|♡|Mirabelle Everhart|17|She/Her|Aphrodite|Head Counselor|Location: Outside Stables|Tags: Aiden, Orin|
Mirabelle couldn't help but laugh at Orin antics, especially given Aiden's response. It wasn't just a little chuckle, either - a loud, ringing laugh. And she hated it. As usual, she covered her mouth with her free hand; a reflex left over from her years of braces. An embarrassed blush crept across her face as her laughter died down. She silently hoped it wasn't visible under all her makeup.
"You have my solemn oath that I'll do my best to return your sunlight." Humour danced in Mirabelle's grey-blue eyes. "If we manage to beat Khione, you'll have all the time in the world to bask in the sun. In the meantime, maybe ask Dante to conjure some UV rays for you? Get a kickstart on that tan." Sorry in advance, Dante.
The word 'shtum' reminded her sorely of Juliet's mother. It had been quite a while since she'd heard any Yiddish being thrown around, and Angela tended to sprinkle Yiddish words into the conversation when she spoke. Angela had been kind and fun, albeit a little overbearing at times. She had shared Juliet's hazel eyes and blonde hair, as well as that lopsided smile. It was clear to see why Hermes had chosen her. Juliet's family was truly wonderful - they weren't well-off by any means, but they were happy. And that was the most enviable thing of all. While spending time with them had been lovely, there was a bitterness to watching every interaction. It reminded Mirabelle of something she desperately wanted. Something I can never have.
Orin's use of the word perplexed her a bit, if she were being honest. Perhaps he was Jewish? Or perhaps 'shtum' was a British colloquialism as well. Come on, Mirabelle, that's not important right now. She knew her mind was diverting its attention to keep her from focusing on her true feelings. Orin was talking like he knew they were going to come back. It reminded her of the way Chuck had spoken to her when she'd said her goodbyes to him. But what if we don't come back? Aiden stopped himself before he could air the same thought.
The notion of her own death wasn't what frightened her. It was leaving behind the people she loved. I almost did that once. I'm not going to leave them again. Her free hand found its way up to Delilah's opal pendant. Unwittingly, she held it in her palm, rubbing the smooth gemstone surface in a small act of self-soothing.
Chuck's caring, sincere words surfaced in her mind. Though it had been four years, she remembered each one perfectly. It was no wonder she recalled his statement with startling accuracy. It had been her lifeline during one of the most difficult periods of her existence.
"Look, real talk, Mira. I love you and I’m like, so grateful to have you in my life, you know? Like, if you ever doubt that, just tell me and I’ll be here to like, reassure you."
Her breath caught. Right. Okay. Even breathing. In for three, out for three. Breathe in, breathe out. Externally, she did her best to look as if her throat wasn't closing up. I will not cry. Not here, not now. She forced a smile; a practised motion that seemed genuine upon first glance. You don't get to break down. You have to be strong, for everyone's sake. As she had many a time before, Mirabelle shoved the emotion back into its clearly labeled bottle. You're fine. You're always fine.
"We don't really ask for help ever, even when we need it. Especially when we need it." Aiden's solemn words brought her back into the moment. Though she knew he was referring to his cabinmates, she couldn't help but feel the full truth of that statement. Dark memories clawed their way to the surface, but she fought them back with renewed efforts. It was only then that she realised she'd let her sunny disposition slip.
Right, Mira. Pull yourself together. Mirabelle found herself desperately hoping no one had caught on to her momentary lapse in cheer. Just please don't ask if I'm okay. She knew if someone asked, that small act of kindness might just be enough to send her over the edge. That, and she would have to lie. Little white lies... So many little white lies. Right. Get it together! People are counting on you - you can't break now. Zut alors.
She assembled the cracked pieces of her composure, managing to slap an authentic-looking smile over her pain. The only indication of her true feelings was the fact that her eyes were slightly redder than they should've been.
|⟡|Juliet Pratten|16|She/Her|Hermes|Location: Cabin 3|Tags: Sa'd, Zahra --> Hu, Caspia|
|❀|Chuck Oakes|He/Him|Satyr|Location: Outside Dining Pavilion|Tags: Yuno|
|⊙|Zahra Al-Amin|217/Looks 32|She/They|Magician; Eye of Sekhmet|Location: Outside Cabin 3 --> Behind Cabins|Tags: Jay, Sa'd/Set|
|❄|Vivienne Isole|18|She/Her|Khione|Location: Mount Marcy Caverns/Mount Marcy Throne Room|Tags: NA/Nicholas, Malcolm, Hicks|
Khione gracefully sat herself atop her throne ice, poised to look down upon her allies. Conceited as she was, she probably would have looked down upon them even if she wasn't seated higher up. "I do not know of this 'apprentice'." She narrowed her eyes at Mr. Kingston, almost as if she were mentally dissecting him. "There are no dragons living here, though there is a population of gryphons roosting near the peak."
When Death addressed her, Khione's intense focus switched over to him. "Just so long as you don't 'roll over' when the demigods appear to challenge us." Her tone lacked any semblance of humour. "Now, to speak about the matters at hand." In one swift, sharp motion, the way they had come was sealed shut by a thick wall of ice. "To prevent any eavesdroppers." An offhanded explanation, but an explanation at least. "I have caught word that a quest has been proposed; a prophecy spoken. A group of ten pesky demigods have assembled and will be headed our way, no doubt. It seems they know nothing of the true motive." She paused, potentially just for the suspense. "My true motive, you ask?" No one had actually asked. "Yes. You see, I am in league with a force beyond mortal comprehension. Something unfathomably old, of indomitable power. It - They, it's mouthpiece - have promised me a share of this new world we create. You see, They wish to reshape the world."
At these words, the room suddenly grew darker. A presence began to take shape in the centre of the chamber. Not alive by mortal standards, but not dead either. An arm reached out of the pit of blackness as it took on a decidedly humanoid figure.
Mirabelle couldn't help but laugh at Orin antics, especially given Aiden's response. It wasn't just a little chuckle, either - a loud, ringing laugh. And she hated it. As usual, she covered her mouth with her free hand; a reflex left over from her years of braces. An embarrassed blush crept across her face as her laughter died down. She silently hoped it wasn't visible under all her makeup.
"You have my solemn oath that I'll do my best to return your sunlight." Humour danced in Mirabelle's grey-blue eyes. "If we manage to beat Khione, you'll have all the time in the world to bask in the sun. In the meantime, maybe ask Dante to conjure some UV rays for you? Get a kickstart on that tan." Sorry in advance, Dante.
The word 'shtum' reminded her sorely of Juliet's mother. It had been quite a while since she'd heard any Yiddish being thrown around, and Angela tended to sprinkle Yiddish words into the conversation when she spoke. Angela had been kind and fun, albeit a little overbearing at times. She had shared Juliet's hazel eyes and blonde hair, as well as that lopsided smile. It was clear to see why Hermes had chosen her. Juliet's family was truly wonderful - they weren't well-off by any means, but they were happy. And that was the most enviable thing of all. While spending time with them had been lovely, there was a bitterness to watching every interaction. It reminded Mirabelle of something she desperately wanted. Something I can never have.
Orin's use of the word perplexed her a bit, if she were being honest. Perhaps he was Jewish? Or perhaps 'shtum' was a British colloquialism as well. Come on, Mirabelle, that's not important right now. She knew her mind was diverting its attention to keep her from focusing on her true feelings. Orin was talking like he knew they were going to come back. It reminded her of the way Chuck had spoken to her when she'd said her goodbyes to him. But what if we don't come back? Aiden stopped himself before he could air the same thought.
The notion of her own death wasn't what frightened her. It was leaving behind the people she loved. I almost did that once. I'm not going to leave them again. Her free hand found its way up to Delilah's opal pendant. Unwittingly, she held it in her palm, rubbing the smooth gemstone surface in a small act of self-soothing.
Chuck's caring, sincere words surfaced in her mind. Though it had been four years, she remembered each one perfectly. It was no wonder she recalled his statement with startling accuracy. It had been her lifeline during one of the most difficult periods of her existence.
"Look, real talk, Mira. I love you and I’m like, so grateful to have you in my life, you know? Like, if you ever doubt that, just tell me and I’ll be here to like, reassure you."
Her breath caught. Right. Okay. Even breathing. In for three, out for three. Breathe in, breathe out. Externally, she did her best to look as if her throat wasn't closing up. I will not cry. Not here, not now. She forced a smile; a practised motion that seemed genuine upon first glance. You don't get to break down. You have to be strong, for everyone's sake. As she had many a time before, Mirabelle shoved the emotion back into its clearly labeled bottle. You're fine. You're always fine.
"We don't really ask for help ever, even when we need it. Especially when we need it." Aiden's solemn words brought her back into the moment. Though she knew he was referring to his cabinmates, she couldn't help but feel the full truth of that statement. Dark memories clawed their way to the surface, but she fought them back with renewed efforts. It was only then that she realised she'd let her sunny disposition slip.
Right, Mira. Pull yourself together. Mirabelle found herself desperately hoping no one had caught on to her momentary lapse in cheer. Just please don't ask if I'm okay. She knew if someone asked, that small act of kindness might just be enough to send her over the edge. That, and she would have to lie. Little white lies... So many little white lies. Right. Get it together! People are counting on you - you can't break now. Zut alors.
She assembled the cracked pieces of her composure, managing to slap an authentic-looking smile over her pain. The only indication of her true feelings was the fact that her eyes were slightly redder than they should've been.
|⟡|Juliet Pratten|16|She/Her|Hermes|Location: Cabin 3|Tags: Sa'd, Zahra --> Hu, Caspia|
Juliet nodded slowly while she listened to Sa'd and Set speak. She crossed her arms tighter over her chest as she regarded this newcomer - another adult, she noticed. And a rather alluring one at that. Sporting a tight burgundy t-shirt and a pair of black jeans, with a really awesome black leather jacket around her shoulders. Fingers covered in golden rings, a lion's head pendant dangling around their neck. Her golden eyes framed with black eyeliner. And were those combat boots? Man, Juliet wished she looked that cool. She felt dull by comparison, with her beat-up jeans and holey purple sweater. Her aviator jacket was pretty sweet, she reckoned. That ought to earn her some 'cool' points at least.
"Trading instead of taking... yeah, I can swing that." Juliet shifted on her feet. "Colourful rocks you say..." A sinister look crossed her face. A plan was starting to formulate in her brain of how to trick the gryphon, though she'd have to run it by Hu first. Oh, and Caspia, if she was the pranking type. "Yeah, sure. I'll tell ya how it goes." She waved offhandedly, though she would probably forget her agreement the moment Sa'd left.
"Anyways, good to meetcha, sad dude. And chaos guy or whatever. See you around. Or maybe not." She shrugged, her typical air of nonchalance doing its work. "And you too, I guess." The latter was directed at the adult and the weird girl following her around, though Juliet hadn't caught either's name. All in all not a big deal. She probably would've just forgotten their names anyways.
|❀|Chuck Oakes|He/Him|Satyr|Location: Outside Dining Pavilion|Tags: Yuno|
"Like, thanks, man!" Chuck bleated, breaking into a grin. "You have like, no idea how relieving it is to hear that, you know?" He watched as Yuno jotted something down, absently chewing on his sleeve. Always organised, that one. They reminded him of Mira in that sense - though Mira tended to have a mental checklist rather than a physical one. He absently wondered if Mira's mental checklist was colour-coded and had little sticky notes all over it.
"Uh, so like, where do we even start?" Chuck shuffled his hooves in the snow. "We can totally like, get the other satyrs to help and stuff, most of them are like, trying to anyways, I think." He'd seen a few fellow satyrs out in the woods, mostly consoling dryads and attempting to offer help, though they had seemed a bit confused as to how exactly to do so.
|⊙|Zahra Al-Amin|217/Looks 32|She/They|Magician; Eye of Sekhmet|Location: Outside Cabin 3 --> Behind Cabins|Tags: Jay, Sa'd/Set|
Zahra was a bit miffed at being called a 'girl' by the chaos god - she was two hundred and seventeen years old, for crying out loud. That, and they weren't fully a woman to begin with. Sure, she had been using 'she/her' pronouns more in her head that day, but that tended to fluctuate depending on how they felt. Nonetheless, the Eye of Sekhmet led the Host of Set and their accompanying god behind a row of buildings, which Chiron had called 'cabins' earlier. Zahra thought that was rather funny - the only building that looked cabin-like in any regard to her was the one the aforementioned gryphon was seated outside. They checked back to make sure that Jay was following; she and Anubis should hear this information as well.
When they were far enough out of earshot of any demigods, Zahra stopped walking and turned to face the three. "Jay and Anubis, I believe, have already made my acquaintance, but allow me to introduce myself. I am Zahra Abubakar Nashwa Al-Amin, Magician of the Ninth Nome and current Eye of Sekhmet. I wish there were time for more formalities, but I must 'get to the point', as they say." Her tone was clear and sharp, but not unkind. Their mixed Arabic-London accent had thickened in her haste, and they hoped the three could comprehend what she was saying. "Set, Anubis - we need your help. The Duat is in chaos - almost literally, I'm afraid. You two recall the Ogdoad, though I am uncertain if your Hosts have recollection. Hosts, do either of you know of the Ogdoad? I can explain briefly if I must."
-
At Jay's admission, Zahra's face grew almost disappointed. "I see. They must not be teaching the Ogdoad cosmology in your Nome. Shame on them." She hadn't necessarily meant it in a mean nor chastising way, but it certainly came out that way. "The Ogdoad are eight gods; the first gods. They were born of the Sea of Chaos and are thought to be extensions of Isfet itself." She paused to let that sink in. "The eight are as follows. Nun and Naunet; the gods of chaos and water, Heh and Hauhet; gods of boundlessness, Kuk and Kauket; gods of darkness, and Amun and Amaunet; gods of invisibility, of air, and void. They are frog and snake gods respectively. " She watched the two teenagers' faces as she continued. "Something has greatly angered them, and caused them to awaken from their slumber. They are wreaking havoc in the Duat; tearing it completely asunder. The Sea of Chaos - it is expanding. You can see why I have been sent. We need your help. The gods need your help."
|❄|Vivienne Isole|18|She/Her|Khione|Location: Mount Marcy Caverns/Mount Marcy Throne Room|Tags: NA/Nicholas, Malcolm, Hicks|
Khione gracefully sat herself atop her throne ice, poised to look down upon her allies. Conceited as she was, she probably would have looked down upon them even if she wasn't seated higher up. "I do not know of this 'apprentice'." She narrowed her eyes at Mr. Kingston, almost as if she were mentally dissecting him. "There are no dragons living here, though there is a population of gryphons roosting near the peak."
When Death addressed her, Khione's intense focus switched over to him. "Just so long as you don't 'roll over' when the demigods appear to challenge us." Her tone lacked any semblance of humour. "Now, to speak about the matters at hand." In one swift, sharp motion, the way they had come was sealed shut by a thick wall of ice. "To prevent any eavesdroppers." An offhanded explanation, but an explanation at least. "I have caught word that a quest has been proposed; a prophecy spoken. A group of ten pesky demigods have assembled and will be headed our way, no doubt. It seems they know nothing of the true motive." She paused, potentially just for the suspense. "My true motive, you ask?" No one had actually asked. "Yes. You see, I am in league with a force beyond mortal comprehension. Something unfathomably old, of indomitable power. It - They, it's mouthpiece - have promised me a share of this new world we create. You see, They wish to reshape the world."
At these words, the room suddenly grew darker. A presence began to take shape in the centre of the chamber. Not alive by mortal standards, but not dead either. An arm reached out of the pit of blackness as it took on a decidedly humanoid figure.
