a light in the dark

He didn’t mean for his emotions to bubble up like this. But he almost felt like he had no control over his brain anymore. He was so close to the tipping point, something he couldn’t even be aware of. For him, trapped in this human world but dying to reach out and claw his way to being the demi-god he is, he feels insane. Like something is about to snap, and then it will all be over.

“I can’t even write anymore, Els. I feel more useless than when my dad left. I feel broken.”

She was trying her best. Sweet, sweet Elsie was trying her very best, and Oliver wanted to appreciate that. He wanted to hug her to his chest, and swing her around, and kiss her cheeks and fawn all over her, as he usually found himself doing. But right now he couldn’t. Right now he felt limp. “Jeeze, it’s… it’s late. I’m sorry Elsie. You need to sleep and I’m.. fuck. I’m sorry. I should go - I.”

Orpheus and Oliver both had always been able to write. Hadn’t that been what had convinced the gods to let him go to her in the first place? And she had to wonder, would it all get better when he knew? It seemed foolish to assume that the truth was a cure-all, and yet, she had to believe it was true. At least it would all make sense, and that had to be something.

“Writing will always be there. It’s not going anywhere.”

“No, no. Stop.” Her words were more demanding that she had been the entire night, but she needed to be heard. She wouldn’t have him feeling bad for coming to her, and she certainly wouldn’t have him going back into the city like this. “It’s break, the time for all nighters, right?” Her voice was back to its normal, reassuring state. “Stay the night. I have lots of tea, some left overs from the ritzy dinner with the parents on their layover...” She met his eyes again, an almost begging look in her own. “I’m not going anywhere, Oli.”

Eurydice’s reaction was curious, but then, Pheme knew she was intimidating. Hell! She had been deeply intimidating to most as Ella, but now that she was a goddess, gleaming in all of her glory, she all but radiated confidence. She was the goddess of fame, after all. She was made for this. 

But that didn’t stop Pheme from feeling for Eurydice, especially as her vulnerability spilled out of her until it sat between the two of them. Because while Pheme wasn’t always the most understanding, Ella was a part of her now. Engrained into the littlest parts of her, and so, the heartbreak, the humanity that Ella faced, was locked into Pheme, forever.

“I understand.” She said it with a type of genuine concern that she wasn’t even aware she had in her. “And maybe I would be too.” She paused, taking another sip of her drink. “For what it’s worth, Dionysus can be the worst. Ty was the worst, much of the time. But he loves Orpheus so deeply, much more than he has ever been known to love anyone. I know everything about everyone, and I know Ty and Dio more than most, and he is all in. I’m not quite sure what Dio even knows right now, and I know Oliver isn’t aware of it all, but they love each other. Maybe that’s not exactly what you want. I’m not in your head. And your worry is well placed, but I promise you, Orpheus will be okay. He’s much stronger than anyone in Olympus gives him credit for. He stood up to Hades to try and save you, eh? God knows the boy can make mistakes, but he’s got fortitude to last an age.”

In their past lives, Eurydice had had very little contact with Pheme. Even so, she knew that concern for others was not a typical trait for the goddess, and so, hearing her words was a bit of a shock. Perhaps their former friendship was affecting things after all.

A waiter came by, setting down a cocktail napkin, and Eurydice quietly ordered a gin and tonic. Before, wine had been Elsie’s go to at most places. Now, the thought of it made her sick to her stomach.

“I want him to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” Her words were pained, but not those of a woman who felt as though she had lost. They had always been best friends, married or not, and it would have been immature of her to think that this life would play out the same as their last. “But Dionysus is the reason he was killed. I can’t just ignore that.” She thought back to her surprise meeting with the god of wine and shook her head. “Dionysus knows. Or, at least, he recognized me. I can’t imagine he doesn’t recognize who Oliver is.” The waiter came back and set down the drink without a word, and Eurydice quickly took a sip. Anything to make her worrying stop. “He’s strong, and caring, and wonderful. But he’s already been through so much. In both worlds. I just - I can’t see him get hurt. Not again. And not by him.”

The way Elsie pets his hair is calming, but there’s still an inferno raging inside of Oliver Reed. For he is confused, a touch cold, angry, sad and defeated. Other than feeling the blatant reminders of his poor and restless sleep, expending this much emotion is tiring. Horribly so. Oli just wants to curl up in a blanket, away from the confusion he feels. But even that is marred by the simple fact; he’d be even closer to his “dreams”. 

“But my feelings feel useless and trite. And I want to do something it all but I’m at a loss. I’m sick of being confused. I’m over it, really.”

“But then it’s all just a one way street.” That wasn’t entirely true. He had helped her through her own nightmares. He just hadn’t realized how they would come back for him, with a seeming vengeance. “I’m just leaning on you and putting it all on you. That doesn’t seem fair.” He paused, frustrated. “I’m sorry Els.. I just feel… ugh. I feel dirty and wrong.”

He was getting angry, she could tell. She knew it wasn’t directed at her, but she couldn’t help but feel guilty and responsible for all of it. How desperately had she wanted answers when she was having her own nightmares? Now she had them, and keeping them to herself felt incredibly selfish. Was she even helping, sitting here, holding him and trying to tell him it would all be okay?

“Feelings are never useless. And it’s okay to not know what to do. We’ll get there eventually.”

“Life isn’t always fair.” Her voice trailed as she thought of how true those words were. Life certainly hadn’t been fair to the two of them. Not then, and not now. “But please don’t apologize.” Eurydice began to move, slowly, until she had Oliver sitting up, and she cupped his cheeks, her eyes meeting his. “You’re not dirty, and you’re not wrong. We’ll figure this out together.” Her hands dropped, but she still watched him carefully. “I know it’s not much, but I’m not leaving your side.”

Men looked her up and down, as she sat perched, waiting. And while Pheme would normally love the attention, even from bottom feeders, she didn’t want it. She wanted Hephaestus, and since things were now a lot more complicated on that front, she’d find friendships instead. 

“Hello, darling.” She wouldn’t name her just yet. Pheme couldn’t be convinced so easily that Eurydice knew of her own self. “Well, you know, I’ve gone through quite a transformation. Recently. It became a lot more clear what I was working with, here.” She paused, smirking. It was a bit of a shock, waking up as she did in Brooklyn. But it was fun to prance around the city instead of high up in the clouds. 

She took a sip of her martini, eyeing Eurydice up and down. It wasn’t worth it. She’d have to come out with it eventually. “Isn’t it just so fun that your ex-husband is now dating my ex-boyfriend?”

Could people choke on air? Eurydice didn’t have so much as a glass of water in front of her, and still, it felt like all of the air had been sucked from here at Pheme’s words. So, she knew. Interesting.

Ella had always been fabulous, Eurydice would be a fool to claim anything to the contrary. But, watching as the goddess owned who she truly was, it was as if everything was falling into place around her. Their situation was confusing at best, but nothing in Pheme’s demeanor portrayed anything but a cool and collected woman. How did she do that?

Her words startled Eurydice, and she could do little to hide it. “I -” In all honesty, she hadn’t thought of Orpheus as her ex-husband. She was certain that they weren’t married in this world, but the words still stung. “I’m worried about him.” She finally admitted, eyes moving down as she spoke. “I’m so worried...” Perhaps it was foolish to be this vulnerable in front of a goddess, but she couldn’t help it. Ella and Elsie had been friends in this life, perhaps Pheme and Eurydice could find a similar bond.

Pheme was going through her list of acquaintances, trying to see who fit. There were those who she was a bit confused as to who they might be and if they fit into the Greek world she had lived in before. But one person she knew right away was Eurydice. It was now obvious to her that Elsie was part of her previous world, though not quite directly related to her own story. Still, in this mortal world, they had been fond of one another. 

Pheme thought she’d send her a quick text as Ella, just in case Elsie was none the wiser. She told her to meet at Kind Regards, a cocktail bar she frequented on the Lower East Side. She primed and prepped, not daring to go out on the town, unless she looked absolutely perfect. 

Soon she sat at a table, waiting for the events of the night to unfold. 

@petalonastream​

Ella’s text had been a surprise, and Eurydice’s first thought was that the goddess hadn’t regained her memories. Why on earth would Pheme want to spend time with Eurydice? Perhaps it would be nice, a night of only being Elsie, and not battling everything inside of her that just wanted to scream.

Elsie had never been a huge drinker. At 22, most of her classmates spent their weekend nights at the various bars and clubs around the city. That sort of thing had never really appealed to her, and once she realized her truth, she became far too paranoid of blurting out something that would make her look like a lunatic if she went too far. Still, a drink sounded like exactly what she needed. 

She was dressed well enough for the occasion and location, but Elsie would never be described as a showstopper, at least not for her clothing. Ella was a different story, and Elsie had no issues finding her as she entered. “Ella - hey.” She let out a breath as she sat and took her coat off. Immediately, she could see something different in the other girl’s eyes. Did she know? “You look great.”

@petalonastream​

Dionysus had long made himself at home here in the shoebox-sized apartment Oliver called home, and often spent the mornings here after he stayed over, either dozing in Oli’s bed or concocting terrifying excuses for food in his tiny kitchen. The sound of the key turning in the lock surprised Dionysus, but he barely looked up from messing around on his phone at the assumption that Oli’s extra shift dog-walking had run shorter than expected.

He thought about utlising his secret weapon (also known as the number to Hephaestus’ credit card) to buy his boyfriend lunch, and was about to call out to him to ask what he wanted when realisation hit him that the figure in his periphery was decidedly not Oliver at all. In fact, it wasn’t really even Elsie, who Dionysus had met countless times as Oli’s best friend. When he looked up he knew the woman standing opposite him was of the same world he was from. And he had his suspicions as to her name. “He’s not here.” The god of wine lifted an eyebrow, and let out an amused chuckle at his own joke as if there were no way to hear it but with humour. “Though I suppose you’re used to him leaving you behind, no?” 

She and Oli had always had an open door policy. They spent enough time around each other that it only seemed to fit. If one needed the other, they were able to come with little announcement. After the events of the other night, Eurydice knew she needed to check in, and so, armed with a bowl of matzo ball soup (not his mom’s, but from their favorite small restaurant), and tea leaves ready to be brewed, she let herself in, calling out as she entered “Oli-bear, it’s me.”

The figure that came into view, however, was not her best friend. She knew the face well enough - Elsie had met Ty on numerous occasions, but there was a new kind of anger bubbling in Eurydice’s stomach as she saw Dionysus. He shouldn’t be here. He shouldn’t be anywhere near Orpheus. She typically had a healthy respect for the gods, but him? He was different. He spoke, and her first instinct was to shout, but his next words hit her like a ton of bricks. He knew. He had to. Still, she raised a brow, her face not betraying her as she masked her anger with a look of confusion. “I’m not quite sure I know what you’re talking about, Ty.”

Elsie never kept secrets from him. That just wasn’t who they were… they trusted each other too deeply, they loved each other too much for hiding things away. But something seemed different, and while Oli was suspicious, he had to force himself to believe that if she was keeping something from him, it was because she had to. 

“I know… and I feel all the worse for complaining about it. I’m just… I feel like I’m losing my mind, a little. Slowly losing grip on reality? Like just saying that is fucking crazy! And even the past year.. something is happening. Meeting Ty… My time with Adam Lake. Everything feels bigger than just me. Like there’s someone pulling strings or something.”

Oli had never felt too in touch with his faith. He loved his Jewish heritage, but it didn’t factor too heavily into his sense of religion. And yet here, he felt like some divine power was picking on him, and his friends. “I’m just the most confused I have ever been, and there’s nothing to even grasp onto.”

Her fingers continued to stroke his hair, as her heart nearly broke at his words. Elsie had never kept a secret from Oli - Eurydice had never kept a secret from Orpheus. It wasn’t right. But he was right. Something was happening. The more she thought of it, the more she realized that something had always been happening. Elsie and Oli had been destined to meet, just like Oli had been destined to cross paths with Adam, and even Ty.

“You shouldn’t feel bad for having feelings. You’re not crazy, and anything you’re feeling is valid.” He couldn’t know just how valid yet. 

“I’m here.” It felt like a lie to claim that. How could she claim to be there for him if she had the answers, but wasn’t giving them? “I’ll always be here for you.” It wasn’t the time to wonder at the possibility of those words being another lie in her web, and so she continued, trying her best, because it was all she could do. “You’ll grasp on to me, and I’ll grasp on to you. I think it’s all we can do, really.”

He remembered when he had to be a source of comfort when Elsie had been going through it. What was weird though, was that it all seemed to stop at a certain point. There was a time when Elsie was having these crazy dreams… and then she just wasn’t anymore. And maybe she still seemed a little bit skittish or shaken, but she seemed to glow now in a new way, too. Ty was almost the same, though he was a bit more distant now. It confused Oli to no end.

Did she know something that he didn’t know? Did Ty as well? Was there some grand design beyond or behind all of this? The crushing questions hurt too much to voice, so he kept them all inside a pained expression. He could see her process and choose to ignore his comment about Ty. Was that out of courtesy or something else?

They fit like a puzzle piece, and they always had. As if meant to be together, held in this embrace, his curly locks spilling in her lap, her hands twisted in them, petting him like the household cat. “What’s changing though? Everyone else seems to be changing and I’m stuck like this! You, Ty, Lia… everyone except Axel and Parker seem to be turning into something and I’m just stuck crying and picking up the pieces.”

She saw the wheels turning in his mind, and for the hundredth time time since she had regained her own memories, Eurydice wanted to shout out the truth. Who they were, and what they had been all those years ago. But she couldn’t. Because explaining who they were meant explaining what happened, how they ended. And she couldn’t bring herself to do that.

And still, her heart broke to see him like this. Oli had already seen enough pain in the world, he didn’t need to be plagued with the addition of Orpheus’s own pains and history. But now that it had started, Eurydice feared that there was little way to avoid it. And she could only guess that everything would be more painful before anything started to feel better.

“I’m not changing, Oli-bear.” Elsie and Eurydice had always been connected, and she supposed they always would be. “I’m not turning into anything. Me, Lia, you... even Ty, we’ll always be here, loving you. No matter what.” 

Everything was beginning to seem hazy in Oli’s life. He couldn’t even think of working on his musical when his brain felt like a ticking time bomb. Like something would finally give, and he’d up and explode. He didn’t know how Elsie could even process any of it, but he needed to seek her counsel. She was the one he trusted most, always. 

She curled up next to him, and in any other situation, that would feel normal. But just about everything was out of the ordinary. He felt tired and withdrawn, but he had to keep himself in the room, breathing steadily, just so he can promise himself that he’s not dreaming anymore. Her arms wrap around his frail shaking frame, and he wants to let it all go, but he doesn’t know how. For once in his life, Oliver Reed is completely at a loss, and even the comfort of his dearest friend and companion might not be enough to make it all okay. 

Maybe there was some trace of a shiver or shake in her voice, weaving doubt into the very fragments of Oli’s mind. But he couldn’t focus on that now. He needed her to convince him that all was well, even when he felt the chaos rising in him. “Didn’t you have some bad dreams not too long ago? What’s happening to all of us? Ty had them too, before things started to shift a bit..”

“I - yeah. I did.” There was no point in acting as if she hadn’t - Elsie had come to Oli with them, before she realized what they all meant. How many nights had she been terrorized by an unknown figure chasing her, by snakes, and by falling down a deep hole that never seemed to end? Oli had been the first person she’d told, and he had always been there for her, even when they mad no sense.

It felt infinitely different now, though. Before, neither of them knew what was going on. Now, she did, and though she wanted to explain it all, Eurydice knew she couldn’t. She knew it would all sound crazy, that they weren’t really who they thought they were, that they had been alive hundreds of years ago. And that was only scratching the surface. No, she couldn’t do that. Orpheus - Oli - needed her to be reassuring, and calm. She needed to be that for him. She chose to ignore the comment about Ty - that could be dealt with another time.

Eurydice moved a bit, crossing her legs, before tugging at Oli’s arm, pulling him closer, before down, his head resting in her lap. It was a position that they had fallen into many times in both of their lives, and she began to run her fingers through his hair. “I don’t know, Oli...” Her voice was barely above a whisper, “It feels like everything’s changing...” Her voice trailed, but she quickly found her thoughts again, returning to the soothing and calmness of before. “But you’ll always have me. Right here.”

She was there. She was breathing and she was okay. Of course she was… it had only been a dream. Or a nightmare. It had to have been a nightmare. He saw the faces of friends and loved ones, but that’s just what the subconscious does to trick oneself. She was concerned, reaching forward to bring Oli in and hug him, and he barely knew what to do with himself. He couldn’t even wrap his arms around her small frame, they just hung limp and weak by his side. 

He blinked, and the tears started up again. It’s not as though Elsie hadn’t experienced them from him before. She truly was his best friend, and Oli was not one to shy away from vulnerability. It’s just that he was so confused and he hadn’t the foggiest of how to begin. Would she think him crazy? What was there to even take from any of this. “I had a bad dream. I turned around and you were falling and I couldn’t save you. I was the end of you. What is that even supposed to mean?!”

He tried to slow his breathing, but it was getting him all worked up. He stumbled to find a seat, all but rocking back and forth. “I’m freaking out, Elsie. The dream was too real. I needed to make sure you were okay.”

If Eurydice hadn’t known before, she was sure know. Orpheus was coming back. The nightmare Oli described had plagued Elsie for weeks before she realized the truth, and she knew things would only get harder and more confusing before they began to make sense. Afterwards was an entirely different story.

Elsie led Oli to her couch, letting him sit before she curled up herself, folding her legs underneath her as she reached forward to pull him into another hug. Eurydice knew there would never be a world where her first instinct wasn’t to comfort him. “It was just a nightmare. I’m right here.” Her words were soft, her tone soothing, but she still couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being all too dismissive. She knew it was more than that, that they were more than just nightmares and stories. But she couldn’t tell him that. Not now, not ever. She couldn’t be the one to bring him more pain.

And so, she took in a deep breath as she leaned back, hands reaching to his cheeks as she gently brushed tears away. She would be strong, soothing, and calm. She had to be, no matter how much her heart was racing. “I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere. I’ll always be with you.” Her tone followed its own melody as she spoke, but her next words nearly broke her heart. She couldn’t help the tears forming in the corners of her eyes as she shook her head. “I promise.” 

Jane Eyre had been a show that had nearly fallen into her lap. A simple, one night only staged reading, taking place between Christmas and New Year’s was the perfect timing. Elsie was on break from school, and her parents were traveling for the holiday. Helen was a small enough role that she easily learned it, and Eurydice felt a strange pull from her heart in studying the young fictional girl. 

The performance had gone smoothly, and Elsie had enjoyed herself while performing. Now, the show was over, and cast and audience alike were mingling in the theatre’s lobby. There were a few students from school that she was glad to see, and she had been chatting with them, before a familiar blonde caught her eye from across the room. She excused herself, before beginning to make her way over.

Elsie had met Laurel through Oli, and she had always been fond of the woman. Something had drawn her to her, but as she approached this time, Eurydice stopped for a moment. The all together familiar blonde was suddenly familiar for a very different reason. And the way she was standing - did she know?!

“Laurel!” She called, before coming closer. It felt strange to be so formal - mortal, Queen of the Underworld, or otherwise, Persephone had always been one of her dearest friends. “I -” And she couldn’t help herself, pulling the woman in for a hug that may have been too tight for Laurel and Elsie, but was exactly what Eurydice needed.

Oliver awoke with a start, sweating and tears cascading down his sullen cheeks. He felt the scratching in his throat that only came after screaming. What was going on? He remembers images of rabbit holes. Burning heat and pomegranates. Falling and falling and falling. Marks on his fingers… were they guitar string scars? Or something else? Everything felt muddled. He saw flashes - Ty’s grin etched into memory as he downed a glass of deep red wine. Axel shrouded in complete darkness. Elsie gasping as she stumbled back. None of this felt right, and yet it all seemed to come from somewhere utterly true.

He slipped on his sneakers, grabbing his flimsy coat and keys. He needed to see her make sure she was okay. Nothing mattered more to him in this moment. He raced out the door, leaving it with a slam. He scaled the steps, down and down and down. He jumped the turnstile before the subway. He was on a mission, and everything felt blurry beneath his tears.

Soon he was at her door, banging. He didn’t care how late it was. Nothing more than seeing her breathing. 

@petalonastream​

Her nightmares came and went, seeming as cruel as the fates themselves. They played like a broken record, repeating over and over, eventually forcing her awake covered in cold sweat and shaking. Knowing the truth had done nothing to stop them, and now, fully aware that they weren’t just a figment of her own imagination, they were all the more terrifying. 

The night, thankfully, had been peaceful so far. Eurydice was fast asleep in her apartment, a white noise machine in the corner of her room drowning out most of the sounds of the city. But the banging from the door was loud enough to travel through anything, and she woke with a start, still dazed with sleep as she rolled from under her blankets and through her hallway. Her hair was a sleep-caused mess, and she didn’t have to look at a clock to know that it was far too late in the night for this to be anything good, and so, when she peered through her peephole, she was perplexed to see Oliver on the other side of the door.

She opened the door quickly, and perplexity quickly gave way to immediate worry at Oli’s state. Something was very wrong, and even in her sleepy daze, Elsie pulled him in quickly, before wrapping her arms around him, holding his head to her shoulder as she tried to soothe him. “Hey, hey - what’s going on? What’s wrong?” She moved a bit so that her eyes met his, searching through the tears for some kind of an answer. “Oli what happened?”

Oliver rolled his eyes at his best friend. She was ridiculous, but that was one of the reasons Oli loved her so much. They could be unabashedly themselves around each other. “You joke, but you’re clearly far superior to me in almost every possible way, and this is a hill I am willing to die on!”

It’s not that he didn’t like the show… he did. Well, he hadn’t seen it, but that was because it was way too expensive, and Oli certainly didn’t have the money for it. But he had poured over live performance videos and cast recordings, and the music was delicious. He was familiar with the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, and in some ways, he felt deeply connected to the story. Still, even thinking about it made him feel on edge. Something felt wrong, and he couldn’t shake it off.

And then Elsie looked like she was about to pass out. He had seen it happen before, and so he immediately had his hands on her shoulders, grounding her back down to Earth. When he had panic attacks, that was what Ty and his mom and Elsie normally did, anyhow. And he knew she was now making an excuse, but he felt sick so he wouldn’t push. “Sounds good. Wouldn’t want to ruin the golden pipes.” He tried to smile, as he squeezed her shoulders. “What are you in the mood for?”

She felt his hands on her shoulders and immediately memories began rushing in. How many times had they been in this position, or its reverse? She had been unable to explain it for so long - why she started shaking in the middle of a rehearsal, unable to say goodbye to him on stage without bursting into tears. But now that she knew, there was a whole new onslaught of memories, so many playbacks of times that they had both consoled each other.

Eurydice tried to focus on her breathing, on pulling herself out of the panic that had set in. They were both okay. He was right in front of her, he was healthy, and well, and happy, and they were both here. Perhaps their story could have a different ending this time. Elsie and Oliver deserved that much, she thought.

And so, she mustered up any of the courage and strength she could find, and Elsie gave him a small smile as she nodded. “No one will ever cast me in your masterpieces if I muck up now.” They would leave Hadestown behind them, she wouldn’t dare bring it up again, not after this. “You know I’m always down for anything. Just so long as it pairs well with our hot chocolate.” Her teasing wasn’t as bright as it was before, but her smile was still present. 

Oizys herself wasn’t much of a caffeine fan. Tending to stick to more natural ways to try and keep herself awake. However, her mortal self, Norah, had been a little addicted to the substance and more or less relying on it. With no telling how long she had been truly trapped in this mortal body, there was no way of telling that she was still reliant on caffeine. Aside for the driving headache that seemed the grow the longer she refused to partake. Today, Oizys decided to give in to Norah’s needs. Grabbing her bag as she yelled to the owner of the shop she worked in that she was taking her break early.

Pulling the strap of her bag tighter, she walked the several blocks to the tea shop she knew by memory. Despite the fact that she also had no idea how much of what she remembered was real, Oizys had to admit that not being familiar with New York she was forced to rely on Norah. Upon entering the little shop, she seemed a little confused. The minor goddess hated relying on her mortal memories and mortal self. She had been forced to do so far too often and tried her hardest to learn on her own without their help. This included knowing what to order.

Hearing a small voice behind her, Oizys turned to see another woman standing there. She supposed the confused look on her face gave her away. Golden brown eyes averted from the other woman to the small display the shop had set up filled with pastries and treats. Her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Another thing she hated about herself; mortal or not.

“Um, I guess not,” she said, a little sheepishly, “I don’t exactly know what to get…yet. You can go on ahead of me.”

Eurydice recognized the face as the other woman turned, though she couldn’t quite place her. She was sure, though, that the other was from Eurydice’s memories, not Elsie’s. Of course there were more, she thought. Though now she wondered just how many there could possibly be. Surely, it couldn’t be all of the divine, and those with similar fates to her own? Though, she supposed anything could truly be possible now. All of this defied any logic she knew to be true. 

As she spoke though, Elsie shook her head. No matter who was in front of her, they deserved a level of kindness, regardless. She could see the confusion on the other’s face, and offered a small smile. She adjusted her bag, before motioning to the menu.

“Well it’s all good. Do you have a preference for any specific type of tea?” Elsie had her favorites, of course, and Eurydice didn’t mind what she had grown used to. “I think it’s easiest to start there, then look at all the extras.” 

The way she blanches makes her hard to believe, though her play at an innocent tone does cause Rob to pause and study her face in return.  This isn’t the snickering denial of the interns when he’s had the displeasure of running into them outside of work.  This is genuine concern, perhaps even something akin to fear, and he has no idea as to why.  A full view of her face has done nothing to help place her.  His frown deepens.  

“No?  Maybe not,” he says mildly, not bothering to disguise his disbelief.

Truth be told, he doesn’t have the time today to try and figure out the identity of a girl who doesn’t want to be remembered.  He huffs  and near dismisses her with a wave of his hand.

“My mistake.”

If his words meant anything, perhaps Eurydice had done a good enough job covering herself to make him leave. But his face said something entirely different. Though she was almost positive that the god of the dead did not have his full memories back, something in him was ticking. She didn’t want to be around when he found out.

“I’m sorry that I’m not who you thought,” if she was smart, she would turn and walk away, feigning calm until she got far enough to run.

She wasn’t as smart as others though.

“My name is Elsie. I’m a student, over at NYU...” Why she was giving him details, she couldn’t say. Maybe to make herself more believable, maybe to help convince herself that it was all true. Either way, she couldn’t turn and run now. 

“Okay, maybe we’ll never decide on who is the most talented… or maybe we’re both just the most talented so we can never actually settle this because we’re both absolute knockouts. Ever thought of that?” He teased, light in his eyes. He took the notebook back, wrapping the long cord of leather around it to secure it, before placing it gently, back in his rucksack.

He waited to hear just what it was she would want to sing today. It wasn’t as though Oli had all of the free time in the world, but he would always make time for Elsie and a little bit of practice. Especially because her senior recital was coming up much faster than they could even believe. His own was such a big deal, and any way he could help her, he always would.

He paused for a second at her request. “Damn. It’s got great music for sure. Which song?” He couldn’t help but feel a bit queasy, and he had no idea why. Like he was on the edge of throwing up. How random was that? “You remind me of Eurydice, you know. I mean you could sing her track with no question, but she’s got a fighting spirit like yours. You should play her one day!” Something felt like it might claw it’s way through the inner chambers of his mind. He didn’t think too much on it.

“Maybe you’re right...” Elsie raised her brows, mimicking a great thinking look with a wide grin before shrugging, “But if you are, that only proves your genius more. Leaving poor little me in the dust, unable to compete!” She teased, though she had never been someone to doubt her own talent. She knew what she could do, and Viola was right in her wheelhouse.

She had always sung with Oli, it had become a tradition of sorts. No matter how busy either of them would become, they always found the time. Eurydice couldn’t entirely explain what had possessed her to choose this particular show. She knew that it wasn’t her responsibility to try to wake Orpheus, and that Oliver certainly had a happier life than his counterpart. But still, something was tugging inside her - but in seeing his reaction, she knew she couldn’t continue.

“I - thanks. I would love to. I think...” Elsie should play Eurydice, but Eurydice wasn’t sure if she could handle that. Her head was starting to pound, the light seemed to be growing brighter, though she knew that wasn’t possible. It was suddenly as if she was going to faint - or. Shaking her head, she forced herself to snap out of it, and gave Oli an apologetic look. “Actually, maybe we shouldn’t. Parade techs next week, I should probably save my voice...” It was a lame excuse, she knew, but she couldn’t handle seeing his face do that. “Food? I’m starving.”

She had to admit that she hadn’t seen Elsie in a while. She had grown up, perhaps into something special. Ella knew she would ask a thousand questions, knowing the exact ways to find out whatever information she wanted. This was the game that she had played with most. But then, Elsie was someone she had known, quite well, once upon a time. She didn’t want to be too intrusive. Maybe dating Brant was calming her down a bit. Reeling her back to reality, just a spell. 

“I could say the same for you, Elsie. You’ve grown up. I want to know everything that you’re up to! There’s just so much to discuss, right? Things have certainly… changed in some ways.” She smiled, and it was honest. Ella didn’t need to have many friends, but Elsie was always someone who could hold her own. Ella definitely had respect for that.

Ella took her own mug right over to a table in the corner of the shop, taking off her jacket, draping it on the chair next to her own. She smiled over at Elsie as they sat opposite each other, as she took a sip of her tea. “The business has been quite fruitful, yes. And.. it’s… yeah. As of lately, I’ve been a lot happier. People have a way of changing everything, when you least expect it. But I want to know about you.”

She shouldn’t have been surprised by Ella’s questioning, really. It had always been what she’d done, even when they were small and trailing behind their parents. Ella could craft a story like no one Elsie knew, but the younger woman didn’t find herself minding all that much. Ella had never done anything to hurt her, and if it made her happy, Elsie wouldn’t stand in the way. 

“Everything I’ve been up to? Lordy, I think we’d be here all day.” Her words were light, though they held truth. Elsie liked to keep busy, and her senior year had certainly been no exception. Still, making time for friends was important. Eurydice would hate to be taken from the world again, only wishing she had spent more time with those around her.

“People changing things for the better?” Elsie gave a playful smile as she took a sip of her tea. “It sounds like this person is something special. And if they make you happy, I hope you’re keeping them around.” She didn’t know the full story, but seeing Ella this happy was welcome, and she set her mug down, offering a shrug. “Me? I’m in my last year at NYU, performing, though that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, really. Parade opens in a few weeks, and my best friend Oli has been writing a musical that we’ll put on next semester. It’s absolutely a work of genius.” She could have gushed about Oli for ages if Ella would let her. “Other than that, my parents are in Lisbon for the holidays on some work thing, so my break will be spent with lots of hot chocolate and Netflix specials.” Her next question was genuine as she smiled, “Do you and that someone have exciting plans?”