Mortal Longings ((Full))

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Iona closed the flask of nectar and set it aside carefully, then wrapped both arms protectively around her sleeping friend as she looked up at Athena. "My Lady... Thank you for saving us," she said softly, bowing her head in respect, still unable to fully believe that the goddess had come herself to rescue them from Zeus's wrath.

 

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Athena

Athena smiled and knelt in front of Iona, tilting her chin up to look into her eyes. "You are more important than you may think, child. And your pure heart interests me. Never have I met a child of the love gods as pure and innocent as you. You do not seek help from your own ancestors, but from the goddesses of purity, wisdom, and maidenhood... It's very interesting. I am eager to see what decisions you will make next."

Athena looked down at Mari and brushed her hair back from her eyes, her expression becoming a bit more sad. "Such a lonely life this one leads, in spite of the gift her mother's blood gives her... Keep an eye on her, Iona. And be cautious, child. It's a strange world you've entered." She kissed Iona's forehead softly and stood, fading into the night. "You have my protection," Athena whispered as she vanished.

 

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Iona

Iona sat in silence for a few moments after the goddess left, noticing that Athena had left a bundle sitting in front of her on the grass. She didn't have to look to know it would contain a small amount of nectar and ambrosia; the food and drink of the gods to be used only in the most dire of emergencies by mortals.

She smiled and petted Leirivious's heads softly to try and calm him. "Yes, Tyrinus, I'm just fine... I think Mari just needs some rest and she'll be okay." Iona bit her lip and sighed softly. "I should make a sacrifice to Athena when I get the chance next... She's the kindest of the gods I've met so far..." Iona stood and gently draped Mari over Leirivious's back, picked up the small parcel, then beckoned both Tyrinus and Leirivious back to the cave. "We should probably retire for the night... Before we attract any more unwanted attention."

 

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Iona

Iona arranged Mari on the stone shelf and sat next to her, looking at the sleeping girl's face as she answered Tyrinus. "She wanted to protect me..." She smiled very slightly. "Somehow I'll find a way to repay her... And Artemis... And Athena..." Iona laid down on the stone and curled up close to Mari, thinking over her last sentence. 'Sacrifices would probably do for Artemis and Athena... But I must do something more personal for Mari. I can't imagine how awkward making a sacrifice to your traveling companion would be... As soon as I can, I will buy her a gift. Perhaps Tyrinus could help me...' With that thought, Iona fell asleep in spite of the discomfort of lying on stone.

 

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Iona

Iona woke slowly the next morning, puzzled as to why she felt something soft and warm beneath her instead of the rocks she knew she'd fallen asleep on. She could feel Mari in her arms, and could hear... snoring?

She opened her eyes and tilted her head, choking back a giggle when she saw that Leirivious had somehow wedged himself underneath her and Mari, letting them use his enormous body as a bed. His heads all snored to different rhythms, which made it sound almost like music. "Silly doggie," she mumbled, shifting slightly and looking down at Mari. The girl seemed to be deeply asleep still. Not wanting to move too much or speak too loudly for fear of waking either of them, she whispered into the cave, "Tyrinus?"

 

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Iona

Iona smiled slightly at the guardian before asking, "What time is it? I would look outside, but I don't want to wake them." She glanced at Mari and Leirivious, biting back another giggle at how silly the dog's lolling heads looked.

 

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Iona

Iona gasped and felt her face flush, but not only from embarrassment this time. There was plenty of that, of course; she was embarrassed that Tyrinus got to see Mari toy with her. But there was something else... A strangely pleasant but aching desire for more...

Shaking it off, Iona rolled her eyes and sat up. "Seems someone recovered just fine..." Her eyes softened as she looked at the girl. "How are you feeling, Mari?"

 

[Dreaming_Drifter]

Iona

"My hero," Iona said to Mari, only half-joking. She got up and stretched a bit, looking down at herself in slight distaste. "Ugh... I still can't believe I left my father's house so unprepared... Mari, do you think there's a place in that strange metal city where we can buy clothing? Drachmas are still the main currency, right?"