forum "They say that I'm a god, I'm lost in the facade." (oxo) (Closed! Stalkers receive tea and treats!)

Started June 19, 2021 by @Vuclan-is-tired

tune

Azalea made it home as the sun was setting, looking rather tired as she pushed open the front door. She dropped her things next to the coat rack and kicked off her shoes. Work had always exhausted her like this, had always made her leave early in the morning and come home late, but it was worth it if she had a stable life and was able to provide for herself and her kittens. She ran a hand through her hair and smiled, glad to take in the familiarity of the front hallway. "I'm home!" She called out softly. At that, she heard thundering down the hall as her three kittens rushed to greet her. She knelt down and pressed a kiss to each of their heads and pet them for a moment.

Maddalena stood up and carefully followed the cats toward Azalea’s voice, though she walked much slower. Overall, her day had been… disappointing. She did rest for a while, as she had agreed to, but she had also tested what other abilities she could still use only to find that she was just stronger than an untrained Demi. (her nickname for demigods) Besides that discovery, she had also spent a fair amount of time acclimating herself to her new surroundings and calling up to the others in an attempt to go back home. Obviously, everything she tried had failed; threats, insults, bargaining, even a little bit of begging and bribery. She had often felt ignored by them before but this… this actually hurt a little more than usual. “You were gone quite a long time.” she greeted Azalea from the other end of the hall.

Azalea glances up when the woman spoke, nodding slowly. "I work long shifts, I'm usually the first one there, and the last one to leave." She brushed some hair from her face and stood. "How are you feeling? Is there anyone I can call, let them know where you are? How are your injuries?" She tilts her head ever so slightly as she removed her coat and hung it neatly over the coat rack before moving into the kitchen to get started on dinner. "You hit your head pretty hard, so take as much time as you need. My cats seem to like you, so I'm not to worried about you doing anything too rash." She chuckles playfully, turning on a small radio that sat on the counter.

Maddalena hummed softly, accepting her answer, though it didn't seem fair considering how short mortal lives were. They should have some time to enjoy it. “I am fine, thank you. As I told you before my injuries were minimal.” She let out a soft, slightly annoyed, huff of a laugh at the final question she had to answer. “I… No. Not really. I already tried to contact them but since they're the ones who kicked me out, they're just going to ignore me.” she told Azalea, clenching her fist again. “So, damn them anyway. They can just go to the Underworld for all I care.” Her eyes seemed to flash gold in her anger before she forced herself to calm down with a deep slow breath as she looked back over at the human. “Thank you for letting me stay.” she said in a softer tone with a light chuckle. “I would hope that your cats like me after spending all day with me. But I have to admit, you seem very… calm and trusting of a complete stranger. You don't even seem curious about the fact that I left a crater in your yard.”

She nods slowly at that, letting her hair down as she listened to Maddalena. "That sounds rough. I know a thing or two about getting kicked out." She chuckles softly, "Of course, they always come back whenever you're well off, begging you to help them in their times of need." She rolled her eyes. "You're more than welcome. Us strays have to stick together, ya know?" She hummed and glanced over at the other. "Out here it's a pretty safe place to live, plus you created a crater in my yard. And while I'm genuinely curious about that story, we can leave it for another day…" She trailed off as she started to gather ingredients to make something to eat. "Do you have any allergies? Just so I'm aware?" She grabs a few veggies from the fridge, as well as a kind of pasta. As for the cats, one was sitting lazily in the window, the smallest one was weaving through Azalea's feet, and the third was watching Maddalena from the top of the refrigerator with unblinking eyes.

Maddalena hummed slightly and gave a brief nod. “Well, this is the first time for me. I admit that I have been threatened with various punishments before but never like this before. So, yes, I suppose it has been rough.” she agreed glancing over at her… host. “Though I can't imagine what it was like for you, I am sorry that you were kicked out of your home as well.” The former goddess chuckled at being called a stray, though she couldn't deny the slight appeal of it. Especially considering strays were usually some of her best followers. “Yes. I do know. Perhaps it was fortunate that I ended being found by you..” she smiled a little as she reached up and gently picked up the cat from the top of the refrigerator and held it, scratching behind its ears. “No. I don't have any allergies.” she chuckled lightly. “Would you like any help?”

(Hi! Sorry about the disappearance. I wasn't feeling well ^^)

Azalea nods slowly, humming as she added a few things to the food cooking on the stove. "Getting kicked out of the home was an expectation really. It wasn't surprising when it happened. I got kicked out, grabbed what I could and went to live with a friend." She sighed softly and ran a hand through her hair. She shrugged, "Of course they came back begging when they saw I was successful." She rolled her eyes, "But by then the damage had already been done." She shrugged and relaxed. "Perhaps it was. However, if you're going to stay here, it would be best if you pulled your own weight. Just make sure the space you stay in is clean, and you fix the crater in the yard, that's all I ask." She hummed and shook her head. "No, it's alright. I enjoy cooking." She laughed softly and glances over at the cat in Maddalena's arms. "That's Clotho, the one wrapping around my legs is Lachesis, and the one in the window is Atropos." She chuckled, "Each of them are named after the fates."

(It's ok. I saw the name change and figured something came up, so I just bumped when I saw you were back on. Hope you're feeling better.)

Maddalena nodded as she listened to the human’s story. “At least you had the opportunity to grab your belongings. All I have with me is the clothes on my back. Not that I had much back home either but… My home isn't exactly someplace most can reach, so any attempt to reclaim my belongings would be futile at best.” she explained with a small shrug and a sigh. “Besides, there is something I have been quested to do before I would be allowed to return. I just don't really know how to go about it.” She wasn't telling her this to gain her pity, it was just nice to get these things off her chest. Though, personally, the thought of the Parthenon on their knees begging her to come back made her smirk in her mischievous little way. Oh, how she would revel at that moment… “Hmm? Oh, yes. I can certainly do those things in return for your kindness.” she nodded at the simple request. Mortals were somewhat funny and a bit odd with the things they asked. Some asked for immortality or infinite riches… Others asked for much more modest things. It seemed to the former goddess that Azalea was of the latter group. She looked at each of the cats and chuckled softly as she continued to pet Clotho. “No wonder they seem to get along so well with me. Though I have to say I'm impressed. Not many people know the names of the Fates.”

Azalea listens quietly as she continues to cook, humming softly. "What is it that they told you to do? I don't know much, but maybe I can help." She chuckles softly before picking up Lachesis and scratching her behind the ears as the soup cooked. "Ah, thank you. I would do it myself, but work has me pretty tired." She chuckles softly, but there was a hint of sadness in her tone. She always worked so hard, but it was like she never had time to do things she enjoyed. "You're more than welcome to take things at your own pace, I know it can be stressful for people to be micromanaging your work." She laughed softly. Azalea seemed to live modestly, her cabin was small, and neatly kept, and her gardens were beautiful, full of homegrown foods, beautiful flowers, just… everything was so beautiful. She smiled at the compliment. "Before I went into my current job… I loved studying different cultures, Greek was one of my favorite to study… of course, it's slowly moved to Norse, but I digress." She hummed as she settled down on the couch in the living room.

Maddalena shook her head with a small chuckle. “Thank you for the offer but I don't know how much you can do to help me reclaim something that has been mine since I first opened my eyes.” she said, still a little unsure about revealing herself just yet. On the other hand, why shouldn't she tell her? She wasn't ashamed of her position. In fact, she was very proud of it. But… Perhaps it was the thought of being considered insane or losing Azalea’s favor that was holding her back. Being kicked out once was more than enough for now. “Trust me. Of all the things I have been asked, yours will not be a problem.” she assured with a slight smirk. Though she easily picked up on the soft tone. It seemed that she, at least, was aware of the unfairness of her choice of work. “Do you enjoy your job?” she asked, raising a brow. Perhaps there was something else she could do for her… Maddalena nodded at the explanation and smiled. “I can understand that. I haven't been to Greece in a while, but I remember how much I enjoyed my visits. Though these days much of it has been blended with Roman culture from the invasion. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but there are some things that they lost because of it.” she laughed a little at the mention of Norse mythology and culture. “Ah, I haven't seen much Norse culture in such a long time. I remember visiting once or twice and how impressive it was, especially with respect to women.”

Azalea nods slowly, humming in thought. "Well… if there's anything you need help with, just let me know." She says happily, her eyes gentle. She pressed a kiss to Lachesis's head and smiled a little bit, "Sounds like you've been asked to do a lot." She commented quietly, setting the kitten down before pausing at the question. "I wouldn't necessarily say I enjoy my job. But- it allows me to keep food on the table and pay for my home. My boss-" She cleared her throat, not daring to go any further. She didn't think she could. She cleared her throat. "I think at the end of the day it's worth it. So long as my gardens are thriving and my babies are taken care of." She laughs quietly. "As for Greece, I've been there a few times, it's so beautiful. Seeing the ruins always has me in awe. It makes me wonder what living there was like before the modern age happened." She chuckles. "I was planning to move to scotland to understand more about Norse mythology, but fate had other plans." She gives Clotho a look before moving back to the pot and carefully stirring the soup. She nods in satisfaction before adding some pasta and kale. "I have a sister that lives up there. After mum and dad's passing, she didn't like living here anymore."

“Thank you.” Maddalena nodded, actually grateful for her offer. She shrugged a little. “It sounds much simpler than it most likely will be. I have a feeling that they would find any way to interfere and keep me here. I… We didn't always get along or agree on much but I never thought that they might hate me as much as to punish me this way.” she sighed, shaking her head. Why was she saying so much that was so personal? Was it a side effect of being forced into a mortal human form? Or perhaps it was just something about Azalea that made her want to talk. The tall brunette raised a brow at the way she cut herself off at the mention of her employer. “He doesn't respect you or what you do for him?” she questioned gently thought she had another suspicion of that man. One that was mostly founded, admittedly, on the behaviors she had witnessed from the male members of most Parthenons. She smiled softly and nodded at the mention of the ruins. “They were very beautiful. I… I imagine life was much simpler and more vibrant. Full of life and beauty and passion. Everything handmade with meaning and purpose.” she sighed nostalgically. She hadn't thought about it much, but she missed it. Those old ruins as they used to be in all their splendor and glory. The people who lived there… the mischief she caused. But she couldn't get lost in old memories now. Now, she had caught the look Azalea had given her cat and laughed at the little joke. “I see… I’m sorry for your loss. But, if I may, I had always considered Scotland more of a Celtic heritage. Different from Ireland, of course, but still Celtic.” she said, curious as to what her host's reply would be. “I suppose they would still know somethings about Norse culture considering they invaded those lands but… I have to say that Loki was always a personal favorite. A bit of a kindred spirit.” she added with a shrug.

Azalea hummed softly in thought. "I'm sure things will work out. To be completely honest, usually when something bad happens, the best thing to do is to keep looking forward. Learn from our shortcomings and keep going." She smiled softly at the other. "I know that sometimes things are hard and it seems like a constant nightmare, or the world is against us, but the best thing is to keep our head high and keep going." She explained softly. When asked about her employer and nods slowly. "Not often no." She muttered softly, her voice oh so quiet. Of course there was more too it but of course she didn't want to admit that. It's not like she could. She listened intently as Maddalena spoke, her head tilted as she listened. It was clear she was giving Maddalena all her attention, a small smile on her lips. "Scotland is a lot of mixed heritage. I want to go there to explore the pagan roots." She explains warmly, a small glimmer appearing in her eyes, "Ah sorry. I've been rambling so much tonight." She rubbed the back of her head and chuckled nervously. She chuckles and nods before humming and running a hand through her hair. "Loki has been a patron god for a while." She murmured warmly. She motioned to a small alter in the other room. It was filled with candles, tarot decks, small offerings, etc.

Maddalena couldn't help but let out a short laugh at Azalea’s more optimistic attitude. Especially considering she didn't know the whole story and seemed to have been through quite a lot of personal trauma involving her own family. “I… I wish I could share that sentiment. I know that they want me to learn, that's why I'm here in the first place. But I have to admit, I've never met someone who can keep looking for the silver lining to a situation like this.” she said candidly. Upon hearing her answer about her employer only confirmed her concerns. “I see.” she frowned thoughtfully as she started making plans. Maddalena wasn't known for being a great protector but men who treated women like that was a serious peeve for her. Maybe I should pay that pig a little visit… I should still have enough power to deal with him. Though she might need to get a little more information before she jumped the gun. ”Oh, no not at all. If anything, I was the one who was rambling earlier. You are actually very interesting. It's nice to be able to talk to someone who understands multiple… Mythologies.” she said, trying not to grimace at the last word. Pretty much all deities hated being referred to as fictitious. It always felt like an insult to their power. She raised a brow at the gesture before turning to look at the altar. “Oh! How… How did I miss that earlier?” she wondered in surprise as she gently put down Clotho and walked over. “Perhaps there was a reason why I ended up in your yard after all.” she murmured before placing a hand on the carefully arranged table. “Hello, Silvertongue. I hope you are still giving Odin and Thor your own brand of Hel. Speaking of which, how are your children? Sleipnir and Fenrisúlfr still doing as well as they can? Oh, and tell your daughter that I said “Hello” as well.”

Azalea often tried to find the silver lining in life. It was really the only thing that kept her going when life got hard. She'd work hard and go from there. She knew the other was having a rough time, based off of what she was saying. She wasn't sure how to help other than that. She wasn't a psychologist as much as she wished she was. She didn't go on about her boss, she just really didn't want to think about him- or anything related to him for that matter. She smiles softly and shakes her head, "Personally I don't believe them to be mythologies. That came with the Christian wave and the Westernization- or in my humble opinion, the bastardization, of Pagan cultures." She hummed and finished up making dinner. "I personally that today's "mythologies" are thriving and alive. You just have to look past the western culture and dig to the roots. Paganism is still very much alive, Witchcraft is still very much alive, and Wicca is still very much alive." She hummed softly, "Those "mythologies" still have worshipers." She chuckles softly. "And very proud ones at that." She glanced at her Altar, "It's a bit out of the way. I didn't want them to be disturbed by my kittens rough housing." She chuckles quietly. She moved to stand beside Maddalena. "I don't have much for you right now, my friends." She murmured sadly, "But, for Loki I do have some mulled wine, so I'll leave a glass for you." She looks over to Hades and places some dried pomegranate seeds, muttering a small thanks and a few small words of comfort, since spring was abundant. Finally, she turned to Bast and gently set a small box down. Inside was catnip. For obvious reasons she left it in the box. "Well then. I hope you're hungry." She offers a smile to Maddalena.

Maddalena’s smile grew at her answer, feeling as if a weight was being lifted. Perhaps telling Azalea who she was wouldn't be a bad thing. But the thought of seeing Azalea on her knees, bowing before the former goddess… actually made her feel a little uncomfortable now instead of filling her with the usual pride that came from having a mortal worshipping her… Maybe she should wait just a little longer. “You are a wonder. So many people have forgotten all of that even though, yes, they all do still exist.” she said gently, stepping back slightly to let her host pay tribute to the three other deities. “Norse, Greek, and Egyptian… Is there any that you don't respect?” she asked with a soft smile. Unable to hold back her natural urge for mischief, she reached out with her magic and caused the flames on altars to grow an inch, as if in response to her offerings. “I… Actually, yes. I am hungry and breakfast was very good by the way. So thank you for that.”

Azalea smiled a little at that. "That's not necessarily true. There are plenty of people who still worship the older gods. You just have to find them." She hummed and stretched a little bit as she moved back into the kitchen. She hummed quietly as she looked over the soup before chopping what looked like Kale and adding in a liquid and some tortellini. She pressed a kiss to her kitties heads before glancing over at the goddess and offering a warm smile. "I don't think there are any I don't like. Each of them are interesting in their own ways. Granted I'm still studying the different cultures and the different gods, but I don't think there are any I dislike." She chuckles and hums. "I'm glad you liked breakfast. I love to cook." She explains softly. "All of my veggies are from my garden, as well as my fruits. I would get chickens but I worry my cats might get a little too curious." She hummed as she sets out some bowls. "Please have a seat. Dinner should be ready in a moment." She glanced back at Maddalena as she sets the table.

Maddalena was mildly disappointed that her little prank had gone unnoticed but didn't let it bother her, walking out to the kitchen with a smile. “Oh, I know there's a few still out there. It's just nowhere near the number it used to be.” she acknowledged as she sat down at the table to stay out of Azalea's way while she cooked. “I suppose that's fair. But… Tell me. Are you familiar with Ausra?” she asked, testing her host to see just how extensive her knowledge of the different Parthenon’s was. Perhaps if she did know, it would be easier to share her identity… Or it might be more challenging. Depending on what stories she’d heard as not all of them were very flattering. “Oh, so you take a very traditional method of providing for yourself. I have to say that's very commendable. It probably helps that you live all the way out here, on your own.” she smiled approvingly, chuckling at the mention of the cats not getting along with chickens. “That’s true. It may not end very well.” Without help… she couldn't help but smirk at the idea.

She had noticed the flames, but she had been walking away so she had brushed it off as her seeing things. She glanced at the woman in her kitchen before shrugging slightly. "I've heard of the name. She's one of the older gods if I remember correctly. Before civilization even had a name." She shrugged. "I only really know that. I haven't gotten very far into those certain gods. Research is key." She chuckles a little bit before glancing at the other, "Do you know about her?" She asks curiously. She hummed and smiled at Maddalena, "Thank you. I have a fair amount of land, so it's nice to grow my own veggies and fruits. The strawberries are beginning to ripen, so I can't wait to start making my shortcakes and parfaits." She seemed excited by that thought. "I've told you a lot about myself… what about you?" She serves up two bowls of the pasta/soup and sets one in front of the goddess and the other in front of herself. She didn't sit down yet though, moving to the corner of the kitchen where six bowls sat. Three empty, and three filled with water. She filled the empty bowls with cat food and the three kittens hurried off to their meal. Finally, she sat down.

The brunette nodded, a small excited spark in her eyes at the mortal’s answer. Oh, the fun she could have with this. “One of the oldest and the final voice on decisions. At least with those under her.” she confirmed with a small scowl at the end. “But yes, I know her. And she's a stuck-up stick in the mud.” Maddalena didn't really hate Ausra but they just very rarely got along. The older goddess was very… firm and Maddalena was wilder and more free-spirited. Yes, she could make plans but they usually led to mischief anyway. “You’re welcome. Honestly, I don't know too many people who have this much land anymore. It's a nice sight and nice to see someone taking care of the land and themselves.” she said sincerely. The former goddess felt her face warm as the inevitable question came up. It was only fair to answer. Azalea had answered every one of her questions… Maybe she should tell her. “What do you want to know about me?” she asked, still a little unsure of how much she should tell her.

(Sorry about that, work has me exhausted)

Azalea nods at the explanation, now a bit intrigued as to why this person knew so much in regards to that certain type of entity. She could barely find any books on the older gods, they were considered so ancient they had been around before writing had even been created. But she decided it was probably something to be left alone for now. She practically glowed with pride at the mention of her gardens. She put her blood, sweat, tears, time, and more into her beautiful garden. Her fresh food, her wild flowers, all of it. She was working her ass off for a job she didn't like, it was only fair she worked her ass off for something she did like. Azalea smiled warmly. "Whatever you want to tell. It could be as simple as a favorite color, or something that you enjoy, it doesn't really matter." She took a bite of her pasta/soup and hummed in content. That was the good stuff. Her kittens had finished their meals and had moved on to go and play, or settle on Azalea's lap.

(That's a mood. Don't worry about it. I'm just kinda patiently impatient sometimes 😅)

Maddalena smirked when there was no warning outside for stating her opinion on the older goddess. Maybe she could get away with more than she thought as a mortal. She knew that Ausra didn't exactly ignore her people but… Well, she already had a small plan for a certain someone later, she just needed to learn his name. “Well… I don't know if I have many favorites, but I admit I enjoy causing mischief of any kind. But you already know that's what got me into this… situation.” she shrugged as she tried some of the soup. “This might be one of my new favorites though.” she smiled, gesturing at the delicious meal. “Umm, let's see… I like cats, and while I don't do any gardening myself I do enjoy the art of it.”

Azalea hummed quietly as she ate, a small smile on her lips. "Mischief is always fun, so long as it doesn't hurt anyone… well. Unless karma had an eye on them." She shrugged and took another bite of her food, glancing out the window. "I doubt you did something that was worth them kicking you out though." She shrugged and returned her gaze to the woman in front of her. Her ears turned a soft pink at the compliment. "Thank you, it's one of my favorite things to make." She chuckled a little bit. "It's a good thing you like cats, other wise my kittens might have not taken on to you so well. As for the gardening, maybe I can teach you a bit? it's fun if you do it right." She laughed a little. "Or it might just be nice to have someone with me while I work."