Guess whose back, baby! Hint: Fork wielder
"One day, I'll fly home."
Amphitrite sang quietly as she entered. She carried a plate of breakfast and had her eyes set upon her bed.
"One day, all on my own."
She sat down, absently playing with her food.
"One day, I'll reach you. However I can."
"Even if… you're just a- oh!"
She froze. She wasn't alone. George sat in his bed across from her. Over the few days he had begun to share this room, he had been withdrawn. By the sounds of what the others had said to him, he was not to be up and about. It had taken an insistent reprimand from Apollo to get the man to stop wandering.
So, he sat in bed, solely focused on his writings. Amphitrite never pried. He didn't appear to want to talk, so she wouldn't attempt to make him, and she enjoyed the silence.
She had become so accustomed to ignoring his presence that she had forgotten he was there.
He stared at her, his eyes unnaturally drawn away from his work. Her cheeks turned pink. She hung her head. "I'm sorry." She grabbed a slice of bread off her plate and turned her attention to breakfast.
Amphitrite stopped, her hand lowering from her mouth.
The man sat up in bed, "Continue,"
She shook her head, "No, it's okay. I don't wish to bother-"
"Please." He insisted, "Continue."
Amphitrite's eyes darted between her and her plate. "I was about to eat."
"That can wait. Just…" he thought for a moment. Without warning, he flung the blankets off of him and leaped out of bed. He hurried, rifled through his writings before retrieving a single sheet.
In seconds, he was at her side, shoving the papyrus in her face, "Sing this."
Amphitrite's brow furrowed. It appeared to be music, or at least the instructions to a melody. She shrank away, "I can't read it."
George sighed. He placed his finger on the topmost row of words and sang.
"Out of the feathered wings of my goddess, I crept"
He looked at her expectantly. Amphitrite cleared her throat.
"Out of the feathered wings of my goddess, I crept"
"Out of that sheltered life I had known."
"Out of that sheltered life I had known."
"Hold that 'known' out for a bit longer."
Amphitrite took a deep breath.
Out of that sheltered life I had knooowwwn."
"Good," said George, "Now: 'How could I have possibly guessed'"
"How could I have possibly guessed"
"That I'd be here alone."
"That I'd be here… Alone."
George suddenly clapped his hands together, "Yes!" He held out his finger, "Stay right there, don't go anywhere." He spun around and awkwardly ran back to his bed, favoring his left leg. Like a frenzied animal, he scrambled to gather his writings before disappearing out the door.
"Uhh, okay!" Amphitrite called after him, though he probably couldn't hear her.
She look a piece of bread off her plate and began munching it. The morning sun shone through the window. It was usually an hour or so after sunrise that Apollo would return to the temple. Why he kept coming back, she had no idea. Maybe guilt? or maybe just a fascination with her condition? Maybe it had nothing to do with her.
Amphitrite spoke with him as sparingly as possible, ignoring him for the most part. Thankfully, he didn't pry, and let her be. She supposed that was something, not much, but something.
Tymenio was surely off looking for his own breakfast. She'd come up with a few rules regarding hunting:
If you come across a human, do not eat them… unless they attack
Try to do the least amount of damage to the local flora as possible
The cyclops appeared to be doing a fine job at following these rules (the second of which she only implemented after hearing complaints about the damage done to the nearby forests)
She sighed, looking out at the forest. Perhaps when he returned, she could ask the god about possible places for Tymenio. Surely he'd be better off with his own kind, though she didn't know the first thing about tracking down a tribe of cyclops.
Then there was the yank on her heartstrings the thought caused. Maybe it was selfish, but she had grown to like the cyclops' company. She had all but stopped actually sleeping in bed after Tymenio had awoken her a few nights ago, trembling. From then on, she had spent her nights curled up on the grass beside him, often waking up to find herself being cuddled like a beloved plush toy.
This couldn't go on forever, though. No… with the confirmation that Atticus was alive, she had to-
"Ah!" Her plate clattered to the floor. She looked at her arms in horror. The scars had begun to glow.
No sooner had she realized what was happening, it struck her. White, hot, searing pain erupted all over her. She screamed, collapsing onto the bed. No! no! no! why?!
Out of the corner of her eye, she spied the darkened sky out the window. Her fears were confirmed. Another storm had rolled in.
As if from another plane of existence, she heard George's voice.
"Get out of the way!" boomed a familiar voice.
A thunderous crack rattled everything around her. A cloud of dust appeared overhead, and tiny bits of rock peppered her skin. Her eyes widened as a monstrously sized hand took over her vision. With tree-trunk-sized fingers poised, it lunged at her.
She winced, the new sensation melding with the burning and becoming indistinguishable from it. The fingers snaked beneath her and plucked her out of bed, leaving her stomach behind as she soared upwards.
Wind billowed around her, either from the storm or the movements as she was carried through the air. She couldn't see anything but the leathery tan skin overhead.
Without warning, she began to plummet. Her stomach churned, her breakfast wishing to make a reappearance. Just as her mind, already overwhelmed by her burning skin, started to catch up, the fingers let go.
With a resounding splash, she slammed onto the surface of something wet. Water. It enveloped her as she sank.
She struggled, writhed, and paddled for the surface. She couldn't breathe! She would drown! She would-
Amphitrite opened her eyes, blinking away the blurriness.
It was gone. Her pain… it was gone.
Her heart skipped a beat, the sound of its thumping echoing all around her. The only sound she could hear.
She held out her arms in front of her face, shaking back the lavender sleeves. They weren't glowing. The scars weren't glowing!
Amphitrite surveyed the rest of her body, wherever the scars lay. None of them were glowing.
She let out a shuddering sigh of relief. Immediately, she realized her mistake. She was still underwater; she still couldn't breathe. Now she had just let out most of her remaining air.
She swam to the surface, gasping for air.
In the blink of an eye, the scars shone their golden light. Amphitrite screamed, the pain returning in full force, like thousands of red-hot blades slicing her up.
She took a deep breath and plunged beneath the surface.
Once her entire body was submerged, the scars started to dim, and the pain began to fade. In seconds, it was gone.
Amphitrite stared at the scars, glancing up to the surface. Was this what Apollo had mentioned? What they had discovered during the last storm?
She waded in place, her soaked robes weighing her down. Through the muffled barrier of liquid, voices chattered overhead. Warped, human-shaped forms circled the perimeter of the body of water, watching her.
Her chest tightened as the seconds ticked by. Her pounding heart, still settling from the recent agony, blew through her supply of air. She gritted her teeth, grimacing and forcing the suffocating feeling down.
No, just a little longer.
This was better. Anything was better than what awaited her on the surface. If she could just stay like this for a little bit-
Something seized the back of her robes. She struggled as it yanked her to the surface. When she breached, someone else grabbed her arm and held her still.
She croaked out a breathless scream. The pain returned. She wrestled with the hands holding her hostage.
"Let her go back under." Boomed Apollo's distant voice.
"She can't breathe!" Snapped the familiar voice of Nyn right by her ear, "If she stays under, she'll-"
"I know, I know! But let her have some reprieve!"
The grip on her loosened. She took the opportunity and dove back under.
The next couple of hours were… tiresome, to say the least.
Amphitrite would sink beneath the surface and enjoy half a minute or so pain-free. Then, she'd be forced to surface. Over and over, she did this—a frivolous dance between agony and respite.
Finally, she was pulled from the water once more, but when she surfaced, her pain didn't reappear. For a moment, she let her hopes get the better of her. Was it gone for good? Was she free at last?
One look at the sky, though, soured her mood. Clouds still loomed overhead, but the sound of rain striking the roof of the bathhouse had let up. The curse hadn't passed… just the storm.
Nyn helped her out of the pool, almost as soaked as Amphitrite was. She helped wring out her waterlogged clothes as best as possible. Amphitrite shivered, goosebumps bubbling up wherever the cloth brushed against her skin.
"Let me get you something dry to change into," insisted Nyn. She patted Amphitrite's hand and turned to leave, stopping to peer outside.
Amphitrite followed her gaze and couldn't help the nervous jolt her stomach gave. Apollo, still at what he had inferred was his regular, titan-like height, knelt there. His brow was furrowed, leaning over to try and peer into the building.
"I believe he wishes to speak with you." Said Nyn. Before Amphitrite could argue, she glided off to find her a change of clothes.
Amphitrite sighed, rolling up her sleeves to look upon her arms. Her gaze drifted to the pool.
Her expression hardened. She marched past the columns that surrounded the bathhouse and served as its walls. Apollo's eyes fell upon her. His hair was a mess, drenched and frizzy. He also looked a bit peaky. "How are you feeling?"
Amphitrite shrugged, "A little sore, but nothing out of the ordinary." She peered over her shoulder and then back up at the god, "But why… How does it work? How does being submerged underwater, of all things, stop it?"
Apollo's jaw tightened. "I have a few theories. We sort of accidentally stumbled across it last storm. When Nyn and the others went to bathe you as well as soak in some lavender, they called for me moments later to come and see."
"Well, as I said, I have my theories. The one I'm most confident in is the separation of domains."
She raised a brow, "Go on."
He suddenly stood up and began to pace. Amphitrite threw out her arms to balance herself, the ground quaking with each of his footsteps.
"A bolt of lightning from my father is what gave you those markings, and this." He vaguely waved at the sky above him, "This is where he reigns, where he has dominion. This is quite unfortunate because… well, the sky is everywhere, inescapable." He stopped, spinning on his heel to face her, "Unless another's domain interfered."
Her eyes widened, "Water… he has no-"
"No dominion, correct. No power." He started to pace again, "I don't know whether to describe it as a shield or… or something almost akin to hiding under a blanket. But when you're underwater, it seems as if any sort of connection to the sky is severed."
Amphitrite sighed, "Okay, but there's still one issue with that. I'm not a fish." Her shoulders sagged as the weight upon them returned, or maybe got heavier. It was hard to tell. She hugged herself, squeezing her eyes shut, "I get a minute at best. Then it all comes rushing back. As if nothing changed."
The rumbling stopped. She opened her eyes and turned her attention upward.
Apollo had his back to her, head hung. His hands balled into fists. Amphitrite looked at them wearily, backing away when his shoulders tensed.
A broken, shuddering exhale filled the air that gave Amphitrite pause.
"I'm… I'm sorry I… that I…" he shook his head, "I failed."
Her expression threatened to soften. Even if it was coming from a god, the quiver in his face would draw pity from anyone.
Apollo wrapped his arms around himself, "If I had been better... I'm supposed to be better…"
"Is it really failing if the task you set out to achieve is impossible?" Amphitrite shrugged, "I… I don't think there is a cure for this."
"No!" he suddenly snapped, "No, there has to be, and if anyone should be able to find it, it's me!" his shoulders fell, the grip on his own arms faltering, "If anyone is supposed to find it… I…"
He inhaled sharply, tensing once more.
"I… I need to fix this. For once, I need to make things better."
His legs began to tremble before collapsing beneath him. The ground gave a great shudder as the god fell to his knees.
"No more… no more partial fixes, no more… too…"
He sighed. The vibrant, indescribable glow faded. Like water diluting the colors of a painting, leaving a dull, muted scene behind.
Amphitrite's expression softened. The icy gaze she always kept on when the god was near melted away, leaving her eyes watery and stinging. Her feet inched forward, trying to drag the rest of her body along with them.
She squeezed her eyes shut, gritting her teeth. Stop it!
"Y… you…" she grimaced, the uncertainty like acid on her tongue, "You… tried. You… you really tried. I'm thankful for what you've managed to do so far."
Apollo's colossal form tensed. His back straightened a little, and he raised his head, "You're… What did you say?" He slowly turned his head, revealing glossy yellow eyes, staring down at her as wide as the sun.
Her own eyes widened. She slapped a hand over her mouth and turned her back to him. What was that?! What did I just-
To her shock, George came running out of the bathhouse. Dozens of papyrus sheets were clutched in his arms. He reached her and gasped for breath.
"Sir!" Nyn appeared, running down the steps while clutching folded fabric, "Ms. Amphitrite is currently-"
"Oh, am I interrupting something?" said George, looking between her and Apollo.
"No!" blurted Amphitrite, "We were just finishing up."
"Perfect!" he exclaimed, "Listen. I need you to help me with something. It's a little odd but-"
George beamed, stars glimmering in his black as coal eyes, "Yes! Yes!" Without warning, he seized her hand and looked up at Apollo, "Oh, I believe she just might be one of the pieces I need for my project! I can't wait to show you!"
He suddenly took off running. Amphitrite gasped as she was yanked forward and dragged along. He led them past Nyn without a second glance.
"Now hold on!" Nyn shouted, "Your clothes!"
She blinked her eyes open, the smell of the grass and earth filling her nose. Amphitrite raised her head off the ground and stretched. A loud rumbling snore echoed overhead. With each long, drawn-out breath, a gust of wind blew her hair every which way.
She smiled, rising to her feet. Two large arms stacked on top of one another fenced her in next to Tymenio's head, his hands acting as his pillow.
"Good morning, " she whispered, patting him on the cheek.
He scrunched up his face, his eye lazily opening. Amphitrite positioned herself in his line of sight, leaning over his bulbous nose.
"Good morning," he croaked.
She beamed at him. Though it wasn't as often as she had hoped, Tymenio had begun to talk more. Before, he only opened his mouth if absolutely necessary or was asked a question that demanded a response. Now, he had gotten into the habit of greeting her, calling her name, and even asking his own questions on occasion.
"I'm going to go get some breakfast, okay?"
He gave a slow blink in response. His hands slid out from under his head, and he raised his arms out of the way. She crawled out, standing up on the other side and giving his closest arm a pat.
"Do you want me to bring you anything?"
Tymenio vaguely shook his head, "I… I find food after…" he yawned, the addition of his pointed teeth bringing to mind a yawning cat, "After more… sleep."
Amphitrite gave a curt nod, "Alright, big guy." She turned and started her trek up the hill to the temple.
She scaled the flight of steps to the main entrance, massaging the back of her neck. Perhaps she'd ask for a soothing bath with an infusion of-
She jumped, nearly losing her balance and tumbling down the stairs. She hurriedly righted herself, casting an uneasy glare at the culprit. George stood atop the stairs, hair disheveled and red in the face.
Without warning, a plate of mismatched food was shoved at her, "Hurry, hurry! Eat up."
"Uh…" She tentatively took the plate from him. "Why am I in a hurry?"
"Apollo, he'll be back soon, and I wish to present my work immediately," he nodded down at the plate, "So eat up!"
He spun around and ran up the rest of the steps. Amphitrite just stood there, at a loss for words.
"Well, come on!" he hollered.
She raised a brow, but indulged him. As she walked, she scarfed down the food given to her. Maybe her judgment was a bit off since the food on the Kronessa had never been anything fancy, but the food here was delectable. The bread was soft and fluffy, the fruit fresh and ripe; she never ate it, but the meat looked cooked to perfection. She'd have to find out who prepared the food around here and tell them-
"Everyone, meet our lead!"
They had entered the circular meeting room, the morning sun's glow creeping in from overhead. George stood in the center, surrounded by four others.
She glanced around nervously, eying the random gathering of people. Without their robes, it was easier to tell who was who. There were two men, only the shorter of whom she knew as Thales: he had tended to George's bandages during his stay. The other two girls she knew as well, Agnes and Irene: they tended to the temple's herb garden.
"You remember all the songs I've been teaching you, yes?"
"Yes." She answered, recalling the last week. After first hearing her sing, she and George had begun spending time together, where he insisted on teaching her the songs he wrote. He was a musician and a storyteller. His piles of papyrus sheets were his music, songs he had written for the play he was writing.
If she were being honest with herself, Amphitrite didn't remember many of the details of the story. She had been focused on remembering all the words to the songs he had her sing. Most of the story, she learned through the words of the songs. It was about a nymph who longed to explore the world and who sparked the attention of two men. Again, she was preoccupied with memorizing the songs.
Yes, she could have said no, but she enjoyed seeing George so happy, especially after his days bedridden. It was also almost nostalgic, in a bittersweet way.
"Well," continued George, "Here's the rest of the cast." he gestured to those around him, "At least, for the bare bones performance I wish to put on for Apollo. Something to give him a little taste of what this could be."
He pointed at her enthusiastically, "You are to play our nymph. And here we have our Simonides, our Pyrrus, our Circe, and our Korinna." He pointed at each one of them, stopping at Amphitrite, "And you shall be our Nysali."
She began to back away, "I uh… I'm not an actor."
He waved her off, "Oh, I'll help with that. Now, let's begin with some practice before our audience arrives."
Amphitrite opened her mouth to retort, but the delighted look on George's face had her closing it and resigning herself to her fate. Okay… I guess we're doing this…
She joined the circle of people surrounding him, placing herself between the two other girls. There was a mix of emotions among the group. Some looked nervous (More akin to what she was feeling), while others appeared excited, like the man who was going to be playing Pyrrus. He was barely able to contain himself and kept fidgeting where he stood.
"Getting into character. Getting into character!" George announced, pacing around the circle. Amphitrite's stomach sank when he stopped and focused on her, "You are Nysali. A bright-eyed, curious little nymph who has spent all her life wondering about the world beyond your little island."
George leaned forward, hands curled into fists to emphasize his intensity, "I need to see that from you. I need to see a girl, excited, yet nervous, about the world around her. A little naive, but whose passion draws in the gentle, shunned beggar, and the lustful nobleman."
She gulped, nodding her head. George moved on to Agnes and began describing the role of Circe. Excited, nervous, naive, and passionate… how was she supposed to be all of those things all at once? Especially when the only one she was currently feeling was nervous.
Maybe I could run with that?
"All hearts shall melt when you cry out for your nymphs!" exclaimed George, "Your daughters, your family."
She glanced over at Pyrrus, the definition of excited at the moment.
Or that? Wait, I'm supposed to be both.
"You are deformed. A pitiful creature who's been shunned by the world," he explained to Thales, who seemed as if he was trying not to take any offense to what George was saying.
Passionate, too. Okay, that can't be that hard… Wait, did they have lines?! I didn't memorize any lines, just songs. That's all he wanted, right?
"And you, you are Prryus…"
I'm not the right person for this. I can't do this. I should let him know. I should-
The floor trembled beneath them. Amphitrite abandoned her spiral and peered up at the sky. As she'd predicted, a shadow fell over them. Apollo's head appeared above them, peering down through the ceiling's opening.
"Ah!" Cried George, falling into a deep bow, "Your greatness!" The others fell into their own bows. Amphitrite stayed exactly as she was.
Apollo's gaze fell upon her. "Amphitrite, you are a part of this?"
"I guess so," she muttered.
"Yes," announced George, standing upright, "I deemed her voice appropriate for our lead role." He looked around at his actors. "Shall we get started?"
"Are you all prepared?" asked Apollo.
Amphitrite went to tell him no, but was interrupted by George, "Yes. They've all been taught my songs. All we need now is a little music." He gave another bow, "If it is alright by you, my god."
Apollo turned his attention to something outside the temple, his back to them. When he turned back around, he held an ornate lyre. "Ready when you are."
"Alright!" yelled George, "Circe, Korinna, and Nysali." he beckoned them forward. Amphitrite followed the other two girls, standing before him. "Now, this song in its fully realized form would have about a dozen other nymphs a part of the chorus, but we make do," he said with a nervous laugh as he turned and raised his hands to direct them, "'Day After Day', ready when you are," he called up to Apollo.
The moment his fingers caressed the strings, music blossomed from the lyre. Only… it wasn't just the sound of a lyre. Out of thin air, Amphitrite could hear the sound of horns, drums, and flutes. Different instruments playing all together at once.
"Korinna?" prompted George.
"Oh uh- 'Welcome to the isle where magic flows, where the sun shines bright, and the gentle breeze blows,"
Amphitrite listened along to the cheery and hopeful tune about the wonderful life upon Circe's isle. She was lost in the sound, wishing she was a better dancer so she could-
"All nymphs, together and…"
"Oh, isle of Aeaea, such a delight"
"A haven of enchantment bathed in gold light"
"We work, and we play in harmony's embrace"
"Who would ever want to leave this place?"
Korinna sang another verse, and they repeated the chorus. The music turned sentimental, becoming smoother and comforting. George pointed to their Circe, who sang her solo within the song, her voice deep and strong.
"And, chorus, once more."
The three of them sang the chorus together. As the other two held out the last word, the music got quieter and softer. Amphitrite sang the final line.
"Yes… who would ever want to leave… this place?"
Apollo ended the song and broke into a slow clap. Amphitrite flinched at the sound, which was much too similar to thunder for her liking. "Not bad, though I can see it being much more enjoyable with a whole ensemble."
"My thoughts exactly!" exclaimed George, looking delighted by the god's praise, "Oh, and Nysali. A little more sadness to that last line. Remember, you feel trapped here, and feel as if you have to agree with everyone else."
Amphitrite flushed, shrinking away a little, "O-okay."
George cleared his throat, "Alright, Circe. 'Why Leave'."
Apollo raised his lute and began to play.
She and the girl playing Korinna had a nice break and listened to Circe's solo. Amphitrite had never heard it before. It wasn't a song she was a part of, so why would she have been taught it? It was a fun and catchy song about Circe explaining why Nysali shouldn't leave and why she's foolish for even considering it.
When it ended, Circe gave a little bow as Apollo and George clapped. "Nicely done," said Apollo, "I think you've captured the essence of the Circe I know quite well."
George beamed, "Oh, thank you! I actually did a lot of reading to help determine how best to portray her." He gave another nervous laugh before standing tall and turning his attention to Amphitrite, "Next up, 'Beyond These Shores'."
Amphitrite cleared her throat, swallowing down her nerves.
Apollo began to play an elegant tune, one that provoked thoughts of longing.
George raised his hand and signaled for her to start.
"Isle of Aeaea, it seems destiny"
"That you are to be my forever home"
"Though every day, you feel more like a prison"
"A prison, where I reside alone."
As she finished the verse, she looked to George for guidance. His eyes were wide, simply staring at her in a daze as she sang.
"But maybe there's a chance."
"A chance there's a life"
"A life like nothing I have known"
"I've got to find it on my own."
"Even now I feel it pull me from within."
"A new life, that's begging to begin."
"I must know if there's something"
Her voice broke into a fractured yelp. The ground quaked beneath them. She immediately looked up, expecting to see Apollo standing up. His brow was furrowed, and he lowered his lyre. The ground shook again, a worried murmur traveling among those in the room.
Amphitrite froze, all the color draining from her face. She knew that voice. She knew that obnoxiously loud and gravelly voice anywhere. It was burned into her memory. But what is he-
The ground continued to rhythmically shake. She spun around and ran for the nearest pillar. She hid behind it, pressing her back flesh to its smooth marble surface that sent another round of goosebumps across her skin.
"Poseidon," said Apollo, "What are you doing here?"
Amphitrite gulped and peeked out. A new, titanic shadow fell over the room. The others, George and the actors, huddled together and stared upwards.
She yanked her head back behind the pillar at the sound of his voice, her insides squirming.
"I asked you a question," ordered Apollo, "And I asked you first."
Poseidon grumbled out a sigh, "I came to see about a wound. Now, who was that singing?"
Amphitrite held her breath. Oh no. Please don't say he-
"Ah! I see I've chosen the right girl to play our nymph." Came George's voice.
Her stomach plummeted. George… George, what are you-
George gave a nervous chuckle, "I knew Ms. Amphitrite's voice would be perfect for the enchanting nymph."
Her eyes widened. She crumbled against the wall.
"Did you hear that, Amphitrite?" he hollered. Shut up, shut up, shut up! "It appears you've managed to— wait, where'd she go?"
Ugh! She could wring his neck! He just had to reveal her name!
"Uh— she's a little nervous, that one." Tittered Apollo uneasily, "Now, about that wound?"
"Oh, yes," said Poseidon. Amphitrite sighed with relief. Oh, thank goodness! He didn't recognize her name. She probably should have guessed that. All he'd done was see her once, and he had been much preoccupied with Atticus… so preoccupied he nearly squeezed the life out of her.
"Hm, looks like a bug bite a human might get," pondered Apollo, "How did you get it?"
Poseidon growled under his breath, "Some idiotic mortal girl bit me."
Amphitrite turned an even paler shade of white. She slowly spun around to face the pillar and took a few cautious steps back.
Apollo stifled a snort, "A human… bit you?"
"Yes, and its been aching ever since. Would you just shut up and give me something for it?!"
"'Not if you're going to talk to me like that, ' he snorted.
"Augh!" Amphitrite clapped her hands over her ears as Poseidon shouted in frustration, "Why you little…" he bit his tongue. "Fine."
Apollo sighed, "I suppose that's the most I'm going to get out of you. Let me check this temple's supplies. See if there's anything that will do."
The room fell quiet. Amphitrite continued to back away, eying the closest door on her left. Out behind the pillar, she spotted Apollo, human-sized and speaking with George. She pressed her back against the curved wall and began inching along it towards the door.
"Continue with your little performance," snapped Poseidon. She froze, "Find that Amphitrite girl and have her continue her singing."
Her heart just about stopped.
She bolted towards the door.
"Amphitrite!" called George. She peered over her shoulder to see him hurrying after her, "Can you believe it? Another god wishes to hear my songs!"
She ran even faster, through the doorway and down the hall. I have to get out of here!
"Where are you going?" he called after her. She ignored him, reaching an open door and slamming it behind her. Just for good measure, she locked it and held it shut.
There was a knock, and the muffled voice of George came from the other side, "What's the matter? Are you alright?"
"Go away!" she shot back.
"Amphitrite. It's alright. I understand a little stage fright, but-"
Silence on the other side of the door, followed by retreating footsteps.
Amphitrite sighed, holding her head in her hands. She began to pace around the small storage closet. What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?
She had to get out of her. Run for the hills before that fish-faced prick figured out who she was. But how? At the moment, she was surrounded by nothing but jars of herbs, brooms, and buckets.
Okay. I'll creep out the door and find the nearest window, she thought. Preferably one with a survival drop to the ground. But what if-
There was a knock at the door. "Hello?" came Apollo's voice, "It's me."
She rolled her eyes. Oh right, I'm dealing with two gods. Just spectacular.
Amphitrite hesitated and then unlocked the door. It creaked open, and Apollo stood in its doorway, his presence casting a dim light into the dusty closet. She peeked over his shoulder, "What is he doing here?"
"It would seem to be just about that bite." He raised a brow, "And something tells me you had something to do with it?" She averted her gaze, her jaw clenching. Apollo gave a light chuckle, "I'm honestly impressed."
"Would you please go make him leave?" she snapped, crossing her arms.
He gaped at her, shaking his head, "I can't make him do anything. Besides, he'd certainly grow suspicious if I sent him off for no good reason."
Amphitrite groaned, "Well, can't you come up with something?"
Apollo shook his head. "Do you know what else is suspicious? Running away and hiding the moment he appears," he hissed.
He gestured to their surroundings with a perplexed look, "What do you call this?" She frowned, turning her head away. "Look, the best thing for a mortal to do when dealing with my uncle is keep him happy… well, as happy as the grump can be."
Amphitrite scoffed, "Oh yes, because a god's happiness is all that matters," she sneered.
"Listen to me!" Apollo ranted, "Now is not the time to be a pain in the ass." Amphitrite opened her mouth to retort, "Now is the time to stop acting suspicious and do what anyone else would do, and that's to do what a god says."
She glared daggers at him, "I don't bow down to any of you."
"I'm not asking you to!" he exclaimed, throwing up his hands. He held his head in his hand, shaking it. "I'm just asking you to go out there and keep doing your thing with George. Make all our lives easier."
Amphitrite gritted her teeth, her crossed arms tightening, "Damn it."
She cried out in anger, "Fine! Just get him what he wants so he'll leave."
Apollo held the door open for her, "I'll try, though it might take a little. Medicines and herbs act differently on gods than they do-"
"Okay!" she exclaimed, "Just… just figure it out."
He nodded as she exited the closet and started down the hall. She marched towards the other side, grabbing the hood of her lavender robes and pulling it over her head. With her head turned downwards and her fists clenched, she stepped back into the circular meeting room.
"Ah! There you are!" chirped George. Amphitrite kept her head down, not daring to look up even as George grabbed her by the hand and led her forward, "Terribly sorry about that. Ms. Amphitrite here is new to performing and still has some nerves to get over, don't you?"
She vaguely nodded as they stopped beneath the god's shadow.
"Well, get on with it," said Poseidon from above.
"Right uh…" George looked around helplessly, "We uh… we haven't got any music. Apollo! We haven't got any-"
Without warning, the lyre started to play all on its own. It strummed the tone of her song from the beginning.
Amphitrite took a deep breath, closing her eyes. Just pretend he's not here. Do as you were doing before.
She exhaled and began to sing.
