G O D D E S S

There was a fire in the sun today that matched the fire burning within Quinn Hart. In other words, she was having a bad day. It didn’t start that way, though, she had actually been in a good mood when she stepped out of her home.  The first mistake was the barista giving her hot coffee when she asked for ice coffee. How dare he. Naturally,  she reacted in the only fashion Quinn Hart would respond. She threw the cup with the hot beverage over the counter (thankfully hitting no-one), demanded he look up the difference between hot and ice coffee, and got him to make her another as well as a refund. However, as soon as she received the iced coffee, she popped open the lid, smirked at the barista, “The counter is dry.” She dumped her coffee over, a smirk still on her lips, “The counter is wet. Now you also know the difference between those two words, too.” She stepped back, tossing the cup to the side, “Idiot.” She spat, before turning and walking out of the coffee shop.

After the coffee fiasco, Quinn had decided to stop by her favorite bakery in hopes that it would brighten her spirits. Unfortunately, that decision would soon prove to have been a terrible one. Shortly after arriving there, she was greeted with the news that there was a problem with their shipments of jam, and they would not have any tarts for a couple of days. Could she have gone somewhere else for them? Of course, but the issue wasn’t about getting tarts; the problem was that her favorite bakery didn’t have them, and she almost bought jelly donuts just to throw them at the manager for not being more aggressive with the delivery company. She didn’t, though, instead choosing to take a graceful exit (unlike the coffee shop) and continue on with her errands of the day.

The day continued on like that, ups and downs, about the only positive thing she saw was a little shop that had flowers on sale. She decided she would end her day visiting the shop, then go back home and continue with more phone calls she had to make for the day. First, before any of that could happen, she settled on having a nice lunch at one of her favorite places that held an outdoor set up by a beautiful bush of roses. They were white, but she envisioned them red. She had been sitting at one of the tables by the rose bush, sipping her ice tea, when suddenly her sun was blocked by someone. Had she not been sipping on the tea at the time, she could have probably snapped at them or ‘accidentally’ spilled it on them, but as luck would have it, tea usually brought her temper down just a tad. “Are you blind? Regardless, you’re blocking my sun, move.” She curtly requested.

Hera had been having a particularly good day. She woke up at the perfect time to her dog licking her face. Maybe not everyone’s most ideal way of waking up but she loved to wake up feeling loved. After getting out of bed she slipped her silk robe on and took Aporia outside. The weather was hot but there was a nice breeze to make it a nice day. After getting ready for the day she gathered her purse and phone and headed out for the day. First stop was getting a venti iced coffee with extra cream and two sugars. Not too bitter but just sweet enough to take the edge off. When she had walked into the coffee shop she noticed a big mess on the counter but didn’t think much of it, assuming someone had spilled or dropped their drink.

After getting her coffee she had to stop at the studio to go over a few things for work. It wasn’t what she really wanted to do on such a nice day but she knew she had to. She thought perhaps she’d go to the beach later but didn’t want to deal with the sand. She wanted to be outside for part of the day though to enjoy the warm weather. So, she decided on an outdoor lunch. Going alone didn’t bother her. In fact she enjoyed the alone time to treat herself. After finishing up the things for work she needed to do she headed to a nice place with a patio.

She was enjoying a fresh, mixed salad and a sandwich with a vodka lemonade. The sun was beating down on her skin and felt incredible. She was taking a sip of her lemonade when she was rudely interrupted. “Excuse you,” Hera began. “I will do no such thing. You and I are both here for the same reason. To enjoy the sun and have some lunch. I’m not going to move. If you sat on the other side of your table the sun would shine right on you. Regardless, I’m not moving. And you were incredibly rude. I would advise not speaking to me in that tone again. Do you have any idea who I am? Likely not. For a head so big there sure are very little brains in it.”

Berlioz couldn’t contain the soft laughter that came after she mentioned her ex and shook his head a little. He wondered if the man was as mighty as the god of thunder himself, or if he was all brute and no brains, but he figured that would too much of a rude and personal question to ask her.  His laughter slowly died as he heard her request, his little smile growing, turning to place the order for them. He was happy the person at the cash register was also in the mood to read his notes because, for once, he didn’t have to stand there awkwardly holding a piece of paper until someone noticed. He already felt like such an insignificant speck in the presence of Hera. She was undeniably beautiful, her soul matching her outer beauty, and she also seemed like she would have a good sense of humor. He was enjoying her presence without fully admitting it to himself because if he did, he would have probably been more awkward.

After a couple of minutes, their drinks were called out, and Berlioz went to pick them up for both of them happily. He nodded towards a table in the far back (as he figured if he would even think about talking, it would be as far from others as possible), leading the way with both drinks in his hands. He carefully set her drink out and then proceeded to put his down in the spot opposite to where he had placed Hera’s tea. Once that was done, he finally took his notepad out and began to jot down a couple of words.

“I apologize for how rude I was earlier. It seems I found a little more amusement in your name and your ex’s name than I should have, though; it sounds like quite the story to tell one day. With that said, I did not mean to miss your question. I’m not from Arendelle." 

He paused in his writing for a second, inwardly debating if he had already said too much, but he shook his head and continuing.

"I’m come from Paris, France. I’ve been living here for a bit of time, though, so it kind of feels like home. Except I like this place better. Were you born in Greece, or have you lived in Arendelle your whole life?” He took a small sip of tea, smiling at the apple cinnamon flavor, adding to his note, “This tea was a great choice. Thank you.”

Hera was amused that the boy found humor in her sorrows. Zeus was a man though he was neither powerful nor godlike. Hera knew he liked to think he was, but he wasn’t. He was a lying, cheating bastard in her eyes. Nothing to write home about or boast to the world. He was simply a man, one she had loved very much, and nothing more. Hera had loved him more than herself though and that was her first mistake. He made her insecure and belittled her often. She put up with it for so many years. She’d grown from that though and now she puts herself before any man. 

When the drinks were ready and Berlioz picked them up Hera followed him to the table he beckoned her to. It was a quaint little spot. Hera thought it would be one her friend, Fauna, would likely pick when meeting with her. Hera liked it though. She sat down, opposite of Berlioz, and smiled. “Thank you for the tea,” she said. “I appreciate a kind soul. It’s not too often you find one such as kind and bright as yours.”

She lightly blew in the hole on the cap of the cup, trying to cool her tea a bit before drinking. “You weren’t rude at all,” Hera assured him. “It is funny. In a sad and fucked up sort of way, but still humorous. You’d be surprised how many people don’t believe me when I tell them that story.” She blew on the tea again then took a small, careful sip. 

“Paris? I’ve only ever been there once on a trip. It’s so beautiful. I’d love to go again someday. Do you ever wish you could go back? Though you said you like it better here. Why is that? Why did you come here?” Hera held a hand up. “Never mind. Excuse my questions. You don’t have to answer them. My parents were from Greece but I’ve lived here most of my life. We moved here when I was still just a baby. So, I don’t remember it at all. We visited a lot though. I love it there a lot but Arendelle is my home. I’m glad you like the tea though. It’s a great choice.”

Berlioz’s smile brightened a bit when she agreed to let him buy her the beverage, nodding at her condition to assure her he agreed. He made a mental note that if there were to be a next time with Hera, he would buy her a pastry to go along with the drink she chose for that day, and that way, he would be okay with her buying him a coffee. The truth was, he could buy her a million coffees, and still, the guy would not feel right allowing her to buy something for him, that was just the type of person Berlioz was. It was hard for him to break that habit, though, it was hard for him to break most habits.

A soft excited, “Ohh!” escaped his lips when he heard her name, quickly jotting down a note for her to read:

“Hera is a delightful name, indeed! You must be so proud to have such a great name, I’d imagine. Are you a fan of Greek mythology, as well? Oh, and of course, which beverage would you prefer? I think I’ll be going with the cinnamon apple tea.”

He turned the notepad over to her, ripping out a page from it and using it to jot down their order before handing it over to one of the employees at the front.

Hera couldn’t help but smile when the boy smiled. His was so bright and lively it made her feel warm inside. Hera knew she had to get his number so they could meet again and she could buy him a drink. She wouldn’t have it any other way. Her eyes wandered up to the menu for a moment to make sure she was settled on what she wanted then turned back to him to read the note once it was finished. She was a bit startled when he let out a sound but it made her happy as well. 

“Well, thank you. I suppose a bit, yeah. My parents are from Greece so my sisters and I have the names for the three sister goddesses. If you really want a laugh I used to go out with a guy named Zeus” The man himself was a huge joke in her eyes. “I think I’ll have the same,” she said changing her mind at the last minute. 

Fauna can’t help but find it funny how similar and how different she and Hera were. Hera, who was so casual about so many things, but even serious as well. And Fauna who was mature in some ways, but entirely spacey in others. A smile overtook the Fauna’s face, and she nodded. “Yes, I see. It really must be busy, I can’t even imagine,” she says. And it is in no way sarcastic. Fauna doesn’t think she could ever be on television. For the obvious reasons of magic, but also due to the fact that she doesn’t think she’s made for it. “Is it scary? Being on television?” Fauna asks Hera out of interest, and out of curiosity. What it must be like, Fauna thinks.

There’s something humorous as well to Hera’s comment about an off season. About couples in this climate and how there really is always trouble in any sort of paradise. Relational ones and otherwise. “Well, there’s something to keep it interesting!” Fauna says, ever trying to keep things optimistic. “Unless it shouldn’t be. I mean–I hate that people are having struggles of course. But all the better if they’re receiving help.” She takes a look around them, watching the people. Fauna loved that. And in a moment, she’s back, the mention of a dog catching her attention. Fauna loved animals. “Oh, I ought to come with you sometime. I wish I could keep a dog, but I don’t think it would go over well with… well… you know–” she trails off. Housemates? Sisters? Whichever she were to say. “I love the dog run,” she admits. “I used to go with some friends on daily walks to different dog parks–I miss that. And I miss the nicest weather–… if only it were sunnier now, you know? I’d be birding.”

Most of Hera’s friends thought she was a lot more calm and mature than she actually was. Sure, she was mature when it came to most things but she had a wicked temper and god protect those who pissed her off. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Usually it was the men in her life that experienced this. Her friends rarely did anything to piss her off to such extremes. Once a person had told Hera she needed the therapy after keying her ex’s car. She really lost it then. Despite if the statement were true or not.

“It is busy,” she confirmed. “It’s my choice though. I wouldn’t have said yes if I didn’t want to put in all the work. Mostly I just like helping people. I guess you could say I have a magic touch when it comes to my line of work.” She couldn’t help but smirk just the slightest bit. “It can be. It definitely was at first. There’s not too many lines to remember though like acting so it’s mostly natural. There are definitely scripted and played up parts but that’s all reality television,” she explained.

“Always. No relationship is perfect, I know that much. I’d be a terrible therapist if I didn’t know that. I of all people really know that.” She thought of Zeus and how many times he had betrayed her. All she had ever wished for was a perfect relationship. Perfect meaning a loyal and trusting one. “You’d be surprised how many people need the help. I work in an office two days a week because I still enjoy the sanctity of private sessions and not everyone wants their dirty laundry aired on television. But I try and help best I can. Some relationships are doomed from the start,” she said. 

Hera closed the menu after she decided what she would be having. “I’d love to have you come along and Aporia loves people so I’m sure she’d enjoy the company. A shame you can’t keep one of your own though. You could always volunteer at a shelter or something. They always need the help and you get to play with the animals!” She wondered if she should do that on her day off just to give her a break from life. “Well, the sun is bound to be coming out more now. I’d love to have you come with me to the dog park one day if you’re up for it.”

Berlioz listened intently as she listed off multiple choices, all sounding more delicious than the last. As she spoke, he took a second to admire how kind she was to be so patient with him. It wasn’t often Berlioz ran into someone who would be so helpful, mainly because most people never took a second to stop and read his notes. No, everyone was always in a rush, that’s what he’s learned. It was refreshing to see someone take a second in time to interact with another person, even more, to give him a chance. 

When she mentioned apple tea, Berlioz’s smile grew a little more, and it was in that second, he had decided he would get a delicious apple cinnamon tea. However, her offer caught him off guard, and his eyes widened a little at it. He took a second to think about his answer. A part of him felt rude, saying no, but a bigger part of him felt rude, saying yes. After a couple of seconds, he once more began to scribble her a little letter. 

“ You possibly saved me from standing here for hours trying to decide on a drink, or possibly leaving without one because I couldn’t decide. The least I could do is buy you a drink if you would allow me the pleasure.”

He looked up at her for a second before looking back down at the note and adding:

“My name is Berlioz. It’s a pleasure to meet you, kind stranger.”

He gave his note a little nod of approval, before turning his notepad over to her, smiling softly. 

Hera read over his note when he had finished and held it up for her. She couldn’t help but smile at him. He was a kind soul but she felt like people hadn’t always extended the same kindness to him. She had wanted to buy him the drink but she felt he may not accept. So, she just smiled and nodded. “I suppose I will this once. Next time you’ll have to let me buy you a drink though.” There may never be a next time but if the chance ever arose the offer was on the table and it wasn’t one she would take no for an answer for. 

“Berlioz,” she said slowly, enunciating each syllable, hoping she pronounced it right. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Hera.” Both names were not ones one would hear very often, if ever a all. People had usually heard the name Hera though. The only Berlioz she could think of was the French composer, Hector Berlioz. “Your name is uncommon,” she stated. “I like it. Are you from Arendelle?” she asks. 

Luckycat Cafe

Berlioz may not have acted like it, but he loved exploring. He always found the planet he lived in to be a massive sheet of music, one that inspired him daily to write his own. Today, however, he was having a bit of writer’s block. After spending five hours with the same word written down on his sheet, he finally decided on going for a walk to clear his mind. Of course, he did not forget to bring his trusty notepad and pencil. They were pretty much the guy’s lifelines when he was in the real world, unless, of course, you were his siblings. Then, you probably could not get the guy to stay quiet. 

As he made his way to the Luckycat Cafe, he realized he had not stepped foot in there in quite some time. A part of him almost made him turn back home because he was not very good at asking for options, as most people who were working did not have time to read every single note he made, but his feet had other plans. As he approached the cafe, he let out a little sigh, pulling the door open and stepping inside. Instantly, the coffee-scented air soothed him. Coffee was a sort of guilty pleasure for Berlioz. 

He hadn’t walked more than four steps when the vast selection of drinks made him pause and take his notepad and pencil out. He glanced around for a moment before spotting a person he felt would not mind a little note asking for advice. So, he quickly jotted down his question, before walking up to the person and gently tapping their shoulder, the note being held out for them to take when they turned around.

“Hello there,

Sorry to bother you today, but would you mind helping me? It’s been some time since my last visit to the cafe, and I am unsure of which drink would be the best option. Do you mind listing or telling me your favorite drink? I would greatly appreciate the advice.

Thank you,

B”

Two days a week Hera worked half days at an office, seeing clients. As much as she loved working on television she loved the privacy of being in the office and didn’t have to really put on a show. It was just her and her clients. Some therapists used the term patient but Hera didn’t like the people she cared for to feel like something was wrong with them. She didn’t believe in that. Now, if a client preferred to be called that she would but the topic didn’t usually come up.

When she finished her work for the day she left the office and went on her way to a cafe just around the corner. The Lucky Cat cafe had the best tea in all of Arendelle. According to Hera at least. They had so many flavors and different varieties that Hera was never out of option. She loved the fruity flavored teas but if she was stressed a nice decaf chamomile was nice as well.

Hera was walking towards the line when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Perhaps it was someone that recognized her. She really hoped not. She was a bit tired and just wanted to grab a tea and get home. Still, she turned around with a smile on her face. “Can I help you?” she asked.

When the boy held the paper up with slightly furrowed her brow and read it. She’d learned about nonverbal people in college as a trauma response. There could be a number of reasons the young man didn’t want to speak though. Maybe he couldn’t. Should she write back to him though or speak? She chose the latter. “Of course, dear. I prefer tea myself but if you’re looking for coffee they have really good vanilla lattes and an excellent Colombian roast. I would recommend those. The vanilla latte is great iced too! The apple cinnamon tea is great too. I might get that or the raspberry one. Now that’s I’ve talked about all these options I’m unsure of what to get now.” She laughed softly. “I’m sorry. I’ve rambled on. Can I buy you your drink?” Hera didn’t know why but she felt the need to treat the boy. It was like a sixth sense almost that she sensed something was wrong.

Hera was definitely a person that showed and displayed passion in her work, Bo could see that clear as day in the way each and every episode she put her love, heart and soul into it because some talk show hosts didn’t and you could tell right away but maybe that’s why Bo really liked Hera’s because it was so evident that the Blonde wanted to do that one job and she did it well; “You are most welcome, I didn’t want to come across as creepy and still don’t but I honestly watch you every time you are on my screen and I swear it feels like you’re a friend at this point”

Which was the dangerous thing about TV Shows and movies and the like-… how they portrayed them to think they were friends - almost in a sense, with how relatable they were but she knew that she had to someone keep her cool when communicating with Hera because the last thing she wanted was to alienate her; “Thank you so much-… do you have plans for your show, like I can see that it’s such a joy for you and wondering if you had anything remotely exciting up and coming in the future” she could understand if she couldn’t talk about certain things but she was more just hinting at the possibility of it rather then more so the specifics.

“You don’t come across as creepy or anything. You’re an absolute doll,” Hera told the other woman. Hera had met a fair share of creepy fans, usually men who were much older than her, that would over step a boundary. “Friend? Well, we can be friends.” Though Hera often had a hard time figuring out who was a real friend and who wasn’t not to mention keeping friends. She may seem nice on the outside but she had a quick temper and a thirst for vengeance. 

Hera tried to seem relatable to her fans. She wanted them to know she had an open mind and was easy to talk to just like she was with her clients, for the most part. “There’s always plans! I can’t spill them though. My producer would just go through the roof if I did! I can tell you there will be quite a few juicy episodes though, that’s for sure.” She smiled at Bo. “I do plan on working on another book. Eventually. Not sure when that time will come since I am a busy woman but know that I plan on it.”

“Thank you,” Belle smiled.  She’d been accused way too often of being escapist, of ignoring real problems in her writing.  But she didn’t see why literature had to be a depressing retelling of life.  Shouldn’t people have a chance to get away? “That would make me a little crazy,” she continued, a small laugh escaping.  “Like … why are they coming and going through this if they’re not going to listen?”  Once the dog accepted her, Belle scratched behind her ear.  “Such a sweetheart.”

“It drives me a bit crazy from time to time, I’ll admit. Either way I get paid though. And if they don’t take my advice they usually come back for more so I get more money.” Hera shrugged. “Their problems are my profit.” Hera did take her job very seriously though and did want the best for her clients. “She is. A huge baby too.” She laughed softly. “Do you have any pets?”

“It really has been too long, hasn’t it?” Fauna looks up, face always dreamy–more from the fact that Fauna was a dreamer rather than any external factor. If she felt an affection–friendly or otherwise–her face had a habit of lighting up. “We really ought to get back into the habit of speaking more–but we’re both incorrigible, I know, so perhaps it won’t happen soon.” 

That was true. Although they were different people–they had the fact of losing contact in common. Maybe too in common. To the point they’d go weeks without speaking. “Hmmm, summer’s rolling in, isn’t it? Ah, I miss the summer air. Do you miss summer? It isn’t even here yet and I’m romanticizing it. You should stop me, but I think we both know by now I can’t get over nice weather.”

“It has! I feel terrible for how long it’s been. Work takes up so much time though, especially since we’ve been filming a new season of my show. You would be surprised how insane some of these people are. I probably shouldn’t use terms like ‘insane’ as a therapist but no one’s perfect.” Hera picked up the menu and began skimming it. “We can at least try. Progress not perfection I always say.” She looks back up at her friend and smiles. 

“That it is! Summer is the off season for therapist. Everyone’s serotonin is boosted so there’s not as much to talk about. Luckily for me though I don’t deal with your every day client. I deal with couples and there is always trouble in paradise.” She shook her head. “Oh, stop. I could never stop you. I love the nice weather. My dog loves it too because she can go to the dog park a lot longer.”

Belle couldn’t keep the laugh hidden away.  “It is awesome,” she agreed.  “And I’m impressed - I stick with fiction myself.  I’ve got a handful published, but I’m not trying to write something specifically directed at helping people.  Well, unless not you count entertainment as helping.”  Her smile deepened.  “I’m Belle Duval, and you can find me in the fantasy section if you’re truly interested.” Then she gave a mock groan.  “Oh, the characters will absolutely take a sudden left turn on you and to hell with your outlines.”  Another smile brightened her face.  “Really? Thank you!” Holding out her hand towards Aporia, she waited to let the dog grow comfortable with her.

“I would definitely say entertainment is helping people! It helps them escape the real world for a little while and helps them have fun. It even helps them relax. Don’t cut yourself short.” Hera smiled at her. “Belle Duval,” she repeated. “That easy enough to remember. And I do enjoy a good fantasy from time to time.” She couldn’t help but laugh a little bit. “That’s how I feel with my clients sometimes. They just don’t listen.” Aporia sniffed the woman’s hand for a moment then began licking her. 

“Of course! I’ve written so many and all to the same person. I suppose it was wasted effort though.”

“Romance and marriage would be the obvious answers, wouldn’t they be? I suppose I would have to say astrology fascinates me. I don’t know much about it but I would like to learn more.”

“I used to have this dream that I would give birth to a chicken. It happened for like three months. I kept taking pregnancy tests because I thought it was a sign, but no it was just my subconscious being weird.”

“Yes, I am,” she nodded.  “And yes, I do.” At the apology, Belle shook her head.  “Really, it’s not a problem.  I’m proud of my work and mind talking about it at all.” She made a face.  “Sometimes I want to take a match to it, but that’s usually when it’s not cooperating with me.  Characters should behave, but they just don’t.”  Her eyes widened a bit and she nodded.  “A lovely name for a hard meaning, but … I can see how she must have been a boon to you.”

“Oh, really? That’s awesome! I have a published book but it’s non-fiction about the struggles of marriage. I went to school to be a marriage counselor and ended up getting my own show about it so I wrote a self-help book. It sold fairly well but probably only because of my name.” She held a hand up. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to ramble about myself. What’s your name? I love to read so I’ll have to check out your books.” Hera laughed softly. “They have a mind of their own then?” She looked down at Aporia and pet her on the head. “She really was. You can pet her if you’d like.”