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Unresolved Issues

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Post by Niemand 13th February 2018, 11:43 pm

The god of war paced the length of his 'temple'. It was yet was not there due to the Western influence. While the structure still stood where it had, it had become a bit lost to mortals. This was one of the reasons why Ares would retreat to it from time to time. There wasn't any danger to him being discovered there and it wasn't like any of his family really came to the isles much anymore. No, they preferred to stay where their main base of power was situated. While most of his places of import had moved across the globe as they had, there were some that had stubbornly refused to go with the flow and stay rooted in their original place. Ares was more than grateful for this fact.

What was causing his restlessness was the waiting. One would think that he would be used to such a task seeing as most wars had plenty of waiting. Yet, this while being very similar was quite different. Scowling, the god stopped his pacing and glared off as if the wall had greatly offended him personally. There were too many unknown variables. He needed to know what was going on. There had been no abnormal movement or indication that his uncles brats were anything but unclaimed demi's. Oh he, along with his uncle had known when they had gotten to the camp. As of yet the kids hadn't brought any attention to themselves that showed whose children they were and it was frustrating the god of war. It hadn't helped that his dear old uncle hadn't laid claim to them either.

There was only one way he could find out what was going on, but he daren't approach her yet. She had needed time and he'd given it to her. He could only hope that Persephone had taken his advice and gone to Aphrodite. Perhaps the woman could talk to her, advise her, and see that she should let things play out. Or, perhaps let him in on what her husband was thinking.

Feeling the urge to let some of his pent up anxiety and built up energy out, Ares was very tempted to 'beat something into submission with a stick' as it had been put once. Instead, he spun on his heel and went up to Olympus. While he was always on alert, he was doubly cautious now while he had plans in the works. Going to the observing hall, he stopped at the edge and sat, lounging comfortably as his eyes searched below and watched.

Unsure how long he'd been there before he was being observed, Ares resisted the urge to turn and look. While it was unwise as being both Ares and a warrior to leave one's back unprotected, he was sure that he wouldn't be murdered here. Keeping his silence he tried to feel out who it was and when he did, he was a bit surprised. Deciding it was best to allow her to make the first move, he waited.
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Post by Holly 14th February 2018, 12:55 am

In recent days, Persephone has found herself wandering. Not with any particular destination in mind, save for wherever her feet take her. The gardens of Olympus are always beautiful, but if she's honest she's hardly noticed.

It's hard to admire her mother's handiwork when it feels like there is a rock situated just under the bottom of her ribs, pressing down and reminding her of exactly what kind of trouble is on the horizon.

Civil war. Gods fighting gods in a way not seen since Menelaus and his allies set sail for Troy all those eons ago.

After Ares let her in on his plans, she sought out Aphrodite, though pouring out her worries to her friend did little to ease her worry. Arguably, it strengthened her anxiety when her friend's only advice was to lay low and let the rest of the Pantheon sort it out. Loath as she was to follow it, Ares' advice rapidly became what guided her actions. With her husband remaining stoically close-lipped about his plan of action, she has no choice but to follow what others have told her to do.

She hates it. She hates being in the dark and unsure - endlessly fretting over what might happen to her if her husband makes a mistake.

For all that she resents being abandoned alone in the underworld for months on end, she finds herself longing for quiet days in the palace playing fetch with Cerberus or doing something equally inane. No threat of war, no Ares, no Hades, no worries.

On this particular day, her feet draw her down the sleekly paved walkways to the observing hall. Her leather sandals tap quietly against the smooth stone floors as she ascends the stairs and steps through into the cool shade within. Tiers of galleries leading up to the ceiling cause sound to carry oddly. The sound of two people bickering in one of the higher tiers creates a strangely muffled rumble in her ears.

There are more stairs to climb up to one of the gallery tiers, and she's so preoccupied with her own thoughts that she hardly realizes that the gallery is occupied until she's turned off from the landing and is staring at the back of a very familiar curly head.

Of all the people she had to stumble upon in her wanderings, it had to be him.

Part of her is tempted to back out and leave before he realizes she's there, but instead, she sets her shoulder against the marble column that forms part of the arched entry and studies him. The moments draw on, and she can see the set of his shoulders changing as he fights his urge to turn and see who's observing him. He knows she's there, and she sees no reason to pretend otherwise.

"I don't think I've ever seen you sit still like that," she comments, folding her arms across her chest as she leans into the cool marble pillar.
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Post by Niemand 14th February 2018, 1:07 pm

Almost quirking a smile at that, Ares realized that no, she hadn't ever seen him sit still. He wasn't really the type of person to do so. Very rarely would he, but then even at the obligated bi yearly solstice meetings he'd be drumming his fingers waiting for the tedium to be done. That being said, it was rare that the god of war ever really relaxed. Keeping his gaze on the earth below, he pondered over why she could be here and decided to not think too deeply and just accept this fortuitous circumstance. If it really was such a thing. It could go just as their earlier encounters did forever locking them into that particular dance.

Giving a noncommittal noise, Ares wondered why she had come to this are of Olympus. If anything he would have thought she would be in the gardens. Then again, she might be avoiding her mother so the gardens would be the last place she would want to be. While he had 'daddy' issues, she had 'mommy' issues.

Finally, he turned his head to gaze at her with a neutral expression on his face, eyes guarded. He took in her stance and saw that she wasn't having any easier time than he seemed to be. A vindictive part of him was pleased at that. It was that old adage about misery loving company he supposed. It was that part of him that like to antagonize and watch people squirm. Turning back to look down at the world below he lazily gestured for her to join him she was so inclined. He didn't feel the urge to inform her that she didn't know him as well as she thought she did. Everyone knew he was more a physical being and while he preferred his actions to speak for him, there were times when it belied how he truly was.

"I'm surprised mommy let you off your leash," he stated to open things up and to push her buttons.
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Post by Holly 15th February 2018, 10:08 pm

She hesitates, weighing the guarded look in his eyes against the snarky comment on his lips. Some things never change, no matter how bad the circumstances get, and Ares' need to push her buttons is one of them.

"I'm surprised your keeper hasn't muzzled you yet," she retorts, her blithe tone contrasting starkly with her wary posture as she slowly crosses the space between the doorway and the balcony and perches on a chair beside him. Up close he seems...Tense. Between the guarded look he gave her and the stiff set of his shoulders, it seems he's as unsure of the situation as she is.

She's not sure how she feels about that. When a tactician like the god of war is feeling the strain, it's probably not a good sign for someone like her.

"I didn't figure you for a people watcher, either," she adds, glancing at him side-long before bending forward to gaze through the banister at the passing figures below. A pair of dryads converse softly near one of the pillars, pausing only when another dryad streaks past pursued by a satyr.

It seems to be business as usual for everyone but a select few, and she can't help but envy the willowy women with the leaves tipping their fingers. Ignorance is bliss, and she'd very much like to be ignorant of all of this.


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Post by Niemand 15th February 2018, 10:41 pm

Oh how he would have loved to have made a comment about the muzzle and he was sure it showed in his eyes as he fought to contain his laughter. In fact, that comment alone brought up some images that he was sure she hadn't meant to invoke. Doing the wise thing and erring on the side of caution, Ares actually kept his mouth shut and let it pass. It wouldn't do either of them any good to bicker, especially here. The moment of suppressed laughter no matter how fleeting, buoyed him and he did feel a bit grateful for the unknown pick me up.  Instead, he settled for opting to respond to her second comment.

Arching a brow at her, expression a combination of skeptical, annoyed, and a bit amused. "And what kind of warrior would I be if I wasn't a 'people watcher'?" he asked. What did she think that fighters did? They had to watch their opponent's movements and pick up their next moves by what their bodies telegraphed. Giving a sarcastic smile he stated, "Fighting is more than just swinging swords around and hoping to get lucky enough to stick the pointy end in the other person."
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Post by Holly 15th February 2018, 11:17 pm

She realizes after the fact that her words could have an alternate meaning. Once upon a time she would have blushed, embarrassed by her slip, but now she just shrugs it off. Ares can think what he likes, but she knows what she meant.

"Could have fooled me," she answers, unconcerned as she folds her hands in her lap and settles more comfortably into her seat. It's not the softest chair, but it's much preferable to her seat in the underworld, which makes it bearable. Smoothing her skirts - navy blue today - she shrugs in answer to his question.

"Just seems a bit too sedate, that's all." She's still adjusting to the realization that he isn't always in motion, and this plays into it. She's never thought of him as someone who could relax - always on guard, always scheming, always planning his next move. She realizes now that she was wrong about him, and it niggles at her.

She prides herself on being good at reading people. Their intentions, thoughts, feelings are usually reasonably evident to her, but he seems to exist in a blind spot that she didn't know she had.

Or you're just naive, she thinks to herself, pursing her lips thoughtfully. Your self-estimation is far too high for someone who spends half the year away from Olympus and is about as politically shrewd as a concussed satyr.
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Post by Niemand 18th February 2018, 7:47 pm

Resisting the urge to explain about how its actually a lot harder to be an efficient fighter than one would think and the intricacies than she believed, but kept kept his mouth shut; with quite some difficulty. That was another thing that had always rubbed him the wrong way with his family. None of them realized that it wasn't just swinging swords and getting lucky. Yes, luck played a part in it, but there was more to it than that. It irked him that he got all the grief yet his sister Athena was never painted with the same brush. She insisted on involving herself in war to become one of their gods and yet no one had anything but praise for her. He had wanted to sneer at them and had, before he embraced being the black sheep of Olympus and making it his own.

Nearly snorting that Persephone believed people watching to be too sedate for him, he gave her a shrug. It wasn't as if he broadcast his interests aside from those he was known for because of his obsessiveness (trying to kill Heracles and constantly pursuing Aphrodite) or those he allowed and wanted known (his meddling). However, something like this, he supposed it would seem out of character. If one dind't know him and how he used it to advantage. While he was impatient he could wait for the opportune moment if he believed the wait to be worthwhile.

"And what would you have me do then hmmm, your Highness?" He lazily glanced over at her. Amusement and curiosity danced in his eyes. "Plucking the wings from a certain thief's feet? Or cackling madly over a map trying to overthrow Olympus?"
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Post by Holly 21st February 2018, 12:17 am

It's all too easy to imagine him laughing maniacally while plotting the best way to tear Olympus apart. The general consensus among the Pantheon is that Ares is something of a loose cannon; obsessive and vindictive, careless of the consequences of his actions so long as he gets what he wants, which fits all too well with his bloodthirsty image.

Some parts of it are real, she knows. The single-minded determination and something of the flippancy towards potential consequences especially, but she finds it hard to reconcile the picture painted of him by the other deities with what she knows of him. By all accounts he should have just left her to flounder in the mire created by his machinations, and yet he didn't.

She supposes that she ought to be grateful. He could have let her make a mess of things without a second thought, and his advice, so far, is proving helpful in keeping her clear of fallout. It's more helpful than her husband's sulky silence, to say the least.

Her lips twist, stopping halfway between a grimace and a smile. There's amusement hidden in his expression when she turns to face him, but the knot of stress under her ribs adds a barb to her reply.

"Not cackling, no." Her gaze turns sidelong before shifting to the intricacies of the pillar beside her. "We both know that something so overt isn't your style."

She knows it's probably a mistake the minute the words leave her tongue, but she can't help it. She can't just play along with his needling like nothing happened, not when he's practically brought the sky down on her head.

Should she be grateful for the warning he gave her? Probably. Is she beginning to regret getting tangled up in his mess? Absolutely.
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Post by Niemand 21st February 2018, 2:28 pm

It was what broke his control and Ares laughed unrestrained and full of mirth. He hadn't laughed like this in awhile, but it was rather amusing. It seemed that the deity that should understand him the least was coming to know him better than the others it would appear. Unless, there were parts that she didn't overlook as some of their family did. Her memory didn't seem to be as short as the attention span of a child. That was the contradictory nature of the Olympians, or what Ares had observed. Grudges and deeds done against the gods were remembered and yet all good deeds seemed to have been forgotten shortly and one must prove themselves again or were ignored in favor of punishing you for your misdeed.

Relaxed completely, or almost there, Ares let the amused smile linger uncaring if he had brought attention by his moment of merriment. It didn't matter to him if they were seen seeing as they weren't doing anything aside from talking. Like he'd be as careless as those satyrs to do anything that could be construed as offensive or inappropriate towards Persephone while in public. While at times he would subtly try something, today wasn't one of those days. What was the point if your only audience are below you and wouldn't really appreciate the efforts gone into the show?

Which had his gaze stay on the goddess since she had yet to leave or state her intentions. Knowing might not have had the intention of seeking him out, Ares was curious as to why she hadn't left yet. She could have upon seeing him there left without comment. That she had stayed spoke volumes and he was trying to figure out what exactly she was trying to not say. Assessing her he decided to be blunt. "Why are you here, Highness?"

They both knew it couldn't be for Hades as this was her period of being free from the Underworld. Any messages that the god wanted sent up was usually done a different way. What Ares really wanted to know was more than why she was in Olympus. Or why she found herself in the same room as Ares. He supposed he wanted to know why she was staying in said room. Why she had even decided to approach him.
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Post by Holly 21st February 2018, 2:48 pm

She jumps in her seat, startled by his boisterous laughter shattering the muted peace. It rings off of the high ceilings, and she has to fight the urge to hide her face as the dryads below look for the source of the noise.

A smile lingers on his lips, and she shakes her head. She really ought to stop replying to him altogether, because he has far too much fun at her expense. At least his mirth has eased the tension that pervaded their little alcove; it no longer feels like there's a weight on her shoulders keeping her from taking a full breath.

"I went for a walk to clear my head and ended up here. Finding you was pure coincidence." She sighs, brushing at a leaf stuck to the fabric of her skirts. "Lucky me."

She turns, one eyebrow arched as she studies his newly relaxed expression. "I assume you're not just here to watch Satyrs chase Dryads all day."
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Post by Niemand 21st February 2018, 3:13 pm

A lip twitched at her choice of words. Again he almost makes a quip, this time about how the Fates would object to the term 'coincidence'. Instead, Ares took the sarcasm as he deserved it. His eyes had followed her hand movement and it seemed that she still hadn't lost that habit of hers. It gave her nerves away but at the same time, it seemed she learned to make it appear natural. That alone was one of the reasons that he had come to like her. Persephone was a lot stronger and had more depth than the other gods thought and Ares loved being able to the one to peel those layers back and discover them. It came with observing people which also partly wove itself into aggravating and pushing buttons to see how they would respond.

Ares' lip curled in disgust at the thought of watching the absurdities that were much loved and romanticized by humans. Did she really think that he'd been doing that at the beginning? Mentally he shuddered. If he wanted to watch something like that he'd just have to visit Dionysus. No, his mind had been elsewhere and this was the last place he believed someone would come looking for him.

"I would say luck was on my side," he leered not answering her question. It was habit and one he couldn't really nor wanted to break. She was very attractive and while he knew that they weren't likely to get back to the way they'd been before this mess is resolved, he could still look. There was also the fact he wasn't quite sure how to broach the topic with her.

"Olympus isn't really the place one would go to clear one's head." If anything it was the place to create more drama. At least the Greeks had one thing right about the Olympians. They constantly had something going on that would cause strife or fuel an escalated argument.
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Post by Holly 21st February 2018, 4:02 pm

If they hadn't had that conversation in her quarters all those days ago, she might have been pleased to have his attention on her; to feel wanted.   Though she still thinks him handsome, the resurgence of her wariness puts a damper on her attraction.

She rolls her eyes. It seems he truly does have a one-track mind when it comes to her, and she has to wonder what good it does her.  It hardly makes sense to distance herself from her husband by running into the arms of someone who sees her as a pretty plaything and little else.

"It's no worse than anywhere else."  She flicks the wayward leaf, sending it fluttering into the space beyond the railing.  "Better here than sequestering myself in my quarters and going mad of boredom."

He hasn't answered her question, but then again he rarely ever does.  Pressing him about it will only make him more evasive, but she's hardly in the mood to just let him get away with it.

"So you were here watching Satyrs. 'What kind of warrior' indeed," she drawls, her lips tugging up into a half smile.
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Post by Niemand 21st February 2018, 11:27 pm

"Touche," he responded. He supposed she could be right. This was where he had wound up as well, was it not? To give her credit, this would be the last spot anyone would look for her either. Then the next bit of what she said registered and Ares gave into his revulsion that she could think such a thing even in jest. His eyes narrow even though its not with real malice. "Perhaps I was contemplating genocide?"

Ares couldn't say patricide or regicide as he'd tried that one already even sanctioned and it hadn't stuck. It wasn't as if Olympus would much miss the satyrs. They were more a nuisance. The only one that really felt anything toward the walking furballs were the questionably the Dryads, and their designated leader Dionysus. With his brother being stuck in that prison of his, it wasn't as if there would be quick retribution.

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Post by Holly 21st February 2018, 11:42 pm

Genocide is not where she thought the conversation would lead, and both eyebrows travel upwards at his rhetorical question.

"Well, that wouldn't be very nice. They haven't done anything to you," she replies blandly, fighting to keep a straight face. He seems genuinely surprised by her comment, which might just be a first, and she's entirely too pleased with herself for pulling it off.

Admittedly the furry fiends aren't her favourite beings on Olympus, but they're relatively harmless. So long you're not a Dryad and don't make eye contact, they'll leave you alone. One of the few benefits of living in the Underworld for half the year is that she only has to deal with the shades of satyrs and not the live versions.

"I'm sorry, did I hit a nerve?" She looks away, staring up at the ceiling as she tries to maintain an expression that doesn't involve an amused smirk.
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Post by Niemand 22nd February 2018, 12:08 am

Ares scoffed at her amusing statement. They were offensive just to look at and more often then not the walking shrubbery agreed with him on that score. How was she to know that the creatures had gone against him by leading a few demigods safely to that blasted camp. It had been worth it just to see the look she had given him to his question. He preferred when she was more expressive rather than trying to be stoic or the mask she donned whenever she was at one of the courts.

"It seems as if I'm boring you," he stated as he stood up, eyes on the column of her throat. Tilting his head as he gazed at the goddess he again wondered why she decided to 'clear her head' where he was. She should have turned and left. Allowing his suspicion to show on his face, he queried, "What's your angle?"
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Post by Holly 22nd February 2018, 12:29 am

Her gaze doesn't move from the frescoed ceiling as she considers his question. She's not sure she even has an angle at this point; she went for a walk, and he just happened to be occupying the first alcove she turned into. If anything, her 'angle' was to stay as far away from him as possible until she could sort out her feelings and the mess she's in, but it seems her luck had other plans.

"I could ask you the same thing," she counters, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. "For the record, I didn't have one. I went for a walk trying to get away from everyone else's angles."

She doubts it's the answer he wants, she doesn't care. She doesn't owe him anything, and if he chooses not to believe her then it's his problem.
He invited her to sit, so she sat, more out of habit than anything. If he wants to jump at shadows over something as small as her sitting with him, then he can do as he pleases.
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Post by Niemand 23rd February 2018, 2:30 am

A tad annoyed that she refused to look at him, Ares titled his head back to try and see what was so fascinating about a ceiling that she seemed to be enraptured with it. Crossing his arms as he drops his head back down to stare at the goddess he arches a brow. Was that a slip of the tongue? Did she mean to say she had an angle now or that she was looking for one? Mentally growling a, 'whatever', he tilted his head as he considered her as he gave her a mocking smile dripping in sarcasm. "Didn't you know? It's to help raze Olympus to the ground and take over for dear old dad."

Or that was the leading rumor these days. It always seemed to circulate back to that. Try and take over one time....okay more than once, and no one forgets it. He hadn't tried any of that within the past century or two save for the whole titan in his head thing. And even that wasn't really a power play for the throne, not really. At least not on Ares' part.

Stepping closer to her seat he leaned against the column as his eyes bore into her searching. Picking at her last sentence he inquired, "And what machinations has your husband shown other than the obvious?"
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Post by Holly 23rd February 2018, 11:23 am

She can feel him watching her. His gaze seems to have a weight to it, and it presses down on her as she stubbornly studies the paintings above. They're beautiful, painted in rich ochres, browns, blues, and greens, but it's hard to pay attention when he's glowering at her.

"My husband keeps his own council these days," she replies coolly, unable to keep a touch of her frustration from seeping into her tone. She doesn't ask for much in her marriage - if anything at all - but just this once she wishes Hades would have foregone his usual policy of keeping his plans to himself. Being on the outside looking in isn't helping her state of mind, not that Hades would care.

"You know how he is." A bitter smile tugs at her lips, and she drops her gaze from the ceiling as she turns to face him. "You might have better luck finding out what he's up to."

Once upon a time, she would have tried to find out. She would have pried and prodded until Hades grew frustrated enough to give her what she wanted, or sent her away. Now she can hardly be bothered, half because she doesn't ever see her husband, and half because she doesn't quite care what happens to him. She worries about what will happen to her because of him, but he could fall off the face of the earth and she'd hardly bat an eye.

"I'm surprised you don't already know, actually. Normally you're much more well-informed than this." She bends to rest her elbow on her knee, propping her chin on her hand as she considers him.

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Post by Niemand 25th February 2018, 9:41 pm

Ares notes the tone of her voice as well as the words which he snorts at while he was deeply curious. Stroking his goatee he wondered what had his uncle not confiding in his wife or if he ever had. Making a noncommittal sound he didn't agree or disagree with her statements. The cogs in his mind turned as plans began to formulate about how he could acquire the information they both wanted.

While he'd been thinking his gaze had left her but at her dig at his pride, his eyes narrowed and a scowl surfaced. Ares had informants and followers yes, but this was a bit different. Before, he would be able to glean what he needed by observing the goddess before him or from hints at her behavior or hers combined with his uncles. There was even a certain puppy that would give him information. Persephone's deciding to learn the game of the Olympians and actually progressively increase her skill, was a bit unfortunate at the moment. It would have normally been something that Ares relished and would have had him constantly testing and probing the woman's ability to learn and ability, he didn't have time for that now.

"Yes, well, someone did forbid from entering their domain." He was clear to remind her. While he did cheat, Ares did tend to stick to his promises and vows. That was why he liked looking for loopholes and was very cautious and chose his words with care when making such promises. Which brought to mind something else that had been niggling at him. His gaze searched her trying to seek out answers without having to ask since he'd not seen her either lately.
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Post by Holly 25th February 2018, 10:31 pm

She smiles in response to his scowl. It seems so long ago that she was threatening to have him thrown out of the underworld if he dared to darken her doorstep again. It's only been a month or so, but given everything that's happened, it seems like much, much longer.

"My, my," she murmurs, tapping a finger thoughtfully against her lower lip. "Who knew that all it took take to hamstring your information gathering skills was one little decree."

She's surprised he remembers. He's never struck her as one to remember his limitations - he is a god after all. He can do anything he pleases, and very few people have the power to dissuade him. She certainly didn't think she was one of them. At least she won't have to worry about him appearing unannounced and uninvited anymore.

Pleased with this revelation, she turns her gaze to his. He's studying her again, the weight of his gaze becoming palpable as she tries to discern the cause of his staring. There's something searching about the way he looks at her, and her own curiosity gets the best of her.

"Is something bothering you?" She asks innocently, tucking her finger down and resting her knuckle on her bottom lip. "You're staring."
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Post by Niemand 25th February 2018, 11:47 pm

His response was to sneer at the woman even as his eyes roamed down to her finger and lips. He was sure she was doing it deliberately to distract him. This was a distraction he didn't mind since he'd still be able to focus on what he needed to while allowing part of himself to appreciate the goddess. Allowing his admiration to show as he continued to stare at her. Arching a brow he gave a lascivious smirk. "I'm taking in the view."

Ares knew she would react one of two ways and he really didn't mind either response. Dropping his arms to his sides he stayed where he was rather than infringe on her space. He hadn't bothered to reply to her quip because honestly, he knew he'd find a way to pester the goddess in her realm again. He'd left himself plenty of leeway and his smirk grew at the thought of annoying the woman some more.
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Post by Holly 26th February 2018, 11:56 am

She can't help but roll her eyes at his leering.  The man switches from deeply thoughtful to flirtatious at the drop of a hat, and he lays it on thick.   Can she honestly say she minds? Not entirely, but his trick of using it to evade her questions gets old quickly.

"It's nothing you haven't seen before," she drawls, brushing a curl out of her eyes.  "Feeling forgetful?"

It's not her wittiest rejoinder, but she's also distracted by wondering what's going on behind his dark eyes.  She knows he's not here for her company, but she wants to know why and it's eluding her.  Every time she thinks she's found a loophole he manages to evade her questions and give her one of his typically cryptic answers and confuse her more.  

So many non-answers, so little time. She thinks, her internal monologue turning sardonic as she considers him. I think I'd be more concerned if he actually did answer a question honestly.
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Post by Niemand 26th February 2018, 12:33 pm

"Oh, no." The god stated giving her a vulpine smile never letting his gaze waver except to watch her take care of her errant curl. As always it makes him want to reach out and touch to allow his fingers to caress the silkiness that was her hair and inhale its scent. "I just appreciate exquisite beauty whenever I see it."

Tilting his head he stated in seriousness, "And you, leave very little to forget." In fact, every facet of her being had been burned into his memory and he was itching to get reacquainted with a specific side of her.

While he wanted to know if she had sought out his lover and if she'd been able to give the goddess solace, Ares wouldn't lower himself to ask. He didn't beg, and while he was very curious to know he'd gotten some of his answer from her behavior. It was in his nature to use other people's discomfort for his own advantage and who was he to deny his nature? What he'd said while true, was still a ploy of distraction. This was just another game which he would win.
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Post by Holly 26th February 2018, 2:02 pm

A pleasant flutter is rising under her ribs, and she's reminded of exactly why she didn't mind Ares being in her quarters not long ago. He knows exactly what to say to have her preening under his attention, even though she probably shouldn't. His heart belongs to another, her dearest friend, and much as she might dislike her husband, well... There's little chance of her being rid of him.

Besides, his machinations are a danger. Aphrodite, while sympathetic, was only able to tell her to lie low and wait out Ares' plans. Not that she shouldn't worry, not that she should trust Ares' judgement, but that she should go to ground and wait for the storm to pass. Her friend has never led her astray, and yet here she is talking to Ares as though nothing has happened.

As though he's someone that she could trust.

"You're far too much of a flatterer for your own good," she replies evenly, unnerved by the conflicting attraction and wariness she feels. "That silver tongue will get you into trouble."

And you're a fool, she scolds herself, trying to stifle the sense memories of his hands in her hair and the cold touch of his earring against her throat. He's dangerous, and you're still far too new to this game to even think to understand his motivations.
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Post by Niemand 27th February 2018, 2:25 pm

The interest in his eyes didn't waver or wane but they darkened as his lips strayed from their quirked state. Ares didn't pretend to have any humility and if anything his ego swelled that he could still cause the woman to react. Oh she might have kept an even voice but that was telling in itself. Usually the goddess' voice and minute reactions were very telling even when trying to keep a calm facade. Persephone was actually getting quite better at it. The only reason he knew that his words effected her now was despite the voice, was the tenseness in her shoulders and the fact that she had yet to avert her eyes from him.

Amusement danced with the lust still in his own gaze. There had been many replies that had flitted across his wicked mind and all of them he rejected. Now wasn't the time or even the proper place. It was too public and while the thought of teasing her mercilessly into a blushing publicly, he preferred a private audience.

Admittedly albeit grudgingly, Ares knew she was right. There had been times he'd bitten off more than he could chew. However, in his defense that usually only happened when someone threw a spanner in the works and butted in where they weren't wanted. Just like all the gods he loved to manipulate but hated to be manipulated. The war god knew when he had to pull out the charm in order to get people to do his bidding and his saving grace as it were, just so happened to be his ability to talk himself out of, and other people into, trouble. Ares had a deep survival instinct even if he played with fire more often than not.

"Perhaps," he conceded about his actions of just a moment ago as he pushed off the column he'd been lounging against. He reached out to brush the knuckles of his hand along her cheek. "But its quite enjoyable and what a way to go."
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Post by Holly 3rd March 2018, 9:25 pm

"Who said anything about going?" The words are accompanied by an arched eyebrow and the briefest closing of her eyes as his knuckles skim her cheekbone. Her stomach lurches guiltily at his touch, followed by that same pleasant fluttery feeling.

She shouldn't be so torn. It should be clear as day that trouble follows him like a dog after its master, and yet it isn't. He invites chaos - thrives on it, especially manipulating others into it and with it - but he's never seemed to mean her harm. At least not physical harm, anyway. He doesn't give a damn about what he does to the state of her mind, but at least she doesn't have to fear his touch.

At least there's one thing she doesn't have to worry about, even if it is just for now.

"Are you planning on going somewhere?" Her eyebrow remains arched as her eyes open again and she tilts her chin up to watch him. "Does the god of war take vacations?"

Again, he doesn't strike her as the type to go away just for the sake of getting away. She's hardly ever seen him sit still, and she wonders if being away from the manipulations might not drive him mad the same way being alone for long periods of time would cause her to do.
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Post by Niemand 3rd March 2018, 10:15 pm

Count on Persephone to come back with a witty retort to try and change the way the conversation was progressing. To try and curb the passion he was feeling and had half a mind to act on. It didn't escape his notice how her body reacted if she hadn't done it consciously. A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes and his lip tilted up at the corner. He was about to suggest that he wouldn't mind staying in her company there, but then her next sentence caused him to blink in surprise and stare at her taken aback.

Stepping back, Ares laughed with dark mirth. Remembered pain, humiliation, and fury flashed briefly across his face before he could control it and lock it back in the box in his mind he stored such things. The muscle in his cheek twitched before he forced calm on himself and sneered at the unfortunate goddess. Sarcasm and vitrol drenched his words. "Only when dad decides, where you take it, and how long your stay is."

There was no need to go into details. If she was half as clever as he believed her, she would be able to accurately fill in the blanks. Scowling at how she's been able to squash all previous ease of the flow of their conversation and how pleasant the atmosphere had been. Tense and exuding his usual aura he turned partially to face the way he'd been when she's joined him and crossed his arms.
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Post by Holly 3rd March 2018, 11:13 pm

It takes her a moment to puzzle out exactly what he's talking about, but when she does catch on both eyebrows rise towards her hairline in an indication of surprise. She didn't think it was possible to ruffle him like this, but she's also clearly stumbled on a sore spot and she intends to use the opening to her advantage.

"Indeed," she murmurs, watching him turn away and cross his arms like a sulky child. All of the pleasant tension between them has fled as quickly as it appeared, and she can only shake her head at his changeable moods. "He always was a micro-manager."

It's an understatement, to say the least. If Ares revels in chaos, then Zeus revels in control. The king of gods thrives on holding all the cards and arranging them to suit his wishes. If having control meant casting his son down from Olympus, then so be it. She doesn't blame Ares for resenting how he was treated, but she also doesn't think he's justified in giving her the cold shoulder because of an innocent comment.

"It seems I've touched a nerve," she murmurs, rising from her seat and smoothing the bodice of her chiton. "I certainly didn't think vacations would be such a...Delicate topic."

She hesitates, half tempted to apologize for her poor humour, but decides against it. She's not sure he'd accept a peace offering at the moment, and if he's just going to stand there and sulk then she's better off leaving him be.

"Shall I leave you to your thoughts?" She purses her lips, studying his broad back as she shifts her weight to her back foot in preparation for turning to leave.
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Post by Niemand 4th March 2018, 12:06 am

His scowl furthered upon her first uttered word. How he had come to loathe that word when coming from her. It had been cute when she'd thought she was a step ahead of him and not wanting to give anything away. Now, he didn't care for it. Almost believing she agreed with Zeus and it caused his jaw to tighten. Her follow up words only ease him and his ego slightly. He had snorted at the understatement of the eons.

As his face was turned away from the woman, Ares didn't see any of the emotions showing in the shift of body language. He does hear the shifting of her dress and keeps his gaze averted. The tiniest of flinched betrayed his nerves as she said the word vacation and delicate . Anger blossoms again as his scowl deepens. He is reminded of Athena and the way she'd called him delicate. Naturally, their father took her side. The reminder caused his fingers to dig into the flesh of his biceps. Uncaring how much of a petulant child he appeared to be or came off as.

Whipping his head around he would have given himself whiplash had he been mortal. Part of him wants to see how much it took to push her away, to break whatever they had beyond measure. Another deeper part he hardly ever acknowledged, wanted to cling to her. He didn't want her to go. His eyes narrow as he states, "That depends."

It depended on what side of him won out. It depended if she could be as patient as she was lauded to be. Droping his arms he again wished for his sword. It made such a convient rest for his hand.

"We know why you decided to join me here." He gestured about them before focusing his gaze on the woman intently. "Why did you stay?"
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Post by Holly 4th March 2018, 12:48 am

She's almost afraid he's going to hurt himself, the way his fingers dimple the skin of his arms. She's glad he's not holding on to her because she doubts she'd come away without a bruise.

His eyes narrow and he drops his arms to his sides, his tantrum already forgotten in favour of questioning her motives. It seems a favourite past time of his to pick apart her every move, and for once she doesn't mind. Better that he's analyzing her than losing his temper.

"It hardly matters now, does it?" she shrugs, canting her head to the side. "What's done is done."

Her hands twitch ever so slightly as she fights her instinct to cross her arms or put her hands on her hips. She might as well announce her discomfort if she plays into her old tells. He knows her too well, and she has to tread carefully to avoid showing her hand.

"If I was intruding, you should have said something." She isn't admonishing him, just stating a fact. It's a cop-out, in a way, taken straight from his own playbook. Answering him honestly isn't something she's comfortable doing, and it's about time he had a taste of his own medicine.

Better that than admitting that his company was much preferable to being alone with her thoughts for even a minute more. If she told him he'd be insufferable, and then she'd really have no other option but to keep her own company and worry herself in circles for days on end.




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