First Day (01)

"I'm so happy to see you," I tell her. "You look incredible." I pull back to take her in again. She's just...majestic. I think Protigi leveled her up somehow. "Did you just arrive?"

I inhale a breath as I consider her questions, then just nod. "Dad's good. He's good, yeah. Nothing really out of the usual. He's got me and Soph and JS all at the house now, so we keep him...busy." I almost say "up at night" because I'm sure he worries more than he should. "And school..." I shrug a shoulder. "I wish it were easier." I meet her eyes, thinking about Medora and how much she took off my plate for me. Not that that's the only reason I miss her, but being back at school definitely highlights it again.

I nod with Mom's suggestion of another helper, not accepting it but just acknowledging that I know the option exists. The corner of my mouth turns down when she offers that I could come to Protigi. I'm sure I would get a whole other kind of education there, on how to be a goddess. I'm just not sure I'm ready to walk away from everything here for that opportunity.

When Grandmother offers Galinthias,I glance over at the little ferret with surprise. I'm sure Galinthias would be part-helper, part-spy, but it might be worth it.

"That...might be helpful," I admit slowly. Red can only do so much. "But only if Galinthias wants to. And if you don't need her."

I'm glad that Galinthias seems eager about the idea at least and I turn to give her a smile, nodding. "Okay then. Maybe we can just do a trial period to see if it works out for everyone. Two weeks?"

Your mother and grandmother are pleased with the arrangement. Your grandmother tries to pull you both away for scheming, but your mother puts her off, saying she needs to speak with some people first. When your mother asks if you'd like to attend her or if you want to amuse yourself at the party, what do you answer?

When Mom delays Grandmother's scheming, I suppress a smile of amusement. Maybe Mom and I are more alike than I realized. I jump at the opportunity to trail her around, wherever she's going, or to bring her food and drinks. I know it could come across a little servile, but she's my mom and I'm proud to be seen with her.

Your mother stops by the table with Hestia and Athena, sitting with them to play that board game with stones, which she explains is called Terni Lapilli. They are cordial and it's obvious Athena respects your mother, while Hestia has what feels like an ancient friendship with her. They conversation is loaded with "old times" mentions, but your mother seems to be planting seeds and speaking highly of the changes and hope you've brought to the gods.

Circe moves on to speak with Hyperion and Theia, bringing you into their conversation. Hyperion formally introduces Eos and Hephaestus to her, which feels like a momentous event - this is a step to forming more friendly relations and your mother gives them her blessing and wishes for a bright future together.

She chats with Demeter, Poseidon, and Amphitrite at the buffet table when Dionysus comes up to chat with her. He informs her that he has offered Hannah to Menoetius and the Titan has graciously accepted. Your mother's brows knit - she glances over to you for your reaction to the news.

What do you do?

Trolling around the room with Mom feels like walking around with a celebrity. She's so polished and so subtle in the way she steers conversations and slips in ideas she supports. It's entrancing to watch. Seeing her meet - or re-meet - people I know feels special too, like we're all being pulled a little closer together, even if she does live in a different world now.

When Dionysus comes over, I'm sure I'm about to be subjected to some very awkward flirting, but instead he talks about Hannah and Menoetius, reminding me of my conversation with Hannah earlier today. I was so sure Dionysus wouldn't care anymore about this, but apparently I was wrong.

I frown and meet my Mom's eyes for a moment, trying to convey how much I dislike this whole idea. I look back at Dionysus. "Marrying a titan to a mortal. Menoetius doesn't see that as an...insult?"

Mom's reaction catches me so off guard that I just immediately look down and take a half-shuffle step back, like I'm bowing out of the conversation. Like I'm a servant put in my place. The guilt trip about not going to Protigi yet doesn't help.

I chew on my lip and linger at the edge of the conversation, not bold enough to walk away and not brave enough to try to voice my opinion a second time. I'll just have to find another way to help Hannah. Maybe I can find a way to shrivel Menoetius's dick or something. He won't want to get married if he can't seal the deal, and he for sure won't be creating any kids that way.

I find myself staring at a platter of pigs in blankets as I consider the idea. Maybe there's a tome in my sanctum that would help.

I frown at Galinthias’s explanation, even if it does help take the sting off the moment. I guess in a sort of detached sense, one human for the sake of so many more is a better trade. But it’s not just any human. It’s Hannah.

"Does he actually? Feel romantic toward her?"

At first Galinthias' answer calms me, but my frown deepens as I ponder her words. "Some things are worse than death," I say softly.

I exhale a sigh. Maybe I can help Hannah change Menoetius the same way I changed Ares. Maybe that's how I can use my influence to my - our - advantage here. It might be a hard journey, but maybe...maybe it can be worth it. If it works.