One autumn afternoon finds you, as you so often are, eating lunch with company in the Underworld.

*if (job = "guard")
	It's a working one, this time, with your companion in the Guard, Attikos. You've been sorting through personnel paperwork—of late, there have been a large number of spirits looking to join the Guard, enough that it is a notable swell in numbers from usual. 
	
	This isn't a bad thing in the least, because there are as many jobs in the Guard as there are people who want them. The patrols can have extra people or run more frequently, and the work everyone does can always be reduced. 
	
	It's still quite the exercise in patience to get it all figured out, and you're quite glad Attikos seems to be able to personally recall the faces, names, and skills of all the applicants, because grouping them with relative levels of ability helps make sure those without much residual ability from life are grouped with those who have a lot. 
	
	Both in the combat sense and the public-facing sense. 
	
	Fortunately, the work has mostly wound up for now, a small pile of completed parchments sitting to your left and Attikos's right.
*if (job = "gardener")
	It's… hard to call it [i]work[/i], when you sit down to a meal with Ascalaphus, but in theory some amount of work is being accomplished in your discussion. 
	
	With your decision to keep a residence in the Underworld, the aging satyr has certainly expanded the ambition of his plans for the realm's orchards and fields, and you're only too happy to help with the planning as well as the execution. 
	
	This is what you do, after all. And you know it does real good, for the Underworld to be a little less reliant on the other realms for sustenance, and for the dead to receive such at higher quality, even if they do not strictly [i]need[/i] it. Health of the mind is as important as health of the body, and while starvation cannot kill here, it can certainly demoralize. 
	
	Something no one will have to worry about if all these plans eventually reach fruition. You think they have a good chance, with a lot of hard work from the two of you and your colleagues Minthe and Leuke. 
	
	But the work, such as it is, has mostly wound up for now, a few parchments, dusted in sketches and notes, sitting to your left and Ascalaphus's right.
*if (job = "assistant")
	You're not sure if you should call this a 'working' meal, even though you're having it with one of the Moirae you regularly work for, because Klotho isn't really the sort to extend her work or yours any further than it needs to go. In some sense there's something work-adjacent involved, because she enjoys regaling you with true stories of the past, and those are certainly sourced from her knowledge of what has already been, but… 
	
	It's not like you have to take notes or file anything or check on the various odd devices the three of them have set up to aid in their divinations or anything like that. It's just conversation, and it has the benefit of almost always being interesting. 
	
	The one downside is that Klotho can really get lost in the details sometimes, and without Lachesis to tell her that she's running out of time or veering from the point, it takes a while to get there. But that's fine, too; sometimes the odd details are just as interesting. Last week, you learned a rather delightful amount of information about the history of tea, which seems to be the non-alcoholic beverage of choice for many of the Underworld's residents.
	
	For today, however, the story is finished, and the meal is almost there, too. 
*if (job = "research")
	Admittedly, it's sometimes hard to call it [i]lunch[/i], when it's with Agnes. The centaur is as passionate about her work as many of the people in the… you suppose you'd call your group the Underworld's civic works department, or something like that. They're all magicians and mechanics, and the work takes up a lot of everyone's time and mental capacity. Even, perhaps, when they should be taking breaks.
	
	Agnes has at least stopped [i]working[/i] on her latest project to tell you about it, and to ask about your own in turn. She is looking to make improvements to the efficiency of the city's water transport system, which as of now is almost exclusively magical, using rune-etched metal piping to draw water from a deep reservoir. It's apparently quite the large magical expenditure, so she's looking to hybridize the process with something more mechanical. 
	
	Even as she explains it to you, she sketches, tail swishing against her flank in what you recognize as more of a tic than anything particularly necessary. 
	
	By the end of it all, you have a small pile of sketches spread across the table between you, and Agnes has barely touched her food, something she recognizes when you inform her of as much, and begins to catch up on with gusto. 
*if (job = "minister")
	It's a working one, this time, with your aide Daeira, who has transitioned smoothly into that role nearly full time now that you aren't a guest in the Underworld but a resident of it. The nymph knows a great deal about the internal workings of the realm: magically, structurally, practically and historically, and frankly almost as much about Olympus. 
	
	It's actually quite impressive, and perhaps more impressive is the fact that they're happy to help you change the things that seem to need changing. You're working, right now, on just such a thing—an improvement to the process of spirits lodging complaints, which is rare but possible. At the moment there are just a few too many steps before such a thing reaches the eyes and ears of someone who might be able to properly address such matters, so changing the bureaucratic procedure is the order of the day. 
	
	Well, the order of the last several weeks. 
	
	Fortunately, the work has mostly wound up for now, a small pile of completed parchments sitting to your left and Daeira's right.
*if (job = "none")
	This time, the company is Acheron, perhaps the river deity you know least well, in some sense. Not because he's unfriendly, really, but because he's a little bit morose, and quiet, and difficult to engage in conversation for long periods. But you've gotten to know him a little recently, and these days, while the time you spend in his company is still mostly in silence—unless one of his partners is also present—it's comfortable, and broken from time to time with small bits of conversation. 
	
	He is the river deity who has been at his job the longest, too, so occasionally you learn something quite interesting about the past, or the way various people in the Underworld are related, or who lives in and administrates the other large settlements of the dead. 
	
	Today, for example, he's been telling you a story about Nemesis, the goddess who dwells in one of the more far-flung cities, but apparently personally trained all the Erinyes in combat. Which is interesting, because Alekto names Hades her teacher, most of the time. 
	
	But the anecdote has come to an end, and Acheron picks thoughtfully at the remains of his meal, the olive pits in a neat pile to one side of his plate and the still-edible food at the other. 

After a moment, your companion looks up at you with an interested gaze. 

*if (job = "guard")
	"You've a rather significant afternoon ahead of you, I've heard," he says, brows knitting slightly. 
*if (job = "gardener")
	"I hear you're going to be rather busy this afternoon," he says, expression turning sympathetic.
*if (job = "assistant")
	"That's right. Those men were brought here recently. Lachesis said the judgement was today." Her youthful face contorts in an expression you think might be concern. "I suppose you'll have to be there, yes?"
*if (job = "research")
	"Oh, that's right!" Agnes brightens as she remembers something, then sobers as whatever it is sinks in, regarding you with a troubled set to her mouth. "The judgement's today, isn't it?"
*if (job = "minister")
	"You know, you could have been excused for not wanting to handle anything else today," they say, regarding you with a hint of concern. "What with the judgement about to happen."
*if (job = "none")
	"You have the judgement soon, do you not?" He arches a brow, expression otherwise closed to you.

That is, of course, correct. This afternoon, after a considerable amount of time tracking down the two mortal men your mother sent into the Underworld to retrieve you, and some time letting them cool their heels in a cell at the uppermost levels of Tartarus—because they attempted to fight the Erinyes when they arrived to bring them here, not because of anything related to your case—they're to be brought before Hades and his advisors for judgement. 

And that definitely includes you. 

*fake_choice
	#I'm hoping we'll be able to get a constructive outcome.
		"Yes," you reply, nodding once. "I'm hoping we'll be able to manage a constructive outcome, to all of that." Technically, both men are charged with the crimes of kidnapping and trespassing, in addition to whatever exactly happened upon their apprehension to land them in prison for a few days. You never did hear the full details on that. 
		
		Still, there's no particular need to pursue vengeance or anything. Not in your mind. You'd much rather something useful or good came out of all this.
		
		*if (job = "guard")
			"Then I will hope that as well," Attikos replies, nodding back. "Considering all the… mitigating circumstances, I doubt anyone here will be inclined to seek bloody vengeance, at the very least." He pauses. "Perhaps there are times when such things are appropriate, but I think the longer I spend at my post, the less I believe so."
		*if (job = "gardener")
			"I'm sure you will," Ascalaphus replies with a gentle smile. It crinkles the lines next to his eyes, and he strokes thoughtfully at his beard. "In my experience, 'constructively' is how everyone prefers to handle these things, anyway." 
		*if (job = "assistant")
			"Well, depending on your definition of 'constructive,' that will of course be a more or less simple matter to achieve," Klotho chirps, her expression morphing into a smile. "But statistically, for most definitions, there's a very good chance that's exactly what will happen."
		*if (job = "research")
			"Not after any vengeance, huh?" Agnes nods slowly back at you. "I think that probably makes sense, but then I've only heard the basic version of the story. Whatever you decide, don't be afraid to speak your mind. Everyone will definitely want to know what you think is appropriate, as the aggrieved party here."
		*if (job = "minister")
			"Mm. A good instinct, I think, and one I doubt you'll have to convince anyone else about very much. Hades is inclined to try being constructive in general, and most of the disagreements that ever pop up during these things are about how best to do that, not whether it should be done."
		*if (job = "none")
			"Constructive," Acheron muses. "I think it can be hard to know what will be constructive. But I suppose as long as everyone is aiming for the same target, you're likely to land somewhere in the vicinity. Good luck with it, I suppose."
	#I'm sure Hades will want to do something constructive, but I'm honestly feeling a little vengeful.
		"Yes," you reply, eyes narrowing slightly. "I suspect Hades will be more inclined to be merciful about things than I am." Specifically, you're sure he'll do the 'right' thing and try to make something constructive or useful out of what happened, inasmuch as that's possible. You, however, have a bone to pick with those men, and letting them sit in the upper levels of Tartarus for a couple of days is not nearly enough.
		
		After all, if they aren't dead, it's just a simple prison.
		
		*if (job = "guard")
			Attikos lifts both eyebrows, as if surprised by your remark. He's quiet for a while, then shakes his head. "I can't tell you that won't satisfy you," he says. "It might. In any case, I'm sure the King will take your thoughts into consideration if you share them. You are the one who was personally involved in the matter, after all."
		*if (job = "gardener")
			Ascalaphus blinks, leaning back a little in his seat with a thoughtful expression. "I think that might be the most 'godlike' thing I've ever heard you say," he remarks, his tone soft. "But, I'm not really anyone who can tell you what's right or wrong. Least of all about something that has so much to do with you and so little to do with me."
		*if (job = "assistant")
			Klotho tilts her head, studying you with the ancient eyes set into her young face. "Vengeance is generally an option, for the gods," she remarks, neutrally. "I couldn't say what will happen if you choose it, of course. In any case, I'm sure the decision will be collective, so you should say that, if it's how you really feel."
		*if (job = "research")
			Agnes shrugs. "All a little outside my area," she admits. "But if you feel that way, you should say something. I'm sure your opinion will matter, considering you're the one who went through the whole situation. Though… if you ask me you might be misplacing your blame a little."
		*if (job = "minister")
			Daeira studies your face, their expression neutral. "Vengeance," they muse, leaning back a little in their chair and taking a long draught from their cup of tea. "Well, if that's what you want, you should say something. Perhaps there is a solution that will both have a point and satisfy you. Vengeance has its place."
		*if (job = "none")
			Acheron blinks slowly, frowning. Then again, he's usually frowning, so you don't necessarily take this to be any particular condemnation of your position. "Well, if that's what you want, you should be sure to say so," he replies simply.
	#I don't really want to participate, but I understand that this is a necessary process and my opinion is valued. 
		"Yes," you reply on a small sigh. "Not that I have any great desire to participate." You know, of course, that in this case you sort of need to, as you're the primary 'wronged' party here, but that doesn't mean you're going to enjoy it, or that you want to be involved at all. 
		
		*if (job = "guard")
			Attikos arches a brow. "Well, I'm sure if you don't desire to recommend a punishment, you can simply state the facts and allow the others to do the deciding," he points out. 
			
			He's probably right. Everyone will [i]ask[/i] your opinion on what should be done, but they won't force you to decide or anything.
		*if (job = "gardener")
			Ascalaphus nods, his expression taking on a note of understanding. "I don't envy the people who make those kinds of decisions," he admits, shaking his head. "Not one bit. But I'm sure if you don't want to have any input in that part, they'll just ask you for the facts and let you be done after that."
			
			He's probably right, which is a little reassuring.
		*if (job = "assistant")
			Klotho hums, taking a sip of her tea and then studying you over the rim of the cup. "Well, fortunately it's not mandatory that you make any decisions. I'm sure if you simply want to describe what happened and leave everyone else to worry about the consequences, that will be fine." 
			
			She's probably right, which is a little reassuring.
		*if (job = "research")
			Agnes grimaces in what you take to be sympathy. "I think I'd feel the same way, if it were me," she admits, shaking her head. "But at least you probably don't have to [i]decide[/i] anything, if you don't want to. I figure you just tell everyone exactly what happened and then you can be done, right?"
			
			She's probably right, which is a little reassuring.
		*if (job = "minister")
			Daeira tilts their head to the side slightly. "Well," they point out with a small shrug. "If you would rather not be involved in deciding the appropriate punishment, you don't need to be. Giving the facts of the situation so the others can make a judgement ought to be enough."
			
			Considering their experience with how the Underworld works, they're probably right, which is a little reassuring.
		*if (job = "none")
			Acheron blinks slowly at you, then gives the tiniest shrug. "Then don't," he replies simply. "An accounting of the facts should be enough. Beyond that, you can let everyone else do the necessary deliberation." 
			
			He's probably right, and in spite of his laconic tone, this fact is somewhat reassuring. 
	#I'm dreading seeing those two again, even though I know I'm safe. 
		"Yes," you reply, tone edged with a faint trace of your anxiety. "I have to say I'm not especially looking forward to it." The men with which you will be faced are in essence your abductors, after all. You know they aren't any danger to you any longer. You even know they didn't mean you serious 'harm,' in the conventional sense, when you were last in their company. 
		
		But that doesn't mean you want to think about all the things the sight of them is going to make you remember. It doesn't mean you're perfectly comfortable being in a room with them, either. 
		
		*if (job = "guard")
			Attikos presses his lips together, in a thin line. "Would it make a difference if we came with you?" he asks. "The Guard, I mean. There's not one of us who wouldn't drop what we're doing to be there if you thought it would be helpful."
			
			It's a surprising offer, and for a moment you just look at him, a little touched by it. But then you shake your head slightly. "Thank you, but… I'm not worried about my safety, in that sense." 
			
			You won't be alone, after all, and among the people who will be with you are at least a couple who could probably stop both mortal men with their little fingers. If they chose to move at all. 
			
			Attikos clears his throat, something almost sheepish in his expression. "That is… reasonable." 
		*if (job = "gardener")
			Ascalaphus's brows knit, and he nods a little. "I don't think there's much any of us can do about that," he says slowly, "but if you need somewhere to be afterwards, the three of us'll be around. In the orchard, or wherever you'd like us." 
			
			You feel the hint of a smile on your face, if only for a moment. It's kind of him to offer, and you know he means it. Know neither Minthe nor Leuke would hesitate to be there for you if you needed them, either. 
			
			"Thank you," you reply with a soft nod. "I'll let you know if that turns out to be something I need." 
			
			"Sure thing," he replies, smiling gently.
		*if (job = "assistant")
			Klotho hums, tilting her head to the side. "Yes… your first encounter was unpleasant." 
			
			You'd never, of course, had to fill her in on the details. Apparently, what happened was important enough to draw her notice on its own; you're not sure if that's because it was really significant in the Fate sense or just because she's concerned enough with you to pay attention to what happens to you, but you know which is the more [i]comforting[/i] hypothesis. 
			
			"It was."
			
			She nods. "I can't say this with any authority of course, but I think the second one will be better. The others will be present, for a start." 
		*if (job = "research")
			Agnes wrinkles her nose. She knows enough to know why you wouldn't necessarily be excited for a second encounter, and doesn't seem surprised by your reaction in the least. "Well… I'd ask if you wanted me to be there, but I sort of figure if it's the feeling of security you need, it's hard to imagine doing better than who will already be around."
			
			That much is true, and sensible. You won't be alone, after all, and among the people who will be with you are at least a couple who could probably stop both mortal men with their little fingers. If they chose to move at all. 
			
			"Thanks anyway, though," you say. Her offer was kind nonetheless, and in spite of its casual nature, you know it was sincere.
			
			"Hey, it's no problem. I hope those guys get what they deserve for what they did, you know?"
		*if (job = "minister")
			Daeira's eyes harden a little, and they nod firmly. "That's a perfectly understandable reaction," they reply, full mouth dropping into a frown. "For what it's worth, I know you'll be perfectly safe. None of the others will let them near you, never mind close enough to do any harm." A pause. "But I understand why that may not cover all of your concerns."
			
			They [i]are[/i] right, though. You won't be alone, and among the people who will be with you are at least a couple who could probably stop both mortal men with their little fingers. If they chose to move at all. There's plenty to be reassured by in that. 
			
			"Thank you, Daeira." 
			
			They wave a hand, frown fading a little at the edges. "Well… I've not really done anything, but you're welcome, if the reminder helped."
		*if (job = "none")
			Acheron blinks. "If it is your physical safety you are concerned about, you do not need to be," he points out, then frowns slightly. "Of course, if it is not, then that's understandable. But I would think that friends like yours are almost as good for one's emotional as physical state." 
			
			He talks about it in such dry terms, but there's a kernel of truth there, you suppose. You won't be alone, after all, and among the people who will be with you are at least a couple who could probably stop both mortal men with their little fingers. If they chose to move at all. 
			
			And you do have friends here, among the same people. Friends who care about your well-being. Maybe that will be enough. In the moment, it's a bit reassuring to be reminded of, at least. 
			
			"Thank you, Acheron."
			
			"I have done nothing deserving of thanks," he replies simply.
	#I'm hoping there won't be any need to punish them, even though they definitely trespassed. 
		"Yes," you reply, the same small frown in your tone as appears on your face. "I would really prefer this were not occurring, though. There's no need for it, I don't think."
		
		What those mortals did, they did at the behest of your mother. And for all you know, 'behest' might be a rather too-gentle word. What mortal, [i]really[/i], could safely refuse the commands of a goddess? You just don't think punishing them for what they did on her behalf to be terribly appropriate. 
		
		*if (chose = "olympusmostly")
			Besides, it's not as if you didn't want to go home, even if the method of getting there was quite unconventional. 
		
		*if (job = "guard")
			Attikos frowns thoughtfully. "It's a bit of a difficult situation," he acknowledges. "Trespassing is taken seriously here. It must be. And yet I am sure that if you do not wish to see these men punished, no one else is particularly eager for it, either. Perhaps you could advise the others of as much. It is something they would likely consider."
		*if (job = "gardener")
			Ascalaphus nods a bit. "Quite generous of you," he observes, "considering the circumstances. But if that's how you feel, then it's definitely worth saying so at the hearing. Everyone's going to care most about what you think, even if we really do need to curb our trespassing problem." 
		*if (job = "assistant")
			Klotho blinks, long and slow, and then shrugs. "Well, then probably you should say something to that effect," she points out. "It's not as though the matter is already decided. Plus, I'm sure everyone will care about your opinion the most, when it comes to this. It's not the only thing that matters, but it's the biggest one."
		*if (job = "research")
			Agnes hums, looking at you with faint disbelief. "I'm not sure I'd feel the same, if people broke into my private space while I was sleeping, regardless of intention," she points out, but then she shrugs. "But I'm not the person whose view matters. You are, though, so you should definitely share it."
		*if (job = "minister")
			Daeira purses their lips. "Well," they say after a moment's consideration. "The trespassing matter probably can't be ignored entirely, but on the other hand it's going to be what you think that matters most when it comes to the degree of punishment, probably, so you should be sure to say that's how you feel."
		*if (job = "none")
			Acheron lifts a brow slightly, but then shrugs. "Then you should say as much," he points out. "What you think about it will be quite relevant, I would imagine. The trespassing was a crime against the Underworld, but the rest was all about you."
		
		You suppose that's true. There's no reason they wouldn't count your opinion, especially considering you're the one with the most stake in what happened.
*page_break
You talk for a little longer of lighter things, polishing off the remains of your meal, at which point it reaches the obvious conclusion, as the time of the hearing draws near.

*if (job = "guard")
	Attikos stands, offering you a short bow. "I hope all goes well, Captain. I'll see you soon." 
	
	You nod a little, and he takes his leave from your office, leaving you with enough time to prepare and get to the throne room. 
*if (job = "gardener")
	Ascalaphus rises with a slightly-exaggerated groan, pressing one hand to his lower back and grinning lopsidedly at you. "I get stiffer every decade," he notes, humor in his warm eyes. "But anyway, ${name}, best of luck with it. Tell me all about things whenever you'd like, all right?"
	
	"I will." You offer a small nod, and he returns it with a bob of his head before taking his leave. You've got just enough time to make your preparations and get to the throne room at a steady pace.
*if (job = "assistant")
	Klotho sighs quietly and stands, brushing down the soft, marmalade-colored fabric of her tunic. "Well then. I'm not really an expert in this kind of thing, but I believe if you prepare now, you should be able to make it in time, still. Good luck with it." 
	
	You nod slowly. She's likely right about the timing, and you [i]should[/i] get to your preparations presently. 
*if (job = "research")
	Agnes unfolds her legs from beneath her, standing quite a bit taller than the table in short order and waving at you with a little motion of one hand. "Well. I should leave you with plenty of time to get ready, right? See you soon, ${name}."
	
	She takes her leave from your office, the steady four-beat of her gait audible until she hits the carpet runner in the hall, and you press your lips together. Her estimate of the time was correct—you should see to your preparations now.
*if (job = "minister")
	Daeira, never one to miss a social cue, doesn't drag things out, standing and offering you a dip of their head. "You've enough time to prepare at your own pace, I imagine, but I should not take any more of it. Let me know if there's anything I can do afterwards, of course, and good luck." 
	
	Their smile is a touch wry, but even this does not linger, and they make their way efficiently from the room. They are, of course, correct about the time. You must prepare, now.
*if (job = "none")
	Acheron rises, running a hand back through his light brown hair with a distracted hum. "You should probably prepare now," he observes, making brief eye contact and nodding once. "It was nice to eat with you." 
	
	And then he's gone. Quite literally—he seems to have teleported from the room rather than walking out as most people would. Still, he's right about the time. You've preparations to make, and they ought to happen now.
*page_break
You soon find yourself in the throne room. You remember the first time you saw the space, it impressed upon you that the world you were in was [i]different[/i] from everything you'd known. Goddess of law or not, Demeter does not handle legal matters on Olympus, as her laws involve mortals alone. 

Hades's, in some ways, involve every kind of person, because the Underworld is perhaps the only place in the world where there are representatives of every kind of person. 

The room itself isn't quite as grandiose as it could be—there is a reasonably long 'hall' before a modestly-raised platform, upon which sits a throne. While certainly imposing in its way—being seemingly hewn from a single block of obsidian, or something similar—it is relatively simple in design. In fact, perhaps most of the intimidation of it comes from the simple fact that it is correctly sized for the god that occupies it. 

*if (marriage_choice = "kept") 
	Of course, there is also the matter of the more recent addition. A second chair, whose presence necessitated moving the first to the side a little. At the time it seemed like… quite the concession to make, but Hades insisted that as his Consort, you were entitled to exactly that. 
	
	It didn't, he also pointed out, even have to match.
	
	*fake_choice
		#It does, though. I wanted mine to be the same as his. Partners in the endeavor of rulership.
			*set throne "black"
			It does, though. You wanted yours to be the same as his. Partners in the endeavor of rulership.
			
			You know, of course, that final authority over the Underworld will always rest with the god who [i]is[/i] the Underworld, but equally apparent is the fact that he does not wield this authority like a cudgel, and that the views of you and his advisors all matter to him a great deal. 
			
			So there's a certain sense of weight, to knowing that second obsidian throne is yours. An investiture of real authority. 
		#Honestly, his looks quite uncomfortable, so I went for something a bit... easier to sit in. It's a carved wooden chair, with plant motifs and proper upholstery. 
			*set throne "comfy"
			Honestly, his looks quite uncomfortable, so you went for something a bit… easier to sit in. It's a carved wooden chair, with plant motifs and proper upholstery. They look a little odd sitting next to one another, but then so do you and Hades. 
			
			You know, of course, that final authority over the Underworld will always rest with the god who [i]is[/i] the Underworld, but equally apparent is the fact that he does not wield this authority like a cudgel, and that the views of you and his advisors all matter to him a great deal. 
			
			So there's a sense of weight, to knowing that other throne is yours. An investiture of real authority. 
		#I decided to shape mine from living wood, the sweeping lines of it accented with vines and blossoms.
			*set throne "tree"
			You decided to shape yours from living wood, the sweeping lines of it accented with vines and blossoms. There's a sense in which this makes it rather difficult to maintain, because of course your [i]living[/i] throne is sitting next to Death rather often, but the two of you have worked out a way to keep it from withering. And if the flowers get a little bruised around the edges during a long audience, well… you can always refresh them afterwards. 
			
			You know, of course, that final authority over the Underworld will always rest with the god who [i]is[/i] the Underworld, but equally apparent is the fact that he does not wield this authority like a cudgel, and that the views of you and his advisors all matter to him a great deal. 
			
			So there's a sense of weight, to knowing that arboreal throne is yours. An investiture of real authority. 
		#I opted for a design quite similar to his, but using white marble, instead.
			*set throne "white"
			You opted for a design quite similar to his, but using white marble, instead. You didn't simply want a smaller version of Hades's throne, but nor did you want to disrupt the sense of harmony in the whole room, so stone it was. Choosing a different color differentiates you and your role, and that was plenty. 
			
			You know, of course, that final authority over the Underworld will always rest with the god who [i]is[/i] the Underworld, but equally apparent is the fact that he does not wield this authority like a cudgel, and that the views of you and his advisors all matter to him a great deal. 
			
			So there's a sense of weight, to knowing that gleaming throne is yours. An investiture of real authority. 
	*line_break
	*line_break
	It's an unusual feeling, still. To have any sort of [i]say[/i] over the realm's most important matters.
	
	*fake_choice
		#It makes me feel uncomfortable, but I'm sure Hades is the same.
			*set officialfeel "uncomfortable"
			It honestly makes you uncomfortable, but you think that's just part of bearing that weight. Authority over so much probably [i]shouldn't[/i] sit easily on anyone's shoulders, and you doubt very much that it sits easily on Hades's, or even those of any of the others who regularly advise him. 
			
			It's responsibility, after all. Above all else, this power means you have a responsibility to the denizens of the Underworld, and you feel it keenly. 
		#It makes me feel official, and I kind of like it.
			*set officialfeel "like"
			It honestly feels… good. You wouldn't know how to wield power for power's sake in the way Zeus does, but this investiture makes you feel… important. Trusted. Like you really are part of things, in the way everyone here has always told you you're allowed to be. 
			
			You haven't lost sight of the fact that it's also a major responsibility, of course. You could never forget [i]that[/i]. But it's a weight you bear alongside many others, who have what seems to you to be the right combination of wisdom, kindness, creativity, and practicality between them to make sure things go as well as they can.
		#It makes me feel the weight of responsibility, which is probably a good thing. 
			*set officialfeel "mixed"
			It makes you feel the weight of your responsibility, which is probably a good thing. You do have some, after all, as the Consort. And as someone who, even without that, fits in with the King's advisors very well. Your words do have a certain weight to them, now, and people trust you to give your opinions on things that matter. 
			
			It's not [i]easy[/i], but that's as it should be. 
*if (marriage_choice = "delayed") or (marriage_choice = "annulled")
	Your spot is standing beside the throne, with the other close advisors of Hades. There's no set or particular order to anything, but 
	*if (route = "hades")
		Usually you stand to one side of him, and Hekate to the other, with Alekto next to you and Charon next to Hekate… and then Pyri and Hermes wherever they want to be, really. Right now the former is actually [i]sitting[/i] on the stairs, though you know they'll stand before anyone is actually brought in. 
	*if (route != "hades")
		Usually it's Charon to one side of him and Hekate to the other, Alekto on Charon's side and the rest of you wherever you decide you want to be. Right now Pyri is actually [i]sitting[/i] on the stairs, though you know they'll stand before anyone is actually brought in. 
	
	For now, you take up a spot, feeling the group enfold you with customary ease. 
	
	*fake_choice
		#It's something I'm proud of. I belong here, helping to make these decisions, and I know that now.
			*set officialfeel "like"
			It's something you're proud of. You belong here, helping to make these decisions, and you know that now. You wouldn't know how to wield power for power's sake in the way Zeus does, but this investiture makes you feel… important. Trusted. Like you really are part of things, in the way everyone here has always told you you're allowed to be. 
			
			You haven't lost sight of the fact that it's also a major responsibility, of course. You could never forget [i]that[/i]. But it's a weight you bear alongside many others, who have what seems to you to be the right combination of wisdom, kindness, creativity, and practicality between them to make sure things go as well as they can. 
		#It still makes me a little uncomfortable to be part of all this, but it helps to know that none of them are arrogant about it.
			*set officialfeel "uncomfortable"
			It still makes you a little uncomfortable to be part of all this, but it helps to know that none of them are arrogant about it. No one here feels [i]entitled[/i] to their power, and no one wields it eagerly, not even the ones with Hekate's confidence or Alekto's sense of duty. Authority over so much probably [i]shouldn't[/i] sit easily on anyone's shoulders, and you doubt very much that it does. 
			
			It's responsibility, after all. Above all else, this power means you have a responsibility to the denizens of the Underworld, and you feel it keenly. 
		#It reminds me that I have people around me I can trust, and belong with. Even if the part where I help make decisions is still very new. 
			*set officialfeel "mixed"
			It reminds you that you have people around you that you can trust, and belong with. Even if the part where you help make decisions is still very new. It makes you feel the weight of your responsibility, which is probably a good thing. You do have some, after all, as someone who, advises the King. Your words have a certain weight to them, now, and people trust you to give your opinions on things that matter. 
			
			It's not [i]easy[/i], but that's as it should be. 
*page_break
Once you've taken your place, Pyri waves at you, grinning brightly. "Hey, ${name}. Big day today, huh?"

*if (route = "hades")
	Hades frowns slightly at this characterization, cutting a bright red glance at you. "I'm rather hoping it will turn out to be as small a matter as possible," he replies, and though the words are directed at Pyri, he's still looking at you. 
	
	"How do you feel, ${name}? Are you prepared to begin?"
*if (route = "hermes")
	Hermes huffs in soft amusement, moving up beside you. 
	*if (hermes_mutualconfess)
		*if ((hermes_touch != "averse") and (hermes_touch != "ask"))
			*if (marriage_choice = "kept")
				Stopping by the side of your throne, he leans over to touch his brow to the side of your head, a brief gesture of affection, before pulling back.
			*if (marriage_choice != "kept")
				Stopping at your side, he loops his index finger with yours and gives a squeeze, a brief gesture of affection, before easing his hand away.
		*if (hermes_touch = "ask")
			After a brief question to make sure it's okay, 
			*if (marriage_choice = "kept")
				he leans over the side of your throne to touch his brow to the side of your head, a brief gesture of affection, before pulling back.
			*if (marriage_choice != "kept")
				he loops his index finger with yours and gives a squeeze, a brief gesture of affection, before easing his hand away.
		*if (hermes_touch = "averse")
			He doesn't touch you, of course, but his presence is close without being stifling, and he offers you a lopsided smile, torn between mischief and affection.
	*if not (hermes_mutualconfess)
		He offers you a lopsided smile, mischief clear in it. 
	
	His tone, though, is low as he speaks, and perhaps even a touch… worried? It's a strange tone to hear in [i]his[/i] of all the voices. 
	
	"Maybe so," he admits, responding to Pyri with a shake of his head but keeping his eyes on you. "How about it, Sunshine? You ready for this?"
*if (route = "charon")
	Charon's brows knit, and they turn their attention to you with the sort of carefully-neutral expression you're most used to seeing on their face in serious situations. "I would hope it doesn't become too large a matter," he admits, the line above his nose deepening. "But I suppose we've little control of that. Are you feeling prepared to begin, ${name}?"
*if (route = "pyri")
	"Pyri," Hekate says, their name laced with amusement and gentle chiding. 
	
	"…Oh, right. Phrasing." Pyri clears their throat, standing from their spot and approaching you. "Sorry. I didn't mean to sound like I was making light of it, you know?" 
	
	*if ((pyri_touch != "averse") and (pyri_touch != "ask"))
		*if (marriage_choice = "kept")
			They look for a moment as though they want to hug you, but considering you're sitting down, they quickly move to perch on one of the arms of your throne instead, expression contrite.
		*if (marriage_choice != "kept")
			They sweep in for a quick hug, giving you a firm squeeze before stepping back. 
	*if (pyri_touch = "ask")
		They look for a moment as though they might hug you, but the question that would come before that never materializes. Instead, they shake their head emphatically. 
	*if (pyri_touch = "averse")
		They looks for a moment as though they might want to hug you, but by now they know that you're averse to those kinds of things, and the action never becomes anything more than potential, to your relief. Instead, they shake their head emphatically. 
	
	"Actually, are you, uh, ready for this? I'm not sure how we'd do it if you weren't, but I'm sure we could figure something out, you know?"
*if (route = "alekto")
	Alekto lifts her hands, signing rapidly. Both you and Pyri have made great strides in following this form of communication recently, so you're able to get the gist of her words even though she doesn't speak. 
	
	[i]Pyri[/i], she says, using their name-sign, an upturned hand with fingers curled upwards, moving swiftly like a flame, [i]consider your phrasing, please.[/i]
	
	Pyri winces, then nods. "Right. Sorry. Oh." They sign the same thing back to her as they'd just said, including you as well. 
	
	Alekto nods, then turns the full weight of her hazel gaze on you. 
	
	[i]Are you ready?[/i]
*if (route = "hekate")
	"Pyri," Hekte says, their name laced with gentle chiding. "Perhaps that could have been said with a little more sensitivity, no?" 
	*if (hekate_mutualconfess)
		She moves up beside you, coming to a stop when she draws even.
		*if ((hekate_touch != "averse") and (hekate_touch != "ask"))
			The back of one finger brushes gently along your cheek, and she leans a little to the side, 
			*if (marriage_choice = "kept")
				setting her hip against the arm of your throne.
			*if (marriage_choice != "kept")
				bumping you companionably with her hip.
		*if (hekate_touch = "ask") or (hekate_touch = "averse")
			The gentle smile she offers you has something intimate to it, something that warms you from the inside.
	*if not (hekate_mutualconfess)
		The faint smile she offers you has a warmth to it that never fails to bring a bit of comfort along with it. 
	
	"Oh. Right. I'm sorry." Pyri gives you this apology, rather than her, wincing a little in the process. 
	
	Hekate nods anyway, and turns to face you more properly. "In any event, ${name}, today [i]is[/i] the day. Are you ready, or shall we wait a little longer?"
	
*fake_choice
	#The concern is welcome, if ultimately not necessary. "I am. Let's proceed."
		*set warm +1
		*set forthright +1
		The concern is welcome, if ultimately not necessary. "I am. Let's proceed." 
		
		You direct it to everyone, and Hades nods back at you, turning his attention to the guardswoman at the door and raising his voice so he can be heard over the intervening distance. "Please tell them to escort our visitors inside." 
		
		It's a little ironic, to call them that when they're not here voluntarily, but considering the whole 'trespassing' part, the word is probably quite intentional. Hades doesn't seem to do anything haphazardly, anyway.
	#"You need not be so concerned with my state of mind. I assure you I can handle this."
		*set cold +1
		*set forthright +1
		"You need not be so concerned with my state of mind. I assure you I can handle this."
		
		You direct the words to everyone, and Hades nods back at you, turning his attention to the guardswoman at the door and raising his voice so he can be heard over the intervening distance. "Please tell them to escort our visitors inside." 
		
		It's a little ironic, to call them that when they're not here voluntarily, but considering the whole 'trespassing' part, the word is probably quite intentional. Hades doesn't seem to do anything haphazardly, anyway.
	#I feel my shoulders relax just a little at the expression of concern, and nod. I'm as ready as I'm going to get.
		*set warm +1
		*set reserved +1
		You feel your shoulders relax just a little at the expression of concern, and nod. You're as ready as you're going to get. 
		
		You direct the gesture at everyone, more or less, and Hades nods back at you, turning his attention to the guardswoman at the door and raising his voice so he can be heard over the intervening distance. "Please tell them to escort our visitors inside." 
		
		It's a little ironic, to call them that when they're not here voluntarily, but considering the whole 'trespassing' part, the word is probably quite intentional. Hades doesn't seem to do anything haphazardly, anyway.
	#I tilt my chin up, just slightly, and nod briskly. "Yes."
		*set cold +1
		*set reserved +1
		You tilt your chin up, just slightly, and nod briskly. "Yes."
		
		You direct the word to everyone, and Hades nods back at you, turning his attention to the guardswoman at the door and raising his voice so he can be heard over the intervening distance. "Please tell them to escort our visitors inside." 
		
		It's a little ironic, to call them that when they're not here voluntarily, but considering the whole 'trespassing' part, the word is probably quite intentional. Hades doesn't seem to do anything haphazardly, anyway.
*page_break
The guardswoman bows precisely and turns, opening one of the large double doors at the end of the throne room and disappearing through the doorway. 
*if not (megaira_dead)
	In turn, four new people move efficiently into the room—all immediately recognizable. Tisiphone and Megaira are the escort for Pirithous and Theseus, who at present are in manacles but unbound at their feet and walking under their own power into the chambers. 
*if (megaira_dead)
	In turn, four new people move efficiently into the room—three immediately recognizable. Tisiphone and a member of the new Special Guard, a harpy you have not met, are the escort for Pirithous and Theseus, who at present are in manacles but unbound at their feet and walking under their own power into the chambers. 

It's hard to tell with Theseus, given his deep complexion, but the paler Pirithous has faint dark circles under his eyes—a night or two of poor sleep, perhaps. Neither walks with the bowed head of a typical prisoner, and in fact Pirithous in particular seems to radiate a sort of disdain. For their escort, and perhaps for everyone now arrayed in front of him. 

Theseus bows, if only slightly, before the 
*if (marriage_choice = "kept")
	thrones.
*if (marriage_choice != "kept")
	throne.
After a pointed look from Tisiphone, Pirithous does the same, jerkily inclining himself and rising immediately afterwards. 

By that time, Theseus's gaze has fixed on the dais, an expression of mixed horror and confusion dawning over his features. It isn't hard to pick out who in particular he's looking at, because they're looking right back at him, with unusually-knit ginger brows and an uncharacteristic frown. All of the confusion, and none of the horror.

Like someone has just slapped them across the face, and they aren't even certain why it happened.

*fake_choice
	#Lowering my voice to a whisper, I lean towards Pyri. "Hey—are you okay?"
		Lowering your voice to a whisper, you lean towards Pyri. "Hey—are you okay?"
		
		They don't even seem to hear you, just sort of shaking their head, features still set in a troubled expression. You're not sure what to make of it until Alekto's hand settles on their shoulder. 
		
		Pyri jumps, blinking rapidly a few times, and shakes their head again, this time with considerably more emphasis. "Uh… s-sorry. Am I… never mind." They clamp their mouth shut, turning to Hades with the beginnings of an apology in the lines of their face. 
		
		He looks back at them for a long moment, then releases a breath. "If you're sure," he says, and they nod quickly. 
		
		"I'm sure." They send a smile your way, then clear their throat and face ahead again, face as neutral as they can make it. 
	#I find myself frowning, too, and shoot Pyri a questioning look.
		You find yourself frowning, too, and shoot Pyri a questioning look. 
		
		They don't seem to notice it, just sort of shaking their head to themself, features still set in a troubled expression. You're not sure what to make of it until Alekto's hand settles on their shoulder. 
		
		Pyri jumps, blinking rapidly a few times, and shakes their head again, this time with considerably more emphasis. "Uh… s-sorry. Am I… never mind." They clamp their mouth shut, turning to Hades with the beginnings of an apology in the lines of their face. 
		
		He looks back at them for a long moment, then releases a breath. "If you're sure," he says, and they nod quickly. 
		
		"I'm sure." They send a smile your way, then clear their throat and face ahead again, face as neutral as they can make it. 
	#It's unexpected, but now isn't the right time to address whatever it is—the hearing has begun.
		It's unexpected, but now isn't the right time to address whatever it is—the hearing has begun. 
		
		Of course, it would seem not everyone shares in the assessment. Charon and Hermes exchange a look, but it's Alekto who acts first, her hand settling on their shoulder. 
		
		Pyri jumps, blinking rapidly a few times, and shakes their head with considerable emphasis. "Uh… s-sorry. Am I… never mind." They clamp their mouth shut, turning to Hades with the beginnings of an apology in the lines of their face. 
		
		He looks back at them for a long moment, then releases a breath. "If you're sure," he says, and they nod quickly. 
		
		"I'm sure." They send a smile Alekto's way, then clear their throat and face ahead again, face as neutral as they can make it. 
	#I'm too caught up in my own anger at seeing these disrespectful [i]heathens[/i] again to do anything about whatever's going on there.
		You're too caught up in your own anger at seeing these disrespectful [i]heathens[/i] again to do anything about whatever's going on there. It's like your entire being is just a raw nerve, and your power roils under your skin. You're not sure what, if anything, you mean to [i]do[/i] with it, but it's a reaction that makes sense, given your emotional state. 
		
		*if (route = "hades")
			In answer, Hades's power moves alongside yours, though the intent of it is even less clear than your own. You can feel it there, where you're connected, a ripple of agitation passing through its depths as he also physically turns to you. 
			
			"${name}," he says softly. 
			
			You aren't sure if it's that, or if it's the way his magic, deep and dark and [i]consuming[/i], interacts with your own, but some fragment of your anger recedes, just enough for you to take a deep breath, eyes momentarily finding the ceiling as your power once again comes fully under your control. 
		*if (route = "hermes")
			In answer, Hermes's magic moves alongside yours, though the intent of it is even less clear than your own. Perhaps a side effect of the fact that there are so many [i]parts[/i] to it. Little domains, cobbled together into something greater, sparkling and popping against your senses like bubbles. 
			
			"Sunshine," he says quietly, stepping a little closer to you. "You all right?"
			
			Even just the question takes a little bit of the heat out of things, not that you're terribly pleased with the situation even so. Still… at least you no longer feel like you're barely containing your own power. Probably for the best.
		*if (route = "charon")
			In answer, Charon's magic moves alongside yours, though the intent of it is even less clear than your own. There's something that's always been a little veiled about it, even if the parts you can sense clearly are quite straightforward. 
			
			"${name}," they murmur softly. "I know this is difficult, but please try to rein your power back in, just a little."
			
			It's the words that make you realize just how [i]uncontained[/i] it was getting in the first place, and you focus on the cool, soothing feel of his presence to ground yourself, pulling back in what was threatening to escape and expelling a hard breath. Damn it.
		*if (route = "pyri")
			In answer, Pyri's magic moves alongside yours, roaring briefly to a fever pitch, like uncontained flames, and for a moment they [i]do[/i] catch fire, before Hekate exerts a dampener over the whole area and you feel both yours and Pyri's power being pushed back down by the superior force of the goddess of magic. 
			
			It snaps you free of your own loss of control, and you suck in a breath. Pyri's eyes meet yours, wide and guilty, and they immediately begin to stammer. "S-sorry, everyone. Sorry, ${name}. I was—never mind." 
			
			You can relate.
		*if (route = "alekto")
			In answer, Alekto's magic moves alongside yours, though the intent of it is even less clear than your own. She has such a tight rein on it that even the portion of it that seems not to live in [i]you[/i] is heavy iron compared to your own, which fizzes near the surface of your skin. 
			
			She makes your name-sign, lips pressing together and eyebrows pinching. 
			
			That helps, but more than anything it's the cool weight of her magic that makes the problem obvious to you—you're moments from losing control, and you release a long breath in a hiss, wrestling it back under your conscious command. 
		*if (route = "hekate")
			In answer, Hekate's magic moves alongside yours, though the intent of it is even less clear than your own. So much of her magic is formless [i]power[/i], just waiting to be given shape. Perfect potential, and you can feel yourself instinctively tapping into it, your emotions giving it color and contour and—
			
			"${name}!" she snaps, voice sharpened by an edge of concern. "Stop."
			
			It's only as she says the word that you even recognize what you're doing. The way you were about to lose control, and you suck in a deep breath, letting go of her magic and pulling your own back in towards yourself. The little flickers of it that had appeared just beneath your skin subside, and your jaw clenches.
		
		"Let's just get it over with," you grind out between gritted teeth. You know you have to, and the sooner done, the sooner you never have to see these men again.
	#I'm not handling seeing these two again nearly as well as I'd hoped, and I'm too busy focusing on my breathing to address the strange exchange. 
		You're not handling seeing these two again nearly as well as you'd hoped, and you're too busy focusing on your breathing to address the strange exchange. You [i]want[/i] to, because it concerns you, but right now anxiety is under your skin like a thing alive, and you can feel it disrupting your magic, making it crack and shudder like shattering glass.
		
		*if (route = "hades")
			In answer, Hades's power moves alongside yours, though the intent of it is even less clear than your own. You can feel it there, where you're connected, a ripple of agitation passing through its depths as he also physically turns to you. 
			
			"${name}," he says softly. 
			
			You aren't sure if it's that, or if it's the way his magic, deep and dark and [i]consuming[/i], interacts with your own, but some fragment of your fear recedes, just enough for you to take a deep breath, eyes momentarily finding the ceiling as your power once again comes fully under your control. You're not sure what would have happened if you'd lost control of it, as you nearly did, but you're relieved you don't have to find out.
			
			The fear is still there, but it seems more manageable now.
		*if (route = "hermes")
			In answer, Hermes's magic moves alongside yours, though the intent of it is even less clear than your own. Perhaps a side effect of the fact that there are so many [i]parts[/i] to it. Little domains, cobbled together into something greater, sparkling and popping against your senses like party favors. 
			
			"Sunshine," he says quietly, stepping a little closer to you. "You all right?"
			
			Even just the question takes a little bit of the edge off of things, not that you're doing terribly well with is all even so. Still… at least you no longer feel like you're barely containing your own power. Probably for the best. The fear is still there, but it seems more manageable now.
		*if (route = "charon")
			In answer, Charon's magic moves alongside yours, though the intent of it is even less clear than your own. There's something that's always been a little veiled about it, even if the parts you can sense clearly are quite straightforward. 
			
			"${name}," they murmur softly. "I know this is difficult, but please try to rein your power back in, just a little."
			
			It's the words that make you realize just how [i]uncontained[/i] it was getting in the first place, and you focus on the cool, soothing feel of his presence to ground yourself, pulling back in what was threatening to escape and expelling a shaky breath. The fear is still there, but it feels more manageable now.
		*if (route = "pyri")
			In answer, Pyri's magic moves alongside yours, roaring briefly to a fever pitch, like uncontained flames, and for a moment they [i]do[/i] catch fire, before Hekate exerts a dampener over the whole area and you feel both yours and Pyri's power being pushed back down by the superior force of the goddess of magic. 
			
			It snaps you free of your own loss of control, and you suck in a breath. Pyri's eyes meet yours, wide and guilty, and they immediately begin to stammer. "S-sorry, everyone. Sorry, ${name}. I was—never mind." 
			
			You can relate, so when everyone's eyes turn to you, you pull in a slightly steadier stream of air. The fear is still there, but if feels more manageable now.
		*if (route = "alekto")
			In answer, Alekto's magic moves alongside yours, though the intent of it is even less clear than your own. She has such a tight rein on it that even the portion of it that seems not to live in [i]you[/i] is heavy iron compared to your own, which fizzes near the surface of your skin. 
			
			She makes your name-sign, lips pressing together and eyebrows pinching. 
			
			That helps, but more than anything it's the cool weight of her magic that makes the problem obvious to you—you're moments from losing control, and you release a long breath in a shaky stream, coaxing it back under your conscious command. The fear is still there, but it feels more manageable now.
		*if (route = "hekate")
			In answer, Hekate's magic moves alongside yours, though the intent of it is even less clear than your own. So much of her magic is formless [i]power[/i], just waiting to be given shape. Perfect potential, and you can feel yourself instinctively tapping into it, your emotions giving it color and contour and—
			
			"${name}!" she snaps, voice sharpened by an edge of concern. "Stop."
			
			It's only as she says the word that you even recognize what you're doing. The way you were about to lose control, and you suck in a deep breath, letting go of her magic and pulling your own back in towards yourself. The little flickers of it that had appeared just beneath your skin subside, and you let out a trembling breath. The fear is still there, but it feels more manageable now.
		
		"I'm okay. Let's just… let's just hurry and get it over with." You know you have to, and the sooner done, the sooner you can retreat to much safer and calmer environs.
*page_break
"Pirithous, King of the Lapiths, son of Dia and Zeus. Theseus, King of Attica, son of Aethra and Poseidon." Hades frowns slightly down at them. "What am I to do with you?" He shakes his head. "You stand accused of the crime of trespass, of walking where no living men are permitted to go, and doing so clandestinely, in an attempt to avoid drawing my notice." 

You aren't sure if you imagine it, but there's a flicker in the Lord of the Dead's red eyes, like for a moment they brighten with some internal, cold glow. But it's gone a moment later, as he turns to you, and you know the question implicit in the gesture. 

As the aggrieved party in the remainder of their deeds, you could lay additional charges against them if you so chose. But you may also choose not to, and allow the matter to resolve itself as a judgement for trespass alone. 

*fake_choice
	#I might be able to let it go if they showed even a hint of remorse, but they cannot be allowed to think they can take advantage of whomever they please without consequences. I will make the accusation.
		*set selfless +1
		You might be able to let it go if they showed even a hint of remorse, but they cannot be allowed to think they can take advantage of whomever they please without consequences. 
		
		"You are also accused of a further trespass, coercion, and abduction," you add grimly, meeting each pair of eyes in turn. "You entered my personal chambers, made it clear that you were not leaving without me one way or another, and took me from the Underworld against my will." 
		
		Theseus presses his lips together. He's still glancing at Pyri occasionally, but at the moment the bulk of his focus is on you, and on Hades, the latter of whom, you think, puts a certain wariness in his stance that there might not otherwise be. 
		
		Pirithous looks like he's barely restraining himself from speaking, and probably won't continue to succeed at it for much longer. 
	#I don't think they need the additional trouble. What they're facing is already enough, from my point of view. I won't make the accusation.
		*set selfless +1
		You don't think they need the additional trouble. What they're facing is already enough, from your point of view. 
		
		"That is all," you say simply. 
		
		Not that it's a trivial matter. Trespass into the Underworld of all places is [i]dangerous[/i] for one, but also it's meant to be a place that humans do not go until they've died. Granted… the exceptions are more than just these two, but even with Orpheus considered, you don't think it happens [i]often[/i] at all. 
		
		And Orpheus, unlike these two, came directly to the throne room to plead his case, however misguided his methods might have been. You're sure everyone looked more favorably upon that than they do upon this. Particularly considering the motives at work.
		
		Theseus presses his lips together. He's still glancing at Pyri occasionally, but at the moment the bulk of his focus is on Hades, who, you think, puts a certain wariness in his stance that there might not otherwise be. 
		
		Pirithous looks like he's barely restraining himself from speaking, and probably won't continue to succeed at it for much longer.
	#These men broke into my room, invaded my privacy, and didn't care a whit for whether I wanted to come with them or not. Of course I'm accusing them—they're guilty!
		*set selfcaring +1
		These men broke into your room, invaded your privacy, and didn't care a whit for whether you wanted to come with them or not. 
		
		"You are also accused of a further trespass, coercion, and abduction," you add sharply, meeting each pair of eyes in turn. "You entered my personal chambers, made it clear that you were not leaving without me one way or another, and took me from the Underworld against my will." 
		
		Theseus presses his lips together. He's still glancing at Pyri occasionally, but at the moment the bulk of his focus is on you, and on Hades, the latter of whom, you think, puts a certain wariness in his stance that there might not otherwise be. 
		
		Pirithous looks like he's barely restraining himself from speaking, and probably won't continue to succeed at it for much longer. 
	#They probably deserve to be brought up for it, but I don't want to put myself through the whole recounting. I won't make the accusation, for my own wellbeing.
		*set selfcaring +1
		They probably deserve to be brought up for it, but you don't want to put yourself through the whole recounting. For  your own wellbeing, you would prefer to refrain. 
		
		"That is all," you say simply. 
		
		Not that it's a trivial matter. Trespass into the Underworld of all places is [i]dangerous[/i] for one, but also it's meant to be a place that humans do not go until they've died. Granted… the exceptions are more than just these two, but even with Orpheus considered, you don't think it happens [i]often[/i] at all. 
		
		And Orpheus, unlike these two, came directly to the throne room to plead his case, however misguided his methods might have been. You're sure everyone looked more favorably upon that than they do upon this. Particularly considering the motives at work.
		
		Theseus presses his lips together. He's still glancing at Pyri occasionally, but at the moment the bulk of his focus is on Hades, who, you think, puts a certain wariness in his stance that there might not otherwise be. 
		
		Pirithous looks like he's barely restraining himself from speaking, and probably won't continue to succeed at it for much longer.
	#Well... at the time I was willing to go back to Olympus, so they technically [i]didn't[/i] kidnap me... meaning I don't really see the point in making any such accusation.
		Well… at the time you were willing to go back to Olympus, so they technically [i]didn't[/i] kidnap you… meaning you don't really see the point in making any such accusation. 
		
		"That is all," you say simply. 
		
		Not that it's a trivial matter. Trespass into the Underworld of all places is [i]dangerous[/i] for one, but also it's meant to be a place that humans do not go until they've died. Granted… the exceptions are more than just these two, but even with Orpheus considered, you don't think it happens [i]often[/i] at all. 
		
		And Orpheus, unlike these two, came directly to the throne room to plead his case, however misguided his methods might have been. You're sure everyone looked more favorably upon that than they do upon this. Particularly considering the motives at work.
		
		Theseus presses his lips together. He's still glancing at Pyri occasionally, but at the moment the bulk of his focus is on Hades, who, you think, puts a certain wariness in his stance that there might not otherwise be. 
		
		Pirithous looks like he's barely restraining himself from speaking, and probably won't continue to succeed at it for much longer.
*page_break
Presumably, he won't have to. Hades inclines his head to you, then shifts his attention back to the men. "Those are the transgressions you are accused of. How do you respond?"

"That this is all completely absurd!" Pirithous is the first to respond, as you knew he would be. "We undertook a just and necessary charge, given to us by no less than the goddess Demeter herself. There is no 'transgression' here."

Alekto's eyes narrow precipitously, and she folds her arms over her chest, speaking aloud for the benefit of a man who almost [i]certainly[/i] doesn't know the version of sign used in the Underworld. 

"And? Does the fact that Demeter told you to do this make it any less true that you did it? If your friend here told you to trespass into the kingdom of another, would that absolve you of the crime?"

Pirithous harrumphs. "If another man was sovereign over the land upon which I chose to tread, no. It would count as trespass." 

"Then you—"

"Death has no sovereignty over me," the mortal king proclaims, lifting his chin and glaring all of you down. "We are the sons of greater gods, and in our time, as was Herakles, we will be freed from the shackles of mortality. Even now, the touch of the Underworld does not fade us, a sign of things to come."

*fake_choice
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} I can't help but chuckle softly. "I can assure you, 'Death' is working very hard not to affect you. Would you like to feel what it's like when he doesn't?"
		*set humorous +1
		*set confident +1
		You can't help but chuckle softly. There's something a richly ironic about a man still mortal claiming that, because he is sure he will be immortal at some future date, he is not still beholden to death [i]now[/i].
		
		Particularly when you can feel the obvious restraint Hades is exercising to make sure the 'touch of the Underworld' has no effect. 
		
		"I can assure you," you say, "'Death' is working very hard not to affect you. Would you like to feel what it's like when he doesn't?"
		
		Not that you think Hades would do such a thing, but perhaps this knowledge will cut Pirithous's arrogance back down to a more appropriate size.
		
		Or perhaps that is wishful thinking. 
		
		"He would not dare," the hero-king proclaims. "I am a favored son of my father, and his lesser relations would not dare risk his wrath by harming me. Nor my own, for that matter."
		
		Hermes looks like he's trying to contain a laugh, while Hekate huffs softly and Alekto rolls her eyes.
		
		[i]He was like this when we brought him in, too. Tisiphone's hammer right at his head, and no sense of self-preservation even so.[/i]
	#I fix him with a disapproving look. "You understand nothing. Do you have any idea how many times you could have died already, without the very careful forbearance of the exact people you seem so eager to mock?"
		*set serious +1
		*set confident +1
		You fix him with a disapproving look. Is he really so separated from reality as to think, because he is sure he will be immortal at some future date, he is not still beholden to death [i]now[/i]? You can [i]feel[/i] the effort Hades is exerting to make sure the 'touch of the Underworld' has no effect, which only makes it that much more ridiculous, really. 
		
		"You understand nothing," you say flatly. "Do you have any idea how many times you could have died already, without the very careful forbearance of the exact people you seem so eager to mock?"
		
		Not that you think any of them would ever [i]not[/i] exercise the needed restraint, but perhaps the knowledge that they are will cut Pirithous's arrogance back down to a more appropriate size.
		
		Or perhaps that is wishful thinking. 
		
		"None here would dare," the hero-king proclaims. "I am a favored son of my father, and his lesser relations would not dare risk his wrath by harming me. Nor my own, for that matter."
		
		Hermes looks like he's trying to contain a laugh, while Hekate huffs softly and Alekto rolls her eyes.
		
		[i]He was like this when we brought him in, too. Tisiphone's hammer right at his head, and no sense of self-preservation even so.[/i]
	#@{convotoggle [☆]|} I huff softly, with a trace of amusement, but I'm not so sure what to say so something that... confidently incorrect.
		*set humorous +1
		*set unsure +1
		You huff softly, with a trace of amusement. There's something a richly ironic about a man still mortal claiming that, because he is sure he will be immortal at some future date, he is not still beholden to death [i]now[/i].
		
		Particularly when you can feel the obvious restraint Hades is exercising to make sure the 'touch of the Underworld' has no effect. You're not even sure what to [i]say[/i] in the face of something so… confidently incorrect.
		
		"I think you may be laboring under a misapprehension or several," Hekate says with a broad smile, "The god you will not call by his proper title is in fact the only reason you're still alive. Would you like to know what it's like to be [i]without[/i] such protection?"
		
		You don't think Hades would do such a thing, but you can see the intent of her question. Perhaps this knowledge will cut Pirithous's arrogance back down to a more appropriate size.
		
		Or perhaps that is wishful thinking. 
		
		"He would not dare," the hero-king proclaims. "I am a favored son of my father, and his lesser relations would not dare risk his wrath by harming me. Nor my own, for that matter."
		
		Hermes looks like he's trying to contain a laugh, while Hekate huffs softly and Alekto rolls her eyes.
		
		[i]He was like this when we brought him in, too. Tisiphone's hammer right at his head, and no sense of self-preservation even so.[/i] 
	#I narrow my eyes, but in a way this is a strange conundrum. He's wrong in so many ways I'm not even sure how to begin correcting him.
		*set serious +1
		*set unsure +1
		You narrow your eyes. Is he really so separated from reality as to think, because he is sure he will be immortal at some future date, he is not still beholden to death [i]now[/i]? You can [i]feel[/i] the effort Hades is exerting to make sure the 'touch of the Underworld' has no effect, which only makes it that much more ridiculous, really. 
		
		In any case, he's wrong in so many ways you're not even sure how to begin correcting him.
		
		"I think you may be laboring under a misapprehension or several," Hekate says with a broad smile, "The god you will not call by his proper title is in fact the only reason you're still alive. Would you like to know what it's like to be [i]without[/i] such protection?"
		
		You don't think Hades would do such a thing, and you might have preferred she express it a little less flippantly, but you can see the intent of her question. Perhaps this knowledge will cut Pirithous's arrogance back down to a more appropriate size.
		
		Or perhaps that is wishful thinking. 
		
		"He would not dare," the hero-king proclaims. "I am a favored son of my father, and his lesser relations would not dare risk his wrath by harming me. Nor my own, for that matter."
		
		Hermes looks like he's trying to contain a laugh, while Hekate huffs softly and Alekto rolls her eyes.
		
		[i]He was like this when we brought him in, too. Tisiphone's hammer right at his head, and no sense of self-preservation even so.[/i] 
*page_break
"I believe I understand your position, son of Zeus," Hades says, tone dry. "But I would hear your companion's before assuming that it is simply the same as yours. Have you anything to say, Theseus?"

The taller man, tense of frame, nevertheless clears his throat. "I… believe there is no denying that we did what we are accused of," he says. "But the fact that we were charged to do so by Demeter should count as a mitigating factor in our own guilt. I think you know well, my lord, that when the gods ask you to jump, the only correct response is to ask how high or far." 

*fake_choice
	#"That's a coward's argument. Humans defy Fate and the gods often enough that you should know it possible. You should have said no."
		*set cold  +1
		"That's a coward's argument," you reply coldly. "Humans defy Fate and the gods often enough that you should know it possible. You should have said no." 
		
		Theseus stands a little straighter. "With respect, my ${lord}, humans [i]do[/i] have that capacity for defiance. And yet, in my experience, it rarely ends well. My friend is confident that his father protects him. And yet I at least know many more stories of the gods smiting those who have given them any small insult, and the children of other gods are not immune." 
		
		"Absurd. Demeter would never—" whatever anyone thinks of her, your mother is [i]not[/i] the type to simply kill a human for disagreeing with her. How could she be, when you are the evidence of her affinity for at least one of them? And you've never once heard of her doing such a thing. 
		
		"You may know that," Theseus says, a little more firmly. "But we were in no position to."
	#"I can understand why you'd want to do so, but did it ever occur to you at [i]all[/i] that what you were being asked to do was itself wrong?"
		"I can understand why you'd want to do so," you reply, tone measured. "But did it ever occur to you at [i]all[/i] that what you were being asked to do was itself wrong?" 
		
		Theseus blinks, looking for a moment to be genuinely confused. "…Wrong according to whom?" he asks. "Is it not proper to follow the commands of the gods? It is certainly difficult [i]not[/i] to do so. In my experience, defiance rarely ends well."
		
		"The fact that it [i]might[/i] go badly for you if you don't doesn't make it [i]right[/i] to do something," you reply, shaking your head. "Sometimes the right thing is difficult. Surely you  must understand that what you came here to do wasn't a good thing?"
		
		"Must I?" he replies, his tone a little more firm this time. "You are underestimating the reach of the consequences. There are times when defying the gods leads to torment and death, and not only for the one who does so. Am I to risk my family, my people, for someone else's concept of 'rightness'? It would take no more then a wave of Demeter's hand for famine to overtake my lands and everyone upon them to slowly starve to death."
		
		"Absurd. Demeter would never—" whatever anyone thinks of her, your mother is [i]not[/i] the type to simply kill a human for disagreeing with her. How could she be, when you are the evidence of her affinity for at least one of them? And you've never once heard of her doing such a thing. 
		
		"You may know that," Theseus says, quietly. "But we were in no position to."
	#I expel a quiet breath. I feel for them, in that sense. While humans [i]may[/i] possess more ability to defy Fate than the gods do, defying the [i]gods[/i] is still a dangerous proposition. 
		*set warm +1
		You expel a quiet breath. You feel for them, in that sense. While humans [i]may[/i] possess more ability to defy Fate than the gods do, defying the [i]gods[/i] is still a dangerous proposition. 
		
		Hermes folds his arms, picking up the thread of questioning when no one else is quick to do so. "So you did it because you were [i]scared[/i]? You'll have to forgive me my skepticism, considering your friend's attitude here. I think he would have jumped at the chance to do something like this. I think he [i]did[/i] jump, and you along with him."
		
		Theseus blinks, straightening. "With due respect, my lord, you cannot know that. And even if it were true, it does not change the fact that, had we chosen to defy Lady Demeter, any number of things could have happened, and we both knew that at the time. I am… familiar, with what can occur to mortals who dare to defy the gods who tell them to do something."
		
		"Oh come on," Hermes says. "Demeter would never do anything like you're thinking. She was desperate, but she's not that vindictive." 
		
		"You may know that," Theseus says, a little more firmly. "But we were in no position to."
*page_break
"…Very well." Hades releases a long, soft breath. "I think, given that you have both admitted to doing what you are accused of, the only matter properly at issue is whether or how much this is mitigated by the fact that you did so at the behest of Demeter." 

"It doesn't excuse them from all consequences," Alekto says bluntly, hands tightening around her arms. 

Charon tilts their head. "There is a certain… arrogance about the both of them," he observes. "It manifests differently in each, of course, but the fact that they both seem to think their actions are completely excused by the existence of their patron is… worrisome." 

"And yet we can't deny that it would have been difficult to say no," Hekate counters. "I doubt Demeter actually would have done much, but considering the history of attempts to go against other gods, they would not have been unreasonable to think they could defy her only on pain of death." 

Hermes clicks his tongue against his teeth. "Sure… but Charon's still right. It's the complete lack of apology or respect that's really sticking out to me," he says. "They should be a little more penitent in their requests for [i]complete leniency[/i], don't you think?"

Hades nods, taking all this in. His eyes flick briefly to Pyri, who shakes their head, and then settle on you. 

*fake_choice
	#"I ask for mercy. They were acting on behalf of my mother, and it is hard to say no to a goddess. It's true they're not respectful, but that can't be a factor in whether they're punished for a crime."
		*set pirithouspunishment "mercy"
		"I ask for mercy. They were acting on behalf of my mother, and it is hard to say no to a goddess. It's true they're not respectful, but that can't be a factor in whether they're punished for a crime." 
		
		People can behave in all kinds of ways, and while their attitudes are hardly sincerely penitent, that itself has no bearing on the actual events that took place. Regardless of whether they are otherwise innocent lambs, capable lions, or cackling hyenas, they were still put on the back foot in the situation. They were still acting at the behest of a power much greater than their own.
		
		You can think about all the hypotheticals you want. About [i]whether[/i] things would have been the same or different in different circumstances, but ultimately what you must judge are [i]these[/i] circumstances. 
		
		Hades is still in his throne for several long moments, eyes moving between the mortal prisoners and those present. There's a hardness to the neutrality of his face, and something in the way he holds himself makes you believe he personally dislikes both men, and you wonder how that will affect things, if it does at all. 
		
		In the end, though, he inclines his head in deference to you. "Then mercy they shall have," he says simply, turning to the men themselves. "Given your recent time in Tartarus, you have endured appropriate punishment for your attack on the Erinyes. Perhaps ordinarily, your other crimes would demand more, but we have understood your claims in favor of mitigation, and so you are free to go. However."
		
		His tone becomes grave, carrying more authority than it typically would. "If either of you ever again darken my doorstep before your time, your punishment will be swift and commensurate, no matter [i]what[/i] god you act on the behalf of. I understand that you do not think I am worthy of your respect, but you will [i]not[/i] disturb my people again. Or I will show you precisely how much power death still has over you."
		
		Even Pirithous blanches a little at the words, and the way the air seems to tremble just a little with them. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and you have to expel a quiet breath to settle yourself. 
		
		It's easy to not think about just exactly whom you're dealing with, when you talk to Hades. You know neither of these men will ever forget again.
	#"I think their punishment should be moderate. There are extenuating circumstances, but neither of them has even apologized properly, nor shown any of us the respect they should. That matters, too."
		*set pirithouspunishment "moderate"
		"I think their punishment should be moderate. There are extenuating circumstances, but neither of them has even apologized properly, nor shown any of us the respect they should. That matters, too."
		
		It's true that people can behave in all kinds of ways regardless of their inner feelings, but it's not as if a little bit of respect or apology would have been difficult or impossible in this situation. They're hardly being held at knifepoint, and the others have been quite tolerant, particularly of Pirithous's obvious arrogance. The fact that they won't even try to meet you in the middle, or be a little bit more forthcoming about their own motivations, suggests that they don't [i]want[/i] to show the same courtesy they have been shown.
		
		And that, in turn, suggests that they are not particularly penitent. That matters, even if there are also extenuating circumstances. Ultimately, you can only judge what they have shown you and told you, not whatever you imagine might be going on in their heads.
		
		Hades is still in his throne for several long moments, eyes moving between the mortal prisoners and those present. There's a hardness to the neutrality of his face, and something in the way he holds himself makes you believe he personally dislikes both men, though you somehow doubt that will have much if any impact on how he chooses here. 
		
		In the end, he inclines his head in deference to you. "Then so it shall be," he says simply, turning to the men themselves. "Given your recent time in Tartarus, you have endured appropriate punishment for your attack on the Erinyes. Perhaps ordinarily, your other crimes would demand more, but we have understood your claims in favor of mitigation, and so your sentence is lightened to the term of one year of labor in service to the Underworld. You will be compensated for your work, and allowed to leave at the end of your term, and protected from the effects of the realm during it. However."
		
		His tone becomes grave, carrying more authority than it typically would. "If either of you ever again, after that term is complete, darken my doorstep before your time, your punishment will be swift and commensurate, no matter [i]what[/i] god you act on the behalf of. I understand that you do not think I am worthy of your respect, but you will [i]not[/i] disturb my people again. Or I will show you precisely how much power death still has over you."
		
		Even Pirithous blanches a little at the words, and the way the air seems to tremble just a little with them. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and you have to expel a quiet breath to settle yourself. 
		
		It's easy to not think about just exactly whom you're dealing with, when you talk to Hades. You know neither of these men will ever forget again.
	#"I think you should punish them to the fullest extent of reason. They clearly have no remorse and no shame for anything they did. From the way they act, they would have done this with [i]any[/i] reason to, Demeter or no Demeter."
		*set pirithouspunishment "maximum"
		"I think you should punish them to the fullest extent of reason. They clearly have no remorse and no shame for anything they did. From the way they act, they would have done this with [i]any[/i] reason to, Demeter or no Demeter." 
		
		It's true that people can behave in all kinds of ways regardless of their inner feelings, but it's not as if a little bit of respect or apology would have been difficult or impossible in this situation. They're hardly being held at knifepoint, and the others have been quite tolerant, particularly of Pirithous's obvious arrogance. The fact that they won't even try to meet you in the middle, or be a little bit more forthcoming about their own motivations, suggests that they don't [i]want[/i] to show the same courtesy they have been shown.
		
		And that, in turn, suggests that they are not particularly penitent. That matters, even if there are also 'extenuating circumstances.' Ultimately, you can only judge what they have shown you and told you, not whatever you imagine might be going on in their heads, but what they've shown and said suggests that, with enough motivation to do so, they would have done the exact same thing with no intervention from your mother at all.
		
		Hades is still in his throne for several long moments, eyes moving between the mortal prisoners and those present. There's a hardness to the neutrality of his face, and something in the way he holds himself makes you believe he personally dislikes both men, though you somehow doubt that will have much if any impact on how he chooses here. 
		
		In the end, he inclines his head in deference to you. "Then this is how it shall be," he says, turning to the men themselves. "Given your recent time in Tartarus, you have endured appropriate punishment for your attack on the Erinyes. Perhaps ordinarily, your other crimes would demand more, but we have understood your claims in favor of mitigation, and so your sentence is lightened to the term of five years of labor in service to the Underworld. You will be compensated for your work, and allowed to leave at the end of your term, and protected from the effects of the realm during it. However."
		
		His tone becomes grave, carrying more authority than it typically would. "If either of you ever, after that term is complete, darken my doorstep before your time, your punishment will be swift and commensurate, no matter [i]what[/i] god you act on the behalf of. I understand that you do not think I am worthy of your respect, but you will [i]not[/i] disturb my people again. Or I will show you precisely how much power death still has over you."
		
		Even Pirithous blanches a little at the words, and the way the air seems to tremble just a little with them. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and you have to expel a quiet breath to settle yourself. 
		
		It's easy to not think about just exactly whom you're dealing with, when you talk to Hades. You know neither of these men will ever forget again.
*page_break
Their fates decided, Pirithous and Theseus are swiftly led from the room by their escorts, the doors closing over anything either of them might have further said about the matter. You feel a bit of the tension in your frame slacken, and let out a soft breath. 

This is definitely something better done than doing, so to speak. You're glad it isn't hanging over your head anymore. 

With the mortals gone, the rest of the group relaxes a little as well. Hermes flat out sits down on the floor, leaning back on his hands and stretching his feet out in front of him down the stairs, wings behind. "Well. Good thing that's over. Doing all the serious punishment stuff is always so stressful. I don't know how you all stand it." 

"Well… it's not [i]all[/i] doom and gloom," Hekate points out, then scrunches her face in consideration. "Mostly doom and gloom, though. At least we don't have to do it too often. Once more, proof that Alekto is the steeliest of us, not that I needed any more than I already had." 

But Alekto shakes her head, loosening her arms so she can sign. [i]Punishment is different from judgement. It is easier to trust that the judgement of others is just than my own.[/i]

There's a beat where the rest of you absorb that, and then Hades turns to Pyri. "Are you sure you're all right?" he asks them, and there's such an obvious tone of [i]concern[/i] in his normally-stoic voice that you immediately take notice—and so do the others. 

"I… don't know," they admit, quieter and more uncertain than you've ever heard them. "I think I—I think I just need to think about it for a while, you know?"

Hekate ruffles their hair lightly, and nods. "Well, if there's one thing we've got plenty of down here, it's time to think. Usually." Her eyes narrow as she no doubt considers the recent exceptions to that rule, but she does have a point, in general. 

After the eventfulness of your first year or so in the Underworld, things have really slowed down and gotten more comfortable, in that sense.

"What of you, ${name}?" Charon asks, tilting their head. 

*fake_choice
	#"I'm okay. Really."
		"I'm okay. Really."
		
		And you find that you are. It was certainly… an event, but it's passed, you're reasonably satisfied with how things turn out, and frankly you're ready to move on, both with your day and your life. Perhaps you have been for a while, at least for the latter. 
		
		*if (route = "hades")
			"…Good." Hades offers you a rare, close-lipped smile. "If that is so, then I think we can all adjourn here for today." 
			
			"What, no huge queue of petitioners to get through?" Hermes asks, cocking a brow.
			
			"Well… yes, but none of that is something any of the rest of you have to worry about. And I wouldn't call it 'huge.' It's just that the matters will be technical and therefore take much discussion to resolve." 
			
			Hermes scrunches his face. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love you for sparing us all the boring technical meetings?"
			
			"No, but I assumed it was the case nevertheless."
			
			That makes the winged god grin. "You know me so well."
		*if (route = "hermes")
			Hermes expels a large breath, springing back to his feet. "Well, that's good. Does that mean we're off the hook for today, Your Deathliness?" 
			
			Hades shakes his head slightly, but does offer the faintest of smiles. "I think we can adjourn here for today, yes. Though I have some other matters to attend to."
			
			"Huge queue of petitioners to get through?"
			
			"Well… yes, but none of that is something any of the rest of you have to worry about. And I wouldn't call it 'huge.' It's just that the matters will be technical and therefore take much discussion to resolve." 
			
			Hermes scrunches his face. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love you for sparing us all the boring technical meetings?"
			
			"No, but I assumed it was the case nevertheless."
			
			That makes Hermes grin. "You know me so well."
		*if (route = "charon")
			Charon offers you a warm smile. "That is good to hear," they say, before turning back to Hades. "I suppose we might be dismissed for the day?"
			
			The other god nods once, readily. "I think we can adjourn here for today, yes. Though I have some other matters to attend to."
			
			"Huge queue of petitioners to get through?" Hermes asks.
			
			"Well… yes, but none of that is something any of the rest of you have to worry about. And I wouldn't call it 'huge.' It's just that the matters will be technical and therefore take much discussion to resolve." 
			
			Hermes scrunches his face. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love you for sparing us all the boring technical meetings?"
			
			"No, but I assumed it was the case nevertheless."
			
			Charon huffs softly. "And you were not incorrect to do so."
		*if (route = "pyri")
			Pyri seems to brighten a little bit at this, offering you a warm smile, if a little smaller than the grin that might otherwise have been there. "That's good. I'm glad it didn't get to you." 
			
			"And with that," Hades adds, "I think we can adjourn here for today. Tough I have some other matters to attend to." 
			
			"Huge queue of petitioners to get through?" Hermes asks.
			
			"Well… yes, but none of that is something any of the rest of you have to worry about. And I wouldn't call it 'huge.' It's just that the matters will be technical and therefore take much discussion to resolve." 
			
			Hermes scrunches his face. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love you for sparing us all the boring technical meetings?"
			
			"No, but I assumed it was the case nevertheless."
			
			"Good assumption, if you ask me," Pyri replies, shaking their head slightly.
		*if (route = "alekto")
			Alekto relaxes a little, something you can see in the way the line of her shoulders changes. [i]That is good.[/i] Her attention shifts momentarily to Hades. [i]Are we dismissed?[/i]
			
			He offers the faintest of smiles, and inclines his head. "I think we can adjourn here for today, yes. Though I've a few more things to take care of, myself." 
			
			"Well… yes, but none of that is something any of the rest of you have to worry about. And I wouldn't call it 'huge.' It's just that the matters will be technical and therefore take much discussion to resolve." 
			
			Hermes scrunches his face. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love you for sparing us all the boring technical meetings?"
			
			"No, but I assumed it was the case nevertheless."
			
			[i]It was.[/i]
		*if (route = "hekate")
			Hekate smiles at you, expelling a breath. "I, for one, am glad to hear it," she replies, pushing a few pink braids behind her shoulder. "Please tell me we can get out of here now; I've never liked this room."
			
			Hades offers a faint smile of his own. "I think we can adjourn here for today, yes. Though I've a few more things to take care of, myself." 
			
			"Huge queue of petitioners to get through?" Hermes asks.
			
			"Well… yes, but none of that is something any of the rest of you have to worry about. And I wouldn't call it 'huge.' It's just that the matters will be technical and therefore take much discussion to resolve." 
			
			The winged god scrunches his face. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love you for sparing us all the boring technical meetings?"
			
			"No, but I assumed it was the case nevertheless."
			
			Hekate huffs. "Only when the technicalities actually [i]are[/i] boring, but yes."
	#"I'm not especially well, to be honest."
		*set notgreat true
		"I'm not especially well, to be honest."
		
		You aren't going to fall apart right this second, but you have to admit… all of this has shaken you. Seeing the two of them, and maybe hearing the way they thought about what had happened. Because they treat it like it was hardly anything important in some sense. Like it had been simply a [i]job[/i]. Maybe an unusual one, but not anything that either of them would carry with them the way you carried it with you. 
		
		You feel less safe, for the fact that it happened. For the fact that it could happen. And even if, intellectually, you know you're more than capable of fending off a similar attempt [i]now[/i], that everyone here would act to protect you, it's just… the feeling doesn't go away because of logic, and this has all been a very unpleasant reminder of it. 
		
		*if (route = "hades")
			Hades's expression, or the part of it you can interpret, becomes concerned. "I'm sorry to hear that. Would leaving this room help at all?"
			
			You nod—it might not do much, but it'll be a start. 
			
			He stands immediately, offering you an arm to lean on if you want it. "Then that's where we'll begin. Everyone, let us call things adjourned for now. Thank you as always for your assistance."
			
			He's already moving to the door, and you find it easier to follow in his wake than make a break for it yourself, so that's what you do.
		*if (route = "hermes")
			Hermes, upon registering your tone, hops up from his spot on the floor immediately. "Hey, Your Deathliness, can Sunshine and I get out of here now?"
			
			Hades's brow furrows, and he nods. "Of course," he replies immediately. 
			
			"Thanks. Let's find somewhere else to be, huh?" He offers out a hand in the event you want it, and starts heading for the door, albeit at your pace rather than his own. 
			
			Out of this room is probably a good start, and you find it easier to follow in his wake than make a break for it yourself, so that's what you do. 
		*if (route = "charon")
			Charon's lips immediately turn down into a frown, and they shift their attention momentarily to Hades. "Is there anything else that urgently requires our presence?" he asks. 
			
			Hades shakes his head. "Of course not. Please, if it will be more comfortable…" 
			
			He trails off, but it's not too hard to figure out what the both of them mean. 
			
			"Then let us depart, yes?" The Ferryman's words are soft, meant only for you, and you nod. 
			
			They offer a hand towards you for assistance if you want it, but are otherwise apparently inclined to simply remain at your side, or a little in front, when you find it easier to follow in their wake than make a break for the door yourself. 
			
			So that's what you do. 
		*if (route = "pyri")
			Pyri seems to shake themself out of whatever malaise has hold of them when your words register, and they turn to Hades with obvious urgency. "Hey, Boss, can we—"
			
			Hades nods immediately. "Of course. Thank you both, for your participation today. I know it could not have been easy." 
			
			The River of Fire's smile is strained, even as they offer you a hand, should you want it. "Let's get somewhere less stuffy, huh?" 
			
			You nod—it might not help much, but it'll be a start, at the very least. 
			
			Pyri starts towards the door, and you find it easier to follow in their wake than to make a break for it yourself, so that's what you do.
		*if (route = "alekto")
			Alekto, who had been watching you closely, shakes her head, signing something quickly to Hades that you don't quite catch. 
			
			He nods immediately. "Of course. Thank you, as always, for your help today, but do not feel obliged to remain any longer. I will conclude the rest of matters." 
			
			She extends a hand towards you, in case you want it, then tilts her head towards the door. 
			
			You nod—it might not help much, but it'll be a start, at the very least.
			
			Alekto moves for the door, and you find it easier to follow in her wake than to make a break for it yourself, so that's what you do.
		*if (route = "hekate")
			Hekate frowns immediately, turning to Hades. "If you don't mind…" she begins, and he obviously catches the rest of the thought without the need for her to for it into words, nodding at once.
			
			"Of course. Thank you, as always, for your help today, but do not feel obliged to remain any longer. I will conclude the rest of matters." 
			
			She extends a hand towards you, in case you want it, and offers a faint smile. "Let's get you out of here, first off, shall we?"
			
			You nod—it might not help much, but it'll be a start, at the very least. 
			
			Hekate heads for the door, and you find it easier to follow in her wake than to make a break for it yourself, so that's what you do.
	#"Do you think... we made the right decision?"
		"Do you think… we made the right decision?"
		
		You have to wonder. It's not as though you feel your opinion wasn't taken into account. In fact, if anything, you worry that the opposite might be true: that [i]too much[/i] weight might have been given to what you, specifically, thought of the situation.
		
		It's not like no one else had weighed in, but something about your words had felt very… final, in comparison, and you have the sense that if you'd chosen differently, the outcome would have changed, which in turn makes you worry you went wrong somewhere. 
		
		Carrying the weight of responsibility is… not a simple matter. 
		
		*if (route = "hades")
			"I'm not unsatisfied," Hades replies, tilting his head slightly. "It's true that there are a few different ways the matter could have resolved, but I don't think any of them would have been unjust. And I don't think there was any abuse of authority or excessive leniency here. Though… perhaps my opinion matters least, since I'm the one who decided." 
			
			Hekate huffs softly. "There's nothing to worry about," she replies, shaking her head. "Not that me saying so will necessarily convince you." 
			
			It does help a little, though; to know that no one has any serious objections to what was decided, and you feel yourself relax slightly. 
			
			"In any case, I think we can all adjourn here for today," Hades adds, offering you a faint smile. 
			
			"What, no huge queue of petitioners to get through?" Hermes asks, cocking a brow.
			
			"Well… yes, but none of that is something any of the rest of you have to worry about. And I wouldn't call it 'huge.' It's just that the matters will be technical and therefore take much discussion to resolve." 
			
			Hermes scrunches his face. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love you for sparing us all the boring technical meetings?"
			
			"No, but I assumed it was the case nevertheless."
			
			That makes the winged god grin. "You know me so well."
		*if (route = "hermes")
			"I'm not unsatisfied," Hades replies, tilting his head slightly. "It's true that there are a few different ways the matter could have resolved, but I don't think any of them would have been unjust. And I don't think there was any abuse of authority or excessive leniency here. Though… perhaps my opinion matters least, since I'm the one who decided." 
			
			"Relax, both of you. It's not like we were too harsh on them or anything." Hermes huffs. 
			*if (pirithouspunishment = "mercy")
				"If anything, we were probably a little too easy, but I think Your Deathliness put the fear of, uh… yourself into them enough to make up for it."
			*if (pirithouspunishment != "mercy")
				"What's a little community service, really? They're getting paid; if anything they'll probably march out of here claiming they looted the place or something."
			
			It does help a little, to know that no one has any serious objections to what was decided, and you feel yourself relax a bit.
			
			Hades shakes his head slightly, but does offer the faintest of smiles. "I think we can adjourn here for today, then. Though I have some other matters to attend to."
			
			"Huge queue of petitioners to get through?"
			
			"Well… yes, but none of that is something any of the rest of you have to worry about. And I wouldn't call it 'huge.' It's just that the matters will be technical and therefore take much discussion to resolve." 
			
			Hermes scrunches his face. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love you for sparing us all the boring technical meetings?"
			
			"No, but I assumed it was the case nevertheless."
			
			That makes Hermes grin. "You know me so well."
		*if (route = "charon")
			"I'm not unsatisfied," Hades replies, tilting his head slightly. "It's true that there are a few different ways the matter could have resolved, but I don't think any of them would have been unjust. And I don't think there was any abuse of authority or excessive leniency here. Though… perhaps my opinion matters least, since I'm the one who decided." 
			
			Charon hums. 
			*if (pirithouspunishment = "mercy")
				"If anything, I think perhaps we were too lenient, but considering the circumstances, it's probably best just to have done with them for good," they add, before settling their attention on Hades alone for a moment. "I suppose we might be dismissed for the day?"
			*if (pirithouspunishment != "mercy")
				"I believe the term of their sentence will be mutually productive," they add, a touch dryly. "Let us hope it is sufficient to teach them a bit of… discernment." 
				
				Settling their attention on Hades alone for a moment, they shift the topic. "I suppose we might be dismissed for the day?"
			
			It does help a little, you think, to know that no one has any serious objections to what was decided. You feel yourself relax a bit.
			
			The other god nods once, readily. "I think we can adjourn here for today, yes. Though I have some other matters to attend to."
			
			"Huge queue of petitioners to get through?" Hermes asks.
			
			"Well… yes, but none of that is something any of the rest of you have to worry about. And I wouldn't call it 'huge.' It's just that the matters will be technical and therefore take much discussion to get through." 
			
			Hermes scrunches his face. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love you for sparing us all the boring technical meetings?"
			
			"No, but I assumed it was the case nevertheless."
			
			Charon huffs softly. "And you were not incorrect to do so."
		*if (route = "pyri")
			"I'm not unsatisfied," Hades replies, tilting his head slightly. "It's true that there are a few different ways the matter could have resolved, but I don't think any of them would have been unjust. And I don't think there was any abuse of authority or excessive leniency here. Though… perhaps my opinion matters least, since I'm the one who decided." 
			
			Pyri seems to rejoin the present, so to speak, offering you a warm smile, if a little smaller than the grin that might otherwise have been there. "For what it's worth, I think it's fine. It's not like we're throwing them into the bottom of Tartarus or something."
			
			It does help a little, you think, to know that no one has any serious objections to what was decided. You feel yourself relax a bit.
			
			"And with that," Hades adds, "I think we can adjourn here for today. Tough I have some other matters to attend to." 
			
			"Huge queue of petitioners to get through?" Hermes asks.
			
			"Well… yes, but none of that is something any of the rest of you have to worry about. And I wouldn't call it 'huge.' It's just that the matters will be technical and therefore take much discussion to get through." 
			
			Hermes scrunches his face. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love you for sparing us all the boring technical meetings?"
			
			"No, but I assumed it was the case nevertheless."
			
			"Good assumption, if you ask me," Pyri replies, shaking their head slightly.
		*if (route = "alekto")
			"I'm not unsatisfied," Hades replies, tilting his head slightly. "It's true that there are a few different ways the matter could have resolved, but I don't think any of them would have been unjust. And I don't think there was any abuse of authority or excessive leniency here. Though… perhaps my opinion matters least, since I'm the one who decided." 
			
			Alekto relaxes a little, something you can see in the way the line of her shoulders changes. [i]We have not imposed upon them anything that will do them harm,[/i] she points out. Her attention shifts momentarily to Hades. [i]Are we dismissed?[/i]
			
			It does help a little, you think, to know that no one has any serious objections to what was decided. You feel yourself loosen a bit, too.
			
			He offers the faintest of smiles, and inclines his head. "I think we can adjourn here for today, yes. Though I've a few more things to take care of, myself." 
			
			"Well… yes, but none of that is something any of the rest of you have to worry about. And I wouldn't call it 'huge.' It's just that the matters will be technical and therefore take much discussion to get through." 
			
			Hermes scrunches his face. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love you for sparing us all the boring technical meetings?"
			
			"No, but I assumed it was the case nevertheless."
			
			[i]It was.[/i]
		*if (route = "hekate")
			"I'm not unsatisfied," Hades replies, tilting his head slightly. "It's true that there are a few different ways the matter could have resolved, but I don't think any of them would have been unjust. And I don't think there was any abuse of authority or excessive leniency here. Though… perhaps my opinion matters least, since I'm the one who decided." 
			
			Hekate smiles at you, expelling a breath. "I, for one, think we chose well within reasonable limits," she replies, pushing a few pink braids behind her shoulder. "Please tell me we can get out of here now; I've never liked this room."
			
			It does help a little, you think, to know that no one has any serious objections to what was decided. You feel yourself relax a bit.
			
			Hades offers a faint smile of his own. "I think we can adjourn here for today, yes. Though I've a few more things to take care of, myself." 
			
			"Well… yes, but none of that is something any of the rest of you have to worry about. And I wouldn't call it 'huge.' It's just that the matters will be technical and therefore take much discussion to get through." 
			
			Hermes scrunches his face. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love you for sparing us all the boring technical meetings?"
			
			"No, but I assumed it was the case nevertheless."
			
			Hekate huffs. "Only when the technicalities actually [i]are[/i] boring, but yes."
*page_break
*if (route = "hades")
	*goto chapter1hades
*if (route = "hermes")
	*goto chapter1hermes
*if (route = "charon")
	*goto chapter1charon
*if (route = "pyri")
	*goto chapter1pyri
*if (route = "alekto")
	*goto chapter1alekto
*if (route = "hekate")
	*goto chapter1hekate

*label chapter1hades
*if not (notgreat)
	It is, indeed, a little while longer before you see Hades again, but late that same evening, he joins you where you're sitting in your courtyard, getting some fresh air. It's fully repaired now, of course, the quake damage caused by the Giants being freed from their prison long gone. It's become somewhere you go, every now and then, to give yourself a few idle moments where you don't have to be doing anything at all. 
	
	You aren't, of course, surprised to feel him approaching, nor is his presence unwelcome as he takes a seat on the opposite end of your bench, releasing a soft breath as though he, too, is finally finding a moment to relax. 
	
	"Hello, again," he says, voice soft and perhaps even slightly awkward, in that way he has. "May I ask how the parts of your day have been that [i]didn't[/i] involve the judgement? I understand you had a lunch meeting this afternoon?"
	
	It's a little surprising he knows that, but then you think you might have mentioned it at dinner last night. So perhaps what's surprising is rather that he remembered such a small thing. 

	*fake_choice
		#"I did, actually. It was quite nice." 
			*set forthright +1
			*set warm +1
			"I did, actually. It was quite nice." You spend a little while explaining the contours of the discussion to him, and he listens with obvious attention, eyes firmly fixed on your face save for the occasions when he abruptly turns them to the environment for a while. Even then, though, he nods along in a way that makes it clear he does actually follow. 
			
			"I admit," he says, "it's a relief to know there are so many people here you get along with. Not that I'm… well. Maybe there is a sense in which I'm still surprised, but it isn't about you, exactly." He turns back towards you, and the awkward expression returns. 
			
			"I fear I am seldom at my most eloquent, when speaking with you," he says with a soft huff.
			
			"Well… good thing you don't have to be, then," you reply, smiling yourself. 
		#"I did. It was... fine, I suppose."
			*set forthright +1
			*set cold +1
			"I did. It was… fine, I suppose." You can't say it was
			*if (job != "none")
				much more than a necessary component of the position you occupy. Working with others to get things done is vital, and you certainly don't [i]dislike[/i] your coworkers or anything. But business is business, and you're not the sort to conflate it with anything else. 
			*if (job = "none")
				much fun, when it comes down to it, but sometimes maintaining good relations with people is something you have to put some work into. It's important, after all, to have good or at least decent relationships with the people around you, in order to live a good, comfortable life. 
			
			Hades hums quietly. "There's a certain pragmatism to how you conduct these things, isn't there?" It doesn't sound even remotely like a criticism, and you don't take it as one. "I think that practicality is a good trait to have, though I'm not sure I can claim much of it myself."
			
			"Not everyone has to," you point out. "Your ways of conducting yourself are effective for you, and mine are for me."
		#I nod, offering a smile. I quite enjoyed it, after all.
			*set reserved +1
			*set warm  +1
			You nod, offering a smile. You did quite enjoy it, after all. 
			
			Though you aren't really much for recounting whole conversations to people who weren't there, you do convey a few of the important or interesting parts, and and he listens with obvious attention, eyes firmly fixed on your face save for the occasions when he abruptly turns them to the environment for a while. Even then, though, he nods along in a way that makes it clear he does actually follow. 
			
			"I admit," he says, "it's a relief to know there are so many people here you get along with. Not that I'm… well. Maybe there is a sense in which I'm still surprised, but it isn't about you, exactly." He turns back towards you, and the awkward expression returns. 
			
			"I fear I am seldom at my most eloquent, when speaking with you," he says with a soft huff.
			
			You smile back with a trace of irony. You're not that 'eloquent' period, after all. 
			*if (tag_charming)
				You [i]can[/i] be, maybe, if you have to, but in truth words can seem… unnecessary, sometimes. 
		#I shrug. It's nothing all that worth a discussion.
			*set reserved +1
			*set cold +1
			You shrug. It's nothing all that worth a discussion. You can't say it was
			*if (job != "none")
				much more than a necessary component of the position you occupy. Working with others to get things done is vital, and you certainly don't [i]dislike[/i] your coworkers or anything. But business is business, and you're not the sort to conflate it with anything else. 
			*if (job = "none")
				much fun, when it comes down to it, but sometimes maintaining good relations with people is something you have to put some work into. It's important, after all, to have good or at least decent relationships with the people around you, in order to live a good, comfortable life. 
			
			Hades hums. "I suppose that's the way of it, sometimes," he says, apparently in something resembling agreement. "Things can certainly get mundane here, for all it seems there are people who don't believe it." 
			
			You narrow your eyes slightly. He's not wrong, of course; the fear of the Underworld seems to be… not exactly [i]ubiquitous[/i], for there will always be people like Pirithous, who know not when to be afraid, and people like the rest of you, who know when there is no need, but what you know of the attitudes on Olympus, and among mortals in general, leads you to conclude that he is quite correct. 
			
			The fact that life here can be as mundane or interesting by turns as anywhere else would be rather lost on most people. 
*if (notgreat)
	Glancing back at you once you've cleared the throne room, Hades pauses in his steps for a moment, then resumes, leading you to your courtyard. It's fully repaired now, of course, the quake damage caused by the Giants being freed from their prison long gone. It's become somewhere you go, every now and then, to give yourself a few idle moments where you don't have to be doing anything at all. 
	
	Either he knew that or simply took a guess. Whichever might be the case, you're grateful. 
	
	You take a seat on one of the benches, and he sits on the other end, giving you space but also remaining near. You pull in a few deep breaths, feeling yourself slowly settle. It was not a good experience, but you can tell that it's one you can recover from, and that's reassuring. 
	
	Already, knowing that you're here and safe and in control is doing you a world of good, so while you scrub your hands up and down your face a few times, your shoulders also relax. Eventually, you drop your hands into your lap and lean back against the bench, turning your eyes to the colorful patterned tiles surrounding the fountain at the courtyard's center. 
	
	Hades exhales softly, and from your periphery, you see him turn to you. "Is there anything I can do?"

	*fake_choice
		#"I will be okay. Thank you, for helping."
			*set warm +1
			*set forthright +1
			"I will be okay. Thank you, for helping." You manage a warm smile,
			*if (tag_uncharming = false)
				not a terribly difficult thing to do, but perhaps a [i]tad[/i] awkward, considering what you're still thinking about.
			*if (tag_uncharming)
				or at least, you try. You're never quite sure how such expressions look on your particular face. Probably a little awkward, right now, considering what you're still thinking about.
			
			But if it is, Hades doesn't give any indication of as much, merely inclining his head a little bit. "I don't think I did anything worth mentioning," he admits. "And really, I suppose it's mostly my fault that you were there in the first place. Helping you leave was the [i]least[/i] I could do." 
			
			You shake you head. "Don't blame yourself for me being there. I didn't know it was going to turn out like this, either. And… I'm really okay. It was uncomfortable, and I wouldn't want to do it again, but it's good that it happened."
			
			He presses his lips together for a moment, but then nods. "I worry, sometimes, that you take these things a little too easily on the chin, but I can't think of anything that would be [i]better[/i], as responses go." 
		#"I'm fine, or will be soon enough; you need not concern yourself."
			*set cold +1
			*set forthright +1
			"I'm fine, or will be soon enough; you need not concern yourself." You meet his eyes, solemn but straightforward. He doesn't need to worry about something like this, but you also don't feel any need to fall all over yourself assuring him that you're fine. Hades doesn't need that kind of thing; he believes you when you say something is true. 
			
			And this case doesn't seem to be any different; you see him relax a little, and he nods. "I think perhaps we have different ideas about what it is worth concerning myself with," he says with a faint, wry smile, "but if you are all right, then that is good."
			
			"I do hope you're not blaming yourself about how this happened," you say, brows knitting. "I didn't know what was going to come of it, either. It was uncomfortable, and I wouldn't want to do it again, but it is done, and you made no errors in seeing it so." 
			
			He presses his lips together, and you detect a hint of warmth in the way he regards you, you think. "There's a certain pragmatism to how you conduct these things, isn't there?" It doesn't sound even remotely like a criticism, and you don't take it as one. "I think that practicality is a good trait to have, though I'm not sure I can claim much of it myself."
			
			"Not everyone has to," you point out. "Your ways of conducting yourself are effective for you, and mine are for me."
		#I offer a small smile, hopefully a good enough indication that I'll be all right.
			*set warm +1
			*set reserved +1
			You offer a small smile, hopefully a good enough indication that you'll be all right. 
			*if (tag_uncharming = false)
				It's not a terribly difficult thing to do, but perhaps a [i]tad[/i] awkward, considering what you're still thinking about.
			*if (tag_uncharming)
				Or at least, you try. You're never quite sure how such expressions look on your particular face. Probably a little awkward, right now, considering what you're still thinking about.
			
			But if it is, Hades doesn't give any indication of as much, merely inclining his head a little bit. "Still… I apologize," he says. "Really, I suppose it's mostly my fault that you were there in the first place. I am glad I could help you leave as well, at least, for whatever iota that is worth." 
			
			You shake you head. "Don't blame yourself for me being there. I didn't know it was going to turn out like this, either."  And… you're really okay. It was uncomfortable, and you wouldn't want to do it again, but it's good that it happened.
			
			He presses his lips together for a moment, but then nods. "I worry, sometimes, that you take these things a little too easily on the chin, but I can't think of anything that would be [i]better[/i], as responses go." 
		#I shrug. I'll be fine, but there's not really anything else he can do about it one way or another. 
			*set cold +1
			*set reserved +1
			You shrug. You'll be fine, but there's not really anything else he can do about it one way or another. Getting you out of there was helpful, but the rest of it is simply… things you must process and get through on your own. 
			
			You meet his eyes, solemn but straightforward. He doesn't need to worry about something like this, but you also don't feel any need to fall all over yourself assuring him that you're fine. Hades doesn't need that kind of thing; he believes you when you say something is true. 
			
			And this case doesn't seem to be any different; you see him relax a little, and he nods. "I wonder sometimes if my concern is a burden to you," he says with a faint, wry smile, "but if you are all right, then that is good, and I will attempt to impose it upon you no further."
			
			"I do hope you're not blaming yourself about how this happened," you say, brows knitting. "I didn't know what was going to come of it, either." It was uncomfortable, and you wouldn't want to do it again, but it is done.
			
			He presses his lips together, and you detect a hint of warmth in the way he regards you, you think. "There's a certain pragmatism to how you conduct these things, isn't there?" It doesn't sound even remotely like a criticism, and you don't take it as one. "I think that practicality is a good trait to have, though I'm not sure I can claim much of it myself."
			
			"Not everyone has to," you point out. His ways of conducting himself are effective for him, and yours are for you.
*page_break
"I have always had… mixed feelings about the whole process, myself," he says after another moment, a crease appearing above his nose as his brows knit. "Judgement, I mean. Of mortals, or really anyone. I think perhaps the fact that I've foisted most of it off on the Judges might well be my own cowardice, on top of the other reasons."

"It makes sense, though," you reply, tilting your head slightly. "Having people who understand mortals judge them." 

"It does," he agrees, lifting a hand to grip his shoulder, tapping his thumb against his collarbone. "And yet I cannot help but feel that my own inability to do so is something of a… failure, in someone in my position."

*fake_choice
	#"Did you even [i]ask[/i] for your position, though?"
		"Did you even [i]ask[/i] for your position, though?" It's not something you've ever asked him directly, and yet there have been plenty of clues as to the answer. 
		
		Hades expels a quiet breath, squeezing his own shoulder a few times as if trying to work some stiffness out of the large muscle there, now. "Not as such," he admits. "It was just that, at the end of the Titanomachy, there were three realms that needed administrating, and my brother was rather insistent that they be divided between the three of us." 
		
		"He wouldn't have let someone else be the third?" 
		
		He shakes his head. "No one else would have volunteered, I don't think. I knew before the lots were drawn what would happen. Brontios—Zeus—was always meant to rule Olympus. It was Fate. As much as it is Fate for me to have wound up here. Even if I had tried to get around it, I would have wound up here somehow. It seemed… easier, not to fight it."
		
		You consider this for a moment, lips crimping thoughtfully. "Did you want it? Even a little?" 
		
		He's still a king, after all. You could see some people preferring being King of the Underworld to being a subject anywhere else.
		
		Hades huffs softly, offering you the smallest of wry smiles. "Well… the truth is there are plenty of things about it that I don't mind. And it's gotten better with time. But back then, if you'd asked me, I'd have said I wanted no part in ruling anything, and I'm not sure how much that has really changed." 
	#"Everyone has shortcomings, Hades... and honestly I think that barely even counts as one."
		"Everyone has shortcomings, Hades… and honestly I think that barely even counts as one." You can't be telling him anything he doesn't already know, and yet sometimes, there are things people need to hear from someone else. Hopefully hearing it from you will suffice. 
		
		But Hades shakes his head a little bit, squeezing his own shoulder a few times as if trying to work some stiffness out of the large muscle there, now. "It does for a king," he says slowly. "And whether I like it or not, I am certainly one of those."
		
		"Did you [i]not[/i] want it?" It's not something you've ever asked him directly, and yet there have been plenty of clues as to the answer. 
		
		Hades expels a quiet breath. "Not as such," he admits. "But, at the end of the Titanomachy, there were three realms that needed administrating, and my brother was rather insistent that they be divided between the three of us." 
		
		"He wouldn't have let someone else be the third?" 
		
		He shakes his head. "No one else would have volunteered, I don't think. I knew before the lots were drawn what would happen. Brontios—Zeus—was always meant to rule Olympus. It was Fate. As much as it is Fate for me to have wound up here. Even if I had tried to get around it, I would have wound up here somehow. It seemed… easier, not to fight it."
		
		You consider this for a moment, lips crimping thoughtfully. "And your feelings are still the same?"
		
		Hades huffs softly, offering you the smallest of wry smiles. "Well… the truth is there are plenty of things about it that I don't mind. And it's gotten better with time. But back then, if you'd asked me, I'd have said I wanted no part in ruling anything, and I'm not sure how much that has really changed." 
	#"Your position as King? I suppose it is a bit unusual that you outsource such a major component of governance."
		"Your position as King? I suppose it is a bit unusual that you outsource such a major component of governance." You don't know [i]much[/i] about rulership, and almost nothing that you haven't gleaned from either your mother or Olympus, but it does seem a little odd that he doesn't personally judge the dead most of the time. It's sort of… what the realm [i]does[/i]. 
		
		Hades wears a small frown, squeezing his own shoulder a few times as if trying to work some stiffness out of the large muscle there, now. "It may be," he admits. "But I think outsourcing something necessary to those with expertise is more important than maintaining a facade of all-encompassing authority. I am a king only incidentally, and I have tried not to forget that even more than that, I am only a person. One with his own flaws." 
		
		"Did you… want to be a king at all?" It's not something you've ever asked him directly, and yet there have been plenty of clues as to the answer. 
		
		Hades expels a quiet breath. "Not as such," he admits. "But, at the end of the Titanomachy, there were three realms that needed administrating, and my brother was rather insistent that they be divided between the three of us." 
		
		"He wouldn't have let someone else be the third?" 
		
		He shakes his head. "No one else would have volunteered, I don't think. I knew before the lots were drawn what would happen. Brontios—Zeus—was always meant to rule Olympus. It was Fate. As much as it is Fate for me to have wound up here. Even if I had tried to get around it, I would have wound up here somehow. It seemed… easier, not to fight it."
		
		You consider this for a moment, lips crimping thoughtfully. "And your feelings are still the same?"
		
		Hades huffs softly, offering you the smallest of wry smiles. "Well… the truth is there are plenty of things about it that I don't mind. And it's gotten better with time. But back then, if you'd asked me, I'd have said I wanted no part in ruling anything, and I'm not sure how much that has really changed."
	#"Are you so sure you'd be bad at it, though? You always seem fair and reasonable when I see you deciding things."
		"Are you so sure you'd be bad at it, though? You always seem fair and reasonable when I see you deciding things." Maybe that's obvious, but maybe it's not, and either way it feels like it's worth reminding him of. He handles his job much better than you imagine most people would. 
		
		Hades expels a quiet breath, squeezing his own shoulder a few times as if trying to work some stiffness out of the large muscle there, now. "I do appreciate that," he says, a touch wryly, "but that is precisely because of the fact that you have seen me doing only those parts of 'ruling' that I believe myself to be relatively competent at. I do not believe myself to be cruel or unreasonable, and I have people around me to check my biases and spot flaws in my logic, and so… it is as 'comfortable' as deciding such matters is ever going to get." 
		
		The 'not very' is left implied. 
		
		"Did you… want to be a king at all?" It's not something you've ever asked him directly, and yet there have been plenty of clues as to the answer. 
		
		Hades expels a quiet breath. "Not as such," he admits. "But, at the end of the Titanomachy, there were three realms that needed administrating, and my brother was rather insistent that they be divided between the three of us." 
		
		"He wouldn't have let someone else be the third?" 
		
		He shakes his head. "No one else would have volunteered, I don't think. I knew before the lots were drawn what would happen. Brontios—Zeus—was always meant to rule Olympus. It was Fate. As much as it is Fate for me to have wound up here. Even if I had tried to get around it, I would have wound up here somehow. It seemed… easier, not to fight it."
		
		You consider this for a moment, lips crimping thoughtfully. "And your feelings are still the same?"
		
		Hades huffs softly, offering you the smallest of wry smiles. "Well… the truth is there are plenty of things about it that I don't mind. And it's gotten better with time. But back then, if you'd asked me, I'd have said I wanted no part in ruling anything, and I'm not sure how much that has really changed."
*page_break
You pause a moment, giving that some thought. It's obvious he's concerned in some way about his relationships with mortals, or at least his ability to act as judge of them, which is connected to his knowledge of them. And yet, there's one very obvious factor he doesn't seem to be considering. 

*if (warm > cold)
	"Well… I'm not sure if this is much reassurance, but whether you want to be a king or not, you seem to be doing a rather good job of it. The spirits that know you personally always respect you very much, in my experience. Maybe you know them better than you think."
*if not (warm > cold)
	You purse your lips. "If you're convinced you are inadequate king, I doubt I could change your mind. However, you should consider how the mortals that know you personally feel. I have never met a spirit who knows you and does not respect what you do. From that perspective, you do not seem to have the dearth of knowledge you think you do."

Hades smiles softly, shifting his hand to run it through his hair. His fingers catch on the obsidian wreath of his office, and his nose crinkles, just for a moment, as he removes it from his head, hanging it on one of the bench's arms. "I appreciate that perspective," he says with a small nod. "But I'm not sure having familiarity with the dead is the same as knowing the living. They are quite different, after all—for example, the trait you might call 'ambition' tends to be absent or at least quite muted in the dead, and yet it is very important to understanding the living. There are few personal conflicts in the Underworld. No empires or kingdoms or states. No significant differences in 'social class.' I know enough to understand that all of these things are important to the living, but not enough to see how they interact with mortal limitations to produce feelings and motivations gods are ill-equipped to understand or interpret."

*fake_choice
	#"So you want to know more about the living?"
		"So you want to know more about the living?" That seems to be what he's implying here, at the core of it. Presumably that desire is in part [i]because[/i] he thinks it would make him a better King to do so, but there's a certain earnestness in the way he talks… not to mention the fact that Hades rarely says so much at once, unless he needs to give detailed instructions, or is truly interested in the topic. 
		
		This would have to fall into the latter category, as there are no instructions to be given. 
		
		He nods again, this time a little more animatedly. "I would," he says. "I think often that I would, and then the next thing that I must do comes up, and I have to put the thought on hold. But I've been thinking… maybe now is the time to actually do it." 
		
		His face falls into that blank expression, and you can tell he's pondering his next words carefully. 
	#"I admit, I'd never thought about it in any great detail before. Maybe we're more different than I'd have guessed."
		"I admit, I'd never thought about it in any great detail before. Maybe we're more different than I'd have guessed."
		
		Hades blinks. "You and I?" he asks, "or deities and humans?"
		
		"The latter," you confirm with a tiny huff. "Though I suppose you and I are somewhat different in that you have clearly devoted more thought to this than I." There's a certain earnestness in the way he talks… not to mention the fact that Hades rarely says so much at once, unless he needs to give detailed instructions, or is truly interested in the topic. 
		
		This would have to fall into the latter category, as there are no instructions to be given. 
		
		He shakes his head faintly. "One of the privileges of a life measured in eons is the time to think about quite a lot of things," he observes. "Even things that are abstract and not very useful. Still… thinking only goes so far without practical experience, and in this I am still lacking. But… maybe now is the time to actually acquire some." 
		
		His face falls into that blank expression, and you can tell he's pondering his next words carefully.
	#"You really don't need to know more, and you'd probably be discontent if you did. Humans are awful."
		*set tag_humansdislike true
		"You really don't need to know more, and you'd probably be discontent if you did. Humans are awful." 
		
		Your own firsthand experience is perhaps not to be measured in large units, but you've seen enough. You understand enough. That 'ambition,' and those things like kingdoms and empires and so on—all of that leads to terrible outcomes. You've seen and heard enough of how their world functions to understand that. 
		
		There's a certain earnestness in the way he talks… not to mention the fact that Hades rarely says so much at once unless he needs to give detailed instructions or the topic is important to him. Well, you know it's the latter, and you don't want to crush his enthusiasm or anything, but better you do so gently than that he eventually encounters the same reality and hurts for it. 
		
		He studies you quietly for a moment, thoughtful, and then he slowly shakes his head. "Maybe," he says, "in some ways what you're saying is true. But I don't think it's the whole story. I don't think it can be. And… maybe now is the time for me to actually find out."
		
		His face falls into that blank expression, and you can tell he's pondering his next words carefully.
	#"I know where you're coming from. I think a lot of gods think they understand human ambition because they understand their own. But as you point out, those are fundamentally different things."
		"I know where you're coming from. I think a lot of gods think they understand human ambition because they understand their own. But as you point out, those are fundamentally different things." You've thought about this more than a little bit yourself, and you have to admit it's a bit [i]exciting[/i] to learn that some of his thoughts mirror your own. It isn't so often, you think, that a deity with as much power and authority as Hades has is so open to the possibility that there might be things about the world he doesn't yet know. 
		
		He smiles, probably easily catching on to your interest. "I would be very interested to know whether the difference is fundamental," he says, with a small nod. "But then I would be interested to know a lot of things." 
		
		There's a certain earnestness in the way he talks… not to mention the fact that Hades rarely says so much on the same matter, unless he needs to give detailed instructions, or is truly interested in the topic. 
		
		This would have to fall into the latter category, as there are no instructions to be given.
		
		"I would, too," you admit, almost a little wryly. 
		
		"Then," he says, "perhaps it is time both you and I discovered those things we want to know." 
		
		His face falls into that blank expression, and you can tell he's pondering his next words carefully.
*page_break
"I think… most of all…" He trails off, brows knitting together for a moment. "Most of all I just wish I had a bit more… I wish I was a bit [i]closer[/i], to living humans. I don't want to be worshipped or anything, but it would be nice if… it would be nice if I could have something to do with how they live, and not just how things go once they have died."

*fake_choice
	#"You do plenty, you know? How things go when they're dead is [i]important[/i] for how their lives end up, too."
		"You do plenty, you know? How things go when they're dead is [i]important[/i] for how their lives end up, too." 
		
		"…It is," he agrees, pressing his fingertips together in his lap. "And yet I can't help but feel that only working at one half of the cycle is in some way not doing enough. So many people come to the Underworld having lived lives that, frankly, were so little of their own doing, and far too brutal and short. I can't help but think… surely there must be something I can do about that. What is my power for, if not making things better for them?"
		
		You suppose you'd never thought much about that specifically. What the power of the gods is for. It had never struck you as [i]for[/i] anything in particular, just something they had that they then used at their own will, for their own purposes. 
		
		You aren't sure which of those hypotheses, if either, is correct, but it's an interesting question, at least. 
		
		What is [i]your[/i] power for?
	#"I know how you feel. I'm only very minor, so I don't have all that much to do with them, either."
		"I know how you feel. I'm only very minor, so I don't have all that much to do with them, either."
		
		"It's difficult," he says, as if in agreement, pressing his fingertips together in his lap. "And yet I can't help but feel that only working at our proscribed pieces of things is in some way not doing enough. So many people come to the Underworld having lived lives that, frankly, were so little of their own doing, and far too brutal and short. I can't help but think… surely there must be something I can do about that. What is my power for, if not making things better for them?"
		
		You suppose you'd never thought much about that specifically. What the power of the gods is for. It had never struck you as [i]for[/i] anything in particular, just something they had that they then used at their own will, for their own purposes. 
		
		You aren't sure which of those hypotheses, if either, is correct, but it's an interesting question, at least. 
		
		What is [i]your[/i] power for?
	#"Isn't it... better, maybe, to leave that to the gods with the relevant domains?"
		"Isn't it... better, maybe, to leave that to the gods with the relevant domains?"
		
		"That's certainly the conventional wisdom on the topic," Hades says, in something not quite agreement. He presses his fingertips together in his lap. "And yet I can't help but feel that only working at one half of the cycle is in some way not doing enough. So many people come to the Underworld having lived lives that, frankly, were so little of their own doing, and far too brutal and short. I can't help but think… surely there must be something I can do about that. What is my power for, if not making things better for them?"
		
		You suppose you'd never thought much about that specifically. What the power of the gods is for. It had never struck you as [i]for[/i] anything in particular, just something they had that they then used at their own will, for their own purposes. 
		
		You aren't sure which of those hypotheses, if either, is correct, but it's an interesting question, at least. 
		
		What is [i]your[/i] power for?
	#"So... do it. What's really stopping you?"
		"So… do it. What's really stopping you?"
		
		"You make it sound so easy," Hades says, perhaps faintly amused. He presses his fingertips together in his lap. "The conventional wisdom, of course, is that it is better to leave such matters to the deities with the appropriate domains and influence. And yet I can't help but feel that only working at one half of the cycle is in some way not doing enough. So many people come to the Underworld having lived lives that, frankly, were so little of their own doing, and far too brutal and short. I can't help but think… surely there must be something I can do about that. What is my power for, if not making things better for them?"
		
		You suppose you'd never thought much about that specifically. What the power of the gods is for. It had never struck you as [i]for[/i] anything in particular, just something they had that they then used at their own will, for their own purposes. 
		
		You aren't sure which of those hypotheses, if either, is correct, but it's an interesting question, at least. 
		
		What is [i]your[/i] power for?
*page_break
"In any case…" Hades laces his fingers together, then loosens them again. "I wonder, now, if this is an enterprise you would be willing to undertake alongside me?" He tilts his head, making eye contact with you for a moment. 

*if (forthright > reserved)
	"I think I could really use your counsel. You have a certain…" he pauses, as if searching for the precise word. "A certain straightforwardness, I suppose. I am not often worried about what you are really thinking, because you tend to tell me. I think that would be very helpful, in this." 
	
	You suppose you can kind of see what he means. It's new territory, so having someone there to help who isn't going to hold back what they think could be useful. You're not going to just let him flounder if you see a solution, and you're not the type to just tell him whatever you think he wants to hear, either. 
	
	Not that Hades specifically strikes you as the kind of person who 'wants to hear' anything other than the truth, generally. Which would only make it simpler to grant the request.
*if not (forthright > reserved)
	"I think I could really use your counsel. You have a certain…" he pauses, as if searching for the precise word. "A certain thoughtfulness, I suppose. Your words seldom seem impulsive, or less than considered, when you speak. I think that would be very helpful, in this."
	
	You suppose you can kind of see what he means. It's new territory, so having someone there to help who isn't going to give voice to every half-baked suggestion that comes to mind may turn out to be useful. Clearly, he's treating this very seriously, and you're not the sort to say things just to say them. You're… cautious, in a way. With your words. Something this will clearly deserve. 
	
	Not that Hades strikes you as reckless or anything. But that would only make it easier to grant the request, you suppose. 

*label hadeshelpmenu
*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse #"Wouldn't one of the others be a better choice for this?"
		"Wouldn't one of the others be a better choice for this?" Several of them have more experience with humanity than you do, after all. Pyri [i]was[/i] a human, at one point, though since they don't remember much of it, maybe that's a bit difficult. Still, Alekto deals with living humans, and as far as you know, both Hermes and Hekate are actively worshipped by fairly sizable cults. 
		
		Though… he [i]had[/i] said he wasn't interested in being worshipped. 
		
		Hades shakes his head promptly. "I would prefer to do this with you," he says simply.
		
		Well. You don't really have an argument for [i]that[/i].
		*goto hadeshelpmenu
	#"I'd be happy to help. Having the experience for myself won't hurt, either."
		*set confident +1
		"I'd be happy to help. Having the experience for myself won't hurt, either." You think it's a worthwhile thing, what he's trying to do here. And learning more about humans for yourself won't hurt matters, certainly. You've never had much direct interaction with them, and while you're not exactly sure what Hades has in mind here, you think it'll at least help you learn more about them. 
		
		He visibly relaxes, if only a little, and offers you perhaps the broadest smile you've ever seen from him—there's a flash of pointed eyetooth at the edge of it, even, though it quickly fades back into something more moderate, as an expression. 
		
		"Thank you," he says. "That is… it puts my mind at ease to have your support." 
		
		"It's really no problem," you reply, shaking your head.
		*if (hades_second = "crush")
			Admittedly, your heart's still in your throat a little. Your sometimes-silly crush on the man couldn't possibly let you see an expression like that on his face and not kick you in the chest. But you've got it… mostly under control, at the moment. 
		*if (hades_second != "crush")
			It's nice to see him smile like that, and knowing you were the cause is… warming. 
	#"I'm not sure how good I'll be at all this... but if you think I can help, then I'll do my best."
		*set unsure +1
		"I'm not sure how good I'll be at all this… but if you think I can help, then I'll do my best." You're not entirely sure what to make of the whole thing just yet. Learning more about humans seems… noble, as goals go, but you've yet to be told the means by which the two of you will do so. Still… Hades never asks you for [i]anything[/i]. The idea that you might actually be able to help him is enough to decide the matter for you. 
		
		He visibly relaxes, if only a little, and offers you perhaps the broadest smile you've ever seen from him—there's a flash of pointed eyetooth at the edge of it, even, though it quickly fades back into something more moderate, as an expression. 
		
		"Thank you," he says. "That is… it puts my mind at ease to have your support." 
		
		"It's really no problem," you reply, shaking your head.
		*if (hades_second = "crush")
			Admittedly, your heart's still in your throat a little. Your sometimes-silly crush on the man couldn't possibly let you see an expression like that on his face and not kick you in the chest. But you've got it… mostly under control, at the moment. 
		*if (hades_second != "crush")
			It's nice to see him smile like that, and knowing you were the cause is… warming.
	#"I'm not entirely sure of the [i]value[/i] of this enterprise, still, but if you're asking, I won't say no."
		"I'm not entirely sure of the [i]value[/i] of this enterprise, still, but if you're asking, I won't say no." How getting to know living humans will make any difference, or why he'd even want to, are still a little beyond you, even after the explanations. You have to assume he is starting from a very different set of ideas than you are. But still… Hades never asks you for [i]anything[/i]. The idea that you might actually be able to help him is enough to decide the matter for you. 
		
		He visibly relaxes, if only a little, and offers you perhaps the broadest smile you've ever seen from him—there's a flash of pointed eyetooth at the edge of it, even, though it quickly fades back into something more moderate, as an expression. 
		
		"Thank you," he says. "That is… it puts my mind at ease to have your support." 
		
		"It's really no problem," you reply, shaking your head.
		*if (hades_second = "crush")
			Admittedly, your heart's still in your throat a little. Your sometimes-silly crush on the man couldn't possibly let you see an expression like that on his face and not kick you in the chest. But you've got it… mostly under control, at the moment. 
		*if (hades_second != "crush")
			It's nice to see him smile like that, and knowing you were the cause is… warming.
*page_break
Expelling a quiet breath, he stands. "Then… I should prepare," he says, a thin thread of something like… anxiety in his tone. Or maybe it's more like excitement? You can't be quite sure. 

"I will see you again soon, ${name}."

"See you soon, Hades."
*goto endchapter1

*label chapter1hermes
*if not (notgreat)
	Glancing back at you once you've cleared the throne room, Hermes pauses in his steps for a moment, then resumes, leading you to your courtyard. It's fully repaired now, of course, the quake damage caused by the Giants being freed from their prison long gone. It's become somewhere you go, every now and then, to give yourself a few idle moments where you don't have to be doing anything at all. 
	
	When you take a seat, he takes one beside you, leaving you enough space but remaining close in the way you know he prefers. 
	
	Stretching his arms up for a moment, Hermes expels a breath in a slightly-exaggerated sigh. "Well. Glad that's over. How was lunch, by the way? I was going to ask, but then we got stuck right into the serious stuff." 
	
	It doesn't at all surprise you, somehow, that Hermes, famous for his thoughtlessness and shallow nature on Olympus, remembers an offhand comment that you made a few nights ago about your appointment today.

	*fake_choice
		#"It was quite nice." 
			*set forthright +1
			*set warm +1
			"It was quite nice." You spend a little while explaining the contours of the discussion to him, and he listens with the occasional nod. His eyes wander a bit, around the courtyard and up to the darkness above, but you can tell he's properly attentive nevertheless—you've seen what it looks like when he isn't. 
			
			"You know," he says, after you've finished, turning to give you a little grin. "You've really settled in here. It's great." 
			
			You suppose you have, at that.
		#"It was... fine, I suppose."
			*set forthright +1
			*set cold +1
			"It was… fine, I suppose." You can't say it was
			*if (job != "none")
				much more than a necessary component of the position you occupy. Working with others to get things done is vital, and you certainly don't [i]dislike[/i] your coworkers or anything. But business is business, and you're not the sort to conflate it with anything else. 
			*if (job = "none")
				much fun, when it comes down to it, but sometimes maintaining good relations with people is something you have to put some work into. It's important, after all, to have at least decent relationships with the people around you, in order to live a good, comfortable life. 
			
			"So nothing to write home about, huh?" Hermes shrugs. "Fair enough. Don't take this the wrong way, but I think being a little bored sometimes is actually a sign that you've settled in really well here."
			
			You can kind of see what he means, actually. 
		#I nod, offering a smile. I quite enjoyed it, after all.
			*set reserved +1
			*set warm  +1
			You nod, offering a smile. You did quite enjoy it, after all. 
			
			Though you aren't really much for recounting whole conversations to people who weren't there, you do convey a few of the important or interesting parts, and he listens with the occasional nod. His eyes wander a bit, around the courtyard and up to the darkness above, but you can tell he's properly attentive nevertheless—you've seen what it looks like when he isn't. 
			
			"You know," he says, after you've finished, turning to give you a little grin. "You've really settled in here. It's great." 
			
			You suppose you have, at that.
		#I shrug. It's nothing all that worth a discussion.
			*set reserved +1
			*set cold +1
			You shrug. It's nothing all that worth a discussion. You can't say it was
			*if (job != "none")
				much more than a necessary component of the position you occupy. Working with others to get things done is vital, and you certainly don't [i]dislike[/i] your coworkers or anything. But business is business, and you're not the sort to conflate it with anything else. 
			*if (job = "none")
				much fun, when it comes down to it, but sometimes maintaining good relations with people is something you have to put some work into. It's important, after all, to have good or at least decent relationships with the people around you, in order to live a good, comfortable life. 
			
			"So nothing to write home about, huh?" Hermes shrugs. "Fair enough. Don't take this the wrong way, but I think being a little bored sometimes is actually a sign that you've settled in really well here."
			
			You can kind of see what he means, actually. 
*if (notgreat)
	Glancing back at you once you've cleared the throne room, Hermes pauses in his steps for a moment, then resumes, leading you to your courtyard. It's fully repaired now, of course, the quake damage caused by the Giants being freed from their prison long gone. It's become somewhere you go, every now and then, to give yourself a few idle moments where you don't have to be doing anything at all. 
	
	Either he knew that or simply took a guess. Whichever might be the case, you're grateful. 
	
	You take a seat on one of the benches, and he sits fairly close by, giving you a bit of space but also remaining near. You pull in a few deep breaths, feeling yourself slowly settle. It was not a good experience, but you can tell that it's one you can recover from, and that's reassuring. 
	
	Already, knowing that you're here and safe and in control is doing you a world of good, so while you scrub your hands up and down your face a few times, your shoulders also relax. Eventually, you drop your hands into your lap and lean back against the bench, turning your eyes to the colorful patterned tiles surrounding the fountain at the courtyard's center. 
	
	"Hey, Sunshine," Hermes murmurs. "Anything I can help with?"
	
	*fake_choice
		#"I will be okay. Thank you, for helping."
			*set warm +1
			*set forthright +1
			"I will be okay. Thank you, for helping." You manage a warm smile,
			*if (tag_uncharming = false)
				not a terribly difficult thing to do, but perhaps a [i]tad[/i] awkward, considering what you're still thinking about.
			*if (tag_uncharming)
				or at least, you try. You're never quite sure how such expressions look on your particular face. Probably a little awkward, right now, considering what you're still thinking about.

			Hermes's brow knits slightly, and he expels a breath. "I suppose if you say so I should believe you, but… I'm really not sure what I did that was all that helpful. Leaving with you is hardly anything worth mentioning." He shakes his head, but Hermes is Hermes, and the fact that you [i]are[/i] beginning to feel better clearly isn't lost on him, either. 
			
			"Well, it's worth mentioning to me," you point out.
			
			"See, Sunshine, this is why we get along so well. You give me too much credit too easily, and I don't actually have to do anything to earn it."
			
			You manage a subtle roll of your eyes.
		#"I'm fine, or will be soon enough; you need not concern yourself."
			*set cold +1
			*set forthright +1
			"I'm fine, or will be soon enough; you need not concern yourself." You meet his eyes, solemn but straightforward. He doesn't need to worry about something like this, but you also don't feel any need to fall all over yourself assuring him that you're fine. Hermes doesn't need that kind of thing. 

			His brow knits a little, and he expels a breath. "I suppose if you say so I should believe you," he says. "But sometimes I wonder if you don't treat yourself just a little bit too ruthlessly." 
			
			"Are you sure I'm not just ruthless to you?" you ask dryly, and he laughs. 
			
			"Okay, that could also be it. But even if it is, let me have my delusions. I like to believe I'm just a bit special to you, you see, and that even if you're ruthless in general, there's a soft spot there in the cockles of your little black heart just for me." He flashes a grin. 
			
			You roll your eyes. 
		#I offer a small smile, hopefully a good enough indication that I'll be all right.
			*set warm +1
			*set reserved +1
			You offer a small smile, hopefully a good enough indication that you'll be all right. 
			*if (tag_uncharming = false)
				It's not a terribly difficult thing to do, but perhaps a [i]tad[/i] awkward, considering what you're still thinking about.
			*if (tag_uncharming)
				Or at least, you try. You're never quite sure how such expressions look on your particular face. Probably a little awkward, right now, considering what you're still thinking about.

			Hermes's brow knits slightly, and he expels a breath. "I suppose if you say so I should believe you, but… sometimes I wonder if you really take care of yourself properly." He shakes his head, but Hermes is Hermes, and the fact that you [i]are[/i] beginning to feel better clearly isn't lost on him, either. 
			
			You lift one hand, offering a slightly-exaggerated shrug as you tilt it from side to side, and Hermes laughs. 
			
			"I'm not sure I find that reassuring, Sunshine, but I'll pretend I do, for now."
			
			You roll your eyes, just a little.
		#I shrug. I'll be fine, but there's not really anything else he can do about it one way or another. 
			*set cold +1
			*set reserved +1
			You shrug. You'll be fine, but there's not really anything else he can do about it one way or another. Getting you out of there was helpful, but the rest of it is simply… things you must process and get through on your own. 

			You meet his eyes, solemn but straightforward. He doesn't need to worry about something like this, but you also don't feel any need to fall all over yourself assuring him that you're fine. Hermes doesn't need that kind of thing.

			His brow knits a little, and he expels a breath. "I suppose if you say so I should believe you," he says. "But sometimes I wonder if you don't treat yourself just a little bit too ruthlessly." 
			
			"Are you sure I'm not just ruthless to you?" you ask dryly, and he laughs. 
			
			"Okay, that could also be it. But even if it is, let me have my delusions. I like to believe I'm just a bit special to you, you see, and that even if you're ruthless in general, there's a soft spot there in the cockles of your little black heart just for me." He flashes a grin. 
			
			You roll your eyes. 
*page_break
Hermes half-smiles, leaning back against the bench and adjusting his wings slightly to accommodate. One accidentally brushes your arm, but he draws it back quickly, settling it in a slightly different spot. 

"It's always felt a little weird to me, being part of all that," he adds, waving his hand vaguely in the direction you'd come from. "Honestly the first few times I was way too nervous to even say anything. These days it's easier, but sometimes I hear what the issue is for the day and I can't help but think 'why does anyone care about my opinion on this,' you know?"

He tilts his head, lifting a brow at you.

*fake_choice
	#"Well, presumably something about your opinion is valuable to Hades."
		"Well, presumably something about your opinion is valuable to Hades." You don't know, of course, why exactly he's chosen the particular set of advisors he has, except that they all seem to be his closest friends. But then, when it comes to the connection between those facts, you're not sure about which one came first. Are they his friends because he spends the most time with them, or did he choose to bring them into his inner circle of governance because they were his friends? 
		
		Hermes snorts. "'Presumably,' you say," he replies. "Thanks for the vote of confidence." 
		
		"That wasn't meant to indicate skepticism. Only that I don't know exactly what it would be," you point out. 
		
		His lips twitch. "Yeah, I know. But that's kind of the funny part, right? That you don't know what part of me makes my opinion worthwhile. But I know you weren't being unkind." And indeed, he seems quite unfazed, picking up one hand and using it to rub idly at the back of his neck. 
		
		"To be honest, I don't know, either. I'm sure as heck never invited to share my opinions in the other court, and when I do anyway, people tend to ignore me. It really is like living in two completely different worlds sometimes. Good thing all my favorite people are in one place now."
		
		*if (result != "underworld")
			"Sometimes."
			
			He glances at you from the corner of his eye and huffs. "Sometimes."
	#"Nepotism, maybe?"
		"Nepotism, maybe?" You sincerely doubt that's the [i]only[/i] reason, of course, but it remains a fact that Hades's advisors all seem to be his closest friends. But then, when it comes to the connection between those facts, you're not sure about which one came first. Are they his friends because he spends the most time with them, or did he choose to bring them into his inner circle of governance because they were his friends? 
		
		"In a strange reversal, Zeus turns out to have a more virtuous government than His Deathliness? There's a twist for you. The Underworld is rife with corruption, after all. Advisors appointed just for their relation to the big god in charge." 
		
		"I wasn't seriously suggesting that it was just that," you point out. 
		
		His lips twitch. "Yeah, I know. But that's kind of the funny part, right? That you don't know what about me makes my opinion worthwhile. But I know you weren't being unkind." And indeed, he seems quite unfazed, picking up one hand and using it to rub idly at the back of his neck. 
		
		"To be honest, I don't know, either. I'm sure as heck never invited to share my opinions in the other court, and when I do anyway, people tend to ignore me. It really is like living in two completely different worlds sometimes. Good thing all my favorite people are in one place now."
		
		*if (result != "underworld")
			"Sometimes."
			
			He glances at you from the corner of his eye and huffs. "Sometimes."
	#"Seriously? You've never seemed to have a problem telling anyone and everyone what's on your mind."
		"Seriously? You've never seemed to have a problem telling anyone and everyone what's on your mind." It's sort of strange to imagine that he might have reservations about such a thing, or find it strange. If anything, Hermes has a tendency to [i]overshare[/i] his own opinions on things. 
		
		*if (hermes_backstory = "friends")
			Not that you'd ever found it egregious or anything. But he's never been what you'd call 'reserved,' so it's interesting to hear that he'd ever felt strange about advising his uncle of all people, someone who presumably didn't mind the tendency at all. 
		*if (hermes_backstory = "strangers")
			At least, as far as you'd been able to tell. You haven't known him well—or at all—until recently, and you suppose when it comes to the more serious matters, he [i]is[/i] somewhat less talkative, but you'd never call him 'reserved,' either. 
		*if (hermes_backstory = "rivals")
			Or at least, you'd found it to be so. It had been one of the things about him that rubbed you the wrong way. But you concede that, since the two of you have really properly gotten to know each other, you've noted that he's somewhat less talkative when it comes to serious matters. You'd still never call him 'reserved,' though. 
		
		"Sure," he replies, huffing softly. "But there's a difference between times when I'm just saying whatever because I can and times when what I say might have something to do with how someone's life goes, you know? The old man sure doesn't invite me to say anything when it's important. It really is like living in two completely different worlds sometimes. Good thing all my favorite people are in one place now."
		
		*if (result != "underworld")
			"Sometimes."
			
			He glances at you from the corner of his eye and huffs. "Sometimes."
	#"I think it makes sense. If I was in charge of this sort of thing, I'd want your opinion, too."
		"I think it makes sense. If I was in charge of this sort of thing, I'd want your opinion, too." You'd want a lot of different opinions—it's not hard for you to understand why Hades does things the way he does—but one of the ones you'd definitely want is Hermes's. 
		
		It's not because he's particularly learned or particularly sagacious or anything. He's not as much a fool as he acts, but it isn't special expertise. It's the fact that he thinks differently from other people, and you know there's a vein of compassion in him that runs very deep. That's really important, you think. 
		
		"Yeah?" He chuckles, but you think he might actually be a little pleased by the assessment. "Maybe you and His Deathliness know something I don't, then."
		
		"I could explain?" Maybe. It's hard to say exactly how well you'd be able to put it to words when it's mostly a feeling you have, but you could try if he wanted you to.
		
		"Hmm. I'll have to think about that. The mystery is so intriguing, and I can believe whatever answer I want if you don't. Anyway, not the main point here. I was… well, I dunno. I guess I was trying to get at the way it's different, here. The old man sure doesn't invite me to say anything when it's important. It really is like living in two completely different worlds sometimes. Good thing all my favorite people are in one place now."
		
		*if (result != "underworld")
			"Sometimes."
			
			He glances at you from the corner of his eye and huffs. "Sometimes."
*page_break
Hermes laces his fingers together at the back of his neck, tipping his head back for a moment. "So… I hope you don't think this is like… a rude thing to ask right now, but I've kind of got this… I don't even know if I could call it a [i]problem[/i], exactly, because it isn't for me, but I have a [i]situation[/i], and I'm kind of hoping maybe you can help me figure out how I want to handle it."

He shrugs. "Since we're on the topic of interacting with mortals, kind of."

You have [i]no idea[/i] what he's talking about, but it doesn't feel [i]rude[/i] of him to ask, so you shake your head. "What is it?"

"Let's say I know this mortal. He's a pretty decent guy, and I've kind of been sponsoring him a little. Though I guess he's mostly one of Athena's, you know how it is. But let's say I think he's about to do something [i]really[/i] stupid, and also likely to result in the death of… let's say a complicated, but mostly-innocent person. He has a reason, and really don't think I can talk him out of this because of the strength of that reason. Should I…" He frowns, crinkling his nose a bit. "I'm just not sure I should get involved, on the one hand, but on the other I feel like it'd be kind of terrible of me not to." 

*fake_choice
	#"Okay, well... to me it sounds like you should obviously at least [i]try[/i] to stop him, yes."
		"Okay, well... to me it sounds like you should obviously at least [i]try[/i] to stop him, yes." The part that makes it obvious is the one where an innocent person will presumably at least be [i]maybe[/i] murdered if he doesn't. Maybe that's a little small-scale for a god of Hermes's stature, but on the other hand if he's thinking about it as something he [i]might[/i] need to do, then he clearly doesn't consider it beneath him just because of that. 
		
		He sighs, long and soft. "Yeah. Yeah, I think I already knew that. I just… I don't know. It feels a little weird to step in. Like I might be treading on Athena's toes with this one, and I [i]really[/i] don't want to be on her bad side, you know?"
		
		"You could talk to her about it?"
		
		"Are you kidding?" He turns his head to regard you with incredulously-wide, silver eyes. "That's the [i]worst[/i] idea. You never ask Athena for [i]permission[/i]. You do whatever you were going to do and hope she forgives you. Which she absolutely wouldn't do if she'd already explicitly told you 'no.'
		
		*if (athena_backstory)
			You… suppose you can sort of understand why he'd think so. She's a very strict person, even more with herself but quite a lot with others as well. He's probably not wrong that it's worse to ask her if you can do something and then do it even after she's withheld permission. 
		*if not (athena_backstory)
			It's not like you know her, to be able to say whether he's right or wrong about that. She does have something of a reputation for strictness, you suppose you'd call it. Both with herself and others. So maybe he has the right idea here. 
		
		Still… it's a little unfortunate. But hopefully she'll understand his motives are good.
	#"I don't know if I'd get involved if it were me, but if your conscience is bothering you, it's probably wise to listen."
		"I don't know if I'd get involved if it were me, but if your conscience is bothering you, it's probably wise to listen." You're not sure it's ever a good idea to get mixed up in mortal affairs, but then you have little experience to tell for sure. More to the point, this is about what [i]Hermes[/i] should do, and it sounds like he already knows what the answer is, really. 
		
		He sighs, long and soft. "Yeah. Yeah, I think I already knew that. I just… I don't know. It feels a little weird to step in. Like I might be treading on Athena's toes with this one, and I [i]really[/i] don't want to be on her bad side, you know?"
		
		"You could talk to her about it?"
		
		"Are you kidding?" He turns his head to regard you with incredulously-wide, silver eyes. "That's the [i]worst[/i] idea. You never ask Athena for [i]permission[/i]. You do whatever you were going to do and hope she forgives you. Which she absolutely wouldn't do if she'd already explicitly told you 'no.'
		
		*if (athena_backstory)
			You… suppose you can sort of understand why he'd think so. She's a very strict person, even more with herself but quite a lot with others as well. He's probably not wrong that it's worse to ask her if you can do something and then do it even after she's withheld permission. 
		*if not (athena_backstory)
			It's not like you know her, to be able to say whether he's right or wrong about that. She does have something of a reputation for strictness, you suppose you'd call it. Both with herself and others. So maybe he has the right idea here. 
		
		Still… it's a little unfortunate. But hopefully she'll understand his motives are good.
	#"Are you sure you want to get caught up in human affairs? They always sound messy." 
		"Are you sure you want to get caught up in human affairs? They always sound messy." And you aren't sure involving himself in that mess is a wise idea. Granted, maybe the situation's a little different, if he feels responsible for at least one of them, but it's not likely that he's talking about a [i]child[/i] or anything. You doubt his intervention is truly necessary in that sort of sense. 
		
		"They are, but then so are deific ones," Hermes points out. "I understand what you're saying—maybe it's messiest when those two things mix—but it's… I don't know. I think of him as a friend, of sorts, and I just really don't want to see things go down the road they're probably about to." 
		
		"…Well, then it sounds like you already know the answer," you point out.
		
		He sighs, long and soft. "Yeah. Yeah, I probably do. I just… I don't know. It feels a little weird to step in. Like I might be treading on Athena's toes with this one, and I [i]really[/i] don't want to be on her bad side, you know?"
		
		"You could talk to her about it?"
		
		"Are you kidding?" He turns his head to regard you with incredulously-wide, silver eyes. "That's the [i]worst[/i] idea. You never ask Athena for [i]permission[/i]. You do whatever you were going to do and hope she forgives you. Which she absolutely wouldn't do if she'd already explicitly told you 'no.'
		
		*if (athena_backstory)
			You… suppose you can sort of understand why he'd think so. She's a very strict person, even more with herself but quite a lot with others as well. He's probably not wrong that it's worse to ask her if you can do something and then do it even after she's withheld permission. 
		*if not (athena_backstory)
			It's not like you know her, to be able to say whether he's right or wrong about that. She does have something of a reputation for strictness, you suppose you'd call it. Both with herself and others. So maybe he has the right idea here. 
		
		Still… it's a little unfortunate. But hopefully she'll understand his motives are good.
	#"I don't think I really have enough information to judge the situation."
		"I don't think I really have enough information to judge the situation." Maybe the gist, but you have no idea who these people are, no idea what makes one of them 'mostly' innocent, and no idea what unknown factor might make the other feel as though they must act. You can't say who's right or wrong or some degree of each, and without that sense it's hard to be able to tell Hermes whether he should interfere or not. 
		
		"Right… I guess it's hard just based on what I've said, a bit. But I [i]do[/i] think that's all the important stuff. I feel like my friend is going to make a mistake, but also like I don't know any good alternatives. But I guess I think if I could help somehow, maybe we'd be able to come up with something, you know?"
		
		"…Well, then it sounds like you already know the answer," you point out.
		
		He sighs, long and soft. "Yeah. Yeah, I probably do. I just… I don't know. It feels a little weird to step in. Like I might be treading on Athena's toes with this one, and I [i]really[/i] don't want to be on her bad side, you know?"
		
		"You could talk to her about it?"
		
		"Are you kidding?" He turns his head to regard you with incredulously-wide, silver eyes. "That's the [i]worst[/i] idea. You never ask Athena for [i]permission[/i]. You do whatever you were going to do and hope she forgives you. Which she absolutely wouldn't do if she'd already explicitly told you 'no.'
		
		*if (athena_backstory)
			You… suppose you can sort of understand why he'd think so. She's a very strict person, even more with herself but quite a lot with others as well. He's probably not wrong that it's worse to ask her if you can do something and then do it even after she's withheld permission. 
		*if not (athena_backstory)
			It's not like you know her, to be able to say whether he's right or wrong about that. She does have something of a reputation for strictness, you suppose you'd call it. Both with herself and others. So maybe he has the right idea here. 
		
		Still… it's a little unfortunate. But hopefully she'll understand his motives are good.
*page_break
Hermes blows out a breath. "Actually… now that I really get to thinking about how I might do this… do you think you'd be willing to help me out, Sunshine?"
*if (warm > cold)
	He offers a slightly-wry smile. "You're honestly way more compassionate than I am, and I think maybe that'll be pretty important, for this."
*if not (warm > cold)
	He offers a slightly-wry smile. "You're much better at not letting things cloud your judgement than I am; I think clear eyes like yours will really help."

You can't say you expected him to ask directly for your help when you started talking about this problem of his, but… maybe it's not so strange. 

*label hermeshelpmenu
*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse #"Wouldn't it make more sense to ask one of the others?" 
		"Wouldn't it make more sense to ask one of the others?" You're not sure exactly what will turn out to be involved here, but you're such an inexperienced ${god} compared to literally all of them, except maybe Pyri, and [i]they[/i] have experience [i]being human[/i], which is something you certainly can't replicate. 
		
		"Well, it's not like I won't ask them for advice if I think I need it," Hermes replies with a shrug. "But no, I don't think for this part it would make sense to ask anyone before you." He flashes a grin, with a hint of mischief to it. 
		
		"Let's say I think it's a job for Sunshine."
		*goto hermeshelpmenu
	#"I'd be happy to help, if you think I'm that suited to it."
		*set confident +1
		"I'd be happy to help, if you think I'm that suited to it." He's given a reason for thinking so, and while you somehow don't think it's the [i]only[/i] reason he's asked for your help, specifically, that's fine, too. If Hermes thinks you can help, you see no reason not to believe him, and no reason to turn him down. 
		
		It sounds like this might become something a bit personally challenging for him, after all, so you want to be able to support him, as he has so often supported you. 
		
		"Good." There's a note of relief in his tone, and he gives you half a grin. "And I mean that. Somehow, I feel like this'll actually work out, if you're on the case with me. Let me have some time to track him down, and then I'll get back to you?"
		
		You nod. "That's fine, of course."
		
		It's probably not difficult to 'lose track' of a single person in a very big world, after all. You won't be much help with finding anyone, so you can wait until the next part of things.
	#"I'm not sure how helpful I'll actually be, but I'll do my best." 
		*set unsure +1
		"I'm not sure how helpful I'll actually be, but I'll do my best." It's not that you doubt he really wants your help, just… you're not entirely sure you agree with his assessment of [i]why[/i] you'd be helpful, or even whether or not those things he seems to be thinking about will even actually apply to the situation. But if he wants you there, you're not going to turn him down. 
		
		It sounds like this might become something a bit personally challenging for him, after all, so you want to be able to support him, as he has so often supported you. 
		
		"Good." There's a note of relief in his tone, and he gives you half a grin. "And I mean that. Somehow, I feel like this'll actually work out, if you're on the case with me. Let me have some time to track him down, and then I'll get back to you?"
		
		You nod. "That's fine with me."
		
		It's probably not difficult to 'lose track' of a single person in a very big world, after all. You won't be much help with finding anyone, so you can wait until the next part of things.
	#"I don't entirely think this is a good idea, but if you're in it... so am I, I suppose."
		"I don't entirely think this is a good idea, but if you're in it... so am I, I suppose." It [i]still[/i] doesn't strike you as a great idea to be getting involved with humans, exactly, but it seems like this is something he can't just let go, so… if he really wants you there, you'll be there, and you'll do what you can to set your misgivings about the whole thing aside. 
		
		It sounds like this might become something a bit personally challenging for him, after all, so you want to be able to support him, as he has so often supported you. 
		
		"Good." There's a note of relief in his tone, and he gives you half a grin. "And I mean that. Somehow, I feel like this'll actually work out, if you're on the case with me. Let me have some time to track him down, and then I'll get back to you?"
		
		You nod. "That's fine with me."
		
		It's probably not difficult to 'lose track' of a single person in a very big world, after all. You won't be much help with finding anyone, so you can wait until the next part of things.
*page_break
"Great." Hermes huffs, the sound just short of a laugh. "And thank you. I guess… I'll have to put in some work, now. Imagine that." 

"Stranger things have happened," you reply.

"Yeah, but not many, I don't think."
*goto endchapter1

*label chapter1charon
*if not (notgreat)
	Glancing back at you once you've cleared the throne room, Charon pauses in their steps for a moment, then resumes, leading you to your courtyard. It's fully repaired now, of course, the quake damage caused by the Giants being freed from their prison long gone. It's become somewhere you go, every now and then, to give yourself a few idle moments where you don't have to be doing anything at all. 
	
	When you take a seat, he takes one on the opposite end of the same bench. They're not [i]that[/i] large, so you take this gesture to be in deference to personal space, rather than any sort of avoidance. 
	
	"That was all… quite something," they murmur, brows furrowing as they fix their eyes on the fountain at the center of the courtyard. "I meant to ask before matters began, but you'd had an appointment just before, hadn't you? How was it?"
	
	It is not in the least surprising that Charon would remember a detail of that sort, and ask after it, even though you'd only mentioned it once in passing.

	*fake_choice
		#"It was quite nice." 
			*set forthright +1
			*set warm +1
			"It was quite nice." You spend a little while explaining the contours of the discussion to him, and he listens with the occasional nod. Their eyes move once to you before shifting back to the water feature, but it isn't hard to tell that they're paying attention.
			
			"It is, as ever, a relief to see how well you are settling into life here," they say, turning their gaze back to you for a moment. "I may have mentioned this, but many of us, myself included, had a much more difficult time adjusting to it all."
		#"It was... fine, I suppose."
			*set forthright +1
			*set cold +1
			"It was… fine, I suppose." You can't say it was
			*if (job != "none")
				much more than a necessary component of the position you occupy. Working with others to get things done is vital, and you certainly don't [i]dislike[/i] your coworkers or anything. But business is business, and you're not the sort to conflate it with anything else. 
			*if (job = "none")
				much fun, when it comes down to it, but sometimes maintaining good relations with people is something you have to put some work into. It's important, after all, to have at least decent relationships with the people around you, in order to live a good, comfortable life. 
			
			Charon hums, thoughtful. "I think I'll take it as a sign of how comfortable you are here that sometimes daily life bores you," they say, with a touch of amusement. "I may have mentioned this, but many of us, myself included, had a much more difficult time adjusting to it all."
		#I nod, offering a smile. I quite enjoyed it, after all.
			*set reserved +1
			*set warm  +1
			You nod, offering a smile. You did quite enjoy it, after all. 
			
			Though you aren't really much for recounting whole conversations to people who weren't there, you do convey a few of the important or interesting parts, and they listen with the occasional nod. Their eyes move once to you before shifting back to the water feature, but it isn't hard to tell that they're paying attention.
			
			"It is, as ever, a relief to see how well you are settling into life here," they say, turning their gaze back to you for a moment. "I may have mentioned this, but many of us, myself included, had a much more difficult time adjusting to it all."
		#I shrug. It's nothing all that worth a discussion.
			*set reserved +1
			*set cold +1
			You shrug. It's nothing all that worth a discussion. You can't say it was
			*if (job != "none")
				much more than a necessary component of the position you occupy. Working with others to get things done is vital, and you certainly don't [i]dislike[/i] your coworkers or anything. But business is business, and you're not the sort to conflate it with anything else. 
			*if (job = "none")
				much fun, when it comes down to it, but sometimes maintaining good relations with people is something you have to put some work into. It's important, after all, to have good or at least decent relationships with the people around you, in order to live a good, comfortable life. 
			
			Charon hums, thoughtful. "I think I'll take it as a sign of how comfortable you are here that sometimes daily life bores you," they say, with a touch of amusement. "I may have mentioned this, but many of us, myself included, had a much more difficult time adjusting to it all."
*if (notgreat)
	Glancing back at you once you've cleared the throne room, Charon pauses in his steps for a moment, then resumes, leading you to your courtyard. It's fully repaired now, of course, the quake damage caused by the Giants being freed from their prison long gone. It's become somewhere you go, every now and then, to give yourself a few idle moments where you don't have to be doing anything at all. 
	
	Either they knew that or simply took a guess. Whichever might be the case, you're grateful. 
	
	You take a seat on one of the benches, and he takes one on the opposite end of the same bench. They're not [i]that[/i] large, so you take this gesture to be in deference to personal space, rather than any sort of avoidance. 
	
	You pull in a few deep breaths, feeling yourself slowly settle. It was not a good experience, but you can tell that it's one you can recover from, and that's reassuring. 
	
	Already, knowing that you're here and safe and in control is doing you a world of good, so while you scrub your hands up and down your face a few times, your shoulders also relax. Eventually, you drop your hands into your lap and lean back against the bench, turning your eyes to the colorful patterned tiles surrounding the fountain at the courtyard's center. 
	
	"Is there anything I can do?" Charon asks after a few more moments have ticked by. As it always seems to be, their voice is gentle and reassuring in its pitch and tone. 
	
	*fake_choice
		#"I will be okay. Thank you, for helping."
			*set warm +1
			*set forthright +1
			"I will be okay. Thank you, for helping." You manage a warm smile,
			*if (tag_uncharming = false)
				not a terribly difficult thing to do, but perhaps a [i]tad[/i] awkward, considering what you're still thinking about.
			*if (tag_uncharming)
				or at least, you try. You're never quite sure how such expressions look on your particular face. Probably a little awkward, right now, considering what you're still thinking about.
			
			Charon considers this for a moment, then nods slowly. "If you say so, I've little reason to believe otherwise." Smiling, they add, "it's reassuring to hear. It should be the last time you need to do anything involving those men, but I admire your resilience in getting through it." 
			
			"I don't know if resilience is the exact word," you point out. You [i]had[/i], after all, not handled it spectacularly there at the end, necessarily. 
			
			"I do," Charon replies simply.
		#"I'm fine, or will be soon enough; you need not concern yourself."
			*set cold +1
			*set forthright +1
			"I'm fine, or will be soon enough; you need not concern yourself." You meet their eyes, solemn but straightforward. He doesn't need to worry about something like this, but you also don't feel any need to fall all over yourself assuring him that you're fine. Charon would probably only be [i]more[/i] concerned if you tried.

			Charon considers this for a moment, then nods slowly. "If you say so, I've little reason to believe otherwise." Smiling, they add, "it's reassuring to hear. It should be the last time you need to do anything involving those men, but I admire your resilience in getting through it." 
			
			"I don't know if resilience is the exact word," you point out. You [i]had[/i], after all, not handled it spectacularly there at the end, necessarily. 
			
			"I do," Charon replies simply.
		#I offer a small smile, hopefully a good enough indication that I'll be all right.
			*set warm +1
			*set reserved +1
			You offer a small smile, hopefully a good enough indication that you'll be all right. 
			*if (tag_uncharming = false)
				It's not a terribly difficult thing to do, but perhaps a [i]tad[/i] awkward, considering what you're still thinking about.
			*if (tag_uncharming)
				Or at least, you try. You're never quite sure how such expressions look on your particular face. Probably a little awkward, right now, considering what you're still thinking about.
			
			Charon considers this for a moment, then nods slowly. "If you indicate so, I've little reason to believe otherwise." Smiling, they add, "it's reassuring to see. It should be the last time you need to do anything involving those men, but I admire your resilience in getting through it." 
			
			"I don't know if resilience is the exact word," you point out. You [i]had[/i], after all, not handled it spectacularly there at the end, necessarily. 
			
			"I do," Charon replies simply.
		#I shrug. I'll be fine, but there's not really anything else he can do about it one way or another. 
			*set cold +1
			*set reserved +1
			You shrug. You'll be fine, but there's not really anything else he can do about it one way or another. Getting you out of there was helpful, but the rest of it is simply… things you must process and get through on your own. 

			You meet their eyes, solemn but straightforward. He doesn't need to worry about something like this, but you also don't feel any need to fall all over yourself assuring him that you're fine. Charon would probably only be [i]more[/i] concerned if you tried.
			
			Charon considers this for a moment, then nods slowly. "If you indicate so, I've little reason to believe otherwise." Smiling, they add, "it's reassuring to see. It should be the last time you need to do anything involving those men, but I admire your resilience in getting through it." 
			
			"I don't know if resilience is the exact word," you point out. You [i]had[/i], after all, not handled it spectacularly there at the end, necessarily. 
			
			"I do," Charon replies simply.
*page_break
He's quiet for a while, just letting things settle, you think. For a while, you mind wanders to other things, but they bring the topic back, in a certain sense, after a few minutes of quiet. 

"I used to feel very strange, being included in such things as judgement. For the longest time, I couldn't understand why Hades bothered to consult me, especially because we often disagreed about what the final outcome should be." He huffs softly. "Perhaps we still often do, but I think I've gotten used to that being my role, in a way."

You've noticed a little bit of that, in fact. Charon often argues from a standpoint you might call 'conservative,' in the sense that you can tell they're most interested in protecting the integrity of the Underworld, its reputation, the spirits already in it, and the current way it is run, as opposed to someone like Hermes, who seems to have reasonably little care for precedent and caution. 

*fake_choice
	#"If I can be honest for a moment, I think he should listen to you more. Compassion for outsiders is good, but we can't forget to protect the people who need us most, either." 
		"If I can be honest for a moment, I think he should listen to you more. Compassion for outsiders is good, but we can't forget to protect the people who need us most, either." If everything everyone keeps saying about 'Fate' is correct, there could be serious consequences for continuing to push against it like that, and even if that doesn't enter into things… the Underworld works well as it is. Part of the fact that it works at all is because some of the ways it works are absolute, or close. And the more Hades pulls at the 'close' parts, opening them up in specific cases, the more you come to be worried about the whole. 
		
		Charon shakes their head. "On the contrary. I do not feel that he ever fails to fully consider what I am saying. But the considerations that to me are most important cannot be the only ones he looks at. He must assess every viewpoint, and see what in it is valuable and what in it can be ignored. It is an unenviable job, but I have never been dissatisfied by the results. My worry is always for implications in the future, yet to be seen." 
		
		"That's still important."
		
		"Oh, I know. It's very important. But, the Underworld hasn't fallen apart yet, not even when we nearly lost Lethe. I think that's enough to earn a little faith from me. It's true that in his position I would choose differently. But I do not run the Underworld, much to my own relief."
	#"Do you not feel strange about it anymore?"
		"Do you not feel strange about it anymore?" He'd spoken of that feeling in the past tense, and yet what seemed to be the core reason for that strangeness—the frequent disagreement—obviously remains. 
		
		Charon shakes their head. "I've come to understand why he wants my advice," he replies. "But the considerations that to me are most important cannot be the only ones he looks at. He must assess every viewpoint, and see what in it is valuable and what in it can be ignored. It is an unenviable job, but I have never been dissatisfied by the results. My worry is always for implications in the future, yet to be seen." 
		
		"That does seem fairly important, though." 
		
		"Oh, I know. But, the Underworld hasn't fallen apart yet, not even when we nearly lost Lethe. I think that's enough to earn a little faith from me. It's true that in his position I would choose differently. But I do not run the Underworld, much to my own relief."
	#"I've noticed you usually argue for whatever is closest to the status quo. Why is that?"
		"I've noticed you usually argue for whatever is closest to the status quo. Why is that?" To be fair, you've seen such a small percentage of the judgments Charon has presumably participated in that you can't be sure of that, but it seems like a worthwhile question nevertheless. 
		
		Charon tilts their head to the side, but they don't deny the statement. "It is… a good 'status quo,'" he points out. "It might not seem that way to someone who thinks the process of death and rebirth is inherently cruel, but it is. The way the Underworld runs now is about as merciful and gentle as such a process can be… and we have no say over the process itself. I want to protect that. And protect the people I care for, who live here and rely on the realm's safety and stability to flourish." 
		
		You suppose that's a pretty good reason, as they go. "So… do you think Hades should agree with you more often?"
		
		"On the contrary. I do not feel that he ever fails to fully consider what I am saying. But the considerations that to me are most important cannot be the only ones he looks at. He must assess every viewpoint, and see what in it is valuable and what in it can be ignored. It is an unenviable job, but I have never been dissatisfied by the results. My worry is always for implications in the future, yet to be seen." 
		
		"That's does seem important, though. The future."
		
		"Oh, I know. It's very important. But, the Underworld hasn't fallen apart yet, not even when we nearly lost Lethe. I think that's enough to earn a little faith from me. It's true that in his position I would choose differently. But I do not run the Underworld, much to my own relief."
	#"But I think maybe he trusts your judgement the most out of everyone, if I can say that."
		"But I think maybe he trusts your judgement the most out of everyone, if I can say that." You're not exactly sure you have [i]proof[/i] of that assertion. It's more like a feeling. Hades hasn't outright said that he relies on Charon more than anyone else, and you suppose, looking at it from the outside, you might think that maybe Hekate is his closest advisor. She's the 'Chief' Minister, after all. Or Alekto, who perhaps has the most crucial duties, in some sense of the word. 
		
		And yet for all that, something still makes you think that Hades trusts Charon the most of all of you. 
		
		Charon frowns for a moment, tilting their head a little to the side. 'It is… difficult to describe how we relate to one another," he admits. "It is the most profound configuration of similarities and differences I have ever known. It makes me a much better person than I otherwise would be. For him… I hope it does something." They huff softly. 
		
		"But I am not concerned that he ever fails to fully consider what I am saying, if that is the doubt you are attempting to assuage. Quite the contrary. But the considerations that to me are most important cannot be the only ones he looks at. He must assess every viewpoint, and see what in it is valuable and what in it can be ignored. It is an unenviable job, but I have never been dissatisfied by the results. My worry is always for implications in the future, yet to be seen." 
		
		"That's does seem important, though. The future."
		
		"Oh, I know. It's very important. But, the Underworld hasn't fallen apart yet, not even when we nearly lost Lethe. I think that's enough to earn a little faith from me. It's true that in his position I would choose differently. But I do not run the Underworld, much to my own relief."
*page_break
There's another lengthy pause here, and this time you get the impression that Charon is thinking very hard about something. There's a tension to him that you rarely see—while you wouldn't call them a 'relaxed' person exactly, they are at least [i]serene[/i]… except now. Now you don't find much of that placidity in evidence at all. They're physically [i]still[/i], and yet something else all but radiates off of them.

*if (tag_intuitive)
	Anxiety, you recognize. It's anxiety.
*if not (tag_intuitive)
	You're not sure exactly what, but it's unusual.

"…Are you all right?"

Charon startles, even though your voice was quite soft. "I… that is a difficult question to answer, at the moment." He smiles, a sense of strain behind it. "There is something I need to do, and I was hoping to ask you to accompany me, but I wonder now if it is too great an imposition. It has to do with… trying to make something right that has been very wrong for a long time now."

*fake_choice
	#"So ask me. I'll decide whether it's too much or not."
		"So ask me. I'll decide whether it's too much or not." A simple solution to something that really doesn't need to be any kind of problem. 
	#"There's some way I could help you? Please tell me!"
		"There's some way I could help you? Please tell me!" They've helped you so much over your time here; the opportunity to return the favor is something you jump at immediately. 
	#"I don't want to make you talk about something unpleasant, but if it's just about whether to ask me or not... please do."
		"I don't want to make you talk about something unpleasant, but if it's just about whether to ask me or not... please do." You can understand having some reservations about asking for help, and you can tell just from how he's acting that 'complicated' might be an understatement about the matter. But still, if you can assist, you at least want the chance to choose whether you offer to.
	#I nod along, making a gesture for them to continue.
		You nod along, making a gesture for them to continue. You can understand having some reservations about asking for help, and you can tell just from how he's acting that 'complicated' might be an understatement about the matter. But still, if you can assist, you at least want the chance to choose whether you offer to.
*line_break
*line_break
"Well…" Charon expels a breath. "I'm in the process of petitioning Poseidon for permission to visit part of his realm. Ordinarily, I am not permitted to leave the Underworld, per the terms of my exile, but Hades and Hekate have been looking into ways to make this possible for me. I have—" he pauses, grimacing. 

"I have what could be called 'unfinished business' there. Several apologies to make, at the very least. The thing is… I am not sure I could make the journey alone. From an… emotional standpoint, you understand. So…"
*page_break
His lips purse. "I suppose the question I'm really asking is… would you be willing to accompany me, for that? I could—truthfully, I could use your support. I can't promise things won't become hostile, but I certainly do not foresee violence, or anything of that nature. Rather…"

*if (selfless > selfcaring)
	He pauses a moment, as if in deliberation. "There is a certain quality to your company. One that puts me at ease. Perhaps it is selfish of me to hope that you will give of your time and effort as freely for me as you do for others, but… nonetheless I admit I [i]am[/i] hoping that."
*if not (selfless > selfcaring)
	He pauses a moment, as if in deliberation. "There is a certain quality to your company. One that puts me at ease. Perhaps it is selfish of me to hope that you will give of your time and effort on my behalf… but at least I know that you won't do so recklessly or without regard for yourself. Which makes asking… much easier."

You've admittedly never even been to Poseidon's realm before, and several logistical issues immediately spring to mind. But you're sure Charon wouldn't have gone so far as to ask you if they didn't already have those things accounted for, so what it comes down to is just whether or not you want to help them weather this. 

*label charonhelpmenu
*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse #"Wouldn't one of the others be more suitable for such a thing?"
		"Wouldn't one of the others be more suitable for such a thing?" You know that their reasons for choosing you are personal, and yet, you can't help but think that he's at least as close to some of the others as he is to you. And there would certainly be advantages to having some of them around that you cannot promise. You don't even know the whole story behind why he's doing this, or what happened, and you aren't entirely sure he intends to tell you. 
		
		Charon shakes their head. "You are my first choice," they reply simply. "But if you would prefer justification, then… bringing Hades or Hekate might be interpreted as provocation, or cause problems with Poseidon himself. Alekto or Pyri are likely to be a tad too defensive of me, and Hermes… might not be a poor second choice, but he does not enjoy underwater environs, to say the least. I would also prefer not to involve Styx in this matter; she has her own apologies to make, in her own time."
		*goto charonhelpmenu
	#"Of course I want to help. I'll do my best."
		*set confident +1
		"Of course I want to help. I'll do my best." What else can you say, then they make such a request of you. It sounds like doing this might be quite unpleasant for him, but you doubt anything that occurs will be focused on you. You'll be there to support Charon, and that's something you absolutely can do.
		
		They visibly relax when you say so, and you wonder just what they expected as an answer. Maybe it's less the expectation that you'd refuse and more anxiety that you would—the whole matter does seem to bother him more than you've seen anything else do. 
		
		"Thank you," they say softly. "I cannot… I cannot express how immense a relief that is. I—I am conscious that I owe you more of an explanation than I have yet given, and I promise I will do that before we arrive, but at the moment I just need to… decide how I'm going to tell it. It is not a pleasant story." 
		
		"Well… you can take your time, you know. Whatever you need to do." 
		
		"Thank you for that, as well." Charon gives you a wan smile, but it's genuine at least. 
	#"I really don't know how helpful I'll be, but... if you're asking, I'm going with you."
		*set unsure +1
		"I really don't know how helpful I'll be, but… if you're asking, I'm going with you." You don't really know much about the situation, and you're not inclined to think highly of your ability to deal with what you [i]do[/i] know, and yet there's no question for you that this is what you're going to do. Charon has helped you so much; you can hardly imagine doing otherwise when he needs you. 
		
		They visibly relax when you say so, and you wonder just what they expected as an answer. Maybe it's less the expectation that you'd refuse and more anxiety that you would—the whole matter does seem to bother him more than you've seen anything else do. 
		
		"Thank you," they say softly. "I cannot… I cannot express how immense a relief that is. I—I am conscious that I owe you more of an explanation than I have yet given, and I promise I will do that before we arrive, but at the moment I just need to… decide how I'm going to tell it. It is not a pleasant story." 
		
		"Well… you can take your time, you know. Whatever you need to do." 
		
		"Thank you for that, as well." Charon gives you a wan smile, but it's genuine at least. 
	#"I'm not entirely sure this is a good idea, but if you're set on it, I'll be there with you."
		"I'm not entirely sure this is a good idea, but if you're set on it, I'll be there with you." It just… you're not entirely sure they're ready to do this, from how much difficulty they seem to have even talking about it. And apologizing to people you've wronged in the past certainly doesn't always go [i]well[/i]. You don't know the whole situation, but the potential issues are not likely to become [i]fewer[/i] in number when you get the details. 
		
		Still… Charon has helped you a great deal; if he wants your help, he has it. 
		
		They visibly relax when you say so, and you wonder just what they expected as an answer. Maybe it's less the expectation that you'd refuse and more anxiety that you would—the whole matter does seem to bother him more than you've seen anything else do.  
		
		"Thank you," they say softly. "I cannot… I cannot express how immense a relief that is. I—I am conscious that I owe you more of an explanation than I have yet given, and I promise I will do that before we arrive, but at the moment I just need to… decide how I'm going to tell it. It is not a pleasant story." 
		
		"Well… you can take your time, you know. Whatever you need to do." 
		
		"Thank you for that, as well." Charon gives you a wan smile, but it's genuine at least. 
*page_break
Rising, they release a long, soft breath. "For now… I should see to further preparations. I… thank you, ${name}. Perhaps I am saying that too often, but seldom is gratitude so appropriate as it is right now." 

"You're welcome, Charon. You don't [i]have[/i] to keep saying it, but I understand." 

"And that is a great relief." Shaking their head slightly, they dip into a shallow bow. "Until next time, then."
*goto endchapter1

*label chapter1pyri
*if not (notgreat)
	Glancing back at you once you've cleared the throne room, Pyri pauses in their steps for a moment, then resumes, leading you to your courtyard. It's fully repaired now, of course, the quake damage caused by the Giants being freed from their prison long gone. It's become somewhere you go, every now and then, to give yourself a few idle moments where you don't have to be doing anything at all. 
	
	When you take a seat, they take one next to you, carefully outside what you usually consider your personal space, but not by much. They've kind of got it down to a science at this point.
	
	"So…" They seem to struggle a little bit, shaking their head before they're able to finish what they're saying. "That was… actually, never mind that, right now. You had like a… a lunch thing today, right? How was it?"
	
	Given how attentive they are to the people around them, it's not entirely surprising they remembered that, but on the other hand after the hour they've just had you're kind of impressed. You're not sure you would have quite the same wherewithal.

	*fake_choice
		#"It was quite nice." 
			*set forthright +1
			*set warm +1
			"It was quite nice." You spend a little while explaining the contours of the discussion to them, and they listen with obvious attention.
			
			"Well that's good, I think." Pyri huffs softly. "Most of my 'lunch appointments' are with like… Kerby, but I guess my job isn't that important or anything so it kind of makes sense." 
			
			"Your job is important," you reply, feeling your brows furrow just a touch. "Very much so." 
			
			"Eh." They blow out a sigh, rubbing at the back of their neck. "Maybe I'm just annoyed that people keep getting through me. What's the use of a gatekeeper who can't, y'know, [i]keep[/i] the [i]gate[/i]?"
			
			The question seems rhetorical, and you don't have an immediate answer for that, so for a moment, there's a pause. 
		#"It was... fine, I suppose."
			*set forthright +1
			*set cold +1
			"It was… fine, I suppose." You can't say it was
			*if (job != "none")
				much more than a necessary component of the position you occupy. Working with others to get things done is vital, and you certainly don't [i]dislike[/i] your coworkers or anything. But business is business, and you're not the sort to conflate it with anything else. 
			*if (job = "none")
				much fun, when it comes down to it, but sometimes maintaining good relations with people is something you have to put some work into. It's important, after all, to have at least decent relationships with the people around you, in order to live a good, comfortable life. 
			
			"Well… I guess that's okay, then?" Pyri shrugs. "Most of my 'lunch appointments' are with like… Kerby, but I guess my job isn't that important or anything so it kind of makes sense." 
			
			"Your job is clearly important," you reply matter-of-factly. Anyone would agree, after all.
			
			"Eh." They blow out a sigh, rubbing at the back of their neck. "Maybe I'm just annoyed that people keep getting through me. What's the use of a gatekeeper who can't, y'know, [i]keep[/i] the [i]gate[/i]?"
			
			The question seems rhetorical, and you don't have an immediate answer for that, so for a moment, there's a pause. 
		#I nod, offering a smile. I quite enjoyed it, after all.
			*set reserved +1
			*set warm  +1
			You nod, offering a smile. You did quite enjoy it, after all. 
			
			Though you aren't really much for recounting whole conversations to people who weren't there, you do convey a few of the important or interesting parts, and they listen, attention obviously fixed on you the whole time.
			
			"Well that's good, I think." Pyri huffs softly. "Most of my 'lunch appointments' are with like… Kerby, but I guess my job isn't that important or anything so it kind of makes sense." 
			
			"Your job is important," you reply, feeling your brows furrow just a touch. "Very much so." 
			
			"Eh." They blow out a sigh, rubbing at the back of their neck. "Maybe I'm just annoyed that people keep getting through me. What's the use of a gatekeeper who can't, y'know, [i]keep[/i] the [i]gate[/i]?"
			
			The question seems rhetorical, and you don't have an immediate answer for that, so for a moment, there's a pause. 
		#I shrug. It's nothing all that worth a discussion.
			*set reserved +1
			*set cold +1
			You shrug. It's nothing all that worth a discussion. You can't say it was
			*if (job != "none")
				much more than a necessary component of the position you occupy. Working with others to get things done is vital, and you certainly don't [i]dislike[/i] your coworkers or anything. But business is business, and you're not the sort to conflate it with anything else. 
			*if (job = "none")
				much fun, when it comes down to it, but sometimes maintaining good relations with people is something you have to put some work into. It's important, after all, to have good or at least decent relationships with the people around you, in order to live a good, comfortable life. 
			
			"Well… I guess that's okay, then?" Pyri shrugs. "Most of my 'lunch appointments' are with like… Kerby, but I guess my job isn't that important or anything so it kind of makes sense." 
			
			"Your job is clearly important," you reply matter-of-factly. Anyone would agree, after all.
			
			"Eh." They blow out a sigh, rubbing at the back of their neck. "Maybe I'm just annoyed that people keep getting through me. What's the use of a gatekeeper who can't, y'know, [i]keep[/i] the [i]gate[/i]?"
			
			The question seems rhetorical, and you don't have an immediate answer for that, so for a moment, there's a pause. 
*if (notgreat)
	Glancing back at you once you've cleared the throne room, Pyri pauses in their steps for a moment, then resumes, leading you to your courtyard. It's fully repaired now, of course, the quake damage caused by the Giants being freed from their prison long gone. It's become somewhere you go, every now and then, to give yourself a few idle moments where you don't have to be doing anything at all. 
	
	Either they knew that or simply took a guess. Whichever might be the case, you're grateful. 
	
	You take a seat on one of the benches, and they take one next to you, carefully outside what you usually consider your personal space, but not by much. They've kind of got it down to a science at this point.
	
	You pull in a few deep breaths, feeling yourself slowly settle. It was not a good experience, but you can tell that it's one you can recover from, and that's reassuring. 
	
	Already, knowing that you're here and safe and in control is doing you a world of good, so while you scrub your hands up and down your face a few times, your shoulders also relax. Eventually, you drop your hands into your lap and lean back against the bench, turning your eyes to the colorful patterned tiles surrounding the fountain at the courtyard's center. 
	
	"Hey, uh…" Pyri's tone feels a little more strained than normal, but they clear their throat, and most of that subsides. "Is—can I do anything?"
	
	*fake_choice
		#"I will be okay. Thank you, for helping."
			*set warm +1
			*set forthright +1
			"I will be okay. Thank you, for helping." You manage a warm smile,
			*if (tag_uncharming = false)
				not a terribly difficult thing to do, but perhaps a [i]tad[/i] awkward, considering what you're still thinking about.
			*if (tag_uncharming)
				or at least, you try. You're never quite sure how such expressions look on your particular face. Probably a little awkward, right now, considering what you're still thinking about.
			
			"I'm not sure I did," they point out, lips thinning into a line. "I was kind of… not totally with it, there. But I guess if you think I did… I'll take it." 
			
			"Are [i]you[/i] okay?" you return, because they're right. They did seem to be quite unlike themself for a while there, enough that you find it concerning, now that you have a change to properly think about it. 
			
			"I'll live," Pyri replies, waving a hand dismissively. "It's not important."
		#"I'm fine, or will be soon enough; you need not concern yourself."
			*set cold +1
			*set forthright +1
			"I'm fine, or will be soon enough; you need not concern yourself." You meet their eyes, solemn but straightforward. They don't need to worry about something like this, but you also don't feel any need to fall all over yourself assuring them that you're fine. Pyri [i]might[/i] be reassured by that, but it might also swing the other way and make them more concerned.

			"Well… I can't exactly not care," they point out, mouth pulling a bit to one side. "But if you're saying you don't want to talk about it, or that it's none of my business, that's fair enough, I guess. I'll try not to ask any more about it." 
			
			That's not… [i]exactly[/i] what you meant, and it's unlike Pyri to interpret you in such terms. 
			
			Are [i]you[/i] okay?" you return, because that's a concern, too. They [i]did[/i] seem to be quite unlike themself for a while there.
			
			"I'll live," Pyri replies, waving a hand dismissively. "It's not important."
		#I offer a small smile, hopefully a good enough indication that I'll be all right.
			*set warm +1
			*set reserved +1
			You offer a small smile, hopefully a good enough indication that you'll be all right. 
			*if (tag_uncharming = false)
				It's not a terribly difficult thing to do, but perhaps a [i]tad[/i] awkward, considering what you're still thinking about.
			*if (tag_uncharming)
				Or at least, you try. You're never quite sure how such expressions look on your particular face. Probably a little awkward, right now, considering what you're still thinking about.
			
			"Well… if you say so, I guess I'll believe you," Pyri replies, with a tiny huff. "Well… 'say' so… you know what I mean." 
			
			"Are [i]you[/i] okay?" you return, because it seems called for. They did seem to be quite unlike themself for a while there, enough that you find it concerning, now that you have a change to properly think about it. 
			
			"I'll live," Pyri replies, waving a hand dismissively. "It's not important."
		#I shrug. I'll be fine, but there's not really anything else he can do about it one way or another. 
			*set cold +1
			*set reserved +1
			You shrug. You'll be fine, but there's not really anything else they can do about it one way or another. Getting you out of there was helpful, but the rest of it is simply… things you must process and get through on your own. 

			You meet their eyes, solemn but straightforward. They don't need to worry about something like this, but you also don't feel any need to fall all over yourself assuring them that you're fine. Pyri [i]might[/i] be reassured by that, but it might also swing the other way and make them more concerned.
			
			"Well… if you say so, I guess I'll believe you," Pyri replies, with a tiny huff. "Well… 'say' so… you know what I mean." 
			
			"Are [i]you[/i] okay?" you return, because it seems called for. They did seem to be quite unlike themself for a while there, enough that you find it concerning, now that you have a change to properly think about it. 
			
			"I'll live," Pyri replies, waving a hand dismissively. "It's not important."
*page_break
"It's just…" Pyri pauses, lifting their hands as if to make some gesture, then curling both into fists and dropping them back into their lap. "It's just… I feel like I'm going crazy. There's something stuck in my head, and I can't quite get to it, and seeing that guy—Theseus—reminded me that is was there." 

"What do you mean?" Of course, from the sounds of it, it seems their memory might be returning, at least enough for them to know something, but you have no idea how that process is meant to work. Or what they might be experiencing right now. 

"I don't know," they admit with a gush of air, almost as much of a deflation as a sigh, and their shoulders fall. "All I want to do is stay here and be a terrible gatekeeper and have friends I love, but it… I've been having dreams, you know? About whoever I used to be. And that guy… I [i]know[/i] him. I know I do. But I don't know [i]how[/i] I know him."

*fake_choice
	#"That... sounds really stressful, Pyri. I'm sorry."
		"That… sounds really stressful, Pyri. I'm sorry." You have no idea what it feels like for memory to be taken from you, much less for it to come back in complete fragments. You [i]do[/i] know a thing or two about troubling dreams, and you certainly wouldn't wish those on them. 
		
		"Thanks." Pyri blows out another breath, and this one really is just a sigh; their hands ease a little in their lap and they shake their head, shifting on the bench beneath them. "I just… I had those taken away from me for a [i]reason[/i], you know? And now they're coming back, and I don't want them. I don't even want to know what my reason was. All I want is for everything to go back to normal."
		
		"Have you told Hekate about this?" She's your best bet for who might know how to re-seal the memories. If Pyri really doesn't want them, that's probably the only way to fix the issue. 
		
		They shake their head again, but their answer is affirmative. "Yeah. She and Lethe even tried again, but it didn't change anything, which she says means me remembering is probably my capital-F Fate. No getting around that, apparently."
	#"Do you [i]want[/i] to know how you know him?"
		"Do you [i]want[/i] to know how you knew him?" It's always struck you as a little strange in the first place, that Pyri would want to have their memories of their time as a human removed. Maybe now that they're starting to come back, those feelings are changing a little bit? You don't know what it's like to be in their position, but if it were you, you're not sure you'd be able to resist the temptation to follow the leads and chase down the truth. 
		
		"Absolutely not," Pyri replies emphatically, fists tightening until their knuckles are white. One look at that guy, and I felt all kinds of complicated, and sick to my stomach. I can tell that it's something I definitely don't want to remember. Maybe it even has something to do with why I wanted to forget in the first place." 
		
		"Well, then… have you tried talking to Hekate about this?" You might not understand why they think this way, but that doesn't mean you're going to impose your thoughts on them. If Pyri wants forgotten things to stay forgotten, then she's your best bet for who might know how to do that. 
		
		They shake their head again, but their answer is affirmative. "Yeah. She and Lethe even tried again, but it didn't change anything, which she says means me remembering is probably my capital-F Fate. No getting around that, apparently."
	#"Okay, well first of all you're [i]not[/i] a terrible gatekeeper. Secondly... how can I help?"
		"Okay, well first of all you're [i]not[/i] a terrible gatekeeper. Secondly... how can I help?" You have no idea what it feels like for memory to be taken from you, much less for it to come back in complete fragments. You [i]do[/i] know a thing or two about troubling dreams, but you aren't going to assume anything about what Pyri wants or needs based on your experience. You're very different people, after all. 
		
		"I'm… not sure, yet." Pyri blows out another breath, and this one really is just a sigh; their hands ease a little in their lap and they shake their head, shifting on the bench beneath them. "Or maybe I have an idea. I just… I had those taken away from me for a [i]reason[/i], you know? And now they're coming back, and I don't want them. I don't even want to know what my reason was. All I want is for everything to go back to normal."
		
		"Have you old Hekate about this?" She's your best bet for who might know how to re-seal the memories. If Pyri really doesn't want them, that's probably the only way to fix the issue. 
		
		They shake their head again, but their answer is affirmative. "Yeah. She and Lethe even tried again, but it didn't change anything, which she says means me remembering is probably my capital-F Fate. No getting around that, apparently."
	#I make eye contact and tilt my head in query. I don't want to impose 'help' on them, but it would be nice if I actually could assist them somehow.
		You make eye contact and tilt your head in query. You don't want to impose 'help' on them, but it would be nice if you actually could assist them somehow. You have no idea what it feels like for memory to be taken from you, much less for it to come back in complete fragments. You [i]do[/i] know a thing or two about troubling dreams, but you aren't going to assume anything about what Pyri wants or needs based on your experience. You're very different people, after all. 
		
		"I, uh…" Pyri squints a bit at you. "Is this you asking for more explanation, or how you can help?"
		
		You hold up two fingers, and they huff, the sound halfway to a laugh. "Second one, got it. Well… I don't know." They blow out another breath, and this one really is just a sigh; their hands ease a little in their lap and they shake their head, shifting on the bench beneath them. "Or maybe I have an idea. I just… I had those taken away from me for a [i]reason[/i], you know? And now they're coming back, and I don't want them. I don't even want to know what my reason was. All I want is for everything to go back to normal."
		
		"Have you old Hekate about this?" She's your best bet for who might know how to re-seal the memories. If Pyri really doesn't want them, that's probably the only way to fix the issue. 
		
		They shake their head again, but their answer is affirmative. "Yeah. She and Lethe even tried again, but it didn't change anything, which she says means me remembering is probably my capital-F Fate. No getting around that, apparently."
*page_break
Pyri rubs their hands up and down their face. "I'm going to have to remember, aren't I?"

*if (warm > cold)
	"Well… maybe not necessarily," you reply, trying to keep their spirits up. It's clear this is taking a toll on them. 
	
	Pyri manages a small smile in your direction. "You're really kind, ${name}, but I think this time you might be wrong."
*if not (warm > cold)
	"Honestly? I think that might be where this is headed." It's not a comforting thing to say, but it's realistic, and you don't want to just reassure them when you have no grounds to do so. 
	
	Pyri manages a small smile in your direction. "Well… I'm glad you're honest with me. And I think you're right." 

Releasing a heavy breath, they straighten their posture. "I guess that means I'm gonna need to get permission to go back to the mortal realm. That's where the answers will be." 

"Can't whomever took your memories just… give the rest back?" It would save the trip, and though you're not sure whether it would be better to get them back gradually or not, it seems like it might be safer to just undo whatever was done. 

But Pyri shakes their head. "It doesn't work like that, apparently. It's like when the spirits started to remember, when Lethe was sick. I mean, I did too, but that's not the point. The point is there's no good way to just return everything at once. I think I have to retrace my own steps to figure out why this is happening. Besides… I feel like if I don't do it myself, Fate's gonna drag me kicking and screaming, right? Might as well just face whatever it is."

You suppose there's a certain kind of wisdom in that. 
*page_break
"Anyway." Pyri meets your eyes, the molten gold of their own intent. "I think if I did this by myself it wouldn't go well for me, so… will you come?"

*if (warm > cold)
	They clear their throat, a touch sheepishly. "If I'm being honest, it'll be really nice to have someone as kind as you on my side, because I don't think anything else about this is going to be very nice."
*if not (warm > cold)
	They clear their throat, a touch sheepishly. "I feel like I'm going to need that honesty. And… well. Maybe some of your practicality, too, because I have this feeling things are going to get either really emotional or just… really frustrating."

It [i]is[/i] probably better if they don't have to confront something like this themself, though several immediate questions do crop up. For one, the mortal realm is a very large place, and you don't exactly just have the time to wander around the whole thing looking for clues. But presumably that won't be what happens. 

*label pyrihelpmenu
*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse #"Are you sure one of the others wouldn't be a better choice for this?"
		"Are you sure one of the others wouldn't be a better choice for this?" It's not that you especially dislike the idea, just… you have no experience in this area, no particular expertise that qualifies you to help them, and if things somehow go awry, you're certainly not the most powerful of their friends, either, so it's hard to see why [i]you're[/i] the first choice, exactly. 
		
		Pyri tips their head from side to side. "Well… I'm not saying I won't ask more people for help if I feel like I need it, obviously. And they'll all know what we're doing. But really? Yeah. I do feel like the best choice is you, somehow. Maybe that's just a feeling, but it's better not to ignore how I feel, I think?"
		
		It's not the most certain answer you've ever heard, in some ways, but they seem quite settled and confident in it, nonetheless. 
		*goto pyrihelpmenu
	#"Of course I'll help you, Pyri. Just let me know when you need me."
		*set confident +1
		"Of course I'll help you, Pyri. Just let me know when you need me." If it's your help that they want, then you'll be there to give it. You're not sure how all of this will go for them, but you believe you can help in the way they asked you to, and you want to be there for them whatever happens. 
		
		Pyri visibly slumps in something like relief, smile broadening. "Thank you, ${name}. I don't know exactly where we're going or what we're doing yet. Guess I have to go see Hypnos about these dreams and figure it out from there. But, once I know, you will too." 
	#"I'm not sure how helpful I'll really be, but if you want me to be there, then I will."
		*set unsure +1
		"I'm not sure how helpful I'll really be, but if you want me to be there, then I will." You're not sure how all of this will go for them, and frankly you're worried you won't have anything to contribute to such an endeavor, but… it [i]is[/i] nice to feel like they think your presence will matter. To go so far as to ask you to be there for them. That much, you can do. 
		
		Pyri visibly slumps in something like relief, smile broadening. "Thank you, ${name}. I don't know exactly where we're going or what we're doing yet. Guess I have to go see Hypnos about these dreams and figure it out from there. But, once I know, you will too." 
	#"This... doesn't strike me as the best idea, but if you're committed to it, then I'm definitely going with you."
		"This... doesn't strike me as the best idea, but if you're committed to it, then I'm definitely going with you." You're not sure how all of this will go for them, and frankly you wonder if there aren't other options they should be exploring first, like… ignoring it, for example. But you're not living in their head, and if this is the way they choose to deal with the problem, you'll be there for them. Come what may. 
		
		Pyri visibly slumps in something like relief, smile broadening. "Thank you, ${name}. I don't know exactly where we're going or what we're doing yet. Guess I have to go see Hypnos about these dreams and figure it out from there. But, once I know, you will too." 
*page_break
Slapping their hands down on their knees, they stand, pulling in a deep breath and then letting it go. "Right. I have… stuff to do, I guess. Things to figure out. Hopefully Hypnos will know how to interpret what I'm seeing, because I don't know if I'm smart enough to do the figuring out part by myself." 

They grin. "But that's for me to worry about. I'll see you soon?"

"Of course, Pyri. Good luck."
*goto endchapter1

*label chapter1alekto
*if not (notgreat)
	Glancing back at you once you've cleared the throne room, Alekto pauses in her steps for a moment, then resumes, leading you to your courtyard. It's fully repaired now, of course, the quake damage caused by the Giants being freed from their prison long gone. It's become somewhere you go, every now and then, to give yourself a few idle moments where you don't have to be doing anything at all. 
	
	When you take a seat, she remains standing next to you, carefully placed in such a way as to be outside both your and her personal space, but on your side of the bench rather than the far one. 
	
	She clears her throat, evidently deciding her position isn't optimal and moving to sit on the lip of the fountain instead, so you're facing one another. The distance involved would be [i]slightly[/i] awkward for a purely verbal conversation, considering the low noise of the fountain itself, but then you're not going to have one of those. 
	
	[i]That was… something, I suppose.[/i] She pauses, then decides to change the subject. [i]You had a meeting today, I think? How was it?[/i]
	
	The fact that she remembers does not surprise you in the least. 

	*fake_choice
		#[i]It was quite nice.[/i]
			*set forthright +1
			*set warm +1
			[i]It was quite nice.[/i] You spend a little while explaining the contours of the discussion to her, and she listens with the occasional nod. Her eyes remain mostly on the combination of your signs and the movement of your lips, which you can understand. It's hard to talk about a whole conversation with several nuances in sign, still, but you're getting there.
			
			Once you've recounted what you want to, Alekto pauses for a moment, head tilted in thought. [i]I am glad,[/i] she settles on. [i]It is a sign that your life suits you, if you can enjoy the small things in it, I think.[/i]
			
			Your life suits you. Maybe that [i]is[/i] a good way to put it.
		#[i]It was... fine, I suppose.[/i]
			*set forthright +1
			*set cold +1
			[i]It was… fine, I suppose.[/i] You can't say it was
			*if (job != "none")
				much more than a necessary component of the position you occupy. Working with others to get things done is vital, and you certainly don't [i]dislike[/i] your coworkers or anything. But business is business, and you're not the sort to conflate it with anything else. 
			*if (job = "none")
				much fun, when it comes down to it, but sometimes maintaining good relations with people is something you have to put some work into. It's important, after all, to have at least decent relationships with the people around you, in order to live a good, comfortable life. 
			
			Alekto pauses for a moment, head tilted in thought. [i]I think the same of many meetings,[/i] she observes. [i]Even the social ones, sometimes. Being bored now and then is probably a sign that you've settled in well.[/i]
			
			You figure it could be seen that way. Maybe you even agree.
		#I nod, offering a smile. I quite enjoyed it, after all.
			*set reserved +1
			*set warm  +1
			You nod, offering a smile. You did quite enjoy it, after all. 
			
			Though you aren't really much for recounting whole conversations to people who weren't there, you do convey a few of the important or interesting parts, and she listens with the occasional nod. Her eyes remain mostly on your face, which she's told you before is the polite way to 'see' signs. 
			
			Once you've recounted what you want to, Alekto pauses for a moment, head tilted in thought. [i]I am glad,[/i] she settles on. [i]It is a sign that your life suits you, if you can enjoy the small things in it, I think.[/i]
			
			Your life suits you. Maybe that [i]is[/i] a good way to put it.
		#I shrug. It's nothing all that worth a discussion.
			*set reserved +1
			*set cold +1
			You shrug. It's nothing all that worth a discussion. You can't say it was
			*if (job != "none")
				much more than a necessary component of the position you occupy. Working with others to get things done is vital, and you certainly don't [i]dislike[/i] your coworkers or anything. But business is business, and you're not the sort to conflate it with anything else. 
			*if (job = "none")
				much fun, when it comes down to it, but sometimes maintaining good relations with people is something you have to put some work into. It's important, after all, to have good or at least decent relationships with the people around you, in order to live a good, comfortable life. 
			
			Alekto pauses for a moment, head tilted in thought. [i]I think the same of many meetings,[/i] she observes. [i]Even the social ones, sometimes. Being bored now and then is probably a sign that you've settled in well.[/i]
			
			You figure it could be seen that way. Maybe you even agree.
*if (notgreat)
	Glancing back at you once you've cleared the throne room, Alekto pauses in her steps for a moment, then resumes, leading you to your courtyard. It's fully repaired now, of course, the quake damage caused by the Giants being freed from their prison long gone. It's become somewhere you go, every now and then, to give yourself a few idle moments where you don't have to be doing anything at all. 
	
	Either she knew that or simply took a guess. Whichever might be the case, you're grateful. 
	
	You take a seat on one of the benches, and she remains standing next to you, carefully placed in such a way as to be outside both your and her personal space, but on your side of the bench rather than the far one. 
	
	You pull in a few deep breaths, feeling yourself slowly settle. It was not a good experience, but you can tell that it's one you can recover from, and that's reassuring. 
	
	Already, knowing that you're here and safe and in control is doing you a world of good, so while you scrub your hands up and down your face a few times, your shoulders also relax. Eventually, you drop your hands into your lap and lean back against the bench, turning your eyes to the colorful patterned tiles surrounding the fountain at the courtyard's center. 
	
	Alekto clears her throat, evidently deciding her position isn't optimal and moving to sit on the lip of the fountain instead, so you're facing one another. The distance involved would be [i]slightly[/i] awkward for a purely verbal conversation, considering the low noise of the fountain itself, but then you're not going to have one of those. 
	
	[i]Is there anything I can do for you?[/i] she asks, straightforward as ever. 
	
	*fake_choice
		#"I will be okay. Thank you, for helping."
			*set warm +1
			*set forthright +1
			"I will be okay. Thank you, for helping." You manage a warm smile,
			*if (tag_uncharming = false)
				not a terribly difficult thing to do, but perhaps a [i]tad[/i] awkward, considering what you're still thinking about.
			*if (tag_uncharming)
				or at least, you try. You're never quite sure how such expressions look on your particular face. Probably a little awkward, right now, considering what you're still thinking about.
			
			If Alekto notices, she doesn't make it obvious. Instead, she narrows her eyes, head tilting just a fraction to the side. [i]I suppose if you say so that is fine, but I don't think I did anything particularly 'helpful.'[/i] The skepticism is clear on her face, if subdued in the way all her expressions are, and you huff softly. 
			
			[i]You don't have to think you did,[/i] you point out. [i]As long as I do, I can still thank you.[/i]
			
			She considers this a moment, then nods. [i]That is true.[/i]
		#"I'm fine, or will be soon enough; you need not concern yourself."
			*set cold +1
			*set forthright +1
			"I'm fine, or will be soon enough; you need not concern yourself." You meet her eyes, solemn but straightforward. She doesn't need to worry about something like this, but you also don't feel any need to fall all over yourself assuring her that you're fine. Someone like Alekto would only be suspicious of something like that.
			
			And indeed she narrows her eyes anyway, head tilting just a fraction to the side. [i]I suppose if you say so that is fine, but you do not have to be.[/i] The skepticism is clear on her face, if subdued in the way all her expressions are, but you can understand its presence. You very much were [i]not[/i] fine a few minutes ago. 
			
			[i]I know,[/i] you reply just as bluntly. [i]But I am.[/i]
			
			She considers this a moment, then nods. Either her suspicion has abated in the face of your certainty or she's just decided not to trouble you about it further. Either way, the result is the same.
		#I offer a small smile, hopefully a good enough indication that I'll be all right.
			*set warm +1
			*set reserved +1
			You offer a small smile, hopefully a good enough indication that you'll be all right. 
			*if (tag_uncharming = false)
				It's not a terribly difficult thing to do, but perhaps a [i]tad[/i] awkward, considering what you're still thinking about.
			*if (tag_uncharming)
				Or at least, you try. You're never quite sure how such expressions look on your particular face. Probably a little awkward, right now, considering what you're still thinking about.
			
			If Alekto notices, she doesn't make it obvious. Instead, she narrows her eyes, head tilting just a fraction to the side. [i]I suppose if you say so that is fine, but you do not have to be all right, right now.[/i] The skepticism is clear on her face, if subdued in the way all her expressions are, and you huff softly. 
			
			[i]I know[/i], you reply. your expression softening the bluntness of the words. [i]But I will be.[/i]
			
			She considers this a moment, then nods. Either her suspicion has abated in the face of your certainty or she's just decided not to trouble you about it further. Either way, the result is the same.
		#I shrug. I'll be fine, but there's not really anything else she can do about it one way or another. 
			*set cold +1
			*set reserved +1
			You shrug. You'll be fine, but there's not really anything else she can do about it one way or another. Getting you out of there was helpful, but the rest of it is simply… things you must process and get through on your own. 

			You meet her eyes, solemn but straightforward. She doesn't need to worry about something like this, but you also don't feel any need to fall all over yourself assuring her that you're fine. Someone like Alekto would only be suspicious of something like that.
			
			And indeed she narrows her eyes anyway, head tilting just a fraction to the side. [i]I suppose if you say so that is fine, but you do not have to be all right, right now.[/i] The skepticism is clear on her face, if subdued in the way all her expressions are, but you can understand its presence. You very much were [i]not[/i] fine a few minutes ago. 
			
			[i]I know,[/i] you reply just as bluntly. [i]But I am.[/i]
			
			She considers this a moment, then nods. Either her suspicion has abated in the face of your certainty or she's just decided not to trouble you about it further. Either way, the result is the same.
*page_break
"I have always…" You can hear Alekto just fine, but she continues to sign along with her words regardless. It's something you've grown to appreciate, for how it helps you learn. "I have always found judgement to be a strange thing. As one of Hades's advisors, I have a right to participate, and I do because he asks me to, but in truth I am often more confident of a verdict when I did not agree to it, or at least not at first." 

*fake_choice
	#"Honestly... I think I know what you mean. Feeling like I [i]made[/i] the decision is unsettling somehow."
		"Honestly... I think I know what you mean. Feeling like I [i]made[/i] the decision is unsettling somehow." You shake your head. 
		
		Alekto nods gravely. "I know that Hades is not the kind to accept anyone's opinion uncritically in such matters, but it is difficult, given how… accepting he is in other contexts. Sometimes I wonder if he doesn't pay the rest of us too much mind, when in fact he is the best suited to be making such decisions."
		
		You can see why she might think so, on all counts. Hades [i]is[/i] a very tolerant person, as far as you've ever seen, and you've seen a lot by this point. But he's also quite… just, you think. Fair. It must be a difficult balance to strike. 
		
		It's almost comforting that someone who has been doing this as long as Alekto still feels the way she does, because you aren't sure you'll ever get used to it, either. Of course it would be nicer if you could both be comfortable, but if you can't… better to be uncomfortable together, perhaps.
	#"Why's that? I think you have very good judgement, actually. I'd trust it."
		"Why's that? I think you have very good judgement, actually. I'd trust it." You're being quite sincere, and you know she can tell from the incredulous look you get in response, something that [i]almost[/i] makes you laugh. 
		
		"I think perhaps I have inadvertently misled you, though I am not sure [i]how.[/i]" She snorts through her nose. "I'd have thought my initial assessment of [i]you[/i] would be enough to preclude such an opinion entirely."
		
		That time, you do smile, a little bit. "Well… you might be a little more wary of outsiders than the average person, but you eventually came to the right conclusion, didn't you? We're friends, now." And close ones, by your estimation. 
		
		She rolls her eyes, though there's nothing derisive about the gesture. "Perhaps I can manage correctness after multiple months," she agrees, a light hint of sarcasm in her otherwise-flat tone. "However, I think Hades usually has to manage it within hours, so I think we should all be glad he has the final decision, and not me."
	#"It all seems a little too important. The idea of deciding someone's fate feels a little beyond me."
		"It all seems a little too important. The idea of deciding someone's fate feels a little beyond me." You aren't sure if your precise form of discomfort with it is the same as hers, exactly, but for your part, you just don't feel nearly [i]important[/i] enough to be deciding things like that. Even contributing to the process at all seems a little… well, a [i]lot[/i] over your head, sometimes. Most of the time. 
		
		Alekto hums, studying you for a moment before shaking her head. "I can understand the status issue, but I don't think it's something you need to worry about. If Hades wants your opinion, it's because he wants [i]your[/i] opinion. I've seen all kinds of people called in to consult on various judgements. As long as you have a contribution he thinks is valuable, that's the only criterion." 
		
		Both voice and hands pause, and then she shakes her head again. "I, on the other hand, am more worried that my judgement is just… wrong more often than it is right. I know that Hades is not the kind to accept anyone's opinion uncritically in such matters, but it is difficult, given how… accepting he is in other contexts. Sometimes I wonder if he doesn't pay the rest of us too much mind, when in fact he is the best suited to be making such decisions."
		
		You can see why she might think so, on all counts. Hades [i]is[/i] a very tolerant person, as far as you've ever seen, and you've seen a lot by this point. But he's also quite… just, you think. Fair. It must be a difficult balance to strike. 
		
		It's almost comforting that someone who has been doing this as long as Alekto still feels the way she does, because you aren't sure you'll ever get used to it, either. Of course it would be nicer if you could both be comfortable, but if you can't… better to be uncomfortable together, perhaps, even if your reasons are just slightly different.
	#"I actually kind of like it. It feels like I'm contributing, and I know no one accepts what I say uncritically."
		"I actually kind of like it. It feels like I'm contributing, and I know no one accepts what I say uncritically." None of them are the type to; you think especially not Hades, since he has to make the final decisions himself, and the weight of those will always sit with him, good or bad. 
		
		Alekto nods gravely. "I know that, but it is difficult, given how… accepting they can be in other contexts. Hades in particular. Sometimes I wonder if he doesn't pay the rest of us too much mind, when in fact he is the best suited to be making such decisions."
		
		You can see why she might think so, on all counts. Hades [i]is[/i] a very tolerant person, as far as you've ever seen, and you've seen a lot by this point. But he's also quite… just, you think. Fair. It must be a difficult balance to strike. 
		
		Still. "But isn't this the best possible system, then? There's a diversity of opinion so that everyone considers as many angles as possible, and the person who makes the [i]final[/i] decision is the one who you think has the best judgement." Worrying that maybe he listens to everyone else too much is sort of understandable, but in the end it means she has to trust her estimation of him. 
		
		Alekto huffs. "This is the conclusion I usually reach, but I find my thoughts circling the area often enough that I can't call it settled." 
*page_break
She releases a breath, long and slow. "In truth, I have always felt myself more suited to punishment. I know that does not speak very well of me, most likely." She frowns, but the expression is thoughtful, and she rubs one of her thumbs against the side of her index finger. "I wonder if perhaps that is something about me that others find difficult to accept." 

The way her eyes lock with yours makes it pretty clear which 'others' she's talking about.

*fake_choice
	#"I don't know that I would say you're 'suited' to punishment, exactly."
		"I don't know that I would say you're 'suited' to punishment, exactly." Your reply is measured, because you can tell this is a topic close to Alekto's heart, and you don't want to be flippant or not put thought into your response. It's a serious matter anyway, and you can recognize that easily enough. 
		
		[i]What do you mean?[/i] she replies with her hands. 
		
		You press your lips together, trying to figure out how to explain. "Well, you might be good at your job," you admit with a small nod. "Your punishments might be [i]effective[/i], in that they accomplish exactly what they intend to, but I think that's a matter of skill, not some deep fact about who you are or anything."
		
		Alekto's brows knit, like she's considering this. [i]At a certain point, don't those become the same thing, though? What you are good at, what you do often… those are part of you.[/i]
		
		"Still, I don't think it says anything deep about your nature. Or, it does, but what it says to me is that you're willing to do very difficult, sometimes unpleasant things because that's what gives those souls the best chance in their next life. If anything, that's admirable. Not everyone could do it, but that doesn't make it bad that you can." 
		
		For a moment, her hands are still, and her expression is one of dull surprise. You'd find it comical in most other situations, because Alekto is [i]never[/i] like that, but right now you just hope it means she's considering your point of view. 
		
		[i]I… see.[/i] 
	#"I don't think it's a bad thing, to be good at what you do. Someone has to do it."
		"I don't think it's a bad thing, to be good at what you do. Someone has to do it." Her job is vital to the functioning of the Underworld, and important for the ongoing journey of human souls. It's not like she inflicts punishment on anyone who needs it, or any more than would be effective at the metaphysical task of 'cleansing' them. 
		
		[i]And yet I wonder,[/i] she replies with her hands, [i]what it says about me that I am good at it.[/i]
		
		You press your lips together, trying to figure out how to explain your thoughts. "Does it have to 'say' anything, though? Your punishments might be [i]effective[/i], in that they accomplish exactly what they intend to, but I think that's a matter of skill, not some deep fact about who you are or anything."
		
		Alekto's brows knit, like she's considering this. [i]At a certain point, don't those become the same thing, though? What you are good at, what you do often… those are part of you.[/i]
		
		"Still, I don't think it says anything deep about your nature. Or, it does, but what it says to me is that you're willing to do very difficult, sometimes unpleasant things because that's what gives those souls the best chance in their next life. If anything, that's admirable. Not everyone could do it, but that doesn't make it bad that you can." 
		
		For a moment, her hands are still, and her expression is one of dull surprise. You'd find it comical in most other situations, because Alekto is [i]never[/i] like that, but right now you just hope it means she's considering your point of view. 
		
		[i]I… see.[/i] 
	#"I admit... it makes me a little uneasy sometimes, that we have punishments at all."
		*set alekto_uneasy true
		"I admit... it makes me a little uneasy sometimes, that we have punishments at all." It's not that you don't understand. It's been explained to you [i]why[/i] punishments are necessary, and it's clear to you that no one involved in the process [i]enjoys[/i] it, but still… their existence is troubling. 
		
		Alekto swallows, the cartilage in her throat visibly shifting with it, and nods. [i]Yes. That makes sense. Then you must be uneasy about the deliverer of such punishments as well.[/i]
		
		But there, you shake your head. "No, I don't think so. One doesn't have to follow from the other. I know you are dedicated to your job, but… if there were a kinder way to achieve the same result, I know you'd take it." That much, you can't doubt. Your squeamishness cannot affect your view of her, as someone with the stomach to do what you both know is needed. You've already decided that much. 
		
		Even if her job makes you uneasy, [i]Alekto[/i] is…
		
		[i]But there isn't,[/i] she replies flatly. [i]And I am good at what I do. That says something about me.[/i]
		
		You press your lips together, trying to figure out how to explain your thoughts. "Does it have to 'say' anything, though? Your punishments might be [i]effective[/i], in that they accomplish exactly what they intend to, but I think that's a matter of skill, not some deep fact about who you are or anything."
		
		Alekto's brows knit, like she's considering this. [i]At a certain point, don't those become the same thing, though? What you are good at, what you do often… those are part of you.[/i]
		
		"Still, I don't think it says anything deep about your nature. Or, it does, but what it says to me is that you're willing to do very difficult, sometimes unpleasant things because that's what gives those souls the best chance in their next life. II could never do it, but that doesn't make it bad that you can." 
		
		For a moment, her hands are still, and her expression is one of dull surprise. You'd find it comical in most other situations, because Alekto is [i]never[/i] like that, but right now you just hope it means she's considering your point of view. 
		
		[i]I… see.[/i] 
	#"Well, as long as you don't [i]enjoy[/i] it, you know?"
		"Well, as long as you don't [i]enjoy[/i] it, you know?" It seems to you that such a line would be the one over which you'd start to wonder about her. She doesn't have to be constantly tormented by what she does or anything, but you know she takes no joy in the mechanics of punishment, and that's enough for you. 
		
		[i]And yet I wonder,[/i] she replies with her hands. [i]Enjoyment or not, I wonder what it says about me that I am good at it.[/i]
		
		You press your lips together, trying to figure out how to explain your thoughts. "Does it have to 'say' anything, though? Your punishments might be [i]effective[/i], in that they accomplish exactly what they intend to, but I think that's a matter of skill, not some deep fact about who you are or anything."
		
		Alekto's brows knit, like she's considering this. [i]At a certain point, don't those become the same thing, though? What you are good at, what you do often… those are part of you.[/i]
		
		"Still, I don't think it says anything deep about your nature. Or, it does, but what it says to me is that you're willing to do very difficult, sometimes unpleasant things because that's what gives those souls the best chance in their next life. If anything, that's admirable. Not everyone could do it, but that doesn't make it bad that you can. Not inherently, at least." 
		
		For a moment, her hands are still, and her expression is one of dull surprise. You'd find it comical in most other situations, because Alekto is [i]never[/i] like that, but right now you just hope it means she's considering your point of view. 
		
		[i]I… see.[/i] 
*page_break
For a few moments, she seems to think it over a little more, then clears her throat softly. [i]Actually… I was hoping to ask you. Tartarus is being rebuilt, I think you know. But it is almost done. I was wondering if you might go with me, to examine it.[/i] 

As if anticipating you might find the request strange, she adds:
*if (warm > cold)
	[i]You are good-natured. I think you would be able to identify anything that could be easier on the prisoners while still accomplishing its purpose.[/i] A pause. [i]And… it would be good to have you there as I inspect.[/i]
*if not (warm > cold)
	[i]You are practical. I think you would be able to help me identify inefficiencies in how things are set up.[/i] A pause. [i]And… it would be good to have you there as I inspect.[/i]

It's not too difficult to figure out why the second part might be a consideration. After all, the last time you were both there was… difficult. She'd lost many people she knew and cared about, and then on top of it all, the Daughter of Echidna had her sisters.
*if (megaira_dead)
	One of whom didn't make it, either.
*if not (megaira_dead)
	Even if they both survived, it was a very near thing.

Still, there's something a little surprising about the fact that she's asking you this.

*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse #"Wouldn't one of the others be more helpful for something like this?"
		"Wouldn't one of the others be more helpful for something like this?" You can think of a few reasons that might be true, but the obvious one is just that all of them have lived in the Underworld longer than you have, and have a better sense of what is really necessary for something like this. 
		
		Alekto doesn't look surprised when you ask, and tilts her hand from side to side briefly before she elaborates. [i]I intend to ask for many opinions on the matter,[/i] she says, [i]but for this, you are the person I want at my side, for the reasons I gave and… because I hope it might bring you a sense of closure for that incident.[/i]
		
		You suppose you can understand that. And… she might be right, about the last part.
	#"Of course I'll go. If you want my help, it's yours."
		*set confident +1
		"Of course I'll go. If you want my help, it's yours." You do think you'll be able to do what she's asked you to, and more than that, you want to support her when she does this. No doubt she's been to Tartarus many times in the intervening period, but it sounds like there's something particularly important about this one. About the fact that it's fully repaired now. So you'll be there. 
		
		The line of her shoulders eases just a little, and Alekto nods. [i]Thank you. I will not forget this.[/i]
		
		You offer a small smile. "You don't have to treat it so solemnly as that. We're friends, Alekto. This isn't even a decision, really." Saying 'no' when she's asking for your support in this just isn't in your nature. 
		
		She huffs through her nose, just barely audible. [i]Perhaps not for you. But that is only more reason to be grateful.[/i]
	#"To be honest, I don't know if I'll really be able to help. But I'll do my best."
		*set unsure +1
		"To be honest, I don't know if I'll really be able to help. But I'll do my best." It's probably a lot to process. No doubt she's been to Tartarus many times in the intervening period, but it sounds like there's something particularly important about this one. About the fact that it's fully repaired now. Never mind about the rest—you're not that confident you'll be able to support her through it. 
		
		But you're definitely going to give it your best effort. 
		
		The line of her shoulders eases just a little, and Alekto nods. [i]Thank you. I will not forget this.[/i]
		
		You offer a small smile. "You don't have to treat it so solemnly as that. We're friends, Alekto. This isn't even a decision, really." Saying 'no' when she's asking for your support in this just isn't in your nature, never mind your lack of confidence. 
		
		She huffs through her nose, just barely audible. [i]Perhaps not for you. But that is only more reason to be grateful.[/i]
	#"I'm not sure I need to see Tartarus again, but if you want me with you, then I suppose that's where I'll be."
		"I'm not sure I need to see Tartarus again, but if you want me with you, then I suppose that's where I'll be." It isn't a pleasant place, but that's all the more reason to agree, here. No doubt she's been back many times in the intervening period, but it sounds like there's something particularly important about this one. About the fact that it's fully repaired now. So you'll be there. 
		
		The line of her shoulders eases just a little, and Alekto nods. [i]Thank you. I will not forget this.[/i]
		
		You offer a small smile. "You don't have to treat it so solemnly as that. We're friends, Alekto. This isn't even a decision, really." Saying 'no' when she's asking for your support in this just isn't in your nature. 
		
		She huffs through her nose, just barely audible. [i]Perhaps not for you. But that is only more reason to be grateful.[/i]
*page_break
She rises from the lip of the fountain, and you know she intends to depart before she even signs as much. She's got a lot of places to be, no doubt, but you're glad she took the time to be with you here, just for a little while. 

[i]I will let you know when preparations are completed,[/i] she says, then, after a pause, half-awkwardly offers another sign. [i]Goodbye, for now.[/i]

You repeat the motion back to her, and you think you spot the slightest upward slant to her mouth as she departs.
*goto endchapter1

*label chapter1hekate
*if not (notgreat)
	Glancing back at you once you've cleared the throne room, Hekate pauses in her steps for a moment, then resumes, leading you to your courtyard. It's fully repaired now, of course, the quake damage caused by the Giants being freed from their prison long gone. It's become somewhere you go, every now and then, to give yourself a few idle moments where you don't have to be doing anything at all. 
	
	When you take a seat, she assumes one at a comfortable distance next to you, stretching her legs in front of her and crossing them at the ankles.
	
	She sighs quietly, glancing around the courtyard as though parts of it are unfamiliar to her, though you doubt very much that's the case. Still, it gives you a chance to get your thoughts together after all of that. You may not have been [i]too[/i] troubled by what happened, but it was still certainly something to process.
	
	"Well," she says after a moment, amusement tingeing the edge of her tone. "We've had quite the eventful day. You had a meting over lunch as well, didn't you? How was it?"
	
	The fact that she remembers does not surprise you in the least. 

	*fake_choice
		#"It was quite nice."
			*set forthright +1
			*set warm +1
			"It was quite nice." You spend a little while explaining the contours of the discussion to her, and she listens with the occasional nod or hum, clearly relaxed. It's one of the things that makes her easy to talk to, and makes you certain she doesn't mind the abbreviated version of the conversation. 
			
			"You know," she says after a moment, several braids falling over her shoulder as she turns to look at you directly, "it always manages to surprise me a little, just how quickly you've managed to settle in, here." 
			
			You suppose, perhaps, you have.
		#"It was... fine, I suppose."
			*set forthright +1
			*set cold +1
			"It was… fine, I suppose." You can't say it was
			*if (job != "none")
				much more than a necessary component of the position you occupy. Working with others to get things done is vital, and you certainly don't [i]dislike[/i] your coworkers or anything. But business is business, and you're not the sort to conflate it with anything else. 
			*if (job = "none")
				much fun, when it comes down to it, but sometimes maintaining good relations with people is something you have to put some work into. It's important, after all, to have at least decent relationships with the people around you, in order to live a good, comfortable life. 
			
			"You know," she says after a moment, several braids falling over her shoulder as she turns to look at you directly, "I have meetings like that, too. Mine mostly have to do with 
			*if (job = "research")
				the department, also.
			*if not (job = "research")
				the research and infrastructure department.
			I think it's a sign of how well you've settled that you have a boring meeting every now and then, not that I wish such things upon you." She smiles warmly, and you huff under your breath. 
			
			Perhaps that's true, too.
		#I nod, offering a smile. I quite enjoyed it, after all.
			*set reserved +1
			*set warm  +1
			You nod, offering a smile. You did quite enjoy it, after all. 
			
			Though you aren't really much for recounting whole conversations to people who weren't there, you do convey a few of the important or interesting parts, and she listens with the occasional nod or hum, clearly relaxed. It's one of the things that makes her easy to talk to, and makes you certain she doesn't mind the abbreviated version of the conversation. 
			
			"You know," she says after a moment, several braids falling over her shoulder as she turns to look at you directly, "it always manages to surprise me a little, just how quickly you've managed to settle in, here." 
			
			You suppose, perhaps, you have.
		#I shrug. It's nothing all that worth a discussion.
			*set reserved +1
			*set cold +1
			You shrug. It's nothing all that worth a discussion. You can't say it was
			*if (job != "none")
				much more than a necessary component of the position you occupy. Working with others to get things done is vital, and you certainly don't [i]dislike[/i] your coworkers or anything. But business is business, and you're not the sort to conflate it with anything else. 
			*if (job = "none")
				much fun, when it comes down to it, but sometimes maintaining good relations with people is something you have to put some work into. It's important, after all, to have good or at least decent relationships with the people around you, in order to live a good, comfortable life. 
			
			"You know," she says after a moment, several braids falling over her shoulder as she turns to look at you directly, "I have meetings like that, too. Mine mostly have to do with 
			*if (job = "research")
				the department, also.
			*if not (job = "research")
				the research and infrastructure department.
			I think it's a sign of how well you've settled that you have a boring meeting every now and then, not that I wish such things upon you." She smiles warmly, and you huff under your breath. 
			
			Perhaps that's true, too.
*if (notgreat)
	Glancing back at you once you've cleared the throne room, Hekate pauses in her steps for a moment, then resumes, leading you to your courtyard. It's fully repaired now, of course, the quake damage caused by the Giants being freed from their prison long gone. It's become somewhere you go, every now and then, to give yourself a few idle moments where you don't have to be doing anything at all. 
	
	Either she knew that or simply took a guess. Whichever might be the case, you're grateful. 
	
	When you take a seat, she assumes one at a comfortable distance next to you, stretching her legs in front of her and crossing them at the ankles.
	
	She sighs quietly, glancing around the courtyard as though parts of it are unfamiliar to her, though you doubt very much that's the case. Still, it gives you a chance to get your thoughts together after all of that. 
	
	You pull in a few deep breaths, feeling yourself slowly settle. It was not a good experience, but you can tell that it's one you can recover from, and that's reassuring. 
	
	Already, knowing that you're here and safe and in control is doing you a world of good, so while you scrub your hands up and down your face a few times, your shoulders also relax. Eventually, you drop your hands into your lap and lean back against the bench, turning your eyes to the colorful patterned tiles surrounding the fountain at the courtyard's center. 
	
	"So," Hekate says, warmth in her tone. "This might be a silly question, but is there anything I can do for you, after all that?"
	
	*fake_choice
		#"I will be okay. Thank you, for helping."
			*set warm +1
			*set forthright +1
			"I will be okay. Thank you, for helping." You manage a warm smile,
			*if (tag_uncharming = false)
				not a terribly difficult thing to do, but perhaps a [i]tad[/i] awkward, considering what you're still thinking about.
			*if (tag_uncharming)
				or at least, you try. You're never quite sure how such expressions look on your particular face. Probably a little awkward, right now, considering what you're still thinking about.
			
			"I didn't do anything so terribly difficult," she remarks, several braids falling forward over her shoulder as she turns to face you more properly, "but if it helped, then that's all I could ask for." 
			
			"It did," you reply, nodding and offering her a small smile. It might not have seemed like much, but somehow having [i]permission[/i] to just leave the room made a lot of difference. You're not sure you would have been able to do that yourself, at least not when you needed to. 
		#"I'm fine, or will be soon enough; you need not concern yourself."
			*set cold +1
			*set forthright +1
			"I'm fine, or will be soon enough; you need not concern yourself." You meet her eyes, solemn but straightforward. She doesn't need to worry about something like this, but you also don't feel any need to fall all over yourself assuring her that you're fine. Someone like Hekate is much too perceptive to require something like that.
			
			"Well, need or no, I'm likely going to concern myself," she remarks, several braids falling forward over her shoulder as she turns to face you more properly. "It's part and parcel with the fact that I care about you. But I'll try not to worry too much, if that's what you wish." 
			
			"Appreciated," you reply, just a touch of irony in the word, and she chuckles softly. 
			
			"Oh, don't be so grumpy. There's nothing wrong with letting people fuss over you a little. Especially when you've gone through something that's understandably difficult."
		#I offer a small smile, hopefully a good enough indication that I'll be all right.
			*set warm +1
			*set reserved +1
			You offer a small smile, hopefully a good enough indication that you'll be all right. 
			*if (tag_uncharming = false)
				It's not a terribly difficult thing to do, but perhaps a [i]tad[/i] awkward, considering what you're still thinking about.
			*if (tag_uncharming)
				Or at least, you try. You're never quite sure how such expressions look on your particular face. Probably a little awkward, right now, considering what you're still thinking about.
			
			"Mm, suspicious," she remarks, several braids falling forward over her shoulder as she turns to face you more properly, "but if you're on your way to better, then that's all I could ask for." 
			
			"I am," you reply, nodding and offering her a small smile. Her help might not have seemed like much, but somehow having [i]permission[/i] to just leave the room made a lot of difference. You're not sure you would have been able to do that yourself, at least not when you needed to. 
		#I shrug. I'll be fine, but there's not really anything else she can do about it one way or another. 
			*set cold +1
			*set reserved +1
			You shrug. You'll be fine, but there's not really anything else she can do about it one way or another. Getting you out of there was helpful, but the rest of it is simply… things you must process and get through on your own. 

			You meet her eyes, solemn but straightforward. She doesn't need to worry about something like this, but you also don't feel any need to fall all over yourself assuring her that you're fine. Someone like Hekate is much too perceptive to require something like that.
			
			"Mm, suspicious," she remarks, several braids falling forward over her shoulder as she turns to face you more properly. "But I'll try not to worry too much, if that's what you wish." 
			
			"Appreciated," you reply, just a touch of irony in the word, and she chuckles softly. 
			
			"Oh, don't be so grumpy. There's nothing wrong with letting people fuss over you a little. Especially when you've gone through something that's understandably difficult."
*page_break
She lets out a breath, not quite a sigh, and offers you a wry smile. "I'd never considered that I might be helping to judge humans, one day. Not before the Titanomachy. They were such a [i]young[/i] species then. Though perhaps they still count as that, depending on whom you ask. I'd barely talked to one before I met Hades. And then all of a sudden it was like I was surrounded on all sides." 

Leaning back against the bench, Hekate crosses one leg over the other. "Not that judgement is my [i]preferred[/i] interaction, of course. Far too formal, far too grave, far too… adversarial." 

*fake_choice
	#"Which of those qualities is the worst?" 
		"Which of those qualities is the worst?" You've heard that Hekate does interact with humans, but you're not sure of the scope or nature of those interactions, or even really what she thinks of them. It's an interesting topic, though, so you might as well continue it. 
		
		"Well, you know, I could make a joke and say the [i]grave[/i] part, but as a matter of fact it's the adversarial part that bothers me the most. I understand that it's necessary in some cases of course, but I much prefer cooperation in all things, including my interactions with humans."
		
		"What are those like?" You've had very few, yourself, almost exclusively with spirits rather than the living. 
		
		Hekate hums, folding her arms across her chest. "Well… they vary quite a lot, just as people do, of course. But I suppose most of the time I'm interacting with petitioners, people praying to me for protection, or power, or something like that. But a few of the relationships aren't so one-directional. I have friends, among humans, and I enjoy that very much."
	#"Do you often interact with spirits, then?"
		"Do you often interact with spirits, then?" They are, after all, the humans in the Underworld, and much easier to interact with than anyone else, presumably. 
		
		"Spirits? Yes, of course, but also living humans." She tilts her head. "Quite a number, actually. I like to think it gives me some sense of perspective, when it comes to things like judgements and whatever else, but that's not why I do it."
		
		"What's it like, then? The way you do things." You've had very few interactions with humans yourself, and almost exclusively with spirits rather than the living. 
		
		Hekate hums, folding her arms across her chest. "Well… they vary quite a lot, just as people do, of course. But I suppose most of the time I'm interacting with petitioners, people praying to me for protection, or power, or something like that. But a few of the relationships aren't so one-directional. I have friends, among humans, and I enjoy that very much."
	#"I'm not sure any interactions are optimal. The relationship is so unequal, inherently."
		"I'm not sure any interactions are optimal. The relationship is so unequal, inherently." It's always unnerved you a little, how easily gods interfere in mortal lives, as though it's just perfectly natural that they should. Running the Underworld is one thing, of course, because that's a necessary part of the human life cycle and someone has to do it, but anything beyond that strikes you as a bit… well, you're not sure it's a good idea. 
		
		"I don't know about 'inherently,'" Hekate replies, lifting a brow at you. "I grant that it very often is as you describe, but I don't think it has to be. And I don't think inequality is always necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, one person is in a position to give another something they need. That's an unequal relationship, but it doesn't have to be unfortunate because of that." 
		
		"What's it like, then? The way you do things." You've had very few interactions with humans yourself, and almost exclusively with spirits rather than the living, so you concede that you might not know everything… and yet you're not convinced otherwise just because she says so, either.
		
		Hekate hums, folding her arms across her chest. "Well… they vary quite a lot, just as people do, of course. But I suppose most of the time I'm interacting with petitioners, people praying to me for protection, or power, or something like that. But a few of the relationships aren't so one-directional. I have friends, among humans, and I enjoy that very much."
	#"I'm not sure how you can stand humans, never mind relate to them. Aren't they too... nasty?"
		*set tag_humansdislike true
		"I'm not sure how you can stand humans, never mind relate to them. Aren't they too... nasty?" You wrinkle your nose a little as you speak, unable to suppress your feeling of distaste. Everything you've ever heard about humans has led you to believe you cannot possibly relate to them, and nothing you've seen during your time in the Underworld makes you think otherwise. Even those who aren't reprobates are just… too different from you for you to understand. 
		
		Hekate huffs softly, but shakes her head. "Not at all. I like to think I have very good relationships with some of them, actually, and while sometimes it's a struggle to understand their perspective, I don't think it always is, and it [i]does[/i] strike me as worth attempting, regardless."
		
		"What's it like, then? The way you do things." You've had very few interactions with humans yourself, and almost exclusively with spirits rather than the living, so you concede that you might not know everything… and yet you're not convinced otherwise just because she says so, either.
		
		Hekate hums, folding her arms across her chest. "Well… they vary quite a lot, just as people do, of course. But I suppose most of the time I'm interacting with petitioners, people praying to me for protection, or power, or something like that. But a few of the relationships aren't so one-directional. I have friends, among humans, and I enjoy that very much."
*page_break
"Honestly…" she pauses, hesitating only for a moment before she ventures the thought behind it. "Sometimes I think that if we just gave them the right tools and left them alone, they'd be much better off. Or at least, when they interacted with us, it would be from a position of equality. Prayer is… at its best when it is simply a manner of communication. I hate it when people feel like they need to beg me for things, or tread on eggshells because they suppose I must have some terrible sort of temper."

*fake_choice
	#"That's an unconventional opinion, but I think I understand. I've never felt comfortable with the idea of reverence either."
		"That's an unconventional opinion, but I think I understand. I've never felt comfortable with the idea of reverence either." You shake your head. The idea that anyone should treat you like some superior class of being has never sat well with you. Perhaps because you're half-human, but it could just as easily be a matter of personality, too. 
		
		Your mother had never seemed uncomfortable with worship, but admittedly you've never asked her, either, and she didn't raise you to [i]expect[/i] it, by any means.
		
		"It's not just that," Hekate says, shaking her head. "It [i]is[/i] that, but it's also this idea that humans are like children, and have to be shepherded, and all we gods are oh-so-benevolent for deigning to do so. Fortunately, not many of [i]them[/i] actually think that, but they have to act like they do. Stroke our egos even in asking for basic things they need. I think it'd be better of they didn't have to ask for anything. [i]Then[/i] we could engage in ways that meant something."
		
		"I'm… not sure I've ever met anyone who thinks like that," you point out. 
		
		"Making it very unlikely to ever happen, I know," Hekate replies with a huff. "Which is why I still accept prayers. But I'm trying, you know. Witchcraft is spreading, and I'm proud of that."
	#"Is it really possible to 'give them the right tools,' though? Gods are capable of so much more than humans. Don't they need us, really?"
		"Is it really possible to 'give them the right tools,' though? Gods are capable of so much more than humans. Don't they need us, really?" It's not that you think poorly of them for that, but it [i]is[/i] a fact. There are things even you can do that a human would find miraculous, to say nothing of more powerful deities like Hekate or your mother. 
		
		[i]She's[/i] never seemed uncomfortable with worship, but admittedly you've never asked her, either, and she didn't raise you to [i]expect[/i] it, by any means. Still…
		
		"No one needs to be capable of everything the gods are capable of," Hekate replies, shaking her head. "Least of all a group with the ingenuity and sheer numbers of humanity. I think they could do a lot, if we got out of their way."
		
		"Got out of their way? Surely that's a bit too far." 
		
		But Hekate shakes her head. "Not at all. I hate this idea that humans are like children, and have to be shepherded, and all we gods are oh-so-benevolent for deigning to do so. Fortunately, not many of [i]them[/i] actually think that, but they have to act like they do. Stroke our egos even in asking for basic things they need. I think it'd be better of they didn't have to ask for anything. [i]Then[/i] we could engage in ways that meant something."
		
		"I'm… not sure I've ever met anyone who thinks like that," you point out. 
		
		"Making it very unlikely to ever happen, I know," Hekate replies with a huff. "Which is why I still accept prayers. But I'm trying, you know. Witchcraft is spreading, and I'm proud of that."
	#"I think if they were left alone, they'd all kill each other, frankly."
		"I think if they were left alone, they'd all kill each other, frankly." The gods have gone to war twice. Humans go to war all the time. You don't have to stretch your imagination too far to suppose that the former are likely a [i]moderating[/i] influence on the latter.
		
		"And how many humans do you know?" she asks with a small, slightly-crooked smile. "I'm not saying there would be a sudden and incorruptible peace in the world or anything, ${name}, but I [i]do[/i] think the view of humanity you've just expressed comes from a place of inexperience. Stories of the worst of them do tend to make it farther than stories of the best, or stories of the ordinary."
		
		"Well then what do you suggest? How would they be better off without us?"
		
		Hekate shakes her head. "I don't know. Maybe they would be and maybe they wouldn't. But shouldn't we give them a chance to decide that? I hate this idea that humans are like children, and have to be shepherded, and all we gods are oh-so-benevolent for deigning to do so. Fortunately, not many of [i]them[/i] actually think that, but they have to act like they do. Stroke our egos even in asking for basic things they need. I think it'd be better of they didn't have to ask for anything. [i]Then[/i] we could engage in ways that meant something."
		
		"I'm… not sure I've ever met anyone who thinks like that," you point out. 
		
		"Making it very unlikely to ever happen, I know," Hekate replies with a huff. "Which is why I still accept prayers. But I'm trying, you know. Witchcraft is spreading, and I'm proud of that."
	#"I don't know... I could see some gods giving up the idea of worship, but not most of them. It would only shift the balance of power among us."
		"I don't know... I could see some gods giving up the idea of worship, but not most of them. It would only shift the balance of power among us." And those who still answered prayers would become much more powerful as a result. 
		
		"Well… you're right, of course. And it's an oversimplification to behave as though the relationship is completely one-sided. Such a change would drastically impact deific politics, and probably not in a good way. But I don't think we have to completely sever our connections with them. Just… get out of their way, a little."
		
		"Get out of their way? Surely that's a bit…" You're not even sure how to finish the sentence.
		
		But Hekate shakes her head. "Not at all. I hate this idea that humans are like children, and have to be shepherded, and all we gods are oh-so-benevolent for deigning to do so. Fortunately, not many of [i]them[/i] actually think that, but they have to act like they do. Stroke our egos even in asking for basic things they need. I think it'd be better of they didn't have to ask for anything. [i]Then[/i] we could engage in ways that meant something."
		
		"I'm… not sure I've ever met anyone who thinks like that," you point out. 
		
		"Making it very unlikely to ever happen, I know," Hekate replies with a huff. "Which is why I still accept prayers. But I'm trying, you know. Witchcraft is spreading, and I'm proud of that."
*page_break
"Actually…" She considers you for a moment with narrowed eyes, loosening her arms to smooth out her tunic over her legs. "I was considering putting in a… let's say [i]personal appearance[/i] for one of my larger cults. There's something of a holiday coming up for one of them, and I thought it might be a good chance to meet some of the people face to face that I speak to most often. It should also be pretty fun." Her lips curl slightly at that. 

"I admit I'm even a little nervous. Personal appearances are… rare for me, as it were. Would you like to come along?"
*if (humorous > serious)
	Her smile blooms. "I'm sure they'd enjoy meeting a ${god} with a sense of humor."
*if not (humorous > serious)
	Her smile blooms. "You might add some good gravitas to the situation. I'm terrible at that, personally." 

*label hekate_ch1
*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse #"Are you sure you wouldn't rather bring someone else?"
		"Are you sure you wouldn't rather bring someone else?" You're not entirely sure why she's bringing anyone at all, but if it's to impress her worshipers, surely a more prominent or powerful person would be more useful in that way. 
		
		But Hekate shakes her head immediately. "Of course not. I want to bring you. I know I made it sound like something that was just occurring to me, maybe, but I've been trying to decide whether I should ask you for a while." 
		
		You can't imagine what would hold her back from doing so… except maybe that this is a fairly unconventional thing she's doing. It sounds like Hekate's never appeared before her worshipers in person before, and as far as you know, not many deities ever do.
		*goto hekate_ch1
	#"I'd love to come; it sounds interesting."
		*set confident +1
		"I'd love to come; it sounds interesting." Time in the mortal realm isn't something you're going to turn down, in such a context. And of course the fact that it will be with Hekate, among people she considers important to her… that gives you more reasons than you need, really. 
		
		Her posture relaxes, and Hekate beams at you. "Good, then. I'll let you know when the time's approaching us. I hope you'll be looking forward to it as much as I am."
	#"I'm not sure how well this will go exactly, but I'll come with you."
		*set unsure +1
		"I'm not sure how well this will go exactly, but I'll come with you." Time in the mortal realm strikes you as something that [i]could[/i] go wrong more easily than life here, and you don't know anything about these humans or how you'll get along, but if Hekate's inviting you, you'll try not to worry too much about any of that. 
		
		Her posture relaxes, and Hekate gives you a reassuring smile. "If you're worried about getting along with everyone, don't be. I'm sure they'll love you."
		
		"I don't know if I'd know how to handle that, either," you point out, and she chuckles.
		
		"All right, well then feel free to use me as as an intermediary, a layer between you and anyone else, if need be. I'll let you know when the time's approaching us, and I hope you can look forward to it at least a little."
	#"Is this really a good idea? If you're going, I'll go too, but I'd like to point out that this kind of [i]direct[/i] interaction might not be for the better."
		"Is this really a good idea? If you're going, I'll go too, but I'd like to point out that this kind of [i]direct[/i] interaction might not be for the better." Granted, you don't know of many cases of anything similar, but the ones you [i]do[/i] know aren't encouraging. Hekate obviously isn't going to behave like Zeus, but still you don't think this is necessarily for the best. It seems like gods and humans are oil and water, and shouldn't mix. 
		
		But if she's going, you're going. 
		
		"I think it's a fine idea," she replies, smiling reassuringly. "But of course, any idea might have unintended consequences. I appreciate you going so far to make sure it turns out all right, but I do hope you can come to feel something about it that isn't anxiety or skepticism." 
		
		"I suppose I'll try."
*page_break
The two of you speak of other things for a while longer, just catching up, but considering how often you do that, there comes a point where, naturally enough, you're both out of things to say for the moment. While either of you are certainly capable of choosing another topic and continuing, you do also have the rest of your days to get to, and so Hekate stands first, brushing down her clothes. 

"Well. Until… dinner, then, I suppose." 

You nod. "See you soon, Hekate."
*goto endchapter1

*label endchapter1

*finish Chapter Two: Blood of My Blood