just and fair

“Hey! Just as long as you’re coming with me. I can’t brave 80′s nostalgia alone, you know?” He teased, but the smile was plain as day, on his face. Lia was easy; it was easy to smile around her and tease and make believe. At their core, they were passionate fire-starters. But sometimes, they could find the light in what was, and that was enough for Oli. Sometimes all it took was a laugh and a smile. “Okay, I would normally find some sort of rebuttal, but honestly? I’d make a kickass Spiderman. So you might be onto something here…”

“I’m kind to you, because you deserve all of the kindness in the whole wide world! And I know I might be a scrawny little musician, but if someone begs to differ with that, they’re going to have to go through me.” And though it was a little bit in jest, as Oli was the least threatening, he really meant it.

She was so inspiring to Oli, and her drive only spurred him on. “I’ll be right their with you, making music to change the world. We’re going to do amazing things, I just know it.”

“Have you seen my head of hair? Give me a scrunchie and an oversized sweater and no one will suspect a thing.” It felt good to tease. So much of her life was serious - between pursuing law school, interning, protesting, and trying to locate the rest of those like her, Astraea appreciated the time to relax from it all. To joke, and smile, felt refreshing, and it was so welcome. Oli was a perfect companion for it, and she couldn’t help but grin as the spoke. Another day, they’d join together in protest, but today, in the park, they just got to be friends.

“You’re not just a scrawny musician though. Your words have power, especially when set to music. People listen, and react, sometimes before even realizing what’s happening.” The words were true in the modern day, but Astraea couldn’t help but think of Oliver’s history - the profound impact Orpheus’s words had had on everyone around him. The same spark and power was within Oliver, she had already seen it, and she knew he could use it for good in this world. “I’m honored to have you by my side. And I know we can do this.”

“Well, our town was.” They had lived in a small town that had absolutely nothing going on and it had been very nice. But she did enjoy being here in the city where something was always going on. Orelia’s explanation made sense, and it was probably a good idea to have some real world experience rather than just classroom experience. “Where are you interning?” She paused, considering Orelia’s question and wondering if it was cheating to say something that she did with the kids. “Honestly, I like going to the park.” She laughed sheepishly. “Which I suppose sounds silly, since I was just talking about how exciting the city is.”

“Mostly with different legal firms around the city - right now my boss deals with environmental reform, which is really interesting and really important.” Orelia paused, knowing that if she didn’t stop herself soon she’d get on one of her tangents. She offered a sheepish grin before looking down. “Sorry,” she shook her head and looked back up at the other woman, smiling a bit at her answer. “The park is lovely. And can still be extremely exciting, if you know where to look,” she laughed a bit as she thought of all the oddities she’d seen. The mortals were certainly different than what she remembered. “But the peace is nice too.”

Ambrose turned around to find a somewhat familiar face in front of him. He couldn’t quite pinpoint from where he knew her, but something about the girl seemed to make him doubt his memory. She wasn’t his student, that much he knew almost for sure. But if he didn’t see her in one of his classrooms, where could he possibly have met her? Those weird moments of false recognitions were starting to become constant now, something Ambrose didn’t really appreciate. It even made him go to a doctor to see if there was any sign of illness involved, but as it turned out, he was fine. Healthy, even. Whatever trick his mind was playing, Ambrose had to force himself to let go to pay attention on the possibly stranger.

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Sterling,” Ambrose finally answered, eyes focused on her as if her face held some sort of mystery. “I appreciate it, actually. And sure, I do have the time. I’m not sure how much I can help you, since I’m from the History Department, but I’m prepared to convince you that Columbia is a great choice,” and he almost smiled, a hint of sympathy as he decided to look around them. “Do you want to go to my office or should we grab a coffee somewhere in campus?”

She recognized the look on his face all too well. She had seen it across many of the Olympians she had found - an almost recognition, but something they couldn’t place. She wondered how many times the same look had crossed her own face before she had realized the truth. Still, Astraea was faced with the same dilemma that had plagued her time and time again - was she unrecognized due to lack of memories, or due to the little time she had actually spent amongst the other gods?

Still, he seemed to be going along with her front, and so, she continued to play along. “I studied History and English in undergrad - they seem to lend themselves quite well to law, don’t you think?” Anything to get him talking, she thought. “I don’t expect you to know everything about the law program, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on Columbia as a whole.” For a moment, Orelia thought of accepting the offer for coffee, but then Astraea thought again. Would Thanatos be showcased in any of Ambrose’s possessions? There was only one way to find out. “Your office is fine!” She chirped with a smile, “Anything to get us out of this cold, I think.”

Oliver couldn’t help the rivulet of giggles that escaped his lips. “I do think I’d fit in with the 80′s. I mean, what a decade! The neon was out of control and the music was dreamy. The romantic gestures were insane and over-the-top and really… I feel like it would be perfectly on brand.” He shook his head, a rosy blush appearing on his cheeks. “But I doubt I’d ever be covering the walls of teenage girls! I’m scrawny as hell, Lia. You flatter me too much.”

She was so kind to him. She had been since they met. Maybe it was in part due to the fact that they both had a specific sort of fighting spirit, embedded in their systems. They stood up for the things that mattered to them, even when nothing else seemed to be going right. That forged a certain kind of bond between two friends.

“Oh my god, if this actually becomes a thing and someone picks it up, you will be getting a comp ticket! There’s no way I’m making you pay a cent to see my work.” He paused, considering. “At the end of the day, theatre should be a lot more accessible, so that people like me can see it without needing to have the right connections. Wish it were free, but hey, capitalistic society, right? What a shame.” He shook his head, a slight sadness to his eyes. “No! You’re absolutely correct! It’s depressing, as it is. It’s a struggle to be out here, trying to make it day to day. I know that all too well. You speaking out is only appreciated here.”

“Neon, dreamy music, and large romantic gestures? Oli Reed, we need to find you a time machine!” She laughed. Their conversation was ridiculous, but she sensed it was just the sort of thing they both needed. New York City was not for the faint of heart, and even its hardest inhabitants needed joy every now and again. That only multiplied for those with compassion in their hearts. “Hey, some girls like that! Look at the fascination with Spiderman.” She raised a brow with her teasing, and shook her head, her loose waves falling over one shoulder.

It was rare to find people that she could be so vocal around, and even more than Orelia appreciated it, Astraea found it particularly comforting. She had all but lost hope her last time on Earth, but people like Oli were beginning to prove that perhaps not all was gone to waste.

“You’re kind to me, Oli.” His next words reignited the fire in her though, and the sadness in his eyes only made it burn brighter. Her smile had fallen, replaced with a look of determination. “One of these days I’ll get that law degree and will start fighting for real change. And I’ll be loud enough that people will have to listen and do something.”

Astraea had recognized the face as soon as she had seen it in the magazine spread. Powerful women in the city, and there was none other than Athena in the center spread. According to the article, she went by Alex now, and worked in law. Even if she didn’t have her memories, Astraea could blend into that atmosphere easily. If she did, the goddess of wisdom could prove a welcome reunion.

Her offices were pristine, though Astraea would expect nothing less. She trailed behind an assistant, smoothing her blouse over as she walked. Orelia would have always made a good first impression, and she might need that safety net if Athena proved like their other counterparts who still had no recollections.

Before long, the assistant disappeared behind a door with Alex’s name on the plaque, and Orelia waited patiently, until she returned and beckoned her in. She smiled graciously, offering out a hand once she saw Alex. “Orelia Sterling, ma’am. I saw the article about you and just had to find a way to introduce myself.” As she spoke, she observed the woman, trying to find and hint of remembrance that might be lurking behind the surface.

“How perfect for you!” Names were funny like that, Milly often found. She liked names that had specific meanings that were important, although it could be hard to pick a name like that for a baby when there was an entire life ahead of them. It had worked out for Orelia though. 

“My family is from South Carolina. I miss it sometimes but it’s very energetic here, and I’ve enjoyed that so far.” She mostly missed her family. Milly had never been one for traveling, and this type of separation was difficult. “Law school? Wow, that would be really exciting. What’s holding you back?”

“My entire family is blonde, so they really didn’t have to do much guessing on how I’d turn out.” She grinned, though Astraea supposed that wasn’t entirely true. Genetics worked a little differently on Mount Olympus. Still, Orelia’s mortal family had always told her the story growing up, so she stuck with it.

“Oh! I’m sure South Carolina is much calmer than the city.” Although anywhere seemed calmer than the chaos that was where they were really both from. Epione seemed content as Milly, though, and Astraea was not going to be the one to burst that bubble. At the question of school, she grinned. “I wanted to get experience before relegating myself to a classroom again. I’m interning for now.” Being a law student and dealing with whatever had brought them all here would have been quite an undertaking, and Astraea found herself thankful for Orelia’s decision to postpone her continued education. “What’s your favorite thing to do here?”

“in the flesh. pleased to make your acquaintance.” he dips his chin as the words flow out of his mouth, all exaggerated and evidently false charm. perhaps there would, yet again, be consequences for his display of hubris — though they are both trapped in all-mortal bodies, she is still a goddess. wise men would bow before her, shower her with the respect she most likely fancies herself entitled to. but achilles is not one of those men. he will not recognize her as his equal; so instead of self-imposed modesty, he meets her gaze, unflinching. in  addition  to that, he thinks, surely the consequences of his defiance cannot be worse than what has already been done to him.

“i did not say you chose to become mortals.” the hero explains calmly. “you may be in the dark too, alongside us mortals, but i am certain it is your fault nevertheless. one of you angered someone they shouldn’t have, and now we all are punished for it.” the thought prompts him to shake his head and, after a perfect ring of smoke slips out from between his lips, turns his gaze away from her. what else could have prompted something of this magnitude to happen? he blinks once, twice, as he considers it. nothing else. it is their fault. it always is.

although he holds little interest in casually conversing with the divine, her next words do catch his attention. they tug the corners of his lips, and though they meet a bit of resistance, ultimately they curve upward into an amused smile. “spare yourself those worry wrinkles, astraea. i do not intend to remain idle for much longer.” achilles speaks before he places the cigarette on his lips for one last drag. his inhale-exhale cycle is brief; with nimble fingers, it does not take long before the cigarette is out of his mouth. “i’m going to find patroclus, make him remember, and then we will leave this mess behind.” he drops the cigarette to the ground, squashing it with his shoe. “as for the rest of you,” he continues; and now he too turns so they may look into each other’s eyes again. “i’m not going to waste a drop of my energy on fixing your situation. it’s finally time to repay some of that selfishness you have bestowed upon us over the years.” something cruel, maybe even sadistic, falls over his features like a mask. “for all i care, your lot could spend the rest of your existence rotting in these frail bodies. if i knew how to fix this, i would rather die than share it with you.” an exception or two pops into his mind, but the man swiftly shoves those thoughts aside; this is not the moment to think about them.

“so how does it feel, goddess? how does the prospect of being weak for all eternity make you feel?”

How interesting he was, and how lucky that she was not as fickle as the others. She couldn’t think of a time she had been met with so much opposition from a mortal, though, she supposed, her last times on Earth had been much simpler. They had not learned how horrid the world could be yet, and so no one truly had a reason to be as upset as it seemed Achilles was. 

Still, she couldn’t find herself angry with him. Frustrated, maybe. But the same kind of fire that burned in him burned in all who enacted changes on their world, and while he seemed a bit misguided in some of his thoughts, she couldn’t entirely blame him. Her counterparts had not always been fair to the mortals, or really regarded how their actions might affect the rest of the world.

Astraea listened to his words, taking them in, before she began to formulate her response. “I won’t pretend that what the others have done was always fair, just, or even kind or decent. And I won’t argue with you about how I’m different. I have no interest in persuading someone to believe that I’m special or unique - if we are truly all mortals again, our time is short. I’d rather not waste it.” Her tone easily could have been harsh, but instead she remained calm, eyes trained on his. “I hope you get what you want,” she truly was genuine with that, but her next phrase came as almost a warning, “but I feel we’re all here for something much more.”

She stood, only briefly, picking up his cigarette bud, and tossing it in a nearby trash can, before returning. Other goddesses would surely think it beneath them, but she wasn’t, and had never been, like the others. “You’re embittered and hardened, and I can’t say that I blame you.” She met his eyes again, but her tone was harsher, almost a challenge, as she continued. “But you’d do well to remember that this is not my first time on this earth, or with mortals. A great many things have changed since that first time, but I would caution you not to think me a weak thing, dependent on powers and grandeur. Think what you want about our lot, but don’t count on getting out of here on your own.” Finally, she broke his gaze, looking out now. “Something far stronger than any of us - god or mortal - is playing the cards here. We’d be foolish to tear each other apart while our strings are still being pulled.”

@ofgoldenjustice​

With his messenger bag hanging from one shoulder and a cigarette burning between his fingers, Ambrose kept his eyes ahead, sparing one wave or empty smile for most of the familiar faces he crossed paths with. Truth to be told, he loved his work, his students, the environment, but he was tired. His 7 year old computer weighted on his shoulder, the 40 essays to read and correct for the next week, the grad students he had to meet the next day. Everything was building up, accumulating. And he had nothing but a bad habit to calm him down, help him to prioritize.

Yet, Ambrose felt at home between those buildings, amongst those people. This was definitely the greatest choice he had ever made, aside from marrying Lara all those years ago. Forty years from now, Ambrose could see himself still doing the same thing, - never mind he would probably have a lot of trouble walking this same path then. And that’s why he stopped when he heard his name, looking around as to find who ever said that. His time was entirely dedicated to this. “How can I help you?”

Orelia had moved to the city to seek out internships and law programs. That had always been her plan - acquire experience, get the law degree, and set out to make the world a better place. It seemed straight forward enough. Astraea, though, now recognized that something else had pulled her to New York, even before she truly knew who she was. And while Orelia’s cause was noble, and she was doing her best to carry it out, she was also seeking out any others like her that she could find.

Ambrose Raven had come across in one of Orelia’s history journals, and Astraea had immediately recognized him. She walked through the university, falling into the twenty-three year old the best she could. If she had spent a lifetime believing herself to be Orelia, surely she could masquerade as her. She spotted her target and called out - “Professor Raven!” - before quickening her pace to meet up with him. “I’m Orelia Sterling,” she introduced herself, Astraea trying to see any glimmer of recognition that might pass on his face. “I’m a fan of your work and research, and was wondering if you had time to discuss it? I’m considering Columbia for law school.”

unaware that it was one of the goddesses before her, and oblivious to the legends and myths at all, phoebe stands over the girl with a frustrated expression painted across her somewhat delicate features. she turns her nose up, her daughter iris with phoebe’s mother for the evening. the moments were to be cherished, as to be a single mother was a full-on job no matter what the press may suggest - stress-induced lines were beginning to present themselves around her eyes, and the forboding worry of what or where her daughter was up to always daring to cut into the creases on her forehead. yes, it had been tough - though if she had been more aware of her true persona, perhaps she would’ve been more grateful for her situation. 

“i was here an hour ago, i think i left my phone behind -” she snaps, hands on her hips as she looks around the girl with narrowed eyes. “have you seen it? it’s new, top of the range iphone…?” 

Another mortal from her time, and another being who clearly did not recognize her. It was lucky that Astraea was not as vain or proud as some of her counterparts, or these interactions really would be quite different. She really couldn’t blame them for not recognizing her - it seemed none of them really had any control over their recollections. And besides, she had never been as famous as the others. From the beginning, she could tell that this woman was stressed - it was all over her body and face. 

Even if she wasn’t being the kindest, Astraea still felt bad for her, and so, her response was careful. “I haven’t,” she closed her book and stood, “But I’d be more than happy to help you look.”

“I’ve been on a bit of an 80′s kick lately. I don’t know what it is about the music of that decade, but it’s so inspiring! The synths and the emphasis on pop… it’s like it’s made of magic or something. Especially the anthemic-style slow jams… it makes me want to go back, insert myself into a John Hughes movie, and dance around in heavily patterned clothing.” He grinned, noticing her dropping the earlier concern. He appreciated that more than he could have possibly articulated.

“Now, you see, that doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. But silly! You of all people have no reason to read that book! You’re already one of the best and bravest heroines I know!” His smile could have made the sun start shining. “But thanks for making time for little ol’ me. I’m happy that I ran into you!”

He followed her, keeping in step with her rhythm. “Oh man, going day by day. Ty and I are pretty serious now, which is not surprising to anyone I suppose, but still makes me deliriously happy. The show is great!! I’m making real strides and I have some actors in mind, which is a dream. School is working towards the show’s dream, so it’s lovely. And my four jobs are not terrible, but I’m getting real tired of how expensive this city is!” He chuckled. “And you?”

The passion and excitement in his voice was almost intoxicating, and Orelia couldn’t help but grin as he went on. “It seems like you missed your calling!” She teased. “I can see it now - girls fawning and swooning at their tv’s as you serenade them, in only the very best 80s fashion, of course. Their mothers, naturally, are yelling at them to come help with the dishes, but instead, they sulk off to their rooms, where posters of you in even better 80s fashion cover the walls.” Her grin was only wider now. “Perhaps we can stage a comeback!”

She looked down at his comments about her book choice. Of course, it was Astraea’s choice, always intrigued by the mortals and their works of fiction. Still, though, she smiled as she looked back at him, shaking her head, “I’ll always have time for you.”

She didn’t let it show on her face, but his comment about Ty - Dionysus - did make her ponder, if only for a moment. She would have to find him soon, see just how much he remembered. Still, it was clear that Oliver was thrilled, and she wasn’t going to ruin that. “You’ll have to let me know when a fabulous director picks it up, so that I know to get my tickets before it becomes the next Hamilton craze!” His last statement made her stop in her tracks, though. Her face went from teasing and light to immediately more serious, as she shook her head. “It’s ridiculous. This is supposed to be the greatest city in the world -” (a debatable statement, at best) “-but if over half the residents are barely getting by, how on earth can we claim it as such? It’s not fair and -” She paused, realizing how heated she was getting, and noting the stares of those passing by. Taking in a deep breath, she shook her head. “I - sorry. I just don’t think it’s entirely fair.”

It was getting late, and Milly herself shouldn’t be out that much later - her dad worried about her, and she didn’t like to think about him worrying. But it was worth it if she got to meet a new friend. “Lovely to meet you too, Orelia. That’s such a pretty name.” She had never liked Mildred much but Milly was an acceptable nickname for it, and one that she liked. She thought she loved New York in any season, really; she had enjoyed her time here immensely, at any rate, but there was something special about the fall. 

“Oh, no, I moved here a few years ago. I’m a nanny and I came with the family.” Sometimes it felt like she had been here for much longer, but she knew it hadn’t been that long. “What about you?”

“Oh, thank you. My parents say it means golden, and I guess it works with the hair.” Orelia grinned as she motioned to her own messy blonde waves. They had never quite behaved the way she wanted them too, even when she was in her divine form. Epione was sweet even in mortal form, she noted, though she supposed this particular goddess could never truly be mean spirited.

“Oh, that’s fun!” She perked up as she leaned in. “Where were you originally?” It was interesting, how they all ended up here. Something was pulling them in, making them all near enough to one another that something had to be coming. “I moved here for law school. I’m not quite there yet, but someday soon.”

Oliver really enjoyed Orelia’s company. He couldn’t even remember when they became friends, they just sort of ended up in each other’s lives. Probably met somewhere along the protest circuit, of which there were many in the wonderful city of New York. She was loyal and kind as a confidant, but as an activist she was a complete firestarter. Oliver considered that to be a brilliant trait, and he thought the world needed more people like his good pal, Lia. 

Her voice rang out like a song, and so Oliver grinned as he lowered his headphones to rest casually around his neck. “Drive. By the Cars. Quintessential 80′s slowdance anthem.” He could see the way her face fell, and he frowned, just a touch. This was getting all too familiar, as many faces of friends and loved ones dropped at the sight of him. He tried to shrug it off.

“I mean, it’s a little cold, but nothing I can’t handle.” That wasn’t true, but he was trying his hand at lying to spare feelings. “You’re way too kind. Your roommate is too, and I thank you both! But enough about me. Whatcha reading?” It was a simple deflect, maybe. But he really was curious.

Orpheus had never been someone Astraea had planned to meet. His time on Earth had been after her own, and had ended long before she ever planned on coming back. It was clear that things were different now, and though their lives had been thrown into chaos, she was finding that she enjoyed the company of some. He was definitely one, and even if she didn’t know why she was back on Earth, perhaps it wasn’t all so bad.

“I shouldn’t be surprised in the slightest by that,” Orelia grinned. It certainly fit Oliver well, he seemed the very embodiment of the style. She noticed the frown though, and made a quick decision - there was to be no more of that. Not today, at least.

Grabbing the book and her bag from the bench, she linked her other arm through his. “How To Be a Heroine,” she said with a grin, “but even the best books can be saved for later.” She began walking, leading both of them, even if she didn’t exactly know where. “I want to know how you’ve been. Tell me about school, about your show! I want to know it all.”

Oliver smiled as he walked through the park, ukulele strapped to his back. He had just left his shift at the cinema, and he took his time as he didn’t have plans that night. It was rare to not have a night of busking or heading to Ty’s, but here he was, aimlessly wandering the city as “Drive” by The Cars rang in his ears. 

It was getting colder in New York City. Oliver really didn’t have enough to get warm enough wear, and so all of his thrifted pieces sat on his lanky limbs, as he felt the goosebumps raise on his arms. His lips were chapped and maybe even a shade of blue at this point, but it didn’t stop the smile that appeared on his face.

The chorus of the anthemic song swelled, and Oliver spotted a familiar face. It wasn’t the least bit surprising that her nose was stuck in a book. It was too cold for her to be out reading, Oliver thought. But then, he’d never say it. “Just wanted to say hey, Lia. How goes it?”

Orelia grinned as Oliver came into focus. Astraea knew Orpheus’s story, but had enjoyed getting to know him as mortals. They saw eye to eye on many issues, and had fallen into a rather lovely friendship. After regaining her own memories, Astraea was very aware of who he was, but that did not seem to be mutual, so she had kept her mouth shut. It didn’t seem fair to subject him to all of that.

“Oliver!” She grinned, setting her book to the side. “It goes better, now that you’re here. Tell me, what is the song of the moment?” Her face fell a bit though, once she realized how he was dressed. Winter was quickly approaching New York, and no one deserved to have to suffer the cold unprepared.

“You look freezing, Oliver,” Her brows knit together, but it wasn’t long before Orelia was standing, and unwrapping the infinity scarf from her neck. “Here -” she looped it twice around his, before crossing her arms, “One of the roommates is very into knitting. She’ll be thrilled to have a new project.”

Milly had been granted an early reprieve; she normally stayed with the kids until after dinner, to help keep things running smoothly at home, but tonight both their parents were off early and Milly found herself rather at loose ends. It had been so long since she’d been free like this - or it felt that way anyway. Not entirely ready to head home, she decided to wander instead. 

Letting her mind wander, she hardly paid attention to where she was as she stopped to enjoy the sight of the trees against the darkening sky, only jolting from her thoughts when she heard the voice. “No - oh, I’m so sorry, was I blocking the light?” She moved quickly, glancing down to ensure she was no longer causing that frustration. “I’m Milly - I hope I wasn’t there too long. I was just enjoying the view.” She waved her hand generally in the direction where she had been looking.

Running into other gods had always been a delicate matter for Astraea. After spending millennia together, most gods were able to recognize each other after regaining their memories. She, however, was left in an awkward middle ground - between her time with the mortals, and her time in the stars, she hadn’t actually spent much time on Olympus. Determining if another diety didn’t have their memories, or simply didn’t know who she was, had presented a challenge.

Epione seemed to truly believe she was Milly, and so, Orelia went along. Closing her book, she shook her head. “Oh no, you’re fine. I should be getting in soon anyway.” She squinted a bit as the other woman moved away, before smiling. “It’s nice to meet you Milly. I’m Orelia.” Her eyes followed the direction of Milly’s hand, landing on the skyline, and she nodded. “New York is beautiful in the fall,” turning, she faced the other once more, “Have you always lived here?”

“no, you cannot.” achilles spits out, his sharp words laced with venom. somewhere in the distant back of his mind, he objectively recognizes she has done nothing to warrant his ire. maybe it is not wise to openly display his anger at anyone who oh so foolishly think it smart to speak to him. perhaps it would be a good idea to control himself — but then he turns his head toward her, eyes quickly assessing her, and his anger flares up again. as far as he can remember, astraea had not played an active role in the trojan war, thus reducing the likelihood of her having done something to earn his spite. but regardless of the role she has in his life, she is a goddess — and considering his, their, current circumstances, he cannot find it in himself to even feign chivalry.

“what is it with your lot?” he mutters angrily as his fingers go into his pocket, searching for a cigarette. “you act as if you are doing us a favor when you are the reason we are struggling in the first place.” slender fingers curl around his lighter and one cigarette before he pulls them out. achilles places the cigarette on his lips and, with practiced ease, lights it. thepossible negative effect of his action on her does not rouse his interest; if anything, it awakens the petty part inside of him. so, as swiftly as ever, he sits down next to her, the cigarette held between his fingers as he blows out a perfect ring of smoke. “we may be in the dark regarding what is going on, but i just know it is somehow your kind’s fault.” 

“Achilles.” Hero of the Trojan War, and clearly one who had all of his memories intact. Other goddesses would have scoffed at his remarks, and taken offense to his tone, but Astraea wasn’t like her counterparts in that way. She had long taken her refuge among the cosmos by the time the war started, a mere observer as the worlds, both divine and mortal, fell apart. He would do well with a history lesson, but now was not the time for such things. “You’re angry,” her comment was simple as he sat, and she was unable to hide the way her nose scrunched at the smell of the smoke - she had never been a fan.

But, anger could be a powerful thing. Anger enacted change. So, Astraea closed her book, crossed one leg over the other, and turned to face the hero next to her. “I cannot say that I know any of any god who would willingly become mortal,” Even when they descended to earth, so many of them had kept, and shown, their powers. No one knew why they were here, but Astraea could venture to guess that it went far deeper than any one being, there was something far greater playing in the picture that she couldn’t quite place a finger on. “So, tell me. Will you sit here and let that anger fester, doing nothing to change it? Or will you let that anger drive you to do something?” 

( send me a copic color for a headcanon )

frost blue: does your muse enjoy the snow and cold? or are they the type to enjoy summer more?

peacock blue: is your muse honest? what sorts of lies do they tell, if not?

lapis lazuli: does your muse prefer the idea of exploring the depths of the oceans, or the boundless expanses of space more?

reddish brass: how likely is your muse to step up and take the role of a leader? are they willing to take the challenge, or are they more apt to being a follower?

burnt umber: how stable is your muse, mentally and/or emotionally?

champagne: does your muse drink (alcohol)? are they a heavy drinker, if so?

tea orange: what is something that your muse is fascinated with?

malachite: has your muse ever done anything that they winded up feeling incredibly guilty for in the end?

olive: is your muse prone to feeling envious of others? if yes, what is it that they typically feel envious over?

vermillion: is your muse courageous, or would they consider themselves to be more of a coward?

coral: what is your muse's romantic and sexual orientations?

bougainvillaea: would your muse consider themselves as blunt, or do they beat around the bush instead?

currant: what's something that absolutely disgusts your muse (can be a person, place, thing, ect)?

crimson: how passionate is your muse about the things they love most?

raspberry: what food and/or drink can your muse not get enough of? do they indulge in it often, or is it something reserved for special occasions?

baby blossoms: does your muse have a favorite scent? what is it, and why?

mallow: what sorts of things might remind your muse of those close to them? any scents, objects, sounds?

aubergine: does your muse prefer the day, or are they more of a night-owl?

acacia: how much does it take for your muse to hate someone?

cadmium yellow: what subjects or topics does your muse avoid, because they bring up harmful / painful memories?

honey: when your muse loves someone (whether it be romantic, platonic, or familial love), how do they show it?

chartreuse: if you had to describe your muse with a color, what color would it be and why?

anise: when it comes to self-care, what does your muse do to take care of themselves? do they take care to spend time on it, or do they feel they don't deserve it?

new leaf: what message would your muse send to their past self, if any?

moss: how easily does your muse adapt to any new situations they're thrust into?

silk: does your muse care about appearances much? do they spend a lot of time on their own appearance, or do they just go with the flow each day?

sanguine: does your muse typically have an optimistic, pessimistic, or some middle ground outlook on life?

atoll: if your muse could go anywhere, without any restrictions whatsoever, where would they go? why would they go there?

cool grey: if your muse could ensure one thing for certain in their future to come, what would it be?