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Aqua Utopia|海の底で記憶を紡ぐ
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@mpskadi
introduction
biography
connections :: plots :: threads
aesthetics :: playlist :: moodboards
gifts ?
(note: referencing Bloom Into the Light here~) It's been a whirlwind couple of days since Juyeon's conversation with In-Soo a few days earlier. He's pretty happy though, it's... nice. They're being discrete but did say they could tell those they were close to. Judgement was the last thing they needed and while it's unlikely they'd face much... Juyeon still wanted to be cautious and to nurture their now even closer bond more before telling the rest of the community. That is what Mount Phoenix is, honestly. A community. But really, as it is... Juyeon only had one person he wanted to tell at the moment. (He'll probably mention it to Angela later or him and In-Soo would both tell her later though if they're being discrete... he's not sure if he'd want to share the information with Siwoo given how children can be.) Thoughts aside, Skadi was the one he wanted to share the news with first and then he'd go from there. "Hey Skadi, it's good to see you again too. Sorry for being kinda busy for a while." He stated lightly, as he walked up to the goddess' home and stood in front of her. "Have you been well?"
A close community where people could always support when needed. Skadi had seen relationships bloom over her time in Mount Phoenix and it had warmed her heart. Seeing people from such different horizon coming together, understanding each other, had been a blessing.
So seeing the bright smile on Juyeon’s smile as he approached her, she knew that she was about to hear very good news.
"Don’t worry about that !" she exclaimed as he joined her, immediately wrapping him in a big hug. "I think everyone had been quite busy lately." She took the time to look at him closely. The young man looked really radiant, glowing with happiness.
"I've been great, thank you ! I had a lovely winter, as you can imagine" Skadi answered, almost pushing him inside, leading him to the living room. The big windows were open, the fresh spring’s noises and smells mixing with the woody scent of the cabin. "Please, make yourself at home. Would you like tea or juice ?"
Gentle laughter rumbled in his chest like a warm purr as she spoke further of his reputation. "A wonderful reputation," he echoed with an amused shake of his head. If only all of the Olympians shared that sentiment.
He wasn't exactly sure whether or not it was truly important that he was on the island now. Leto could do and had done well enough on his own, after all. However, Morpheus did enjoy meeting his youngest son in the flesh for the first time--as well as the woman who had adopted him and treated him as her own without even the slightest bit of obligation. And while he intended to make substantial contributions to their lives to ensure they lived comfortably, he was not entirely convinced that his physical presence in Mount Phoenix was necessary. However, whatever praise this goddess had to give to his eldest, oh, Morpheus gladly absorbed those compliments with an ever-growing smile and twinkle within starry eyes.
And it was because of that son that he harbored such a deep interest in this wintery queen, prompting his visit and now a subsequent offer of his arm as she closed the door to her cabin. "My lady, I would be honored to join you for a walk in the snow," he assured her. Of course, warm refreshments could wait until after their jaunt in the fresh, chilled air.
"I saw the park," he continued, referring to the winter wonderland she had created, one that would be quickly dispelled to make room for the Spring decorum. "You do magnificent work."
Skadi couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction. She knew enough of the island's Olympians to appreciate them despite their egos. But Morpheus seemed... calmer in a way and if he was anything like his son, she was certain that they would get along well.
Maybe it wasn't in the grand scheme of things but, in her opinion, children deserved to be reunited with their parents. Even if Leto and Morpheus could interact through dreams, being together for real was important. Even if she was talking with Eden almost everyday, she still missed the physical contact with her daughter, to be able to hold her in her arms. It probably why she had taken so much of the demigods under her wings, to give them what they had lacked most of their life. Love, comfort and even a home. Praise was given when it was deserved and Leto was more than worthy of him.
Wrapping her arm around his, Skadi started to guide him through the snowy blanket under their feet, taking the direction of that magical place she had shown Leto weeks ago. The moon was beautiful, softly shining into the now dark sky, giving a milky light to their stroll. She would have delicious snacks prepared for him at their return.
"Oh, thank you so much !" the goddess exclaimed. "I had a lot of fun doing it but, unfortunately, it will be over soon. The residents want their spring and I am not going to refuse that to them."
lovely news :: closed
for the sweet jötunn @juyeonmp
Receiving a text from Juyeon asking to meet her had been quite a surprise for Skadi. A very nice one though, as she hadn't seen the young demigod in a while. So she was more than curious to know what he wanted to talk about so she immediately answered, inviting him for dinner whenever he wanted.
Two days later, the goddess had prepared a feast for her guest. A roasted leg of lamb with grilled vegetables and homemade flatbreads were waiting for the young man, as well as a fragrant Asgardian beer, received on the very morning.
The cabin's door was open, letting the soft air of April invade the house, bringing with it the salty air of the sea, mixed with the fresh scent of pines. She immediately felt Juyeon's arrival as he approached and she stood at the threshold, waiting for him to join her.
"Juyeon !" Skadi exclaimed when the son of Loki was close enough. "Welcome to my humble house, I am happy to see you again !"
As Skadi mentioned that she's glad he's there and that they could go on walks or even skiing, the Greek was rather intrigued. He'd never actually skied in his life before but he was eager to learn. "I've never actually skied before, but if you're willing to teach me, I'd love that, and as for walks, I'd love to explore the area with you," He added. As for warm clothes, the god just laughed. "Ah, I should be good. I run hotter than normal in general," he added.
He prssed a kiss to her cheek as she watched his puppy for a moment. "Yes, Fotia will let us know once she wakes up. I think she just really likes your fireplace and home," he stated wrapping an arm around her once she leaned on his shoulder.
He felt extremely happy that she liked his gift for her. He'd spent some time wondering what to get her and had some hesitations on the necklace but seeing how happy she was to get it made the Greek God extremely pleased. "I'm glad you like it," he stated, pressing a kiss to her lips, pleased with himself.
"That is good then !" Skadi exclaimed, smiling. "I am a very outdoorsy person so you better be ready to spend a lot of time in the mountains and snow." She was a good ski teacher too and she already knew that she would be soft on him, giving him as much time as needed to learn. "It will be fun, you will see. And we could sledge too."
She moved closer, enjoying the warmth of his body. He was like a human heater and though she didn't mind the cold, she was appreciative of this side of him.
"I am glad that she feels at home here" Skadi answered, grinning a the dreaming puppy in front of the fire. She was softly whining, he tail wagging against the rug. "She will always be welcome in my cabin. Like you."
The winter goddess kissed him back before standing. She had a gift for him to, something that she was sure someone like him would appreciate. She stroked his cheek, lifting his head up to look into his eyes. "I will be back in a few minutes, do not go anywhere, right ?"
The warmth of Skadi was something Ezra truly appreciated - she was like a mother they never had. The young poet contemplated for a second if they wanted to tell her about the things that were haunting them every waking - and sleeping - hour.
They decided not to, as the demigod didn't want to bother yet another ancient god with their mortal struggles. It felt odd and their problems seemed so small in the grand scheme of things. They didn't want to take up anyone's time. Even though a therapist gets paid for that time. They had their journal, after all.
Their journal wasn't enough.
Ezra knew that. It was far from enough to relief the stress on their mind. In a fleeting moment, the writer wished they had never left New Orleans to go home. Life was simpler. The only thing Ezra had to deal with there, was trans- and xenophobia. And though in the moment, those things seemed like the worse thing they could deal with. But they don't compare to the struggles of today.
The young enby sighed as they looked at the floor. Pondering.
"Maybe you're right..."
Sat at her desk, Skadi took a few sips of her tea in silence, enjoying the calm moment and the company. For a few instants, only the tinting noises of cups against saucers and the crunches of cookies resonated in the room.
Skadi was a mother and she had many demigods under her wings already. She could be Ezra's protector and confidant too, if they desired such a thing. Mount Phoenix existed for the demigods' protection after all and they should feel free to bother the gods with their problems. They were there to help if necessary.
At least here, on the island, Ezra could only focus on part of his problems, without having to care for trans- or xenophobia. The residents were some of the most tolerant people the goddess had ever seen, allowing many of them to heal without experiencing more rejection for their differences.
"Ezra" Skadi started, putting her cup away and facing the youngster. "If you want, I can come with you , I would gladly do whatever I can to support you."
Seungmin glanced up at the comment, adjusting the dog in his arms so he was half over his shoulder and close to his neck. "I wasn't worried, I just like knowing where I'm going in case I need to go the route again in the future. This area is good for photography too." He returned, following quietly until they took a break to rest for a few moments.
He nodded as Skadi responded to his comments too, picking up his dog once more and settling him against his shoulder again when they started walking again. "I thought about visiting there, I haven't had time to yet." He added at her remark, focusing on where he was placing his feet at the steeper trail.
As Skadi shifted to the kitchen, Seungmin let Dalhye down with a quiet command to behave and not to mess with anything as he followed the goddess' voice to peer at her from the doorway. "What do you need me to do?"
Skadi smiled at his explanations. That boy was smart and she liked his calm, quiet attitude. "Those are good arguments. And if you want, I can show you more photogenic places all over the mountains." It would need to wait for daylight though, as the night in the rocks could be too dangerous for the young man and his puppy.
"Mm... Not a lot of people come all the way up here. It's a solitary life but I don't mind." The hardest part of the journey was behind them and Seungmin could now admire the city's lights at their feet, small stars in the cloak of darkness. The perpetual snow around Skadi's cabin was shining under the moon, a true fairytale vision.
It was warm inside and Skadi's cheeks were a little red when she looked up at Seungmin as she worked on the rabbit. She pointed to a basket of vegetables. "Would you mind washing some carrots and potatoes and then cut them in cubes ? That would be lovely of you" she said, handing him a clean knife.
Ezra appreciated Skadi's understanding and the warm environment she created. Taking a seat by the window, the soothing aroma of Earl Grey tea filled the air. Skadi's consideration for their well-being touched Ezra, and the offer of the tea and cookies added a comforting touch.
As the goddess spoke, Ezra nodded, acknowledging the importance of communication. "I really am sorry. I don't have an excuse for disappearing like that..." the poet started, "I just..." Ezra sighed, quickly abandoning the thought. Nothing they'd say could excuse their behaviour and lack of communication, and no one wanted to hear some sob story.
"I'm behind on schoolwork, as well, but as soon as I'm caught up, I'll be here open till close until I've paid back the time I owe," the employee said apologetically. "Thanks for allowing me back. I'll communicate better."
That seemed to be a common issue in all aspects of the demigod's life. In their relationships, their school, and now their job, communication seemed to be something Ezra struggled with.
Perhaps a thing to bring up in therapy?
Ezra shook their head at the thought. Therapy had been a topic of conversation for months. Their dad practically begged them to seek help for the trauma they endured, right up to the point where Ezra crossed the bridge. Where they promised.
But they had lied.
Not intentionally. Something just held them back. And the longer the Egyptian demigod waited, the stronger that thing became;
"I'm too broken to fix..."
Skadi might be a goddess of winter, familiar with cold winds, ice and snow but she had a warm heart. As long as people didn't attack her, she had no reason to not treat them well. She respected her employees as much as they respected them and it was not different with Ezra. They maybe had made a mistake but she understood their circumstances.
She had seen them on the Bridge, many nights ago, she had seen their despair. They lived with consequences that didn't came from their own choice and she wasn't going to punish them for that.
"I think that you have some, Ezra" she answered, smiling at them over her cup of tea. "But you do not need to give me details about them if you do not want to." She would always be ready to listen though, if the youngster ever felt the need to share with her.
The goddess nodded. "I do not want you to exhaust yourself though, Ezra. So you can take your time to 'pay' us back. Do not leave us in the dark anymore and everything will be fine."
Communication was important, in every part of life. It made everything easier, clearer. Talking with someone about that would be absolutely wonderful and helpful. Hopefully. At his revelation though, Skadi moved to sit near Ezra.
"Please, do not say such thing. I do not mind that it will be easy but isn't it worth to try ? Whatever you can think, there is people who love you and are ready to help. Trust them, trust yourself."
When she addressed him as Leto's father, Morpheus couldn't help but allow a warm chuckle to escape his lips, resonating within his chest on a gentle and ethereal baritone. It was amusing to him; she was the second one to refer to his parentage upon learning who he was. It truly brought joy to his heart, to know that his boy had such an impact on residents of the island already--especially such a revered goddess from another pantheon.
"My reputation precedes me," he mused softly with a small shake of his head in dismissal. Nevertheless, he was relieved to learn that she was glad to finally meet him. "Apologies for the wait, then. But thank you. I am very proud of him," he admitted. To say that he was proud of Leto was actually an understatement.
While the invitation to enter her cabin was certainly welcome, his silent steps did come to a stop at her side, the eyes of night sky gazing tenderly upon her with a smile reflected upon his lips. "Is that a bad thing?" he asked with a slight arch of his brow when she mentioned a cold night and strong winds.
Yet again, he recognized that he was within her kingdom here. While certainly an honor to enter her home, was it not even more of an honor--and respectful--to remain within the winter of her domain? "I would not be opposed to enjoying your company while also enjoying your season before it ends." Because, yes, Spring was fast approaching.
Well, his son was adorable, what else could she do ? It had been amazing to walk with him through the woods and the mountains, to show him all her favourite places, the best panoramas where to take photographies. She didn't know how the other residents perceived Leto but she had officially adopted him, another one of her beloved protégés.
"It does. But I do not think that it is a bad thing as it is a wonderful reputation." She chuckled at his apologies. "The most important is that you are here now. You can be proud, we needed someone like him on the island." She was a mother too, she could relate to that pride, that infinite love for a child.
Skadi felt the soft pink dust spread on her skin, a lovely contrast with the blueish tone of her skin. Morpheus's eyes, full of stars and dreams, were bewitching. "Of course not" she answered, smiling. "As you can imagine, the cold and the winds do not affect me." She closed the door of her cabin.
"Would you like a little walk in the snow then ?" she offered. "We can have tea or mulled wine later."
Was it real? Was it a dream? Perhaps a bit of both. One might debate the same for the ethereal goddess of mountains and winter who appeared at the threshold of the cabin. As long as these two deities had existed in the universe, this was the first he had personally seen of her, having witnessed her visage through the subconscious minds of so many--even his own son. But even those dreams could not bring this goddess justice.
From stranger to friend within the beat of a single arctic breath. Tenderness traced his features, painted upon a smile, twinkling within eyes reflecting starlight. It was then his steps came to a stop, standing before her; his arms lifted to extend outward to his sides and, slowly, he leaned forward, bowing deeply at the waist.
A king of his own realm, he recognized he was within hers and thus extended proper genuflection toward the goddess; he was not so proud as to deny her the respect she was clearly owed.
"Your compliments are met with warm gratitude, Lady Skadi," he replied upon a tone that was both gentle and celestial, haunting but pleasant. "I am Morpheus," he confessed as he stood upright again, gaze directly upon her face with a softness upon his own expression. "My son Leto speaks very highly of you. My sincerest appreciation extends to you for your kindness toward him."
Dreams, reality... The border between them were often thin and difficult to see. Her own dream were full of dancing lights in the sky, snow and ice glowing under the endless moonlight of the Nordic winters or the golds of Asgard shining under a bright sun. They were made of nature, of visions from what humans considered like folklore, full of the faces she had met during her long life.
Skadi watched as the other came closer, observing the coat of darkness surrounding him, stars shining in his eyes and his handsome face open, a gentle smile on his lips. He exuded kindness and she immediately felt at ease, his presence welcome in the whiteness of her queendom.
She bowed back, politeness needing to be answered with the like and her own lips turned up in a smile. The man was handsome in a ethereal way and even before he introduced himself, she knew in her heart who he was. The king of dreams.
"Leto's father" Skadi commented, moving just on the side, the light inside her cabin falling on the god and surrounding him with gold. "I have heard about you and I am glad to finally be able to meet you. You have such a lovely son." Her smile became a grin and she extended her arm towards her house.
"Will you come inside ? The night is cold and the wind strong."
Once the initial recognition and internal acknowledgement of that strange emotion had passed, Vitas was left with that lingering thought in the back of his mind, of actually being wanted--not just as a means of convenience, not just as a translator or someone to answer questions, but...to actually meet someone who was...glad he was there, that was something he had to come to terms with; it was something he would revisit later, when not in her presence, because he felt such a thought would require a bit more self-reflection than he cared to give in that moment; right now, he preferred to keep as much of his attention on the goddess as he could.
He took another sip of the bitter coffee, its warmth again sliding down his throat and granting the sensation of heat spreading throughout his chest; it was a pleasant feeling, one that burned but...in a good way, and elicited a soft and slow exhale from his nostrils. He stared at the dark liquid in the cup as he continue to listen to her.
Vitas was not particularly fond of discussing his health with others, but as Skadi was a goddess--and one he respected--he could put his reservations to the side just as she would grant him the same accommodations when telling him stories about her own life; that sort of equivalent exchange was something he could understand and support. So...yes...he would be open to the idea of possibly...something on the island offering a solution to his medical dilemma. It had only been a brief thought in his mind before, preferring to remain focused on what he knew was possible, of the things he could do (which was learning) in whatever limited time he may have as opposed to chasing after a dream that may never come to be; but if that was something he had to do, if pursuit of a 'cure' was something Skadi encouraged, then...he would...re-evaluate his goals. For now, though, he opted to continue his education.
Another sip of coffee.
One new goal he had, though, was finding a way to visit her in the mountains. In order to do that, he knew, he had to find a way for his heart to withstand the thinner atmosphere at altitude. Portable oxygen tank, then? He would look into that...later. For now, he focused on her, and how she spoke of watching the Northern Lights in the mountains. Again, there it was, just the faintest ghost of a smile in his eyes, just a flicker that vanished just as quickly as it had appeared. He did like the aurora; it had illuminated the sky at his birth; it had brought him peace as he lie in the snow as a newborn, the first thing his eyes had seen. Needless to say, he was rather attached to the phenomenon.
"I want as many lessons as are you willing to give," he admitted with honesty; because Vitas was always honest, she may come to learn rather quickly. "Tuesdays and Thursdays are acceptable." He was a fast learner, too--which she would no doubt soon discover--so once he had mastered the Old Norse language, he could focus on learning other things about her, her family, and everything she had to offer. And when she wasn't available? He would gladly absorb all the information in the books of her store.
The past was the past and now Vitas was in Mount Phoenix and like all the other residents, he was offered a new chance, a new life. He was free to do with it as he wanted but, as a Norse goddess, he was under her responsability too and she wasn't going to let him down. He was the son of the Allfather, someone who had welcomed her as an Asgardian and taking care of the young man was a way for her to give the same respect that she had received.
They both drank their coffee in silence for a few moments. Skadi had softened hers with a little bit of milk and some sugar, enjoying the sweet taste on her tongue.
Whatever his medical decisions would be, Skadi would approve of them. It was Vitas' life and health and he probably knew better than her what would be possible and what he would agree to test. And even if he never visited her cabin, he would always be welcome at The Lion's Den. She would gladly keeping him company if he ever wanted to stay over the closing hours.
She would take him to watch the Northern Lights once, a promise that she was going to keep, as long as it would take her to realize it. And if she could, she would take him to Jötunheimr, along with Juyeon, another Norse demigod curious about his heritage.
"So let us say 7:30 to 9PM every Tuesdays and Thursdays, is that alright for you ? Of course, I would be available in the meantime for any question you may have" Skadi proposed, already adding the informations to her agenda. "We could meet here or any other place where you would feel comfortable. Deal ?"
Closed starter for the queen of the mountain @mpskadi
Naturally, an innate curiosity pulled at the god's strings when it came to meeting this Norse deity of whom his son thought (and praised) so fondly. The goddess had already been so kind to his boy, so welcoming, he found it to be rather impolite if he didn't at least stop by to say 'hello'. Not to mention, her book shop was an oh-so-delightful catalyst for wild imaginations that he couldn't help but admire.
Would it be considered improper or expected of him to just show up on her mountains in the same manner his son had months before? Would it be more appropriate for him to meet her at the Lion's Den instead? Ultimately, he decided on the former, not quite appearing on her literal doorstep but close to it, taking form on the wisps of a northern gale and standing several dozen meters from her cabin. His dark coat was long and loose, its tail hem grazing the ground in his wake yet leaving no trace and his steps left no tracks.
And yet his hair, his shoulders and arms, all did harbor a gentle dusting of snow upon the surface, a subtle shimmer in the light granting him a somewhat ethereal iridescence. In many ways, he was glad he had arrived when he did, that Spring may have been on the horizon but he could still enjoy the last leg of her winter. This was a lovely place, he thought. He could understand why Leto enjoyed spending so much time here.
He sang softly to himself, his voice haunting but pure, rich, a distant melody only described as a dream. "Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky…freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky…that dost not bite so nigh as benefits forgot, as benefits forgot; though thou the waters warp, thy sting is not so sharp as friend remembered not, as friend remembered not. Heigh-ho, sing heigh-ho, unto the green holly, most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly. Then heigh-ho, the holly, this life is most jolly~…"
Skadi had taken the afternoon off, away from the bookshop left in the caring attention of her employees. She had walked around her beloved mountains, her bow and quiver at her side, attentive to any problem that she could meet. Spring would soon be there and the snow would start to melt and he winter wonderland would be gone until the return of the colder months when she would thrive again.
She spent a few hours talking with her daughter Eden, catching up with the young woman. She missed her greatly but seeing her so happy in her travels was warming her heart and soul. Maybe she could join her in her next adventure ?
And now that the day was slowly starting to darken, the goddess was reading by her fireplace, comfortably settled on a fur rug and a beautifully embroidered blanket around her shoulders. Her head was soon lolling, her mind navigating between an awake state and the land of dreams.
It was why she wasn't sure if the song she suddenly could hear in the wind was real or not. It was beautiful, full of melancholia and softness, a lullaby almost as old as time. Skadi got up, coming to stand on the threshold of her cabin, her hair floating in the wind. There was someone nearby, a tall silhouette, as ethereal as a fjallvættir. She could feel a strong but benevolent aura. Not a spirit but a god was visiting her.
"Your song was beautiful, my friend" she said, her strong voice resonating around them. "Who should I thank for such a lovely distraction ?"
Now that the holidays were done, and it was the slow month, hephaestus had plenty of time to spend with skadi. it was nice with someone who shared similar values and vibes. it had been a long time since the last time that the god genuinely felt like this.
He blushed brightly at her compliment that she liked seeing him too, and he brushed a strand back as well, admiring how pretty she was too. they were quite the opposite in aesthetic visuals, hephaestus all dark and lanky and skadi, bright like the snowfall around them. his cheeks were still rosy from the cold. "ah, the cold doesn't bother me that much," he stated, laughing. He pressed another kiss to her cheek, delighted to be in her company.
His puppy was still snoozing away. "Fotia loves the fire. She's normally around my forge at the store since she was a puppy, so she may have gotten influenced," he added, laughing. As she told him that he's allowed to stay as long as he wants, Hephaestus couldn't resist the amusement. "Can I stay forever?" he asked, laughing.
He kissed her back sweetly and took the necklace from her, so that he could put it on. He carefully snapped it closed with a grin. "There, it really suits you~" he added.
Skadi was an independent person and she was glad that Hephaestus had accepted that. She loved to spend time with him but, sometimes, she longed for the loneliness of her cabin. They had always given their space to each other and she couldn't be more thankful.
She came back, placing her cool hands against Hephaestus' cheeks. "I am glad that you are, my dear" she commented, smiling. "I plan to bring you on walks while you are here ! We could even go skiing" she added, chuckling. She couldn't wait to share that new adventure with him. "I do hope that you brought warm clothes though." She reciprocated his kiss, leaving the freshness of her lips against the warmth of his skin.
Skadi turned to look at the sleeping puppy. She knew Fotia since she was a baby and adored her. "I guess so ! But let her sleep, she is comfortable, she will let us know if she gets hungry." The goddess sat back next to her guest, resting her head against his shoulder. "As long as you can would be a good start."
The necklace had a nice weight around her neck and the metal was smooth and warm against her skin. She turned back, giving Hephaestus another kiss, snuggling into his arms. "Thank you, I truly love it."
The familiar bell chimed as the door to Lion's Den opened. A sound the young poet loved and missed. The smell of books calmed most of the poet's nerves as they entered the shop. It felt odd, being back here and they had almost opted to never come back and just find a new job. But finding a job they'd like would be hard. And on an island this small, where everyone knew each other... It'd be disrespectful.
It felt like everyone in the store stared at them as they walked past. Judged them for having the audacity to return after weeks of no contact. As if they knew Ezra came to ask, nay beg, for their job back.
Ezra stood in the doorway of Skadi's office, uncertainty in their eyes. Skadi's warm welcome and genuine smile eased some of the tension in their shoulders. They took a hesitant step into the office, closing the door behind them.
"Thank you, Skadi," Ezra replied softly, their voice a bit hoarse from disuse. "I... I appreciate the note and the space. Sorry for disappearing like that. I hope I didn't cause too much trouble."
They hesitated for a moment before deciding to rip the bandaid off. "I hope it's not too much to ask, but I was hoping if I could keep my job here? Everything was just... overwhelming, and I needed time to sort things out. But I'm here now and I promise I'll work hard! I won't disappear again, I promise. I'll notice if things get rough for me again. I'm sorry for disappointing you," the young demigod said sincerely, and bowed deeply to show they meant every word they said.
Well, Skadi would accept them to find a new job, as long as it was something that would make them happy. She would even help them if she could. But, of course, it that was to happen, she would love to be the first to know. However, she didn't want the youngster to leave. They were a good asset for the bookstore, smart and very knowledgable in Literature.
Once the door was closed, Skadi invited Ezra to sit on the little bench near the window, already busying herself with preparing some tea. She was glad to see them again, whatever the circumstances were. "Ezra, do not worry about that. Sometimes, it is best to take time for ourselves. However, you owe some shifts to your colleagues" she commented with a smile.
Once Ezra was settled, Skadi handed them a cup of fresh Earl Grey tea, placing a plate of cookies next to them.
"Ezra" the goddess started. "I know things can be difficult for you, I have seen it. You will of course keep your job but next time, please talk to me first, do you think you can do that ?" She sat down, rolling her chair towards the youngster, gently taking their hands in hers. She patted them gently, careful not to spill the tea. "Do not take this badly but I think that you should talk to someone too. A professional."
When he had asked her to tell him about her father, he had been sincere; he genuinely wanted to know. So many stories and experiences had been lost to time, undocumented, not passed down by orators and bards, forever forgotten or simply unknown because those moments had been private. Vitas was interested in learning the history of the world--of all worlds--as well as the hidden history, the little stories that were merely whispers of thoughts fading on the wind. And because history was written by the victors, he wanted to know the OTHER side of history, all the different interpretations that were just as valid as the next.
So when she agreed to share stories about her father and beyond, he almost smiled. Almost. It did not reach his lips, but was only just a flicker behind his eyes, just a subtle shift in shadow at the corners of his gaze, but it was there--brief, like a ghost, gone as quickly as it had appeared. "I look forward to it," he whispered with sincerity.
Vitas continued to stare at the mug in his hands when he made his confession of his presence at the gates, but he also stared as she said something odd, something he had not heard before.
I am glad that you are still with us.
Those words made him feel...what was that? He didn't know how to describe it. A heavy and hot feeling in his stomach. Why did his eyes burn like he was about to cry? Was he sad? Was he in pain? Why did he have the sensation of burning in his lungs like they were filling with smoke? It must be a reaction to the coffee he just drank, right? He should...probably stop drinking it. But then, Skadi had given it to him, so he should keep drinking it. And the goddess had told him...that she was glad he was still with them...after being told again and again and again that he was unwanted, that people wished he had never been born, that he was a monster and should just go away, a demon that should return to whatever hell he escaped from. And yet here she was, this wonderful and exalted deity, telling him she was GLAD he was still with them.
Vitas didn't know how to process that. For a few seconds, he seemed to shut down, just staring at the way the light refracted on the surface of the coffee in his cup. He knew he still had things to do, a purpose to fulfill, but to know someone was actually glad he was there? She wasn't...lying to him, was she? No...she wouldn't, could she? Nothing in his studies had ever revealed anything about Skadi being tricky or false by any means...but then...again...not all history was recorded.
A change in subject was welcome then, a distraction from his thoughts, and the burning of his lungs subsided, the heavy pit in his stomach vanished, the stinging of his eyes faded away, and he nodded once to the idea of Heimdall showing him the realms--of learning all about them from Skadi herself. "Again, it would be an honor," he said earnestly upon his monotone.
As for his health--if there was something he could do--his gaze briefly shifted to the window beside him, looking toward the mountains on the horizon, then back to his cup. "One may hope so," he replied flatly. "Human science and technology has only advanced so far. I am confident a solution will be found with resources and connections available on this island, though it is not my top priority." It never had been--oh, Adelheid had certainly made it a priority, and perhaps Vitas should be more concerned about his own health than he was, but he was obviously hyperfixated on other things, again having accepted those circumstances at a young age. Sure, if he lived longer then he could learn even more--and the idea of immortality was tempting if only for that reason...not for power, not for love, but for LEARNING. But for Vitas, there was no sense in following a path that may lead to no solution at all; his time was precious, he knew that, he would rather spend it acquiring knowledge instead of wasting it on something no one really understood.
Then again, he was also using finances obtained from somewhat 'grey investments' to anonymously fund research for a wide variety of projects, medical and historical, including the study of rare cardiac diseases; so it wasn't like he was idle in the process. "Someday, Skadi. Someday," he assured her when she said when she spoke of him liking the mountains. "It is a goal to watch the Northern Lights from the Lyngsfjellan." But alas, to be at that elevation for him was a heavy risk; didn't stop the little monster from having goals, though.
As for learning Old Norse, again, there was that hint of a smile behind his eyes that did not reach his lips, but was still present; someone attentive may easily and correctly interpret that as a clue that he very much enjoyed learning things. "When can we begin?" he asked, maybe just a fraction of something behind that otherwise dry tone. Muted enthusiasm perhaps?
Maybe it wasn't that bad that some things had been lost. Intimate, private moments weren't always to share with everyone, even if they were part of a long, almost forgotten culture. But Vitas was one of hers, someone she could relate too so she didn't mind to tell him tales of her childhood, of a time lost forever. She knew she could trust him, that he would respect her stories.
"Good ! I will try to make it as enjoyable as possible" she answered, winking at him. She hadn't missed the little twinkle in his eyes but she chose not to comment on it. It would be their little secret and she didn't want to embarrass him.
Of course, Skadi didn't know anything of Vitas' life before Mount Phoenix. But she had met an interesting young man, someone so eager to learn more about her, about their common heritage. He had only been lovely with her and she admired his intelligence. He deserved to live, to have an existence he could grow to love with people who would accept him as he was. So yes, she was glad he was still with them, that he still had the possibility to grow and truly find himself. And she would be honored to help him in his journey.
Vitas didn't have to fear any trick from the goddess. She was as blunt as the ice she could manipulate. She would never lied, not even to defend herself. She remained true to herself and to others, whatever the circumstances. He could trust her.
"I am glad that you are at least open to the idea" Skadi commented, slowly sipping on her drink. She enjoyed the moment, the quietness of her office only broken by the softness of their voices. It was peaceful, a nice, friendly moment. Learning was a reason as good as another. Even as an immortal being, Skadi kept learning new things and she truly enjoyed it. "Then I will hope so" she answered, smiling at the young man.
"I wish for you to be able to soon. It is a truly beautiful sight to behold. I have seen it many times but each time is more amazing than the one before." Having goals was to be alive. Skadi chuckled at his impatience but she turned around to look at her agenda open on the desk. "It depends how many lessons you want each week. But I have Tuesday and Thursday evenings usually free."
Lee Sung Kyung for Allure ♥