthcoming. They'd brought you here with only minimal explanation—this was the trip they'd asked you to accompany them on, earlier. Apparently they'd received permission to come to the mortal world, but beyond that, it's hard to infer from your limited information what exactly is going on.
		
		But sure enough, the explanation follows. "We are… here to see Poseidon," he says, and you see his jaw tighten, enough to flex a muscle in it. "Or rather, we will be properly on our way to do so in a moment. I just… need some time to brace myself." 
		
		"Is there something dangerous down there?"
*page_break
"Well, yes. There are plenty of dangerous things in the sea, but I do not anticipate us running into any such creatures, particularly not within Poseidon's domain. We are, in particular, headed to Atlantis, which now belongs to his realm." 

"Atlantis?"
*if (tag_learned)
	You know little about it, but you have seen it mentioned once or twice. A city that was cast into the sea. You'd always assumed that was the end of the story.

"Yes. It's currently his seat of power, and he often dwells within the temple there." 

*fake_choice
	#"And we're doing this... why, again?"
		"And we're doing this... why, again?" He'd been very vague about this the last time you'd discussed it, and it seems strange that he'd have much of anything to do with Poseidon, considering his exile from the worlds above the Underworld, and what you know of how it came about. 
		*line_break
		*line_break
	#"Is it Poseidon you need to apologize to?"
		"Is it Poseidon you need to apologize to?" He'd been very vague about what exactly this was about the last time you'd discussed it, mentioning only that there were apologies he needed to make. It seems strange that that would have much of anything to do with Poseidon, considering is exile from the worlds above the Underworld, and what you know of how it came about. But still. 
		
		"No," he replies, shaking his head. "But I need his permission to move about in his realm, and that is a prerequisite to making the appropriate apologies." 
		*line_break
		*line_break
	*if not (tag_learned)
		#"I don't really know anything about the place. Could you say a bit more?"
			"I don't really know anything about the place. Could you say a bit more?" He'd been very vague about what exactly this was about the last time you'd discussed it, mentioning only that there were apologies he needed to make. It seems strange that that would have much of anything to do with Poseidon, considering is exile from the worlds above the Underworld, and what you know of how it came about. So maybe it has more to do with the place?
			
			"It was once a human city like any other," he murmurs. "Well… not quite like any other, to me. I found it richer and more vibrant than any other place I had been, perhaps because I was worshiped there. Atlantis came to be because of a bloody rebellion, and due to my part in that, I was always honored there, and called upon to protect it in times of strife. It was… something like my home." 
			*page_break
	*if (tag_learned)
		#@{convotoggle [❋]|} "I know very little about Atlantis. But wasn't it originally a human city?"
			"I know very little about Atlantis. But wasn't it originally a human city?" He'd been very vague about what exactly this was about the last time you'd discussed it, mentioning only that there were apologies he needed to make. It seems strange that that would have much of anything to do with Poseidon, considering is exile from the worlds above the Underworld, and what you know of how it came about. So maybe it has more to do with the place?
			
			"It was," he murmurs. "Like any other. Well… not quite like any other, to me. I found it richer and more vibrant than any other place I had been, perhaps because I was worshiped there. Atlantis came to be because of a bloody rebellion, and due to my part in that, I was always honored there, and called upon to protect it in times of strife. It was… something like my home." 
			*page_break
Charon takes a breath, then releases it, inaudible beneath the sounds of the wind and the waves. "I need to make amends for what I have done," he says quietly. "Long ago, when I was still Ares, battle-drunk and fueled by more prayers than I knew what to do with, I… sank it. Atlantis. Not because I wanted to, but because I was careless. I carved a fissure in the world between the city and an invading army, but there was too much power in it, and the entire—" His voice cracks, and he clears his throat. 

Shaking their head, Charon glances once at you through the corner of a blue eye. "I've always wanted to make amends, but I've never had the courage. Not until now.
*if (charon_romance)
	Until you."
*if not (charon_romance)
	Late as it may be."

*fake_choice
	#"Making amends for that... will not be an easy task."
		"Making amends for that... will not be an easy task." Sinking an entire city into the ocean? You're having trouble wrapping your head around the scale of something like that. If anyone survived it, you can't imagine them forgiving the god responsible. But if he wants to try, you suppose you all you can do is be here in case it goes poorly. 
		
		"Then it is fortunate that I am not expecting anything easy," Charon replies.
	#"Well, then I'm here to help however I can."
		"Well, then I'm here to help however I can." 'Sinking an entire city into the ocean' is admittedly difficult to get your head around, and it's hard to imagine anyone who survived forgiving the god responsible. But if Charon wants to do this, then you want to help them. Simple as that. 
		
		"I appreciate that. More than you know." 
	*if not (charon_romance)
		#"Not to make you uncomfortable, but wouldn't everyone you could apologize to already be gone, at this point?"
			"Not to make you uncomfortable, but wouldn't everyone you could apologize to already be gone, at this point?" Sinking an entire city into the ocean? You're having trouble wrapping your head around the scale of something like that. If anyone survived it, you can't imagine them forgiving the god responsible. You can hardly imagine anyone surviving it in the first place. 
			
			"Maybe," he admits. "But even if that is so, I still owe something to their descendants." 
	*if (charon_romance)
		#@{convotoggle [♥]|} "I don't know how I made any difference, but I'm glad to hear I did."
			"I don't know how I made any difference, but I'm glad to hear I did." 'Sinking an entire city into the ocean' is admittedly difficult to get your head around, and it's hard to imagine anyone who survived forgiving the god responsible. But Charon has found the courage to try, and if you helped, then you can only consider it a good thing. 
			
			"As am I," he replies softly.
*page_break
"I know that what I am trying to do here is nonsense. There is no making something like this up to anyone, whether they were directly involved or simply endure the generational consequences of my actions. But I must offer to them whatever I can. It is foolishness, for my own ego, I know. But I must try nonetheless."

Charon shakes their head sharply. "If there is anything a Ferryman can give them, or a god of storms, I will give it. It won't be enough, but it will be better than nothing." 

*fake_choice
	#"All right. I can understand that. So... let's see what we can do." 
		"All right. I can understand that. So... let's see what we can do." Whether plausible or not, what Charon is trying to do is the right thing. So it only makes sense to help them. You can worry about the scale, or the probability, at some other time. 
		
		"Thank you. That is more reassuring than you imagine, I think." 
	#"Just... try not to expect too much from this, okay?"
		"Just... try not to expect too much from this, okay?" You really don't think that it's plausible that much good comes of this. Charon is most likely in for a disappointment, and you don't want them to go into this with too many hopes. Lest they end up even more demoralized by the likely result. 
		
		"I assure you, I am well aware of the small chance of achieving anything," they reply. "The odds do not matter to me."
		
		You nod. If that's how they feel, then there's nothing more to say about it. 
	#"I mean, it sounds like they already have Poseidon looking after them, so I'm not sure what either of us could do that he couldn't."
		"I mean, it sounds like they already have Poseidon looking after them, so I'm not sure what either of us could do that he couldn't." Perhaps leaving it be is the best option, from a neutral standpoint. It's hard to imagine either of you being able to offer these people anything they don't already have.
		
		"There is nothing that meets your description," Charon admits plainly. "But we may be able to do quite a number of things that he [i]wouldn't[/i]."
*line_break
*line_break
Straightening, Charon
*if (charon_touch2 = "fine")
	gently touches your shoulder, imparting a small squeeze with the magic you can feel flowing from them to you. 
*if (charon_touch2 != "fine")
	waves a hand slightly, and you feel their magic settle over you.

"You may find the sensation of breathing water to be disconcerting, at first," they warn, a small frown pulling down the sides of their mouth, "but I promise you the magic is completely reliable. How confident are you in your swimming?"

*fake_choice
	#"I'm a decent swimmer, I suppose."
		*set tag_swims true
		"I'm a decent swimmer, I suppose." You learned how, and you didn't immediately stop doing it after the learning was over. Not that you've kept up with it lately, considering the relative dearth of safe bodies of water to swim in, in the Underworld. 
		
		You wonder if Charon does so, with any frequency.
		
		"Then that should be fine. In any event, you will be connected to me via magic, so the currents do not separate us. If you feel at any time like you lose control of your motion or positioning, I ask that you relax and allow me to handle the matter." 
		
		"Okay." He's apparently the expert, and you've definitely never gone [i]diving[/i] before, so it's not hard to agree. 
	#"I know how, but I've never had to do so for a long period before."
		*set tag_swims true
		"I know how, but I've never had to do so for a long period before." Honestly, you've not done much at all since your lessons. And it's not as though you could keep up with it lately, considering the relative dearth of safe bodies of water to swim in, in the Underworld. 
		
		You wonder if Charon does so, with any frequency.
		
		"Then that should be fine. In any event, you will be connected to me via magic, so the currents do not separate us. If you feel at any time like you lose control of your motion or positioning, I ask that you relax and allow me to handle the matter." 
		
		"Okay." He's apparently the expert, and you've definitely never gone [i]diving[/i] before, so it's not hard to agree. 
	#"I don't actually know how."
		"I don't actually know how." Probably a bit of an unfortunate thing to admit here on the shore of the sea, but in your defense, you'd sort of just assumed it would work like flying had the first time. There would be options for ferrying you along. 
		
		"That's not a problem. Just do the best you can to keep yourself oriented head-forward. I will handle the rest. You will be connected to me via magic, so the currents do not separate us. If you feel at any time like you lose control of your motion or positioning, I ask that you relax and allow me to handle the matter." 
		
		"Okay." He's apparently the expert, and you've never done this before, so it's not hard to agree.
*page_break
That sorted for now, Charon clears his throat softly. "I am about to change my shape," he says. "Please do not be alarmed." 

You don't really have time to formulate a response to that before he [i]is[/i] transforming, pale skin becoming almost translucent, then swiftly gaining a coating of silvery-blue scales. His fingers lengthen, webbing stretching most of the way between them, and his ears change shape until finned and rigid. When he blinks, a membranous third eyelid passes sideways over his impossibly-blue eyes, which seem to have saturated almost to a shade of ultramarine. His feet are almost entirely unsuited for the sand, now, wide with long toes and also webbed. Small, sleek fins grow from his forearms and calves, but the relative lack of disturbance to his clothes suggests his back may remain free of them.

*if (date = "charon")
	You saw something of this, back when you made your first outing together to the lake, but the full effect is something else entirely.
*if not (date = "charon")
	You've heard of things like this, of some gods being able to change their shapes, or possessing forms much less human than most typically appear, but you've never [i]seen[/i] it, outside of the occasional pair of wings.

*fake_choice
	#It's a little awkward to look at him like this, really.
		*set charon_otherform "dislike"
		It's a little awkward to look at him like this, really. There's nothing explicitly wrong with the form, it's just… inhuman. He doesn't look like [i]Charon[/i], to you, at this moment. The exact source of your unease is difficult to explain, and in any event you're not about to [i]comment[/i] on it, but.. it remains a thought in your head nevertheless. 
	#I'm not fazed by it much; Charon is Charon.
		*set charon_otherform "neutral"
		You're not fazed by it much; Charon is Charon. Whether he has some piscine features or entirely humanoid ones, it's the same person. About whom you feel exactly the same as you did five minutes ago. You have to imagine the transformation at least makes aquatic endeavors easier, which will surely be to the benefit of you both. 
		
		Either way, it's not something you feel the need to remark on, not when he's already striding forward. 
	#It's honestly beautiful, in a way. It suits him.
		*set charon_otherform "like"
		It's honestly beautiful, in a way. It suits him. Perhaps that beauty isn't entirely conventional, but that doesn't change what it is. And it strikes you as fitting, of someone who can command storms, and was born of oceanic Titans. 
		
		Either way, it's not something you feel the need to remark on, not when he's already striding forward. 
*page_break
Now prepared, the both of you move into the ocean, walking along the bottom until there's several feet of water over your heads, then shifting into a swim. 

*if not (tag_swims)
	You really have no idea what you're doing, but as promised, you move in basically the ways you intend, and some force keeps you more or less tethered to Charon, their much swifter swimming speed pulling you along when you flounder. 
*if (tag_swims)
	You fall into the motions you know as well as you can, moving in basically the ways you intend, and some force keeps you more or less tethered to Charon, their much swifter swimming speed aiding you as you go.

It [i]is[/i] a little difficult to get used to the feeling of water moving through your lungs. It isn't quite right, and your body instinctively rebels against it at first, wanting to cough it back up again, but after a few deep, slow inhalations, it begins to feel more natural.
*page_break
The deeper you go into the sea, the more puzzled you become by what seems to be a contradiction in nature. You can feel an [i]incredible[/i] amount of life, here, and a very diverse amount, too. And yet your sense of the underlying systems that support that life is that they are very… poor, might be one way of putting it. Not as bad as the Underworld, by any means, but certainly not what you would expect could support this much activity, either. 

What you [i]see[/i] are intricate rock formations, colorful coral gardens, and more species of plankton than you actually knew existed. The fish range from the tiny and saturated to the large and almost fearsome-looking, though none seem inclined to trouble either you or Charon. Wispy undersea plants sway peacefully in the currents, strange spiky creatures slowly making their way along the rocks with which they are so aptly camouflaged. 

*fake_choice
	#It's incredible. I can't help but slow down to take a proper look.
		It's incredible. You can't help but slow down to take a proper look, swimming [i]downwards[/i] as best you can to lightly touch a coral with a strange, folded structure that almost reminds you of a brain. It's such an unusual type of life, hard and rough against your fingertips like a stone, but undeniably living all the same. 
		
		Charon pauses, treading water for a moment before swimming down to meet you. 
		
		*if (tag_signs)
			[i]I don't recommend touching,[/i] he advises, shaping the signs only slightly awkwardly with long, membranous fingers. [i]The oils in your skin could damage the coral.[/i] 
			
			You're grateful for Alekto's lessons, because some of those words are definitely more complicated than the ones you'd have known if you hadn't actively studied sign.
			
			Nodding, you pull your hand away. 
			
			Charon smiles a little. [i]I doubt you did much damage with just that, but it's important to keep in mind. The ecosystem here is quite fragile. But please, explore if you would like.[/i]
		*if not (tag_signs)
			He raises his hands, shaping the signs only slightly awkwardly with long, membranous fingers. You know enough to get the basic gist, something about not touching, but there's quite a bit more you don't quite catch. 
			
			Still, you pull your hand away, because that's obviously the main point. 
			
			Charon smiles a little, then signs again. You get most of it, this time—[i]I doubt you did much—quite fragile—explore if you like.[/i] It's not too difficult to piece the rest together from context.
			
		Grateful for the chance, you do your best to keep it contained to a few minutes, knowing that the impending business must be weighing on his mind. 
	#I have to admit I don't like how much my hearing is different, down here. Even with all the things to see and sense, I'm feeling a bit understimulated. 
		You have to admit you don't like how much your hearing is different, down here. Even with all the things to see and sense, you're feeling a bit understimulated. 
		
		You draw to a stop for a moment, trying to wrestle with the feeling. There's not likely an easy fix, so for now the best you can do is take a few deep breaths and try to focus on what stimulation there is, and what you can create. 
		
		It's as you're
		*if (stimt = "tap")
			tapping your fingers against your ribcage
		*if (stimt = "lip")
			chewing your lip
		*if (stimt = "hands")
			wringing your hands
		*if (stimt = "rock")
			twisting in the water, approximating your usual rocking motion as best you can,
		*if (stimt = "hair")
			worrying at your hair
		*if (((stimt = "suppress") or (dontstim)) or (askedstim = false))
			trying to figure out how to handle this
		that Charon swims back to where you've stopped, lifting their hands and shaping the signs only slightly awkwardly with long, membranous fingers.
		
		[i]Are you all right?[/i]
		
		*if (tag_signs)
			You're able to answer, thanks to Alekto's lessons, and moving your own hands, you explain. 
		*if not (tag_signs)
			You can understand the query, but you don't quite have the resources to fully explain your situation. All you can manage is [i]I can't hear enough. It's bad.[/i] 
		
		Frowning slightly, Charon concentrates for a moment, and somehow, your hearing sharpens. Or, rather, your sense of the water around you becomes [i]more[/i]. It's not necessarily that precise—really, it's still just mostly white noise—but it's closer to what you're used to than the sounds you were able to get before, and it helps quite a lot. 
		
		[i]Thank you.[/i]
		
		Charon nods, and the two of you resume your trek. 
	#It's almost too much stimulation, but I manage, and I have to admit I'm still very curious about it.
		It's almost too much stimulation, but you manage, and you have to admit you're still very curious about it. 		
		
		You draw to a stop for a moment, trying to wrestle with the first part. For now the best you can do is take a few deep breaths and try to focus on grounding yourself.
		
		It's as you're
		*if (stimt = "tap")
			tapping your fingers against your ribcage
		*if (stimt = "lip")
			chewing your lip
		*if (stimt = "hands")
			wringing your hands
		*if (stimt = "rock")
			twisting in the water, approximating your usual rocking motion as best you can,
		*if (stimt = "hair")
			worrying at your hair
		*if (((stimt = "suppress") or (dontstim)) or (askedstim = false))
			trying to figure out how to handle this
		that Charon swims back to where you've stopped, lifting their hands and shaping the signs only slightly awkwardly with long, membranous fingers.
		
		[i]Are you all right?[/i]
		
		*if (tag_signs)
			You're able to answer, thanks to Alekto's lessons, and moving your own hands, you explain. 
		*if not (tag_signs)
			You can understand the query, but you don't quite have the resources to fully explain your situation. All you can manage is [i]too much everything.[/i] 
		
		[i]I can dim things with a spell?[/i]
		
		You nod; you're familiar with the concept, by this point; it's apparently an invention of Hades's, but you haven't mastered it, and you didn't know Charon knew it. 
		
		When the 'filter' of sorts settles over your senses, you exhale with a sense of relief. It's good to feel less overwhelmed, especially because there's clearly so much of interest to see and explore here. 
		
		But for now, the two of you resume your trek.
	#It's nice enough, but we're here for a purpose, so I don't spend too much time looking around.
		It's nice enough, but we're here for a purpose, so you don't spend too much time looking around. Charon is clearly focused on what they came here to do, and what [i]you're[/i] here for is to help, so there's no sense getting too caught up in things. Perhaps you can explore the coral in more detail on the way back, assuming you don't just teleport.
*page_break
Beyond the coral lies more sand, rock formations, and less tightly-clustered plant life. It's less dense with living beings, but just ahead you can sense many more, these with life forces much less delicate. 

You feel it the exact moment [i]Poseidon's[/i] presence becomes palpable, too, because it's nearly as overwhelming as Zeus's, and just as unrestrained. It would seem that this truly is his domain, in the same way Olympus is the King's, and the Underworld is Hades's. The hair on your arms stands on end for a moment; you have to wrestle with your awareness of the presence to stop it from overwhelming you. 

Once you're used to it, though, it's not unbearable, and you can once again sense the life here in a more general way, as well. You're not sure what to expect, when it comes to that. It's… different, obviously from the dead, but also from humans. But whomever lives here isn't nymphs, either, at least not exclusively. 

Then, you come to the edge of a large trench, and a city sprawls before you. 

It's much more similar to the look of Olympus than you'd have thought. It lacks the grandeur, of course, but the architectural influences are clear, from the columns and red-tiled roofs to the apparent general preference for light stone as a construction material. Of course, wood would have rotted away long ago, so perhaps that makes sense. But there are things that are different, too—while the residents have done away with fabric awnings, banners and streamers still drift in the water, made as often of aquatic plant matter as woven thread, and into many a stone colonnade or even the streets themselves have been pressed intricate seashell and bone mosaics, mostly geometric in design. 

It's grand in its own way, this place built on the frame of a human city. 

[i]Poseidon is not without mercy,[/i] Charon explains, 
*if (tag_signs)
	fluidly moving between signs at a rate you can easily comprehend. [i]He transformed many of the drowning residents, making them in his image. They tend to live longer as well, usually on the order of a few hundred years, and many of them develop power beyond that of which humans are capable alone.[/i]
*if not (tag_signs)
	though your limited signing knowledge fails a bit thereafter. [i]He—many of the—residents, making them in his—. They tend to live longer as well, usually—few hundred years, and many of them—power—humans are—alone.[/i]

*fake_choice
	#[i]If he saved everyone, why do you need their forgiveness?[/i]
		[i]If he saved everyone, why do you need their forgiveness?[/i] Certainly, sinking the city would not have been a welcome change, necessarily, but it certainly seems to have worked out for the Atlanteans. Their home is beautiful, and apparently they're meant to be adapted to it. 
		
		Even as you ask the question
		*if not (tag_signs)
			as best you can,
		*if (tag_signs)
			with what you hope is sufficient fluency,
		Charon's eyes are drawn down to the edge of the city, and they nod towards something there. 
		
		You can just see a small group of figures moving around, collecting what seems to be some form of seaweed from a neatly-kept garden bed of it. Their movement strikes you as odd for a moment, until you grasp why—while each has an upper body that looks human save for a few extra fins, their lower halves are tails, resembling fish, or aquatic mammals, or even  what might be a seahorse, depending on the individual. 
		
		*if (tag_signs)
			[i]The forgiveness is for what I have done. For the lives that were lost, or forever changed, without the consent of the people affected. Whether it ended for good or not is largely irrelevant. Though I suppose this result is the only reason I can hope for forgiveness at all.[/i]
		*if not (tag_signs)
			[i]The forgiveness is for what I have done. For the lives that were lost, or—, without the—of the people—. Whether it ended for good or not is—. Though I suppose this—is the only reason I can hope for forgiveness at all.[/i]
	#[i]They have made a beautiful city.[/i]
		[i]They have made a beautiful city.[/i] It's true, even from this distance, and you don't think it will hurt to say it. To live in a place like this, and be adapted to it, is not the worse result you can imagine.
		
		Even as you convey the words
		*if not (tag_signs)
			as best you can,
		*if (tag_signs)
			with what you hope is sufficient fluency,
		Charon's eyes are drawn down to the edge of the city, and they nod towards something there. 
		
		You can just see a small group of figures moving around, collecting what seems to be some form of seaweed from a neatly-kept garden bed of it. Their movement strikes you as odd for a moment, until you grasp why—while each has an upper body that looks human save for a few extra fins, their lower halves are tails, resembling fish, or aquatic mammals, or even  what might be a seahorse, depending on the individual. 
		
		*if (tag_signs)
			[i]It is beautiful. But it was then, too. The forgiveness is for what I have done. For the lives that were lost, or forever changed, without the consent of the people affected. Whether it ended for good or not is largely irrelevant. Though I suppose this result is the only reason I can hope for forgiveness at all.[/i]
		*if not (tag_signs)
			[i]It is beautiful. But it was then, too. The forgiveness is for what I have done. For the lives that were lost, or—, without the—of the people—. Whether it ended for good or not is—. Though I suppose this—is the only reason I can hope for forgiveness at all.[/i]
	#[i]Couldn't they just return to the surface?[/i]
		[i]Couldn't they just return to the surface?[/i] It seems they survived, and it seems they were adapted by Poseidon for this environment, but that doesn't have to mean anything. You can breathe water right now, too, and you were breathing air just fine even so. It seems like anyone who is still here must be that way by choice, at least mostly. 
		
		Even as you ask the question
		*if not (tag_signs)
			as best you can,
		*if (tag_signs)
			with what you hope is sufficient fluency,
		Charon's eyes are drawn down to the edge of the city, and they nod towards something there. 
		
		You can just see a small group of figures moving around, collecting what seems to be some form of seaweed from a neatly-kept garden bed of it. Their movement strikes you as odd for a moment, until you grasp why—while each has an upper body that looks human save for a few extra fins, their lower halves are tails, resembling fish, or aquatic mammals, or even  what might be a seahorse, depending on the individual. 
		
		*if (tag_signs)
			[i]Not so easily. But even if they could, the forgiveness I seek is for what I have done. For the lives that were lost, or forever changed, without the consent of the people affected. Whether it ended for good or not is largely irrelevant. Though I suppose this result is the only reason I can hope for forgiveness at all.[/i]
		*if not (tag_signs)
			[i]Not so easily, But even if they could, the forgiveness is for what I have done. For the lives that were lost, or—, without the—of the people—. Whether it ended for good or not is—. Though I suppose this—is the only reason I can hope for forgiveness at all.[/i]
	#[i]That was surprisingly kind of him.[/i]
		[i]That was surprisingly kind of him.[/i] You know very little of Poseidon, compared to Zeus and now Hades, but it's hard to think too ill of a god who went out of his way to stop the mass deaths of hundred or thousands of humans. 
		
		Even as you convey the words
		*if not (tag_signs)
			as best you can,
		*if (tag_signs)
			with what you hope is sufficient fluency,
		Charon's eyes are drawn down to the edge of the city, and they nod towards something there. 
		
		You can just see a small group of figures moving around, collecting what seems to be some form of seaweed from a neatly-kept garden bed of it. Their movement strikes you as odd for a moment, until you grasp why—while each has an upper body that looks human save for a few extra fins, their lower halves are tails, resembling fish, or aquatic mammals, or even  what might be a seahorse, depending on the individual. 
		
		*if (tag_signs)
			[i]All deities have the potential for both kindness and cruelty. Which this was will depend, I imagine, on whom you ask. But the forgiveness I seek is for what I have done. For the lives that were lost, or forever changed, without the consent of the people affected. Whether it ended for good or not is largely irrelevant. Though I suppose this result is the only reason I can hope for forgiveness at all.[/i]
		*if not (tag_signs)
			[i]All deities have the— for both kindness and—. Which this is will— on whom you ask. But the forgiveness I seek is for what I have done. For the lives that were lost, or—, without the—of the people—. Whether it ended for good or not is—. Though I suppose this—is the only reason I can hope for forgiveness at all.[/i]
*page_break
As you descend into the trench and the city proper, you find yourself passing many more of the residents, some of whom occasionally give you strange glances. Just as many lift hands in greeting, however, and you're left with the impression of a city that, in spite of everything, is rather, strikingly, [i]ordinary[/i]. 

There are merchants at market, children at play, craftspeople at work, fishers moving by with nets full nearly to bursting, while small groups of people recline together at leisure, gesturing animatedly with their hands. It doesn't look quite like the sign language you know, but it's hard to tell if it's a language at all or just emphasis, and the bulk of the communication is happening some other way. 

The Temple of Poseidon dominates the tallest hill in the city, a striking building composed seemingly entirely of marble, except for the parts of it that are actually carefully-curated beds and strands of living coral, worked into the structure with an almost seamless perfection. Sunlight slants in from above, seemingly pulled down for the express purpose of illuminating the glorious building. 

It is, it must be said, hardly less grandiose than Zeus's own home on Olympus. 
*page_break
While people come and go in droves elsewhere in the city, the approach to the temple is mostly quiet, with only a few residents moving about. 

Near the entrance stands what must be an honor guard, two youthful-looking individuals in bleached-coral armor, carrying wickedly-serrated spears. One of them, a woman with hair braided into countless tiny plaits, all pulled into one queue at the nape of her neck, is deep in discussion with a robed figure, a tawny-haired man whose impressive-looking jewelery suggests he might be someone of high rank here. 

The unoccupied guard, similar enough in appearance to the woman that they might be related, spots you first, and waves you over.

[i]Hail, visitors. What brings you to the Temple of Poseidon?[/i]

The words occur to you like a thought, except you're well aware that it isn't your own, the 'sound' of it being something completely different. It leaves the impression of a light masculine tone, infused with easy friendliness, effortlessly matching the smile the young man wears. 

*fake_choice
	#It's immediately uncomfortable to communicate this way, but I suppose I have to get used to it.
		It's immediately uncomfortable to communicate this way, but you suppose you have to get used to it. The likelihood of telepathic people knowing sign language seems vanishingly small, and it isn't as though you can simply speak normally. 
		
		Oddly enough, when Charon replies, you hear that, as well. 
		
		[i]We've an audience with the king.[/i] 
		
		Their voice, too, somehow sounds in your head the way it would sound in your ears, albeit with a missing step. 
		
		You suppress a wince, focusing on the words instead of how they're conveyed. At least, as much as you're able to, in the circumstances. 
	#My eyes widen in realization. [i]You're telepathic? That's so convenient![/i]
		Your eyes widen in realization. [i]You're telepathic? That's so convenient![/i] Almost enough to make you envious. You do your best to think the words [i]at[/i] the man who'd spoken, but Charon's raised eyebrow suggests they heard as well. 
		
		[i]We… are,[/i] the guard replies, a little skeptically, but not with any annoyance. [i]It seems perhaps you are unaccustomed to this.[/i]
		
		[i]As you might expect,[/i] Charon replies, [i]we are visitors. We've an audience with the king.[/i]
		
		Their voice, too, somehow sounds in your head the way it would sound in your ears, albeit with a missing step. 
		
		Which only opens up [i]more[/i] questions, because ordinarily there shouldn't be any way for you to hear their thoughts, as neither of [i]you[/i] is telepathic. Perhaps the Atlanteans are capable of creating some kind of 'network' like Erebus?
	#I'm not sure how to respond. Will this man be able to read all my thoughts? Or any at all?
		You're not sure how to respond. Will this man be able to read all your thoughts? Or any at all? It's too distracting a question to manage a quick or even decently-timed answer to his question, and you know your uncertainty must be somehow obvious,
		*if (tag_uncharming)
			even given your usual lack of much expression,
		because Charon meets your eyes with what you think is an attempt at reassurance. 
		
		[i]We've an audience with the king.[/i] 
		
		Their voice, too, somehow sounds in your head the way it would sound in your ears, albeit with a missing step. 
		
		Maybe not every thought, then, because what they're saying sounds very intentionally broadcast. You feel yourself relax, just marginally. 			
*page_break
[i]Ah.[/i] The young guard bows his head apologetically. [i]You are expected, but it may be a while, yet. The king is currently dealing with other matters. Allow us to escort you to a waiting room.[/i]

[i]Damanios.[/i] The new 'voice' seems to belong to the other guard, from the way she orients towards you, approaching alongside the robed figure, who wears a slightly pinched expression as his eyes fall on the both of you. 

[i]Eirene, Paramonos.[/i] He dips his head to the latter. [i]These are the king's guests, for the audience he has today. I was going to take them to a waiting room.[/i]

Eirene considers you both with a tilted head, then nods. [i]Please, come this way. We'll bring refreshments.[/i]
*page_break
The 'waiting room' turns out to be a rather opulent chamber with a shell-mosaic floor and engraved stone walls depicting what you can only suppose are some of Poseidon's more notable deeds. Certainly there's a large one depicting a city falling into the ocean, the people being transformed halfway down to hit the water in forms quite like the three before you. 

Charon, understandably, avoids looking at it after a single glance, focusing their eyes instead on a relief depicting Poseidon, Zeus, and a figure in the background who [i]might[/i] be Hades, casting Kronos into a pit. Zeus holds a sword, though you don't think it corresponds with any weapon he actually keeps around him, because you have no idea what it might be. 

Perhaps just artistic license. 

The refreshments are largely fresh, raw fish and oysters.

The one called Paramonos still doesn't speak, merely regarding Charon with a wariness that makes you wonder if he knows something about why the two of you are here. Eirene, however, proves to be just as personable as Damanios, who is apparently her younger cousin rather than her brother. They're both quite talkative, and while you mainly end up fielding the conversation on Charon's behalf as well, he's not so distracted that he can't contribute at all. 

*fake_choice
	#[i]So what's it like, living here? I'm sure so many things are different that I can't even think of.[/i]
		[i]So what's it like, living here? I'm sure so many things are different that I can't even think of.[/i]
		
		Eirene raises a wry brow. [i]Well, I think an accounting of the differences would require just as much knowledge of the surface world as here,[/i] she points out. [i]And most of us don't get too close to that.[/i]
		
		[i]Ah. That's… reasonable.[/i] You're not sure why you thought they would have more knowledge of the surface. Ancestral stories, perhaps?
		
		Eirene grins. [i]Relax. I'm having you on—we know enough. I guess probably the biggest one difference is that we don't have fire down here. That means no cooking, no smithing, nothing like that. We do still occasionally get wood, but it's always scrap, and obviously we don't write on paper.[/i]
		
		The implications of those two things alone are indeed rather a lot to think through. 
	#[i]How exactly am I supposed to eat these? Are they safe?[/i]
		[i]How exactly am I supposed to eat these? Are they safe?[/i] You point to one of the oysters, as the fish have already bin filleted, and served alongside a bed of plant material you can [i]mostly[/i] identify but have never tried to eat before. 
		
		[i]Not the question I was expecting, but one I respect,[/i] Eirene says, flashing you a grin. Picking one up from the tray, she also takes up a small, knife, made of some type of sharpened stone, running it beneath the oyster's flesh, then setting it down. [i]Loosen it like that, then just…[/i] 
		
		She shrugs, bringing the shell to her mouth and tipping her head back, slurping down the fleshy part. Her jaw moves a few times, then she swallows. [i]And that's that. They're pretty delicious, if you ask me.[/i]
		
		[i]You have unique taste,[/i] her cousin observes. [i]I'd prefer fish any day.[/i] 
		
		Taking up one of the shellfish, you mimic her motions as well as you can. The oyster is salty, a bit slimy, and decidedly pungent, but it goes down easily enough. 
		
		[i]There you go,[/i] Eirene says with a faint sense of laughter. [i]You're already more of an Atlantean than this land-lover.[/i] She shoves lightly at the young man's shoulder, and he shakes her off with a crinkled nose. 
	#[i]How did you end up in the king's direct employ?[/i]
		[i]How did you end up in the king's direct employ?[/i] It seems like it must be a position of some distinction, as you doubt Poseidon would have it otherwise—most gods wouldn't. 
		
		The two cousins exchange a look, and Eirene shrugs. [i]I'm good with a spear,[/i] she replies. [i]This one joined because he heard the guards sometimes get to go near the shore, and he's one of those who gets all excited about anything related to humans and life on land.[/i]
		
		[i]Not anything,[/i] he protests. [i]Just some things. I think it would be fascinating to study them, that's all.[/i]
		
		[i]Right. As if the stories and records don't tell you everything you need to know.[/i] Eirene rolls her eyes, but it's fond. 
	#My silence is a bit awkward. It's not that I have no desire to know anything; I'm just not sure what to ask.
		Your silence is a bit awkward. It's not that you have no desire to know anything; you're just not sure what to ask. Your eyes fall to the spread of food, catching on the oysters. You've never actually seen one before, but then that could be said for a lot of the things down here, apparently. 
		
		[i]Never eaten one?[/i] Eirene asks. [i]You should definitely try it at least once. Here.[/i] Picking one up from the tray, she also takes up a small, knife, made of some type of sharpened stone, running it beneath the oyster's flesh, then setting it down. [i]Loosen it like that, then just…[/i] 
		
		She shrugs, bringing the shell to her mouth and tipping her head back, slurping down the fleshy part. Her jaw moves a few times, then she swallows. [i]And that's that. They're pretty delicious, if you ask me.[/i]
		
		[i]You have unique taste,[/i] her cousin observes. [i]I'd prefer fish any day.[/i] 
		
		Taking up one of the shellfish, you mimic her motions as well as you can. The oyster is salty, a bit slimy, and decidedly pungent, but it goes down easily enough. 
		
		[i]There you go,[/i] Eirene says with a faint sense of laughter. [i]You're already more of an Atlantean than this land-lover.[/i] She shoves lightly at the young man's shoulder, and he shakes her off with a crinkled nose. 
*page_break
[i]Well, what's it like where you're from?[/i] Damanios asks, shifting forward slightly in the water to regard you with obvious curiosity. [i]You're live in the Underworld, right? We can feel it in your magic.[/i]

Charon's eyes flicker briefly to you, his expression becoming apologetic. 

*fake_choice
	#But there's no need for that. Our magic is merged, and if that makes me obviously Chthonic, I can't say I mind.
		But there's no need for that. Your magic is merged, and if that makes you obviously Chthonic, you can't say you mind. 
		
		You do your best to describe how life in the Underworld differs from life on the surface, and the three listen intently, Damanois asking rather a lot of questions. Eirene's interest seems to be more polite, and you can't get a read on Paramonos. 
		
		*if (reserved > forthright)
			But having at least one person actively engaged with you makes it easier to know where to go with the explanation, so in spite of your usual reserve you can keep things flowing smoothly enough. 
		*if not (reserved > forthright)
			But having at least one person actively engaged with you makes the conversation easy. You don't typically have too much trouble carrying them anyway, given your forthright tendency to just say what you're thinking, and in this case it keeps things flowing smoothly. 
	#I suppress a wince. That would be our merged magic, because I don't think it would otherwise be obvious. It's not ideal, but the Underworld [i]is[/i] my home, so it's not like the question is misplaced. 
		You suppress a wince. That would be your merged magic, because you don't think it would otherwise be obvious. It's not ideal, but the Underworld [i]is[/i] your home, so it's not like the question is misplaced. 
		
		So you do your best to describe how life in the Underworld differs from life on the surface, and the three listen intently, Damanois asking rather a lot of questions. Eirene's interest seems to be more polite, and you can't get a read on Paramonos. 
		
		*if (reserved > forthright)
			But having at least one person actively engaged with you makes it easier to know where to go with the explanation, so in spite of your usual reserve you can keep things flowing smoothly enough. 
		*if not (reserved > forthright)
			But having at least one person actively engaged with you makes the conversation easy. You don't typically have too much trouble carrying them anyway, given your forthright tendency to just say what you're thinking, and in this case it keeps things flowing smoothly. 
	*if (chose = "olympusmostly")
		#My jaw tightens reflexively. I consider Olympus my home, so to be so detectably 'of the Underworld' is hardly pleasant.
			Your jaw tightens reflexively. You consider Olympus your home, so to be so detectably 'of the Underworld' is hardly pleasant.
			
			But it's not the type of thing to correct a stranger about so, albeit with little enthusiasm, you do your best to describe how life in the Underworld differs from life on the surface. The three listen intently, Damanois asking rather a lot of questions. Eirene's interest seems to be more polite, and you can't get a read on Paramonos. 
		
			*if (reserved > forthright)
				But having at least one person actively engaged with you makes it easier to know where to go with the explanation, so in spite of your usual reserve you can keep things flowing smoothly enough. 
			*if not (reserved > forthright)
				But having at least one person actively engaged with you makes the conversation easy. You don't typically have too much trouble carrying them anyway, given your forthright tendency to just say what you're thinking, and in this case it keeps things flowing smoothly. 
	*if ((tag_learned) or (chthonicknowledge > 0))
		#@{convotoggle [❋]|} I'm not fussed about that, though. More importantly, this is an excellent question, and I have the knowledge to provide both depth and nuance on the topic!
			You're not fussed about that, though. More importantly, this is an excellent question, and you have the knowledge to provide both depth and nuance on the topic!
			
			You do your best to provide both in describing how life in the Underworld differs from life on the surface, and the three listen intently. Damanois asks rather a lot of questions, which you are more than happy to answer. Eirene's interest seems to be more polite, and you can't get a read on Paramonos. 
		
			*if (reserved > forthright)
				But having at least one person actively engaged with you makes it easier to know where to go with the explanation, so in spite of your usual reserve you can keep things flowing smoothly enough. 
			*if not (reserved > forthright)
				But having at least one person actively engaged with you makes the conversation easy. You don't typically have too much trouble carrying them anyway, given your forthright tendency to just say what you're thinking, and in this case it keeps things flowing smoothly. 
*page_break
[i]I apologize for cutting this short,[/i] Paramonos says, speaking for the first time and not sounding apologetic so much as uncomfortable, [i]but the king is ready to see you, now. Please come this way.[/i]

Your three-person escort leads you around a corner, back to the temple's grand entrance, and then straight forward to the massive, gem-encrusted double doors that sit at its end. Damanios and Eirene push open one each with some effort, revealing the large, vaulted throne chamber beyond. 

Every surface is covered in color, be it paint or glass or mosaic, and each depicts a scene of sea life, sailing, fishing, or Atlanteans luring ships to their doom. 
*if (tag_learned)
	[i]Sirens[/i]. You'd wondered if perhaps there was a connection, but sirens are described in so many ways you'd always suspected the word must capture several distinct groups of people. Perhaps these servants of Poseidon are one such group. 
*if not (tag_learned)
	You'd thought it was sirens who did that, but maybe there's a connection you're missing. 

Still more of the art depicts Poseidon himself, in many guises: humanoid, animal, and… Atlantean. 

The version who sits upon the throne does so with a large shark's tail drifting slightly in front of him, long enough to almost begin descending the steps of his dais. His powerfully-built upper half is decorated with precious metals, gems, and coral alike, but no fabric, and his thick, dark brown hair and beard both float in the water around him, managing somehow not to obscure rather intense blue-green eyes. 

His eyes fall on you, both brows lifting towards his hairline. [i]I was expecting Charon,[/i] he observes, and even at what you think is a modulated tone, his voice is [i]loud[/i] in your head, filling every corner until it's all you can focus on when he speaks. [i]But not you, young ${name}. What is the consort of my feckless brother doing here?[/i]

*fake_choice
	#[i]Accompanying a friend,[/i] I reply, simply but steadily.
		*set forthright +1
		*set confident +1
		[i]Accompanying a friend,[/i] I reply, simply but steadily. 
		*if (marriage_choice = "annulled")
			It appears Poseidon doesn't yet know that your marriage has been annulled, but that's the least of your concerns, presently.
		*if not (marriage_choice = "annulled")
			It appears Poseidon interprets your marital status as something more substantial than it really is, but if it protects you or Charon here, or offers you even a little extra credibility, then good.
		
		[i]Is that so?[/i] You can't help but flinch, this time, at the almost physical impact of the words in your head. 
		
		[i]With respect, Your Majesty,[/i] Charon says, bowing properly, [i]we would appreciate it if you would perhaps lower your 'voice.' ${name} is unaccustomed to this method of communication, meaning the strength of your telepathy is having something of the opposite effect.[/i]
	#I wince at the mental intrusion, but manage to find an answer. [i]I'm just... here to help.[/i]
		*set forthright +1
		*set unsure +1
		You wince at the mental intrusion, but manage to find an answer. [i]I'm just... here to help.[/i] 		
		*if (marriage_choice = "annulled")
			It appears Poseidon doesn't yet know that your marriage has been annulled, but that's the least of your concerns, presently.
		*if not (marriage_choice = "annulled")
			It appears Poseidon interprets your marital status as something more substantial than it really is, but if it protects you or Charon here, or offers you even a little extra credibility, then good.
		
		[i]Is that so?[/i] You can't help but flinch, again, at the almost physical impact of the words in your head. 
		
		[i]With respect, Your Majesty,[/i] Charon says, bowing properly, [i]we would appreciate it if you would perhaps lower your 'voice.' ${name} is unaccustomed to this method of communication, meaning the strength of your telepathy is having something of the opposite effect.[/i]
	#I don't particularly care to speak here, but [i]some[/i] answer is needed. [i]Consider me an attaché.[/i]
		*set reserved +1
		*set confident +1
		You don't particularly care to speak here, but [i]some[/i] answer is needed. [i]Consider me an attaché.[/i]
		*if (marriage_choice = "annulled")
			It appears Poseidon doesn't yet know that your marriage has been annulled, but that's the least of your concerns, presently.
		*if not (marriage_choice = "annulled")
			It appears Poseidon interprets your marital status as something more substantial than it really is, but if it protects you or Charon here, or offers you even a little extra credibility, then good.
		
		[i]Is that so?[/i] You can't help but flinch, this time, at the almost physical impact of the words in your head. 
		
		[i]With respect, Your Majesty,[/i] Charon says, bowing properly, [i]we would appreciate it if you would perhaps lower your 'voice.' ${name} is unaccustomed to this method of communication, meaning the strength of your telepathy is having something of the opposite effect.[/i]
	#I know I should answer, but I just can't bring myself to say anything. Being in this god's presence is difficult enough.
		*set reserved +1
		*set unsure +1
		You know you should answer, but you just can't bring yourself to say anything. Being in this god's presence is difficult enough.
		*if (marriage_choice = "annulled")
			It appears Poseidon doesn't yet know that your marriage has been annulled, but that's the least of your concerns, presently.
		*if not (marriage_choice = "annulled")
			It appears Poseidon interprets your marital status as something more substantial than it really is, but if it protects you or Charon here, or offers you even a little extra credibility, then good. Maybe you can help in that way, if not with your words.
		
		[i]Is that so?[/i] You can't help but flinch, this time, at the almost physical impact of the words in your head. 
		
		[i]With respect, Your Majesty,[/i] Charon says, bowing properly, [i]we would appreciate it if you would perhaps lower your 'voice.' ${name} is unaccustomed to this method of communication, meaning the strength of your telepathy is having something of the opposite effect.[/i]
*page_break
Poseidon doesn't reply to the request. Instead, he falls silent, reaching up to run forefinger and thumb over his beard, pinching his chin between them and then dragging slowly downwards. It lets you see more of his face, which you must admit bears some small resemblance to both Hades and Zeus; certainly more than either of them look like each other. 

[i]So, then.[/i] He's still incredibly loud in your head, but less so than a moment ago, suggesting that he [i]is[/i] making some attempt at modulation. [i]You went to the trouble of trying to circumvent your exile to come here, bloodletter. I am curious to know why.[/i]

Charon visibly takes in a breath, showing no reaction to the term they have been described with. 

[i]I have come to seek your permission to move freely through Atlantis,[/i] they reply, even the mental version of their tone a little bit off, somehow. 

Poseidon's brows shoot up. [i]Surely you must understand that such a thing would be very irregular,[/i] he says. [i]particularly if your identity became widely known. Why do you deserve such a concession from me?[/i]

[i]I don't,[/i] Charon replies, and [i]that[/i] has the steely ring of certainty to it. [i]But I am asking nonetheless. Without access to Atlantis, I cannot properly atone for what I've done.[/i]

[i]Atone?[/i] Poseidon's eyes round, and then he throws back his head and laughs, the sound echoing in your head with such prominence that you half-fear your skull will split with the force of it. 

By the time it subsides, you can see defeat beginning to creep into Charon's posture. 

*fake_choice
	#@{convotoggle [✘]|} [i]Stop laughing—he's serious and should be taken seriously.[/i]
		*set confident +1
		*set cold +1
		[i]Stop laughing—he's serious and should be taken seriously.[/i] Cold anger seeps into in your chest—how dare this god laugh at him? What gives anyone the right, when he's so sincere in his desire? Even if it doesn't go well, no one should ridicule him for wanting to try! 
		
		Poseidon's laughter dies down, but you have to wonder how much that really has to do with you. Indeed, the king of the seas heaves a mental 'sigh,' tilting his head and settling his hands on the armrests of his coral throne. 
		
		[i]Do you really think they'll forgive you?[/i] he asks bluntly. [i]Because I don't, and I doubt you'll enjoy trying to convince them otherwise.[/i] 
		
		[i]I am not here to enjoy myself.[/i] Charon glances towards you, a faint smile touching their mouth for just a moment. [i]This is, as ${name} said, a serious matter, and I expect it to be somewhere between difficult and impossible. All I ask from you is the ability to visit here to make my attempts. Nothing more, and nothing less.[/i]
	#[i]What exactly is so funny here? Don't you think your people deserve a chance to decide what to make of this?[/i]
		*set confident +1
		*set warm +1
		[i]What exactly is so funny here? Don't you think your people deserve a chance to decide what to make of this?[/i] A spike of hot anger sears your chest, but it subsides quickly, leaving only determination behind. Charon wants this, and you think they deserve the opportunity to attempt it. 
		
		Poseidon's laughter dies down, but you have to wonder how much that really has to do with you. Indeed, the king of the seas heaves a mental 'sigh,' tilting his head and settling his hands on the armrests of his coral throne. 
		
		[i]Do you really think they'll forgive you?[/i] he asks bluntly. [i]Because I don't, and I doubt you'll enjoy trying to convince them otherwise.[/i] 
		
		[i]I am not here to enjoy myself.[/i] Charon glances towards you, a faint smile touching their mouth for just a moment. [i]This is, as ${name} said, a chance, and I expect it to be somewhere between difficult and impossible. All I ask from you is the ability to visit here to make my attempts. Nothing more, and nothing less.[/i]
	#I wish I could say something to make him stop this nonsense, but I don't have the first clue how.
		*set unsure +1
		*set cold +1
		You wish you could say something to make him stop this nonsense, but you don't have the first clue how. There's a cold feeling in your chest—an anger—but without an outlet in easy reach, it dissipates, leaving you only dully disappointed in your own lack of contribution. 
		
		Charon simply waits him out, and Poseidon's laughter does, eventually, die down. The king heaves a mental 'sigh,' tilting his head and settling his hands on the armrests of his coral throne. 
		
		[i]Do you really think they'll forgive you?[/i] he asks bluntly. [i]Because I don't, and I doubt you'll enjoy trying to convince them otherwise.[/i] 
		
		[i]I am not here to enjoy myself.[/i] Charon glances towards you, but then quickly once more to the enthroned god. [i]This is a serious matter, and I expect it to be somewhere between difficult and impossible. All I ask from you is the ability to visit here to make my attempts. Nothing more, and nothing less.[/i]
	#[i]That's not—not funny.[/i] My heart aches for Charon, but I don't think I'm helping.
		*set unsure +1
		*set warm +1
		[i]That's not—not funny.[/i] Your heart aches for Charon, but you don't think you're helping. There's a little anger there, too, for Poseidon's dismissiveness, but it dies quickly in your chest.
		
		Charon simply waits him out, and Poseidon's laughter does, eventually, die down. The king heaves a mental 'sigh,' tilting his head and settling his hands on the armrests of his coral throne. 
		
		[i]Do you really think they'll forgive you?[/i] he asks bluntly. [i]Because I don't, and I doubt you'll enjoy trying to convince them otherwise.[/i] 
		
		[i]I am not here to enjoy myself.[/i] Charon glances towards you, but then quickly once more to the enthroned god. [i]This is a serious matter, and I expect it to be somewhere between difficult and impossible. All I ask from you is the ability to visit here to make my attempts. Nothing more, and nothing less.[/i]
*page_break
[i]It's not so little as you seem to think it to be,[/i] Poseidon replies cryptically, [i]but if you insist, I suppose I can allow it.[/i] he rests his chin in one fist, elbow still propped on the armrest. [i]Besides, it should be interesting to watch you try to atone for the destruction of an entire city and its way of life. Let me know if you ever feel like you've managed it.[/i] 

His tone carries an edge of derision, but Charon doesn't rise to their own defense, instead simply bowing their head politely. 

[i]I thank you,[/i] they reply calmly. [i]And in that case, I will return soon.[/i]

[i]Oh? You're leaving already?[/i] 

[i]Today, I sought only permission. figuring out how to do right by the people of Atlantis is not something I can do in one visit, regardless.[/i] 

[i]Well, at least you know that much, I suppose.[/i] Poseidon waves a hand, and the both of you take it for the dismissal it obviously is. 

Charon pushes his way back through the grand double doors—only for the tip of a spear to come quickly for his chest. 

He lets go of one of the doors, hand snapping up to catch the spear just beneath the head, holding it in place. A small amount of blue-black blood billows into the water like ink—the spear managed to cut slightly through his tunic and perhaps half an inch into the skin over his chest.

He blinks slowly, shoulders falling, as you both come face to face with Paramonos, Damianos, and Eirene, the last of whom is holding the other end of the spear, lips pulled into a snarl. 

[i]You! You were the one who did this! You slaughtered our ancestors, and for what? They [b]worshipped[/b] you![/i]

*fake_choice
	#[i]Wait, stop, please. This doesn't have to come to violence![/i] I intercede between Charon and the three of them.
		*set selfless +1
		*set charon_stoodintheway true
		[i]Wait, stop, please. This doesn't have to come to violence![/i] You intercede between Charon and the three of them, physically placing yourself in the way as best you can. 
		
		[i]Doesn't have to—were you not paying attention? This was [b]born[/b] of violence. [b]His[/b] violence![/i] Eirene's hands shake slightly where she holds the spear, but she doesn't appear to be actively trying to wrest it from Charon's grip. Only to maintain her own. 
		
		[i]Eirene.[/i] Damanios sets a hand on her shoulder. [i]${name} is right. You heard the same thing I did. They're here to make it up to us. Maybe they can do that, maybe they can't, but we should give them a chance.[/i]
		
		[i]Furthermore,[/i] Paramonos cuts in, stopping whatever enraged response Eirene had been about to give to that, [i]what exactly do you believe you will accomplish here? You cannot slay the Ferryman of the Underworld. They're a god.[/i]
		
		[i]You![/i] Pulling the spear away from Charon, she rounds on Paramonos, but doesn't go so far as to point it at him. [i]You [b]knew[/b]. You let me make polite conversation with this bastard, and for what? To watch my face when I found out the truth?[/i] 
		
		Paramonos sighs, and shakes his head. [i]Of course not. But that is not a question to resolve here and now. Ferryman, Consort, please be on your way.[/i]
	#[i]You don't have the full explanation![/i] I'm emphatic, but I also keep my distance, unsure what any of them plan to do. 
		*set selfcaring +1
		[i]You don't have the full explanation![/i] You're emphatic, but you also keep your distance, unsure what any of them plan to do. 
		
		[i]We have enough! Weren't you paying attention? [b]He[/b] slaughtered our ancestors, and cast our city into the sea! How much 'nuance' do you need before your head becomes poisoned with little 'but thises' and 'how about thats'?[/i] Eirene's hands shake slightly where she holds the spear, but she doesn't appear to be actively trying to wrest it from Charon's grip. Only to maintain her own. 
		
		[i]Eirene.[/i] Damanios sets a hand on her shoulder. [i]Don't do this. You heard the same thing I did. They're here to make it up to us. Maybe they can do that, maybe they can't, but we should give them a chance.[/i]
		
		[i]Furthermore,[/i] Paramonos cuts in, stopping whatever enraged response Eirene had been about to give to that, [i]what exactly do you believe you will accomplish here? You cannot slay the Ferryman of the Underworld. They're a god.[/i]
		
		[i]You![/i] Pulling the spear away from Charon, she rounds on Paramonos, but doesn't go so far as to point it at him. [i]You [b]knew[/b]. You let me make polite conversation with this bastard, and for what? To watch my face when I found out the truth?[/i] 
		
		Paramonos sighs, and shakes his head. [i]Of course not. But that is not a question to resolve here and now. Ferryman, Consort, please be on your way.[/i]
	#[i]That's enough. Don't force this to blows. You won't like the result.[/i] My body is already preparing for a fight, ready to defend Charon by whatever means necessary.
		*set selfless +1
		[i]That's enough. Don't force this to blows. You won't like the result.[/i] You body is already preparing for a fight, ready to defend Charon by whatever means necessary.
		
		[i]Won't like the—you fool. How could I hate anything more than failing to do anything when this murderer is right in front of my face. Do you even understand what he's [b]done[/b], or does one little civilization matter so little to you that you don't care?[/i] Eirene's hands shake slightly where she holds the spear, but she doesn't appear to be actively trying to wrest it from Charon's grip. Only to maintain her own. 
		
		[i]Eirene.[/i] Damanios sets a hand on her shoulder. [i]Don't do this. You heard the same thing I did. They're here to make it up to us. Maybe they can do that, maybe they can't, but we should give them a chance.[/i]
		
		[i]Furthermore,[/i] Paramonos cuts in, stopping whatever enraged response Eirene had been about to give to that, [i]what exactly do you believe you will accomplish here? You cannot slay the Ferryman of the Underworld. They're a god.[/i] It's essentially your point, albeit delivered in a very different tone.
		
		[i]You![/i] Pulling the spear away from Charon, she rounds on Paramonos, but doesn't go so far as to point it at him. [i]You [b]knew[/b]. You let me make polite conversation with this bastard, and for what? To watch my face when I found out the truth?[/i] 
		
		Paramonos sighs, and shakes his head. [i]Of course not. But that is not a question to resolve here and now. Ferryman, Consort, please be on your way.[/i]
	#[i]If you know who they were, then you know this is foolish.[/i] I frown at her, shifting slightly back in case she's provoked by the words.
		*set selfcaring +1
		[i]If you know who they were, then you know this is foolish.[/i] You frown at her, shifting slightly back in case she's provoked by the words.
		
		[i]Foolish? [b]I'm[/b] the fool? You run about with this [b]murderer[/b] as though he'd guilty of nothing! Or is that what we are to you? Nothing.[/i] Eirene's hands shake slightly where she holds the spear, but she doesn't appear to be actively trying to wrest it from Charon's grip. Only to maintain her own. 
		
		[i]Eirene.[/i] Damanios sets a hand on her shoulder. [i]Don't do this. You heard the same thing I did. They're here to make it up to us. Maybe they can do that, maybe they can't, but we should give them a chance.[/i]
		
		[i]Furthermore,[/i] Paramonos cuts in, stopping whatever enraged response Eirene had been about to give to that, [i]what exactly do you believe you will accomplish here? You cannot slay the Ferryman of the Underworld. They're a god.[/i] It's exactly your point, albeit delivered in a very different tone.
		
		[i]You![/i] Pulling the spear away from Charon, she rounds on Paramonos, but doesn't go so far as to point it at him. [i]You [b]knew[/b]. You let me make polite conversation with this bastard, and for what? To watch my face when I found out the truth?[/i] 
		
		Paramonos sighs, and shakes his head. [i]Of course not. But that is not a question to resolve here and now. Ferryman, Consort, please be on your way.[/i]
*page_break
The standoff temporarily eased, Charon lowers his head. 

[i]I am sorry,[/i] he says, apparently aiming the words mostly at Eirene, [i]but your anger alone will not dissuade me. I will take care not to bother you when next I visit. Fate be kind to you.[/i] 

He glances once in your direction, and the two of you begin to make your way out of Atlantis,

You've been swimming for quite some time, enough to be free of the boundaries of the city, when he speaks again, reverting to signs. 

*if (tag_signs)
	[i]I did not expect Poseidon to fail to conceal our conversation from those in range. I can only suppose it was deliberate, though I know not to what end.[/i] 
*if not (tag_signs)
	[i]I did not expect—to fail to—our conversation from those in—. I can only—it was deliberate, though I know not to what end.[/i] 
	
	You think you get the general gist, mostly because it had just occurred to you, as well. The three of them had to have been able to 'hear' you speaking with Poseidon, which means he himself must have allowed it.

*fake_choice
	#[i]I don't know, but he's Zeus's brother. Maybe he didn't need a reason.[/i]
		[i]I don't know, but he's Zeus's brother. Maybe he didn't need a reason.[/i] It's quite possible vindictiveness runs in the family, considering Kronos. 
		
		*if (tag_signs)
			Your signs are a bit sharp, perhaps, but Charon seems to read them easily enough.
			
			[i]That would certainly be the easiest answer,[/i] they reply, their own motions slower, more deliberate. [i]But I wonder about it. I would not put Poseidon above such assertions of power as his brother makes, but with either of them, it is typically to a purpose. I see little purpose, here.[/i]
		*if not (tag_signs)
			You struggle a bit with the signs, and Charon frowns as they try to parse them, but they seem to get the gist, at least. 
			
			[i]That would—be the easiest answer,[/i] they reply, their own motions slower, more deliberate. [i]But I wonder about it. I would not put Poseidon above such—as his brother makes, but with either of them, it is—to a purpose. I see little purpose, here.[/i]
		
		He shakes his head.
	#[i]The only thing it achieved is making things more difficult for you. The news will have spread by next time.[/i]
		[i]The only thing it achieved is making things more difficult for you. The news will have spread by next time.[/i]
		
		*if (tag_signs)
			Your signs are a bit sharp, perhaps, but Charon seems to read them easily enough.
			
			[i]I'm not sure if that is all it achieved, but it is certainly the obvious result.[/i] They pause, then shake their head.
		*if not (tag_signs)
			You struggle a bit with the signs, and Charon frowns as they try to parse them, but they seem to get the gist, at least. 
			
			[i]I'm not sure if that is all it—, but it is certainly the—result.[/i] They pause, then shake their head.
	#[i]Perhaps he sees this as a threat to his power, somehow?[/i]
		[i]Perhaps he sees this as a threat to his power, somehow?[/i] You're not sure how, or why this would be what he chose to do about it, but you do know that such a thing would most likely make Poseidon react in [i]some[/i] unpleasant way, and that's what happened, in a loose sense. 
		
		*if (tag_signs)
			Your signs are a bit hesitant, perhaps, but Charon seems to read them easily enough.
			
			[i]I cannot think of how,[/i] they point out. [i]It is not as though I have the intention of trying to reclaim the realm for my own. Even if the people could forgive me that far, which I doubt, I never want to rule anyone again. He must know that.[/i]
		*if not (tag_signs)
			You struggle a bit with the signs, and Charon frowns as they try to parse them, but they seem to get the gist, at least. 
			
			[i]I cannot think of how,[/i] they point out. [i]It is not as though I have the—trying to reclaim the realm for my own. Even if the people could forgive me that far— I never want to—again. He must know that.[/i]
		
		He shakes his head, uncertain.
	#[i]Well... he didn't seem too optimistic about your chances. Maybe he's trying to get you to think the same.[/i]
		[i]Well... he didn't seem too optimistic about your chances. Maybe he's trying to get you to think the same.[/i] That's your best guess; it seems an unkind thing to do, but admittedly it's something that doesn't [i]assume[/i] malice, unlike most of the other options you can think of, so you make it your first guess. 
		
		*if (tag_signs)
			Your signs are a bit hesitant, perhaps, but Charon seems to read them easily enough.
			
			[i]Perhaps,[/i] they concede, [i]but to that end? I already know my chances are next to nothing. The logical conclusion is that he wanted to prevent me from trying, with such a method, but why? It doesn't harm him, whether I succeed or fail.[/i] 
			
		*if not (tag_signs)
			You struggle a bit with the signs, and Charon frowns as they try to parse them, but they seem to get the gist, at least. 
			
			[i]Perhaps,[/i] they concede, [i]but to that end? I already know—next to nothing. The logical—wanted to prevent me from trying—but why? It doesn't harm him—I succeed or fail.[/i] 
		
		He shakes his head, uncertain.
*page_break
*if (tag_signs)
	[i]Whatever his aim, he should have tried harder, if he truly wanted me to stop. Though… that doesn't feel quite right. He could have just denied me—[/i] He pauses, looking at you thoughtfully. [i]Actually, perhaps he couldn't have. Your presence may have been what made the difference. He may not [b]like[/b] Hades, but perceiving his authority to be behind the request would have made it difficult to refuse.[/i]
*if not (tag_signs)
	[i]Whatever his aim, he should have—if he truly wanted me to stop. Though… that doesn't feel—right. He could have just—[/i] He pauses, looking at you thoughtfully. [i]Actually, perhaps he couldn't have. He may not [b]like[/b] Hades, but—his—to be behind the request would have made it difficult to refuse.[/i] 

*fake_choice
	*if (marriage_choice = "annulled")
		#[i]Well, it's true that he didn't seem to know we were no longer married, so maybe that's it.[/i]
			[i]Well, it's true that he didn't seem to know we were no longer married, so maybe that's it.[/i] You can't help but shrug. All things considered, that might have turned out to be a considerable asset, if it got Charon what they needed in this instance. You're not going to complain about it, even if it's factually inaccurate. 
			
			*if (tag_signs)
				[i]It's certainly not why I asked you to come with me,[/i] Charon says, giving you a weary look. [i]But I appreciate that you didn't correct him on the spot. Thank you.[/i] 
			*if not (tag_signs)
				[i]It's certainly not why I asked you to—,[/i] Charon says, giving you a weary look. [i]But I—you didn't correct him—. Thank you.[/i] 
			
			*if (forthright > reserved)
				[i]You're very welcome.[/i]
			*if not (forthright > reserved)
				You nod slowly.
			
			The conversation falls into a lull after that, and you let it. Charon has plenty of things to think about, and you can definitely provide them with the space to begin, even if physically you remain quite near. 
	*if (marriage_choice != "annulled")
		#[i]Well, we're technically still married, so maybe that's it.[/i]
			[i]Well, we're technically still married, so maybe that's it.[/i] You can't help but shrug. All things considered, that might have turned out to be a considerable asset, if it got Charon what they needed in this instance. You'd anticipated that choosing not to annul the marriage would protect [i]you[/i], but you aren't going to complain if it also protects the people you care about.
			
			*if (tag_signs)
				[i]It's certainly not why I asked you to come with me,[/i] Charon says, giving you a weary look. [i]But I appreciate that it had that effect. Thank you.[/i] 
			*if not (tag_signs)
				[i]It's certainly not why I asked you to—,[/i] Charon says, giving you a weary look. [i]But I—it had that effect—. Thank you.[/i] 
			
			*if (forthright > reserved)
				[i]There's nothing to thank me for.[/i]
			*if not (forthright > reserved)
				You shake your head slowly. It's not really anything you did, after all.
			
			The conversation falls into a lull after that, and you let it. Charon has plenty of things to think about, and you can definitely provide them with the space to begin, even if physically you remain quite near. 
	#[i]But I got the impression Hades's brothers don't much respect him.[/i]
		[i]But I got the impression Hades's brothers don't much respect him.[/i] Zeus openly mocks him, and nothing anyone has ever said gives you the impression that his relationship with Poseidon is any different. 
		
		*if (tag_signs)
			[i]It's complicated,[/i] Charon replies. [i]On the surface, no, they don't. But… do you know how some people confront their fears with mockery and derision? It's… something like that. And so, they say whatever they please, and push him as far as they believe they can, because they know his instinct is to keep the peace rather than risk another Titanomachy. But when he speaks, they must also listen.[/i]
		*if not (tag_signs)
			[i]It's complicated,[/i] Charon replies. [i]On the surface, no, they don't. But… do you know how some people confront their fears with mockery—? It's… something like that. And so, they say—, and push him as far as—, because they know his—keep the peace rather than—. But when he speaks, they must also listen.[/i]
		
		They sigh. [i]And for that reason, your presence may have had more weight than it normally would with him.[/i] 
		
		*if (marriage_choice = "annulled")
			*if (tag_signs)
				[i]It's certainly not why I asked you to come with me,[/i] they add, giving you a weary look. [i]But I appreciate that you didn't correct him on the spot. Thank you.[/i] 
			*if not (tag_signs)
				[i]It's certainly not why I asked you to—,[/i] they add, giving you a weary look. [i]But I—you didn't correct him—. Thank you.[/i] 
			
			*if (forthright > reserved)
				[i]You're very welcome.[/i]
			*if not (forthright > reserved)
				You nod slowly.
		*if (marriage_choice != "annulled")
			*if (tag_signs)
				[i]It's certainly not why I asked you to come with me,[/i] they adds, giving you a weary look. [i]But I appreciate that it had that effect. Thank you.[/i] 
			*if not (tag_signs)
				[i]It's certainly not why I asked you to—,[/i] they add, giving you a weary look. [i]But I—it had that effect—. Thank you.[/i] 
			
			*if (forthright > reserved)
				[i]There's nothing to thank me for.[/i]
			*if not (forthright > reserved)
				You shake your head slowly. It's not really anything you did, after all.
			
		The conversation falls into a lull after that, and you let it. Charon has plenty of things to think about, and you can definitely provide them with the space to begin, even if physically you remain quite near. 
	#[i]I'm not sure if that's it, but if it is, then I'm glad it helped.[/i]
		[i]I'm not sure if that's it, but if it is, then I'm glad it helped.[/i] 
		*if (marriage_choice = "annulled")
			You suppose you could sort of see it, if you assume Hades's opinion would have had any weight with his brother. It doesn't seem like the safest assumption, considering his [i]other[/i] brother, but… maybe. You're not going to complain about it if it did, even if Poseidon's assumption was factually inaccurate. 
			
			*if (tag_signs)
				[i]I think it is. It's certainly not why I asked you to come with me,[/i] Charon says, giving you a weary look. [i]But I appreciate that you didn't correct him on the spot. Thank you.[/i] 
			*if not (tag_signs)
				[i]I think it is. It's certainly not why I asked you to—,[/i] Charon says, giving you a weary look. [i]But I—you didn't correct him—. Thank you.[/i] 
			
			*if (forthright > reserved)
				[i]You're very welcome.[/i]
			*if not (forthright > reserved)
				You nod slowly.
		*if (marriage_choice != "annulled")
			You suppose you could sort of see it, if you assume Hades's opinion has any weight with his brother. It doesn't seem like the safest assumption, considering his [i]other[/i] brother, but… maybe. You'd anticipated that choosing not to annul the marriage would protect [i]you[/i], but you aren't going to complain if it also protects the people you care about.
			
			*if (tag_signs)
				[i]I think it is. It's certainly not why I asked you to come with me,[/i] Charon says, giving you a weary look. [i]But I appreciate that it had that effect. Thank you.[/i] 
			*if not (tag_signs)
				[i]I think it is It's certainly not why I asked you to—,[/i] Charon says, giving you a weary look. [i]But I—it had that effect—. Thank you.[/i] 
			
			*if (forthright > reserved)
				[i]There's nothing to thank me for.[/i]
			*if not (forthright > reserved)
				You shake your head slowly. It's not really anything you did, after all.
			
		The conversation falls into a lull after that, and you let it. Charon has plenty of things to think about, and you can definitely provide them with the space to begin, even if physically you remain quite near. 
*page_break
Several hours later, when you have returned to the shore, and then the Underworld, you are surprised to find 
*if (erebus = 1)
	that Erebus is seeking your attention.
*if (erebus = 0)
	a note tacked to your door. 

[i]${name}—[/i]

[i]Atropos says 'you will want to hear what we have to say.' Meet us upon your return, at your convenience. We'll be expecting you.[/i] 

*if (erebus = 0)
	[i]-Klotho[/i]
*if (erebus = 1)
	[i]This is Klotho, by the way. I'm terrible at this magic, but hopefully you get the message. Maybe I should have tried a note? Oh, um, message ends, Erebus, thank you, dear.[/i] 
	
	It seems to have been pre-recorded, if perhaps not the most skilfully. 

"It seems the Moirae wish to speak," Charon observes, pressing their lips together. "It would be prudent to heed them, but you must already know that." 

They pull in a deep breath, eyes slightly unfocused. "Of course, if you need to talk afterwards, feel free to come find me. Otherwise… I'll be around." 

Inclining their head towards you, they depart.
*goto amessage

*label tartarus
The wilder parts of the Underworld are something you seldom get to see. 

You'd been warned about their danger, in the early part of your stay here, and while this particular route is one you've partially trekked before, things were so frantic at the time that it might as well be completely new to your eyes. The landscape is dark, of course, but not so dark that you can't see anything, and rolling, craggy hills dominate here, many of them rock studded or cutting off halfway to expose sheer stone faces. 

The grasses are scrubby, and you detect almost no life, except, of course, for the one that burns brightly beside you. 

Alekto walks beside you at a brisk march, albeit one adjusted readily enough to your own stride. She's worn rather more armor than you're used to seeing her in, today, but then you suppose that makes sense. She's meant to be taking you to inspect the new version of Tartarus, after all, now finally properly rebuilt after the breakout of the Giants and the Daughter of Echidna several months ago. 

"Normally, we would need to be alert for monsters," she observes, staring straight ahead for a moment before turning her attention to you. "But it seems that for now at least, all the activity along this route has driven them elsewhere."

*fake_choice
	#"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
		"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Certainly it makes this trip less potentially perilous, but wouldn't it be a bad thing if they wound up somewhere more populated, for instance?
		
		"It's neither," Alekto replies. "The areas of the Underworld where people are are protected, and carefully watched, and other than that, we tend to just let the monsters move about and lair as they will. Many of them are essentially just wild animals, after all. They might be here because the other gods didn't want them in places they deal with, but they're still worthy of respect." 
		
		You suppose that's fair enough, then. As long as the populated places are protected, it sounds like they wouldn't do any harm. But you're reminded of the Orpheus and Eurydice incident, when Cetus was right there to threaten them, and frown slightly. 
		
		"That might work… until Fate decides they really do need to be near enough to hurt people."
		
		Alekto considers this a moment, then nods. "Until then. But nothing we could do would prevent that, anyway. We must do as we're able, even if we wish it were more." 
	#"How many monsters [i]are[/i] there, in the Underworld?"
		"How many monsters [i]are[/i] there, in the Underworld?" You've only ever personally seen or known of a few, but the way she speaks makes it sound like a much more common problem than that. 
		
		"I wouldn't know, exactly," she admits, lifting her shoulders. "The areas of the Underworld where people are are protected, and carefully watched, and other than that, we tend to just let the monsters move about, breed, and lair as they will. Many of them are essentially just wild animals, after all. They might be here because the other gods didn't want them in places they deal with, but they're still worthy of respect." 
		
		You suppose that's fair enough, then. As long as the populated places are protected, it sounds like they wouldn't do any harm. But you're reminded of the Orpheus and Eurydice incident, when Cetus was right there to threaten them, and frown slightly. 
		
		"That might work… until Fate decides they really do need to be near enough to hurt people."
		
		Alekto considers this a moment, then nods. "Until then. But nothing we could do would prevent that, anyway. We must do as we're able, even if we wish it were more." 
	#"They don't tend to attack anyway, though, right?"
		"They don't tend to attack anyway, though, right?" At least, you've seldom heard of it happening. You don't imagine the walk itself would be too dangerous even if the normal amount of them [i]were[/i] here. 
		
		"Well, no," Alekto says, "but that has more to do with how little we interact than anything. The areas of the Underworld where people are are protected, and carefully watched, and other than that, we tend to just let the monsters move about, breed, and lair as they will. Many of them are essentially just wild animals, after all. They might be here because the other gods didn't want them in places they deal with, but they're still worthy of respect." 
		
		You suppose that's fair enough, then. As long as the populated places are protected, it sounds like they wouldn't do any harm. But you're reminded of the Orpheus and Eurydice incident, when Cetus was right there to threaten them, and frown slightly. 
		
		"That might work… until Fate decides they really do need to be near enough to hurt people."
		
		Alekto considers this a moment, then nods. "Until then. But nothing we could do would prevent that, anyway. We must do as we're able, even if we wish it were more." 
	#"I hope it's not 'towards populated areas.'"
		"I hope it's not 'towards populated areas.'" Certainly it makes this trip less potentially perilous, but wouldn't it be a bad thing if they wound up somewhere they could do more damage?
		
		"It's not," Alekto replies, shaking her head. "The areas of the Underworld where people are are protected, and carefully watched, and other than that, we tend to just let the monsters move about and lair as they will. Many of them are essentially just wild animals, after all. They might be here because the other gods didn't want them in places they deal with, but they're still worthy of respect." 
		
		You suppose that's fair enough, then. As long as the populated places are protected, it sounds like they wouldn't do any harm. But you're reminded of the Orpheus and Eurydice incident, when Cetus was right there to threaten them, and frown slightly. 
		
		"That might work… until Fate decides they really do need to be near enough to hurt people."
		
		Alekto considers this a moment, then nods. "Until then. But nothing we could do would prevent that, anyway. We must do as we're able, even if we wish it were more." 
*page_break
The walk is a grand total of about an hour, but you were told that except for emergencies, that's just how large the teleportation 'dead zone' around Tartarus is now—apparently one of several new security measures. 

A measure that is [i]not[/i] new is the rope-and-wood bridge suspended over what still looks to be a nearly endless chasm between the edge of land here and the 'island' that contains Tartarus.

You remember it well. 
*if (tag_heights)
	And not at all fondly.

Something is strange, though. The last time you were here, the sense of foreboding you could detect pressed in on your from all sides, a supernatural fear that made each step towards the place much more difficult than it is, now. At the moment, you don't feel afraid at all. 
*if (tag_heights)
	At least, not of anything beyond the height itself. 

*fake_choice
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "Did you decide that petrifying everyone who came close wasn't a good form of defense?" 
		*set humorous +1
		"Did you decide that petrifying everyone who came close wasn't a good form of defense?" You raise an eyebrow, a faint smile playing at the edges of your mouth. You can only assume the absence is deliberate, after all, so someone must have decided to change how that worked. 
		
		Alekto frowns slightly. [i]While the defense was certainly useful for keeping wandering creatures or people away, we did weigh it against the difficulty it created in an emergency, yes,[/i] she replies, apparently not amused by your joke. Then again, she seldom seems to be amused in general. 
		
		"Probably for the best," you add, a little more seriously, giving her a small nod. 
	#"Wait. Why aren't I afraid to get near?"
		*set serious +1
		"Wait. Why aren't I afraid to get near?" The absence is puzzling, you must admit. You have to suppose it's deliberate, and that someone must have decided to change it, but as you recall it served a function. Deterring innocent bystanders from getting near, or something like that.
		
		Alekto frowns slightly. [i]The defense was certainly useful for keeping wandering creatures or people away,[/i] she replies, unknowingly echoing your thoughts. [i]But we had to weigh that against the difficulty it created in an emergency. We decided it was better to take different measures for the former issue, so as not to hinder crisis response time, even from those not typically authorized to be in Tartarus.[/i]
		
		"Perhaps that's for the best," you murmur. Both you and Pyri fell into that category, you're sure, but you'd been who was available when the last emergency happened. Hopefully there won't be any more, but it's best to prepare as though there will be.
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "I like it already. Much less foreboding. Have we also gone light on the torment, or is this just a courtesy for visitors?"
		*set humorous +1
		"I like it already. Much less foreboding. Have we also gone light on the torment, or is this just a courtesy for visitors?" You grin shamelessly. You can only assume the absence is deliberate, after all, so someone must have decided to change how that worked. 
		
		Alekto frowns slightly. [i]While the defense was certainly useful for keeping wandering creatures or people away, we did weigh it against the difficulty it created in an emergency, yes,[/i] she replies, apparently not amused by your joke. Then again, she seldom seems to be amused in general. 
		
		"Probably for the best," you add, a little more seriously, giving her a small nod. 
	#"Alekto, is the... whatever was making me feel fear, before. It's not here. Is that a bad sign?"
		*set serious +1
		"Alekto, is the... whatever was making me feel fear, before. It's not here. Is that a bad sign?" You can't help but feel uneasy for a different reason, in the aura's absence. It was there for a reason, after all. 
		
		Alekto frowns slightly. [i]No,[/i] she replies. [i]That is as intended. The defense was certainly useful for keeping wandering creatures or people away. But we had to weigh that against the difficulty it created in an emergency. We decided it was better to take different measures for the former issue, so as not to hinder crisis response time, even from those not typically authorized to be in Tartarus.[/i]
		
		"Perhaps that's for the best," you murmur. Both you and Pyri fell into that category, you're sure, but you'd been who was available when the last emergency happened. Hopefully there won't be any more, but it's best to prepare as though there will be.
*page_break
Past the bridge, you come once again to the entrance to the prison. 

The last time you were here, the ground was strewn with bodies and soaked in blood. It doesn't look bright or cheery by any means [i]now[/i], but the evidence of that slaughter has long since been removed, and while no new grass grows in front of the prison, the dirt is hard-packed and level to either side of the main pathway. 

The double doors stand open, but are manned by a pair of young harpies, their uniforms that of the Special Guard, their spear polished to perfection. 

To your surprise, as Alekto makes to stride past them and through the door, the spears descend to block her passage. 

"W-we're sorry, Lady," says the one on the left, her mottled plumage interspersed with strands of straw-colored hair. "W-we must do a magical signature check before you can be admitted." 

Alekto raises an eyebrow. "Do you not recognize your own commanding officer?" she asks, her tone low and slightly edged. It's just enough to disturb the usual flatness of her voice, and it clearly shakes the guard.

Her companion, a deep-skinned harpy with thin twists in her hair, clears her throat. "We do, my lady, but procedure demands that we check the magic of both you and your guest, nevertheless." 

Alekto's face breaks out into a rare smile. "Yes, it does," she replies, dipping her chin to the second woman and stepping back. "Even if you visually recognize me, I could be someone else in disguise." She shifts her eyes to the first woman. 

"Don't falter, Clymere," she advises. "You were right, and you knew it. I will never punish you for standing your ground in such a situation. Khloris knows it, and you should, too." 

"Y-yes, my lady." The younger-looking of the two—Clymere, apparently—half-bows awkwardly to Alekto, and then to you, while Khloris steps forward holding up her hands at about chest level. They glow a soft, burnt orange, and she hovers them several inches from Alekto's chest, frowning as she concentrates on whatever sort of detection she's doing. 

Then she steps back with a nod, only to move forward to do the same to you. You remain still as Alekto had, and a moment later, you get a nod as well. 

"They're who they appear to be," Khloris says, before offering you both a smile. "I'd say welcome to Tartarus, but… it's not exactly a welcoming place, is it?" 

"It's not meant to be," Alekto replies gravely, leading you past the guards and inside. "As you can see," she remarks, "we've been trying to tighten things as much as possible. Though… perhaps it's not obvious, since you never saw it in normal operation. We used to trust wards to do the first layer of things, but they're easier to fool than people with good detection spells." 

*fake_choice
	#"Would additional security checks really stop Kronos, though?"
		"Would additional security checks really stop Kronos, though?" It's a grim thought, but you can't help but recall the field of corpses this small area became last time. You don't think Kronos killed them all—it was mostly the Giants, as you recall—but at the same time, you know he [i]would[/i] be able to handle two people, if he needed to. He used to be the King of the Titans, after all. 
		
		"In one sense, no," Alekto replies. "But the guards here are the ones who can disable the wards, and if they are simply killed, that becomes much more difficult. Additionally, there is a separate 'deactivation' procedure they can use if disabling under duress or threat, that immediately notifies not only the rest of the Guard, but also Hades and I both. He cannot simply make a key and walk in, anymore." 
		
		"That bastard's not getting in," Khloris says with conviction. "If he's still bent on hurting people, he won't be using Tartarus to do it, next time." 
		
		She waves the both of you through once the wards are down, and Alekto continues forward. 
	#"This seems quite... thorough? How worried are you, about more attempted breakouts?"
		"This seems quite... thorough? How worried are you, about more attempted breakouts?" It's not a pleasant thought, but you have to imagine there are [i]many[/i] beings held here that would rather not be, and that at least some of them occasionally try to do something about that. 
		
		"Breakouts? Less than break-[i]ins[/i]," Alekto admits, shaking her head. "Tartarus has always been well-protected against people getting out. Layers of magic much older than anyone here, and regularly maintained by Hades and Hekate. But someone walking in with a key? That, we had no anticipated, and most of this redesign was meant to account for such attempts. Like this procedure." 
		
		"That bastard's not getting in," Khloris says with conviction. "If he's still bent on hurting people, he won't be using Tartarus to do it, next time." 
		
		She waves the both of you through once the wards are down, and Alekto continues forward. 
	#"I'm glad things seem to be on the mend, but it can't be easy, finding new members."
		"I'm glad things seem to be on the mend, but it can't be easy, finding new members." It's a grim thought, but you can't help but recall the field of corpses this small area became last time. You can't imagine many people wanting to sign up for a job where that is a real possibility. 
		
		"Believe it or not," Alekto says, "recruiting has never been more productive. Many people related to the original Special Guard took personal exception to what happened, and it is mostly from them that we have replenished the ranks." There's an odd undertone to her voice that you can't quite identify. 
		
		"That bastard's not getting in," Khloris says with conviction. "If he's still bent on hurting people, he won't be using Tartarus to do it, next time. If my mother believed this was important enough to fight for, so do I." 
		
		She waves the both of you through once the wards are down, and Alekto continues forward. 
	#"Do you think the Special Guard will return to full strength soon?"
		"Do you think the Special Guard will return to full strength soon?" It's a grim thought, but you can't help but recall the field of corpses this small area became last time. You can't imagine many people wanting to sign up for a job where that is a real possibility. 
		
		"Believe it or not," Alekto says, "recruiting has never been more productive. Many people related to the original Special Guard took personal exception to what happened, and it is mostly from them that we have replenished the ranks." There's an odd undertone to her voice that you can't quite identify. 
		
		"That bastard's not getting in," Khloris says with conviction. "If he's still bent on hurting people, he won't be using Tartarus to do it, next time. You can count on us to make damn sure of that." 
		
		She waves the both of you through once the wards are down, and Alekto continues forward. 
*page_break
Past the entrance hall, you find what is now marked as the 'Hall of Uneasy Dreams.' The name clues you into the purpose of the area, and sure enough, the same rooms as you encountered here last time lie beyond, each with a single bed occupied by a single spirit, some of them thrashing in their disquiet. 

"We've managed to work out a system where the nightmares aren't constant, anymore," Alekto observes quietly. "It took some very careful work, and Hypnos's cooperation, but we're able to give them breaks now, without lengthening the overall term they spend here, or intensifying the nightmares themselves too much." 

She frowns, then lifts her hands. [i]There's been a proposal to allow them to wake up between… sessions. But there's debate as to whether or not that would disrupt things too much, or if conscious knowledge of what happens when they sleep would only make the ordeal worse.[/i]

*label tart_menu1
*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse #"What would the benefit to such a thing be?"
		"What would the benefit to such a thing be?" You're trying to imagine how that would help anything, considering that everyone involved may well then become [i]aware[/i], consciously, of the fact that they're being tormented, and perceive the passage of time here, in Tartarus, of all the places. 
		
		[i]Food[/i], Alekto replies simply. [i]As any other spirit, the ones here can subsist without it, but eating tends to fortify them. And the chance for a life among others like them. There is optimism, from some quarters, that being able to share and discuss their experiences with others will speed the process of rehabilitation. But it is difficult to know before we have tried, hence the present dilemma.[/i]
		
		You can sort of see that. What they do now [i]works[/i], even if it's unpleasant. It prepares souls to reenter the mortal world, in what seems like efficient time. Speeding that along would be good, but… changing things could also make them worse. 
		*goto tart_menu1
	#"Personally, if I had to endure nightmares before returning to the world of the living, I wouldn't want to be conscious for any of it."
		"Personally, if I had to endure nightmares before returning to the world of the living, I wouldn't want to be conscious for any of it." Your opinion might not be the same as everyone else's, but at the very least it's hard to imagine anyone thinking differently, so it would probably be uncommon. Surely. 
		
		[i]That is certainly a consideration,[/i] Alekto replies. [i]But we must be mindful that our job is to do what is most comfortable and efficient for everyone. I know that wounds like a strange thing to think, when it comes to punishment, but nonetheless that is my job. To find the minimal effective way to do what needs to be done.[/i] 
		
		You can understand why that might be tricky, of course. You don't have to make those kinds of decisions, which is frankly a relief. 
	#"Isn't that something you could ask them on an individual basis?"
		"Isn't that something you could ask them on an individual basis?" It seems obvious to you that the way to decide what's best is to ask for individual preferences and then act accordingly. It shouldn't be too difficult to wake up some people, but not others.
		
		[i]The trouble with that is twofold,[/i] Alekto replies. [i]Firstly, while that would be easy enough to do with new arrivals, waking those already here is half-making the decision for them, already. But secondly, and more problematically, it would be a very difficult decision for a person to make, knowing very little about what either experience is going to be like. It would be ideal to know how efficient such an alternative would be before we offered it, so that the prisoners could take this information into account, but we do not.[/i] 
		
		You can understand why that might be tricky, of course. You don't have to make those kinds of decisions, which is frankly a relief. 
	#"I don't know about any of them, but I'd definitely like some breaks. Preferably waking ones."
		"I don't know about any of them, but I'd definitely like some breaks. Preferably waking ones." Your opinion might not be the same as everyone else's, but at the very least it's hard to imagine anyone thinking differently, so it would probably be uncommon. Surely. 
		
		[i]That is certainly a consideration,[/i] Alekto replies. [i]But we must be mindful that our job is to do what is most comfortable and efficient for everyone. I know that wounds like a strange thing to think, when it comes to punishment, but nonetheless that is my job. To find the minimal effective way to do what needs to be done.[/i] 
		
		You can understand why that might be tricky, of course. You don't have to make those kinds of decisions, which is frankly a relief. 
*page_break
Descending a staircase, you come to a section of Tartarus you're quite sure you've never seen before. The landing area is sprawling, the stairs blocked by nothing more than a single line of wards and two more guards, who presently supervise a group of roughly ten, most of them spirits, who mingle about in the large room, some playing games or eating. 

Among them, you spot two very familiar [i]non[/i] spirits—Pirithous and Theseus, bent over some sort of board game.

[i]This is the floor for those whose terms are labor,[/i] Alekto notes. [i]And, as you can see, miscellaneous mortals. The other groups are out doing work right now, but it's this group's rest period.[/i]

*fake_choice
	#[i]Can we go? I don't want them to see me here.[/i]
		[i]Can we go? I don't want them to see me here.[/i] The last thing you want is to be confronted or berated regarding the judgement decision or anything else. They haven't noticed your presence, yet, but you don't want to wait for them to do so. 
		
		[i]Of course,[/i] Alekto replies swiftly. [i]Come with me.[/i]
		*goto afterpirithous
	#[i]Wait, Tartarus is used for human prisoners?![/i]
		[i]Wait, Tartarus is used for human prisoners?![/i] You didn't realize [i]this[/i] was where they'd be sent. You suppose most spirits are in some sense human as well, but they've died, and are subject to the processes of the Underworld. Pirithous and Theseus might need some for of punishment for a crime, but you don't think their souls need any kind of adjustment!
		
		[i]It wasn't, previously,[/i] Alekto replies, shaking her head. [i]But with the changes, it's no longer unsafe for humans to be on the first couple of levels. It took a lot of work and a lot of warding, but this is now as suitable for human habitation as anywhere in the Underworld can be. Safer, in the long term, lest they be prematurely aged by exposure to Hades's powers.[/i] 
		
		[i]That can happen?[/i] 
		
		Alekto nods. [i]It can. But it won't.[/i] 
	#[i]This doesn't exactly look like what I'd imagine of a prison.[/i]
		[i]This doesn't exactly look like what I'd imagine of a prison.[/i] You're not sure how best to describe it, except that you would have expected more… suffering? At least for everyone to be locked away in individual cells. Certainly not for [i]games[/i] to be available. 
		
		[i]That is, I expect, because on these levels, at least, the function of Tartarus is different from the function of most prisons,[/i] Alekto points out. [i]But more than that, it's about what will work with the least amount of discomfort. It is doing certain tasks that cleanses these particular souls, and so when they are not doing those tasks, there is no need to torment them further.[/i] 
		
		[i]I suppose not.[/i]
		
		Alekto nods. [i]As for our human guests, they require rest and leisure time for health reasons, and so those things must be provided.[/i] 
	#[i]Are you sure there shouldn't be more guards here, too? Those two are demigods.[/i]
		[i]Are you sure there shouldn't be more guards here, too? Those two are demigods.[/i] They could probably overpower the existing staff, if they had the element of surprise, and begin an escape attempt that way. 
		
		[i]There are wards on every exit,[/i] Alekto replies. [i]The two are not magically able, and they are certainly not more magically able than Hekate. Nor do they otherwise have the means to bypass these defenses.[/i]
		
		[i]If you say so.[/i] You're not sure Kronos actually counts as more magically able than Hekate, either, but he managed to bypass the defenses last time. Still… he clearly at least has a lot of knowledge that these two have no access to, so… maybe that makes all the difference. 
*page_break
*if (seenjudgement)
	It takes a moment, but you move your attention away from Pirithous and Theseus, considering asking Alekto to move on before spotting another somewhat-familiar face. 
	
	*if (creonmercy)
		It's Creon—the man you saw being judged not long after you came to the Underworld. You'd intervened on his behalf, though, and he'd been specifically [i]not[/i] sentenced to a term here. 
		
		[i]He shouldn't be here,[/i] you sign, your motions urgent and your mouth pulling into a frown. [i]He wasn't sentenced to Tartarus.[/i] 
		
		Alekto follows your eyes to the man, and she nods. [i]He's not a prisoner,[/i] she replies. [i]He asked to be given a job here, as counsel to the others. He believes this is a form of penance he must do for his deeds, whether or not he was given punishment for them otherwise.[/i] 
		
		The subject of your conversation, deep in a discussion with another spirit, looks up, meeting your eyes after a moment and subtly inclining his head. There's deference in the motion—it would seem he has not forgotten you, either.
	*if not (creonmercy)
		Depending on your interference or not in the judgement, you may also find Creon here, either as a prisoner or as someone organizing them. 

	*fake_choice
		#[i]May I speak with him?[/i]
			[i]May I speak with him?[/i] You're not sure what the rules are about that kind of thing, if there are any, but you might like to at least check on how he's doing. 
			
			Alekto shakes her head. [i]Not today. There are pieces of documentation that must be filed and approved for visits of that nature. But if you would like me to file those for you, you could perhaps come back another time. 
			
			You nod—it's something to consider, anyway. 
		*if (creonmercy)
			#[i]This counsel he gives... does it actually have any effect on anyone?[/i]
				[i]This counsel he gives... does it actually have any effect on anyone?[/i] You're having trouble imagining that it does, considering the problem these people are fundamentally here to solve has to do with the state of their literal [i]souls[/i]. 
				
				Alekto, however, considers before answering, tilting her head. [i]I have no evidence that it makes the rehabilitation process faster,[/i] she admits. [i]But I do think it makes the participants more comfortable during it. Many more of them reconcile the need to be here after speaking with him, and I think therefore that they are less distressed by their predicament, overall. It is something that I or the Special Guard could not provide to them, so we are pleased to have him here.[/i]
				
				You suppose maybe that makes sense. It's good that Creon's doing something helpful with his time in the Underworld. 
		*if not (creonmercy)
			#[i]How long will he be here?[/i]
				[i]How long will he be here?[/i] The term of a human sentence is something you're still not clear on. 
				
				[i]It's difficult to predict,[/i] Alekto says. [i]He's certainly far from the most debilitated soul to pass through here, as his relatively light punishment may suggest. He has accepted the situation and is working hard with an eye towards his own rehabilitation, so I expect his term will be minimal. Perhaps a couple of years.[/i] 
				
				[i]Really?[/i] As you remember it, his crimes were fairly severe. 
				
				Alekto makes more solid eye contact. [i]Remember, what we do here, with the spirits, isn't actually punishing their mortal crimes. It is restoring the soul to a balanced state. That has more to do with the mindset of the spirit than whatever brought them here in the first place. The two are often linked, but not necessarily. 
				
				You suppose that makes sense, on some level.
		#[i]I think I've seen enough. I'd like to leave before anyone tries to speak with me.[/i]
			[i]I think I've seen enough. I'd like to leave before anyone tries to speak with me.[/i] You don't particularly want a conversation with Creon, and you [i]certainly[/i] have no interest in one with the other two who might make such an attempt. 
			
			Alekto nods. [i]Technically, they aren't permitted to unless you're specifically here to see them, but I suppose they might ignore that. Follow me.[/i] 
*label afterpirithous
*page_break
The two of you proceed past the common room and down another hallway, which itself leads to a large, circular chamber occupied only by a winding, descending staircase. Wards glimmer softly along the handrails, another line of them etched over the top step, but there aren't any guards physically here. 

"This will take us down into the heart of Tartarus," Alekto says. "As you'll see, it takes a great deal more than one key to open even a single cell on the lower levels, now." 

You descend for what feels like only a few seconds, though as soon as you exit the staircase, your sense of time and distance rights itself, and you realize that, while it didn't take you long to get here, it was a significant distance down.

[i]Hades enchanted the stairs,[/i] Alekto explains. [i]If we lacked the authorization to climb the staircase, I'm not sure whether we'd ever reach the top stair. As it is, it's nearly instantaneous, which is almost as useful as the trap.[/i] 

"How does that work?"

[i]Time magic, of course. Using what used to be Kronos's power to stop others from doing what he did is the best use for them.[/i] 
*page_break
There's a short hallway, and Alekto touches her hand to the stone door at the end of it, which parts silently on some unseen hinge, admitting you both to a chamber walled and floored entirely in smooth, polished crystal. It's empty, save for a small spindle of the same at the center, which is host to a perfectly-polished smooth orb of something purple and vitreous. Somehow, it [i]feels[/i] like Hekate, and you know she made it without needing to ask. 

Alekto moves to it, setting her hand atop it, and in the crystal around you flickers to live an image, a line of cell doors set deep into almost raw stone, all barely lit such that you can't hope to see inside the cells themselves. 

"This is where we hold creatures such as the Daughter," Alekto says, her hand still atop the orb. "We can observe within any of the individual cells as necessary, and such checks are performed twice a day." She presses her lips together. "Cell doors can be released remotely from here, but doing so automatically closes and locks all the doors around the larger perimeter. You also need both a password and a key to do so." 

She takes her hand off the orb, and the image disappears. [i]We open the doors once a day for a few hours, that those within might have some degree of exercise and interaction with one another, but… this is the rest of their lives.[/i] 

*fake_choice
	#"I just... I can't believe that anyone spending eternity in a prison is a good idea."
		"I just... I can't believe that anyone spending eternity in a prison is a good idea." You bite the inside of your lip for a moment, shaking your head to try and clear it of the uncomfortable thoughts swirling there. It doesn't do much to help. 
		
		[i]…Nor can I,[/i] Alekto admits in response. [i]And yet these are the sentences many of our non-human residents were given, and the ones I must faithfully carry out. It is not as though long terms do not make sense, of course. You've seen what many of them are capable of, when you saw what the Daughter did.[/i] 
		
		You nod slowly. You had, and it was awful. There's no denying that. But like Alekto, you're struggling to reconcile even something that awful with the idea of [i]eternity[/i], trapped in a prison. 
		
		You have to wonder if, in such a situation, even death might be more merciful, in some way. Not a question with an easy answer, in any case. 
	#"Interaction? Don't they ever get into fights? Is it really safe for all of them to be out at once?"
		"Interaction? Don't they ever get into fights? Is it really safe for all of them to be out at once?" Knowing what you know, based on your experience with the Daughter of Echidna, it's hard to imagine that such events can resolve in any way but with blood. 
		
		[i]Confrontations do occur,[/i] Alekto admits with a nod. [i]But they rarely last long. Their purpose is seldom an attempt at murder; more often, they are about establishing the internal hierarchy among the prisoners. Just like many others, they tend to find such matters important. We stop what we can, of course, but they're often over as quickly as they begin.[/i]
		
		Your brow knits as you consider this. You suppose it might not be that different from anywhere else. Politics, just in this case backed by violence instead of, for example, physical resources. 
	#"A password and a key doesn't seem much more secure than just a key, though."
		"A password and a key doesn't seem much more secure than just a key, though." Not when it could be pulled from the mouth of any special guard member. 
		
		[i]It changes often,[/i] Alekto replies. [i]And, as with the wards outside, there is a duress version that immediately locks down the entire prison. No security measures will ever be perfect, but we have done hat we can.[/i] 
		
		You suppose, too, that she wouldn't be explaining these things to just anyone. It goes to show her trust in you—and most anyone attempting a break would not have all this information about things needing passwords in the first place, you don't think. 
	#"What if someone is down there when the doors release, though? Wouldn't that trap them in with the prisoners?"
		"What if someone is down there when the doors release, though? Wouldn't that trap them in with the prisoners?" You don't want to spend too much time imagining how [i]that[/i] would turn out for the guard involved. 
		
		[i]The magic detects that,[/i] Alekto points out. [i]It won't allow the cell release if there is anyone in the area. Because you're correct that that would be unacceptable.[/i] 
		
		You expel a soft breath, in something like relief. It's not as though you're afraid of meeting such a fate yourself, but it's nice to know there won't be any accidents of that kind. 
*page_break
Alekto stares for a moment into one of the crystalline surfaces, though no image is projected upon it. Her shoulders slacken, and her mouth turns down into an obvious frown.

[i]There are times,[/i] she begins, motions halting and less graceful than usual, [i]when I despair of this task I have taken on. When I find myself wishing that the world were fundamentally different. Tartarus—the eternal imprisonment of people—is one part of that, but not the only one.[/i]

She shakes her head. [i]After a while, telling myself that I do this job with no joy, that in all aspects of it I try to do as little as possible to be effective, begins to feel hollow. And yet I must believe it, because every time Hades offers me a break from the duty, I refuse it.[/i]

*fake_choice
	#"It's hard work, Alekto. It's perfectly natural to feel that way, and to need breaks from it."
		*set warm +1
		"It's hard work, Alekto. It's perfectly natural to feel that way, and to need breaks from it." She probably [i]should[/i] take some, including some that are longer-term than a few days, which is the longest you've ever seen her go without doing [i]something[/i] related to her work. 
		
		Even then, you doubt she really goes a day without at least thinking about it. 
		
		[i]Perhaps,[/i] she replies, the word slightly uneasy in its motion. [i]But still, someone must always do it, and I would not place that burden upon another.[/i]
		
		*if (megaira_dead)
			Her jaw tightens. [i]Least of all when all the work must be split now between only two of us.[/i]
	#"You refuse because you know that not everyone could do what you do. Certainly not as well."
		*set cold +1
		"You refuse because you know that not everyone could do what you do. Certainly not as well." It makes perfect sense to you, and you see no reason to scold her for it. She is perfectly capable of figuring out what she can and can't handle. 
		
		[i]I like to think I do this job close to as well as it can be done,[/i] she replies, with a small nod. [i]But more than anything, someone must always do it, and I would not place that burden upon another.[/i] 
		
		*if (megaira_dead)
			Her jaw tightens. [i]Least of all when all the work must be split now between only two of us.[/i]
	#"You should take him up on that, at some point. This job needs you to be at your best, and you know that."
		*set cold +1
		"You should take him up on that, at some point. This job needs you to be at your best, and you know that." It's just the truth. If she burns herself out, or finds herself doubting too much of what she's doing, she's going to be less good at it, and you know she wouldn't want to fail her charges in that way. 
		
		[i]I—you are right, of course,[/i] she replies, inclining her head a little. [i]But it is not a simple thing to do. I like to think I do this job close to as well as it can be done. But more than anything, someone must always do it, and I would not place that burden upon another.[/i] 
		
		*if (megaira_dead)
			Her jaw tightens. [i]Least of all when all the work must be split now between only two of us.[/i]
	#"I can't imagine how difficult it must be to confront these things all the time, but... I'm grateful that you do it." 
		*set warm +1
		"I can't imagine how difficult it must be to confront these things all the time, but... I'm grateful that you do it." The world you have all been handed by Fate is not a kind one. If it were, things like eternal imprisonment, or the kind of danger that led to it, wouldn't be necessary. There would be alternatives, everyone would reform, no one would desire to wreak destruction and havoc to begin with. 
		
		But as much as you might wish otherwise, you don't live in a world like that. You live in [i]this[/i] one, and Tartarus is a part of that reality that prevents a much worse one from coming to be. You've seen enough of what's in here to understand that. 
		
		Not everyone could do Alekto's job. You doubt you could. But that makes you all the more grateful that she is willing to do it, even though it isn't easy for her. She is putting herself on the line to protect you and everyone else, and she deserves your gratitude for it. 
		
		The cartilage in her throat works as she swallows. 
		
		[i]Thank you,[/i] she signs slowly. [i]Most of the time, I manage to think that all of this is worth it, but… some parts of it are more difficult than others.[/i] 
*page_break
Closing her eyes for several moments, she opens them again, pushing an audible breath out through her nose. 

"Did you know that I am obliged to castigate a mortal who breaks an oath?" Her visage turns grim. [i]Sometimes it's not even an explicit oath, but an implicit one, a mortal 'law' that a particular god finds convenient to uphold. In theory it isn't the worst thing—we may be sent, for example, to punish hosts who violate the customs of hospitality—but equally we are called to punish children who defy their parents.[/i]

"That's…" you pause, trying to sort your immediate thoughts on [i]that[/i]. 

She smiles bitterly. [i]I do not think I need to tell you that we are not summoned for every case of this sort of thing. Not even every child who murders their parent. Rather, it is the cases of interest to a god with power enough to command us. Sometimes, I would rather do almost anything else.[/i] 

*fake_choice
	#"What exactly does 'castigation' involve, in these cases?"
		"What exactly does 'castigation' involve, in these cases?" 
		*if not (tag_unlearned)
			You know what the word means in the usual case, but somehow you doubt that her job is simply to give the people involved a stern talking-to.
		*if (tag_unlearned)
			You're honestly not even sure what that word means to begin with, so you probably don't quite understand the full scope of what she's talking about just yet. 
		
		Her brows knit, hand poised for a few seconds before she answers. [i]It can depend on the severity of the case, but usually we're only called for the most severe cases, anyway. The closest other word I can think of for it is 'harassment.' We are to pursue the subject, to remind them of the severity of their crimes, to make focus or concentration difficult, to make it impossible to forget even for a moment what they have done. Fortunately, we are not required to touch anyone, but destroying their possessions, for example, is not out of the question.[/i] 
		
		You can understand why she wouldn't enjoy that in the least.
	#"So if someone disobeys their parents, the gods can send the Erinyes to punish them? That's absurd!"
		"So if someone disobeys their parents, the gods can send the Erinyes to punish them? That's absurd!"
		
		[i]It is the weight that humans place on such customs that gives the gods that power,[/i] Alekto replies, her hands stilling a moment before she continues. [i]If there were a society that placed little or no importance on filial piety, I could not be commanded to punish a case of it, no matter which god desired it. But… yes. It is as you describe.[/i] 
		
		The fact that it's something determined by what humans find important, and not just something a god can do for no real reason does make it somewhat [i]less[/i] absurd, but you don't think it undercuts your point completely. 
		
		Neither does Alekto, from the flicker of irritation that lingers in the set of her mouth. 
		
		[i]Fortunately, this does not happen often,[/i] she adds. [i]Olympians rarely call on me to do such a thing, and I do not do so of my own volition. I would prefer not to decide or enforce anything related to mortal justice at all.[/i]
	#"It's strange that there are deities who can enforce mortal custom like that. I wouldn't have expected it."
		"It's strange that there are deities who can enforce mortal custom like that. I wouldn't have expected it." There are a broad range of mortal customs, for one. But that any deities would be [i]interested[/i] in enforcing such things is even stranger. 
		
		[i]It is the weight that humans place on such customs that gives the gods that power,[/i] Alekto replies, her hands stilling a moment before she continues. [i]Cuopled with the expectation that the gods punish what is wrong. If there were a society that placed little or no importance on filial piety, I could not be commanded to punish a case of it, no matter which god desired it. But… yes. It is as you describe.[/i] 
		
		"And if there were a society that didn't think the gods should punish their people for mortal crimes?"
		
		She has to think about that one for a moment. [i]I don't think they could, then,[/i] she admits, [i]but I also think it would ultimately make little difference. If humans respected the gods' power enough to think that it was 'too much' for their ordinary transgressions, they would make themselves felt in other ways. They always do.[/i] 
		
		You suppose that's even less likely to change.
	#"Does that... happen often?"
		"Does that... happen often?" You can't imagine it does, considering there are only three Erinyes to do the 'castigating,' but on the other hand, Hermes somehow manages to do the lion's share of what a psychopomp is meant to, seemingly without assistance, so perhaps they have their ways. 
		
		[i]Fortunately, no,[/i] she replies. [i]Olympians rarely call on me to do such a thing, and I do not do so of my own volition. I would prefer not to decide or enforce anything related to mortal justice at all, but it is the mortals themselves who have given the gods that power, and so it does sometimes happen.[/i]
		
		"What do you mean, mortals have given the gods the power?"
		
		Alekto tilts her head. [i]It's just like anything else. How powerful we are, and what we can do, is largely determined by how mortals think of us, and how they pray to us. They believe the gods have a right to punish transgressors, and so we have that power. If someone prays for their brother or daughter or neighbor to be punished for the violation of a mortal covenant, and there are truly grounds to do so, then a god can choose to answer that prayer by dispatching my sisters and I.[/i]
		
		You can understand why she wouldn't enjoy that in the least.
*page_break
Folding her arms, then loosening them again, Alekto turns back towards the door. "But I have kept you long enough," she says, ponytail rippling as she shakes her head. "What I really wanted to show you here was that you were safer, now. Than you were before. That everyone is. I just… wanted you to know that."

*if (megaira_dead)
	You know she must be remembering Megaira, from the way her eyes fall to the floor as she says it, but it's something she shakes herself out of as well as she can, gesturing for you to precede her through the door. 
*if not (megaira_dead)
	You know she must be remembering how close Megaira had come to death, from the way her eyes fall to the floor as she says it, but it's something she shakes herself out of as well as she can, gesturing for you to precede her through the door. 

*fake_choice
	*if (megaira_dead)
		#"She'd be proud of everything you'd accomplished, Alekto. I really believe that."
			"She'd be proud of everything you'd accomplished, Alekto. I really believe that." You make sure to find eye contact with her as you say it, so she can see the sincerity in your expression.
			*if (tag_uncharming)
				Or at least, whatever version of it you're able to convey. 
			
			She swallows, thickly enough for it to be just audible, and nods slightly. "I hope so," she replies, her voice roughened. "It has to be worth something. It has to mean something. No matter how much work that takes."
			
			Clearing her throat, Alekto straightens her posture. [i]But that is enough of that. Let us depart—I am aware that a prison is not the most pleasant place to spend time, even if it is much improved on your last visit.[/i]
			
			You suppose that's fair enough.
	#"Thank you, but... I always feel safe, with you."
		"Thank you, but... I always feel safe, with you." You make sure to find eye contact with her as you say it, so she can see the sincerity in your expression.
		*if (tag_uncharming)
			Or at least, whatever version of it you're able to convey. 
		Perhaps it's an odd thing to say, or at least an odd time to say it, but it's what comes out of your mouth in any case, and it's true. 
		
		She swallows, clearing her throat, and nods. "Then I will do my best to ensure you always are," she replies, a note of clear emotion disrupting the usual flatness of her tone. 
		
		Straightening her posture, Alekto raises her hands. [i]But that is enough of that. Let us depart—I am aware that a prison is not the most pleasant place to spend time, even if it is much improved on your last visit.[/i]
			
		You suppose that's fair enough.
	#"Well, you've convinced me. I can only imagine how much work this would have been, but you've really improved things."
		"Well, you've convinced me. I can only imagine how much work this would have been, but you've really improved things." You make sure to find eye contact with her as you say it, so she can see the sincerity in your expression.
		*if (tag_uncharming)
			Or at least, whatever version of it you're able to convey. 
		She deserves to know that all the effort she's put in really [i]has[/i] made you more confident of your safety, and everyone else's. She's obviously thought about this a lot, and consulted the others, and as far as you can tell, she's found the best balance of security and humanity for the residents she possibly could. 
		
		Alekto clears her throat and nods. "I am… gratified to hear as much," she admits. 
		
		Straightening her posture, she raises her hands. [i]But that is enough of that. Let us depart—I am aware that a prison is not the most pleasant place to spend time, even if it is much improved on your last visit.[/i]
			
		You suppose that's fair enough.
	#"I don't know how safe any of us ever really is, but I appreciate that, nevertheless."
		"I don't know how safe any of us ever really is, but I appreciate that, nevertheless." You make sure to find eye contact with her as you say it, so she can see the sincerity in your expression.
		*if (tag_uncharming)
			Or at least, whatever version of it you're able to convey. 
		You suspect, and have for a while, that the world is just not a safe place to be in, and the hazards in the Underworld are more perilous than most. But still, she's obviously thought about this a lot, and consulted the others, and as far as you can tell, she's found the best balance of security and humanity for the residents she possibly could. 
		
		That she wants you to feel safe and assured on top of that is endearing, in its way. 
		
		Alekto clears her throat and nods. "That… is probably a realistic position to take," she admits, sounding only slightly deflated. 
		
		Straightening her posture, she raises her hands. [i]But that is enough of that. Let us depart—I am aware that a prison is not the most pleasant place to spend time, even if it is much improved on your last visit.[/i]
			
		You suppose that's fair enough.
*page_break
A couple of hours later, when you have returned to Keep, you are surprised to find 
*if (erebus = 1)
	that Erebus is seeking your attention.
*if (erebus = 0)
	a note tacked to your door. 

[i]${name}—[/i]

[i]Atropos says 'you will want to hear what we have to say.' Meet us upon your return, at your convenience. We'll be expecting you.[/i] 

*if (erebus = 0)
	[i]-Klotho[/i]
*if (erebus = 1)
	[i]This is Klotho, by the way. I'm terrible at this magic, but hopefully you get the message. Maybe I should have tried a note? Oh, um, message ends, Erebus, thank you, dear.[/i] 
	
	It seems to have been pre-recorded, if perhaps not the most skilfully. 

"The Moirae," Alekto notes. "It is unusual for them to personally summon anyone." A pause. "I don't think I need to tell you this, but it would be prudent to listen to whatever they have to say." 

She takes in a slow, deep breath, offering you something that's almost, but not quite, a smile. "Of course… if you need to talk about anything afterwards, I'll be there, for whatever my 'ears' are worth." 

With no more than that, she departs, leaving you to decide what to do about this very irregular summons.
*goto amessage

*label medusa
Flight is one of those sensations that you're not sure you'll ever be quite [i]used[/i] to. Something about it feels novel every time, regardless of duration or destination. At the moment, mortal realm scenery passes by beneath you, craggy hills and short, green-yellow grasses dotted with the occasional tree or farm. Once, you're quite sure you can see a city in the distance, or at least a moderately-sized town. 

Hermes, however, takes none of the ambling diversions you're used to, executes no flips or rolls or any other tricks. He just flies, swiftly, the wind pulling his curls back from his face and highlighting the unusually-grim expression he wears. 

When you land, he doesn't seem tired, and you [i]know[/i] he hasn't been traveling near top speed, but you could swear his breathing is slightly elevated nonetheless. 

Before you looms a cave entrance, wider than the one you exited the Underworld from but otherwise to your eyes unremarkable. 

*fake_choice
	#"Are you okay?"
		*set warm +1
		"Are you okay?" The answer is genuinely difficult to know. You're aware that this outing has something to do with his friend Perseus, and whatever's going on there, but you didn't get the impression that any of that would involve any caves. 
		
		"…Not really," he admits, though his tone is light, and a wry smile crosses his face before vanishing. "I'll manage, though. Thanks for asking."
	#"Will you tell me what we're doing here, now?"
		*set cold  +1
		"Will you tell me what we're doing here, now?" The answer is genuinely difficult to know. You're aware that this outing has something to do with his friend Perseus, and whatever's going on there, but you didn't get the impression that any of that would involve any caves. 
		
		"…Right." He sighs, though his tone is light, and a wry smile crosses his face before vanishing. "I never did get around to that part, did I?"
	#"Hermes... what's going on?"
		*set warm  +1
		"Hermes... what's going on?" The answer is genuinely difficult to know. You're aware that this outing has something to do with his friend Perseus, and whatever's going on there, but you didn't get the impression that any of that would involve any caves. 
		
		"…Right." He sighs, though his tone is light, and a wry smile crosses his face before vanishing. "I never did get around to explaining, did I?"
	#I remain quiet, waiting for him to explain.
		*set cold +1
		You remain quiet, waiting for him to explain. What is going on here is genuinely difficult to know. You're aware that this outing has something to do with his friend Perseus, and whatever's going on there, but you didn't get the impression that any of that would involve any caves. 
		
		"…Right." Hermes sighs, though his tone is light, and a wry smile crosses his face before vanishing. "I never did get around to explaining this to you, did I?"
*page_break
The young god runs both hands down his face, then back up, skimming them over his hair with a sigh. "Sorry. I've done all this in the wrong order. I was just—it looks like he's really going to do what I was worried about him doing, and I decided that before I tried to deal with [i]that[/i] mess, the best thing to do was warn her."

"Him? Her?" You think you know who one of the people involved is, but you're going to need a little more information before you can grasp what he's talking about. 

"Perseus," he says, lacing his hands together at the back of his neck, elbows knocking into his wings, which are slightly hunched forward. "And she's—" he nods at the mouth of a cave. 

"I just… I'd really have preferred not to have to spend today telling someone a good friend of mine is coming to kill her, and could she please find it in her heart not to hold it against him too much, because he's really a good guy?"

His arms flop down to his sides.

*fake_choice
	#"...Okay, yes. I can see where that would be difficult."
		"...Okay, yes. I can see where that would be difficult." The situation is bizarre enough that it's sort of difficult to imagine being in it. People kill one another rather often in the world of mortals, you believe, but that doesn't make it anything [i]you[/i] have experience with. And still, the stranger part might be that Hermes has chosen to handle this by giving the potential victim an advance warning.
		
		"You don't know the half of it, I'm afraid," he says on a sigh. "This is all further complicated by just who this woman [i]is[/i]. Her name is Medusa, and she's one of the three Gorgon sisters. The only mortal one, I might add, which I'm sure does not make her feel very secure when lots of people think of her as a monster." 
		
		"A monster?"
	#"He [i]what[/i]? We're here to warn a woman someone's trying to [i]kill[/i] her?"
		"He [i]what[/i]? We're here to warn a woman someone's trying to [i]kill[/i] her?" The situation is bizarre enough that it's sort of difficult to imagine being in it. People kill one another rather often in the world of mortals, you believe, but that doesn't make it anything [i]you[/i] have experience with. And still, the stranger part might be that Hermes has chosen to handle this by giving the potential victim an advance warning.
		
		"You don't know the half of it, I'm afraid," he says on a sigh. "This is all further complicated by just who this woman [i]is[/i]. Her name is Medusa, and she's one of the three Gorgon sisters. The only mortal one, I might add, which I'm sure does not make her feel very secure when lots of people think of her as a monster." 
		
		"A monster?"
	#"Hermes, I really don't think he can be a 'good guy' if he's coming to murder an innocent person."
		"Hermes, I really don't think he can be a 'good guy' if he's coming to murder an innocent person." The situation is bizarre enough that it's sort of difficult to imagine being in it. People kill one another rather often in the world of mortals, you believe, but that doesn't make it anything [i]you[/i] have experience with. And still, the stranger part might be that Hermes has chosen to handle this by giving the potential victim an advance warning.
		
		You think the obvious move would be to [i]stop[/i] the would-be killer, and you wonder if Hermes's friendship with this man is influencing his choices, here. 
		
		"I… can understand why you'd think so," he admits. "But this is all further complicated by just who this woman [i]is[/i]. Her name is Medusa, and she's one of the three Gorgon sisters. The only mortal one, I might add, which I'm sure does not make her feel very secure when lots of people think of her as a monster." 
		
		"A monster?"
	#I stare blankly at him.
		You stare blankly at him. The situation is bizarre enough that it's sort of difficult to imagine being in it. People kill one another rather often in the world of mortals, you believe, but that doesn't make it anything [i]you[/i] have experience with. And still, the stranger part might be that Hermes has chosen to handle this by giving the potential victim an advance warning.
		
		"That's… an understandable reaction," he says on a sigh. "This is all further complicated by just who this woman [i]is[/i]. Her name is Medusa, and she's one of the three Gorgon sisters. The only mortal one, I might add, which I'm sure does not make her feel very secure when lots of people think of her as a monster." 
		
		"A monster?"
*page_break
Hermes nods. "Just looking at her eyes turns people to stone. I [i]think[/i] I should be safe, but to be honest, I'm not sure about you, and Perseus would [i]definitely[/i] die if he saw her face directly. It's a special type of magic, connected to fear and horror. It means she's petrified a lot of people, and despite living out here, some of the local kings think she's enough of a problem that someone has to slay her." 

His lips thin into a line. "All to say, don't look at her, just in case." 

*fake_choice
	#"Okay. If you're that worried it'll affect me, I won't." 
		"Okay. If you're that worried it'll affect me, I won't." You're not sure how any of it works, but Hermes seems to have some idea, so you might as well follow his recommendation. 
		
		His shoulders relax a little. "Thanks, Sunshine. I know this is all really strange. But if I can ask you another favor… please be as generous with her as you can. She's… been through a lot, and I don't think she's going to be nice to us, so to speak. Trust me when I say she has the right to her anger." 
	#"Are you sure this is entirely safe? What if she looks at [i]me[/i], or forces my eyes somehow?"
		"Are you sure this is entirely safe? What if she looks at [i]me[/i], or forces my eyes somehow?" You're not sure how any of this works, but that seems like something someone could easily do, if they wanted. 
		
		He frowns. "I really don't think she will," he replies. "She's [i]angry[/i], but it's not—I promise I won't let that happen to you, Sunshine. And if you can… please be generous with her. She's… been through a lot, and I don't think she's going to be nice to us, so to speak. Trust me when I say she has the right to her anger." 
	#"This is... are you sure I need to do this? It just feels strange to go talk to someone without looking at their face at all."
		"This is... are you sure I need to do this? It just feels strange to go talk to someone without looking at their face at all." You're not sure how any of this works, but something like that just [i]seems[/i] disrespectful. 
		
		He frowns. "I understand where you're coming from, but there's really no good way to be sure," he replies. "And I'd rather be cautious. I don't want you to be hurt, and even if I'm mostly sure Hekate could turn you back, I don't want to put any of us through that." 
		
		A pause. "And… if you could, please be generous with her. She's… been through a lot, and I don't think she's going to be nice to us, so to speak. Trust me when I say she has the right to her anger." 
	#"Well... I hope she's reasonable, because I'm not sure how well just 'not looking' is going to work."
		"Well... I hope she's reasonable, because I'm not sure how well just 'not looking' is going to work." You're not sure how any of this works, but this particular precaution seems underbaked, to say the least. 
		
		He frowns. "I really don't think she's going to [i]try[/i] to petrify you," he points out. "She's [i]angry[/i], but it's not—I promise I won't let that happen to you, Sunshine. And if you can… please be generous with her. She's… been through a lot, and I don't think she's going to be nice to us, so to speak. Trust me when I say she has the right to her anger." 
*page_break
With [i]that[/i] cryptic warning, the two of you head into the cave, Hermes in front. 

The initial entrance opens up slightly into what seems to serve as some sort of antechamber. The natural cave walls are surprisingly dry, and several empty hooks are embedded into the stone, one of them holding a single, thickly-woven shawl. There's a pair of boots standing neatly, toes against the wall, right beneath it, and the hard-packed earth floor is relatively, though certainly not perfectly, smooth. 

"Uh, hello?" Hermes calls out, but there's no response, and he moves determinedly on. 

Past the antechamber, there is no longer even a remote attempt to disguise this as an ordinary cave. Walls and ceilings are still made of the same stone, but largely squared off, with a few decorative instances of the natural patterns in the rock remaining. The structure, complete with arched doorways and distinct rooms, including a living room with a hearth—you've no idea where the smoke would exit—and a kitchen. 

From the kitchen, a wooden door seems to lead further on, and there's still no sign of other people except for the presence of the dwelling itself. 

*fake_choice
	#"I wonder how she made this? It's honestly really nice, for a cave."
		"I wonder how she made this? It's honestly really nice, for a cave." Honestly even cozy, though very much the kind of place designed with only a single occupant in mind. The extra hooks suggest that she perhaps sometimes sees one or two guests, but the living spaces would be hard-pressed to comfortably fit more than three at a time. 
		
		"An affinity for stone-based magic, I would suppose," Hermes replies, wearing a wry smile for only a second before it fades. "But it certainly seems that she plans to live here long-term, doesn't it?" 
		
		You're not sure why that's the detail he chooses to mention, as though it's surprising, but he's right, at least. This really doesn't have the feel of a temporary shelter, or even a hideout. Barring the secluded location and the antechamber's lingering cavelike quality, you wouldn't say she's trying to conceal her presence, either.
		
		"Anyway… I think she's out here. Stay behind me for now, okay Sunshine?"
	#"Are you sure anyone lives here? Maybe she's out right now?"
		"Are you sure anyone lives here? Maybe she's out right now?" It's very obviously an intentional structure, and honestly even cozy, though very much the kind of place designed with only a single occupant in mind. The extra hooks suggest that she perhaps sometimes sees one or two guests, but the living spaces would be hard-pressed to comfortably fit more than three at a time. Still, it's not as though there are still embers in the hearth or food on the counters, or anything that suggests immediate occupancy. 
		
		"I'm sure she lives here," Hermes confirms. "Whether she's out… I don't know. But I think I can sense something past the door. Stay behind me for now, okay Sunshine?"
	#"I'm not sure how anyone could stand to live somewhere so... quaint."
		"I'm not sure how anyone could stand to live somewhere so... quaint." It's very obviously an intentional structure, and you suppose if you were being generous, you might call it 'cozy,' but it's even colder than the Underworld is on average, and the utter lack of light or decoration or charm does nothing to compensate for its pathetic size. 
		
		The extra hooks suggest that she perhaps sometimes sees one or two guests, but the living spaces would be hard-pressed to comfortably fit more than three at a time. Or to comfortably fit [i]you[/i], to be honest. You're used to much grander accommodations. 
		
		"Well, not everyone has the option of a keep or an estate," Hermes replies, raising a brow at you. "But it certainly seems that she plans to live here long-term, doesn't it?" 
		
		You're not sure why that's the detail he chooses to mention, as though it's surprising, but he's right, at least. This really doesn't have the feel of a temporary shelter, or even a hideout. Barring the secluded location and the antechamber's lingering cavelike quality, you wouldn't say she's trying to conceal her presence, either.
		
		"Anyway… I think she's out here. Stay behind me for now, okay Sunshine?"
	#"I think... I can sense a garden through that door? Maybe a person also."
		"I think... I can sense a garden through that door? Maybe a person also." It's sort of muddled in a way you're not used to. Not the presence of the person—that's clear enough, though complicated in a way you've only encountered once or twice before. It's the garden that feels odd. Certainly not likely to be filled with the kind of plants you're accustomed to growing, but there's certainly life there of [i]some[/i] sort. 
		
		Hermes nods. "Yeah, I was thinking something similar. Stay behind me for now, okay Sunshine?"
*page_break
Hermes opens the door, and the two of you head out beyond the structure, into the caves that lie past it. 

Well, not that there are very many. You realize immediately that this is a bounded area, and the traversable caves end a short distance from the back door, enough to give the home something of a 'yard,' and little else. There's a small pond near the back, fed by trickles of water from cave walls, slick, dark green mosses growing around it. 

And, organized into 'beds' made of rotting wood material and earth, are a wide array of low-light plants and fungi, fat-capped mushrooms and the thin clustered kind, along with brightly-colored toadstools, ferns, and liverworts. 

But it's the area's decorations that arrest your attention the longest. Half a dozen humanoid statues, most of them of warriors, are positioned around the beds, and one stands in the middle of the pond, blade and shield forward, as if prepared to attack. His face is contorted in a rictus of fear, and it is that expression that all of the others have in common.

"There," Hermes murmurs, drawing your attention. You pull your eyes away from the statue to follow his gaze.

Crouching, back towards you, is a robe-wearing figure with a mass of snakes where you would usually expect to see hair. 

"Excuse us, Medusa?" Hermes says, clearing his throat. 

"Go away," a raspy, feminine voice snaps. "Didn't anyone tell you what happens when you come to gawk at the freak, child?" 

Hermes blinks, for a moment looking faintly nonplussed. 

*fake_choice
	#"My lady, we apologize for the intrusion, but the matter is important."
		*set reserved +1
		"My lady, we apologize for the intrusion, but the matter is important." You pitch your tone as calmly and respectfully as possible. You'd be inclined to do so anyway, given the circumstances, but you haven't forgotten Hermes's request, either. 
		
		"Important?" she scoffs, standing from her crouch but not turning around. You can see she has a flat basket against one hip, containing a few of the mushrooms and lichens growing in the yard. 
		
		"Why should I care about whatever [i]you[/i] think is important? Go away."
	#@{convotoggle [✘]|} "Do you even have any idea who you're speaking to? Don't address him like that!" 
		*set forthright +1
		"Do you even have any idea who you're speaking to? Don't address him like that!"  You know Hermes asked you to take it easy on her, but you won't tolerate such blatant disrespect, least of all for someone who is coming here to do her a favor!
		
		"Well, clearly [i]you[/i] do," she replies, standing from her crouch but not turning around. You can see she has a flat basket against one hip, containing a few of the mushrooms and lichens growing in the yard. "You talk to me like everyone else does. Why should I not return the discourtesy?"
		
		"Please," Hermes holds a hand out, looking back at you with some emphasis. "Excuse us. We're not here to start a fight with you. In fact, I'd really prefer the opposite, if possible." 
		
		She snorts. "And what is that?"
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "Personally, I only learned that around ten minutes ago, but considering she's turned around, I have to assume she doesn't want it any more than I do, no?"
		*set humorous +1
		"Personally, I only learned that around ten minutes ago, but considering she's turned around, I have to assume she doesn't want it any more than I do, no?" Your humor is lilted gently; you still have in mind that Hermes asked you to take it easy on her, but you think there's something to your observation, and so you make it nonetheless. 
		
		She laughs, bitterness tingeing the sound. "I've enough garden decorations, thank you," she replies. "Any more and there wouldn't be enough room to grow anything. Now kindly get out so I don't have to toss your petrified corpses over the cliffs outside." 
	#"There's no need to threaten us. We've not come here to threaten you." 
		*set serious +1
		"There's no need to threaten us. We've not come here to threaten you." You keep your tone level, conveying your seriousness with your voice as best you can. You'd be inclined to do so anyway, given the circumstances, but you haven't forgotten Hermes's request, either. 
		
		"No?" she asks. "Then what exactly are you here to do? You should know that I'm all out of space for garden ornaments. Kindly get out so I don't have to toss your petrified corpses over the cliffs outside." 
*page_break
"We've come to deliver a warning," Hermes says. "Not because we want to frighten you, but because we think you'd want to be prepared." 

"Prepared for [i]what[/i]?" she asks. "What can anyone do to me that is worse than I have already endured?" 

Hermes clears his throat, his expression contorting into something like shame, if only for a moment. "…They could kill you," he replies quietly. "And a man is on his way here to do just that." 

"A man?" she snorts, waving a hand in a gesture at one of the statues. "Look upon the faces of men who have tried to kill me, and tell me why I should be concerned that another will try." 

"This one carries the blood of a god," Hermes says. A son of Zeus." 

Medusa pauses for a moment, but the snakes at her head begin got shift restlessly. "Have the gods not done [i]enough[/i]?" She hisses. "Will they simply never leave me [i]be[/i]?" 

She whirls around, but Hermes is faster, and his wings spread wide, blocking you from seeing her face. From the way she's oriented, you have to believe she stares him down, and [i]his[/i] face betrays visible unease.

*fake_choice
	#Frightened, I cower behind him.
		*set unsure +1
		Frightened, you cower behind him. You have no idea what's going on, no sense of how powerful this woman is or what she might do to uninvited guests, and those gaps in your knowledge are [i]not[/i] doing anything to assuage the terror. 
		
		You could have been turned to stone, just now. [i]Would have[/i], you think, if Hermes hadn't been ready. And the fact that she turned around like that without knowing if her audience were humans or whatever else… means she might well have [i]intended[/i] that. 
		
		He glances back at you, clearly checking that you're still okay, and a brief flash of relief illuminates his face before he shifts his attention once more to the front. 
	#Unsure, I rest my hand lightly on his back, hoping it might bring some reassurance. 
		*set unsure +1
		Unsure, you rest your hand lightly on his back, hoping it might bring some reassurance. You have little idea what's going on, no sense of how powerful this woman is or what she might do to uninvited guests, and those gaps in your knowledge are not reassuring. 
		
		But Hermes is. Knowing he's here, knowing he was [i]that[/i] prepared to protect you from Medusa, means you can stand here without cowering, and you can try to reassure him in turn. He'd said having you here would make him more sure, and this is clearly the time to do it. 
		
		He glances back at you, finding a tiny smile, then shifts his attention once more to the front. 
	#"Please just listen to him," I plead. "We're trying to make sure that doesn't happen!" 
		*set confident +1
		"Please just listen to him," you plead. "We're trying to make sure that doesn't happen!" You have little idea what's going on, no sense of how powerful this woman is or what she might do to uninvited guests, and those gaps in your knowledge are not reassuring. 
		
		But you're here for a purpose, and you will not be swayed from that by something as temporary as fear. Hermes is relying on you to help him, and you will. Just like you can rely on him, [i]could[/i] rely on him to protect you with himself when Medusa turned around. 
		
		He glances back at you, finding a tiny smile, then shifts his attention once more to the front. 
	#Remaining steadfast where I am, I speak with the same steadiness. "We are not your enemies." 
		*set confident  +1
		Remaining steadfast where you are, you speak with the same steadiness. "We are not your enemies." You have little idea what's going on, no sense of how powerful this woman is or what she might do to uninvited guests, and those gaps in your knowledge are not reassuring. 
		
		But you're here for a purpose, and you will not be swayed from that by something as temporary as fear. Hermes is relying on you to help him, and you will. Just like you can rely on him, [i]could[/i] rely on him to protect you with himself when Medusa turned around. 
		
		He glances back at you, finding a tiny smile, then shifts his attention once more to the front. 
*page_break
"We don't want this," Hermes insists. "[i]Perseus[/i] doesn't want this. He's been bound to a promise he cannot break. He doesn't [i]want[/i] to kill you, my lady, and I'm asking that you don't kill him, either, should he show up here." 

"Mercy? Mercy for my would-be murderer? Do you have any idea what you are asking of me, godling? Do you know how many people have ever shown [i]me[/i] mercy?" 

Hermes parts his lips to answer, but she thunders over him.

"NONE!" Medusa's fists clench at her sides and she takes a step closer. "No one! No one has [i]once[/i] shown me any kind of mercy, not even when I was truly innocent, and you want me to be gracious enough to pardon my own killer? Away with you, you piece of—" 

"Please!" Hermes's voice is strained, but he doesn't cede his ground. Not yet. "It's not so simple as that. Perseus is coming to kill you, because if he doesn't—" 

"I don't [i]care[/i]!" Medusa flings her arms outwards, shoving him in the chest. 

Hermes stumbles back half a step, but the wing protecting you only lifts higher, preventing any slip. 

"Begone! Begone from my home, and tell your friend that if he comes here, he will be rocks in the ocean!" 

*fake_choice
	#I honestly want to do what she's asking, but Hermes clearly doesn't. "Please just let him explain! If you still want us gone after that, then we'll go, we promise!" 
		*set confident +1
		You honestly want to do what she's asking, but Hermes clearly doesn't. "Please just let him explain! If you still want us gone after that, then we'll go, we promise!" 
		
		Whatever is going on here clearly carries a weight you aren't aware of, and you're growing increasingly concerned that Medusa is going to do something unpredictable or dangerous—like trying to look directly at you just to make her point. You know almost nothing about her, except that something has [i]enraged[/i] her, and that is dangerous. 
		
		Still… Hermes isn't backing down, and you know he wouldn't antagonize someone for no reason. You know he isn't trying to antagonize her [i]at all[/i], but to prevent a terrible fate from overcoming her. 
		
		She clicks her tongue against her teeth, but she [i]does[/i] take a half step back. The promise seems to have mollified her somewhat, if the slight easing of her posture is anything to go by.
	#I'm not entirely certain we should be here. This situation is obviously more complicated than I imagined. "Hermes, maybe... maybe we should go." 
		*set unsure +1
		You're not entirely certain we should be here. This situation is obviously more complicated than you imagined. "Hermes, maybe... maybe we should go." 
		
		Whatever is going on here clearly carries a weight you aren't aware of, and you're growing increasingly concerned that Medusa is going to do something unpredictable or dangerous—like trying to look directly at you just to make her point. You know almost nothing about her, except that something has [i]enraged[/i] her, and that is dangerous. 
		
		"If you need to go wait outside, I'll make sure she can't reach you," Hermes replies, gently but with a sense of strain in his tone. "But I can't go until she's at least heard me out." 
		
		You know he wouldn't antagonize someone for no reason. You know he isn't trying to antagonize her [i]at all[/i], but to prevent a terrible fate from overcoming her. Perhaps it makes sense that he cannot simply leave. 
		
		"Wait." The woman clicks her tongue against her teeth, but she does take half a step back. "I'm not trying to—ugh." Your fear seems to have mollified her somewhat, if the slight easing of her posture is anything to go by.
	#It's hard to imagine what she must be going through, but we need to reach her. "My lady, all we're asking you to do is fully hear us out. We won't force you to do anything. Please."
		*set confident +1
		It's hard to imagine what she must be going through, but you need to reach her. "My lady, all we're asking you to do is fully hear us out. We won't force you to do anything. Please." 
		
		Whatever is going on here clearly carries a weight you aren't aware of, and you're growing increasingly concerned that Medusa is going to do something unpredictable or dangerous—like trying to look directly at you just to make her point. You know almost nothing about her, except that something has [i]enraged[/i] her, and that is dangerous. 
		
		Still… Hermes isn't backing down, and you know he wouldn't antagonize someone for no reason. You know he isn't trying to antagonize her [i]at all[/i], but to prevent a terrible fate from overcoming her. 
		
		She clicks her tongue against her teeth, but she [i]does[/i] take a half step back. The gentleness of your approach seems to have mollified her somewhat, if the slight easing of her posture is anything to go by.
	#I don't know how to intercede, but I have to try [i]something[/i]. "My lady, if you could just—Hermes wouldn't be here just to torment you. Hear him... if you could please hear him out, just this once."
		*set unsure +1
		You don't know how to intercede, but you have to try [i]something[/i]. "My lady, if you could just—Hermes wouldn't be here just to torment you. Hear him... if you could please hear him out, just this once."
		
		Whatever is going on here clearly carries a weight you aren't aware of, and you're growing increasingly concerned that Medusa is going to do something unpredictable or dangerous—like trying to look directly at you just to make her point. You know almost nothing about her, except that something has [i]enraged[/i] her, and that is dangerous. 
		
		Still… Hermes isn't backing down, and you know he wouldn't antagonize someone for no reason. You know he isn't trying to antagonize her [i]at all[/i], but to prevent a terrible fate from overcoming her. 
		
		She clicks her tongue against her teeth, but she [i]does[/i] take a half step back. The gentleness of your approach seems to have mollified her somewhat, if the slight easing of her posture is anything to go by.
*page_break
"Fine." The motion of her arm suggests that Medusa drags a hand down her face, then back up. "But if I'm to listen, I want to see your face, companion of the winged god." 

You freeze, and Hermes stiffens as well. "That's not a good idea," he says. "${name} isn't a full-blooded ${god}. $!{he} might not be able to withstand your gaze." 

Medusa scoffs. "My 'gaze.' What a polite way of referring to the horror of my face. Nonetheless, I demand it. I can sense ${his} power. My own will not be enough to render ${him} stone unless I'm giving it everything I've got. And if you can't trust me not to do that, how can I trust either of you to speak to me honestly?"

*fake_choice
	#"All right. I understand. Hermes, please lower your wing." 
		"All right. I understand. Hermes, please lower your wing." This isn't the kind of situation where you can simply sit back and risk nothing. She's taking a risk in listening to you—this you understand, even if you don't know how or why. She needs a gesture of trust, and considering that she hasn't tried to move past Hermes herself to look at you, you don't think she's intent on doing you harm, however angry she might be. 
		
		Hermes frowns slightly, but he [i]has[/i] to recognize what you do. So he nods, slowly lowering the wall of feathers protecting you. 
		
		There are no two ways about it—Medusa is not only the ugliest person you've ever seen, but the ugliest one you can [i]imagine[/i]. Her eyes alone seem to belie the rest, being a luminous, slit-pupiled gold, and she blinks at you slowly as you process what you're seeing. 
		
		There's certainly a revulsion there, and perhaps even a touch of fear, but it's not something that turns you to stone. You look down at yourself, testing your limbs and finding them as flexible as they've ever been. 
		
		And then, with a twinge of dread, you look back up again. It hits you somehow less hard the second time, perhaps because you were prepared, and the longer you look at her, the more you feel as if something is slightly… off. About the entire situation. 
	#Taking a deep breath, I step out and around Hermes, leaving the shelter of his wings. 
		Taking a deep breath, you step out and around Hermes, leaving the shelter of his wings. 
		
		"Sunshine—" he moves a little too late, as if to shield you from your own actions, but by that point it's too late, anyway. 
		
		There are no two ways about it—Medusa is not only the ugliest person you've ever seen, but the ugliest one you can [i]imagine[/i]. Her eyes alone seem to belie the rest, being a luminous, slit-pupiled gold, and she blinks at you slowly as you process what you're seeing. 
		
		There's certainly a revulsion there, and perhaps even a touch of fear, but it's not something that turns you to stone. You look down at yourself, testing your limbs and finding them as flexible as they've ever been. 
		
		And then, with a twinge of dread, you look back up again. It hits you somehow less hard the second time, perhaps because you were prepared, and the longer you look at her, the more you feel as if something is slightly… off. About the entire situation. 
	#"It's okay." Reaching up, I take a soft hold of the wing blocking my view and ease it down. 
		"It's okay." Reaching up, you take a soft hold of the wing blocking my view and ease it down. 
		
		"Sunshine—" Hermes resists the motion at first, but after a moment, and a searching look at you, he gradually lowers the wing at your behest. 
		
		There are no two ways about it—Medusa is not only the ugliest person you've ever seen, but the ugliest one you can [i]imagine[/i]. Her eyes alone seem to belie the rest, being a luminous, slit-pupiled gold, and she blinks at you slowly as you process what you're seeing. 
		
		There's certainly a revulsion there, and perhaps even a touch of fear, but it's not something that turns you to stone. You look down at yourself, testing your limbs and finding them as flexible as they've ever been. 
		
		And then, with a twinge of dread, you look back up again. It hits you somehow less hard the second time, perhaps because you were prepared, and the longer you look at her, the more you feel as if something is slightly… off. About the entire situation. 
	#"Really? We're going to make this about trust? You're not the one who will become a statue if you're wrong." I catch Hermes's eye and nod anyway. There are few alternatives, it seems.
		"Really? We're going to make this about trust? You're not the one who will become a statue if you're wrong." You catch Hermes's eye and nod anyway. There are few alternatives, it seems.
		
		Hermes frowns slightly, but he [i]has[/i] to recognize what you do. So he nods, slowly lowering the wall of feathers protecting you. 
		
		There are no two ways about it—Medusa is not only the ugliest person you've ever seen, but the ugliest one you can [i]imagine[/i]. Her eyes alone seem to belie the rest, being a luminous, slit-pupiled gold, and she blinks at you slowly as you process what you're seeing. 
		
		There's certainly a revulsion there, and perhaps even a touch of fear, but it's not something that turns you to stone. You look down at yourself, testing your limbs and finding them as flexible as they've ever been. 
		
		And then, with a twinge of dread, you look back up again. It hits you somehow less hard the second time, perhaps because you were prepared, and the longer you look at her, the more you feel as if something is slightly… off. About the entire situation. 
*page_break
"Very well," Medusa says after a long moment, shifting those uncanny eyes from yourself to Hermes. I will listen to you. Once. But, if you have said your piece and I am still not satisfied, you will leave my dwelling and never come back, do you understand?"

Cautiously, he nods. "We do." 

"All right." She expels a breath, moving past the both of you to enter through her back door. "Then come and sit. We will at least complete this farce properly." 

She directs you to a table in the living room, the ground dotted with sitting cushions at either side rather than reclining couches, which at one point in your life might have thrown you a little. The Underworld has plenty of them, though, and so you make yourself comfortable as well as you can. 

Medusa follows you in slightly afterwards, bearing a pitcher and several cups, which she sets down as she takes the seat across from you. A wave of her hand lights a fire in the hearth, and she pours a drink for all three of you, passing them out and setting her own directly in front of her. 

"I've been experimenting with fermentation," she says, almost idly, tapping the rim of her cup with one clawed fingertip. "Let me know what you think." 

You sniff the contents of the cup. The odor is [i]exceedingly[/i] pungent, but when Hermes beside you takes a drink, you do, too. 

To be frank, you've tasted few things you would consider this bad in all your life. You only [i]just[/i] manage to avoid a full-body shudder. 

*fake_choice
	#"If I may be honest, this is abominable." 
		*set serious +1
		"If I may be honest, this is abominable." You set the cup down, unable to help wrinkling your nose. The taste is at once pungent, bitter, [i]and[/i] sour, and you don't think it would be improved by something as simple as the introduction of sweetness. 
		
		"What ${he2} said," Hermes admits, several of his fingers puffed out from his wings. 
		
		Medusa smiles, a twisted rictus of an expression, and then laughs. It's loud, braying, awkward and crackly like she hasn't done it in years, but there's a warmth in it, too. 
		
		"It is, isn't it?" she asks, pushing her own untouched cup away with a finger. "But I'm glad you said so." 
		
		Hermes arches a brow. "Was this also about trust?" 
		
		"A little bit," she admits, tilting her head. "And a little bit about teaching you a lesson for trespassing. But I'm satisfied, now, so I'll listen to what you have to say." She fixes her eyes on you both, apparently quite sincere. 
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "...Are you sure you're not trying to get rid of us after all? Because I'm surprised that's not poison."
		*set humorous +1
		"...Are you sure you're not trying to get rid of us after all? Because I'm surprised that's not poison." You set the cup down, unable to help wrinkling your nose. The taste is at once pungent, bitter, [i]and[/i] sour, and you don't think it would be improved by something as simple as the introduction of sweetness. 
		
		"What ${he2} said," Hermes admits, several of his fingers puffed out from his wings. 
		
		Medusa smiles, a twisted rictus of an expression, and then laughs. It's loud, braying, awkward and crackly like she hasn't done it in years, but there's a warmth in it, too. 
		
		"No, but it does taste quite noxious, doesn't it?" she asks, pushing her own untouched cup away with a finger. "I'm glad you said so." 
		
		Hermes arches a brow. "Was this also about trust?" 
		
		"A little bit," she admits, tilting her head. "And a little bit about teaching you a lesson for trespassing. But I'm satisfied, now, so I'll listen to what you have to say." She fixes her eyes on you both, apparently quite sincere. 
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "Clearly this is an [i]acquired[/i] taste. Unfortunately, I have not acquired it."
		*set humorous +1
		"Clearly this is an [i]acquired[/i] taste. Unfortunately, I have not acquired it." You set the cup down, unable to help wrinkling your nose. The taste is at once pungent, bitter, [i]and[/i] sour, and you don't think it would be improved by something as simple as the introduction of sweetness. 
		
		"What ${he2} said," Hermes admits, several of his fingers puffed out from his wings. 
		
		Medusa smiles, a twisted rictus of an expression, and then laughs. It's loud, braying, awkward and crackly like she hasn't done it in years, but there's a warmth in it, too. 
		
		"It does taste quite noxious, doesn't it?" she asks, pushing her own untouched cup away with a finger. "I'm glad you said so." 
		
		Hermes arches a brow. "Was this also about trust?" 
		
		"A little bit," she admits, tilting her head. "And a little bit about teaching you a lesson for trespassing. But I'm satisfied, now, so I'll listen to what you have to say." She fixes her eyes on you both, apparently quite sincere. 
	#[Lie] "It's distinctive, but I liked it." 
		*set serious +1
		"It's distinctive, but I liked it." 
		*if (tag_uncharming)
			You manage to keep your revulsion under control enough that it doesn't show on your face. Most things don't to begin with, so it's not as difficult for you as it obviously is for Hermes, who wears an expression caught somewhere between disgust and offense. 
			
			"How could you—are you sure you're quite sane? That was putrid!" 
			
			Medusa smiles, a twisted rictus of an expression, and then laughs. It's loud, braying, awkward and crackly like she hasn't done it in years, but there's a warmth in it, too. 
		
			"It does taste quite noxious, doesn't it?" she asks, pushing her own untouched cup away with a finger. "I'm glad you said so." 

			Hermes arches a brow. "Was this also about trust?" 

			"A little bit," she admits, tilting her head. "And a little bit about teaching you a lesson for trespassing. Her attention shifts to you, and she frowns. "You, I don't know what to make of. But I suppose at least one of you is telling the truth, so for now I'm satisfied. I'll listen to what you have to say." She fixes her eyes on you both, apparently quite sincere. 
		*if not (tag_uncharming)
			*set medusa_distrust true
			You do your best to discipline your revulsion into a neutral response, but you have to hope she didn't notice the initial, subtle wrinkling of your nose, because the taste was so foul you couldn't hide it completely. 
			
			Hermes doesn't hide his disgust at all, turning to you with a disbelieving expression. 			"How could you—are you sure you're quite sane? That was putrid!" 
			
			Medusa smiles, a twisted rictus of an expression, and then laughs. It's loud, braying, awkward and crackly like she hasn't done it in years, but there's a warmth in it, too. 
		
			"It does taste quite noxious, doesn't it?" she asks, pushing her own untouched cup away with a finger. "I'm glad you said so." 

			Hermes arches a brow. "Was this also about trust?" 

			"A little bit," she admits, tilting her head. "And a little bit about teaching you a lesson for trespassing. Her attention shifts to you, and she frowns. "If you can't be bothered to tell the truth about something so basic, I'm not sure how I'm meant to believe you about anything important. But I suppose one of you is inclined to the truth, so for now I'm satisfied. I'll listen to what you have to say." She fixes her eyes on you both, apparently quite sincere.
*page_break
Hermes clears his throat. "Right, well… this man, Perseus. He's a friend of mine, and I'll be the first to agree that he's rash, impulsive, and a bit of an idiot. But… the thing is, his heart is very much in the right place, generally speaking." He swallows, almost taking another sip of the drink in front of him before abruptly setting the cup down again. 

"Sure. Typical demigod hero type. I don't have much personal experience with [i]those[/i], but I'm familiar with the kind of young man they make around here." Medusa rolls her eyes, but she doesn't seem more than slightly exasperated, which is probably a good sign.

"I have several in my backyard." 

Or not. 

Hermes sucks a breath in between his teeth. "Er. I know that's not intentional, by the way. The—well, I assume keeping them there is intentional, but I know you have no control over the—the petrification."

"Not since your sister cursed me, no." She says it matter-of-factly, but a few of the snakes around her head hiss quietly, reminding you of their presence, which you'd somehow almost managed to forget. 

Hermes runs a hand back over his hair. "Perseus is… in a bit of a bind," he continues quietly. "He was cast out to sea with his mother when he was a child, washed ashore on Seriphos, was raised there. But the king of the island is… let's say not the honorable type, and he has his sights set on Danaë." 

"The mother." There's a sigh in Medusa's voice. 

The winged god nods. "And, because Perseus keeps intervening to protect her, Polydectes—that's the king—is more or less looking for any excuse to send him away in disgrace. Any offense, you understand, that someone else might forgive would be used as a pretext." 

"Okay, and what did the good-hearted fool do to get himself in a 'bind'? Kill someone?" 

"No, nothing like that. Perseus is… very green, as a warrior. Well-trained, but he's seen neither battle nor dangerous hunt, before. I don't think he's ever killed anyone, to be honest." 

*fake_choice
	#"Well then, why's he so set on killing Medusa?"
		*set forthright +1
		"Well then, why's he so set on killing Medusa?" You're not seeing how all the parts of this are meant to be connected, just yet. 
		
		"Because he's… well, a 'good-hearted fool,'" Hermes replies, tone laced with irony.
	#"I don't like where this is going, Hermes." 
		"I don't like where this is going, Hermes." You're not exactly sure how all the parts are connected, but the gap between one half the story and the other is certainly narrowing. 
		
		"Me, either," he admits, lifting his shoulders in an awkward shrug. 
	#I remain silent, allowing him to finish the story.
		*set reserved +1
		You remain silent, allowing him to finish the story. You're not seeing how all the parts of this are meant to be connected, just yet, but you're sure that's about to change. 
*line_break
*line_break
"So… as you can imagine, when Polydectes announced he was collecting contributions for a bid for the hand of another woman, Perseus was all too eager to oblige. The man being married off, in his mind, meant his mother would be left alone." 

"I'm sorry, [i]how[/i] sheltered is this kid?" Medusa scoffs. 

Hermes winces. "Look. He believes [i]very[/i] strongly in honor and doing the right thing, and generally thinks that other people will also do the things honor demands. If only to avoid the wrath of the gods, and so on, in Polydectes's case. The point is, the king was collecting horses for the bride-price, and Perseus had no horse, so instead… he asked the king to name the tribute he wanted, and swore he would obtain it, whatever it was." 

Medusa groans. "So he asked for something impossible, of course," she spits. 

"…Close enough," Hermes agrees. "He asked for your head. So now Perseus's is filled with stories of how monstrous you are and all the evil you've done, and furthermore killing you is essentially his one chance to save his mother from Polydectes." 

"…Of course it is." 

*fake_choice
	#"It's also now a matter of his [i]own[/i] honor, right? Because he swore to do it?"
		"It's also now a matter of his [i]own[/i] honor, right? Because he swore to do it?" Human convention isn't necessarily entirely different from that of the gods, on matters like these, Most people take one's word to be binding—and enforcible, at least in certain ways. Humans have to worry about Alekto and her kin, whereas the gods can face their own punishments. 
		
		Making such a reckless promise has put Perseus in a position very difficult to extricate himself from. 
		
		Medusa pinches the bridge of her nose between clawed fingers, rubbing it in tiny circles. 
		
		"Fools and their honor," she grumbles. 
		
		Hermes offers a strained half-smile. "Never seen much point in it, myself, but ${name} is right. He's put just about everything he has on the line, here." 
	#"And you think he has no chance, which is why we're asking Medusa not to kill him?"
		"And you think he has no chance, which is why we're asking Medusa not to kill him?" It certainly [i]sounds[/i] that way, from how Hermes is approaching the situation. The warning would have been fairly useless if Perseus inherently had the upper hand, after all. 
		
		"Of course he has no chance," Medusa replies coldly. "I may hate this curse with everything I am, but it [i]does[/i] mean I no longer get to decide when the sight of me petrifies a human. 
		
		"But it doesn't work on me," you point out. 
		
		"Yes. But you are a demigod who might as well be a ${god}," she replies. "From the sounds of it, this lad is the type of demigod who's basically just a human with a little extra emphasis. Have gods on both sides of the family, do you?" 
		
		"…That's not what we're dealing with right now," Hermes interjects. "But yes. Perseus is inexperienced, nonmagical, and while strong and skilled for a human, very much a human. Which is why we're here." 
	#"So... isn't the obvious situation here just to relocate Perseus and Danaë?"
		"So... isn't the obvious situation here just to relocate Perseus and Danaë?" It feels obvious to you, at least, so much so that you assume there has to be some other element to the story that you don't know about. 
		
		"That would be difficult," Hermes replies. Seriphos is their home, and the man who raised Perseus lives there, too. He's the king's brother. What's more, Danaë's father has it out for Perseus, because there's a prophesy that his grandson will kill him." 
		
		Medusa snorts. "He's out to do a lot of killing, this friend of yours. Or should I say 'brother'?"
		
		"…That's not what's at issue here," Hermes replies. "You're correct, but I'd be doing things this way even if he were my friend who was not related to me. Though… you're right to imply that perhaps it would not be such a problem for [i]you[/i] otherwise." 
	#"What a ridiculous reason to try to kill someone." 
		"What a ridiculous reason to try to kill someone." 
		
		Even Medusa raises her brows at that. "He's trying to save his mother and he thinks me a monster," she points out. "He's wrong about that, I suppose, but it's not difficult to imagine a heroic fool wanting to kill a monster. I have a collection of them." 
		
		"Still, why make a promise like that, if you're in such a tenuous position? It's so obvious that someone out to get you would use it against you like that." 
		
		Hermes wrinkles his nose. "I'll admit, that's what I thought, too. And still do, to an extent. But Perseus's view was that, if he could do [i]one[/i] extremely difficult thing, it would be very difficult for Polydectes to get out of marrying the woman he was collecting the tributes for." 
		
		"So he passes the problem off to some other woman," Medusa says, rolling her eyes. 
		
		Hermes rubs uncomfortably at his eyebrow. "Perhaps he does. But he has few choices available to him, when it comes to that." 
*page_break
"I will consider what you've said," Medusa concludes on a long sigh, the tone of her voice very much giving it the sense of being the conversation's end. "However, you must know that if this man makes an attempt at killing me, and I think there is [i]any[/i] chance he will succeed, I will defend myself. I am not selfless enough to die for someone else's mistake." 

She frowns, features twisting. "But I am sorry for his mother, and so I hope that situation will not come to be." 

She stands, and the two of you do the same, returning to the front entrance of the cave, where Medusa stops at the threshold as the two of you step out into the sunlight. She purses her lips, squinting a bit at the sun and letting out another sigh. 

"If you [i[must[/i] return, take your shoes off at the entrance next time. And [i]knock[/i]. Loudly if need be." 

"We'll keep that in mind," Hermes replies. "Thank you for hearing us out, but you'll have to forgive me for [i]not[/i] thanking you for that disgusting liquid you call a drink." 

She chuckles, raspy and dry. 

*fake_choice
	#"Thank you for having us, Lady Medusa."
		"Thank you for having us, Lady Medusa." You dip your chin to her, and she scoffs. 
		
		"My name is fine, ${name}. I will take the liberty of using yours in exchange." Her lips twitch, and she lifts a hand, farewelling you in a more obvious way. 
	*if (job = "gardener")
		#"If I may... try giving your fungi a bit more moisture, and warming their area, if you can."
			"If I may... try giving your fungi a bit more moisture, and warming their area, if you can." You've learned rather a lot about the kinds of organisms that can thrive in very little light, in the course of your work, and while whatever magic she is using to keep the cave dry is good for comfort, her garden could use a little more. 
			
			Not that it's in bad shape, by any means. 
			
			"Unsolicited gardening advice. I see that you [i]are[/i] related to Demeter." Medusa's lips twitch. "I suppose I'll take it under advisement." 
			
			She lifts a hand, farewelling you in a more obvious way. 
	#"We'll try not to disturb you again, though. Farewell."
		"We'll try not to disturb you again, though. Farewell." It's clear she prefers her solitude, or at least not to have uninvited guests, and it's hard to blame her for that. 
		
		Her lips twitch. "We'll see how that goes," she replies dryly, lifting a hand in a more obvious farewell. 
	#I incline my head in polite farewell. 
		You incline your head in polite farewell. 
		
		"so mannerly," she observes dryly, lips twitching. Then she raises her hand, returning the goodbye in a more obvious way.
*line_break
*line_break
The two of you take your leave, back up into the sky as usual. As you fly, you can't help but notice that Hermes seems once again to be caught in his thoughts. Which is a bit unusual, considering you thought that had gone relatively well, all things accounted for. 

*if (reserved > forthright)
	You lift an eyebrow at him, and he has no trouble interpreting the query in it. 
*if not (reserved > forthright)
	"Is something the matter?" You raise a brow slightly, and he sighs. 

"A lot of things are on my mind," he admits slowly. "Medusa's circumstances, but also Perseus's, and how things are likely to go. I worry we haven't changed the outcome very much, in truth. He's… he's not really the talk first type—he'll just do what he believes he needs to do, and right now, I think that's going to get him killed, even if she doesn't particularly want to. I can't blame her for defending herself, you know?" 

His shoulder slump. "But… his choice is between a stranger and his mother. I know what he'll choose, and I can't blame him for that, either. For other things, maybe, but not for that." 

*fake_choice
	#"Well, then it sounds like our next step is to find the right time to talk to him."
		"Well, then it sounds like our next step is to find the right time to talk to him." You offer a small smile. "It's what you were planning to do anyway, right?" 
		
		He huffs. "You know me too well, Sunshine," he replies. "Yes. I had planned to go to Perseus next. I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to say that I didn't last time, but maybe having you there will change things. After all, [i]this[/i] went a lot better than I was expecting it to."
	#"Couldn't we just, you know, physically stop him from going to her?" 
		"Couldn't we just, you know, physically stop him from going to her?" You don't relish the idea of using any kind of force, but if it comes right down to it, wouldn't that be justified, to prevent a murder?
		
		"We can't," Hermes replies. "That Perseus slays Medusa is ordained by Fate. Meaning I'm already fighting a losing battle here, because I can't change it. But… I guess I'm hoping they can. And that maybe, with a little help from you, I can, too. Either way, the next step is probably talking to him, when the time is right." 
	#"I don't suppose we could hide her, could we?"
		"I don't suppose we could hide her, could we?" You doubt Medusa would much care to relocate, but surely if it would save her life, she could be convinced. 
		
		"Maybe, but it wouldn't change anything, in the end. Not by itself." Hermes grimaces. "That Perseus slays Medusa is ordained by Fate. Meaning I'm already fighting a losing battle here, because I can't change it. But… I guess I'm hoping they can. And that maybe, with a little help from you, I can, too. Either way, the next step is probably talking to him, when the time is right." 
	#"There's got to be [i]some[/i] way to resolve this without either one of them dying."
		"There's got to be [i]some[/i] way to resolve this without either one of them dying." You can't imagine that it's completely impossible. You're dealing with two mortals, after all. How difficult could it [i]be[/i], for the gods to affect things between them?
		
		"Maybe," Hermes replies, "but it's not going to be simple. That Perseus slays Medusa is ordained by Fate. Meaning I'm already fighting a losing battle here, because I can't change it. But… I guess I'm hoping they can. And that maybe, with a little help from you, I can, too. Either way, the next step is probably talking to him, when the time is right." 
*page_break
A couple of hours later, when you have returned to Keep, you are surprised to find 
*if (erebus = 1)
	that Erebus is seeking your attention.
*if (erebus = 0)
	a note tacked to your door. 

[i]${name}—[/i]

[i]Atropos says 'you will want to hear what we have to say.' Meet us upon your return, at your convenience. We'll be expecting you.[/i] 

*if (erebus = 0)
	[i]-Klotho[/i]
*if (erebus = 1)
	[i]This is Klotho, by the way. I'm terrible at this magic, but hopefully you get the message. Maybe I should have tried a note? Oh, um, message ends, Erebus, thank you, dear.[/i] 
	
	It seems to have been pre-recorded, if perhaps not the most skilfully. 

"Huh. Seems like that nosy trio wants to talk to you," Hermes says, managing what seems to be a sincere smile. "That's usually pretty important; most of the time they expect people to seek [i]them[/i] out. You'll have to let me know how you charmed them, at some point." 

*if (humorous > serious)
	"Your guess is as good as mine," you reply with a shrug. 
*if not (humorous > serious)
	"I'm not sure that's it," you point out, brows knitting.

"Well, whatever the case, you should go see them when you're ready," the winged god advises. "They don't summon people for social calls." His smile becomes a bit lopsided, and he dips his head. 

"Until next time, Sunshine." 

And then he's gone. Teleported, presumably. 
*goto amessage

*label minotaur
You'd rather expected, at this juncture, to be somewhere in the mortal realm. Instead, you trek with Pyri through a petrified forest, well away from any Underworld city. The two of you were teleported nearby, but without exact knowledge of your destination, all you can do from here is search. 

The landscape is irregular, pockmarked by large stone formations and interrupted at irregular intervals by wood that isn't quite alive, anymore. Still the trees retain their shape, and something about it is downright eerie, even after their beautiful colors are taken into account. 

Apparently in the Underworld, when such things petrify, they do so with veins of purple, green, red, blue—colors almost as rich as gemstones, if perhaps slightly desaturated. 

There [i]is[/i] life out here, but not very much of it. 

*fake_choice
	#The understimulation is honestly quite uncomfortable. "Pyri, can you explain what we're doing here, exactly?"
		The understimulation is honestly quite uncomfortable. "Pyri, can you explain what we're doing here, exactly?" You'll put up with it, because they asked you to, but it's difficult. Distracting. Maybe conversation will give you something to focus on.
		
		"Uh," Pyri hops over a fallen tree, pausing to make sure you manage the same without incident before continuing. "We're looking for someone. Or something? I'm not really sure which. But he's called the Minotaur." 
		
		"The Minotaur?"
		
		"Mhm. Supposedly, he's some kind of hybrid between a human and a bull? Kind of like a centaur has horse parts, which I guess is why they're both something-taur? But anyway, apparently he has a bull's head and the tail or something. That's how he looked in my head."
		
		"I thought you thought we were going to have to go to the mortal world?"
		
		"I did. And maybe I still will, but right now I think this is the best lead I have, so far." 
	#It's very quiet, but I don't honestly mind that. "Not that I'm complaining here, Pyri, but why are we traipsing through the Underworld's version of wilderness?"
		It's very quiet, but I don't honestly mind that. "Not that I'm complaining here, Pyri, but why are we traipsing through the Underworld's version of wilderness?" You're not necessarily displeased to be doing so, but they're walking like they're on a mission, and you know this is somehow connected to their memories.
		
		"Uh," Pyri hops over a fallen tree, pausing to make sure you manage the same without incident before continuing. "We're looking for someone. Or something? I'm not really sure which. But he's called the Minotaur." 
		
		"The Minotaur?"
		
		"Mhm. Supposedly, he's some kind of hybrid between a human and a bull? Kind of like a centaur has horse parts, which I guess is why they're both something-taur? But anyway, apparently he has a bull's head and the tail or something. That's how he looked in my head."
		
		"I thought you thought we were going to have to go to the mortal world?"
		
		"I did. And maybe I still will, but right now I think this is the best lead I have, so far." 
	#I don't care one way or another about the quiet—my concern is for what little [i]is[/i] out here. "Aren't there meant to be monsters in the wild parts of the Underworld?" 
		I don't care one way or another about the quiet—you concern is for what little [i]is[/i] out here. "Aren't there meant to be monsters in the wild parts of the Underworld?" It's not that you don't think the two of you can handle yourselves, but the dangers here are very real, you have learned. You don't want to meet anything out here like you did in Tartarus. 
		
		"Yeah, but we don't need to worry about those." Pyri hops over a fallen tree, pausing to make sure you manage the same without incident before continuing. "I'll deal with it if we meet any. But, uh. We're looking for someone. Or something? I'm not really sure which. But he's called the Minotaur, and he lives out here." 
		
		"The Minotaur?"
		
		"Mhm. Supposedly, he's some kind of hybrid between a human and a bull? Kind of like a centaur has horse parts, which I guess is why they're both something-taur? But anyway, apparently he has a bull's head and the tail or something. That's how he looked in my head."
		
		"I thought you thought we were going to have to go to the mortal world?"
		
		"I did. And maybe I still will, but right now I think this is the best lead I have, so far." 
*page_break
"I went to Hypnos a few times, you know? Interpreting dreams is hard, especially when I'm not actually an oracle or anything, but I think we managed to get a few things. The most important one was this one—the fact that I'm connected to the Minotaur, somehow. He appeared in a lot of them, and he was easier to recognize than anyone else. Hypnos knew who he was." 

You personally have never heard of such a creature, but there are likely many such. It sounds like they were fortunate Hypnos knew this one in particular. 

They shake their head. "I told Hekate we were going today, so she could help me with the teleporting part. She… didn't seem very happy about it, but she wouldn't say why. Probably because he's supposed to be some kind of dangerous, I guess?" 

You [i]have[/i] heard that the outer reaches of the Underworld are inhabited by all kinds of beings, and that being dangerous is more or less what they all have in common.

*fake_choice
	#"Maybe she's right. It sounds dangerous."
		"Maybe she's right. It sounds dangerous." The more you hear about this, the less sure you are that it's even remotely a good idea. They can be as confident as they want in their ability to handle such things; you don't want to tempt Fate. 
		
		"Well, maybe," Pyri admits. "And if you want to go back, that's okay. But I have to meet him, ${name}. I have to know why he shows up in my dreams." 
		
		You sigh quietly. When they put it like that, it's hardly a choice. Maybe going back is more sensible—in fact, you're sure it is—but you're not going to leave them to handle this Minotaur on their own.
	#"Are you sure you're ready for whatever this might reveal to you?"
		"Are you sure you're ready for whatever this might reveal to you?" You're not sure what on earth that would be, but if it somehow involves the kind of being who lives out here, there's a good chance it won't be completely pleasant.
		
		"I don't know," Pyri admits. "And I won't, until I meet him, so… I have to, you know?"
		
		You sigh quietly. It [i]does[/i] make a certain kind of sense, of course. You just wish Hypnos could have told them more, or that you had a better idea of what to expect from all this. You're meant to be here to support them, after all. 
	#"Couldn't you just, you know, ask Hekate or someone else what you've forgotten? Someone must know." 
		"Couldn't you just, you know, ask Hekate or someone else what you've forgotten? Someone must know." You're just not sure that this is the better of the two ideas, particularly when it involves an unknown quantity in a location known for hosting literal monsters. 
		
		"She can't," Pyri admits. "Something about the magic. But even if she could, I wouldn't want to ask her to. If it's bad news, and it goes wrong, she might blame herself for telling me, especially since I used to really not want to know. This has to be on me, whatever happens." 
		
		You sigh quietly. It [i]does[/i] make a certain kind of sense, of course. You just wish Hypnos could have told them more, or that you had a better idea of what to expect from all this. You're meant to be here to support them, after all. 
	#"I'm not seeing how this could be connected to Theseus. I think a more logical first step would have been to go see him. He's around, after all."
		"I'm not seeing how this could be connected to Theseus. I think a more logical first step would have been to go see him. He's around, after all." Presumably he knows something—he'd clearly recognized them, when they'd been in the same room. And he's serving out a sentence in prison right now, so you wouldn't even have to go that far to find him. 
		
		"I don't trust him," Pyri says, something fierce beneath heir tone. "He kidnapped you. Besides that… I just don't think I want to talk to him when he has all the information and I have nothing. He could lie to me and I wouldn't have a clue." 
		
		It's unusual for Pyri to suspect at the outset that someone might lie to them, but you suppose it's as they said. He doesn't exactly have the most trustworthy history, when it comes to residents of the Underworld. 
		
		You just wish Hypnos could have told them more, or that you had a better idea of what to expect from all this. You're meant to be here to support them, after all. 
*page_break
A few steps later, Pyri halts, their brows knitting. "Do you feel that?"

You turn your attention to your life-sense, but nothing much has changed, and you shake your head. Whatever they're picking up on, you don't sense it at all. 

"Really? I'm sure there's…" clicking their tongue, they move forward again, their pace picking up until they're nearly running, an urgency in their steps you haven't seen since the incident in Tartarus. You hasten to catch up with them, following them through a densely-packed cluster of trees as they weave deftly around the trunks. 

"There." 

They halt again, and you 
*if (tag_unathletic)
	pull up sharply, tripping as you just barely avoid a collision with their back. Once you've righted yourself, you study what they're looking at. 
*if not (tag_unathletic)
	pull to a stop abruptly, studying what they're looking at. 

It's a cave entrance, which is unusual but certainly not unheard of within the large, cavernous space of the Underworld itself. A cave within a cave strikes you as a little strange, but you dismiss the thought. This isn't just a big place underground, just like Olympus isn't just a place at the top of a mountain. 

"In here," Pyri says, looking back at you with urgency scrawled across their face. And something else, too. Something like fear. 

But they don't let it pause them, and you pick up into a jog again to enter behind them. 

The illusion of an ordinary cave entrance isn't maintained for long. Past the threshold, you can see square-carved angles and an elaborate entranceway. Carved above the central arch is the phrase 'Enter not, lest the labyrinth consume you.' 

*fake_choice
	#"Um, Pyri? I don't think this is such a good idea. I'm sure that warning's there for a reason."
		*set forthright +1
		*set unsure +1
		"Um, Pyri? I don't think this is such a good idea. I'm sure that warning's there for a reason." Your apprehension spikes. The further along in this venture you get, the less sure you are that it's safe or even advisable for any reason at all. What could this 'Minotaur' have to say about Pyri's memories, anyway? Could such a being even speak in a way you would understand?
		
		Pyri clears their throat, dragging nearly-luminous golden eyes away from the text and to your face. "I'm sure it is," they agree, pressing their lips together. "But so are we. I can't turn back now, ${name}. I won't."
		
		And that, of course, means you won't either. At least not for now.
	#"A maze, is it? As if that could stop us." 
		*set forthright +1
		*set confident +1
		"A maze, is it? As if that could stop us."  You can't help but scoff a little at the warning, pretentious as it is. 'Consume you'? Unlikely. The combined strength of you and Pyri, and all the friends you can call upon if you find yourselves in trouble, means there's hardly any danger at all, really. Certainly not any danger you can't handle. 
		
		Pyri manages a small grin. "That's the spirit," they reply. "What kind of maze threatens to eat you, anyway? Unless it has teeth, I can't take that seriously." 
		
		"…Is there a chance it has teeth?" You can't help but find the expression odd, otherwise. 
		
		"I mean, I don't know. It's an Underworld maze. I'm trying not to assume anything."
		
		That's probably not unreasonable.
	#"How quaint." 
		*set reserved +1
		*set confident +1
		"How quaint."  It's a little bit storybook, isn't it? The foreboding labyrinth with the ominous, if slightly pretentious, warning? Not that you're in the least concerned about that. The combined strength of you and Pyri, and all the friends you can call upon if you find yourselves in trouble, means there's hardly any danger at all, really. Certainly not any danger you can't handle. 
		
		Pyri blinks. "Is it?" they ask. "I was thinking more… I dunno. What kind of maze threatens to eat you, anyway? Unless it has teeth, I can't take that seriously." 
		
		"…Is there a chance it has teeth?" You can't help but find the expression odd, otherwise. 
		
		"I mean, I don't know. It's an Underworld maze. I'm trying not to assume anything."
		
		That's probably not unreasonable.
	#I feel a spike of unease, but push it down as best I can.
		*set reserved +1
		*set unsure +1
		You feel a spike of unease, but push it down as best you can. The further along in this venture you get, the less sure you are that it's safe or even advisable for any reason at all. What could this 'Minotaur' have to say about Pyri's memories, anyway? Could such a being even speak in a way you would understand?
		
		Pyri clears their throat. "Right, well. That's a bit… What kind of maze threatens to eat you, anyway? Unless it has teeth, I can't take that seriously." 
		
		"…Is there a chance it has teeth?" You can't help but find the possibility unhelpfully terrifying. 
		
		"I mean, I don't know. It's an Underworld maze. I'm trying not to assume anything."
		
		Not unreasonable, but definitely not helpful for your present state of mind. Still… if they're doing this, so are you. At least for now.
*page_break
"We need to keep going," Pyri continues, decisively. You're not sure whether the words are really directed at you, or at themself, because they take a couple of strides forward, then abruptly halt again. 

"I just… this feels really familiar? But it's the Underworld, so I definitely can't of been here when I was alive. But now it's… it's like I [i]know[/i] the Minotaur is in the middle. How do I know that?"

*fake_choice
	#"Well, it [i]is[/i] a maze. Usually the thing you want is in the middle. Or on the other side, if there is one. Depends on the maze, I guess."
		"Well, it [i]is[/i] a maze. Usually the thing you want is in the middle. Or on the other side, if there is one. Depends on the maze, I guess." You're not sure this is anything that needs to be attributed to memory, especially because, as they've said, they wouldn't have possibly been to the Underworld while still alive. They're probably just making an inference, and the heightened state of emotions right now makes it [i]feel[/i] like something more than that. 
		
		"That's… yeah. You're probably right." Pyri expels a breath. "Sorry. Everything's so jumbled in my head right now. I have all these things that I'm [i]almost[/i] remembering just pushing at me. It's probably making everything feel more important than it is. But…" 
		
		"But what?"
		
		"I dunno. There's just this feeling. I can't shake it. Not about the Minotaur being in the middle. About how we're supposed to do this." 
		
		"A feeling like what?" That might be worth pursuing, even if it's basically the same thing.
	#"I'm not sure, but there's no harm in trusting the instinct for now, right? What's the worst that could happen?"
		"I'm not sure, but there's no harm in trusting the instinct for now, right? What's the worst that could happen?" Obviously, there are some bad things that could—it's possible that this maze or something in it could injure someone. But you're not seriously concerned that either of you is at a major risk of worse, and the point here is to help them remember whatever they can, so following their instincts is probably a good first step. 
		
		"I'm pretty sure we're not supposed to tempt Fate with questions like that," Pyri says, barking a short laugh. "But, uh… right, sorry. Everything's so jumbled in my head right now. I have all these things that I'm [i]almost[/i] remembering just pushing at me. It's probably making everything feel more important than it is. But…" 
		
		"But what?"
		
		"I dunno. There's just this feeling. I can't shake it. Not about the Minotaur being in the middle. About how we're supposed to do this." 
		
		"A feeling like what?" That might be worth pursuing, too.
	#"Maybe you've encountered a lot of mazes before?"
		"Maybe you've encountered a lot of mazes before?" Maybe the 'memory' is more of a memory of similarity, that sense of 'deja vu' that sometimes happens when something reminds you strongly of something separate. After all, most mazes are basically similar in a lot of ways, and so if there's [i]something[/i] like that in the past, and they were searching for [i]something[/i] in it, then this situation could call up that recollection. 
		
		Maybe. You don't exactly have a lot of experience with memory loss and recovery. 
		
		"…Maybe." Pyri expels a breath, shaking their head. "Sorry. Everything's so jumbled in my head right now. I have all these things that I'm [i]almost[/i] remembering just pushing at me. It's probably making everything feel more important than it is. But…" 
		
		"But what?"
		
		"I dunno. There's just this feeling. I can't shake it. Not about the Minotaur being in the middle. About how we're supposed to do this." 
		
		"A feeling like what?" That might be worth pursuing, even if it's basically the same thing.
	#"Does it matter? Whether he's in the middle or not, we'll find him."
		"Does it matter? Whether he's in the middle or not, we'll find him." Maybe it's a memory, maybe it's an instinct, maybe it's right, and maybe it's wrong. None of that really affects the core of the issue, which is that the two of you are here to find the Minotaur, and you will. 
		
		"That's… yeah. You're right." Pyri expels a breath. "Sorry. Everything's so jumbled in my head right now. I have all these things that I'm [i]almost[/i] remembering just pushing at me. It's probably making everything feel more important than it is. But…" 
		
		"But what?"
		
		"I dunno. There's just this feeling. I can't shake it. Not about the Minotaur being in the middle. About how we're supposed to do this." 
		
		"A feeling like what?" That might be worth pursuing, as a start.
*page_break
"I feel like there's something I'm forgetting," Pyri murmurs. "A way—we need a way not to get lost, right? It's a maze, after all, and who knows how big it is? But there's got to be something…" Frustrated, they run a hand back through their hair, and it catches partway through, making them grimace as they extract their fingers, leaving a bit of a mess behind. 

"Maybe I used to be smarter. Can you think of anything? I don't want to get us lost."

You consider this for a moment. From here, the walls of the maze look to be floor to ceiling of the cavern, which rules out flying. 

*fake_choice
	#"Well, maybe just think about it a little more? I don't have a specific idea, but it sounds like you might." 
		*set maze "string"
		"Well, maybe just think about it a little more? I don't have a specific idea, but it sounds like you might." And that in itself could be an important clue to something, for all you know. 
		
		Pyri frowns, their eyes falling to the floor as their brows knit together in obvious thought. "It was… something to make sure we could find the way out," they murmur, almost too quietly for you to hear. "Something we could… follow? Follow in? No. Follow back. Follow back the same way we'd gone, like a…" 
		
		Their head snaps up. "I remember! I think. It was like…" The air in front of them temporarily glows, and they reach forward to snatch the spool of wire that suddenly appears in the air. 
		
		"What's that?"
		
		"Infinite bowstring," they reply with a broad smile. "Or, at least close enough. I remember that it was string or something, that I was thinking about. This should be a little harder to break… and also I can only access the armory right now, so… we're working with what we have."
		
		"That's not a bad idea at all, Pyri." A string tied at the entrance would definitely ensure you could find your way back from wherever you ended up. Even if it breaks at some point, it shouldn't be impossible to follow.
	*if (knows_teleport)
		#@{convotoggle [❋]|} "Well, I do know how to teleport, you know. I can take us both back here to the entrance if things get too confusing. Or even back to the Keep."
			*set maze "teleport"
			"Well, I do know how to teleport, you know. I can take us both back here to the entrance if things get too confusing. Or even back to the Keep." It seems like the obvious solution to you. You can't teleport directly to the center of the maze, since you don't know precisely where in space it is, or what it looks like, or anything like that, but you could always get the two of you back here if need be. 
			
			"Oh. Right. I always forget stuff like that." Pyri clears their throat, a tad embarrassed. "Still not used to being a deity, sometimes. Plus, I'm pretty bad at the magic. Anyway… hold on." Their brows knit. "Aren't there some places in the Underworld where teleporting usually doesn't work? Like Tartarus?" 
			
			That's not an unreasonable point, actually. "Perhaps we should check." 
			
			You take a few steps forward, past the threshold of the maze, then a few more just to be sure. It certainly does [i]feel[/i] different—very foreboding, though not quite to the extent that you remember when approaching Tartarus. 
			
			And when you visualize the entranceway in your mind, you reappear there with a small tug of magic but no unusual difficulty. 
			
			Pyri lets out a relieved breath. "Well, then, I guess that's sorted. Thanks, ${name}."
			
			"You're welcome." It's good to know you'll be able to exit the maze at any point safely. And if you can make it to the center, you won't have to worry about retracing your steps to get out again, either. 
	*if (tag_learned)
		#@{convotoggle [❋]|} "That's an easy one. If you stick to touching the same wall and follow it all the way thorough, you'll eventually solve any maze. Maybe not the fastest, but it's totally reliable." 
			*set maze "nerd"
			"That's an easy one. If you stick to touching the same wall and follow it all the way thorough, you'll eventually solve any maze. Maybe not the fastest, but it's totally reliable." It shouldn't be difficult to navigate at all, though it might take time. 
			
			"That's assuming the maze doesn't, I dunno, rearrange itself or something." Pyri frowns, considering. "But, maybe that's fine. I don't [i]think[/i] it should, and we can always call for an emergency teleport if we get lost." 
			
			*if (knows_teleport)
				"Or I could try, but yes."
			*if not (knows_teleport)
				"It's really quite nice that they can do that at a distance," you admit.
				
			"Yeah." Pyri lets out a relieved breath. "Well, then, I guess that's sorted. Thanks, ${name}."
			
			"You're welcome." It's good to know you'll be able to find your way out safely if you need to. And that you'll definitely make it to the center eventually, too. 
	#"Uh... maybe we can use weapons to leave notches in the wall to mark where we've already been?" I shrug.
		*set maze "string"
		"Uh... maybe we can use weapons to leave notches in the wall to mark where we've already been?" You shrug. This isn't exactly your forté, but it's the best idea you've got. 
		
		Pyri frowns, their eyes falling to the floor as their brows knit together in obvious thought. "It was… something to make sure we could find the way out," they murmur, almost too quietly for you to hear. "Something we could… follow? Follow in? No. Follow back. Follow back the same way we'd gone, like a…" 
		
		Their head snaps up. "I remember! I think. It was like…" The air in front of them temporarily glows, and they reach forward to snatch the spool of wire that suddenly appears in the air. 
		
		"What's that?"
		
		"Infinite bowstring," they reply with a broad smile. "Or, at least close enough. I remember that it was string or something, that I was thinking about. This should be a little harder to break… and also I can only access the armory right now, so… we're working with what we have. It's just that if we leave a lot of marks, we might get turned around and follow the ones we've already left."
		
		"That's not a bad idea at all, Pyri." A string tied at the entrance would definitely ensure you could find your way back from wherever you ended up. Even if it breaks at some point, it shouldn't be impossible to follow.
*page_break
With a solution for getting back out settled upon, you head into the maze at last. Once you're to the first turn, though, all light seems to utterly disappear. 

Fortunately, your particular partnership is well prepared for something like this; Pyri lights a large flame over their hand, which detaches and floats above both of your heads as you walk, instead. 

It might make you visible to anything in here, but that's a price you're just going to have to pay for being able to navigate at all. You have to wonder if this Minotaur has night vision or something. Du bulls have night vision? Probably at least a bit, you would suppose. 

Perhaps some deities do as well, but you're certainly not one of them.

*if (maze = "nerd")
	You're navigating with steady ease, sticking to your wall, fingers lightly trailing along the smooth stone, when they drag across something wet. 
*if not (maze = "nerd")
	You're navigating as best you can, fingers trailing lightly along the smooth stone of the passage, when they drag across something wet. 

"That smell." Pyri's face scrunches. "It's like—"

They turn to look at you beside them just as you pull your fingertips away from the wall. They're smeared in something dark; as you move them closer to the light, you can confirm what the coppery smell already suggested. 

The walls are… bleeding.

*fake_choice
	#"H-how sure are we the maze itself isn't alive, Pyri?"
		*set unsure +1
		"H-how sure are we the maze itself isn't alive, Pyri?" You shake your fingers, trying to rid yourself of the strangely-cold blood before remembering you can do so with magic and muttering the right words. 
		
		The fluid vanishes, but the uncomfortable feeling it left behind certainly does not.
		
		"You'd be able to sense if it was a living thing, right?" They reply, brows knit uncertainly. 
		
		They're right, though, you think, and that goes [i]some[/i] way towards assuaging you, but… if it's not the maze itself causing this, then it must be some kind of magic, and that means someone to have cast it. 
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "Well that's a bit disturbing, isn't it?"
		*set humorous +1
		"Well that's a bit disturbing, isn't it?" You chuckle, a tad weakly, and clean the strangely-cold blood off with a muttered spell. 
		
		The fluid vanishes, but the uncomfortable feeling it left behind certainly does not.
		
		"It's not… great," Pyri replies. You think they try to smile, but after a moment their expression settles into a frown instead, brows knit uncertainly. "But someone must have made it happen, right? Like… cast a spell or something?"
		
		They're probably right. A longer-term enchantment is certainly a possibility, but it's more likely someone maintains the spellwork at least fairly regularly, and there's a good chance that someone is here. 
	#I frown down at the blood on my hand, then clean it away.
		*set serious +1
		You frown down at the blood on your hand, then clean it away. A muttered spell does the trick, and the fluid vanishes, but the uncomfortable feeling it left behind certainly does not. 
		
		"Well this is… gross." You think Pyri tries to smile, but after a moment their expression settles into a frown instead, brows knit uncertainly. "But someone must have made it happen, right? Like… cast a spell or something?"
		
		They're probably right. A longer-term enchantment is certainly a possibility, but it's more likely someone maintains the spellwork at least fairly regularly, and there's a good chance that someone is here. 
	#"Well, I'd say someone's trying to scare us. They're not very good at it."
		*set confident +1
		"Well, I'd say someone's trying to scare us. They're not very good at it." You flick some of the strangely-cold blood off your fingers, then mutter a spell to clean the rest as well. 
		
		The fluid vanishes, but the uncomfortable feeling it left behind certainly does not.
		
		"Well… at least they've done a better job revealing themselves?" Pyri asks. You think they try to smile, but after a moment their expression settles into a frown instead, brows knit uncertainly. "Someone must have made this happen, right? Like… cast a spell or something?"
		
		They're probably right. A longer-term enchantment is certainly a possibility, but it's more likely someone maintains the spellwork at least fairly regularly, and there's a good chance that someone is here. 
*page_break
Now at least mostly certain [i]something[/i] is in this place, Minotaur or otherwise, you and Pyri proceed on your way. You can't be sure how long you've walked; your sense of time slowly slips away from you, and when you resort to counting your steps, you keep missing numbers, or forgetting where you are altogether in the count, a sure sign that some subtle sort of magic is at play here, powerful enough to affect both of you. 

The darkness seems keen to swallow you, closing in on your little light, and you could swear the radius of it gets a tiny bit smaller with each step forward, until really there's only a few feet of illumination in any direction, and what is beyond that is simply impenetrable. 

Your footsteps continue apace, and Pyri's breathing deepens, accelerating and growing louder.

"What's wrong?" Pyri asks. "You're hyper—hyperventilating? Breathing too hard. It sounds like you're going to pass out or something."

*fake_choice
	#"Pyri, um. That's not me." I freeze, unsure now exactly where the sound is coming from, or what to do. 
		"Pyri, um. That's not me." You freeze, unsure now exactly where the sound is coming from, or what to do. 
		
		They murmur an expletive at a higher pitch than normal, and the air grows slightly warm for a moment as they pull their spear from thin air. 
		
		"Where? Where is he?"
		
		A low, rumbling sound answers, one you're sure neither of you could possibly make.
	*if (pc_weapon != "none")
		#"...Damn." I draw my ${weapon}, trying to figure out what direction the sound is in.
			*set minotaur_fight "weapon"
			"...Damn." I draw my ${weapon}, trying to figure out what direction the sound is in.
			
			Pyri follows with another expletive at a higher pitch than normal, and the air grows slightly warm for a moment as they pull their spear from thin air. 
		
			"Where? Where is he?"

			A low, rumbling sound answers, one you're sure neither of you could possibly make.
	#"Something's here." I ready my magic, fingertips glowing faintly as I focus my hearing.
		*set minotaur_fight "magic"
		"Something's here." You ready your magic, fingertips glowing faintly as you focus your hearing.
		
		Pyri murmurs an expletive at a higher pitch than normal, and the air grows slightly warm for a moment as they pull their spear from thin air. 
		
		"Where? Where is he?"
		
		A low, rumbling sound answers, one you're sure neither of you could possibly make.
	#"I was just going to ask you that—oh. Well. Hey, where's that noise coming from, anyway?"
		"I was just going to ask you that—oh. Well. Hey, where's that noise coming from, anyway?"
		
		Pyri murmurs an expletive at a higher pitch than normal, and the air grows slightly warm for a moment as they pull their spear from thin air. 
		
		"Where? Where is he?"
		
		A low, rumbling sound answers, one you're sure neither of you could possibly make.
*page_break
The two of you swiftly turn around. Your light, given as much strength as Pyri can put into it, wobbles and flares wider, washing over what seems to be a large, circular chamber. You have long enough to notice a large bed and a table, a fire pit and a few other accouterments of a dwelling before the light reaches the creature you could only hear before. 

He looms probably nine feet tall, enormously broad and thick with, you can only suppose, fat and muscle both. The head and neck atop his shoulders do resemble those of a large bull, from the short, jutting horns to the wide bovine muzzle. The rest of him is human in appearance, as far as you can tell, save for the thin tail that flicks behind him. He holds what you can only describe as the biggest club you've ever seen. 

As your eyes fall upon him, he bellows, an inchoate sound accompanied by the low rush of the weapon through the air. 

*fake_choice
	*if (minotaur_fight = "weapon")
		#@{convotoggle [❋]|} But I'm ready to fight back.
			But you're ready to fight back. 
			
			Ducking beneath the first mighty swing, you dart forward, ${weapon} at the ready. 
			
			Your blow is swiftly intercepted, the Minotaur catching the blade of your weapon in an enormous palm, and wrenching with a strength you hadn't quite expected, even for his size. You're sent flying, your back hitting a stone wall before you drop to the floor, wheezing as you regain your breath. 
			
			You're far from out of this, but you need to—
	*if (minotaur_fight = "magic")
		#@{convotoggle [❋]|} But I'm ready to fight back.
			But you're ready to fight back. 
			
			Ducking beneath the first mighty swing, you fire a barrage of thorny 'arrows.'
			
			But they're swiftly intercepted, the Minotaur raising an enormous hand and batting the projectiles out of the air. You're caught by the backswing of the club and sent flying before you can muster a shield or some other defense, your back hitting a stone wall before you drop to the floor, wheezing as you regain your breath. 
			
			You're far from out of this, but you need to—
	#I try to dodge as well as I can, scrambling for a means to defend myself. 
		You try to dodge as well as you can, scrambling for a means to defend yourself. 
		
		Ducking beneath the first mighty swing, you 
		*if (((training = "combat") and (pc_weapon != "none")) and (pc_weapon != "unknown"))
			grab for your ${weapon}, darting forward with the weapon at the ready. 
			
			Your blow is swiftly intercepted, the Minotaur catching the blade of your weapon in an enormous palm, and wrenching with a strength you hadn't quite expected, even for his size. You're sent flying, your back hitting a stone wall before you drop to the floor, wheezing as you regain your breath. 
		*if (((training = "magic") or (pc_weapon = "none")) or (pc_weapon = "unknown"))
			ready what magic you can conjure this swiftly, firing a triplicate of thorny 'arrows.'
			
			But they're swiftly intercepted, the Minotaur raising an enormous hand and batting the projectiles out of the air. You're caught by the backswing of the club and sent flying before you can muster a shield or some other defense, your back hitting a stone wall before you drop to the floor, wheezing as you regain your breath. 
		
		You're far from out of this, but you need to—
	#All I can do is try to get out of the way. "Stop, please!" 
		All you can do is try to get out of the way. "Stop, please!" 
		
		You manage to duck beneath the first mighty swing, but if the Minotaur hears your desperate words, he has no care for them, and you're caught by the backswing of the club, sent flying before you can muster any kind of defense, your back hitting a stone wall before you drop to the floor, wheezing as you regain your breath. 
		
		You're not too injured to get up, but you need to—
*page_break
"Hey! Leave ${him2} alone!" 

Pyri leaps in buying you the time you need to recover. Their spear flashes forward, and when the Minotaur grabs hold of it, they immediately let go, shoulder-tackling him at the waist instead. Flames lick at their feet, propelling them forward with greater momentum, and the creature actually bends with the impact, seemingly nearly as winded as you. 

As you drag yourself back to your feet, though, things take a turn for the worse, as Pyri darts away from a strike with the club's handle, only to be quickly grabbed by the Minotaur's other hand. He hefts them into the air by the neck with a grunt, bovine nostrils flaring as they scrabble at his grip. 

Their hands are beginning to catch fire, and you're moving to interpose, when abruptly, he sets them down, his heavy brow knitting. 

"Sis… ter." 

*fake_choice
	#"What?" I move to Pyri's side, still ready to intervene if he tries anything else. 
		"What?" You move to Pyri's side, still ready to intervene if he tries anything else. You're having trouble believing there could be any relation between the two, and not [i]just[/i] because the Minotaur is, well, half a bull by appearance. He's also massive, and Pyri is the complete opposite of that, for one. 
		
		"Sis-ter," he repeats, struggling over the single word. 
		
		Pyri frowns, lifting their hands and trying the sign for the same word, but the Minotaur only shakes his head. It would appear that you have only the one route for conversation, right now, because you definitely don't see any paper or writing implements in here.
	#"Okay, that's going to need some explanation." The fight part seems to be done, though, so I move to Pyri's side with a little less caution.
		"Okay, that's going to need some explanation." The fight part seems to be done, though, so I move to Pyri's side with a little less caution. You figure if he'd wanted to try squashing you flat anymore, he'd have kept at it instead of taking a break to talk. 
		
		"Sis-ter," he repeats, struggling over the single word. 
		
		Pyri frowns, lifting their hands and trying the sign for the same word, but the Minotaur only shakes his head. It would appear that you have only the one route for conversation, right now, because you definitely don't see any paper or writing implements in here.
	#"That'd be 'sibling,' I presume," you point out. "Unless you're mistaking them for someone else."
		"That'd be 'sibling,' I presume," you point out. "Unless you're mistaking them for someone else." You're having trouble believing there could be any relation between the two in the first place, and not [i]just[/i] because the Minotaur is, well, half a bull by appearance. He's also massive, and Pyri is the complete opposite of that, for one. 
		
		"No, uh, I think if he knew me when I was a human, he's probably right," they say. "I didn't tell people I wasn't a girl, that I remember." 
		
		"Sis-ter," he repeats, struggling over the single word. 
		
		Pyri frowns, lifting their hands and trying the sign for the same word, but the Minotaur only shakes his head. It would appear that you have only the one route for conversation, right now, because you definitely don't see any paper or writing implements in here.
	#I'm not sure exactly what to make of that, and besides, I need to check if Pyri's hurt.
		You're not sure exactly what to make of that, and besides, you need to check if Pyri's hurt, so you move to their side with haste, your brow creasing @{tag_uncharming 			slightly, which for you is quite the tell.|considerably.}

		"I'm okay," Pyri says quietly, offering you an awkward smile. "But thanks. Now uh… what?"
		
		"Sis-ter," the Minotaur repeats, struggling over the single word. 
		
		Pyri frowns, lifting their hands and trying the sign for the same word, but he only shakes his head. It would appear that you have only the one route for conversation, right now, because you definitely don't see any paper or writing implements in here.
*page_break
"Explain what you mean," Pyri demands, but then their face scrunches briefly and their tone softens. "Please. There's a lot of things I'm trying to remember right now, and if you know something… please." 

They dismiss their spear, which returns to the armory with a soft flare of warmth. 

He seems to ponder a moment, at least as much as a being with the head of a cow can seem to be pondering. His body language certainly suggests unease, at least, and his tail flicks awkwardly behind him. 

"Sis-ter. My sister. Ari…ad-ne." 

The name strikes Pyri like a lightning bolt; they take a half-step back beneath the weight of the blow, almost, a hand rising to their head. "Ariadne? I was… that was my name? How did I manage to forget [i]that[/i]?" 

*fake_choice
	#"Are you sure you believe him? This could be a trick."
		"Are you sure you believe him? This could be a trick." He may have stopped attacking you, but that doesn't mean you're just ready to trust whatever he says. 
		
		Pyri considers this for a moment, chewing their lip. "I mean… what's he got to gain from lying, here? He has to have figured claiming I'm his sibling would be something nobody believed if it [i]was[/i] a lie. It's not like my memory being patchy is something everyone knows." 
		
		They rub at their head, dropping the hand with a frustrated sigh. "Can you say more? I'm kind of behind, here." 
	#"Does that help you remember anything else?"
		"Does that help you remember anything else?" It seems unlikely to be a lie—the Minotaur would have no way of knowing Pyri had lost their memory, and so calling someone his sibling who wasn't would have been a very obvious lie. You have to suppose then, that he's telling the truth. Or at least thinks he is. 
		
		Pyri considers this for a moment, chewing their lip. "I mean… maybe? It's all just… I keep hearing that name in my head, in different tones and voices. I can't say I like it much."
		
		They rub at their brow, dropping the hand with a frustrated sigh. "Can you say more? I'm kind of behind, here." 
	#"That's a nice name."
		"That's a nice name." Ariadne. You've never heard it before, but then that's the case with a great many human names, you're sure. t seems unlikely to be a lie—the Minotaur would have no way of knowing Pyri had lost their memory, and so calling someone his sibling who wasn't would have been a very obvious lie. You have to suppose then, that he's telling the truth. Or at least thinks he is. 
		
		Pyri frowns. "I gave it up for a reason," they point out. "I guess it's fine as a name, but it's not [i]mine[/i]. and now I keep hearing it in my head, in different voices and tones. Can't say I like that much."
		
		They rub at their brow, dropping the hand with a frustrated sigh. "Can you say more? I'm kind of behind, here." 
	#"Are you okay, Pyri?" 
		"Are you okay, Pyri?" That's your primary concern here. You don't think the Minotaur is lying, but that doesn't necessarily mean Pyri's ready to hear all of it, either. And names have power—even the dead ones, sometimes. 
		
		Pyri considers this for a moment, chewing their lip. "…Maybe? It's all just… I keep hearing that name in my head, in different tones and voices. I can't say I like it much."
		
		They rub at their brow, dropping the hand with a frustrated sigh. "Can you say more? I'm kind of behind, here." 
*page_break
The Minotaur pauses, taking in a short breath before adding. "My name… Asterion. You said… you liked it, because it was… like the—stars." His mouth is not constructed for human speech, and were he speaking any faster you suspect he would be completely unintelligible. 

"That… sounds like something I would say," Pyri agrees, pressing their lips together for a moment at this. "But what happened? Why are we both in the Underworld?" 

The Minotaur—Asterion—clears his throat, a great rumbling sound like a quake in the earth. "I do not know… why you," he explains. "For me… Theseus killed me." 

Pyri's brows knit. "What? That guy? [i]Why[/i]?" 

Asterion shakes his head. "I lived… in labyrinth, in Crete. Father-King demanded revenge on… Athenians, for death of… other brother. For Theseus and others… too much revenge. You… led him through labyrinth. With string." 

*if (maze = "string")
	He looks pointedly at the dropped spool of wire sitting innocuously near the doorway. 
*if (maze != "string")
	He looks from the doorway, back to Pyri. "Perhaps… you forget." 

Pyri follows his gaze for a moment, then turns back to face him. "I… don't remember," they admit. "I don't remember that." 

"That is… good." 

*fake_choice
	#"Why is it good?"
		"Why is it good?" Clearly, Pyri is trying to recover their memories, so no one should be making that determination but them, but… he says it with so much relief. 
		
		Asterion shifts uncomfortably at the question. "Fight… was ugly," he admits. "I… was…" He trails off, unable or unwilling to complete the sentence. 
	#"I think we need a bit more explanation about why Theseus killed you."
		"I think we need a bit more explanation about why Theseus killed you." The fact that he did, and that it had something to do with revenge, doesn't really give you a complete picture. If he wanted to stop whatever was happening to the Athenians mentioned, why not kill the king who was exacting that price, instead of Asterion?
		
		The Minotaur shifts uncomfortably. "I… was…" He trails off, unable or unwilling to complete the sentence. 
	#"So... you're here, instead of in an Underworld city? Why?"
		"So... you're here, instead of in an Underworld city? Why?" His appearance is certainly unconventional, but he's obviously as intelligent as a human, and he can speak, albeit ponderously. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that he hasn't forgotten anything?
		
		The Minotaur shifts uncomfortably. "I… was…" He trails off, unable or unwilling to complete the sentence. 
	#"Did you know Pyri was here?" 
		"Did you know Pyri was here?" He seems to have not known [i]why[/i] or how they died, but whether he knew they were dead at all is a different matter. 
		
		He shakes his head. "Thought… still alive. Thought… still with Theseus." 
*page_break
"I just don't understand it," Pyri begins, both hands dragging through their hair until they snag and then some. "Why would I help that guy kill my own brother? I [i]know[/i] I don't like him very much, or trust him as far as I can throw him, so what was I thinking?" 

Asterion looks down at the ground for a long moment, before lifting his head to make eye contact with each of you in turn. "I was… not good," he says, about as quietly as you can imagine him speaking. "I was… instincts. Bad instincts. Hungry, always. When… Father-King sent Athenians into labyrinth… I eat." 

He sighs, like a gush of air from a blacksmith's bellows, almost as warm and certainly not any more fragrant. "Blood always hot. Always angry, always hungry. But… I knew who family was. I knew not to hurt them." He touches a hand to his chest. 

"And now, dead, so… hunger is gone. Anger is gone. Glad to be dead, but… wanted to remember bad things. Want to do good, instead. But… for now, still thinking how." 

"You weren't judged in need of punishment?" Surely [i]eating people[/i] would do something to a person's soul.

"Was judged," he replies. "Hades-King said human soul hurt, but hurt because of curse. Because of what Father-God did. So… trying to do good was enough, if… successful."

*fake_choice
	#"Father-God? That's a different person from Father-King?"
		"Father-God? That's a different person from Father-King?" You're not sure how that works, but it's beginning to sound suspiciously familiar. The children of the gods get wrapped up in all sorts of things, you suppose, but to all appearances they seldom live quiet lives. 
		
		Though it sounds like Asterion may be a particularly extreme example, in some ways. 
		
		He nods. "Father-King Minos, of Crete. Father-God Zeus, of Olympus. Mother Pasiphaë." 
		
		Pyri's eyes round. "I'm half-siblings with one of Zeus's kids?" 
		
		Another nod. "Is not nice story," he says slowly. 
		
		Their expression drops into a frown. "No, probably not," they agree quietly. "You don't have to tell it." 
		
		"Thank… you."
	#"So... Pyri sided against you with Theseus because they knew you ate people?"
		"So... Pyri sided against you with Theseus because they knew you ate people?" You suppose you could kind of see the logic there. It sounds like whatever the king was doing amounted to demanding sacrifices as retribution for the death of his son. The Pyri you know now wouldn't have been able to abide something like that, so it's not a stretch to imagine that the person they were then wouldn't have, either. 
		
		"I… think so," Asterion says, shaking his head slowly. "But not know, for sure. Was—hunger made thinking hard, sometimes. Was very hungry when… happened." 
		
		Pyri frowns. "I don't know how to feel about that," they admit. "I think I should be apologizing to you." 
		
		The Minotaur shakes his head again, more emphatically. "No apologize. Hunger… bad. Much better without." 
	#"You knew who your family were... so you'd met Pyri before then?"
		"You knew who your family were... so you'd met Pyri before then?" If he knew not to hurt them, specifically, it implies that they'd met [i]before[/i] the incident with Theseus. Maybe understanding how that went would help Pyri somehow. 
		
		Asterion nods ponderously. "Knew all family. But knew Ariadne best." 
		
		"So I… I liked you, didn't I?" Pyri's brows knit tightly. "I think I remember that. It feels like I should be apologizing to you, for what happened." 
		
		The Minotaur shakes his head emphatically. "No apologize. Hunger… bad. Much better without." 
	#"Curse? You're cursed? How?"
		"Curse? You're cursed? How?" It's not clear exactly what he's referring to, but it seems to have played a significant part in how he was judged, which makes you think it must be important to his life somehow. Curses rarely aren't, you suppose. 
		
		"Cursed… with hunger." There is shame in the tone of Asterion's voice. "Made thinking hard, sometimes. Was very hungry when… happened." 
		
		Pyri frowns. "I don't know how to feel about that," they admit. "I think I should be apologizing to you." 
		
		The Minotaur shakes his head again, more emphatically. "No apologize. Hunger… bad. Much better without." 
*page_break
"Asterion." Pyri's brows furrow, and they look all the way up at him with a frown. "I'm not leaving you here forever, okay? I'm going to come back to see you again, and talk more. But… but right now I'm trying to figure some stuff out, and it's really important. Do you know anything about what happened to me, after that? Did you ever hear anything, about Theseus, or me, or our father?"

The Minotaur shakes his head. "Didn't. Have been here, alone, since judgement. I am… sorry." 

"No, you don't have to be sorry. It's not your fault." Pyri expels a long breath. "I'll be back, okay? I swear. My name is Pyri now, not Ariadne, and I'm not 'she,' I'm 'they.' But I think I'm still basically the same sibling you knew, so… is that okay?" 

Asterion dips his large, bovine head. "Is okay," he replies. "Would like… if Pyri visit." 

Pyri visibly relaxes. "Okay, then. Let's plan to talk more next time. I'll, uh, bring some writing stuff and see if that helps." They reach out, with one hand, and it is swiftly, gently, enclosed by the Minotaur's much larger one. The two of them stay like that for a moment, before releasing one another, and Pyri turns to you. 

"Okay. Let's go." 
*page_break
You make your way out of the maze, trekking a short distance away from the cave entrance. Pyri releases a breath, and you can hear the shake in it. 

*fake_choice
	#"That was a lot, wasn't it? Do you need to talk about anything?"
		*set warm +1
		*set forthright +1
		"That was a lot, wasn't it? Do you need to talk about anything?" You could certainly understand if they did. 
		
		They heave a weighty sigh, looking up at you with a soft downturn to their mouth. "I really don't know, ${name}," they admit, worrying at their lower lip with their teeth. "It [i]was[/i] a lot, and I can't help but feel that something when very wrong there. I feel… sick, in my guts. Guilty, when I look at him. Like I've done something… I didn't think I should be forgiven for." 
		
		"It sounds like it was a really difficult situation," you point out. "It wouldn't be unusual to feel bad about how it turned out, even if it was actually the best outcome."
		
		They shake their head. "I don't know if it was."
	#"I never would have imagined the Minotaur was your brother."
		*set cold +1
		*set forthright +1
		"I never would have imagined the Minotaur was your brother." It's a curious fact, and also clearly a pertinent one, as it seems to have set them upon whatever course eventually resulted in their death. 
		
		They heave a weighty sigh, looking up at you with a soft downturn to their mouth. "Me either, until just now," they admit, worrying at their lower lip with their teeth. "It was a lot to find out, and I can't help but feel that something when very wrong there. I feel… sick, in my guts. Guilty, when I look at him. Like I've done something… I didn't think I should be forgiven for." 
		
		"I think you could easily be forgiven for bringing about the downfall of a man-eater, even if he was your brother," you reply pragmatically. "The version of him we just got was clearly not the same as he would have been back then." 
		
		They shake their head. "No, but… I just don't know."
	#I frown sympathetically, tilting my head at them in what I hope is an obvious invitation.
		*set warm +1
		*set reserved +1
		You frown sympathetically, tilting your head at them in what you hope is an obvious invitation. You could certainly understand if they had things to get off their chest. 
		
		They heave a weighty sigh, looking up at you with a soft downturn to their mouth. "I really don't know, ${name}," they admit, worrying at their lower lip with their teeth. "It was a lot, and I can't help but feel that something when very wrong there. I feel… sick, in my guts. Guilty, when I look at him. Like I've done something… I didn't think I should be forgiven for." 
		
		"It sounds like it was a really difficult situation," you point out. "It wouldn't be unusual to feel bad about how it turned out, even if it was actually the best outcome."
		
		They shake their head. "I don't know if it was."
	#"Should we call Hekate or someone, when we get back?"
		*set cold +1
		*set reserved +1
		"Should we call Hekate or someone, when we get back?" You have to assume they're not doing well, and while it's not something you really know how to handle, maybe Hekate would have some kind of advice to help them process… all of that. 
		
		They heave a weighty sigh, looking up at you with a soft downturn to their mouth. "No, I think maybe I need some time to myself after this," they admit, worrying at their lower lip with their teeth. "It was a lot to find out, and I can't help but feel that something when very wrong there. I feel… sick, in my guts. Guilty, when I look at him. Like I've done something… I didn't think I should be forgiven for." 
		
		"I think you could easily be forgiven for bringing about the downfall of a man-eater, even if he was your brother," you reply pragmatically. That much, after all, you can certainly do. "The version of him we just got was clearly not the same as he would have been back then." 
		
		They shake their head. "No, but… I just don't know."
*page_break
Pyri swallows thickly. "I think… the next step is talking to Theseus. I could maybe try my apparent father, but there's no guarantee he knows what happened to me after the labyrinth. Plus, I don't think he'd be very happy to see me, considering what I did probably counted as a betrayal of him." 

Their brows furrow. "Not that I have any idea why I did it, still. If Asterion was cursed, then I think I must have felt bad for him, and terrible that people were being pushed into the labyrinth for him to eat, but why did I think that the solution was to kill him? Couldn't I have tried something else?" 

It seems to be bothering them quite a bit.

*fake_choice
	#"Well... maybe that's something to ask Theseus, too."
		"Well... maybe that's something to ask Theseus, too." He was the one who'd actually done the slaying, after all. If anyone would know their motivation for such a thing, it would likely be him. Plus, none of this exactly explains why their emotional response to him is such an apparent aversion, if he helped them do something they thought needed doing. 
		
		"Yeah. I guess it might be." Their entire face scrunches momentarily. "I just really don't like the idea of talking to that guy. I have some information of my own, now, so he shouldn't be able to lie to me too easily, but for some reason I just feel [i]convinced[/i] that he's a liar." 
		
		"I suppose we'd best be cautious of his words, then." 
	#"I don't particularly want to see that man again, but I suppose if we must."
		"I don't particularly want to see that man again, but I suppose if we must." Facing your kidnapper for a third time was never going to be high on your list of desires, but… there's a purpose to it, and maybe your presence will help. 
		
		"Me, either," Pyri admits. "I can't stand the idea of talking to that guy. I have some information of my own, now, so he shouldn't be able to lie to me too easily, but for some reason I just feel [i]convinced[/i] that he's a liar." 
		
		"I suppose we'd best be cautious of his words, then." 
		
		Worth doing anyway, in your opinion.
	#"Maybe you had tried other things, you know? Perhaps talking to Asterion more will help you figure out what you knew and what you'd done already."
		"Maybe you had tried other things, you know? Perhaps talking to Asterion more will help you figure out what you knew and what you'd done already." They've already indicated that they will, so pointing out a line of inquiry they might take is the most helpful thing you can say, right now. 
		
		"Maybe," Pyri murmurs. "I'm kind of scared to learn the answer. I think we're really getting close to why I must have asked to lose my memory in the first place." Their voice has a faint tremor in it, and you don't have to think very hard about why that might be. 
		
		"I'm here if you need me," you remind them. 
		
		Pyri nods. "Yeah. Yeah, that… helps."
	#"I've... gotten the impression that people in the human world really like to kill their problems." 
		"I've... gotten the impression that people in the human world really like to kill their problems." You don't want to go as far as to say you can easily believe they did the same, but given that they were brought up in that world, it's not an entirely far-fetched possibility. What else would be the answer, when a human-eating creature dwelt so near? Even you're having trouble coming up with an alternative that would actually solve the problem and be possible for a human.
		
		"I'm kind of scared to learn the answer, about it," Pyri murmurs. " think we're really getting close to why I must have asked to lose my memory in the first place." Their voice has a faint tremor in it, and you don't have to think very hard about why that might be. 
		
		"I'm here if you need me," you remind them. 
		
		Pyri nods. "Yeah. Yeah, that… helps."
*page_break
A few minutes later, after a successful teleportation back to the Keep, you are surprised to find 
*if (erebus = 1)
	that Erebus is seeking your attention.
*if (erebus = 0)
	a note tacked to your door. 

[i]${name}—[/i]

[i]Atropos says 'you will want to hear what we have to say.' Meet us upon your return, at your convenience. We'll be expecting you.[/i] 

*if (erebus = 0)
	[i]-Klotho[/i]
*if (erebus = 1)
	[i]This is Klotho, by the way. I'm terrible at this magic, but hopefully you get the message. Maybe I should have tried a note? Oh, um, message ends, Erebus, thank you, dear.[/i] 
	
	It seems to have been pre-recorded, if perhaps not the most skilfully. 

"Guess I'm not the only one dealing with my Fate today," Pyri says, nose wrinkling. "I hope whatever they have to tell you is better news than I just got." 

You suppose you won't know until you go find out. 

You part ways with them, watching as they disappear around a corner towards their chambers. 
*goto amessage

*label witches
You come out of the teleportation in the middle of a forest, it seems. You're surrounded on all sides by trees and underbrush, towering white-grey trunks, interspersed with the occasional brown, with thick growths of grasses and low-light shrubberies up to your knees. 

It's nearly pitch-dark, with branches shrouding the sky, but the little light that comes through gives the trunks an ethereal glow. 

Hekate is a little more difficult to see, in her deep purple tunic, but a small light flickers into existence above her head, shedding its glow down onto the soft features of her face and the clean, meticulous lines of her fresh braids, which zig-zag back over her scalp at precise angles, the trailing ends gathered into a queue at the nape of her neck. There are no bright colors this time, merely the deep umber-brown of her hair as it naturally is. 

You're dressed rather nicely as well, at her request. Something 'walkable but sharp,' she'd instructed you, and you'd followed the suggestion as well as you could. 

"Ah. I've missed Aeolia. It's been much too long since I've paid a visit to this lot." 

*fake_choice
	#"So... remind me why exactly we needed to dress this way?"
		"So... remind me why exactly we needed to dress this way?" You pluck a bit at your clothing. It's no great inconvenience, but it seems a bit of a strange thing to do, for an event that takes place in what appears to be the middle of nowhere. 
		
		"Well, we want to fit in, of course," she replies with a bright smile. "This cult usually wear their best to such meetups, as they're rather scattered and rarely all get together. In fact, it's really just the one time a year." 
		
		That's… a surprisingly-mundane explanation, but you suppose it makes sense enough. 
	#@{convotoggle [♥]|} "You look really good today, Hekate." 
		"You look really good today, Hekate." You can't help but look at her, really; it might very well end up being a bit distracting. 
		
		"Why thank you, ${name}. So do you, of course." Hekate touches a hand to her chest, grinning back at you. "I suppose I did essentially tell you to, but on the other hand I'd have thought so if you wore a hemp sack." 
		
		"Why [i]are[/i] we dressed like this?" you ask, plucking lightly at your garments. 
		
		"Well, we want to fit in, of course," she replies with a bright smile. "This cult usually wear their best to such meetups, as they're rather scattered and rarely all get together. In fact, it's really just the one time a year." 
		
		That's… a surprisingly-mundane explanation, but you suppose it makes sense enough. 
	#"I'm interested to see what a meeting between witches looks like."
		"I'm interested to see what a meeting between witches looks like." That's meant to be what you're attending, after all, though you're not sure of the particulars. 
		
		"It should be a good time," Hekate replies, giving you a broad smile. "This cult usually only have the opportunity to be all together once a year, and this is that event. It's why we're dressed like this." She plucks lightly at her tunic. "Everyone likes to dress up for it, so we'll fit in just fine." 
		
		That's… a surprisingly-mundane explanation for the wardrobe change, but you suppose it makes sense enough. 
	#"Are you entirely sure walking among humans like this is a good idea?"
		"Are you entirely sure walking among humans like this is a good idea?" Not that you think anything could happen to you, exactly, but isn't there a chance you end up mobbed if people recognize you for the deities you are? You're not disguised, magically or otherwise, after all. 
		
		"Oh, don't worry. Some people will certainly recognize me, but there shouldn't be too much fawning involved. These are my collaborators, after all. My cults don't 'worship' me in the same sense you might see from others. It's more like they're my students. I supervise them, and sometimes guide them, but mostly it's more casual than that." 
		
		You're not quite sure how possible that is, all things considered. But she surely knows better than you do. 
*page_break
The two of you start forward, walking a short, ill-defined path until you come to what looks to be a rough circle of yew trees. suspended between their trunks are various decorations, lengths of cloth garlanding the circle, with the occasional rough talisman of the same wood hung from these makeshift eaves. 

You can feel the faintest tingle of magic issuing from them, forming a barrier around the grove.  

Hekate looks up at one of the Talismans and smiles, letting her magical light wink out. 

*fake_choice
	#"I've never heard of a human being capable of magic who wasn't the child or grandchild of a god." 
		*set warm +1
		"I've never heard of a human being capable of magic who wasn't the child or grandchild of a god." You suppose there could be a few of those around here, but the only life you sense within the grove has a distinctly-human feel to it. 
		
		Even your sense for that life, though, seems to be diminished by the barrier, so who knows?
		
		"They can be quite talented, if they're properly instructed," Hekate replies, a note of pride in her voice. "Of course most won't know magic, because how could they learn? It requires at least the basics to be taught to you before you can begin expanding on your own. That's what cults like this are for." 
		
		You step past the boundary together, feeling a faint tingle over your skin before your senses sharpen, allowing you to observe what had been hidden from you before.
	#"Crude, but surprisingly effective." 
		*set cold +1
		"Crude, but surprisingly effective." The talismans lack the power of something like a proper warding spell, but they're still a lot more than you expected from a human witch, considering humans usually don't have any magic at all. 
		
		"They can be quite talented, if they're properly instructed," Hekate replies, a note of pride in her voice. "Of course most won't know magic, because how could they learn? It requires at least the basics to be taught to you before you can begin expanding on your own. That's what cults like this are for." 
		
		You step past the boundary together, feeling a faint tingle over your skin before your senses sharpen, allowing you to observe what had been hidden from you before.
	*if (tag_learned)
		#@{convotoggle [❋]|} "I see your followers have learned a little something about the inherent properties of materials."
			*set cold +1
			"I see your followers have learned a little something about the inherent properties of materials." Yew is a very good protector, and to combine the talisman's material with the surrounding trees amplifies the effect with the need for very little additional magic from the caster. 
			
			Making it ideal, you suppose, for humans, who generally don't have any at all. 
			
			"They can be quite talented, if they're properly instructed," Hekate replies, a note of pride in her voice. "Of course most won't know magic, because how could they learn? It requires at least the basics to be taught to you before you can begin expanding on your own. That's what cults like this are for." 
		
			You step past the boundary together, feeling a faint tingle over your skin before your senses sharpen, allowing you to observe what had been hidden from you before.
	#"A ward? That's amazing! How did they do it?"
		*set warm +1
		"A ward? That's amazing! How did they do it?"  The talismans lack the power of something like a proper warding spell, but they're still a lot more than you expected from a human witch, considering humans usually don't have any magic at all. 
		
		"They can be quite talented, if they're properly instructed," Hekate replies, a note of pride in her voice. "Of course most won't know magic, because how could they learn? It requires at least the basics to be taught to you before you can begin expanding on your own. That's what cults like this are for." 
		
		You step past the boundary together, feeling a faint tingle over your skin before your senses sharpen, allowing you to observe what had been hidden from you before.
*page_break
It's a much bigger clearing than it seemed from the outside, something you suspect may have come about due to Hekate's magic, rather than the sort you just saw. 

It's a reasonably large gathering; you think there must be nearly fifty people here, but they're mostly spread out in clusters, and there's plenty of room for them, so it doesn't feel crowded. There's a large bonfire in the center of things, carefully built and tall but well clear of any trees or detritus. Several large pots ring the edge of it, many of them sealed and others bubbling openly, no few of [i]those[/i] issuing colored smoke into the air, usually green or vaguely purple. 

But the main activity right now seems to be going on at the perimeter, where several people have set up tables of varying sizes, some with tablets propped up on them, others with plant material or fabrics or pottery. Notably, one has a series of small animals laid out on small boards, their remains carefully cut open for examination. Another has what look to be samples of decay, from tissues to leaves and wood. 

*fake_choice
	#"What [i]is[/i] all of this?" It's fascinating.
		*set forthright +1
		"What [i]is[/i] all of this?" It's fascinating. You can't help but want to see everything, which perhaps gives you something in common with the people chatting excitedly as they move between the… the only word you can think of is 'exhibits.' Each apparently has one or two people who remain present while the others move, answering questions or explaining the significance of what's in front of them. 
		
		Most of the attendees are feminine in appearance, but not all of them, and there seems to be equal respect afforded to the weaver's exhibit as the one belonging to the smith, whose focus here is on a display of household items, ranging from cooking pots to hanging racks to accessories like fibulae. 
		
		"It's a meeting, like I said," Hekate replies, a glint of amusement in her dark eyes. "It's just that many members of the cult are also professionals or curious about the world, and everyone is welcome to present their findings or display their wares and techniques here, for the betterment of everyone. Not everyone has time to look into everything they wonder about by themselves, you know? So, we benefit from one another's pastimes." 
		
		"It's something else," you admit. "People will just share all of this with one another?" 
		
		She nods. "Of course. They're a community, even if they don't all live in literally the same village. What benefits one benefits all." Her smile broadens slightly. "Besides, a lot of the people here [i]really[/i] like talking about their interests, so having an engaged audience can be a rare privilege. Come on; you'll see." 
	#My head's on a swivel as we head in; I'm interested in all of it. 
		*set reserved +1
		Your head's on a swivel as we head in; you're interested in all of it. You can't help but want to see everything, which perhaps gives you something in common with the people chatting excitedly as they move between the… the only word you can think of is 'exhibits.' Each apparently has one or two people who remain present while the others move, answering questions or explaining the significance of what's in front of them. 
		
		Most of the attendees are feminine in appearance, but not all of them, and there seems to be equal respect afforded to the weaver's exhibit as the one belonging to the smith, whose focus here is on a display of household items, ranging from cooking pots to hanging racks to accessories like fibulae. 
		
		"It's lovely, isn't it?" Hekate says, a glint of amusement in her dark eyes. "Many members of the cult are also professionals or curious about the world, and everyone is welcome to present their findings or display their wares and techniques here, for the betterment of everyone. Not everyone has time to look into everything they wonder about by themselves, you know? So, we benefit from one another's pastimes." 
		
		"It's something else," you admit. "People will just share all of this with one another?" 
		
		She nods. "Of course. They're a community, even if they don't all live in literally the same village. What benefits one benefits all." Her smile broadens slightly. "Besides, a lot of the people here [i]really[/i] like talking about their interests, so having an engaged audience can be a rare privilege. Come on; you'll see." 
	#"Are you sure we're in the right place? Some of this is a bit..." Disgusting, to put it lightly. 
		*set forthright +1
		"Are you sure we're in the right place? Some of this is a bit..." Disgusting, to put it lightly. You don't know how you feel about dissected animals or decaying tissues, which seems to set you apart from the people chatting excitedly as they move between the… the only word you can think of is 'exhibits.' Each apparently has one or two people who remain present while the others move, answering questions or explaining the significance of what's in front of them. 
		
		Most of the attendees are feminine in appearance, but not all of them, and there seems to be equal respect afforded to the weaver's exhibit as the one belonging to the smith, whose focus here is on a display of household items, ranging from cooking pots to hanging racks to accessories like fibulae. 
		
		"It's definitely the right place," Hekate replies, a hint of amusement in her dark eyes. "I know some of what's to see here may strike oddly, but please keep an open mind. Death is part of life, after all, and wanting to study it is no more strange than wanting to study birth." She shrugs. 
		
		"Also, most of what we'll see is a little more ordinary. Many members of the cult are also professionals or curious about the world, and everyone is welcome to present their findings or display their wares and techniques here, for the betterment of everyone. Not everyone has time to look into everything they wonder about by themselves, you know? So, we benefit from one another's pastimes." 
		
		"I suppose there is some value in that." Though you're not sure it banishes your unease entirely, either. 
		
		She nods. "Of course. They're a community, even if they don't all live in literally the same village. What benefits one benefits all." Her smile broadens slightly. "Besides, a lot of the people here [i]really[/i] like talking about their interests, so having an engaged audience can be a rare privilege. Come on; you'll see." 
	#I can't say I'm thrilled to see things like dead animals, but I'm not going to say that to Hekate.
		*set reserved +1
		You can't say you're thrilled to see things like dead animals, but you're not going to say that to Hekate. She's obviously keen to be here, which is something she shares with the people chatting excitedly as they move between the… the only word you can think of is 'exhibits.' Each apparently has one or two people who remain present while the others move, answering questions or explaining the significance of what's in front of them. 
		
		Most of the attendees are feminine in appearance, but not all of them, and there seems to be equal respect afforded to the weaver's exhibit as the one belonging to the smith, whose focus here is on a display of household items, ranging from cooking pots to hanging racks to accessories like fibulae. 
		
		"It's definitely unorthodox, in some ways," Hekate says, a hint of amusement in her dark eyes. Clearly she has noticed [i]something[/i] about your reaction to it is different from her own. "I know some of what's to see here may strike oddly, but please keep an open mind. Death is part of life, after all, and wanting to study it is no more strange than wanting to study birth." She shrugs. 
		
		"Also, most of what we'll see is a little more ordinary. Many members of the cult are also professionals or curious about the world, and everyone is welcome to present their findings or display their wares and techniques here, for the betterment of everyone. Not everyone has time to look into everything they wonder about by themselves, you know? So, we benefit from one another's pastimes." 
		
		"I suppose there is some value in that." Though you're not sure it banishes your unease entirely, either. 
		
		She nods. "Of course. They're a community, even if they don't all live in literally the same village. What benefits one benefits all." Her smile broadens slightly. "Besides, a lot of the people here [i]really[/i] like talking about their interests, so having an engaged audience can be a rare privilege. Come on; you'll see." 
*page_break
The two of you walk among the exhibits for a while, learning a bit about the latest in looms and weaving techniques as tweaked by members of Hekate's cult, and examining pottery made with a particular combination of local materials and painted beautifully in striking colors. 

Then you come to what seems to be the largest of the displays featuring plants; a mixture of potted ones and small cuttings displayed on a table with tiny labels. 

"This is Gale," Hekate says, "a very talented brewer of tinctures, potions, and tonics." Hekate gestures to the tall, spare-framed woman of middle age standing behind the table. She has a narrow face with a sharp, slightly upturned nose that reminds you a little of a weasel or similar animal, but when she smiles, it crinkles the corners of her eyes. 

"Welcome, visitors," she says, laying a hand against her chest and bowing, deeply but briefly. 

Hekate rolls her eyes, and you get the sense that @{tag_unintuitive they might know each other somehow.|not only does this woman know who the two of you are, in some sense, but Hekate has also asked her not to be too fussy about it. It seems like something she would do, at least.}

You recognize that almost all the plants Gale is displaying are poisonous. 

*fake_choice
	#"'Potions and tinctures'? You mean poisons." 
		*set serious +1
		"'Potions and tinctures'? You mean poisons." You frown down at the table, furrowing your brow at the assortment. Some of these would probably only make a human sick, but others are deadly in the correct doses, and you note that the tags on those ones are painted with a blot of red at the top. 
		
		Gale huffs softly. "Well, I admit, I am more than capable of creating such things," she says, her tone slightly sly. "But plants themselves are not poisons. Some of them are [i]poisonous[/i], but it's what you make them into that decides your intent." 
		
		"Many poisonous substances in small doses can be helpful to the human body," Hekate adds. "And sometimes, mixing such things together changes their properties. Poisons are useful, but the uses of poisonous plants extend well beyond that." 
		
		You feel your frown easing a little. "I see. I suppose that's all right, then." 
		
		"I'm pleased to have met with your approval, my ${lord}," Gale says with a light chuckle. "Or at least, to have avoided your disdain." 
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "It's an interesting collection of plants you have here. I don't think I'm imagining the common theme." 
		*set humorous +1
		"It's an interesting collection of plants you have here. I don't think I'm imagining the common theme." It s humorous way of putting the observation, but the observation itself remains. Some of these would probably only make a human sick, but others are deadly in the correct doses, and you note that the tags on those ones are painted with a blot of red at the top. 
		
		Gale huffs softly. "Well, I admit, I am more than capable of what you're implying," she says, her tone slightly sly. "But plants themselves are not poisons. Some of them are [i]poisonous[/i], but it's what you make them into that decides your intent." 
		
		"Many poisonous substances in small doses can be helpful to the human body," Hekate adds. "And sometimes, mixing such things together changes their properties. Poisons are useful, but the uses of poisonous plants extend well beyond that." 
		
		You feel your concern easing a little. "I see. I suppose that's all right, then." 
		
		"I'm pleased to have met with your approval, my ${lord}," Gale says with a light chuckle. "Or at least, to have avoided your disdain." 
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "Are you teaching people how to poison pests or something? New methods for slaying rats?"
		*set humorous +1
		"Are you teaching people how to poison pests or something? New methods for slaying rats?" Your humor is obvious, and why not? You're not concerned that this woman is some kind of insidious poisoner or something. Such substances have their uses, even if much more basic and readily-available plants would probably get the job done just as well. 
		
		Gale huffs softly. "That's certainly part of it," she replies, tone slightly sly. "But plants themselves are not poisons. Some of them are [i]poisonous[/i], but it's what you make them into that decides your intent." 
		
		"Many poisonous substances in small doses can be helpful to the human body," Hekate adds. "And sometimes, mixing such things together changes their properties. Poisons are useful, but the uses of poisonous plants extend well beyond that." 
		
		"Huh. I learn something new every day." 
		
		"As do I," Gale replies with a light chuckle. "I suppose that makes us both rather fortunate." 
	#"It's quite the array you have here. Some of these are quite rare in this part of the world, are they not?"
		"It's quite the array you have here. Some of these are quite rare in this part of the world, are they not?" You're not concerned that this woman is some kind of insidious poisoner or something. Such substances have their uses, even if much more basic and readily-available plants would probably get the job done just as well. 
		
		Gale huffs softly. "They are," she replies, tone slightly sly. "And if they were merely for household poison use, they would certainly be unnecessary. But of course, plants themselves are not poisons. Some of them are [i]poisonous[/i], but it's what you make them into that decides your intent." 
		
		"Many poisonous substances in small doses can be helpful to the human body," Hekate adds. "And sometimes, mixing such things together changes their properties. Poisons are useful, but the uses of poisonous plants extend well beyond that, and it's the medicinal properties of these other ones that are the most interesting." 
		
		"Huh. I learn something new every day." 
		
		"As do I," Gale replies with a light chuckle. "I suppose that makes us both rather fortunate." 
	*if (tag_learned)
		#@{convotoggle [❋]|} "Ah. These must be for medicines, yes?"
			*set serious +1
			"Ah. These must be for medicines, yes?" Some of these would probably only make a human sick, but others are deadly in the correct doses, and you note that the tags on those ones are painted with a blot of red at the top. 
			
			But that's only if they are consumed in their present form, alone, at sufficient does. Substances which can be poisonous may, in smaller doses, provide beneficial effects to the human body, you've learned in your studies. Many such interactions are regularly acknowledged by human medicine, and new ones are being discovered regularly. A skilled mixer of these substances could indeed have valuable knowledge to offer her compatriots. 
			
			"Some of them," Gale replies with a grin. "Some of them, I'm sure, will be used for poisons. Pest control is a necessity, after all, and not everyone is fortunate enough to have a cat or two for the purpose." 
			
			"I suppose that makes sense." Of course, not every poison is made to be a weapon of murder. In fact, you'd suspect the opposite to be true. 
			
			"I'm pleased you think so, my ${lord}," Gale says with a light chuckle. "I'd hate to be thought a peddler of malice." 
*page_break
After taking your leave from Gale and her plants, you wander over to the next exhibit, which happens to be the one with the dissected animals. The person in charge of this one has hair about as short as shears can make it, and is dressed in an unusually-loose peplos, even by the standards of those garments. 

"Thoas," Hekate murmurs. "They're relatively new to the cult, but their research is fascinating, if you can stomach it." 

The lecture seems to be about the functions of various organs, and which ones the animal specimens on the table share in common with humans. 

*fake_choice
	#"I'm not sure I [i]can[/i] stomach it. Can we skip this one?"
		"I'm not sure I [i]can[/i] stomach it. Can we skip this one?" It's just a little too much, even knowing that the purpose of it is beneficial research into things like organ function. Even if someone could guarantee for you that the only animals dissected had died of natural causes, you can't handle looking at them all cut apart like that. 
		
		"Of course we can," Hekate replies simply, 
		*if (hekate_touch2 != "averse")
			looping her arm through yours as you move onwards, albeit slowly enough to give you plenty of time to pull away. You don't, though. It's a comforting bit of touch, and as the two of you peruse the much simpler displays, like the smith's and an array of beautifully-crossbred flowers, you feel yourself relaxing again. 
		*if (hekate_touch2 = "averse")
			gesturing away from the spot. You move onwards, walking the large circle around the clearing and perusing the much simpler displays, like the smith's and an array of beautifully-crossbred flowers. You can feel yourself relaxing, again.
	#"I thought which organs had which functions was fairly well-known already?"
		"I thought which organs had which functions was fairly well-known already?" You can recall being taught something on the subject, as part of your general education. For example, yellow bile is formed in the gallbladder, and too much of it resulted in emotional irregularities like irrational anger. 
		
		Hekate smiles slightly. "It is certainly widely believed to be so," she replies. "And yet in lands beyond this one, these matters are understood differently. Research like what Thoas is doing is an attempt to adjudicate between these competing theories using the physical evidence that comes from examining bodies themselves." 
		
		The young cultist is unable to conclude anything with certainty by the end of their lecture, but they admit that their findings seem to be a mixed bag, and that some of them to not support what you had supposed to be the received medical truth. 
		
		That fact occupies your thoughts for a little while as you and Hekate continue on, perusing like the smith's and an array of beautifully-crossbred flowers, but it gradually fades for the moment as you find other things to contemplate and examine.
	#"I don't know anything about this, but it seems interesting, at least."
		"I don't know anything about this, but it seems interesting, at least." You know you were taught something about this at some point, or maybe you simply read it somewhere. Something about the balance of the humors, and those being made inside various organs, but you'd hardly call yourself an expert in the subject. 
		
		Hekate smiles slightly. "It is perhaps a more important subject of study for those interested in medicine," she replies. "Here, there is a widely-accepted theory for all these things. And yet in lands beyond this one, these matters are understood differently. Research like what Thoas is doing is an attempt to adjudicate between these competing theories using the physical evidence that comes from examining bodies themselves." 
		
		The young cultist is unable to conclude anything with certainty by the end of their lecture, but they admit that their findings seem to be a mixed bag, and that some of them to not support what you believe to be the received medical truth. 
		
		That fact occupies your thoughts for a little while as you and Hekate continue on, perusing like the smith's and an array of beautifully-crossbred flowers, but fades easily as you find other things to contemplate and examine.
	#"I'd prefer to move on, if possible." 
		"I'd prefer to move on, if possible." It's just a little too much, even knowing that the purpose of it is beneficial research into things like organ function. Even if someone could guarantee for you that the only animals dissected had died of natural causes, you wouldn't be too interested in looking at them all cut apart like that. 
		
		"Of course we can," Hekate replies simply, 
		*if (hekate_touch2 != "averse")
			looping her arm through yours as you move onwards, albeit slowly enough to give you plenty of time to pull away. You don't, though. It's a comforting bit of touch, and as the two of you peruse the much simpler displays, like the smith's and an array of beautifully-crossbred flowers, you feel yourself relaxing again. 
		*if (hekate_touch2 = "averse")
			gesturing away from the spot. You move onwards, walking the large circle around the clearing and perusing the much simpler displays, like the smith's and an array of beautifully-crossbred flowers. You can feel yourself relaxing, again.
*page_break
At the end of your rounds, you pause in front of what seems to be the most popular table, the one run by a short, waifishly-slender woman with light brown skin and sunken cheeks. Her features are graceful, and she speaks with a sure, mellifluous tone. 

"Crataeis," Hekate murmurs to you. "The founder of this cult, and a friend of mine." 

You turn your attention to the woman as she speaks, noting the well-kept nature of her dyed linen garments and the neatly-parted coils of her dark brown hair. She does seem like she must be someone of stature, considering the rapt attention the others in the area are paying her. 

"The alchemical mixture is a useful preservative, but its powers are not infinite," she's saying. "Supplemented by magic, however, the visual and chemical effects of death can be staved off [i]almost[/i] indefinitely." She gestures to one of the tissue samples carefully displayed beside her.

"These results present optimistic prospects for the magical manipulation of flesh more generally. There is much more research yet to be done, but I do believe it will eventually be possible, likely via the correct application of material and magical components."

*fake_choice
	#"Magical manipulation of what sort?"
		"Magical manipulation of what sort?" You can't help but ask the question. The lecture had been peppered with a few others, so they don't seem to be considered discourteous, and you can't help but wonder where she thinks research like this is really going. 
		
		Crataeis looks your way, meeting your eyes with a small smile. "Ah, you must be new," she says, no remonstrance in the words. "Everyone else has heard me going on about the same sorts of thing for years." 
	#"Why would you need to stave off decay? It's a natural part of the life cycle."
		"Why would you need to stave off decay? It's a natural part of the life cycle." You can't help but ask the question. The lecture had been peppered with a few others, so they don't seem to be considered discourteous, and you can't help but wonder where she thinks research like this is really going. 
		
		Crataeis looks your way, meeting your eyes with a small smile. "Ah, you must be new," she says, no remonstrance in the words. "Everyone else has heard me going on about the same sorts of thing for years." 
	#"I don't know that magically manipulating flesh sounds like a good idea." 
		"I don't know that magically manipulating flesh sounds like a good idea." The lecture has thus far been interspersed with questions, so speaking up itself probably isn't impolite, though what you've said might well be. 
		
		But you're not going to let that stop you from expressing something that frankly seems quite important. 
		
		Crataeis looks your way, meeting your eyes with a small smile. "Ah, you must be new," she says, no remonstrance in the words. "It's been a while since someone's brought that up, I suppose because they all have more context." 
	#I remain silent.
		You remain silent. The lecture has thus far been interspersed with questions, so speaking up itself probably isn't impolite, but still. You don't have any question or comment burning enough to insert yourself into the discussion. 
*line_break
*line_break
"The overall function of my research," Crataeis continues, "is to develop way of better preserving the dead, so that rites may be properly performed on whole bodies at later times than are currently possible. We have reason to believe that correctly-performed funeral rituals are important to the afterlife, but at present, the battlefield dead, for one example, are much less likely to receive proper rites, due to the time it takes to find, identify, and repatriate those who have died on the field." 

That… does actually track with what you've observed in the Underworld, so perhaps she's on to something, in that sense. 

"But I'm confident that, if this works, then such knowledge may eventually have other applications. If the flesh of the dead can be induced to resemble the flesh of the living, then [i]that[/i], with its great vitality and magical potential, could certainly be altered as well."

She smiles, broadly. "We may be able to cure disease this way, or prevent it from taking hold in the first place. Reverse old injuries. Perhaps even enhance human physical capabilities. Of course, there is much to be done before then, but the fundamental barrier between ourselves and such possibilities is permeable, with magic. We would be negligent not to embrace those possibilities for the betterment of human life." 

*fake_choice
	#That does sound quite incredible, but I'm not sure how she'd make the leap from preserving the dead to healing the living.
		That does sound quite incredible, but you're not sure how she'd make the leap from preserving the dead to healing the living. They're very different things, after all. Grouping them all under the category of 'magic worked on flesh' seems like an overgeneralization to you. 
		
		Still, maybe there's something to it. You're not exactly an expert in the field or anything. 
	#This is well over my head, but I can't argue with the idea of curing diseases and things.
		This is well over your head, but you can't argue with the idea of curing diseases and things. Hopefully, whatever she's talking about will actually be able to achieve that, because if so it would be quite a step forward for humanity as a whole, you think. 
	#So... she's basically trying to develop healing magic for humans. Interesting. 
		So... she's basically trying to develop healing magic for humans. Interesting. You're not sure how possible it is, considering that even among the gods, such abilities are mostly instinctive, relatively slow compared to other magics, and work on oneself alone. Actually being able to heal someone else, or do so quickly, is a rare talent. 
		
		But it would be quite a step forward for humanity as a whole if she were able to achieve it. 
	#This strikes me as very ambitious, but I'm not sure how wise it is.
		This strikes you as very ambitious, but you're not sure how wise it is. So few humans can use magic to begin with—and more than that, you're not really sure whether she's thought through all the possible implications of being able to do things like that. 
		
		Still, you're hardly an expert in the subject area, so maybe there's something to it. 
*page_break
"Supposing that something like this [i]were[/i] possible," Hekate says, lifting a brow just slightly. "How useful do you really think it would be? What steps would be necessary to make it accessible to a broad population? It's not as though most people can use magic, so a solution to things like disease and injury that relied upon that would surely have a very limited number of practitioners." 

"True enough," Crataeis replies. "But scalability and access are very downstream of where the work is, now. It wouldn't do to get bogged down in those kinds of details when even proof of concept is still barely present." 

Hekate smiles. "That's not unreasonable, but… wouldn't it be better to focus attention on options that you know will have much broader applicability? 'Transformations of the flesh,' as it were, that only require the magic inherent in certain combinations of materials, rather than from a practitioner?" 

Crataeis scoffs. "Certainly, if my preference was for 'options' that would ultimately yield very little result. If we are to look to a disease-free future, we must be more ambitious than that." She lifts her shoulders. 

"Besides, such magic is widely-enough available, for those who say the correct prayers to the correct gods."

Her tone is really rather dismissive, for someone speaking to one of those very gods right now.

*fake_choice
	#@{convotoggle [✘]|} "Do you have any idea who you're speaking to, like that?"
		*set forthright +1
		*set cold +1
		"Do you have any idea who you're speaking to, like that?" You can't help the cold irritation in your tone at her presumption. Even if she [i]doesn't[/i] know she's speaking to a benefactor, it's a borderline rude way to speak to anyone, never mind an actual goddess.
		
		Crataeis lifts both brows. "I do not, but I suppose if you would care to enlighten me, that would be fine." 
		
		"It's not necessary," Hekate replies, offering you a small smile before turning her attention to the other woman. "Please consider us simply fellow researchers. I had some concerns that I wanted to voice, but you know your own work the best, and I can understand wanting to focus on the part of it that's currently in development. Feel free to disregard what I've said."
		
		She smiles. 
	#"Well, that's certainly one way to look at it. But... wouldn't it be better if your methods weren't dependent on the gods at any stage?"
		*set forthright +1
		*set warm +1
		"Well, that's certainly one way to look at it. But... wouldn't it be better if your methods weren't dependent on the gods at any stage?" You think this is part of the point Hekate was getting at, too, based on the way she's talked about these things, before. But even if it isn't, you think it's a point worth making. 
		
		"The world is dependent on the gods," Crataeis replies, bitterly. "No matter whether or not we 'rely' on them, they can blight, smite, or torment us at their leisure. We should take any gift they give us with both hands and use it for the betterment of humanity. They owe us, even if they won't ever admit the wrongs they've done." 
		
		It's an odd viewpoint to hear. From what you've learned, most people don't think of the gods as the kind of beings who can owe anyone anything. At least, not owe humans. But she speaks of them as though she is, at least in that sense, equal to them, and Hekate smiles upon hearing it. 
	#"And what if the gods decline to visit their gifts upon you in the future? What then?"
		*set cold +1
		*set reserved +1
		"And what if the gods decline to visit their gifts upon you in the future? What then?" You think this is part of the point Hekate was getting at, too, based on the way she's talked about these things, before. But even if it isn't, you think it's a point worth making. 
		
		"Then we will have, for a while, been without one of the many kinds of suffering we as a species must endure," Crataeis replies, bitterly. "The world is dependent on the gods. No matter whether or not we 'rely' on them, they can blight, smite, or torment us at their leisure. We should take any gift they give us with both hands and use it for the betterment of humanity, for as long as we have it. They owe us, even if they won't ever admit the wrongs they've done." 
		
		It's an odd viewpoint to hear. From what you've learned, most people don't think of the gods as the kind of beings who can owe anyone anything. At least, not owe humans. But she speaks of them as though she is, at least in that sense, equal to them, and Hekate smiles upon hearing it. 
	#"I suppose there are benefits and drawbacks either way." 
		*set warm +1
		*set reserved +1
		"I suppose there are benefits and drawbacks either way." You can see where she's coming from, in a way: wanting to do the most good as quickly as possible is obviously understandable. But there are also obvious downsides to it, including the reliance she admits on 'the correct prayers to the correct gods.'
		
		"Of course," Crataeis replies, a hint of bitterness in her tone. "There is seldom anything in the world that be considered an unmitigated good. But I think that is precisely what makes it necessary to do as much good as possible, to minimize the rest. The world is dependent on and ruled by the gods. They can blight, smite, or torment us at their leisure. We should take any gift they give us with both hands and use it for the betterment of humanity, for as long as we have it. They owe us, even if they won't ever admit the wrongs they've done." 
		
		It's an odd viewpoint to hear. From what you've learned, most people don't think of the gods as the kind of beings who can owe anyone anything. At least, not owe humans. But she speaks of them as though she is, at least in that sense, equal to them, and Hekate smiles upon hearing it. 
*page_break
"It can be difficult to know what's best, particularly when the future is so hard to discern. In any case, I commend your commitment to improving the human condition, Crataeis. I think there is much to be gained, whatever direction your research takes you in." 

"As do I," Crataeis replies, her demeanor softening slightly. "And… I appreciate your insights. It is not often I pause to think about things in this way. Perhaps I should spend more time considering the logistics. And the… implications, I suppose." 

She inclines her head to you both, and Hekate smiles, doing the same before turning to you and tilting her shin slightly to gesture the both of you away from the woman's presentation. 

"I like to think I am not as fickle as many gods," she notes as you stroll past the fire, picking up rolled pancakes with fruit, honey, and cream stuffed inside. "But even I was a little bit tempted to temporarily remove her magic just to prove a point." 

"That she's relying too much on the gods?" You take a bite of the snack, finding it rather sweet, but with enough tartness that the flavor is not overwhelming. 

Hekate nods. "This may sound counterintuitive, but the reason I have given so many mortals a touch of magic was in the hope that they would use it to become less dependent on us, not more."

*fake_choice
	#"That [i]is[/i] a bit counterintuitive, yes. It would be strange to give them a tool and expect them not to use and rely on it." 
		"That [i]is[/i] a bit counterintuitive, yes. It would be strange to give them a tool and expect them not to use and rely on it." 
		
		"Well, when you put it [i]that[/i] way." She chuckles, but the sound trails into a sigh. "I was a bit short-sighted when I began this, yes. I thought a loan of some power would enable them to overcome some of the circumstances holding them back, to use the magic as a stopgap while non-magical solutions to their troubles were still being developed. But I suppose, perhaps, if that was what I wanted, I would have needed many more worshipers to give such power to. As it is, they're all just individuals in larger communities, and so what I'm describing is mostly impossible." 
		
		"But I suppose just taking it away wouldn't solve anything, either." 
		
		"Just so," she replies. "And… to be honest, sometimes I think maybe it's better it turned out this way. That what I have is a few cults here and there who work to attain and spread knowledge. If I had too much of a hand in the way things ended up for them, I'd be undermining my own point even more." 
	#"Well, as long as you [i]don't[/i] take it away on a whim, isn't that still what you've done?"
		"Well, as long as you [i]don't[/i] take it away on a whim, isn't that still what you've done?"
		
		"I do wonder." She chuckles, but the sound trails into a sigh. "I was a bit short-sighted when I began this, I think. I thought a loan of some power would enable them to overcome some of the circumstances holding them back, to use the magic as a stopgap while non-magical solutions to their troubles were still being developed. But I suppose, perhaps, if that was what I wanted, I would have needed many more worshipers to give such power to. As it is, they're all just individuals in larger communities, and so what I'm describing is mostly impossible." 
		
		"But just reversing the decision wouldn't solve anything, either." 
		
		"Just so," she replies. "And… to be honest, sometimes I think maybe it's better it turned out this way. That what I have is a few cults here and there who work to attain and spread knowledge. If I had too much of a hand in the way things ended up for them, I'd be undermining my own point even more." 
	#"I don't think it's a bad idea, necessarily, but if it becomes a big part of human survival, I worry what it will mean if only some people have it, you know?"
		"I don't think it's a bad idea, necessarily, but if it becomes a big part of human survival, I worry what it will mean if only some people have it, you know?"
		
		"I do know," she replies. "It's exactly what I was trying to get Crataeis to think about." She chuckles, but the sound trails into a sigh. "I was a bit short-sighted when I began this, yes. I thought a loan of some power would enable them to overcome some of the circumstances holding them back, to use the magic as a stopgap while non-magical solutions to their troubles were still being developed. But I suppose, perhaps, if that was what I wanted, I would have needed many more worshipers to give such power to. As it is, they're all just individuals in larger communities, and so what I'm describing is mostly impossible." 
		
		"But I suppose just taking it away wouldn't solve anything, either." 
		
		"Just so," she replies. "And… to be honest, sometimes I think maybe it's better it turned out this way. That what I have is a few cults here and there who work to attain and spread knowledge. If I had too much of a hand in the way things ended up for them, I'd be undermining my own point even more. and I have to consider that, too. If everyone had magic because I gave it to them, that would certainly be equitable. But…"
		
		It would also likely lead to dependence on that magic. You can see her conundrum. 
	#"I have to wonder sometimes if it's better to just... not interact with them at all. Not to take anything from them, but not to give them anything, either." 
		"I have to wonder sometimes if it's better to just... not interact with them at all. Not to take anything from them, but not to give them anything, either." 
		
		"I've wondered that sometimes, too," Hekate admits, chuckling only for the sound to trail into a sigh. "I was a bit short-sighted when I began this, I think. I thought a loan of some power would enable them to overcome some of the circumstances holding them back, to use the magic as a stopgap while non-magical solutions to their troubles were still being developed. But I suppose, perhaps, if that was what I wanted, I would have needed many more worshipers to give such power to. As it is, they're all just individuals in larger communities, and so what I'm describing is mostly impossible." 
		
		"But just reversing the decision wouldn't solve anything, either." 
		
		"Just so," she replies. "And… to be honest, sometimes I think maybe it's better it turned out this way. That what I have is a few cults here and there who work to attain and spread knowledge. If I had too much of a hand in the way things ended up for them, I'd be undermining my own point even more." 
*page_break
"I suppose…" she trails off for a moment. It would seem the scholarly phase of the evening is slowly ending, as more and more people drift towards the fire and the food. Someone has started playing some music, and a few people are already dancing to it. 

"Well, we should get going, first," she says with a huff. "This will get considerably more noisy quite shortly, and I think tonight I would prefer not to indulge in too much nonsense revelry." She smiles fondly, suggesting that perhaps she [i]has[/i] done such things in the past. 

*fake_choice
	#"Are you sure? I don't mind staying."
		"Are you sure? I don't mind staying." You're not [i]entirely[/i] sure how you feel about the idea of 'nonsense revelry,' but you doubt it would turn out to be anything you couldn't tolerate, even if you stuck more to the side of things, so to speak. 
		
		"I appreciate that, ${name}, but we should head back to the Underworld, soon. I believe you'll find that something of some importance happens quite imminently afterwards." 
		
		"Something of importance… as in something you've [i]seen[/i]?" You'd be a little surprised to hear that Hekate had read whatever it was in the stars, even if it's somewhat important. 
		
		"Well, I can't guarantee how significant it turns out to be, but we'll call it a significant opportunity, yes," she replies, her lips twitching a bit. "And I did 'see' it, in fact." 
		
		If that's the case, you suppose you can see the need to return in time for it.
	#"I appreciate that. 'Nonsense revelry' doesn't sound all that appealing." 
		"I appreciate that. 'Nonsense revelry' doesn't sound all that appealing." Not really your preferred way to spend an evening, to say the least. You suppose you could have stayed if Hekate had asked you to, if only because she's your way back to the Underworld, but it's much better that you don't have to. 
		
		"I do enjoy it every now and then, but I understand your feelings nevertheless," she replies with a hint of amusement. "Besides, we really ought to head back to the Underworld soon, anyway. I believe you'll find that something of some importance happens quite imminently afterwards." 
		
		"Something of importance… as in something you've [i]seen[/i]?" You'd be a little surprised to hear that Hekate had read whatever it was in the stars, even if it's somewhat important. 
		
		"Well, I can't guarantee how significant it turns out to be, but we'll call it a significant opportunity, yes," she replies, her lips twitching a bit. "And I did 'see' it, in fact." 
		
		If that's the case, you suppose you can see the need to return in time for it.
	#"Really? Because that sounds a bit more like my kind of thing than the part we just did." 
		"Really? Because that sounds a bit more like my kind of thing than the part we just did." It's not that you disliked being here or anything, but you wouldn't call this kind of… scholarly meeting your preferred way to spend an afternoon, exactly. A big, raucous party sounds much more like fun to you. 
		
		Hekate lifts an eyebrow. "I do apologize if I've bored you," she replies, a touch of amusement in her tone. "Or if leaving early disappoints. But we really ought to head back to the Underworld, soon. I believe you'll find that something of some importance happens quite imminently afterwards." 
		
		"Something of importance… as in something you've [i]seen[/i]?" You'd be a little surprised to hear that Hekate had read whatever it was in the stars, even if it's somewhat important. 
		
		"Well, I can't guarantee how significant it turns out to be, but we'll call it a significant opportunity, yes," she replies, her lips twitching a bit. "And I did 'see' it, in fact." 
		
		If that's the case, you suppose you can see the need to return in time for it. Even if it [i]is[/i] a bit disappointing.
*page_break
"Anyway." Hekate polishes off her pancake with a contented sigh, licking a bit of the cream and honey from her fingers as she walks toward the treeline. "I was going to say that I generally aspire to a world where humans are fully independent from the gods, but not fully separate. I think they make for fantastic collaborators, and their perspective on things is much different from my own. I would prefer that the relationship be as equal as possible, and the first step in that is promoting the flow of information between us, and giving them the tools to pursue their interests, whatever those might be."

A pause. "Even if I personally don't see too much good or taste in some of the particulars." 

*fake_choice
	#"I'm... not entirely sure of that approach. It's hard to trust that [i]anyone[/i] would do good if they could do anything they wanted." 
		"I'm... not entirely sure of that approach. It's hard to trust that [i]anyone[/i] would do good if they could do anything they wanted." Unrestricted freedom, and a substantial amount of power to go with it, read to you rather like a recipe for disaster. 
		
		"Well, I hardly think they can do anything they want," she points out. The magic any given person can channel is limited, and discovering the applications is itself often a long and arduous process, you know? And generally, the more help someone is getting from me, the more I know about what they're working on, so I can promise no one is trying to build magically-powered weapons or anything, that I'm helping with. Or aware of at all."
		
		"That's… reassuring, but far from a guarantee that such weapons won't exist, one day."
		
		"Yes," Hekate agrees. "That is certainly a risk to this approach. But I can't and don't want to control people so closely as to be able to guarantee it. Everyone has their own mind, and to me, that is as sacred as anything there is." 
		
		The two of you reach the area where you landed after teleportation, and Hekate offers a faint, contented sigh and a smile. 
		
		"Shall we be off, then?"
	#"I suppose I can see that, though... wouldn't it be better to guide their goals or studies a little more? What if they're wrong, or getting nowhere?"
		"I suppose I can see that, though... wouldn't it be better to guide their goals or studies a little more? What if they're wrong, or getting nowhere?" You can't imagine how awful it would feel to spend one's entire life on a theory or branch of study that goes nowhere. 
		
		"Well, I'm far from omniscient," Hekate points out. "In many cases, I don't know the answers, either. Certainly, there are some branches of magic much more developed among the gods than humans, such as healing, but even there, there are differences that mean I don't always know how things are going to go. The kind of biological compatibility we share is not the same as biological similarity." 
		
		"I suppose. But surely you must know sometimes, when something isn't going to lead anywhere." 
		
		"Sometimes I do," she agrees. "And I have occasionally told a person of as much. But there is value even in failure, when it comes to learning. I seldom find it worthwhile to deny people that value." 
		
		The two of you reach the area where you landed after teleportation, and Hekate offers a faint, contented sigh and a smile. 
		
		"Shall we be off, then?"
	#"I think there are some things humans should not know or be able to do, frankly." 
		"I think there are some things humans should not know or be able to do, frankly." Probably you could think of [i]several[/i] sorts of magic you hope they never have access to, including the most destructive kinds. You're not sure they'd be able to resist using such things on one another. 
		
		"Perhaps that's so," Hekate replies. "But I don't think it's my role to make that kind of judgement. I am not the mother of humanity, and what they choose to do with any information they gain is up to them. But, for what it's worth, I usually see people trying to help those around them, with what they learn." 
		
		"It would only take [i]one[/i] instance of someone doing the opposite to hurt a lot of people, though." 
		
		"…I know," Hekate says quietly. "And I do try to choose whom I share my power with carefully. I am sure there will be negative consequences, someday. I just hope that the good things this achieves outweighs those." 
		
		The two of you reach the area where you landed after teleportation, and Hekate offers a faint sigh and a smile. 
		
		"Shall we be off, then?"
	#"But then it comes back to that same concern, right? About the people you've helped being the only ones with access to those things?"
		"But then it comes back to that same concern, right? About the people you've helped being the only ones with access to those things?" You don't think she's failed to consider this, but it still seems to be a fairly obvious flaw in how things could work from here, if her followers meet with any degree of success. 
		
		"It does," Hekate admits. "And I have to balance that with other concerns, about what might happen if I didn't choose how I shared my power and instead readily gave it to everyone, or even just everyone who offered prayer to me. It's not a simple thing to do. For now, it seems best to help a few, and hope that what they do comes in a form that can benefit all equitably." 
		
		"And yet some of their projects already look like they won't, if they succeed." 
		
		"Unless properly accounted for, yes," she admits. "Something for me to do some thinking about." 
		
		The two of you reach the area where you landed after teleportation, and Hekate offers a faint sigh and a smile. 
		
		"Shall we be off, then?"
*page_break
A few minutes later, after a successful teleportation back to the Keep, you are surprised to find 
*if (erebus = 1)
	that Erebus is seeking your attention.
*if (erebus = 0)
	a note tacked to your door. 

[i]${name}—[/i]

[i]Atropos says 'you will want to hear what we have to say.' Meet us upon your return, at your convenience. We'll be expecting you.[/i] 

*if (erebus = 0)
	[i]-Klotho[/i]
*if (erebus = 1)
	[i]This is Klotho, by the way. I'm terrible at this magic, but hopefully you get the message. Maybe I should have tried a note? Oh, um, message ends, Erebus, thank you, dear.[/i] 
	
	It seems to have been pre-recorded, if perhaps not the most skilfully. 

"Well, well." Hekate rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "You know, I had a feeling they might be looking for you, soon. Probably best to see what they're about, no?"

"Had what kind of feeling?" you ask, unsure if you're fond of the idea of whatever this is being so significant that it had also registered with [i]her[/i] powers of foresight, which were much more occasional than the Moirae's. 

She smiles enigmatically. "Don't worry about it," she says. "It's significant, but you have choices. You always have choices." 

*if ((hekate_romance) and (hekate_touch2 != "averse"))
	She places a gentle kiss at your cheek, then disappears. 
*if ((hekate_romance) and (hekate_touch2 = "averse"))
	Her smile gentles, and she gives you a wink. "Come see me later if you'd like to talk about it." 
	
	And then she disappears.
*if (hekate_romance = false)
	Her smile gentles. "But come find me later if you'd like to talk about it, okay?"
	
	And then she disappears.
*goto amessage

*label battlefield
You crest a hill, and before you lies the wreckage of a battlefield. 

It's somehow not quite as… chaotic as you expected. If you examine it closely enough, you can still sort of discern where the lines were, where specific groups of soldiers clashed with one another, or attempted a flanking maneuver or, in one case, were clearly shot down by archers before they could properly close the distance between themselves and their foes. 

The losses, too, are somehow not quite so many as you expected. Perhaps, after what seems to have been some rather pitched fighting, both sides made a choice to withdraw rather than fight what looks to have been a rather evenly-matched battle, and lose many more to the decision. 

"I feel you likely already know this," Hades says quietly, "but this is far from Troy. You need not worry about encountering anything related to Iasion, here." 

*fake_choice
	#"That doesn't matter, you know. It would be fine if you'd picked that one."
		"That doesn't matter, you know. It would be fine if you'd picked that one." Iasion, for better or worse, is in the Underworld now. You don't think there are any surprises left to be had, with respect to him, and so you think you would have handled that field about the same as you'll handle this one… however that turns out to be. 
		
		Hades nods slightly. "Very well. Still… I chose this field because for now, at least, the fighting is done, and the soldiers have gone." 
		
		"Why does that make a difference? Are we meant to be going unnoticed?" You suppose his appearance would immediately tip people off that he's not human, but on the other hand, if what he wants is to interact in some way with the living, well… it's not likely there are too many such people still left, here. 
		
		"No," he replies. "Rather, it's because the fact that this fight has stopped means they will come." He nods slightly at the hill on the other side of the field, where you can just see several people beginning to descend among the churned terrain and the dead. 
	#"I appreciate the consideration."
		"I appreciate the consideration." You're not sure how you would have done, being at the place where he died, among people that he must have known, and fought with, or against, even as their battle still goes on. You're not entirely sure how you'll handle this part, but you know it's definitely better than you would have handled [i]that[/i]. 
		
		"Of course; think nothing of it." Hades nods slightly. "In addition to that… I chose this field because for now, at least, the fighting is done, and the soldiers have gone." 
		
		"Why does that make a difference? Are we meant to be going unnoticed?" You suppose his appearance would immediately tip people off that he's not human, but on the other hand, if what he wants is to interact in some way with the living, well… it's not likely there are too many such people still left, here. 
		
		"No," he replies. "Rather, it's because the fact that this fight has stopped means they will come." He nods slightly at the hill on the other side of the field, where you can just see several people beginning to descend among the churned terrain and the dead. 
	#"Why this one, then?"
		"Why this one, then?" Presumably, even with Troy eliminated as an option, there were dozens, if not hundreds, of such places he could have selected, if the entire world were taken into consideration. 
		
		Hades makes a soft, thoughtful sound. "I chose this field because for now, at least, the fighting is done, and the soldiers have gone." 
		
		"Why does that make a difference? Are we meant to be going unnoticed?" You suppose his appearance would immediately tip people off that he's not human, but on the other hand, if what he wants is to interact in some way with the living, well… it's not likely there are too many such people still left, here. 
		
		"No," he replies. "Rather, it's because the fact that this fight has stopped means they will come." He nods slightly at the hill on the other side of the field, where you can just see several people beginning to descend among the churned terrain and the dead. 
	#"So... I know you intend to try and help humans, but... we're not fighting, are we?"
		"So... I know you intend to try and help humans, but... we're not fighting, are we?" It certainly doesn't look active now, but you have no idea when people might meet here again, or whether it will result in another battle. 
		
		Hades shakes his head. "No, assuredly not. I do not think we should interfere to that extent in the first place, and I would never ask such a thing of you. I chose this field because for now, at least, the fighting is done, and the soldiers have gone." 
		
		"Why does that make a difference? Are we meant to be going unnoticed?" You suppose his appearance would immediately tip people off that he's not human, but on the other hand, if what he wants is to interact in some way with the living, well… it's not likely there are too many such people still left, here. 
		
		"No," he replies. "Rather, it's because the fact that this fight has stopped means they will come." He nods slightly at the hill on the other side of the field, where you can just see several people beginning to descend among the churned terrain and the dead. 
*page_break
"I had thought…" Hades trails off for a moment, focusing on the people across the field. They seem to just be taking it all in, at the moment, trying to make sense of what happened the same way you had, but probably with much more personal investment. They don't appear to be looters, or anything like that, which suggests they may be civilians, from one side or the other. 

"It is difficult to help people, with most of my powers. The majority of them are tinged with Death, and the ones that aren't have significant consequences of their own, and are best not used in the mortal realm at all." 

*fake_choice
	#"Consequences like what?"
		"Consequences like what?" It occurs to you that you know little of what Hades is really capable of. You've seen him in a confrontation once, and it wasn't as though you could take notes at the time. Besides that… most deities are much more than the powers they can use to hurt, and you have to assume the same is true of him. 
		
		He shifts his eyes to you. "Well… for example, I now possess the majority of the domain of time." 
		
		"Time? Doesn't that belong to Kronos?"
		
		Hades dips his chin. "It did, once. Part of it still does. The rest, I took from him during the Titanomachy. I suspect is is one of the reasons he despises me so, though he did not need yet another. Should I use it here, I might disrupt a great deal of how the mortal realm functions. It is not quite so… malleable, in a sense, as the Underworld."
		
		"What powers can you use here, then?" 
		
		"Perhaps not very many, safely," he admits. "But I should still be capable of minor magics, and of course, the labor of my body itself." 
	#"Can't you do lots of different types of magic, though?"
		"Can't you do lots of different types of magic, though?" He's probably not quite as flexible as someone like Hekate, whose [i]domain[/i] is magic, but you've heard them talking about such things before, and you know he's powerful. Not to mention in possession of, presumably, several other domains besides just Death.
		
		He shifts his eyes to you. "Yes, but many of them would be unsafe here in a similar way. For example… I now possess the majority of the domain of time." 
		
		"Time? Doesn't that belong to Kronos?"
		
		Hades dips his chin. "It did, once. Part of it still does. The rest, I took from him during the Titanomachy. I suspect is is one of the reasons he despises me so, though he did not need yet another. Should I use it here, I might disrupt a great deal of how the mortal realm functions. It is not quite so… malleable, in a sense, as the Underworld."
		
		"What powers can you use here, then?" 
		
		"Perhaps not very many, safely," he admits. "But I should still be capable of minor magics, and of course, the labor of my body itself." 
	#"That's... certainly an issue, but how is this the solution?"
		*set serious +1
		"That's... certainly an issue, but how is this the solution?" It's a battlefield, so there's plenty of death already to go around, but how that helps the problem, or what he's here to [i]do[/i], still isn't clear. 
		
		"Well… by itself, it isn't," he admits. Anything I did would be just as much a problem here as elsewhere in the mortal realm. For example…  I now possess the majority of the domain of time." 
		
		"Time? Doesn't that belong to Kronos?"
		
		Hades dips his chin. "It did, once. Part of it still does. The rest, I took from him during the Titanomachy. I suspect is is one of the reasons he despises me so, though he did not need yet another. Should I use it here, I might disrupt a great deal of how the mortal realm functions. It is not quite so… malleable, in a sense, as the Underworld."
		
		"What powers can you use here, then?" 
		
		"Perhaps not very many, safely," he admits. "But I should still be capable of minor magics, and of course, the labor of my body itself." 
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "I think the mortal realm is fairly used to 'significant consequences' by now, honestly."
		*set humorous +1
		"I think the mortal realm is fairly used to 'significant consequences' by now, honestly." You can't help the note of dry humor in your tone, but your observation is true. There are gods who [i]regularly[/i] interfere with how this world works, and no doubt their actions have shaped it in ways no one can fully grasp at once. 
		
		"That may be so," he admits. "But that doesn't make it right for me to add to the problem. For example… I now possess the majority of the domain of time." 
		
		"Time? Doesn't that belong to Kronos?"
		
		Hades dips his chin. "It did, once. Part of it still does. The rest, I took from him during the Titanomachy. I suspect is is one of the reasons he despises me so, though he did not need yet another. Should I use it here, I might disrupt a great deal of how the mortal realm functions. It is not quite so… malleable, in a sense, as the Underworld."
		
		"What powers can you use here, then?" 
		
		"Perhaps not very many, safely," he admits. "But I should still be capable of minor magics, and of course, the labor of my body itself." 
*page_break
[i]Labor?[/i]

You're not sure exactly what he means by that, but it swiftly becomes clear as he continues. 

"So, with that in mind, what I would like to do here is assist with funeral rites." He turns his gaze back to the people now climbing down the hill. "These folk are from a small nearby village, and they will be collecting their dead today for burial. But it… I am given to understand that it is difficult, toilsome work, and that sometimes it is not properly completed, for various reasons. So… I would like to help, that all of those buried today might find their way more easily past the banks of the Styx, and that those they have left behind might have solace in knowing it."  

*fake_choice
	#"I think... that's a really good idea." 
		"I think... that's a really good idea." It's definitely something he knows a lot about, and something that he can help with. Starting small is probably the wisest idea, especially since it seems as though anything bigger risks doing more harm than good. 
		
		"Thank you," he says softly. "I wondered if it was really right of me to do this, but I hope in the end I'll be able to ease more suffering than—well. I suppose not more than I cause, as that would be impossible. But at least some of it." 
		
		He starts down the hill, and you hasten to follow.
	#"Help as in... do some kind of magic, or...?"
		"Help as in... do some kind of magic, or...?" He'd just said most of that would be too much, but you have to suppose that minor things would be fine, and helping prepare bodies for burial doesn't seem like so outrageous an act. 
		
		"Perhaps if it proves necessary or useful," he says quietly. "But I would prefer to treat the dead with the respect they deserve, and conduct the process in the traditional way, that it might stand the best chance of serving its function. Shortcuts may leave the soul still tethered, after all." 
		
		He starts down the hill, and you hasten to follow.
	#"Just tell me how I can help." 
		"Just tell me how I can help." You're not sure if there will be much you can do, but you're here to support him, and you very much intend to do that. Starting small like this s probably the wisest idea, especially since it seems as though anything bigger risks doing more harm than good. 
		
		"Thank you," he says softly. "I wondered if it was really right of me to do this, but I hope in the end I'll be able to ease more suffering than—well. I suppose not more than I cause, as that would be impossible. But at least some of it." 
		
		He starts down the hill, and you hasten to follow.
	#"I don't have to... touch the dead, do I?"
		*set squeamishdead true
		"I don't have to... touch the dead, do I?" You can't help but find the idea a bit unsettling. You have little experience with corpses—none, really. All the 'dead' you've met are animate spirits, people you can [i]meet[/i] in the first place, and something about the idea of handling the bodies they've left behind puts a dread in the pit of your stomach. 
		
		"You don't," Hades replies. "If you do not wish to, then you need only do whatever tasks you are comfortable with and willing to do. I apologize, if this unsettles you." A pause. "If you'd rather return—" 
		
		You shake your head. "No, you don't have to go that far. I'll be fine. I said I'd support you, and I will. I just can't do that part." 
		
		"Then we'll manage without," he says gently, before starting down the hill. 
		
		You hasten to follow. 
*page_break
The first thing you notice is the smell. Up on the hill, with the breeze blowing from behind you, it had been present but not overwhelming. Here, in what has essentially become a cauldron of death, the scent of putrefaction is far more common. That is, until Hades makes a small motion with his hand, and it dulls mercifully to something more like it just was—present, but not so badly that you might lose hold of what's in your stomach. 

You glance up towards him, only to find that he looks completely different. It's still Hades—his height, the shape of his features, and general presence remain unchanged—but it takes you a moment to register the fact, because his skin has changed from grey to light brown, his hair from white to black, and his eyes from red to a saturated shade of deep purple-indigo. Even his clothes have shifted, becoming a plain set in mostly clean, but undyed, wool. 

*fake_choice
	#"What... Hades?" 
		"What... Hades?" You're sure of what your eyes are telling you, but that doesn't answer all your questions. You hadn't known he could disguise himself, for one. That's not magic of which everyone is equally capable. You, for example, haven't learned it, and you're not sure whether you could, given your domains. 
		
		He doesn't smile, but something about his expression is faintly rueful, nonetheless. "Yes," he admits. "As I once was. It is not a form I can hold in the Underworld, but here, for a short time, I am capable." 
		
		As he once was? He must mean before the Titanomachy. Before the Underworld. 
		
		You [i]can[/i] alter your clothing, at least, so you give it a similar aspect to his own, as it seems you're not meant to look like people of significant status. Which… makes sense, considering where you are and what you're here to do. 
	#"I didn't know you could do disguise magic."
		"I didn't know you could do disguise magic." That's not magic of which everyone is equally capable. You, for example, haven't learned it, and you're not sure whether you could, given your domains. 
		
		He doesn't smile, but something about his expression is faintly rueful, nonetheless. "It's not quite a disguise," he admits. "I am now as I once was. It is not a form I can hold in the Underworld, but here, for a short time, I am capable." 
		
		As he once was? He must mean before the Titanomachy. Before the Underworld. 
		
		You [i]can[/i] alter your clothing, at least, so you give it a similar aspect to his own, as it seems you're not meant to look like people of significant status. Which… makes sense, considering where you are and what you're here to do. 
	#"Doesn't this kind of defeat the purpose of helping mortals as yourself?"
		"Doesn't this kind of defeat the purpose of helping mortals as yourself?" A disguise will make it much less obvious that he'd a god, just from coloration alone. You're not sure whether you can say he looks entirely human, but it's probably good enough to pass for one, as most gods otherwise can. 
		
		He doesn't smile, but something about his expression is faintly rueful, nonetheless. "It's not quite a disguise," he admits. "I am now as I once was. It is not a form I can hold in the Underworld, but here, for a short time, I am capable. Besides, I think perhaps it would be best to… not begin things quite so obviously? I am told my regular appearance might be rather terrifying, to a human not expecting it." 
		
		As he once was? He must mean before the Titanomachy. Before the Underworld. 
		
		You [i]can[/i] alter your clothing, at least, so you give it a similar aspect to his own, as it seems you're not meant to look like people of significant status. Which… makes sense, considering where you are and what you're here to do. 
	#"Could you make a few adjustments to me, as well? We should probably look like our clothes are similar, at least." 
		"Could you make a few adjustments to me, as well? We should probably look like our clothes are similar, at least." You could in theory alter your clothing yourself, but if he has proper disguise magic, that's a step above anything you know how to do in the realm, just yet. 
		
		"Ah, I could do clothing," he admits, "but this isn't quite a disguise in the usual sense. "I am now as I once was. It is not a form I can hold in the Underworld, but here, for a short time, I am capable." 
		
		As he once was? He must mean before the Titanomachy. Before the Underworld. 
		
		In either case, you're able to make a few minor alterations to your own appearance, including the clothes, until you're sure you can pass for human. It seems you're not meant to look like people of significant status. Which… makes sense, considering where you are and what you're here to do. 
*page_break
It takes several more minutes, even at a rather brisk walking pace, to reach the first cluster of working humans. At the moment, it looks like they're searching for survivors, from the way they pause next to each person, some listening for breathing, others placing their fingers at the wrists or necks of those who do not seem to be decomposing quite as obviously as others. 

"Excuse me," Hades says gently, addressing an elderly woman with a shock of silver-white hair held back from her face with a headband and a short plait. "May we help you? I am trained in performing rites for the dead." 

"Rites?" she blinks up at him, standing from her crouch next to a young soldier. "I hope you mean more than burying with the coins, young man. We all know how to do that, of late." 

Hades clears his throat. "I… yes. I can do a bit more than that. This may sound… strange to you, but I am a… priest. Of Hades. My name is Aidoneus." 

"A priest?" A young woman nearby seems to have caught this. "Of… of Zeus Chthonios?" She scratches awkwardly at the back of her head, dark blonde curls ruffling with the motion. "I've never heard of something like that." There's a wariness to her tone that can't be missed. 

*fake_choice
	*if (marriage_choice != "annulled")
		#"My husband can definitely help you," I reply, taking a step closer. "Your friends and family will be properly honored." 
			"My husband can definitely help you," you reply, taking a step closer. "Your friends and family will be properly honored." 

			This is what he's chosen to do, and so you know your words are true. He will do what he's asking to do with as much care and consideration as possible, and he'll do it the right way, without shortcuts or workarounds. 

			Hades glances at you, offering the smallest of grateful smiles. 

			The woman blinks. "What's your name?" she asks. "We should at least know that much." 

			She has a point. Hades has given a false one, for an obvious reason, so you should probably follow suit. There's only a small chance anyone here would have heard of ${name}, but there's still a chance. 

			*fake_choice
				*if ((name != "Kore") and (name != "kore"))
					#"My name is Kore."
						*set fakename "Kore"
						"My name is Kore." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
				*if ((name != "Lysius") and (name != "lysius"))
					#"I'm Lysius." 
						*set fakename "Lysius"
						"I'm Lysius." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
				*if ((name != "scyllitas") and (name != "Scyllitas"))
					#"Please, call me Scyllitas."
						*set fakename "Scyllitas"
						"Please, call me Scyllitas." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
				*if ((name != "Melinoia") and (name != "melinoia"))
					#"It's Melinoia." 
						*set fakename "Melinoia" 
						"It's Melinoia." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
				#"My name is..." 
					*input_text fakename
					"My name is ${fakename}." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
	#[Lie] "He is. I'm an acolyte of his cult; we're really just here to help."
		"He is. I'm an acolyte of his cult; we're really just here to help." Obviously you can't just tell the truth here; learning that the two of you are deities from the Underworld may well send these people running, all things considered. And Hades wants to do this, so you're going to help in the ways you can. 
		
		Besides, the important part is true; you're here to help them, not to make anything difficult.
		
		The woman blinks. "What's your name?" she asks. "We should at least know that much." 
		
		She has a point. Hades has given a false one, for an obvious reason, so you should probably follow suit. There's only a small chance anyone here would have heard of ${name}, but there's still a chance. 
		
		*fake_choice
			*if ((name != "Kore") and (name != "kore"))
				#"My name is Kore."
					*set fakename "Kore"
					"My name is Kore." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
			*if ((name != "Lysius") and (name != "lysius"))
				#"I'm Lysius." 
					*set fakename "Lysius"
					"I'm Lysius." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
			*if ((name != "scyllitas") and (name != "Scyllitas"))
				#"Please, call me Scyllitas."
					*set fakename "Scyllitas"
					"Please, call me Scyllitas." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
			*if ((name != "Melinoia") and (name != "melinoia"))
				#"It's Melinoia." 
					*set fakename "Melinoia" 
					"It's Melinoia." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
			#"My name is..." 
				*input_text fakename
				"My name is ${fakename}." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
	#"My friend is the best person you could ask for, for this job."
		"My friend is the best person you could ask for, for this job." This is what he's chosen to do, and so you know your words are true. He will do what he's asking to do with as much care and consideration as possible, and he'll do it the right way, without shortcuts or workarounds. 

		Hades glances at you, offering the smallest of grateful smiles. 

		The woman blinks. "What's your name?" she asks. "We should at least know that much." 

		She has a point. Hades has given a false one, for an obvious reason, so you should probably follow suit. There's only a small chance anyone here would have heard of ${name}, but there's still a chance. 

		*fake_choice
			*if ((name != "Kore") and (name != "kore"))
				#"My name is Kore."
					*set fakename "Kore"
					"My name is Kore." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
			*if ((name != "Lysius") and (name != "lysius"))
				#"I'm Lysius." 
					*set fakename "Lysius"
					"I'm Lysius." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
			*if ((name != "scyllitas") and (name != "Scyllitas"))
				#"Please, call me Scyllitas."
					*set fakename "Scyllitas"
					"Please, call me Scyllitas." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
			*if ((name != "Melinoia") and (name != "melinoia"))
				#"It's Melinoia." 
					*set fakename "Melinoia" 
					"It's Melinoia." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
			#"My name is..." 
				*input_text fakename
				"My name is ${fakename}." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
	#[Lie] "And I'm a priest of ${name}. Please let us assist you."
		"And I'm a priest of ${name}. Please let us assist you." Obviously you can't just tell the truth here; learning that the two of you are deities from the Underworld may well send these people running, all things considered. And Hades wants to do this, so you're going to help in the ways you can. 
		
		Besides, you [i]are[/i] here to help, and that's really the important thing. 
		
		*if ((lausstatus = "anonymous") or (lausstatus = "onlyprayer"))
			"Who?" The young woman looks a bit skeptical for a moment, before sighing. "Never mind. More importantly, what's your name? We should at least know that much." 
		*if not ((lausstatus = "anonymous") or (lausstatus = "onlyprayer"))
			"${name}? I feel like I've heard that somewhere before." The woman shakes her head. "Never mind. More importantly, what's your name? We should at least know that much." 
		
		She has a point. Hades has given a false one, for an obvious reason, so you should probably follow suit. There's only a small chance anyone here would have heard of ${name}, but there's still a chance. 

		*fake_choice
			*if ((name != "Kore") and (name != "kore"))
				#"My name is Kore."
					*set fakename "Kore"
					"My name is Kore." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
			*if ((name != "Lysius") and (name != "lysius"))
				#"I'm Lysius." 
					*set fakename "Lysius"
					"I'm Lysius." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
			*if ((name != "scyllitas") and (name != "Scyllitas"))
				#"Please, call me Scyllitas."
					*set fakename "Scyllitas"
					"Please, call me Scyllitas." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
			*if ((name != "Melinoia") and (name != "melinoia"))
				#"It's Melinoia." 
					*set fakename "Melinoia" 
					"It's Melinoia." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
			#"My name is..." 
				*input_text fakename
				"My name is ${fakename}." You offer a small nod, respecting the solemnity of what's at issue.
*page_break
More than a few still look at the both of you with obvious skepticism, but the old woman releases a quiet sigh. "Well… if you're here to help, I don't see any reason not to allow you. We've got more than enough problems without making more with strangers. I am Helle." She gestures to the blonde who'd spoken. "This is Omphale, my granddaughter, and my son Bardas is there." She nods, indicating a dark-haired man of middle age, with a chestnut beard and hair as curly as Omphale's.

He inclines his head silently. 

Hades returns the gesture. "I would like to say that it is well to meet you all, but I am aware the circumstances make it… otherwise. Still, I appreciate your welcome. Please let us know how we might assist you."

Omphale purses her lips, something in her light brown eyes harder than it probably should be. She looks, on closer inspection, to be no older than fifteen. "I don't know if there's any helping Pylos, anymore," she says darkly. "That's where we're from. Pylos, over the hill." 

She points slightly behind her. 

*fake_choice
	#"What happened here?"
		"What happened here?" The battle looks to have been quite one-sided, but you suppose the other side may have already retrieved some of their dead. You wonder if they'll be coming back for the rest. 
		
		"The same thing that's been happening for too long, now," the young woman replies bitterly. "Someone decides he wants what other people have, and goes around killing people until they let him take it." 
		
		"A son of Zeus," Helle adds. "But we are here to do right by the dead, not complain about how hard it is to still be alive. If you'd like to help, we need to start by getting everyone up the hill to the carts." 
	#"Well... we'll do whatever we can."
		*set unsure +1
		"Well... we'll do whatever we can." You're not sure exactly what that's going to turn out to be. Maybe they'll trust you with the rites, but maybe they won't. In either case, there are a fair number of steps between this and that. 
		
		"Sure," Omphale says. "I'm just saying none of it's going to solve the problem. We'll all be dead, soon enough. Or maybe he'll let us live if we just give up everything we have. Then we can die slowly instead." 
		
		"That's enough," Helle says, a tad sharply. "We are here to do right by the dead, not complain about how hard it is to still be alive. If you'd like to help, strangers, we need to start by getting everyone up the hill to the carts." 
	#"I'm sure there must be something we can do, even if it's small, so please allow us to assist."
		*set confident +1
		"I'm sure there must be something we can do, even if it's small, so please allow us to assist." Maybe they'll trust you with the rites, but maybe they won't. In either case, there are a fair number of steps between this and that. 
		
		"Sure," Omphale says. "I'm just saying none of it's going to solve the problem. We'll all be dead, soon enough. Or maybe he'll let us live if we just give up everything we have. Then we can die slowly instead." 
		
		"That's enough," Helle says, a tad sharply. "We are here to do right by the dead, not complain about how hard it is to still be alive. If you'd like to help, strangers, we need to start by getting everyone up the hill to the carts." 
	#"And... your city is at war?"
		"And... your city is at war?" You have to assume that's what all of this destruction means. The battle looks to have been quite one-sided, but you suppose the other side may have already retrieved some of their dead. You wonder if they'll be coming back for the rest. 
		
		"Ha. War. I guess you could call it that. The Spartiates [i]love[/i] war, but this barely qualifies. It's just the same thing as always. Someone decides he wants what other people have, and goes around killing people until they let him take it." 
		
		"A son of Zeus," Helle adds. "But we are here to do right by the dead, not complain about how hard it is to still be alive. If you'd like to help, we need to start by getting everyone up the hill to the carts." 
*page_break
It's plenty of explanation, for now, and at least you know what you need to do. Hades moves with the others among the dead, carefully lifting the bodies as carefully as possible and carrying them up the hill. 
*if (squeamishdead)
	As promised, you don't end up getting quite so close to them, rather carrying their personal effects—mostly weapons, shields, and helms—up behind him, so that none of the dead are parted from items that might help identify them.
*if not (squeamishdead)
	By his request, you largely end up carrying their personal effects—mostly weapons, shields, and helms—up behind him, so that none of the dead are parted from items that might help identify them.

Hades shows no distaste for the task, even though it often puts him in close proximity to flies, maggots, and rotting flesh, and the front of his tunic swiftly stains with ichor and other unmentionable matter. 

It's grim work, and difficult, 
*if (tag_unathletic)
	including physically, at a certain point. You're not exactly made for hauling things up and down hillsides, but you manage to keep yourself going with the simple necessity of it. 
*if not (tag_unathletic)
	even for someone in your physical condition. Perhaps because the physical toll of hauling things up and down hillsides is only part of it, and the real weariness is psychological. But you manage to keep yourself going with the simple necessity of it; someone must do this. 
	
Besides, Hades isn't stopping, and so you don't want to, either. 

While you move, the older and less firm of Pylos, such as Helle, begin the task of cleaning the bodies as well as they can, scraping away insects and trying to lose as little flesh as possible in the process, washing away what can be cleansed with water, and shrouding the bodies to protect them from further ravages of nature, as much as possible. Their effects are all tied to their shields, and laid atop each shroud, their variously-painted surfaces and conditions a reminder of the distinctiveness the dead have otherwise lost, in their identical, veiled repose. 

The bodies are then loaded onto mule-drawn carts, which are then walked back, presumably to a settlement you can just spot on the horizon. 

"The coins for passage are going to be many, again." The quiet observation comes from Bardas, who had until now been completely silent. The stain on the front of his clothing is just as large as the one Hades bears, and his forearms are streaked in old blood. "And Pylos has no more soldiers. Even most of these weren't soldiers to begin with. Just who is left. It won't be long before the city is sacked, and who knows what will be left, after that." 

*fake_choice
	#"Aren't you under the jurisdiction of a larger city? You could send for help from them?"
		"Aren't you under the jurisdiction of a larger city? You could send for help from them?" That's your best understanding of how human government works in this part of the world, and you don't think you're mistaken about something that simple. 
		
		"We could, if they weren't already occupied with more important matters," he says. "Also… for such 'brave' men, they are reluctant to oppose what they believe to be the will of the gods, I am sure. As long as the son of Zeus leads these raiders, they will not commit fully to fighting him. least of all when he is backed by another goddess still." 
		
		"He has that kind of backing?" For this specific raid? You have a hard time believing that, so maybe he means in general. Someone with an infamous reputation for holding the favor of the gods. Not an easy opponent, by any means. 
		
		You can sort of see why the local city-state would not want to fight that battle, but it doesn't make anything any better for the people here. 
		
		"He does."
	#"How many have you lost, that all your soldiers are already gone?"
		"How many have you lost, that all your soldiers are already gone?" You don't know exactly how big Pylos is, so maybe its standing army was always small, but still. If they're fielding people without training just to try and resist this, they must be truly desperate.
		
		"Our city has been reduced by one-fifth, so far," he says. "But this is the turning point. He sustained few losses this time. It will not be long before he is at our walls, and we will have to hope that what remains of us can hold out beneath that protection. And shoot accurately." 
		
		It is not an enviable situation to be in. Not in the least. 
	#"Sacked? Is that the goal of the people attacking you?"
		"Sacked? Is that the goal of the people attacking you?" You suppose it's not uncommon, to strip the resources of someone else's city and thus bolster your own. But it seems like so little  compared to what is lost in the process. 
		
		"As far as we can tell, he says, looking down at the field. Our people have been reduced by one-fifth, so far," he says. "But this is the turning point. He sustained few losses this time. It will not be long before he is at our walls, and we will have to hope that what remains of us can hold out beneath that protection. And shoot accurately." 
		
		It is not an enviable situation to be in. Not in the least. 
	#"Can you evacuate? Go somewhere safer?"
		"Can you evacuate? Go somewhere safer?" It would surely be hard to move that many people, but with a need as pressing as this one…
		
		"Many of us do not have that choice, for one reason or another," he says. "Our livelihoods are tied to the city, and legally, there are many of us who may not leave. It's likely there isn't time, anyway. This is the turning point, you see. He sustained few losses this time. It will not be long before he is at our walls, and we will have to hope that what remains of us can hold out beneath that protection. And shoot accurately." 
		
		It is not an enviable situation to be in. Not in the least. 
*page_break
Hades, who had been frowning for the duration of the explanation, now holds out what appears to be a sack the size of your head, clearly containing currency of some description. 

"For the services," he says. "I would… be more than willing to perform them myself, but I understand if it would be too intrusive for an outsider to do that, in the end. Please feel no guilt in using whatever is left over for anything else you need." 

Bardas's eyes widen; his arms, which had been crossed across his broad chest, fall to his sides. He pulls in a breath, and for all his sturdy girth, he looks rather small as he reaches forward to accept the gift. 

"I don't understand," he admits. "You owe us nothing. You are not a citizen, or you would not have helped us bury perioeci and slaves. So who are you?"

"A friend," Hades replies, a little awkwardly, breaking eye contact with the man to look down at the ground instead. "One who wishes he could do more." 

Bardas considers this for a moment. "Not even a god could change the course of things, now," he replies quietly. "This can only be our fate." He expels a long breath, but dips into a bow nevertheless. 

"Thank you, Aidoneus, ${fakename}. As long as there are people of Pylos, we shall not forget this." 

*fake_choice
	#"Think nothing of it."
		*set reserved +1
		"Think nothing of it." You shake your head. Next to what these people are clearly going through, you're conscious of just how [i]little[/i] you've been able to do, and you're certain Hades is, as well. 
		
		"Would that we could do more," he says, echoing your thoughts. "Are you certain you do not need assistance with the rites themselves?" 
		
		Bardas frowns. "We might, but… the thing is, we don't have anything to offer you. We're all eating whatever we've managed to save, and the town's—it's not fit for a priest to visit right now, to be honest." 
		
		Hades dips his chin. "We will not insist upon using your resources," he says. "Still, if you find that you do wish me to help with that part of things… you need only strike the ground with your palms and ask it of Hades." 
		
		The man looks perhaps a tad skeptical, but there's a flicker of something else in his expression, too. Curiosity, maybe. Or hope. 
		
		"I'll keep it in mind," he says. "Thank you both again."
	#"Are you sure there isn't anything else we can do for you?"
		*set forthright +1
		"Are you sure there isn't anything else we can do for you?" Next to what these people are clearly going through, you're conscious of just how [i]little[/i] you've been able to do, and you're certain Hades is, as well. 
		
		Bardas shakes his head. "At this point… not really," he admits. 
		
		"Are you certain you do not need assistance with the rites themselves?" Hades's tone betrays a hint of his concern, just like your own. 
		
		We might, but…" Bardas frowns. "The thing is, we don't have anything to offer you. We're all eating whatever we've managed to save, and the town's—it's not fit for a priest to visit right now, to be honest." 
		
		Hades dips his chin. "We will not insist upon using your resources," he says. "Still, if you find that you do wish me to help with that part of things… you need only strike the ground with your palms and ask it of Hades." 
		
		The man looks perhaps a tad skeptical, but there's a flicker of something else in his expression, too. Curiosity, maybe. Or hope. 
		
		"I'll keep it in mind," he says. "Thank you both again."
	#"You're welcome. Good luck, Bardas." 
		*set forthright +1
		"You're welcome. Good luck, Bardas." Next to what these people are clearly going through, you're conscious of just how [i]little[/i] you've been able to do, but maybe it [i]is[/i] the real limit, without invoking powers apparently too dangerous to use in this world. 
		
		"Would that we could do more," Hades says, apparently not quite so willing to let it go just yet. "Are you certain you do not need assistance with the rites themselves?" 
		
		Bardas frowns. "We might, but… the thing is, we don't have anything to offer you. We're all eating whatever we've managed to save, and the town's—it's not fit for a priest to visit right now, to be honest." 
		
		Hades dips his chin. "We will not insist upon using your resources," he says. "Still, if you find that you do wish me to help with that part of things… you need only strike the ground with your palms and ask it of Hades." 
		
		The man looks perhaps a tad skeptical, but there's a flicker of something else in his expression, too. Curiosity, maybe. Or hope. 
		
		"I'll keep it in mind," he says. "Thank you both again."
	#I nod once. 
		*set reserved +1
		You nod once. Next to what these people are clearly going through, you're conscious of just how [i]little[/i] you've been able to do, but maybe it [i]is[/i] the real limit, without invoking powers apparently too dangerous to use in this world. 
		
		"Would that we could do more," Hades says, apparently not quite so willing to let it go just yet. "Are you certain you do not need assistance with the rites themselves?" 
		
		Bardas frowns. "We might, but… the thing is, we don't have anything to offer you. We're all eating whatever we've managed to save, and the town's—it's not fit for a priest to visit right now, to be honest." 
		
		Hades dips his chin. "We will not insist upon using your resources," he says. "Still, if you find that you do wish me to help with that part of things… you need only strike the ground with your palms and ask it of Hades." 
		
		The man looks perhaps a tad skeptical, but there's a flicker of something else in his expression, too. Curiosity, maybe. Or hope. 
		
		"I'll keep it in mind," he says. "Thank you both again."
*page_break
With a short bow, Bardas moves to join the remaining carts, for their final procession of the day towards Pylos, and you can hear the creaking of the wheels even as you and Hades make your way back to the place of your arrival. Even from a distance, there's a chance someone could see you simply disappear, so it makes more sense to teleport yourselves at a safer distance. 

Hades looks thoughtful, if not perhaps a bit downcast, his mouth turned into the faintest of frowns as your treads move over the field of battle. The smell is only slightly diminished by the removal of the bodies; you have no doubt it will linger for a while, until perhaps the breeze manages to carry it away, and the earth absorbs all the blood and filth. 

*fake_choice
	#"That was... grim," I admit quietly. 
		"That was... grim," you admit quietly. The battlefield, yes, but also the plight of the people who came to see to its remnants. How must it feel, to collect your dead, under the cloud of such certainty that there will be more?
		
		"I find that matters involving death always are," Hades replies, just as quietly. "Even those who pass peacefully in their sleep leave behind grief. And when it's like this…" 
	#"Are you all right? That didn't exactly go as planned." 
		"Are you all right? That didn't exactly go as planned." You're sure he meant to do the rites today, not hope that perhaps they might summon him to do them at a later time. It's much less of a guarantee that the dead will pass easily through the first part of the Underworld, which you know was a major part of his intention. 
		
		"…Yes," he replies, after a moment. "Of course, there is always more I feel I should do, but…"
	#"Are you sure there's nothing more we can do for them?"
		"Are you sure there's nothing more we can do for them?" It was rather confronting, what happened. The battlefield, yes, but also the plight of the people who came to see to its remnants. How must it feel, to collect your dead, under the cloud of such certainty that there will be more?
		
		"I'm never sure about that," he admits. "There's always more I feel I should do, but…"
	#"You, uh. Still have a stain."
		"You, uh. Still have a stain." You gesture to the front of your own garment. You don't know what to say about the rest of that, so… you might as well say this. 
		
		Hades looks down, apparently unconcerned, frowning and waving a hand. The stain disappears, and he shakes his head. 
		
		"There's always more I feel I should do," he says slowly. "But…"
*page_break
Hades expels a soft breath through his nose. "I wonder sometimes, if the best thing to do might not be to circulate some of the Underworld's wealth back into this realm. It isn't as though we're doing much of anything with it. The economy, insofar as we have one, is primarily direct barter. We don't need to keep much in circulation down there." 

"Is there really so much of it that it would make a difference?" Not everyone's rites involve burying their dead with wealth, after all, and you're not actually sure how it works. Do the coins also remain in the graves, and thus become duplicated?"

"I see what you're saying, but you have to remember how long it's been. Even if the amount in each case is trivial, there have been so very many instances over the centuries that it's quite the considerable amount at this point. And, more importantly… sometimes, even small amounts make a difference, like just now." 

You suppose that's a fair point. Granted, most of what he just gave Bardas will quickly return to the Underworld. 

"I do occasionally do something like that, but… it's hard to know where the funds should go. They are certainly not infinite. Not without more magic, and my understanding of economies is that simply making more from nothing would not necessarily produce the ideal result. More than that… I do not know. It feels somehow as though that kind of assistance is… deeply impersonal. I'd prefer… well, perhaps it does not matter what I would prefer."

*fake_choice
	#"No, it matters. And I think you make a fair point about the shortcomings of just distributing funds, especially when there are people who will go sack cities who seem to be doing well." 
		"No, it matters. And I think you make a fair point about the shortcomings of just distributing funds, especially when there are people who will go sack cities who seem to be doing well." As convenient as it would be if the answer was simply giving people more money, something like that would have a lot of complications, not all of which would turn out for the better. 
		
		You know he'd hate to put a target on the back of whomever benefited from such a thing, but realistically, that might be what he was doing. 
		
		"It's not an easy conundrum to solve," Hades admits, lifting his hand to skim his fingertips over the nape of his neck, beneath the shortened length of his disguised hair. 
		
		"No," you admit. "Maybe there isn't a solution, even. But you're trying, and we helped people today. Let's not minimize that." 
		
		He offers you a faint smile. "I wonder how you can always make me feel better, ${name}. It's really quite the talent." 
	#"It's hard to know what the best way to help would be, yes. But you [i]did[/i] help some people, today. For now, maybe that's enough."
		"It's hard to know what the best way to help would be, yes. But you [i]did[/i] help some people, today. For now, maybe that's enough." As convenient as it would be if the answer was simply giving people more money, something like that would have a lot of complications, not all of which would turn out for the better. 
		
		Even so, there's no need to minimize the good the two of you managed today. It feels small, and maybe it was futile, but… it still meant something to Helle and the others. 
		
		He offers you a faint smile. "I wonder how you can always make me feel better, ${name}. It's really quite the talent." 
	#"Well, you could do both, you know. Try the money thing on a small scale first, and keep at this other kind of help, too?"
		"Well, you could do both, you know. Try the money thing on a small scale first, and keep at this other kind of help, too?" As convenient as it would be if the answer was simply giving people more money, something like that would have a lot of complications, not all of which would turn out for the better. So it might be best to try a few different approaches, and take them slowly. 
		
		"A wise approach," he murmurs. "It's not an easy conundrum to solve." Lifting his hand, he skims his fingertips over the nape of his neck, beneath the shortened length of his disguised hair. 
		
		"No," you admit. "Maybe there isn't a solution, even. But you're trying, and we helped people today. Let's not minimize that." 
		
		He offers you a faint smile. "I wonder how you can always make me feel better, ${name}. It's really quite the talent." 
	#"I wish I had advice, but I don't know what the right answer is, either."
		"I wish I had advice, but I don't know what the right answer is, either." As convenient as it would be if the answer was simply giving people more money, something like that would have a lot of complications, not all of which would turn out for the better. 
		
		You know he'd hate to put a target on the back of whomever benefited from such a thing, but realistically, that might be what he was doing. 
		
		"It's not an easy conundrum to solve," Hades admits, lifting his hand to skim his fingertips over the nape of his neck, beneath the shortened length of his disguised hair. 
		
		"No," you admit. "Maybe there isn't a solution, even. But you're trying, and we helped people today. Let's not minimize that." 
		
		He offers you a faint smile. "I wonder how you can always make me feel better, ${name}. It's really quite the talent." 
*page_break
"Anyway, all of that aside," he continues, his expression softening as his eyes briefly make contact with yours. "I do not think I would have been able to navigate today very well without your help. Especially when it came to the parts of it that were mostly interacting with the villagers. Thank you."

*fake_choice
	#"I'm no good at that kind of thing, either, but two awkward people is better than one, I guess?"
		"I'm no good at that kind of thing, either, but two awkward people is better than one, I guess?" You shrug. You're not even that sure you helped, but you suppose you [i]did[/i], maybe, make Hades's story a little more believable by supporting it the way you did. 
		
		"I think two awkward people must be quite capable, indeed," he replies, the softest huff of air escaping his lips. "And I daresay there is no one I would rather have as a compatriot in social difficulty, if that's not too strange a thing to say." 
		
		"It's… probably strange, but since I'm strange, too, I think that's okay." 
		
		"I'm delighted to hear it."
	#"It's no problem. I'm kind of surprised I found it that easy, but I guess spending all that time around my mother gave me some sense of how to talk to strangers."
		"It's no problem. I'm kind of surprised I found it that easy, but I guess spending all that time around my mother gave me some sense of how to talk to strangers." You weren't especially confident going into this that you'd have anything to contribute, but you suppose you did, probably, make Hades's story a little more believable by supporting it the way you did. And that was what got everything else rolling, so to speak. 
		
		"I don't know that Lady Demeter was necessarily the cause, but in either case it was quite reassuring to have you there. I fear I might have bumbled my way into intimidating someone on accident." 
		
		"Are you sure? I think you usually manage to handle official matters quite well. You're very eloquent." 
		
		The expression on Hades's face becomes slightly rueful. "In truth, that is because I am practiced at being a 'king.' I know the kinds of words I am meant to use, how to speak formally and project my voice, and such things. But you might notice that in such a context, other people barely speak without my asking them to. That… control of the situation is not possible in more ordinary conversation, and with strangers, the difference makes things… difficult." 
		
		"I suppose that makes sense." He [i]is[/i] a very… formal person, you suppose you would say, in his manner of speech. It doesn't surprise you that he's more used to dealing with strangers in an official capacity than an unofficial one. Even [i]your[/i] introduction to him was kind of like that.
		
		"It is something I would like to improve at," he admits, "but opportunities are sparse, and I certainly do not have the 'knack.'" 
	#"You're welcome, of course. I'm happy to have helped."
		"You're welcome, of course. I'm happy to have helped." You know you did, too. While your support of Hades's somewhat-improbable story about being a priest didn't eliminate all of the suspicion surrounding the two of you, it did get things headed in the right direction, and you're aware of it. 
		
		He offers you a warm smile. "It was quite reassuring to have you there. I fear I might have bumbled my way into intimidating someone on accident." 
		
		"I can see how that might happen. You're… how do I put this? Most of the time, when you interact with strangers, you're very 'kingly.'" 
		
		He nods, the smile disappearing. "Because I am practiced at it. I know the kinds of words I am meant to use, how to speak formally and project my voice, and such things. But you might notice that in such a context, other people barely speak without my asking them to. That… control of the situation is not possible in more ordinary conversation, and with strangers, the difference makes things… difficult." 
		
		"It's certainly a different set of skills." It doesn't surprise you that he's more used to dealing with strangers in an official capacity than an unofficial one. Even [i]your[/i] introduction to him was kind of like that.
		
		"It is something I would like to improve at," he admits, "but opportunities are sparse, and I certainly do not have the 'knack.'" 
	*if (tag_charming)
		#@{convotoggle [❋]|} "It's something I've always been pretty good at. I'm glad it was useful to you."
			"It's something I've always been pretty good at. I'm glad it was useful to you." and it clearly was. While your support of Hades's somewhat-improbable story about being a priest didn't eliminate all of the suspicion surrounding the two of you, it did get things headed in the right direction.
			
			He offers you a warm smile. "It was quite reassuring to have you there. I fear I might have bumbled my way into intimidating someone on accident." 

			"I can see how that might happen. You're… how do I put this? Most of the time, when you interact with strangers, you're very 'kingly.'" 

			He nods, the smile disappearing. "Because I am practiced at it. I know the kinds of words I am meant to use, how to speak formally and project my voice, and such things. But you might notice that in such a context, other people barely speak without my asking them to. That… control of the situation is not possible in more ordinary conversation, and with strangers, the difference makes things… difficult." 

			"It's certainly a different set of skills." It doesn't surprise you that he's more used to dealing with strangers in an official capacity than an unofficial one. Even [i]your[/i] introduction to him was kind of like that.

			"It is something I would like to improve at," he admits, "but opportunities are sparse, and I certainly do not have the 'knack.' You, on the other hand, have to be perhaps the most charismatic person I know… though, perhaps do not tell Hermes that. He might be mature enough to handle the truth in another few centuries."
			
			The unexpected joke surprises you.
			*if (humorous < serious)
				"I will… try not to." You're not all that humorous, either, really, but Hades must find your answer satisfactory, because his smile momentarily reappears.
			*if not (humorous < serious)
				"Hmm. I'll take your request under advisement, but I do reserve the right to bring it up if he's being insufferable." 
				
				Hades huffs softly. "I suppose I have little choice but to allow it." 
*page_break
A few minutes later, when you've properly teleported back to the Keep, you are surprised to find 
*if (erebus = 1)
	that Erebus is seeking your attention.
*if (erebus = 0)
	a note tacked to your door. 

[i]${name}—[/i]

[i]Atropos says 'you will want to hear what we have to say.' Meet us upon your return, at your convenience. We'll be expecting you.[/i] 

*if (erebus = 0)
	[i]-Klotho[/i]
*if (erebus = 1)
	[i]This is Klotho, by the way. I'm terrible at this magic, but hopefully you get the message. Maybe I should have tried a note? Oh, um, message ends, Erebus, thank you, dear.[/i] 
	
	It seems to have been pre-recorded, if perhaps not the most skilfully. 

"Ah, so the Moirae have summoned you." Hades doesn't sound particularly surprised, but you get no sense that he timed your arrival to coincide with this, either. "I hope it turns out to be for something you'll enjoy."

"Do they usually summon people for things like that?"

He tilts his head. "Well, I think it depends. Typically, when they do, they are informing someone of something [i]important[/i], but the thing about being able to influence your own Fate is, I think, that even something that might not initially sound good can become an opportunity to [i]make[/i] something good, do you not think?"

You suppose he may have a point there. 

"In any event, I will leave you to it, for now. But of course, I'm always around if you'd like to talk about whatever it turns out to be." 

With a polite declination of his chin, he takes his leave.
*goto amessage

*label amessage
*page_break
A message from the Moirae is indeed something you probably don't want to ignore, so as soon as you're ready, you find yourself heading for where they're quartered. 
*if (job = "assistant")
	It's of course a very familiar path for you, by now, and you're quite accustomed to the vagueness of their collective communication, as well. 
*if not (job = "assistant")
	You've been down this way a time or two before, but certainly not often. The vagueness of their communication strikes you as a bit odd, but perhaps it's something they only want to discuss in any detail in person.

*fake_choice
	#I took a bit of time to rest, but not long; it feels urgent.
		You took a bit of time to rest, but not long; it feels urgent. 
		
		When you arrive at the Moirae's part of the Keep, you find the door to their sitting area already open. Considering almost every door in the Keep is usually closed unless occupied, you know where to start looking. 
		
		"Ah, lovely. ${name} has just arrived." Klotho says it before any of them come into view, just as you're moving through the doorway. "Hello." 
		
		*if (forthright > reserved)
			"Hello, Klotho," you reply, dipping your chin to the other two as well. "Lachesis, Atropos." 
		*if not (forthright > reserved)
			You dip your chin to all three of them as you make your way inside. 
		
		They're seated around a low table, clearly having just finished with a light meal. Lachesis is still savoring a cup of tea, by the looks, while Atropos leans back in a rather uncomfortable-looking wooden chair. Klotho, seated on the ground, reclines back on her hands. 
	#I really wish I didn't have to come here at all, but I definitely don't want them showing up at my quarters, either, so this it is.
		You really wish you didn't have to come here at all, but you definitely don't want them showing up at your quarters, either, so this it is.
		
		When you arrive at the Moirae's part of the Keep, you find the door to their sitting area already open. Considering almost every door in the Keep is usually closed unless occupied, you know where to start looking. 
		
		"Ah, lovely. ${name} has just arrived." Klotho says it before any of them come into view, just as you're moving through the doorway. "Hello." 
		
		*if (forthright > reserved)
			"Hello, Klotho," you reply, dipping your chin to the other two as well. "Lachesis, Atropos." 
		*if not (forthright > reserved)
			You dip your chin to all three of them as you make your way inside. 
		
		They're seated around a low table, clearly having just finished with a light meal. Lachesis is still savoring a cup of tea, by the looks, while Atropos leans back in a rather uncomfortable-looking wooden chair. Klotho, seated on the ground, reclines back on her hands. 
	#I didn't give myself more than a few minutes to rest before hurrying; if they have something to say, it's bound to be important.
		You didn't give yourself more than a few minutes to rest before hurrying; if they have something to say, it's bound to be important.
		
		When you arrive at the Moirae's part of the Keep, you find the door to their sitting area already open. Considering almost every door in the Keep is usually closed unless occupied, you know where to start looking. 
		
		"Ah, lovely. ${name} has just arrived." Klotho says it before any of them come into view, just as you're moving through the doorway. "Hello." 
		
		*if (forthright > reserved)
			"Hello, Klotho," you reply, dipping your chin to the other two as well. "Lachesis, Atropos." 
		*if not (forthright > reserved)
			You dip your chin to all three of them as you make your way inside. 
		
		They're seated around a low table, clearly having just finished with a light meal. Lachesis is still savoring a cup of tea, by the looks, while Atropos leans back in a rather uncomfortable-looking wooden chair. Klotho, seated on the ground, reclines back on her hands. 
	#I don't mind showing up, but I took the part about my convenience seriously and rested for a few hours beforehand.
		You don't mind showing up, but you took the part about your convenience seriously and rested for a few hours beforehand.
		
		When you arrive at the Moirae's part of the Keep, you find the door to their sitting area already open. Considering almost every door in the Keep is usually closed unless occupied, you know where to start looking. 
		
		"Ah, lovely. ${name} has just arrived." Klotho says it before any of them come into view, just as you're moving through the doorway. "Hello." 
		
		*if (forthright > reserved)
			"Hello, Klotho," you reply, dipping your chin to the other two as well. "Lachesis, Atropos." 
		*if not (forthright > reserved)
			You dip your chin to all three of them as you make your way inside. 
		
		They're seated around a low table, clearly having just finished with a light meal. Lachesis is still savoring a cup of tea, by the looks, while Atropos leans back in a rather uncomfortable-looking wooden chair. Klotho, seated on the ground, reclines back on her hands. 
*page_break
"You're right on time, ${name}," Lachesis adds, smiling as she pushes some of her flaxen hair back behind her ear. There are a few bits loose from her plait, giving her a sense of artful dishevelment. 
*if ((dreams = "prayer") or (dreams = "all"))
	"You're about to get a prayer, you see. Not in dream form this time, either, and directed specifically [i]to you[/i], which is quite the milestone."
	
	Atropos snorts. "Whether you like it or not."
	
	You can't say you're disappointed to hear this, though; you [i]could[/i] have cut off the ability to receive prayers through dreams, and you hadn't. You're not sure how getting one in a more direct form will go, but it should be interesting to find out.
*if not ((dreams = "prayer") or (dreams = "all"))
	"You're about to get a prayer, you see. Not in dream form, this time, but in the manner many other deities do. And directed specifically [i]to you[/i], which is quite the milestone."
	
	Atropos snorts. "Whether you like it or not."
	
	And she's not necessarily wrong to mention that. You'd gotten rid of your ability to receive prayers in your dreams for a good reason, after all: you don't particularly desire to be prayed to at all. Still, you suppose it's within your power to ignore this, and you doubt the Moirae would have drawn your attention to it if it weren't at least with consideration. 

*if (laushelp)
	Sure enough, a moment later, in your head as clear as day, is… you're not sure you'd call it words, exactly. Rather, there's an [i]impression[/i], that Nikos from Laüs is once more requesting your help. Carried in the impression also is their gratitude for what you did for them last time, and their hope that you will once more be able to help someone in their town.
	
	You're not sure exactly [i]what[/i] they want you to help with, but it's hard to say whether that's to be expected or not. 
*if not (laushelp)
	Sure enough, a moment later, in your head as clear as day, is… you're not sure you'd call it words, exactly. Rather, there's an [i]impression[/i], that someone is requesting your help. A sense of doubt, that this prayer will result in anything, and a general disillusionment with prayer at all, but still, too, a fragment of hope. 
	
	You're not sure exactly [i]what[/i] they want you to help with, but it's hard to say whether that's to be expected or not. 
	
What you do get is a name: Ikarios. Not that it means anything to you, at present. 
*if (laushelp)
	It would seem he's the specific person Nikos is asking you to assist, though.

*fake_choice
	#"This was quite unhelpfully nonspecific. Is it always like that?"
		"This was quite unhelpfully nonspecific. Is it always like that?" 
		
		"Often," Lachesis replies with a small nod. "Mind you, we don't typically receive prayers, so it might be more helpful to consult someone who does, on that topic. Still, it's the receiving that's the important thing. We can always help you pin down the details later. Congratulations." 
		
		You're not so sure what to make of such a sentiment in this context, but she obviously means well, at least. 
	#"So... you're saying this is somehow an opportunity particular to me?"
		"So... you're saying this is somehow an opportunity particular to me?" You can't imagine how, considering that it hadn't gotten any more specific than a need for 'help.' There's always a chance it's an agricultural matter, of course, but then it would be at least as suited to your mother as you. 
		
		"Apparently so," Lachesis replies with a small nod. "Mind you, we can't say exactly how—you must make your decisions with the information provided. But it's receiving the prayer that's the important thing. We can always help you pin down the details later. Congratulations." 
		
		You're not so sure what to make of such a sentiment in this context, but she obviously means well, at least. 
	#"I don't want to deal with this. How can I stop getting prayers [i]entirely[/i]?"
		"I don't want to deal with this. How can I stop getting prayers [i]entirely[/i]?" You'd thought that would be prevented by whatever exactly Hypnos had done to your dreams, but it would seem they have no power over whatever this is. 
		
		"Oh, you can't," Lachesis replies, shaking her head slightly. "Of course, the easiest way to minimize them is to not be the deity of very much, or anything humans might pray about, and also to not answer the ones you get. A deity with no effectiveness isn't prayed to often, after all." She tilts her head. "So… I suppose this means I [i]shouldn't[/i] offer my congratulations?"
		
		"You shouldn't," you confirm, letting the information sink in. 
	#"You know, I was expecting something much more grandiose. And intrusive."
		"You know, I was expecting something much more grandiose. And intrusive." That had been no more troubling than a passing thought, or the sudden awareness of a noise outside. 
		
		"Well, I'm sure they can be, when they're coming from many sources, or you're dealing with them all day," Lachesis observes, tilting her head slightly. "Mind you, we don't typically receive prayers, so it might be more helpful to consult someone who does, on that topic. Still, it's the receiving that's the important thing. Congratulations." 
		
		You're not so sure what to make of such a sentiment in this context, but she obviously means well, at least. 
*page_break
"In any case," Klotho says, toying with a loose thread in her tunic, "we thought we should let you know that was going to happen. Apparently, it's going to turn out to be quite the opportunity, especially if you're interested in expanding your domains, or establishing your reputation among humans?" 

She looks to the other two. 

Lachesis shrugs. "They could certainly use you," she adds. "But you don't need to worry. It's not [i]quite[/i] as life and death as the last time you were called. You could safely leave it alone, I suspect." 

Atropos says nothing, the Moira with the most intimate knowledge of the future apparently electing not to share it. 
*if (job = "assistant")
	That's normal, though; she speaks the least of all three, when it comes to what can be safely shared with others. Even when she does, her words can only be taken as probabilities, when they concern humans, as this very clearly would.

*fake_choice
	#"All right. Clearly my help is wanted, so I'll be giving it."
		*set confident +1
		*set ikarios "help"
		"All right. Clearly my help is wanted, so I'll be giving it." It's an opportunity, both to do something good and maybe to explore your own power, so there's no reason to turn it down. You can always decline later if it turns out to be something you don't want to handle. 
		
		You might as well at least see what this is all about. 
		
		"Lovely," Lachesis says, setting her cup down to lightly clap her hands together. "In that case, we will be sure to let you know where and when you should be." 
		
		"Don't they need me right now?" You arch a brow.
		
		"Not necessarily, no. Prayers are rarely answered instantaneously anyway. Let us help you find the right moment to handle this. For the best chance of success!" 
		
		"All right. I suppose that's fine." You could use some more rest after your last outing, anyway. 
	#"No. I'm not doing this. I don't want humans to get used to relying on me."
		*set confident +1
		*set ikarios "decline"
		"No. I'm not doing this. I don't want humans to get used to relying on me." Sure, the opportunity to explore your power might be worthwhile, but on the other hand, that itself might result in more prayers in the future, and you really don't want to deal with any of it. Better just to leave it be from the beginning. 
		
		"If that's your decision, then that's how it will be," Lachesis says, offering a small smile and setting down her teacup. "You may get one or two more to the same effect, for a while, but ignore them all, and they tend to cease fairly quickly." 
		
		"And you're [i]sure[/i] there's no way to just make them stop forever?" 
		
		"I fear not. As you grow in power, you grow in influence, and this is what that means. But not answering any will minimize the situation." 
		
		"Then I'll just have to deal with it for now." Not pleasant, and kind of annoying, but bearable for a short time, at least. 
	#"I don't feel confident enough to just... meddle with mortal life. I'd prefer not to get involved."
		*set unsure +1
		*set ikarios "decline"
		"I don't feel confident enough to just... meddle with mortal life. I'd prefer not to get involved." Sure, the opportunity to help [i]sounds[/i] nice, but how much are you really helping anyone if you, a demi${god}, meddle in the lives of humans? Who knows what kinds of consequences your actions could have? You're neither wise nor experienced enough to think you could make sure the consequences are more good than bad.
		
		"If that's your decision, then that's how it will be," Lachesis says, offering a small smile and setting down her teacup. "You may get one or two more to the same effect, for a while, but ignore them all, and they tend to cease fairly quickly." 
		
		"And… there's really no way to make that stop?" 
		
		"I fear not. As you grow in power, you grow in influence, and this is what that means. But not answering any will minimize the situation." 
		
		"Okay. Then… I guess that's how it is." Not exactly pleasant, but then reality sometimes isn't.
	#"I'm still not even sure what I'm meant to be helping with, but... I suppose I should try anyway."
		*set unsure +1
		*set ikarios "help"
		"I'm still not even sure what I'm meant to be helping with, but... I suppose I should try anyway." You [i]would[/i] be helping someone, apparently, and you suppose the chance to explore your power isn't a bad thing. You can always decline later if it turns out to be something you can't handle. 
		
		You might as well at least see what this is all about. 
		
		"Lovely," Lachesis says, setting her cup down to lightly clap her hands together. "In that case, we will be sure to let you know where and when you should be." 
		
		"Don't… they need me right now?"
		
		"Not necessarily, no. Prayers are rarely answered instantaneously anyway. Let us help you find the right moment to handle this. For the best chance of success!" 
		
		"All right. I… that's fine." You could use some more rest after your last outing, anyway. 
*page_break
"And, well, that was that." Klotho shrugs. "It was nice to see you, ${name}. Do you perhaps have any questions for us, while you're here? I think we could answer one." 

"[i]One[/i]," Atropos emphasizes. "And try not to make it [i]too[/i] important. The more it is, the less we can say.
*if (job = "assistant")
	But you know that." She shakes her head a bit, rippling her thin grey hair, and managing an expression that almost counts as a smile, from her. 
*if not (job = "assistant")
	So you're aware."  She shakes her head a bit, rippling her thin grey hair.

*fake_choice
	#"What can you tell me about Kronos's current plans?"
		*set serious +1
		"What can you tell me about Kronos's current plans?" It seems the most potentially-urgent thing you could ask about right now, for the sake of the entire Underworld. 
		
		"Do you have linen stuffed in your ears?" Atropos asks, folding her arms over her chest. "I [i]just[/i] said we can't talk about anything too important. Or at least [i]I[/i] can't, and let's be realistic, you're asking me." 
		
		"Now, now," Lachesis replies, half smiling at her counterpart. I'm sure ${he} felt ${he} had to try. It is quite important, after all. Besides, ${he} said [i]current[/i] plans, so that's rather more a question for me, isn't it?" 
		
		Her smile fades a little as she turns to you. "Regrettably, I can say no more than you already know, but perhaps the past might provide a bit of insight?" 
		
		"Who, me?" Klotho blinks. "Hardly anyone ever asks me anything. Okay, well… I can tell you that [i]historically[/i], Kronos has never liked this place, or any of his children, but he has something of a grudging respect for Zeus, whom he considers to be the child that actually defeated him. There was a prophesy, you see, that his son would dethrone him, so he started, well… trying to get them out of the way. Zeus managed to avoid this fate, free his brothers, and overthrow Kronos." 
		
		"Yes, yes, the Titanomachy, I'm sure ${name}'s heard of it," Atropos says, rolling her eyes a bit. 
		
		"Right, um. Well. That's what I can tell you. I know he [i]felt[/i] very bitter about this, and he seems to have had a grudge against Hades specifically, but… that's what you get on that, I'm afraid." 
		
		"Thank you." At least it's something. You don't think Klotho would give you information that was [i]entirely[/i] irrelevant, but at the same time, you did know or infer a fair bit of this already. 
		
		"You're welcome. I hope it helps."
	#"What domains will I get, if I work at expanding them?"
		"What domains will I get, if I work at expanding them?" You're curious, but it might also determine whether you're really interested in doing that. Everyone you've discussed it with so far has been vague, because there aren't usually good methods of predicting it, but if anyone can, it's surely the Moirae. 
		
		Atropos's eyes narrow. "That's going to depend," she says. "On how you handle the situation in front of you. Expect at least one or two possibilities adjacent to what you already do, and one or two that aren't." 
		
		She frowns at you. "And [i]never[/i] forget: all power comes with a price. You may not know if you're willing to pay it until it's already due." 
		
		"That's a really depressing thing for you to say," Klotho notes, wrinkling her nose. "Couldn't you have just said 'be careful interacting with humans because it can be unpredictable'?"
		
		"I could have, but then it would have been advice, not a warning." 
		
		"Right, well… thank you." It's not as specific a prediction as you were hoping for, but you suppose it's something. And you'd rather be warned than not, you suppose. 
	#"How is my father going to be judged?"
		"How is my father going to be judged?" You're not sure if this is something that qualifies as 'too important,' but it's certainly something that's important to [i]you[/i]. Moreso than most of the things you could try to ask about. 
		
		"Can't tell you that," Atropos says, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I [i]can[/i] tell you that things don't always go the way you expect, for those with human blood. The wheels turn, but sometimes there's a bump in the road." 
		
		"You're even vaguer than usual, today," Lachesis notes with a faint smile. 
		
		"Oh, be quiet. I'm saying what I'm allowed to say and no more. You should try it, sometime." 
		
		You clear you throat softly. "Thank you." It's not an answer, but you [i]do[/i] have the feeling Atropos wasn't just speaking to have spoken, there. You just have to figure out what she meant. 
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "What's for dinner?"
		*set humorous +1
		"What's for dinner?" You offer the three of them a grin and a shrug. It's hardly a serious question, but that's the point. You don't need them to tell you anything about the future—you're more than content to figure it out on your own.
		
		Atropos barks a laugh, and the other two smile. 
		
		"The kitchen is working on several dishes, as usual," Lachesis replies. "It seems to be honey glazed shrimp, cabbage in honey vinegar, and then the usual bread, cheese, and fruit. Ah, but, someone is suggesting more roasted root vegetables, so perhaps those as well."
		
		"Excellent. I do like to be prepared." 
*page_break
Your question answered, the meeting concludes, and you head back to your chambers to rest, contemplating prayer, fate, and the role of a ${god}.
*goto groupscene

*label groupscene
The following days are pervaded with a certain sense of… you suppose the best way to put it would be solemnity. 
*if (humorous > serious)
	Even you have things to think about, though admittedly it affects you [i]less[/i] then it seems to grip some of the others.
*if not (humorous> serious)
	That suits you fine, of course; but even Hermes and Pyri are unusually subdued, and you'd expect the likes of them to be gripped [i]less[/i] than the others, at least. 

It carries over into dinner one night, which is much quieter and more somber than usual. Even as everyone finishes, conversation is tentative, mostly in short bursts before silence reigns again. Yet no one seems to be in a hurry to leave.

*fake_choice
	#Save for me, that is. 
		Save for you, that is. You have no particular desire to stick around when the mood is like this, and would much prefer to make your way back to your room. 
		
		Having dinner with everyone in the first place is something you don't always prefer to do, though since you live here now, you find it most prudent to at least show your face now and then. Duty discharged, however, you excuse yourself and head back to your room. 
		
		Time to yourself, and then a good sleep, will do you much more good than talking about whatever's going on with everyone else. 
		*goto endchapterfour
	#I'm staying, too.
		You're staying, too. Maybe it's the sense that [i]something[/i] is about to happen, or a simple desire for companionship. Either way, you're not quite ready to head back to your room yet, and so as the plates and remaining food are magically cleared away, you exhale softly and sit back a little bit. 
*page_break
*if not (route = "hermes")
	It's Hades who ends up breaking the silence, his hand resting over the opposite shoulder, thumb tapping at his collarbone in a familiar habitual tic of his. 
	
	"Hermes," he says quietly, "I was wondering how your visit had gone. Will you still be wanting to borrow the helm for your friend?"
	
	You have little idea what he's talking about, though Hermes did mention a friend with troubles a while ago. 

	*fake_choice
		#"Helm?"
			"Helm?" You're not sure what this object is aside from the obvious, but if there's a chance Hermes is borrowing something of Hades's for a friend, it's probably magical or important in some way. 
			
			"Uh, right. The Helm of Invisibility," Hermes says, reaching up to scratch carefully at the back of his head, near his nape. "It does pretty much exactly what you'd think. I was considering loaning it to Perseus, but it's not actually mine to give out, so I asked His Deathliness about it." 
			
			Hekate lifts an eyebrow. "And why, exactly, would you be loaning the Helm to him?"
		#"Which friend was this?"
			"Which friend was this?" You're vague on the details, because not many were ever provided. This part, though, you think you might just have forgotten.
			
			"Perseus," Hermes says, reaching up to scratch carefully at the back of his head, near his nape. "Sort of a friend, definitely a half-brother, perhaps also a… mentee, I guess? Anyway, I was thinking of loaning him the Helm of Invisibility, but it's not actually mine to give out, so I asked His Dealthliness about it." 
			
			Hekate lifts an eyebrow. "And why, exactly, would you be loaning the Helm to him?"
		#I remain quiet.
			You remain quiet. You have to assume such an object would be magical in nature, but it isn't really your business, necessarily, and you're probably about to get plenty of context, if Hades finds it important enough to ask him about. 
			
			"I… think so," Hermes says, reaching up to scratch carefully at the back of his head, near his nape.
			
			"Wait, is this that Perseus guy you were talking about before?" Pyri tilts their head, the very picture of inquisitiveness, but for the frown that hasn't left their face at least for the last hour or so. 
			
			Hermes nods. "That's him. Sort of a friend, definitely a half-brother, perhaps also a… mentee, I guess? Anyway, I was thinking of loaning him the Helm of Invisibility, but it's not actually mine to give out, so I asked His Dealthliness about it." 
			
			Hekate lifts an eyebrow. "And why, exactly, would you be loaning the Helm to him?"
	*page_break
	"Well…" Hermes expels a breath, stretching his wings out behind him. "So, he's kind of in a bind. The whole ordeal is complicated, but basically for the sake of his mother, he's got himself in a situation where he has to find a woman named Medusa and kill her. Except, Medusa doesn't deserve that, and honestly could defeat him without having to try too hard. She's been cursed so that meeting eyes with a mortal, or even most demigods, turns them to stone." 
	
	Alekto's brows furrow. "I have heard of her situation," she says. "She does not deserve it." 
	
	"No," Hermes agrees, blowing out another breath and leaning back on his hands. "She doesn't. But Perseus doesn't deserve to become a statue, either. So I went to talk to her about it, first, and… well, she's pretty accommodating for someone who's been through her situation, but she won't promise not to kill him. So I was thinking of giving him the Helm so that, if he manages to realize how outclassed he is, he can get out of there without dying. The thing is… I'm not sure I should, because I feel like having that option in his arsenal is only going to convince him he can't lose."

	*fake_choice
		#"I think you should still give it to him, if she's as mighty as you suggest. Even if he's overconfident, if he's at all capable of changing his mind, he will soon enough. And then he'll be able to escape."
			*set hermes_advice "give"
			"I think you should still give it to him, if she's as mighty as you suggest. Even if he's overconfident, if he's at all capable of changing his mind, he will soon enough. And then he'll be able to escape." That seems like the option that's safest for his friend, and apparently there's no great need to be concerned for Medusa's safety, considering how he'd phrased it. 
			
			"I am not so sure," Alekto admits, the line between her brows deepening. "What happens if he uses the Helm for an ambush, or some other kind of underhanded tactic? The stronger is not always the victor." 
			
			Hermes chews his lip. "I can't imagine Perseus doing something like that," he admits. "He's always been kind of a stick in the mud, you know? Even [i]my[/i] kind of mischief is usually too much for him." 
			
			"This is, however, a matter of paramount importance to him," Hades observes. "His mother's well-being is at stake in some way, from what you have said. If he becomes uncertain of his victory, he may begin to devise alternate tactics." 
			
			"I suppose that's [i]possible[/i], but there's really not a dishonorable bone in the man's body," Hermes says, huffing softly. "He's in this whole mess because he refuses to break a vow, even if it was foolish and then immediately got unreasonably exploited." He pauses for a moment. "Still, maybe that's a good reason to make sure he's as confident as possible, and giving him the Helm's a good idea in that case."
			
			"Very well," Hades says. "If you believe he will not abuse the power, I will trust your judgement. You may loan it to him." 
			
			"Thanks, Your Deathliness. You, too, Sunshine." He flashes a brief smile in your direction, 
			*if (hermes_sequelinitial = "dislike")
				even if he's obviously surprised to receive sincere advice from you. 
				
				You suppose that makes sense, given that you don't particularly get along, but he has a real dilemma, so you don't see the need to be petty and withhold your insight.
			*if (hermes_sequelinitial = "neutral")
				even if it's a bit tentative. 
				
				You suppose that makes sense, given the obvious neutrality you generally maintain towards him. But he has a real dilemma, so you don't see the need to withhold your insight because of it. 
			*if (hermes_sequelinitial = "like")
				warm for all its fleeting nature. "Nice to know I can always count on my friends for this stuff, even if not all of us always agree." 
				
				Alekto shakes her head. "It is more like 'never,' but if you say you want my opinion, I will give it." 
				
				"I always do, Leks."
		#"I don't think you should give it to him. He's clearly more in the wrong here, and there's always a chance he uses it to ambush her."
			*set hermes_advice "dontgive"
			"I don't think you should give it to him. He's clearly more in the wrong here, and there's always a chance he uses it to ambush her." You can understand his concern, but ultimately this 'Perseus' has made his decision, and Medusa is within her rights to defend herself. She should certainly not be killed in her own home for what sounds like very little offense. 
			
			"I am inclined to agree," Alekto says. 
			
			Hermes chews his lip. "I can't imagine Perseus doing something like that," he admits. "He's always been kind of a stick in the mud, you know? Even [i]my[/i] kind of mischief is usually too much for him." 
			
			"This is, however, a matter of paramount importance to him," Hades observes. "His mother's well-being is at stake in some way, from what you have said. If he becomes uncertain of his victory, he may begin to devise alternate tactics." 
			
			"I suppose that's [i]possible[/i], but there's really not a dishonorable bone in the man's body," Hermes says, huffing softly. "He's in this whole mess because he refuses to break a vow, even if it was foolish and then immediately got unreasonably exploited." He pauses for a moment. "Still, maybe it's better not to have that option. I'm just… worried, about what happens then." 
			
			"You could always confer him with some lesser blessing," Hekate points out. "Simply making sure he can flee at great speed, for instance, would have most of the same effects, without providing any sort of underhanded options." 
			
			"Maybe that's the solution, then," Hermes says on a sigh, shaking his head. "I'll think on it some more. And thanks, everyone. I appreciate it." He flashes a brief smile in your direction, 
			*if (hermes_sequelinitial = "dislike")
				even if he's obviously surprised to receive sincere advice from you. 
				
				You suppose that makes sense, given that you don't particularly get along, but he has a real dilemma, so you don't see the need to be petty and withhold your insight.
			*if (hermes_sequelinitial = "neutral")
				even if it's a bit tentative. 
				
				You suppose that makes sense, given the obvious neutrality you generally maintain towards him. But he has a real dilemma, so you don't see the need to withhold your insight because of it. 
			*if (hermes_sequelinitial = "like")
				warm for all its fleeting nature. "Nice to know I can always count on my friends for this stuff, even if not all of us always agree." 
				
				Alekto shakes her head. "It is more like 'never,' but if you say you want my opinion, I will give it." 
				
				"I always do, Leks."
		#"If this Perseus is so concerned with his honor, you could impose conditions on him if you gave it to him. Such as requiring that he [i]only[/i] use it to escape."
			*set hermes_advice "giveconditions"
			"If this Perseus is so concerned with his honor, you could impose conditions on him if you gave it to him. Such as requiring that he [i]only[/i] use it to escape." Because you can immediately see several ways something like invisibility could be used to gain underhanded advantages. 
			
			"Can we really rely on his word alone, though?" Alekto asks. "It seems to me as though if we believed that much in his honor, we would be able to simply believe he would never try anything underhanded, and I do not believe that of… nearly anyone." 
			
			Hermes chews his lip. "I can't imagine Perseus doing something like that," he admits. "He's always been kind of a stick in the mud, you know? Even [i]my[/i] kind of mischief is usually too much for him." 
			
			"This is, however, a matter of paramount importance to him," Hades observes. "His mother's well-being is at stake in some way, from what you have said. If he becomes uncertain of his victory, he may begin to devise alternate tactics." 
			
			"I suppose that's [i]possible[/i], but there's really not a dishonorable bone in the man's body," Hermes says, huffing softly. "He's in this whole mess because he refuses to break a vow, even if it was foolish and then immediately got unreasonably exploited." He pauses for a moment. "So, maybe making him take another is actually the best solution."
			
			"Very well," Hades says. "If you believe he will not abuse the power, I will trust your judgement. You may loan it to him." 
			
			"Thanks, Your Deathliness. You, too, Sunshine." He flashes a brief smile in your direction, 
			*if (hermes_sequelinitial = "dislike")
				even if he's obviously surprised to receive sincere advice from you. 
				
				You suppose that makes sense, given that you don't particularly get along, but he has a real dilemma, so you don't see the need to be petty and withhold your insight.
			*if (hermes_sequelinitial = "neutral")
				even if it's a bit tentative. 
				
				You suppose that makes sense, given the obvious neutrality you generally maintain towards him. But he has a real dilemma, so you don't see the need to withhold your insight because of it. 
			*if (hermes_sequelinitial = "like")
				warm for all its fleeting nature. "Nice to know I can always count on my friends for this stuff, even if not all of us always agree." 
				
				Alekto shakes her head. "It is more like 'never,' but if you say you want my opinion, I will give it." 
				
				"I always do, Leks."
		#I have no advice to offer in this situation.
			*set hermes_advice "none"
			You have no advice to offer in this situation.
			*if (hermes_sequelinitial = "dislike")
				You don't get along with Hermes to begin with, and so you doubt he'd give much weight to your opinion even if you had one you wanted to offer him. 
			*if (hermes_sequelinitial = "neutral")
				Perhaps, if you had anything especially insightful to say, you would offer it. You're not on friendly terms with Hermes, but you'd be willing to do that much. As it is, however, you just aren't sure what the best choice is.
			*if (hermes_sequelinitial = "like")
				You wish you did—Hermes is your friend, after all, and you'd like to be able to help him with something as important to him as this. As it is, however, you just aren't sure what the best choice is.
			
			"I am not so sure you should," Alekto admits, the line between her brows deepening. "What happens if he uses the Helm for an ambush, or some other kind of underhanded tactic? The stronger is not always the victor." 
			
			Hermes chews his lip. "I can't imagine Perseus doing something like that," he admits. "He's always been kind of a stick in the mud, you know? Even [i]my[/i] kind of mischief is usually too much for him." 
			
			"This is, however, a matter of paramount importance to him," Hades observes. "His mother's well-being is at stake in some way, from what you have said. If he becomes uncertain of his victory, he may begin to devise alternate tactics." 
			
			"I suppose that's [i]possible[/i], but there's really not a dishonorable bone in the man's body," Hermes says, huffing softly. "He's in this whole mess because he refuses to break a vow, even if it was foolish and then immediately got unreasonably exploited." He pauses for a moment. "Still, maybe that's a good reason to make sure he's as confident as possible, and giving him the Helm's a good idea in that case."
			
			"Very well," Hades says. "If you believe he will not abuse the power, I will trust your judgement. You may loan it to him." 
			
			"Thanks, Your Deathliness. You, too, Leks." He flashes a brief smile in her direction. "Nice to know I can always count on my friends for this stuff, even if not all of us always agree. I'll think some more about it, and let you know." 
				
			Alekto shakes her head. "It is more like 'never agree,' but if you say you want my opinion, I will give it." 

			"I always do."
	*page_break
*if (route = "hermes")
	It's Hades who ends up breaking the silence, his hand resting over the opposite shoulder, thumb tapping at his collarbone in a familiar habitual tic of his. 
	
	"Hermes," he says quietly, "I was wondering how your visit had gone. Will you still be wanting to borrow the helm for your friend?"
	
	It's a pretty natural thing to ask about, and you think he's correctly identified what has Hermes at least feeling more sombre than usual. 
	
	The helm, however, is not a detail you're familiar with.
	
	*fake_choice
		#"What helm are we talking about?"
			"What helm are we talking about?" You're not sure what this object is aside from the obvious, but if there's a chance Hermes is borrowing something of Hades's for Perseus, it's probably magical or important in some way. 
			
			"Uh, right. The Helm of Invisibility," Hermes says, reaching up to scratch carefully at the back of his head, near his nape. "It does pretty much exactly what you'd think. I was considering loaning it to Perseus, but it's not actually mine to give out, so I asked His Deathliness about it." 
			
			Hekate lifts an eyebrow. "And why, exactly, would you be loaning the Helm to him?"
		#"I thought the visit went pretty okay, actually?"
			"I thought the visit went pretty okay, actually?" Hermes isn't as quick to answer as usual, so you supply at least the first part of one, looking towards him as you inflect the end like a question. 
			
			He offers a brief, small smile in your direction. "I mean, it definitely could have gone worse. As for the helm… I think so." Hermes reaches up to scratch carefully at the back of his head, near his nape. 
			
			"Wait, is this that Perseus guy you were talking about before?" Pyri tilts their head, the very picture of inquisitiveness, but for the frown that hasn't left their face at least for the last hour or so. 
			
			Hermes nods. "That's him. Sort of a friend, definitely a half-brother, perhaps also a… mentee, I guess? Anyway, I was thinking of loaning him the Helm of Invisibility, but it's not actually mine to give out, so I asked His Dealthliness about it." 
			
			Hekate lifts an eyebrow. "And why, exactly, would you be loaning the Helm to him?"
		#"Well, as you might be able to guess, it... probably could have gone better."
			"Well, as you might be able to guess, it... probably could have gone better." The very fact that Hermes hadn't immediately answered the question is a clue to that. Still, you don't know anything about the second part, so he [i]does[/i] have to deal with that one himself, and you shoot a querying glance in his direction. 
			
			He offers a brief, small smile in your direction. "I mean, it wasn't the ideal result, but it also definitely could have gone [i]worse[/i]. As for the helm… I think so." Hermes reaches up to scratch carefully at the back of his head, near his nape. 
			
			"Wait, is this that Perseus guy you were talking about before?" Pyri tilts their head, the very picture of inquisitiveness, but for the frown that hasn't left their face at least for the last hour or so. 
			
			Hermes nods. "That's him. Sort of a friend, definitely a half-brother, perhaps also a… mentee, I guess? Anyway, I was thinking of loaning him the Helm of Invisibility, but it's not actually mine to give out, so I asked His Dealthliness about it." 
			
			Hekate lifts an eyebrow. "And why, exactly, would you be loaning the Helm to him?"
		#I opt to let Hermes field the question, for now. 
			You opt to let Hermes answer the question, for now. It [i]was[/i] directed at him, after all, and without knowing the nature of this object yourself, you can't really speculate as to the answer to the second question, anyway. 
			
			"I… think so," Hermes says, reaching up to scratch carefully at the back of his head, near his nape.
			
			"Wait, is this that Perseus guy you were talking about before?" Pyri tilts their head, the very picture of inquisitiveness, but for the frown that hasn't left their face at least for the last hour or so. 
			
			Hermes nods. "That's him. Sort of a friend, definitely a half-brother, perhaps also a… mentee, I guess? Anyway, I was thinking of loaning him the Helm of Invisibility, but it's not actually mine to give out, so I asked His Dealthliness about it." 
			
			Hekate lifts an eyebrow. "And why, exactly, would you be loaning the Helm to him?"
	*page_break
	"Well…" Hermes expels a breath, stretching his wings out behind him. "So, he's kind of in a bind. The whole ordeal is complicated, but basically for the sake of his mother, he's got himself in a situation where he has to find a woman named Medusa and kill her. Except, Medusa doesn't deserve that, and honestly could defeat him without having to try too hard. She's been cursed so that meeting eyes with a mortal, or even most demigods, turns them to stone." 
	
	Alekto's brows furrow. "I have heard of her situation," she says. "She does not deserve it." 
	
	"No," Hermes agrees, blowing out another breath and leaning back on his hands. "She doesn't. But Perseus doesn't deserve to become a statue, either. So we went to talk to her about it, first, and… well, she's pretty accommodating for someone who's been through her situation, but she won't promise not to kill him. So I was thinking of giving him the Helm so that, if he manages to realize how outclassed he is, he can get out of there without dying. The thing is… I'm not sure I should, because I feel like having that option in his arsenal is only going to convince him he can't lose."
	
	So this was part of his consideration about the next step, then. You suppose that makes sense. Giving Perseus a more surefire method of escape would be a good idea, probably. Though, you can also see why this isn't an immediate and obvious choice. 
	
	*fake_choice
		#"I think you should still give it to him, considering her powers. Even if he's overconfident, if he's at all capable of changing his mind, he will soon enough. And then he'll be able to escape."
			*set hermes_advice "give"
			"I think you should still give it to him, considering her powers. Even if he's overconfident, if he's at all capable of changing his mind, he will soon enough. And then he'll be able to escape." That seems like the option that's safest for his friend, and after having met her, you agree that it's much more likely Perseus ends up in peril than she does.
			
			"I am not so sure," Alekto admits, the line between her brows deepening. "What happens if he uses the Helm for an ambush, or some other kind of underhanded tactic? The stronger is not always the victor." 
			
			Hermes chews his lip. "I can't imagine Perseus doing something like that," he admits. "He's always been kind of a stick in the mud, you know? Even [i]my[/i] kind of mischief is usually too much for him." 
			
			"This is, however, a matter of paramount importance to him," Hades observes. "His mother's well-being is at stake in some way, from what you have said. If he becomes uncertain of his victory, he may begin to devise alternate tactics." 
			
			"I suppose that's [i]possible[/i], but there's really not a dishonorable bone in the man's body," Hermes says, huffing softly. "He's in this whole mess because he refuses to break a vow, even if it was foolish and then immediately got unreasonably exploited." He pauses for a moment. "Still, maybe that's a good reason to make sure he's as confident as possible, and giving him the Helm's a good idea in that case."
			
			"Very well," Hades says. "If you believe he will not abuse the power, I will trust your judgement. You may loan it to him." 
			
			"Thanks, Your Deathliness. You, too, Sunshine." He flashes a brief smile in your direction, 				warm for all its fleeting nature. "Nice to know I can always count on my friends for this stuff, even if not all of us always agree." 
				
			Alekto shakes her head. "It is more like 'never,' but if you say you want my opinion, I will give it." 

			"I always do, Leks."
		#"I don't think you should give it to him. He's clearly more in the wrong here, and there's always a chance he uses it to ambush her."
			*set hermes_advice "dontgive"
			"I don't think you should give it to him. He's clearly more in the wrong here, and there's always a chance he uses it to ambush her." You can understand his concern, but ultimately this 'Perseus' has made his decision, and Medusa is within her rights to defend herself. She should certainly not be killed in her own home for what sounds like very little offense. 
			
			"I am inclined to agree," Alekto says. 
			
			Hermes chews his lip. "I can't imagine Perseus doing something like that," he admits. "He's always been kind of a stick in the mud, you know? Even [i]my[/i] kind of mischief is usually too much for him." 
			
			"This is, however, a matter of paramount importance to him," Hades observes. "His mother's well-being is at stake in some way, from what you have said. If he becomes uncertain of his victory, he may begin to devise alternate tactics." 
			
			"I suppose that's [i]possible[/i], but there's really not a dishonorable bone in the man's body," Hermes says, huffing softly. "He's in this whole mess because he refuses to break a vow, even if it was foolish and then immediately got unreasonably exploited." He pauses for a moment. "Still, maybe it's better not to have that option. I'm just… worried, about what happens then." 
			
			"You could always confer him with some lesser blessing," Hekate points out. "Simply making sure he can flee at great speed, for instance, would have most of the same effects, without providing any sort of underhanded options." 
			
			"Maybe that's the solution, then," Hermes says on a sigh, shaking his head. "I'll think on it some more. And thanks, everyone. I appreciate it." He flashes a brief smile in your direction, 				warm for all its fleeting nature. "Nice to know I can always count on my friends for this stuff, even if not all of us always agree." 
				
			Alekto shakes her head. "It is more like 'never,' but if you say you want my opinion, I will give it." 

			"I always do, Leks."
		#"If this Perseus is so concerned with his honor, you could impose conditions on him if you gave it to him. Such as requiring that he [i]only[/i] use it to escape."
			*set hermes_advice "giveconditions"
			"If this Perseus is so concerned with his honor, you could impose conditions on him if you gave it to him. Such as requiring that he [i]only[/i] use it to escape." Because you can immediately see several ways something like invisibility could be used to gain underhanded advantages. 
			
			"Can we really rely on his word alone, though?" Alekto asks. "It seems to me as though if we believed that much in his honor, we would be able to simply believe he would never try anything underhanded, and I do not believe that of… nearly anyone." 
			
			Hermes chews his lip. "I can't imagine Perseus doing something like that," he admits. "He's always been kind of a stick in the mud, you know? Even [i]my[/i] kind of mischief is usually too much for him." 
			
			"This is, however, a matter of paramount importance to him," Hades observes. "His mother's well-being is at stake in some way, from what you have said. If he becomes uncertain of his victory, he may begin to devise alternate tactics." 
			
			"I suppose that's [i]possible[/i], but there's really not a dishonorable bone in the man's body," Hermes says, huffing softly. "He's in this whole mess because he refuses to break a vow, even if it was foolish and then immediately got unreasonably exploited." He pauses for a moment. "So, maybe making him take another is actually the best solution."
			
			"Very well," Hades says. "If you believe he will not abuse the power, I will trust your judgement. You may loan it to him." 
			
			"Thanks, Your Deathliness. You, too, Sunshine." He flashes a brief smile in your direction, warm for all its fleeting nature. "Nice to know I can always count on my friends for this stuff, even if not all of us always agree." 
				
			Alekto shakes her head. "It is more like 'never,' but if you say you want my opinion, I will give it." 

			"I always do, Leks."
	*page_break
"What a situation to be in," Hekate remarks on a sigh, leaning back on one hand and using her other to push her pristine new twists over her shoulder. "I suppose that's what being an impulsive young demigod hero can get you. Fate especially seems to love that type, doesn't It?" 

"It does," Hades murmurs. "Sometimes, even the 'hero' part isn't necessary. Whether they set out to do honorable deeds or not, the result is often the same." 

Pyri's frown deepens, and they shake their head. "I really wish Fate had a face, so I could punch it," they grumble. "Some of these so-called heroes and their great deeds are terrible, and the 'monsters' they kill to look better don't deserve it. I mean, if Fate gave [i]them[/i] the need to eat people, or the ability to turn them to stone, they'd do it, too." 

"Something specific on your mind?" Hekate asks, her tone suggesting she's well aware of the answer. 

Pyri sighs heavily through their nose. "Yeah. Just… my brother. It's just… he has a lot of the stuff you mentioned, but he didn't get to even try to be a hero, because Fate decided he was going to want to eat people and look different, so he's a monster instead. I hate it."

*if (route != "pyri")
	*fake_choice
		#"Forgive me, but... what?"
			"Forgive me, but... what?" There are too many parts to that explanation for you to follow it without more context. Monsters, eating people, demigods, and [i]Pyri's brother[/i] you've never heard of are not necessarily things you'd expect to all come up in the same few sentences. 
			
			"Oh, uh. So." They clear their throat, casting golden eyes around the table to find everyone looking at them with interest and concern. "My brother… no, wait. I went to Hypnos, because I've been having weird dreams that might be memories, and we managed to figure out that one of the people in them was 'the Minotaur.' As it turns out, he's here now, because he died, but his judgement meant he didn't forget everything, so I went to find him where he lives." 
			
			"And he's… your [i]brother[/i]?" Hermes asks, disbelief tinging his tone. Alekto and Charon also look a bit surprised, but you can't help but notice that Hades and Hekate absolutely [i]don't[/i]. 
		#@{convotoggle [☆]|} "Okay, so... you realize how incomprehensible that sounds out of context, right?"
			*set humorous +1
			"Okay, so... you realize how incomprehensible that sounds out of context, right?" It's obviously a serious matter, but you can't help a bit of humor nonetheless. Because what they're saying really does border on absurd without context. Monsters, eating people, demigods, and [i]Pyri's brother[/i] you've never heard of are not necessarily things you'd expect to all come up in the same few sentences. 
			
			"Oh, uh. So." They clear their throat, casting golden eyes around the table to find everyone looking at them with interest and concern. "My brother… no, wait. I went to Hypnos, because I've been having weird dreams that might be memories, and we managed to figure out that one of the people in them was 'the Minotaur.' As it turns out, he's here now, because he died, but his judgement meant he didn't forget everything, so I went to find him where he lives." 
			
			"And he's… your [i]brother[/i]?" Hermes asks, disbelief tinging his tone. Alekto and Charon also look a bit surprised, but you can't help but notice that Hades and Hekate absolutely [i]don't[/i]. 
		#"Have some of your memories returned?"
			*set serious +1
			"Have some of your memories returned?" Your tone is tinged with a hint of concern. Monsters, eating people, demigods, and [i]Pyri's brother[/i] you've never heard of are not necessarily things you'd expect to all come up in the same few sentences. Unless, perhaps, they had remembered some things that you don't yet know about.
			
			"Oh, uh. So." They clear their throat, casting golden eyes around the table to find everyone looking at them with interest and concern. "My brother… no, wait. I went to Hypnos, because I've been having weird dreams that might be memories, and we managed to figure out that one of the people in them was 'the Minotaur.' As it turns out, he's here now, because he died, but his judgement meant he didn't forget everything, so I went to find him where he lives." 
			
			"And he's… your [i]brother[/i]?" Hermes asks, disbelief tinging his tone. Alekto and Charon also look a bit surprised, but you can't help but notice that Hades and Hekate absolutely [i]don't[/i]. 
		#"Are you... okay?"
			"Are you... okay?" You're not sure what else to ask, given the strangeness of what they're talking about. Monsters, eating people, demigods, and [i]Pyri's brother[/i] you've never heard of are not necessarily things you'd expect to all come up in the same few sentences. But it's clearly troubling them.
			
			"Oh, uh. Kind of? So." They clear their throat, casting golden eyes around the table to find everyone looking at them with interest and concern. "My brother… no, wait. I went to Hypnos, because I've been having weird dreams that might be memories, and we managed to figure out that one of the people in them was 'the Minotaur.' As it turns out, he's here now, because he died, but his judgement meant he didn't forget everything, so I went to find him where he lives." 
			
			"And he's… your [i]brother[/i]?" Hermes asks, disbelief tinging his tone. Alekto and Charon also look a bit surprised, but you can't help but notice that Hades and Hekate absolutely [i]don't[/i]. 
	*page_break
	"Well, technically my half-brother, but yeah. I think he might have been younger than me, but I don't remember that part clearly. I do remember him, though." They shake their head. "Anyway, I went to see him, like I said, and it was… I mean, it was almost a fight at first, but then he recognized me, I suppose, and we got to talking." 
	
	[i]What did he say?[/i] Alekto asks. 
	
	Pyri purses their lips. "Apparently, he was… he calls it a curse. But it was a hunger he had, I guess, that made him want to eat people. And he did, when my apparently-father sent them to him in the labyrinth where he was locked up. But then Theseus killed him, I guess, and he thinks I probably left my home with that guy, so… I guess the next step is talking to him."
	
	Their grimace makes their feelings about that part abundantly clear.
*if (route = "pyri")
	"Well, technically my half-brother, but yeah. I think he might have been younger than me, but I don't remember that part clearly. I do remember him, though." They shake their head. "Anyway, ${name} and I went to see him, like I said, and it was… I mean, it was kind of a fight at first, but then he recognized me, I suppose, and we got to talking." 
	
	You nod, allowing them to do most of the telling, considering it's really theirs to share or not with everyone else. You're not sure how much detail they want to go into, about what you learned there.
	
	[i]What did he say?[/i] Alekto asks. 
	
	Pyri purses their lips. "Apparently, he was… he calls it a curse. But it was a hunger he had, I guess, that made him want to eat people. And he did, when my apparently-father sent them to him in the labyrinth where he was locked up. But then Theseus killed him, I guess, and he thinks I probably left my home with that guy, so… I guess the next step is talking to him."
	
	Their grimace makes their feelings about that part abundantly clear, though you were already aware of those.

"Confronting the past is not an easy task," Hades admits somberly. "I think everyone here knows that, to one extent or another. Please do not feel as though you have to rush it." 

"The thing is… I'm not sure I want to do it at all. But I have to."

*fake_choice
	#"Maybe, but you don't have to do it alone."
		*set warm +1
		"Maybe, but you don't have to do it alone." 
		*if (route = "pyri")
			You intend to be there with them for as many steps in the process as they'll allow, and you know the others are more than willing to help, as well. 
			
			Pyri huffs softly, but a faint smile steals over their face. "Well… that's true." 
		*if (route != "pyri")
			If they need help, the rest of you are here. 
			*if (pyri_sequelinitial = "like")
				You very much included.
			*if (pyri_sequelinitial = "neutral")
				You personally might not be close with them, but if they want your assistance, you're willing to give it, too.
			*if (pyri_sequelinitial = "dislike")
				Of course, you're mostly referring to the rest of them, but you suppose if they somehow needed your help specifically, you'd at least consider it. This is serious stuff, after all.
			
		"Seriously, Red," Hermes says. "I know it's tough, but don't forget that whoever you used to be, you're [i]you[/i] now. Some kind of neat human-deity hybrid person with fire powers and a spear, not to mention the world's most formidable and attractive group of friends. What's some guy like Theseus got on that? He's friends with [i]Pirithous[/i]."

		Hekate laughs, and even Charon's lips twitch. 

		Pyri's face eases a little as well. "I'm not sure how having pretty friends makes a difference, but I guess I'll take your word for it."

		"Please do." 
	#"Honestly? I recommend doing it as soon as possible. Tearing the bandage off, so to speak."
		*set cold +1
		"Honestly? I recommend doing it as soon as possible. Tearing the bandage off, so to speak." It might sound somewhat cold, as advice goes, but you really think it's the best advice you can give them. They [i]are[/i] able to take their time, as Hades said, but you think they'd be best off just confronting things before they talk themself out of it. 
		
		"Maybe…" they don't sound as sure as they could, even now. 
		
		"Seriously, Red," Hermes says. "I know it's tough, but don't forget that whoever you used to be, you're [i]you[/i] now. Some kind of neat human-deity hybrid person with fire powers and a spear, not to mention the world's most formidable and attractive group of friends. What's some guy like Theseus got on that? He's friends with [i]Pirithous[/i]."
			
		Hekate laughs, and even Charon's lips twitch. 

		Pyri's face eases a little as well. "I'm not sure how having pretty friends makes a difference, but I guess I'll take your word for it."

		"Please do." 
	#"You don't really have to, Pyri. It might feel that way, but if you choose not to... I think that's fine, too."
		*set warm +1
		"You don't really have to, Pyri. It might feel that way, but if you choose not to... I think that's fine, too." You're not sure if they're looking for a way out or not, but… you might as well point out that one is available. Because it is, even if in their head that fact might not be apparent, right now.
		
		But Pyri shakes their head. "No, it… I'm having dreams, but it's not just dreams. Memories keep intruding on everything else, too. I need to figure out what they're all about, or it's going to… I don't know. Break something, maybe." 
		
		"Seriously, Red," Hermes says, brows knit. "I know it's tough, but don't forget that whoever you used to be, you're [i]you[/i] now. Some kind of neat human-deity hybrid person with fire powers and a spear, not to mention the world's most formidable and attractive group of friends. What's some guy like Theseus got on that? He's friends with [i]Pirithous[/i]."
			
		Hekate laughs, and even Charon's lips twitch. 

		Pyri's face eases a little as well. "I'm not sure how having pretty friends makes a difference, but I guess I'll take your word for it."

		"Please do." 
	#"I'm not sure why the idea worries you so much. He's only a man, you know? You're much stronger than him, if worse somehow comes to worst." 
		*set cold +1
		"I'm not sure why the idea worries you so much. He's only a man, you know? You're much stronger than him, if worse somehow comes to worst." You're struggling to imagine a scenario in which it would, but still. If that's the kind of thing they're worried about, you might as well point out the obvious.
		
		But Pyri shakes their head. "See… I don't think that would be the worst. I feel like… I don't know. I just feel like he knows things that are [i]really[/i] going to—they're going to be bad to hear, you know? Learning about what happened is going to be bad." 
		
		"Seriously, Red," Hermes says, brows knit. "I know it's tough, but don't forget that whoever you used to be, you're [i]you[/i] now. Some kind of neat human-deity hybrid person with fire powers and a spear, not to mention the world's most formidable and attractive group of friends. What's some guy like Theseus got on that? He's friends with [i]Pirithous[/i]."
			
		Hekate laughs, and even Charon's lips twitch. 

		Pyri's face eases a little as well. "I'm not sure how having pretty friends makes a difference, but I guess I'll take your word for it."

		"Please do." 
*page_break
Pyri blows out a breath, but for now at least, some of the tension around them seems to have eased. They tilt their head a little, golden eyes fixing on the only member of the group who has yet to say anything all evening. 

"Charon, uh… stop me if this is a bad topic to change to, but are you okay? You just… went to the mortal realm, right? To the ocean?"

*if (route != "charon")
	Charon straightens slightly in their seat, frowning.
	
	"If you don't want to talk about it, uh…" 
	
	He shakes his head. "No. You're right to ask after it, and I think I should… probably discuss it. You and Hermes have been brave enough to do so, after all." He smiles, only faintly and only briefly, and releases a breath. 
	
	"As most of you know, I was once Ares." 
	
	Sure enough, only Pyri's face contorts in outright shock, whereas Hermes looks more like someone satisfied by a confirmation. 
	
	Charon keeps their eyes fixed to the tabletop as they continue. "It… didn't go well, for a myriad of small reasons that became a large one, in the end. The entire episode culminated in my unintended sinking of the city-state of Atlantis, and the death of many of its people. Poseidon took mercy on some, transforming them into beings who could live beneath the water and shifting the entire city farther into his domain. It was there that I visited."
	
	"What for?" Hermes asks, feathers rustling as he tucks his wings a little. 
	
	"I… believe that it is time I tried to do something about what happened," Charon replies. "Though I know not what. Whatever it ends up being, the first step was to secure permission from Poseidon to visit again, and that much I did. However… the locals are understandably not happy with my presence." 
	
	"Is it still the same people?" Pyri asks, and Charon shakes their head again. 
	
	"No. But their descendants know their history. They know I changed everything for them. And I have to wonder if anything I do could ever be adequate apology for it."

	*fake_choice
		#"Surely it is. Redemption is always possible."
			"Surely it is. Redemption is always possible." Maybe that's overly optimistic of you, or naive, but nonetheless, you truly believe it. 
			
			*if (charon_sequelinitial2 = "complicated")
				And, now that you think about it, maybe that's the road forward in your relationship with Charon. A way to handle the revelation that they were once someone who was at odds with everything you are and feel. If they're really trying to make up for it… perhaps it doesn't have to be strained this way between the two of you, forever. 
			*if (charon_sequelinitial2 = "resolved")
				You're not sure whether those involved will ever forgive them, but that's a different thing. Honestly, you're not sure how much Charon really [i]needs[/i] redeeming—as you'd eventually realized when this had come up the first time, who they are now isn't at all like they described themself to be back then. 
				
				But it's still a good thing that they want to do this. 
			*if ((charon_sequelinitial2 = "unknown") and (charon_sequelinitial = "friends"))
				You're not entirely convinced Charon needs to do anything further to redeem themself, considering the person they are now, but you can certainly understand why that person would want to try and make up for what happened in whatever way they could. 
			*if (charon_sequelinitial = "neutral")
				It's a principle, not something that only applies sometimes, and you have no difficulty applying it to Charon's case, even if you don't feel much personal affinity for them. If they work hard enough, and long enough, and sincerely enough, you believe they'll be able to make up for what they've done, even if that doesn't mean everyone forgives them. 
			*if (charon_sequelinitial = "dislike")
				It's a principle, not something that only applies sometimes, and you have no difficulty applying it to Charon's case, even if feel a certain antipathy for them. If they work hard enough, and long enough, and sincerely enough, you believe they'll be able to make up for what they've done, even if that doesn't mean everyone forgives them, or likes them. 
				
			"I think," Hekate says, her tone measured, "that it is difficult to say when someone is 'redeemed,' and that that is different from being 'forgiven,' as well. But still, if only for your own sake, it seems that trying to do something for them is the right choice." 
			
			"I appreciate both of those thoughts," Charon admits softly. "And, whether or not it has the results I wish for, I do think I must make the attempt. The 'how' admittedly troubles me next, but that can only be a matter of returning and finding out."
		#"I'm not sure, from what it sounds like, but I do think at least trying is the right thing to do."
			"I'm not sure, from what it sounds like, but I do think at least trying is the right thing to do." There's a lot of things tangled in that statement: redemption, forgiveness, apology, compensation and adequacy… so many different metrics by which their 'success' or 'failure' at their goal might be decided. You don't think you can parse them all, really. But you can point out what seems obviously true: doing some good for the Atlanteans can't hurt.
			
			"I don't really think I understand everything," Pyri admits, running the pads of their forefinger and thumb across their hairline as if to soothe an itch. "But I think if it were me, any apology at all would mean something. As long as it was serious." 
			
			"Well, I'm certainly that," Charon replies, expelling another heavy breath and mustering a smile. "But, thank you. I appreciate both of those thoughts. And, whether or not it has the results I wish for, I do think I must make the attempt. The 'how' admittedly troubles me next, but that can only be a matter of returning and finding out."
		*if (charon_sequelinitial2 = "complicated")
			#"I... an entire [i]city[/i]?"
				"I... an entire [i]city[/i]?" You're still trying to grapple with that part, as you have been with their former identity, ever since it was revealed to you. In some ways, this only confirms all the worst things you thought, then. Charon has really ruined lives, in the way war always does. They've destroyed, and killed, seemingly directly, and the fact that it was 'unintentional' hardly helps. 
				
				Nor does the fact the Poseidon apparently saved many of who would otherwise have been casualties. 
				
				"Are you sure you should be showing your face to those people?" you ask, unable to help yourself. "If they don't want anything to do with you, I think you should respect that." 
				
				"Yes," Charon agrees quietly. "Which is why I am attempting to discern a method that does not involve direct contact."
				
				You suppose that much is basic decency, at least.
		*if (charon_sequelinitial2 = "resolved")
			#It's a lot to take in, but I was sort of expecting something like this, after learning about their history.
				It's a lot to take in, but you were sort of expecting something like this, after learning about their history. You're not entirely sure what to make of it all, just yet, but you understand that this is ultimately an elaboration on what they have already admitted. 
				
				They'd hurt people. As war always does. 
				
				But they're still Charon, the person you know and care about. 
				
				"I think," Hekate says, her tone measured, "that it is difficult to say when someone is 'redeemed,' and that that is different from being 'forgiven,' as well. But still, if only for your own sake, it seems that trying to do something for them is the right choice." 
			
				"I appreciate the insight," Charon admits softly. "And, whether or not it has the results I wish for, I do think I must make the attempt. The 'how' admittedly troubles me next, but that can only be a matter of returning and finding out."
	*page_break
	Charon lapses back into silence, shaking his head a bit, so it's
	*if (route = "hades")
		Hermes that picks up the thread of conversation from there, shifting the topic once more. 
		
		"So speaking of recent expeditions, how was [i]your[/i] trip to the mortal realm?" He looks between you and Hades, making the subject of the question obvious.
		*goto group_hades
	*if (route = "alekto")
		Hermes that picks up the thread of conversation from there, shifting the topic once more. 
		
		"So speaking of recent expeditions, how was [i]your[/i] trip to Tartarus?" He looks between you and Alekto, making the subject of the question obvious, though it was rather clear already.
		*goto group_alekto
	*if (route = "hekate")
		Hermes that picks up the thread of conversation from there, shifting the topic once more. 
		
		"So speaking of recent expeditions, how was [i]your[/i] trip to the mortal realm?" He looks between you and Hekate, making the subject of the question obvious.
		*goto group_hekate
	*if ((route = "pyri") or (route = "hermes"))
		Hekate that picks up the thread of conversation, describing to the rest of you a magic delivery system she's designing for the spirits, who lack the same connection to Erebus that most of the other residents of the Underworld have.
		
		It's a welcome lightening of topic, and most everyone is able to participate with at least a bit more ease than before.
		*goto endchapterfour
*if (route = "charon")
	Charon straightens slightly in their seat, frowning.
	
	"If you don't want to talk about it, uh…" 
	
	He shakes his head. "No. You're right to ask after it, and I think I should… probably discuss it. You and Hermes have been brave enough to do so, after all." He smiles, only faintly and only briefly, and releases a breath. 
	
	"As most of you know, I was once Ares." 
	
	Sure enough, only Pyri's face contorts in outright shock, whereas Hermes looks more like someone satisfied by a confirmation. 
	
	Charon keeps their eyes fixed to the tabletop as they continue. "It… didn't go well, for a myriad of small reasons that became a large one, in the end. The entire episode culminated in my unintended sinking of the city-state of Atlantis, and the death of many of its people. Poseidon took mercy on some, transforming them into beings who could live beneath the water and shifting the entire city farther into his domain. It was there that ${name} and I visited."
	
	"What for?" Hermes asks, feathers rustling as he tucks his wings a little. 
	
	"I… believe that it is time I tried to do something about what happened," Charon replies. "Though I know not what. Whatever it ends up being, the first step was to secure permission from Poseidon to visit again, and that much I did. However… the locals are understandably not happy with my presence." 
	
	"Is it still the same people?" Pyri asks, and Charon shakes their head again. 
	
	"No. But their descendants know their history," he replies. "And so it will be challenging, at the very least. But… at the same time, it was good to see that the Atlantean people have managed to thrive, even beneath the sea."
	
	"What was it like?" Pyri asks, eyes shifting from Charon to you. "It's sort of hard to imagine living under the water. Like you probably can't cook anything?"
	
	"That's what you think of first?" Hermes asks, with a soft snort.
	
	*fake_choice
		#"It was definitely different from living under open air, yes."
			"It was definitely different from living under open air, yes." You hadn't been there long enough to assess all the ways, of course, but that much was obvious and didn't really require a lot of thinking to figure out. 
			
			"It'd be really something to see a place like that," Pyri murmurs. "Not that this is a good time, but… I dunno. Maybe someday?" 
			
			"Maybe someday," Charon replies gently, giving them a soft smile. It's not hard to guess why. They'd taken everything else in such stride that it seems not to matter to them at all, and you're sure that's an enormous relief to him.
		#"Honestly, it was beautiful. Alien, almost, but beautiful."
			"Honestly, it was beautiful. Alien, almost, but beautiful." You can still remember the striking corals, the lovely architecture, something undeniably human juxtaposed against the strange landscape of the seafloor. 
			
			"It'd be really something to see a place like that," Pyri murmurs. "Not that this is a good time, but… I dunno. Maybe someday?" 
			
			"Maybe someday," Charon replies gently, giving them a soft smile. It's not hard to guess why. They'd taken everything else in such stride that it seems not to matter to them at all, and you're sure that's an enormous relief to him.
		#"The food we were served was definitely all raw, yes. Largely fish-based, as you might imagine."
			"The food we were served was definitely all raw, yes. Largely fish-based, as you might imagine." You hadn't been there long enough to assess all the differences they could ask about, but that one at least is certainly something you can confirm in part. 
			
			"It'd be really something to visit a place like that," Pyri murmurs. "Not that this is a good time, but… I dunno. Maybe someday?" 
			
			"Maybe someday," Charon replies gently, giving them a soft smile. It's not hard to guess why. They'd taken everything else in such stride that it seems not to matter to them at all, and you're sure that's an enormous relief to him.
		#"It was... eerie, I think. That's the word that comes to mind."
			"It was... eerie, I think. That's the word that comes to mind." Not that you'd been there long enough to figure out how everything worked, but the overall impression you'd gotten, between the strange way everything felt and the equally-odd juxtaposition of obviously human craftsmanship with something as alien as the sea floor was… uncanny.
			
			"It'd be really something to visit a place like that," Pyri murmurs, apparently undeterred by this characterization. "Not that this is a good time, but… I dunno. Maybe someday?" 
			
			"Maybe someday," Charon replies gently, giving them a soft smile. It's not hard to guess why. They'd taken everything else in such stride that it seems not to matter to them at all, and you're sure that's an enormous relief to him.
	*page_break
	"It will depend on a lot of things," he adds. "And the most important is whether I am able to go some way to making up for what I did to their ancestors."
	
	"I think," Hekate says, her tone measured, "that it is difficult to say when someone has 'made up' for something, and that that is different from being 'forgiven,' as well. But still, I think trying is the right thing to do, whatever that's worth." 

	"Quite a lot, of course," Charon replies, something in his face easing. "And, whether or not it has the results I wish for, I do think I must make the attempt. The 'how' admittedly troubles me next, but that can only be a matter of returning and finding out."
	
	She nods, and for a moment the conversation lapses again into silence, until Hermes clears his throat gently, interjecting to ask Hekate about a magic delivery system she's designing for the spirits, who lack the same connection to Erebus that most of the other residents of the Underworld have.
		
	It's a welcome lightening of topic, and most everyone is able to participate with at least a bit more ease than before.
	*goto endchapterfour
*label group_hades
"Ah." Hades hums, glancing towards you. "Well, it was a rather solemn occasion, I suppose. We ventured to the surface to spend some time caring for the war dead." 

Charon nods solemnly. "You were headed to somewhere in Elis, were you not?" 

"Yes. We ended up near a town called Pylos, where a battle had recently taken place. The citizens had come to collect their dead, and our aim was to help them conduct the rites properly, but I fear we didn't get quite that far. It might be a matter of visiting again, but… I shall only do that if I am invited."

"Apparently the town is being slowly… bled to death," you say, finding the slightly gruesome metaphor to be the most accurate one. "By repeated attacks." 

"Led by a nephew of mine, no less," Hades murmurs, shaking his head.

Hekate clicks her tongue. "And of course that only makes things even more complicated. If someone's decided to support his endeavors, any direct interference might spark off a much larger conflict. Be careful, Hades."

*fake_choice
	#"Is it really that easy to offend them? We're just looking after the dead."
		"Is it really that easy to offend them? We're just looking after the dead." You shake your head in disbelief. 
		
		"Well, no, I think that much is probably fine," she replies. "What I'm talking about is anything more than that. Anything that brings you in direct opposition to the raids, for example, might be seen as a challenge, and when that happens, the results are hard to predict. It might be nothing, or that other deity might decide to interfere in absolutely everything you do for a while, or bide their time and take revenge at the least opportune moment. To say nothing of all the humans that might get caught in the crossfire." 
		
		"The reminder is appreciated," Hades says quietly, dipping his chin to her. "Perhaps the fact that I do not often interfere in mortal affairs will make it less likely to become a problem… or perhaps it will be interpreted as a threat or an attempt to seize power. I should be careful what I do."
	#"We're already limited in how much power we can use, and now also in what ordinary actions we can take? That just seems so unfair."
		"We're already limited in how much power we can use, and now also in what ordinary actions we can take? That just seems so unfair." Is it really necessary to curtail whatever Hades might want to do to help people for fear of offending some other deity? It just seems so absurd to you, the idea that anything he might do could be so objectionable. 
		
		"It's… not ideal," Hekate agrees. "But anything that comes across as a challenge could have unpredictable results. It might be nothing, or that other deity might decide to interfere in absolutely everything you do for a while, or bide their time and take revenge at the least opportune moment. To say nothing of all the humans that might get caught in the crossfire." 
		
		"The reminder is appreciated," Hades says quietly, dipping his chin to her. "Perhaps the fact that I do not often interfere in mortal affairs will make it less likely to become a problem… or perhaps it will be interpreted as a threat or an attempt to seize power. I should be careful what I do."
	#"...I certainly wouldn't want to cause any larger conflict, considering who might get caught in the crossfire."
		"...I certainly wouldn't want to cause any larger conflict, considering who might get caught in the crossfire." You know it's ridiculous, on some level, that another deity might object to something like Hades protecting a little town from a raid, but you know exactly how petty some people can be, and who will pay the price if something like that happens.
		
		"Exactly," Hekate says, letting out a breath. "It's unpredictable. The retaliation might be nothing, or that other deity might decide to interfere in absolutely everything you do for a while, or bide their time and take revenge at the least opportune moment. To say nothing of all the humans hanging in the balance." 
		
		"The reminder is appreciated," Hades says quietly, dipping his chin to her. "Perhaps the fact that I do not often interfere in mortal affairs will make it less likely to become a problem… or perhaps it will be interpreted as a threat or an attempt to seize power. I should be careful what I do."
	#"I find it somewhat hard to believe that anyone wouldn't back down if their opponent was Hades, though? Shouldn't that other deity just withdraw their support for the raids?"
		"I find it somewhat hard to believe that anyone wouldn't back down if their opponent was Hades, though? Shouldn't that other deity just withdraw their support for the raids?" Having seen relatively little of his power demonstrated, you understand still that he is both incredibly powerful and also generally [i]feared[/i]. 
		
		"That would probably be what happened, in the short term," Hekate says. "But after that? It's completely unpredictable. The retaliation might be nothing, or that other deity might decide to interfere in absolutely everything you do for a while, or bide their time and take revenge at the least opportune moment. To say nothing of all the humans hanging in the balance." 
		
		"The reminder is appreciated," Hades says quietly, dipping his chin to her. "Perhaps the fact that I do not often interfere in mortal affairs will make it less likely to become a problem… or perhaps it will be interpreted as a threat or an attempt to seize power. I should be careful what I do."
*page_break
"So, what are the people like, in Pylos?" Pyri asks, tilting their head. "You met some, right?" 

The bend in the topic is welcome, and both you and Hades share a little bit about the experience, which in turn prompts several of the others to talk about their first personal interactions with humans. Charon's turns out to have been on a battlefield as well, albeit one where most of the people were still alive, while Hermes's was with a group of lost travelers.

It's a lighter topic, and one which everyone seems to be able to participate in with a little more ease than before. 
*goto endchapterfour
*label group_alekto
Alekto hums. "Well… it was Tartarus," she admits, shaking her head. "There is always a certain amount of… unpleasantness to it." 

"It was quite significantly improved, from a security perspective," you add, because this is true. Whether it is improved enough, only time will tell, and you certainly can't contradict her about the type of place it is, but you can say this much. 

"I should hope so," Hekate replies. "Some of the old wards were very powerful, but also quite… inadequately fine-tuned, let's say. And deteriorating. It was interesting to work with magic even older than myself, though; that doesn't happen often." 

"There was magic before you?" Pyri's eyes round a little. 

"Of course there was. There has always been magic, and there always will be. But it's certainly [i]better[/i] with me around. Easier to use. More various in application. And certainly more rigorously-tested and less likely to backfire."

Alekto huffs softly, and Hermes turns his attention back to the two of you. 

"Well, I'm glad I didn't have to do any inspections. I might be good at finding the chinks in it… or I might be terrible. I'm more of a casual menace, really. And I definitely couldn't do the whole of your job, Leks."

*fake_choice
	#"Me either, so it's lucky we have her."
		"Me either, so it's lucky we have her." That much, you're quite certain of, by this point. 
		
		"Indeed we are," Hades agrees readily, dipping his head. "However, it would ease my mind a little if you took the occasional day off." 
		
		[i]I do,[/i] she replies, frowning slightly. [i]But I understand that…. it is probably not sufficiently often to appease you.[/i] 
		
		A pause, in which Hades lifts a single eyebrow, just an inch. 
		
		[i]…And that is, perhaps, sensible of you.[/i] 
		
		"As long as you know that. The choice is ultimately yours, after all." 
	#"I think most of us could do it. I'm just not sure for how long."
		"I think most of us could do it. I'm just not sure for how long." It's not so much the duties themselves on the face of it that make you think most people couldn't ultimately handle the assignment. It's the grinding, punishing repetition of them, time after time after time. 
		
		"You'd probably last longer than me, if you think so," he replies, shaking his head. 
		
		"It is certainly difficult over the long term," Hades agrees readily, dipping his head. "Which is why it would ease my mind a little if you took the occasional day off." 
		
		[i]I do,[/i] she replies, frowning slightly. [i]But I understand that…. it is probably not sufficiently often to appease you.[/i] 
		
		A pause, in which Hades lifts a single eyebrow, just an inch. 
		
		[i]…And that is, perhaps, sensible of you.[/i] 
		
		"As long as you know that. The choice is ultimately yours, after all." 
	#"Who did it before you, anyway?"
		"Who did it before you, anyway?" It's hard to imagine anyone else in the role, really. For better or for worse, Alekto has made the job her own—so much so that you wouldn't hesitate to say it's part of her identity at this point. 
		
		"That was me," Hades admits. "And I can certainly confirm it is a difficult duty, in the long term. Which is why it would ease my mind a little if you took the occasional day off." 
		
		[i]I do,[/i] she replies, frowning slightly. [i]But I understand that…. it is probably not sufficiently often to appease you.[/i] 
		
		A pause, in which Hades lifts a single eyebrow, just an inch. 
		
		[i]…And that is, perhaps, sensible of you.[/i] 
		
		"As long as you know that. The choice is ultimately yours, after all." 
	#"Well, don't forget she's not alone. It's not [i]just[/i] her responsibility."
		"Well, don't forget she's not alone. It's not [i]just[/i] her responsibility." She has the Special Guard, and also
		*if (megaira_dead)
			Tisiphone, both sisters somehow able to continue the duty that ultimately slew their youngest.
		*if not (megaira_dead)
			her sisters, who continue in their duty despite the harm it very nearly did them. And the harm it [i]did[/i]. 
		
		"She does," Hades agrees, dipping his head. "All the more reason, I think, to occasionally leave matters to those people and take the occasional day off." 
		
		[i]I do,[/i] she replies, frowning slightly. [i]But I understand that…. it is probably not sufficiently often to appease you.[/i] 
		
		A pause, in which Hades lifts a single eyebrow, just an inch. 
		
		[i]…And that is, perhaps, sensible of you.[/i] 
		
		"As long as you know that. The choice is ultimately yours, after all." 
*page_break
Alekto nods, and for a moment the conversation lapses again into silence, until Hermes clears his throat gently, interjecting to ask Hekate about a magic delivery system she's designing for the spirits, who lack the same connection to Erebus that most of the other residents of the Underworld have.
		
It's a welcome lightening of topic, and most everyone is able to participate with at least a bit more ease than before.
*goto endchapterfour
*label group_hekate
"You're inquiring about our visit to my followers?" Hekate asks, her lips twitching slightly. "And here I thought you found the matter unbearably strange." 

"Well, it is a little weird," Hermes replies with a light laugh. "But I guess I'm curious, now. What exactly happens at a conference of witches?" 

"Not all of them are witches," she points out. "Though I suppose most of them are, to some degree or another. It's quite an exciting event, really; the most inquisitive among them share the fruits of their learning with the others, there are demonstrations, debates, and refreshments. That sort of thing."

"That sounds like fun," Pyri replies. "Though… I probably wouldn't understand half of the lectures or whatever."

*fake_choice
	#"It was interesting, but I can't help feeling we left before the [i]most[/i] fun part actually started."
		"It was interesting, but I can't help feeling we left before the [i]most[/i] fun part actually started." The music had been lively, and as people were just starting to really get into the food and drink, you'd sensed the potential for something quite fun, indeed. But then Hekate had decided it was time to leave, not that you don't understand why.
		
		"Ah, yes. They are traditionally capped off with dancing and celebration," she replies. "Which vary between the fun and the messy, in my experience." 
		
		"So… just fun then," Hermes replies with a huff. "I think I might actually want to go to one of these, sometime. Invite me to the next one, won't you?"
		
		Hekate purses her lips with exaggerated thoughtfulness. "We'll see."
	#"The format was very open, though. I think you'd have done just fine, Pyri."
		"The format was very open, though. I think you'd have done just fine, Pyri." It's not like they wouldn't have been able to ask questions. While Pyri isn't the most learned person, you'd hardly call them unintelligent.
		*if (tag_unlearned)
			You're not especially learned either, and you managed to follow most of what was going on.
		
		"Really? Well, that's good. Maybe I can go to one someday, then."
		
		"I think I might want to as well," Hermes observes with a soft huff, throwing his arm around them and grinning at Hekate. "Invite us to the next one, will you?"
		
		Hekate purses her lips with exaggerated thoughtfulness. "Pyri's invited. As for you, well… we'll see."
	#"It was honestly fascinating to hear people discussing their theories and research."
		"It was honestly fascinating to hear people discussing their theories and research." The sheer curiosity about the world was impressive, as was the general willingness to challenge what you'd always sort of taken for granted as true, because it's what you'd been taught. 
		*if (tag_unlearned)
			You're not particularly learned in the first place, but you'd been able to follow most of what was discussed, which is probably the mark of people not only being intelligent, but being able to explain well.
		*if not (tag_unlearned)
			You've always had your own curiosity, of course, but the particular things the researchers were looking into were things you haven't studied in any great detail, particularly the death-related studies.
		
		"I think I might actually want to go to one of these, sometime," Hermes says with a huff. "Invite me to the next one, won't you?"
		
		Hekate purses her lips with exaggerated thoughtfulness. "We'll see."
	#"Personally I'd have liked to see a little more [i]magic[/i], but I suppose it was reasonably diverting."
		"Personally I'd have liked to see a little more [i]magic[/i], but I suppose it was reasonably diverting." The researchers had all been obviously-enthused by their topics, the craftspeople all skilled, and in that sense it was interesting enough to observe. 
		
		"It was rather low on direct magic this time," Hekate agrees. "Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren't. I honestly prefer them this way, but I can see where a different group would have been flashier." 
		
		"I think I might actually want to go to one of these, sometime," Hermes says with a huff. "Invite me to the next one, won't you?"
		
		Hekate purses her lips with exaggerated thoughtfulness. "We'll see."
*page_break
They argue about it for a little bit, both with smiles on their faces, but they're not long in the debate before the rest of you are inevitably drawn into it, too, each claiming allies and commenting on one another's qualities in a way that soon extends to everyone, whether they volunteered to participate or not. 

The important part, you suspect, is that it draws a laugh or two out of almost everyone, and even those who don't laugh manage to smile. 
*goto endchapterfour
*label endchapterfour
*line_break
*line_break
A welcome end to the evening, to say the least.
*finish Chapter Five: Family and Friends