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@niightlvr
# niightlvr — open and active blog portraying lorelei kidd.
lorelei e kidd ⋆ lore. the impossible born. hellhound brat. 17. they/them. child of nyx. legacy of apollo. introverted southerner. walks barefoot in the grass. insomniac. altruistic.
rules ⋆ about mun ⋆ tags (below) ⋆ connections (below)
( can we tell i love being active .. uhh hello again everyone i have not been back here actively for awhile um 😬
and probably won’t be for another while
I got a lot of stuff going irl with getting ready for college, personal medical stuff upcoming, and a few other things. I apologize for my absence
I will return soonish-? maybe if i can find motivation to come back on again..
( if i did that there might be a massive ass overall with it possibly ? who knows cause i don’t)
“I don’t think hellhounds are that scary? They’re kinda like big puppies really.”
“But maybe that’s just the fact I have two hellhounds who are essentially still in the puppy stage and aren’t that much bigger than adult Labrador retrievers.”
“Can I meet them? PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASRLEASEPLEASE”
“Pretty please!”
“Oh-! well I don’t see why not? They need a wee bit more socialization anyway. I don’t find many campers willing to interact with the much..”
Turning slightly to whistle into a shadowed spot. Seconds later two canines appeared. They were infact the size of adult labradors. Though one was a bit fluffier than the other.
“The one with the sleeker coat is Alexis, the fluffier one is Adamentios.“
“I don’t think hellhounds are that scary? They’re kinda like big puppies really.”
“But maybe that’s just the fact I have two hellhounds who are essentially still in the puppy stage and aren’t that much bigger than adult Labrador retrievers.”
open starter — sleepyhead (yes like the song)
Most individuals were awake by now. The sun having risen with Apollo’s guidance, and campers bouncing around camp like they were running on pure sugar and adrenaline.. and knowing camp- that was most definitely true for at least one camper out there. Even—for once!—the Hypnos kid’s were out and about, rare thing for the children of the god of sleep.
Well, there was one resident of cabin 15 who was not surprisingly unaccounted for: Lorelei Kidd. It was easy to come to the conclusion they were most definitely still asleep. But hey, being children of the gods, it never hurt to check!
That is when you find none other than the blonde child of Nyx still in their pajamas, head buried in a pillow and their blanket thrown on the floor. Found it quite telling whether they were out could or not, or if they were only barely waking up and refusing to greet the sun.
Lorelei adjusted themselves and groaned, knowing that a little extra light had made its way inside.
taglist: [lmk if you wanna be added!]
Lorelei? Are you awake yet? It's almost breakfast time, and they have the good pancakes.
*Lyssa sits outside the fort, waiting for her friend*
Another grumble before one blue eye poked out, had lidded and still plagued with sleep. A yawn pulled itself from the depths of them. They were sleepy as ever, the sun a pleasant lullaby to their systems. A shimmy into another comfortable position was observed.
Their eyes closed again and even with the found foe today sounding like something straight out of Elysium, Lorelei still didn’t budge.
Lorelei, come on.. I know the fort is comfy, but you need to eat something! Also I smelled the pancakes, and they smell AMAZING, I think they also have bacon up there?
The same blue eye peeked out again, seemingly debating on if it was worth it to leave the cozy paradise that was their bed and the Hypnos cabin in general. Because they loved the camps pancakes and bacon was one of their favorite breakfast items. Reminded them of home and their dad and stuff.
“Coffee..?”
It came out an ask, sleepy and quiet, maybe a hint of annoyance for having to possibly get up, but if they have coffee that would be the final reason for them to get up. Coffee was almost like a life line for them to beat sleepy morning.
Probably, and if not, Leo has one in Cabin 9 we can use.
*Lyssa stood up, prepared to help Lorelei out of the fort if needed.*
Begrudgingly they pulled themselves away and got up. Not pleased but willing to if it meant good food and coffee.
“M up..”
There was no intent to change out of their pajamas, which could now clearly be seen to contain an old, worn camp half-blood t-shirt and black shorts. They yawned once more and rubbed their eyes. Taking fingers through tangled hair to at least look a little presentable. No socks nor shoes were worn and they didn’t seem to care all that much.
“M ready to go.”
Alright. Come on, I'm hungry.
*Lyssa holds the cabin door open for her, then walks to the dining pavilion, where (miraculously) there was indeed coffee.*
Lorelei straight b-lined it to the coffee. Upon seeing and smelling it. Meticulously preparing whatever kind of coffee they usually got. Half the time it was straight black coffee and the other half a sugary monstrosity. Today it was 100% the latter.
Though luckily, the insomniac child of Nyx seems ten times more awake now.
“It’s good, the coffee.”
Commenting as they came back with an almost spilling mug in hand.
open starter — sleepyhead (yes like the song)
Most individuals were awake by now. The sun having risen with Apollo’s guidance, and campers bouncing around camp like they were running on pure sugar and adrenaline.. and knowing camp- that was most definitely true for at least one camper out there. Even—for once!—the Hypnos kid’s were out and about, rare thing for the children of the god of sleep.
Well, there was one resident of cabin 15 who was not surprisingly unaccounted for: Lorelei Kidd. It was easy to come to the conclusion they were most definitely still asleep. But hey, being children of the gods, it never hurt to check!
That is when you find none other than the blonde child of Nyx still in their pajamas, head buried in a pillow and their blanket thrown on the floor. Found it quite telling whether they were out could or not, or if they were only barely waking up and refusing to greet the sun.
Lorelei adjusted themselves and groaned, knowing that a little extra light had made its way inside.
taglist: [lmk if you wanna be added!]
Lorelei? Are you awake yet? It's almost breakfast time, and they have the good pancakes.
*Lyssa sits outside the fort, waiting for her friend*
Another grumble before one blue eye poked out, had lidded and still plagued with sleep. A yawn pulled itself from the depths of them. They were sleepy as ever, the sun a pleasant lullaby to their systems. A shimmy into another comfortable position was observed.
Their eyes closed again and even with the found foe today sounding like something straight out of Elysium, Lorelei still didn’t budge.
Lorelei, come on.. I know the fort is comfy, but you need to eat something! Also I smelled the pancakes, and they smell AMAZING, I think they also have bacon up there?
The same blue eye peeked out again, seemingly debating on if it was worth it to leave the cozy paradise that was their bed and the Hypnos cabin in general. Because they loved the camps pancakes and bacon was one of their favorite breakfast items. Reminded them of home and their dad and stuff.
“Coffee..?”
It came out an ask, sleepy and quiet, maybe a hint of annoyance for having to possibly get up, but if they have coffee that would be the final reason for them to get up. Coffee was almost like a life line for them to beat sleepy morning.
Probably, and if not, Leo has one in Cabin 9 we can use.
*Lyssa stood up, prepared to help Lorelei out of the fort if needed.*
Begrudgingly they pulled themselves away and got up. Not pleased but willing to if it meant good food and coffee.
“M up..”
There was no intent to change out of their pajamas, which could now clearly be seen to contain an old, worn camp half-blood t-shirt and black shorts. They yawned once more and rubbed their eyes. Taking fingers through tangled hair to at least look a little presentable. No socks nor shoes were worn and they didn’t seem to care all that much.
“M ready to go.”
open starter — sleepyhead (yes like the song)
Most individuals were awake by now. The sun having risen with Apollo’s guidance, and campers bouncing around camp like they were running on pure sugar and adrenaline.. and knowing camp- that was most definitely true for at least one camper out there. Even—for once!—the Hypnos kid’s were out and about, rare thing for the children of the god of sleep.
Well, there was one resident of cabin 15 who was not surprisingly unaccounted for: Lorelei Kidd. It was easy to come to the conclusion they were most definitely still asleep. But hey, being children of the gods, it never hurt to check!
That is when you find none other than the blonde child of Nyx still in their pajamas, head buried in a pillow and their blanket thrown on the floor. Found it quite telling whether they were out could or not, or if they were only barely waking up and refusing to greet the sun.
Lorelei adjusted themselves and groaned, knowing that a little extra light had made its way inside.
taglist: [lmk if you wanna be added!]
Lorelei? Are you awake yet? It's almost breakfast time, and they have the good pancakes.
*Lyssa sits outside the fort, waiting for her friend*
Another grumble before one blue eye poked out, had lidded and still plagued with sleep. A yawn pulled itself from the depths of them. They were sleepy as ever, the sun a pleasant lullaby to their systems. A shimmy into another comfortable position was observed.
Their eyes closed again and even with the found foe today sounding like something straight out of Elysium, Lorelei still didn’t budge.
Lorelei, come on.. I know the fort is comfy, but you need to eat something! Also I smelled the pancakes, and they smell AMAZING, I think they also have bacon up there?
The same blue eye peeked out again, seemingly debating on if it was worth it to leave the cozy paradise that was their bed and the Hypnos cabin in general. Because they loved the camps pancakes and bacon was one of their favorite breakfast items. Reminded them of home and their dad and stuff.
“Coffee..?”
It came out an ask, sleepy and quiet, maybe a hint of annoyance for having to possibly get up, but if they have coffee that would be the final reason for them to get up. Coffee was almost like a life line for them to beat sleepy morning.
open starter — sleepyhead (yes like the song)
Most individuals were awake by now. The sun having risen with Apollo’s guidance, and campers bouncing around camp like they were running on pure sugar and adrenaline.. and knowing camp- that was most definitely true for at least one camper out there. Even—for once!—the Hypnos kid’s were out and about, rare thing for the children of the god of sleep.
Well, there was one resident of cabin 15 who was not surprisingly unaccounted for: Lorelei Kidd. It was easy to come to the conclusion they were most definitely still asleep. But hey, being children of the gods, it never hurt to check!
That is when you find none other than the blonde child of Nyx still in their pajamas, head buried in a pillow and their blanket thrown on the floor. Found it quite telling whether they were out could or not, or if they were only barely waking up and refusing to greet the sun.
Lorelei adjusted themselves and groaned, knowing that a little extra light had made its way inside.
taglist: [lmk if you wanna be added!]
Lorelei? Are you awake yet? It's almost breakfast time, and they have the good pancakes.
*Lyssa sits outside the fort, waiting for her friend*
Another grumble before one blue eye poked out, had lidded and still plagued with sleep. A yawn pulled itself from the depths of them. They were sleepy as ever, the sun a pleasant lullaby to their systems. A shimmy into another comfortable position was observed.
Their eyes closed again and even with the found foe today sounding like something straight out of Elysium, Lorelei still didn’t budge.
A southerner? Is your accent really like what the movies use? Sorry, is that rude to ask?
@twinnightmares
“Mhm, southern as the day is long.”
“Now that depends, most movies go for the stereotypical kinda southern accent that’s over exaggerated most of the time. Not sayin any southerners don’t sound like that. just a specific kind. Accents kinda differ with where you are.”
They shrug.
“And I don’t min at all, didn’t find it rude one bit.”
That makes sense similar to the rest of the languages, just depends on where your from I suppose, ive always wanted a southern accent, feel like it sounds better than my own
“Yep, accents are cool like that.”
Though the blonde teen didn’t like or rather understand much of small talk, this didn’t seem like a text book definition of it. Maybe that is why they didn’t feel too awkward about it.
“I think your accents nice, then again I think a lot of accents are nice, where ya from?”
Boston actually, me and my twin are from there. It's a nice area, I did have to leave some friends behind to come here but its ok I suppose, ill make new ones
“Oh Boston? heard it’s nice, but cold..”
They hummed. Cold places were not Lorelei’s favorites, or hot places. They liked the middle temps, one that weren’t too hot or too cold.
“Not a big fan of the cold though, personally.
oh its definitely cold, not a big fan, but my sister likes it and we went to school there, I like it here much more, much less cold
“Thank the gods camp is like a giant AC unit.”
They smiled a little, cause hey camp really was a giant walking class mate control done where it rarely rains or snows, never too cold and well occasionally hot as any summer camp would be. But most of the time? it was nice.
“One thing we have in common, but that sounds nice. Going to school together I mean. Always had somebody?”
Oh cool, uh yeah, my twin does everything with me, well, not as much anymore but... but yeah its nice here, been able to relax and not freezs
Lorelei thought for a hard minute, it was not something they could easily imagine, they didn’t have a twin or really any sibling thy grew up with, not biologically in any case. Sure they had someone they considered family, but that was something so completely different to that situation.
“Oh- i’m sorry, that sounds not fun?”
Hoping to read this situation correctly, words weren’t exactly Loreleis forte after all.
“Oh, wait I completely forgot to introduce myself, my apologize. I’m Lorelei, or Lore. I don’t mind either.”
open starter — sleepyhead (yes like the song)
Most individuals were awake by now. The sun having risen with Apollo’s guidance, and campers bouncing around camp like they were running on pure sugar and adrenaline.. and knowing camp- that was most definitely true for at least one camper out there. Even—for once!—the Hypnos kid’s were out and about, rare thing for the children of the god of sleep.
Well, there was one resident of cabin 15 who was not surprisingly unaccounted for: Lorelei Kidd. It was easy to come to the conclusion they were most definitely still asleep. But hey, being children of the gods, it never hurt to check!
That is when you find none other than the blonde child of Nyx still in their pajamas, head buried in a pillow and their blanket thrown on the floor. Found it quite telling whether they were out could or not, or if they were only barely waking up and refusing to greet the sun.
Lorelei adjusted themselves and groaned, knowing that a little extra light had made its way inside.
taglist: [lmk if you wanna be added!]
A southerner? Is your accent really like what the movies use? Sorry, is that rude to ask?
@twinnightmares
“Mhm, southern as the day is long.”
“Now that depends, most movies go for the stereotypical kinda southern accent that’s over exaggerated most of the time. Not sayin any southerners don’t sound like that. just a specific kind. Accents kinda differ with where you are.”
They shrug.
“And I don’t min at all, didn’t find it rude one bit.”
That makes sense similar to the rest of the languages, just depends on where your from I suppose, ive always wanted a southern accent, feel like it sounds better than my own
“Yep, accents are cool like that.”
Though the blonde teen didn’t like or rather understand much of small talk, this didn’t seem like a text book definition of it. Maybe that is why they didn’t feel too awkward about it.
“I think your accents nice, then again I think a lot of accents are nice, where ya from?”
Boston actually, me and my twin are from there. It's a nice area, I did have to leave some friends behind to come here but its ok I suppose, ill make new ones
“Oh Boston? heard it’s nice, but cold..”
They hummed. Cold places were not Lorelei’s favorites, or hot places. They liked the middle temps, one that weren’t too hot or too cold.
“Not a big fan of the cold though, personally.
oh its definitely cold, not a big fan, but my sister likes it and we went to school there, I like it here much more, much less cold
“Thank the gods camp is like a giant AC unit.”
They smiled a little, cause hey camp really was a giant walking class mate control done where it rarely rains or snows, never too cold and well occasionally hot as any summer camp would be. But most of the time? it was nice.
“One thing we have in common, but that sounds nice. Going to school together I mean. Always had somebody?”
A southerner? Is your accent really like what the movies use? Sorry, is that rude to ask?
@twinnightmares
“Mhm, southern as the day is long.”
“Now that depends, most movies go for the stereotypical kinda southern accent that’s over exaggerated most of the time. Not sayin any southerners don’t sound like that. just a specific kind. Accents kinda differ with where you are.”
They shrug.
“And I don’t min at all, didn’t find it rude one bit.”
That makes sense similar to the rest of the languages, just depends on where your from I suppose, ive always wanted a southern accent, feel like it sounds better than my own
“Yep, accents are cool like that.”
Though the blonde teen didn’t like or rather understand much of small talk, this didn’t seem like a text book definition of it. Maybe that is why they didn’t feel too awkward about it.
“I think your accents nice, then again I think a lot of accents are nice, where ya from?”
Boston actually, me and my twin are from there. It's a nice area, I did have to leave some friends behind to come here but its ok I suppose, ill make new ones
“Oh Boston? heard it’s nice, but cold..”
They hummed. Cold places were not Lorelei’s favorites, or hot places. They liked the middle temps, one that weren’t too hot or too cold.
“Not a big fan of the cold though, personally.
A southerner? Is your accent really like what the movies use? Sorry, is that rude to ask?
@twinnightmares
“Mhm, southern as the day is long.”
“Now that depends, most movies go for the stereotypical kinda southern accent that’s over exaggerated most of the time. Not sayin any southerners don’t sound like that. just a specific kind. Accents kinda differ with where you are.”
They shrug.
“And I don’t min at all, didn’t find it rude one bit.”
That makes sense similar to the rest of the languages, just depends on where your from I suppose, ive always wanted a southern accent, feel like it sounds better than my own
“Yep, accents are cool like that.”
Though the blonde teen didn’t like or rather understand much of small talk, this didn’t seem like a text book definition of it. Maybe that is why they didn’t feel too awkward about it.
“I think your accents nice, then again I think a lot of accents are nice, where ya from?”
A southerner? Is your accent really like what the movies use? Sorry, is that rude to ask?
@twinnightmares
“Mhm, southern as the day is long.”
“Now that depends, most movies go for the stereotypical kinda southern accent that’s over exaggerated most of the time. Not sayin any southerners don’t sound like that. just a specific kind. Accents kinda differ with where you are.”
They shrug.
“And I don’t min at all, didn’t find it rude one bit.”
//hmmm and for my next starter (cause i lowkey cleaned up lores blog..)
Do we want to see some peaceful sleepy lore? or do I just dump the angst?
let me know cause i’m in a creative mood tehe
(maybe incentive, but sleepy one comes with art.. mhm)
💘⚔️Open Starter⚔️💘
often, i am upset that i cannot fall in love, but this avoids the stress of falling out of it.
tw: alcohol (no actual alcohol shown but it's implied)
It's Valentine's Day! People are asking others out on dates, or going out on dates with people they're already in a relationship with. That aside, a lot of people are buying chocolates and flowers for their friends, and there's some sort of fireworks display similar (but smaller in scale) to the Fourth of July later by the lake, courtesy of the Hephaestus kids.
Yet, Judas is nowhere to be seen. That's usually fine--he isn't the type to participate in festivities anyway, given how irritating he finds large swaths of people (or small swaths of people. Or people in general).
However, when the day drags on and there's still no sign of him anywhere, you decide to look for him in the one place where he's usually supposed to be and, indeed, spends a majority of his time in--the Aphrodite cabin.
When you approach, you notice that his things have been confined to a corner like a self-imposed exile, and that the sheets are unnaturally tidy and pillow completely uncreased save for the indent his head is making, dark waves spilling over the silk like a black river.
His eyes are blank and fixed on the ceiling, completely devoid of any sign that he knows someone is approaching, strange for a person who's usually so perceptive.
What do you do?
Any and all interaction is really appreciated !! :D
Valentine’s day was simply just another day to Lorelei. Nothing special like it was to others. And they found that to be perfectly fine with them. Just another typical day at Camp Half-Blood.
One Lorelei spent often alone, their two best friends: Delphina and Kona. They already had plans, and whether that would end up ending with each other was unclear. But, that was not the thing that should be on Lorelei’s mind right now.
Because here she was, inside the Aphrodite Cabin, starting at what seems to be a completely zoned out Judas. Lorelei found this state of being entirely odd for him.
But instead of really doing anything else, they sat on the floor—closer to the end where his feet were—back against the frame of the bed.
“I’m not gonna even ask if you’re good, because you don’t look good right now.”
"Yeah, thanks. At least you're not wasting time." Judas's voice sounded...odd. He was talking a lot less formally than he usually did, but he wasn't completely beyond reason yet. Just a bit more...blunt.
"Lots of people do that around here, which I find kinda weird. But I guess they don't have anything better to do? They're cooped up in here for a summer or at least a year, I guess." He blinked at the ceiling like he was having a newfound revelation.
“I guess so.”
She turned her head to get a better look of him. Though this perspective was still distorted. And yes, the demigod still held concern for him, maybe that was just because she’d begun to see him as a friend. Delphina would love to hear that one.
Her head turned back to stare at the other empty bunks.
“I’m gonna be so honest.. i’m not too good at this whole ‘people thing.’ But uh.. I’ll here for you. If you ever needed anything: existing, talking, escaping this place.”
It was yet again another offer, a bit vaguer this time. Lorelei did like Judas’ presence.
But, yeah, Lorelei wasn’t so great at people, she was, however, good at escaping.
"It's fine. I don't like people either." Judas shrugged as best as he could in his position.
"I hate Valentine's Day," he admitted. "I think I did a pretty shitty job at coping with it today, though." His voice sounds oddly distant.
Lorelei ended up leaning her head back, letting out a soft laugh.
“Another addition to my growing list of reasons we are alike.”
The laugh soon became a short hum, before stopping at together. A beat of silence followed. Then Lorelei spoke again.
“I don’t get it… valentine’s day. Why does one need to show love to someone on one particular day.. doesn’t that just kinda defeat the point?”
The other demigod just raised an eyebrow at him, turning her head again to face him, her head just slightly resting against the mattress.
“I can smell it.”
She admitted, albeit rather bluntly.
"Yeah, like I said. A pretty shitty job." Judas propped himself up a little bit, steadily but also with an air of concentration, like he was putting conscious effort into controlling his motor skills. "I'm not completely plastered, so you know. I actually don't really remember what type of alcohol it was. Tequila, maybe? It tasted fucking horrible." Judas laughed, an actual laugh that sounded ironically a lot lighter than his usual barely-amused demeanor.
"Y'know, I think I actually have a running theory on why my Valentine's Days are always shit." The way Judas talked sounded like he was a kid taking delight in discovering profanity for the first time--which checked out, as he usually didn't swear.
He went back to staring at the ceiling, blanking out for a little.
Lorelei just hummed in agreement. He was doing a shit job. She just stayed watching him, an observer by habit. Like how the moon always seemed to be, an observer. It was odd with how her head was laying but she ‘tilted it.’
A small smile pulled up on her face. He had a nice laugh, Lorelei noted that among the growing list of things she’d observed about him.
“Well, at least you aren’t plastered, just drink some water at some point. Should help with the morning after headache of death.”
She didn’t have experience, mostly because A. it tasted like shit, and B. Alcohol and her mother sonia meds don’t mix.
“Oh? and what’s the running theory?”
Lorelei was a bit curious.
"'S kinda stupid, I think," Judas mused. "Especially because I'm, like...a kid. Of Himeros. I think."
"I can't fall in love with anyone," he announced. "That's my official thing. It's weird. It feels sort of weird, but I think I know because I thought I loved someone before. Like, a person." No shit, Judas. Who else would you have loved?
"But then it turned out I didn't. I have a way of finding out if I love someone or not, as like...friends. Or partners, or something. And I think I might have friends, but I don't think I've ever actually experienced..." Judas blanked for a second, thinking. "That thing that they're celebrating outside. Where you buy people chocolate 'n shit."
"Oh! Romance. Yeah, I don't think I do that." Judas shrugged, sighing. "I think it's situational irony or something. Because my powers don't work on people I love."
He hesitated for a bit, debating on whether he should elaborate or not. Well, his impulse control was a little bit fucked at the moment, so he thought he could ask Lorelei instead.
"I could tell you. If you want."
Lorelei, themself, could understand.. in a way. They have never been in love themselves. The closest thing was the books they’ve read and movies they’ve watched. But Judas’ situation was different. Much different than theirs.
They just continued to listen, let him go one about it. Because, everyone deserved someone to listen. Lorelei was good at it anyway.
She sat in silence for a beat, registering what he said and then nodded.
“Well, I can say, I would gladly be your friend. If you want. I can also say I enjoy your presence.”
Another Pause before she spoke again.
“You can tell me.”
"The way my powers work is..." Judas frowned. "Eh. It's sort of hard to explain. I can hypnotize people when they look in my eyes, but it's not really...hypnosis? Kinda? It's more like I can make them fall in love with me and they really want to do whatever I tell them to do, in a way."
"And my dad is...I don't like him, for one. The god. I dunno why, he seems like an asshole sometimes," Judas said, shrugging slightly. "Not that I've ever met him. But I know that he's the god of unrequited love and desire...and that means that I can't really use my powers on people I love."
"Because my powers make people love me. And...I can't make people that I love love me back. Even though it's technically not actually...nevermind."
"Friends count. So do family. So I guess you would be immune as well," Judas said.
"I'd like to be your friend, by the way. You seem like a nice person, and you actually came to my cabin, and--anyway. I, uh...kind of use that as a test or something? I haven't tried to control any of my friends, of course, but sometimes I can't really regulate what I do with my powers and--and, if it works on them, I know that I don't really love them. Which sounds kind of shitty, now that I think about it," he admitted.
"And, uh...it always doesn't work more if I'm actually in love with that person in the romance sense, if that makes sense. My power affects them less if I actually really love them. And I thought, because I was a kid back then, that I was in love with someone. And on Valentine's Day a couple of years back, I discovered that...I didn't. Because I accidentally looked over, and I was able to...you know."
Judas laughed, dragging a hand down his face. Lorelei didn't know all of the details, but he did. And if he didn't currently have the foresight of a stoned wallaby, he would have predicted that this conversation was not going to be particularly pleasant. "I don't think about it a lot. I don't like thinking about it a lot. I really fucking hate Valentine's Day. And...besides not falling in love, that's why, sort of."
"This will be the last time I resolve it with alcoholism, though. I don't like that stuff."
All she did, all she could do really was listen. So that’s what she continued to do. Yet, still showing clear signs of his words lingering on her, rather than passing right over her.
“So.. in a way? It’s like charmspeak? but With your eyes and only affecting those who you don’t love?”
Simple she was just trying to amie a connection in understanding. She felt bad for him, he sounded like—in more ways than one—ever through tartarus and back.
Again, Lorelei was not too good with people, which was ironic for her fatal flaw was that she simply cared to much for others. Often placing their need above her own. Even, when she did not know them. She’d done it once before.. well- many. It was something she. often just ignored and pretended that it did not exist.
She’d been silent for a while, maybe collecting her thoughts or coming up with a response. Opening her mouth once before closing it, and then opening again. This time words formed on her tongue, verbalizing them came next:
“You’ve been through alot.”
No shit Lorelei..
“I’m.. not fully sure how I want to respond., but I hope this will suffice.”
Scooting a bit closer, She wrapped a single arm around him. It was a weird hug, but it resembled a hug. It was the best she could do in their positions.
She added one last thing:
“And if it’s something you’d want to do.. we could do something to get your mind off of it? or stay here. I don’t mind whichever.”
Judas, quite uncharacteristically, leaned into the touch, humming.
"We could, uh...go outside? I think this place causes anyone who stays in it long enough psychic damage."
"Out of camp, I mean. It's too loud around here." Judas sighed. "Not that it hasn't been for the past...forever. Too many small children running around causing chaos."
A puff of laughter followed. Before pulling them self up, their arm slipped away from him as they did so. Arms hung loose at their side before turning to face him.
“Well, lucky for us. I’m the absolute master of sneaking out of camp. Cause what are they gonna do.. block me from having access to shadows.”
They paused though to think out loud.
“Though- what would happen if I tried shadow traveling someone who was in your state.. mm you might need to get some fluids in you first- might be to vulnerable even if I shield you.. fuck.”
There they went with their altruism again.
“I could.. uh- do you think you wii he fine? or should I just get us a ride from the Gray sisters?”
"Hey," Judas grinned. "I'm not completely hammered. Besides, I think I already told you what I can do if anything tries to attack us."
He pushed himself off the bed and started approaching the doorway, not exactly stumbling but putting effort into planning where his next step went. He hadn't completely lost his bearings, but needed a little more conscious thought to execute basic tasks than he would have usually liked, his vision tunneling slightly. "I also don't know who the Gray Sisters are, but I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to get into the cars of strangers, for your information."
“Alright, alright. You’re right.”
Lorelei grinned back, albeit smaller. The shadows in the cabin would not suffice.. they were too small to travel two at one time. Behind this or any other cabin would work perhaps. Or any lath structure around camp.
“Fair point.. probably don’t ever wanna meet the fates anyway.. they’re- odd. That’s the kindest way to put it.”
Her steps followed behind his.
“I need more shadows if i’m to shadow travel us out of this place.”
You’d think she’d fade by now- considering how much she uses this thing. But simply: child of the night and dark are made for it, better the other underworld kids.
They are the shadows and darkeness.
"I can..." Judas paused a little. "Actually, I can't really help with that...we could arrange some of the furniture in this corner to cast taller shadows? Is that how it works? I don't know."
For the time being, he leaned against the wall and waited until the static in the corner of his eyes cleared. He would have to drink water later, but he wasn't always the best at remembering things.
At the moment, he just wanted to leave camp.
“It could..”
Lorelei mumbled before deciding it would! in fact, he better to conserve that energy for later.
“But, I think it might be easier to use the shadows behind the cabin.”
“I just need a darkened space big enough for me to fit two people who have contact with each other, essentially. The shadows do the rest, they act like a tunnel connected to each other and each shadow is an opening.”
Lorelei explains, simply. It was also them not wanting to bother the other residents of the Aphrodite Cabin. They reached for the door, looking back at him for a beat just to make sure he’d be following.
Then stepped out and maneuvered to the very back of the cabin.
And then thankfully there was exactly what they needed: a big beautiful shadow.
“Perfect. So, Judas. Any specific place in mind for this adventure”
"Nope." Judas grinned. "Anyplace away from here, I think. Preferably...not a city? There are too many people in cities. I used to live in a lot of them, and...nevermind. Yeah. Anywhere."
"The shadow travel thing is really cool," he said earnestly. "Do you have to like....become the shadows? Be one with the shadows? During the process of it? Or is it sort of like an actual tunnel or something?"
“No cities, fine with me.”
Lorelei understood, they grew up more in the country aspect of the south, sure. But wholeheartedly, they could agree: there were simply too many people.
They could think of just the place. It was a water front that was pretty secluded. When you got time to kill and an ability that lets you go anywhere.. you learn of a few places.
“Hm- oh. It’s more like an actual tunnel, but only children of underworld—including those in tartarus—related deities and their children can access it.”
Lorelei explained.
“You keep your shape, your form and just kinda go through it like a tunnel then.. boom you’re somewhere completely new.”
They finished, then held out their hand for him to take.
“Whenever you’re ready.”
Hmm. Weird. It certainly seemed a lot more interesting than what he could do, though. Judas took her hand and smiled. "I ammm...always ready."
Well, he did almost trip over his shoelaces right afterwards, but given that he was about to be dissolved into a shadow tunnel, he didn't think that was too important.
The blonde demigod nodded and smiled back. A quiet huff of a laugh slipped out, and their smile became a bit apologetic. Then they pulled both of them through.
They seemed to take steps but the surroundings did not change. Their grip on him tightened. Lorelei could shield him from the worst of everything. They always did, for anyone.
A moment later, their surroundings were once again different. No longer dark and drifting and endless.
Their surroundings were a stretching beach, waves crashing against sand. The smell of sea salt wafted over them as seagulls called and the space was secluded enough to be empty. No hints of love or celebration.
How Lorelei managed to bring them to the edge of the sand with so little shadow available.. Lorelei didn’t understand but accepted it. Pulling away their hand and taking a few steps ahead to catch their own breath.
It was easier for children of night and shadow, but not complete free of consequence.
Judas instinctively reached out and tried to prevent Lorelei from falling, but his own fine motor skills were a little frazzled at the moment, and his attention was obviously elsewhere.
He gazed at the surf hitting the cliffs in the far distance and the pale horizon, the wind whistling overhead and ruffling his hair. The fresh air did help clear his head a little, but he didn't have much motivation to do anything more than that. He was content with where he was, laying on the fine white sand and looking up at the sky.
"Seagulls!" he exclaimed, before pausing and laughing a little. "I think I hate seagulls. I don't know why I said that."
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”
Lorelei rushed out. There was no point in worrying about something they could handle on their own. Especially with how, right now, was more so about Judas than themself. Or, Lorelei would prefer it to be that way.
Eventually, lowering their body down until it was flat against the sand. A deep breath in and out followed. They’d settled here. Resting their hands on their stomach.
A small laugh slipped between her lips and Lorelei’s head turned to look at him.
“Eh, seagulls are little shits. They try to steal peoples food.”
"It's been a while since I've been to a beach," Judas muttered. "Technically I've been to a lot of beaches, but I grew up in cities. Those don't count as beaches. Too many people."
Not to mention that it was usually jutting up right against apartment buildings or hotels as opposed to cliffs, with plastic littered everywhere.
Yeah, he definitely preferred this version.
They hummed a response, something they understood. Where they are from beaches were tourist attractions, as most were. But there were some that felt secluded enough to be well, something that felt like theirs alone.
“You know, if you ever, like, I do mean ever want to come here.. or honestly, ever want to leave camp in general. Come find me.”
It was quiet, almost whispered, and a selfless offer up front. But deep down it was something selfish. Lorelei liked to leave camp, a lot. Maybe more the they should honestly.
They turned their head so it was having Judas’ direction. Watching him.
"I always want to leave camp," Judas admitted. "My dad likes the myths a lot, but my brother doesn't believe in them. And I guess he sort of raised me to not believe in them even though my dad talked about them a lot. 'S really weird seeing it in person, though. And it's even weirder having people say that you belong in that world too."
"All of this because my dad fucked a god one time." He let out a short laugh, almost incredulous at the situation he was in, even though he had known he was a demigod for years. "Doesn't seem worth it to me."
They listens, attentively.
Leaving camp, although something of a death wise, was truthfully a habit unbroken. Sticking to one routine got old, fast, and when you have the power to appear anywhere on a whim, it was.. refreshing.
Lorelei understood that part, it being weird, and in Loreleis opinion, down right terrifying at times.
“It is, very, very weird.”
They huffed a laugh.
“You should tell my dad that, he is a demigod yet still fucked a goddess.”
They had never admitted that out loud to really anyone. Not even Delphina. They turned their head back up to the sky.
"Genetics are weirdddddd," Judas complained. "I would say I hate the gods, but I'd probably get smited. I prefer my atoms intact and...un-smited?"
"My brother's studying genetics, so I guess I know a bit, but godly genetics are really strange. Anyhow, when I grow up, I'm certainly not going to get involved with a god," Judas laughed breathily. "Sometimes I think the world could do with a little less supernatural influence and demigods."
Lorelei grinned, the gods were always such an interesting form of topic. Every demigod had their own experiences to shape an opinion. For them? they liked few: Hypnos, he was nice, a very tired guy but nice. Dionysus.. he was Dionysus. Their own mother? heard stories and myths.. she seems to care for her kids, a lot, but.. no defining experience, no face to face chat to solidify anything.
“I, too, would prefer you un-smited.”
He was nice to be around, a good friend, yes, a good friend. Not many would be considered to be a friend of theirs, but Judas had the right to that kind of thing now. Lorelei liked the thought of that, a little reminder that he had agreed to be a friend.
“You and me both, no gods for me. Got too much of that in my life as is.”
A small laugh, which relaxed into a grin.
“I understand that.”
Although not fully sharing the same sentiment.
“I hope.. to live a normalish life, at some point. And less influence would help in that. Can’t do much with primordial blood coursing through you.”
It was.. sad to think about. The life they could’ve had if their dad had lived a mortal instead of a goddess.
“Um- anyway, that’s cool your brother studies genetics.”
"I would also prefer to be un-smited," Judas hummed.
"I wouldn't care too much about my brother. I think he hates me a little because of how we grew up. I haven't talked to him in a long time, which is to say that I don't really think either of us give a shit about each other." He laughed.
They hummed back, mutual agreement in that. Remain un-smitted. Though there was an underlying curiosity of how far the gods could go, with themself atleast. How far were they willing to go against a child of Nyx before fearing for themselves.
Maybe that was something much darker than should be thought about. But stories-mixed with lineage creates a kind of curiosity about this that should remain unanswered.
They raised their upper body up, leaning against their heads, a bit of damn sand clinging to them. As was the way of beaches.
“Oh, alright.” Though, Lorelei could not exactly imagine what that must be like. They would not bring it up further. For like many things, relationships, whether familiar or otherwise could become complicated.
They closed their eyes momentarily, taking a deep breath in of sea salty air and existing in that breath before letting it out and opening their eyes.
"Do you have a sibling?" Judas asked. "That you grew up with, I mean."
He knew that his situation with Adonis was far from standard. He had heard about kids being jealous of their siblings, or otherwise resentful, but him and Adonis...well, as much as he hated to admit it, there really was no template for how they seemed to resent each other yet were fiercely protective of each other at the same time.
It was easier to just not talk. And once they had started doing that, there really was no going back. They were already living in separate worlds, so nobody could really blame him for separating them a little more.
“..That, is complicated. Because no, I grew up an only child and it was just me and my dad for the most part. Mostly just me when he had work. But also yes, cause I have someone who I see as family. But we didn’t grow up much together.. not until we got to camp.”
To them, it was as a complicated mess that could be unraveled into complete sense. Delphina and Lorelei, Lorelei and Delphina. Inseparable once the two found each other.
But deep inside, Lorelei still felt that there was a loneliness that was left to be unpacked. One that was continuously passed by and pushed not another time that seem to never come.
That, that was fine.
"That's nice." Disregarding almost everyone in the camp as otherwise unimportant or unimpressive had not left Judas the most sociable person. Still, he was starting to warm up slightly to the people around him, and although he told himself that he preferred isolation, talking with another demigod wasn't always too bad.
"What's their name? If I may ask."
There was a small smile that slowly crept up, warm and endearing, at least for the sister figure on their mind. Maybe it was more often than not Delphina’s light that made them ignore the tangled mess inside their mind. Some might call that a distraction.. and Lorelei was partial in agreement. But it worked!
“Her names Delphina, daughter of Apollo.. I may have mentioned her already.. can never tell these days- were usually together so I end up assuming.”
An awkward laugh followed.
“Don’t like to dwell on the past much.. ya know?”
💘⚔️Open Starter⚔️💘
often, i am upset that i cannot fall in love, but this avoids the stress of falling out of it.
tw: alcohol (no actual alcohol shown but it's implied)
It's Valentine's Day! People are asking others out on dates, or going out on dates with people they're already in a relationship with. That aside, a lot of people are buying chocolates and flowers for their friends, and there's some sort of fireworks display similar (but smaller in scale) to the Fourth of July later by the lake, courtesy of the Hephaestus kids.
Yet, Judas is nowhere to be seen. That's usually fine--he isn't the type to participate in festivities anyway, given how irritating he finds large swaths of people (or small swaths of people. Or people in general).
However, when the day drags on and there's still no sign of him anywhere, you decide to look for him in the one place where he's usually supposed to be and, indeed, spends a majority of his time in--the Aphrodite cabin.
When you approach, you notice that his things have been confined to a corner like a self-imposed exile, and that the sheets are unnaturally tidy and pillow completely uncreased save for the indent his head is making, dark waves spilling over the silk like a black river.
His eyes are blank and fixed on the ceiling, completely devoid of any sign that he knows someone is approaching, strange for a person who's usually so perceptive.
What do you do?
Any and all interaction is really appreciated !! :D
Valentine’s day was simply just another day to Lorelei. Nothing special like it was to others. And they found that to be perfectly fine with them. Just another typical day at Camp Half-Blood.
One Lorelei spent often alone, their two best friends: Delphina and Kona. They already had plans, and whether that would end up ending with each other was unclear. But, that was not the thing that should be on Lorelei’s mind right now.
Because here she was, inside the Aphrodite Cabin, starting at what seems to be a completely zoned out Judas. Lorelei found this state of being entirely odd for him.
But instead of really doing anything else, they sat on the floor—closer to the end where his feet were—back against the frame of the bed.
“I’m not gonna even ask if you’re good, because you don’t look good right now.”
"Yeah, thanks. At least you're not wasting time." Judas's voice sounded...odd. He was talking a lot less formally than he usually did, but he wasn't completely beyond reason yet. Just a bit more...blunt.
"Lots of people do that around here, which I find kinda weird. But I guess they don't have anything better to do? They're cooped up in here for a summer or at least a year, I guess." He blinked at the ceiling like he was having a newfound revelation.
“I guess so.”
She turned her head to get a better look of him. Though this perspective was still distorted. And yes, the demigod still held concern for him, maybe that was just because she’d begun to see him as a friend. Delphina would love to hear that one.
Her head turned back to stare at the other empty bunks.
“I’m gonna be so honest.. i’m not too good at this whole ‘people thing.’ But uh.. I’ll here for you. If you ever needed anything: existing, talking, escaping this place.”
It was yet again another offer, a bit vaguer this time. Lorelei did like Judas’ presence.
But, yeah, Lorelei wasn’t so great at people, she was, however, good at escaping.
"It's fine. I don't like people either." Judas shrugged as best as he could in his position.
"I hate Valentine's Day," he admitted. "I think I did a pretty shitty job at coping with it today, though." His voice sounds oddly distant.
Lorelei ended up leaning her head back, letting out a soft laugh.
“Another addition to my growing list of reasons we are alike.”
The laugh soon became a short hum, before stopping at together. A beat of silence followed. Then Lorelei spoke again.
“I don’t get it… valentine’s day. Why does one need to show love to someone on one particular day.. doesn’t that just kinda defeat the point?”
The other demigod just raised an eyebrow at him, turning her head again to face him, her head just slightly resting against the mattress.
“I can smell it.”
She admitted, albeit rather bluntly.
"Yeah, like I said. A pretty shitty job." Judas propped himself up a little bit, steadily but also with an air of concentration, like he was putting conscious effort into controlling his motor skills. "I'm not completely plastered, so you know. I actually don't really remember what type of alcohol it was. Tequila, maybe? It tasted fucking horrible." Judas laughed, an actual laugh that sounded ironically a lot lighter than his usual barely-amused demeanor.
"Y'know, I think I actually have a running theory on why my Valentine's Days are always shit." The way Judas talked sounded like he was a kid taking delight in discovering profanity for the first time--which checked out, as he usually didn't swear.
He went back to staring at the ceiling, blanking out for a little.
Lorelei just hummed in agreement. He was doing a shit job. She just stayed watching him, an observer by habit. Like how the moon always seemed to be, an observer. It was odd with how her head was laying but she ‘tilted it.’
A small smile pulled up on her face. He had a nice laugh, Lorelei noted that among the growing list of things she’d observed about him.
“Well, at least you aren’t plastered, just drink some water at some point. Should help with the morning after headache of death.”
She didn’t have experience, mostly because A. it tasted like shit, and B. Alcohol and her mother sonia meds don’t mix.
“Oh? and what’s the running theory?”
Lorelei was a bit curious.
"'S kinda stupid, I think," Judas mused. "Especially because I'm, like...a kid. Of Himeros. I think."
"I can't fall in love with anyone," he announced. "That's my official thing. It's weird. It feels sort of weird, but I think I know because I thought I loved someone before. Like, a person." No shit, Judas. Who else would you have loved?
"But then it turned out I didn't. I have a way of finding out if I love someone or not, as like...friends. Or partners, or something. And I think I might have friends, but I don't think I've ever actually experienced..." Judas blanked for a second, thinking. "That thing that they're celebrating outside. Where you buy people chocolate 'n shit."
"Oh! Romance. Yeah, I don't think I do that." Judas shrugged, sighing. "I think it's situational irony or something. Because my powers don't work on people I love."
He hesitated for a bit, debating on whether he should elaborate or not. Well, his impulse control was a little bit fucked at the moment, so he thought he could ask Lorelei instead.
"I could tell you. If you want."
Lorelei, themself, could understand.. in a way. They have never been in love themselves. The closest thing was the books they’ve read and movies they’ve watched. But Judas’ situation was different. Much different than theirs.
They just continued to listen, let him go one about it. Because, everyone deserved someone to listen. Lorelei was good at it anyway.
She sat in silence for a beat, registering what he said and then nodded.
“Well, I can say, I would gladly be your friend. If you want. I can also say I enjoy your presence.”
Another Pause before she spoke again.
“You can tell me.”
"The way my powers work is..." Judas frowned. "Eh. It's sort of hard to explain. I can hypnotize people when they look in my eyes, but it's not really...hypnosis? Kinda? It's more like I can make them fall in love with me and they really want to do whatever I tell them to do, in a way."
"And my dad is...I don't like him, for one. The god. I dunno why, he seems like an asshole sometimes," Judas said, shrugging slightly. "Not that I've ever met him. But I know that he's the god of unrequited love and desire...and that means that I can't really use my powers on people I love."
"Because my powers make people love me. And...I can't make people that I love love me back. Even though it's technically not actually...nevermind."
"Friends count. So do family. So I guess you would be immune as well," Judas said.
"I'd like to be your friend, by the way. You seem like a nice person, and you actually came to my cabin, and--anyway. I, uh...kind of use that as a test or something? I haven't tried to control any of my friends, of course, but sometimes I can't really regulate what I do with my powers and--and, if it works on them, I know that I don't really love them. Which sounds kind of shitty, now that I think about it," he admitted.
"And, uh...it always doesn't work more if I'm actually in love with that person in the romance sense, if that makes sense. My power affects them less if I actually really love them. And I thought, because I was a kid back then, that I was in love with someone. And on Valentine's Day a couple of years back, I discovered that...I didn't. Because I accidentally looked over, and I was able to...you know."
Judas laughed, dragging a hand down his face. Lorelei didn't know all of the details, but he did. And if he didn't currently have the foresight of a stoned wallaby, he would have predicted that this conversation was not going to be particularly pleasant. "I don't think about it a lot. I don't like thinking about it a lot. I really fucking hate Valentine's Day. And...besides not falling in love, that's why, sort of."
"This will be the last time I resolve it with alcoholism, though. I don't like that stuff."
All she did, all she could do really was listen. So that’s what she continued to do. Yet, still showing clear signs of his words lingering on her, rather than passing right over her.
“So.. in a way? It’s like charmspeak? but With your eyes and only affecting those who you don’t love?”
Simple she was just trying to amie a connection in understanding. She felt bad for him, he sounded like—in more ways than one—ever through tartarus and back.
Again, Lorelei was not too good with people, which was ironic for her fatal flaw was that she simply cared to much for others. Often placing their need above her own. Even, when she did not know them. She’d done it once before.. well- many. It was something she. often just ignored and pretended that it did not exist.
She’d been silent for a while, maybe collecting her thoughts or coming up with a response. Opening her mouth once before closing it, and then opening again. This time words formed on her tongue, verbalizing them came next:
“You’ve been through alot.”
No shit Lorelei..
“I’m.. not fully sure how I want to respond., but I hope this will suffice.”
Scooting a bit closer, She wrapped a single arm around him. It was a weird hug, but it resembled a hug. It was the best she could do in their positions.
She added one last thing:
“And if it’s something you’d want to do.. we could do something to get your mind off of it? or stay here. I don’t mind whichever.”
Judas, quite uncharacteristically, leaned into the touch, humming.
"We could, uh...go outside? I think this place causes anyone who stays in it long enough psychic damage."
"Out of camp, I mean. It's too loud around here." Judas sighed. "Not that it hasn't been for the past...forever. Too many small children running around causing chaos."
A puff of laughter followed. Before pulling them self up, their arm slipped away from him as they did so. Arms hung loose at their side before turning to face him.
“Well, lucky for us. I’m the absolute master of sneaking out of camp. Cause what are they gonna do.. block me from having access to shadows.”
They paused though to think out loud.
“Though- what would happen if I tried shadow traveling someone who was in your state.. mm you might need to get some fluids in you first- might be to vulnerable even if I shield you.. fuck.”
There they went with their altruism again.
“I could.. uh- do you think you wii he fine? or should I just get us a ride from the Gray sisters?”
"Hey," Judas grinned. "I'm not completely hammered. Besides, I think I already told you what I can do if anything tries to attack us."
He pushed himself off the bed and started approaching the doorway, not exactly stumbling but putting effort into planning where his next step went. He hadn't completely lost his bearings, but needed a little more conscious thought to execute basic tasks than he would have usually liked, his vision tunneling slightly. "I also don't know who the Gray Sisters are, but I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to get into the cars of strangers, for your information."
“Alright, alright. You’re right.”
Lorelei grinned back, albeit smaller. The shadows in the cabin would not suffice.. they were too small to travel two at one time. Behind this or any other cabin would work perhaps. Or any lath structure around camp.
“Fair point.. probably don’t ever wanna meet the fates anyway.. they’re- odd. That’s the kindest way to put it.”
Her steps followed behind his.
“I need more shadows if i’m to shadow travel us out of this place.”
You’d think she’d fade by now- considering how much she uses this thing. But simply: child of the night and dark are made for it, better the other underworld kids.
They are the shadows and darkeness.
"I can..." Judas paused a little. "Actually, I can't really help with that...we could arrange some of the furniture in this corner to cast taller shadows? Is that how it works? I don't know."
For the time being, he leaned against the wall and waited until the static in the corner of his eyes cleared. He would have to drink water later, but he wasn't always the best at remembering things.
At the moment, he just wanted to leave camp.
“It could..”
Lorelei mumbled before deciding it would! in fact, he better to conserve that energy for later.
“But, I think it might be easier to use the shadows behind the cabin.”
“I just need a darkened space big enough for me to fit two people who have contact with each other, essentially. The shadows do the rest, they act like a tunnel connected to each other and each shadow is an opening.”
Lorelei explains, simply. It was also them not wanting to bother the other residents of the Aphrodite Cabin. They reached for the door, looking back at him for a beat just to make sure he’d be following.
Then stepped out and maneuvered to the very back of the cabin.
And then thankfully there was exactly what they needed: a big beautiful shadow.
“Perfect. So, Judas. Any specific place in mind for this adventure”
"Nope." Judas grinned. "Anyplace away from here, I think. Preferably...not a city? There are too many people in cities. I used to live in a lot of them, and...nevermind. Yeah. Anywhere."
"The shadow travel thing is really cool," he said earnestly. "Do you have to like....become the shadows? Be one with the shadows? During the process of it? Or is it sort of like an actual tunnel or something?"
“No cities, fine with me.”
Lorelei understood, they grew up more in the country aspect of the south, sure. But wholeheartedly, they could agree: there were simply too many people.
They could think of just the place. It was a water front that was pretty secluded. When you got time to kill and an ability that lets you go anywhere.. you learn of a few places.
“Hm- oh. It’s more like an actual tunnel, but only children of underworld—including those in tartarus—related deities and their children can access it.”
Lorelei explained.
“You keep your shape, your form and just kinda go through it like a tunnel then.. boom you’re somewhere completely new.”
They finished, then held out their hand for him to take.
“Whenever you’re ready.”
Hmm. Weird. It certainly seemed a lot more interesting than what he could do, though. Judas took her hand and smiled. "I ammm...always ready."
Well, he did almost trip over his shoelaces right afterwards, but given that he was about to be dissolved into a shadow tunnel, he didn't think that was too important.
The blonde demigod nodded and smiled back. A quiet huff of a laugh slipped out, and their smile became a bit apologetic. Then they pulled both of them through.
They seemed to take steps but the surroundings did not change. Their grip on him tightened. Lorelei could shield him from the worst of everything. They always did, for anyone.
A moment later, their surroundings were once again different. No longer dark and drifting and endless.
Their surroundings were a stretching beach, waves crashing against sand. The smell of sea salt wafted over them as seagulls called and the space was secluded enough to be empty. No hints of love or celebration.
How Lorelei managed to bring them to the edge of the sand with so little shadow available.. Lorelei didn’t understand but accepted it. Pulling away their hand and taking a few steps ahead to catch their own breath.
It was easier for children of night and shadow, but not complete free of consequence.
Judas instinctively reached out and tried to prevent Lorelei from falling, but his own fine motor skills were a little frazzled at the moment, and his attention was obviously elsewhere.
He gazed at the surf hitting the cliffs in the far distance and the pale horizon, the wind whistling overhead and ruffling his hair. The fresh air did help clear his head a little, but he didn't have much motivation to do anything more than that. He was content with where he was, laying on the fine white sand and looking up at the sky.
"Seagulls!" he exclaimed, before pausing and laughing a little. "I think I hate seagulls. I don't know why I said that."
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”
Lorelei rushed out. There was no point in worrying about something they could handle on their own. Especially with how, right now, was more so about Judas than themself. Or, Lorelei would prefer it to be that way.
Eventually, lowering their body down until it was flat against the sand. A deep breath in and out followed. They’d settled here. Resting their hands on their stomach.
A small laugh slipped between her lips and Lorelei’s head turned to look at him.
“Eh, seagulls are little shits. They try to steal peoples food.”
"It's been a while since I've been to a beach," Judas muttered. "Technically I've been to a lot of beaches, but I grew up in cities. Those don't count as beaches. Too many people."
Not to mention that it was usually jutting up right against apartment buildings or hotels as opposed to cliffs, with plastic littered everywhere.
Yeah, he definitely preferred this version.
They hummed a response, something they understood. Where they are from beaches were tourist attractions, as most were. But there were some that felt secluded enough to be well, something that felt like theirs alone.
“You know, if you ever, like, I do mean ever want to come here.. or honestly, ever want to leave camp in general. Come find me.”
It was quiet, almost whispered, and a selfless offer up front. But deep down it was something selfish. Lorelei liked to leave camp, a lot. Maybe more the they should honestly.
They turned their head so it was having Judas’ direction. Watching him.
"I always want to leave camp," Judas admitted. "My dad likes the myths a lot, but my brother doesn't believe in them. And I guess he sort of raised me to not believe in them even though my dad talked about them a lot. 'S really weird seeing it in person, though. And it's even weirder having people say that you belong in that world too."
"All of this because my dad fucked a god one time." He let out a short laugh, almost incredulous at the situation he was in, even though he had known he was a demigod for years. "Doesn't seem worth it to me."
They listens, attentively.
Leaving camp, although something of a death wise, was truthfully a habit unbroken. Sticking to one routine got old, fast, and when you have the power to appear anywhere on a whim, it was.. refreshing.
Lorelei understood that part, it being weird, and in Loreleis opinion, down right terrifying at times.
“It is, very, very weird.”
They huffed a laugh.
“You should tell my dad that, he is a demigod yet still fucked a goddess.”
They had never admitted that out loud to really anyone. Not even Delphina. They turned their head back up to the sky.
"Genetics are weirdddddd," Judas complained. "I would say I hate the gods, but I'd probably get smited. I prefer my atoms intact and...un-smited?"
"My brother's studying genetics, so I guess I know a bit, but godly genetics are really strange. Anyhow, when I grow up, I'm certainly not going to get involved with a god," Judas laughed breathily. "Sometimes I think the world could do with a little less supernatural influence and demigods."
Lorelei grinned, the gods were always such an interesting form of topic. Every demigod had their own experiences to shape an opinion. For them? they liked few: Hypnos, he was nice, a very tired guy but nice. Dionysus.. he was Dionysus. Their own mother? heard stories and myths.. she seems to care for her kids, a lot, but.. no defining experience, no face to face chat to solidify anything.
“I, too, would prefer you un-smited.”
He was nice to be around, a good friend, yes, a good friend. Not many would be considered to be a friend of theirs, but Judas had the right to that kind of thing now. Lorelei liked the thought of that, a little reminder that he had agreed to be a friend.
“You and me both, no gods for me. Got too much of that in my life as is.”
A small laugh, which relaxed into a grin.
“I understand that.”
Although not fully sharing the same sentiment.
“I hope.. to live a normalish life, at some point. And less influence would help in that. Can’t do much with primordial blood coursing through you.”
It was.. sad to think about. The life they could’ve had if their dad had lived a mortal instead of a goddess.
“Um- anyway, that’s cool your brother studies genetics.”
"I would also prefer to be un-smited," Judas hummed.
"I wouldn't care too much about my brother. I think he hates me a little because of how we grew up. I haven't talked to him in a long time, which is to say that I don't really think either of us give a shit about each other." He laughed.
They hummed back, mutual agreement in that. Remain un-smitted. Though there was an underlying curiosity of how far the gods could go, with themself atleast. How far were they willing to go against a child of Nyx before fearing for themselves.
Maybe that was something much darker than should be thought about. But stories-mixed with lineage creates a kind of curiosity about this that should remain unanswered.
They raised their upper body up, leaning against their heads, a bit of damn sand clinging to them. As was the way of beaches.
“Oh, alright.” Though, Lorelei could not exactly imagine what that must be like. They would not bring it up further. For like many things, relationships, whether familiar or otherwise could become complicated.
They closed their eyes momentarily, taking a deep breath in of sea salty air and existing in that breath before letting it out and opening their eyes.
"Do you have a sibling?" Judas asked. "That you grew up with, I mean."
He knew that his situation with Adonis was far from standard. He had heard about kids being jealous of their siblings, or otherwise resentful, but him and Adonis...well, as much as he hated to admit it, there really was no template for how they seemed to resent each other yet were fiercely protective of each other at the same time.
It was easier to just not talk. And once they had started doing that, there really was no going back. They were already living in separate worlds, so nobody could really blame him for separating them a little more.
“..That, is complicated. Because no, I grew up an only child and it was just me and my dad for the most part. Mostly just me when he had work. But also yes, cause I have someone who I see as family. But we didn’t grow up much together.. not until we got to camp.”
To them, it was as a complicated mess that could be unraveled into complete sense. Delphina and Lorelei, Lorelei and Delphina. Inseparable once the two found each other.
But deep inside, Lorelei still felt that there was a loneliness that was left to be unpacked. One that was continuously passed by and pushed not another time that seem to never come.
That, that was fine.
