A green and pleasant land

[Hecate]

Aerie

[ Hecate was about to come say goodbye to Alison, when Athena LOUDLY objected to Demeter going ANYwhere with Persephone and so Hecate turned back to see Persephone become downright indignant. if she didnt listen to Demeter, Hecate was prepared to block Persephone and Athena from EACH OTHER. Athena would MANGLE almost anyone she faced in combat...COMBAT was her platform after all but it didnt need to come to this....and Morgan appealed to Persephone.]

that's right...Demeter is not in any physical danger, despite being outside the realm of Themyscria.

[ beside her precognition, she also acknowledged Persephone's time with Darkchilde, the MoE and her time with the Six up until now...all of this COUPLED with the passing of centuries earned Persephone at least the BENEFIT of the doubt...and if it were ANYONE ELSE, Athena would have known that too but even the Goddess of wisdom had an achilles heel and the subject of Persephone murdering Demeter was HER'S.]

It'll be allright Athena...witches honor.

[ she didnt begrudge Perspehone her fronting off of Athena. that personal feud was between THEM as it has always been. HER issues with Persephone had been addressed and they were on their road to mending their friendship. but not until Perspehone finally walked with Demeter did Hecate lower her hands, no longer needing to create a barrier between them.]

now come over here...Alison is leaving...and while I have NEVER been one to let someone like Haleigh run me away from a gathering, I can respect the Harbinger's unique and marble hard heart. that doesnt mean WE can't enjoy SOMETHING about returning to this island. If these young boys :: gesturing casually at Nicolas and Mike:: want to offer some of this world's cuisine...let's enjoy it. we havent really eaten anything interesting in what...4000 years?

[ she looked at Morgan and Karen]

you're going to LOVE the rotunda, my children. Circe had excellent taste if nothing else...and while its MORE than sprawling enough to house everyone, i think it would be better suited to have everyone construct their own little areas around the island, with an area of the rotunda serving as a grand meeting hall, much like the grand hall in mount olympus were we would gather.

[ Hecate wasnt herself a true Olympian but rather a TITAN...a fact that Hera wouldnt HESITATE to bring up in many a catfights but she STILL managed to have a statue erected in the pantheon right along side the rest of the "BONAFIED Olympians"]

 

[Black Widow]

Somehow I think you wouldn't have it any other way.

Delilah joked. Haleigh stared somberly at the water, shaking her head gently.

"It doesn't matter."

She says quietly, shifting her weight. Suddenly she clearly wanted to drop the subject. Delilah reassured her that the others DID care about her.... and Haleigh nodded slowly.

"Yeah. [pausing pensively] Well, some of them do, anyways."

I wish I could be more like you. You don't care what anyone else thinks.

Haleigh smiled wistfully as Delilah got to her feet again.

"If only that were true..... trust me Delilah.... you don't want to be anything like me. Being the polar opposite of me is about the ONLY thing you've got going for you right now, in their eyes. You can't RUSH forgiveness by being a doormat, Delilah.... it'll be over EVENTUALLY.... it takes time, like all matters of the heart. They'll get over it. They'll forgive you when they're READY.... they'll probably never FORGET about it... and they're prone to throwing it in your face when they're upset with you.... but it'll get better."

Delilah offered to leave and bring Haleigh some food.... Haleigh leaned to her left and propped herself up with one arm.

"No thanks.... I've got a little while until the food will be ready.... I'll get a plate for myself. [pausing] You know..... you don't have to go.... I mean, if you promise not to talk about your feeeeelings or anything... we could just.... relax."

 

[MorningStar]

Delilah smiled. "Oh thank god. I think I need a few minutes at least before I have to go get the silent evil stare treatment from Hecate, Karen and Morgan..."

She sat back down, then stretched out, looking up at the moon.

"Alison went back to Minerva's, fyi."

 

[Demeter]

"Of course I know you wouldn't hurt me! I know what you've endored since your time on Mount Olympus. I know how you've grown as a person...but what I don't understand is WHY you continue this battle with Athena?"

:: Demeter grabbed both of Persephone's wrists, trying to stop her and talk some sense into her. ::

Persephone: "Me?! She was MORE than willing to strap on her battle armor and tango, MOTHER. Why don't you ask HER. [scoffing] This is unbelieveable. I just got done fighting for my LIFE, having it revealed that I can't go BACK to that life, and loosing two comrads of mine..and i'm standing here, arguing about something that happened thousands of years ago when I should really be with my team. But, noo, that BITCH [gesturing toward Athena] HAD to bring up the past."

:: Demeter sighed. Closing her eyes, she nodded, understanding the feud between Athena and her daughter would never truly be resolved...it was unfortunate since both of them were her family and she loved both of them dearly. But she understood Persephone's anger, just as she understood Athenas. Opening her eyes, Demeter took Persephone's face with both hands, stopping her from moving and allowing their eyes to meet. ::

"The past is exactly that...the PAST. Athena...she doesn't want to admit it, but she's more like you than she realizes. She's stubborn and relentless...passionate and protective to a fault. She may not trust you, but I do. I see that you have changed...I can see it in your eyes. They used to be so dark and full of hate, but now, I can see the Persephone that everyone here has grown to know and love. My daughter. You might roll your eyes at me or try to push me away, but I know that's only because you feel guilt over what had happened. That you don't want to show weakness....Being a sociopath doesn't make you stronger or more powerful than anyone else, having compassion and learning from you past mistakes DOES."

:: Demeter could see Persephone's eyes soften as she spoke. It was difficult for anyone to face someone they had murderered...especially if that person was their own mother. Persephone grasped Demeter's hands that were still on her cheeks and closed her eyes. ::

Persephone: "I know you're trying to help, but...it's still hard looking into your eyes and remembering what I did to you. I used to brag to people about it....I would relish in the fact that I killed the 'mighty Demeter'. But I guess...as much as I hate to admit it...these people [the six] have allowed me to open my heart without feeling like i'm weak...and because of that, it hurts to know what I did to you. And for you to stand here now, and be willing to help me and my friends...I don't understand how you don't suit up like Athena and want to kill me as well."

:: Demeter smiled warmly, FINALLY getting some real emotions from Persephone. It had only taken...oh, four thousand years, give or take a few decades. She was incredibly greatful for the six, AND Darkchilde, for somehow bringing out her REAL daughter again...and not the hollow shell of hate and evil that she had turned into. ::

"Now see....THIS is the Persephone that I know and love. I could never hate you, and you may not believe it...but Athena doesn't hate you either. She was burned badly by what had happened, and it takes time for that to heal. As for me...[brushing a curl away from Persephone's face] I've never stopped believing that the REAL you would return back to me. I don't hate you..and I never have. Yooouu [playfully nudging her] just need to start believing that. Alright?"

:: Embracing Persephone, she held her tightly, running her hand down her daughters mass of hair. ::

Persephone: "I'll try....but Athena can still go to hell."

:: Both woman laughed as Demeter pulled away, looking at Persephone with a smile. ::

"One step at a time I suppose.."

 

[Rampage]

Mike listened silently as everything occurred around him. Like Alycia, he had no illusions about his power level compared to everyone else here. But he knew that he could be of some help, having no metagene could be an asset in a recon situation for example, and with more training from Haleigh...still he sent a message to Nicolas.

How will I fit in now? You guys are quite a bit beyond me...

No problem. You had a limited arsenal due to your role and how it would have been compromised. In this new role, you will be MUCH more capable in terms of weaponry. Now, come, let's eat and talk later. Lord knows we have LOTS of time.

Mike coolly walked over to the grill area. Nicolas was telekinetically de-veining the shrimp, and preparing them along the large scallops and succulent mahi-mahi on the grill. There was another section that was large flat-iron, basically, and Mike sliced zucchini, squash, sweet onions, and mushrooms that would inhabit that while he put the jasmine rice on the burner. Nicolas had already communicated to him that it would be an Oriental diet night, complete with a large salad of mixed greens and some of the best Ginger dressing to be found. Everything had a light taste of ginger and teryaki as the men worked hard to please the women in their life. As the fire grew hotter, the shirts came off and they both smiled knowingly as they flexed, knowing that at least 3 ladies would be looking intently (Morgan, Karen, and HECATE!) as they worked.

In a few minutes, the table was set, with a feast that would make anyone's mouth water: seafood grilled to perfection with a large bowl of lightly seasoned fried rice with beansprouts and peas, a large salad and ginger dressing, and a dessert of sauteed apple slices in butter, ginger, and brown sugar complemented by french vanilla ice cream from the cooler...and Nicolas and Mike called everyone to the table in unison.

Ladies!! Come and get it! We hope you like...

 

[Persephone]

:: Persephone looked past Demeter, hearing Nicolas call to everyone, saying the food was ready. He was shirtless...as was Mike. Rolling her eyes, did these boys EVER not flirt? ::

"I didn't realize Chipendales came with the Aerie package...[shaking her head] You'll get used to their random acts of flirtations."

Demeter: "Well, they are rather handsome. I'm surprised you--"

"Don't EVEN say it."

:: Demeter grinned, taking Persephone's hand and rubbing it with her other. ::

Demeter: "Alright, alright. But there's no harm in looking.."

"Yes...yes there is. So stop, before I loose my appitite."

:: Shaking her head, Persephone shuddered at the thought of her mother oogling Mike or Nicolas, but soon smiled realizing she just had a 'normal' moment with her without feeling uncomfortable or withdrawn. Looking at Demeter, it was apparent she realized the same thing. ::

"So...would you like to stay for the barbeque? I'm not sure how long you, Hecate, and Athena were planning on staying..?"

Demeter: "I'll stay for as long as I can. And of course i'll join you. I would love to get to know your friends better."

:: Nodding, both Persephone and Demeter began to make their way back to the group. ::

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh laughed as Delilah admitted needing a few minutes reprieve from Karen, Morgan, and Hecate.

"You and me BOTH.... besides... it's so peaceful here... I spent so much time in the city.... I'd forgotten how calming the outdoors were. When I was growing up, there was this huge pond at the edge of our property [Delilah would remember it from a couple of Haleigh's flashbacks].... whenever I was frustrated or sad.... no matter how bad I felt... I could always take refuge there. It was so tranquil... it had a way of soothing the soul, you know?"

She said softly, reminiscing about a time when life was kinder to her and even her troubles were simpler. Delilah let her know that Alison had left to go back to her home at Minerva's old place.

"Yeah.... I can see why she wouldn't want to stick around for dinner..... [after a beat] She doesn't eat.... so sitting around while the rest of us did would be kind of awkward."

She joked. Time seemed to pass quickly.... Haleigh could FEEL her surroundings lulling her into a serene trance.... she was so exhausted.... and the sounds of the jungle combined with the steady flow of the brook became the best kind of solace... it was so dulcifying that Haleigh began to look dangerously close to drifting off into a light slumber, until she suddenly perked up.

"Mmm.... do you SMELL that?? I think--[pausing to hear the distant call of Nicolas] Yep..... the food's ready."

She said, climbing to her feet and offering a hand to help Delilah up.

"What do you say.... shall we go brave the firing squad? I bet you $100 Morgan only eats salad."

 

[Seer]

and finally

<< in a rare occurrence, one of many this evening, the goddesses opted to STAY...even though Hecate and Athena would have enjoyed using Haleigh for TARGET PRACTICE... the goddesses dined with the humans under the starry night sky on the spacious, sprawling isle of aerie. it was an unexpected but welcomed end to a nightmare that had climaxed to an almost fatal conclusion....the Six would do well to remember that even when they THOUGHT they were truly alone..they werent and this group of individuals had done more to earn the favor of "higher powers" than perhaps any supposed "christian" or other earth bound religious figure.>>

<< many losses had been sustained, and how now physical deaths had occurred...the death of their way of life was enough of a group casualty to require some downtime, some healing...some adjustment. SOME among them, like Sharon Kelly and Alycia Barnett could not cope with just being on Aerie and so they would recover in Themyscria, a fitting reward for two extraordinary women...even if THEY didnt think themselves as such.>>

<< at the splendid gathering goddesses, mutants and witches congregated...some more willing to let go of the animosity toward haleigh than others...but Delilah was perhaps the most fortunate. Not only had she survived the sentinels, but she survived the fall out of a betrayed Morgan, Alison and Karen who were perhaps second only to HECATE and ATHENA when it came to holding grudges. >>

<< Delilah made poor choices and caused a deep rift in the "family unit" she had long enjoyed since she was a young girl. but she would learn a lesson that several others before her had already learned and join the ranks of every other person on the team that had made poor choices and suffered the fall out.>>

<< time heals all wounds and forgiveness comes like the winds...sweeping over all and sweeping away the last remains of bitterness...we see it as Persephone breaks bread with her mother Demeter for the first time in centuries. we see it as Hecate stays on this plane of existence longer than five minutes...but most of all we see the flicker of forgiveness in the hearts of Morgan and Karen towards a woman who they know to be their sister/daughter...Delilah.>>

<< a year has passed, many have come and gone and the team is now at the end of one chapter , about to begin a new chapter...>>

<< and so we watch.>>