That's his mother, as far as he is certain. That's the woman who let him cling to her himations, who carried him, who patiently told him stories. The woman who helped him brush his wings, who kissed his scrapes, who he's never been able to feel a scrap of hatred for.
She could kill every god, and he'd find a reason to defend her. She could break an oath sworn on the Styx, and he'd find a loophole to keep her safe.
The only piece of his extended family that he feels close to. That's his second biggest role model (with all the Furies tied for 1st). He may not agree with every action she takes, but he does not question it.
She both scares and intrigues him. A hidden glimpse into the family he is not part of.
That is not, will never be his mother. She can say it all she wants. He's one of the lucky ones. He got out as a baby because he was apparently that unlovable, and into Dike's loving arms.
He doesn't even know if Eris remembers the name she gave him when he was born.
It was for the best. He punishes those who make false oaths. She makes those like she earns money for it. She left him, and it was all for the better. Now he can hate her without any complicated feelings.
He does not like them. He can respect Ponos. He detests Dysnomia, the Pseudologoi, and Ate.
Those are the only ones he knows enough to have an opinion on.
Blood (or, ichor) does not a siblinghood make. That is his big sister. He would face Zeus' wrath for her. What could she possibly do to anger Lord Zeus? He doesn't know, but it makes the sentiment no less true.
That's the one who helps him see the good in mortals, and even his fellow gods. That's the one who he knows that if he ever fell apart, she would carefully help him pick up the pieces. He retreats to her when everything is too much, aware she will not pry.
He would do the same for her if he could.
That's his son. His baby. The second he lifted him up, he could not have cared less about his lack of hands. His lack of feet. If he could have his way, he would have cocooned him away from the world. Wiping away those tears, shushing the infant cries, that was his child.
Apotheosis hurt to watch. But he would not lose this baby. Not this one. He would not fail this one. Now no one could take him away. It was to give him a better quality of life, he lied to himself.
Even though his son is now grown, and has taken on a path similar to his, his heart bursts with pride constantly. He is a rather stoic god, he likes to believe, but the urge to smile is never stronger than when around his son.
How could this boy's parents have left him?
How could Eris have left him?
