There is nothing more tiresome than to be in the presence of extended family. But the most annoying family of them all just so happens to be a chaotic mess of immortal gods.

That is why the goddess of the moon refuses to come to more than a handful of summons per year. But this one is important, at least to her. This one holds the fate of both a friend and the fate of the man that she loves in its' palms.

Olympus is a glittering city year-round. White, ornate columns. Untarnished marble and gold at every glance. Flawless statues designed and created by the greatest of the craft. Vines and forgotten flowers from the gardens of old grow naturally in the unnatural place.

The alternate plane that the home of the gods rests has never been simple to describe. A floating island almost, set in its' own world with stars that the mortals will never see at every horizon. Olympus has always been a strange place. And it has never quite felt like home.

"Selene!"

The woman jumps as a pair of hairs wrap around her, but she relaxes into the embrace of the goddess of the hunt. The younger goddess' chin rests on her shoulder and Selene grins as she hugs her as best as she can from inside her arms.

Artemis is a few hundred years younger than her, same as Apollo. Yet her siblings had brought a new light into Olympus that had made the century before she left more tolerable.

"I did not know you would be coming?"

"It has been some time. Besides, I care for these matters."

"The mortal, then, he still lives?"

Selene nods to her sister, an awfully strong blush trying to climb in her cheeks. Artemis could ala it laugh. Almost. She knows how much this boy means to her sister, regardless of who or what he is, and she won't dare tease her for her feelings.

The rest of the family is not entirely shocked that Selene has appeared. She tends to do that often, but she has her reasons for creating a distance. Nonetheless, most are excited to see her home again.

"First item to discuss," Zeus yells out, pulling the room of immortals into silence.

"As requested," Hera reads, "the extended captivity of the goddess Calypso."

"What of it?" Ares sneers, "she put herself in that situation."

"Or so you believe," Selene states.

The entire meeting freezes. The moon goddess' appearances are rare, but her actually participating in said meetings is essentially nonexistent.

Selene's dark eyes glance over the god of war with hesitation, her teeth tugging on her bottom lip.

"Poseidon's pet project was the one who showed man how to capture her. You cannot blame Calypso for thinking her love was true."

"You dare to blame me?"

The king of the sea nearly screams. Veins in his forehead almost busting from his skull.

"Of course not, Uncle. You are at no fault for your creation's failures. But surely you miss the other half of the seas."

That shut him up. None of the gods would dare say that they did not wish for more power. Poseidon has had his one rule of the seas ever since Calypso's imprisonment. But if he were to confess to guiding Jones to the way to capturing a goddess it would surely screw him over.

The desire for power is just one of the many traps that most of the older gods fall to. None can claim that they do not desire more. Just as the gods can not claim that they were all fully loyal to their partners. The twins, herself, they are all forever-living proof.

"We merely propose that it is time for us to step in to help Calypso regain her freedom."

Tyche stands near Aura. The minor goddesses coming together for their friend.

"Why not free her ourselves?" Apollo questions.

"The powers used to bind Calypso can only be undone by mankind," Selene answers, eyes softening on the sun god.

The meeting breaks into chatter and arguing as the gods chose their sides.

"How do you propose we nudge humanity into setting Calypso free, Selene?"

Selene faces her father, a small smile taking to her lips.

"I propose that I use the connections that I have in the mortal realm to guide certain men to the conclusion that they can and should release her. Nyx has had a vision — the world of men will soon enter a war of pirates versus sailors. The outcome is undetermined, but I have a strong connection with her vision. And if I succeed, Calypso will be free and the war will be over shortly."

"What do you think?"

The question is directed toward Athena, the strategist of war. Yet there is Ares, ready to give his piece and the joy of a coming war already brings an arrogant smirk to his face.

"It could work. Yes, I suppose it will."

But the grey eyes of the tall woman stick to the moon goddess' and her voice fills Selene's head — as long as you do not grow too distracted.

A blush rises in her cheeks but Selene nods anyways. She can manage a few years with him, especially if her presence could be the reason that he survives.

"Then we have an agreement. Selene, you may go through with this plan yours."

And she bows her head, sitting back on her throne with a smile. But there are the butterflies that are an ever living reminder of the man who put them there. And a threat of the feelings that have yet to fade and what could become of them...

The waves crashed against the rocky beaches of Port Royal. Sea birds fly between the clouds and around the masts of the ships, guiding on the warm gusts of air lifting them higher. In the haze of the morning, a soft mist claims the land on the edge of the sea as its own. There, in the wake of the waves, lies a woman gasping for breath as the cold of the sea challenges her resilience.

"Look, sir!"

A young voice breaks through the violence. The young woman's arms quake as she attempts to pull herself out of the sea, a few pieces of wrecked wood washing up behind her.

"Miss!"

A man comes into view from the fog, either that or her vision has faded to a permanent bog. A warm coat is wrapped around her and he drags her out of the sea's reach while yelling for help.

She continues to shake as a few of the younger sailors come and carry her into one of the buildings in the port town.

The young woman wakes a few hours later in a warm bed with an older woman sitting near her by a fire.

"Where am I?"

The older woman turns to her almost shocked.

"Why you're in the Yonder Inn in Port Royal, dear. Where on earth did you come from?"

"My father and I were sailing to one of the colonies? I think that there was fire, and I was placed in one of the dingys. Did you find no one else?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry my dear, the boys said that all they found was a few pieces of wreckage."

"Oh," the young woman says, looking at her hands. The older woman stands and takes her hands in her own, squeezing them tight before leaving the room.

The young woman shifts instantly, distressed features becoming cool as she examines the room more closely. Her frock is near the fire, but the way that I leans more to the right leads her to know that her dagger is still inside of the pocket. Her eyes grow cold and she climbs out of the bed and to the window in the room. Looking out she can just barely see the ship on the edge of the horizon. Her ship.

"Oh, dear-"

The young woman turns back around quickly, a small smile painting her lips with an odd sense of security.

"Sorry to disturb you, but the Gov'ner's daughter would like to see you?"

"Oh that's alright," she grins as the girl just a year or so younger than her enters the room. She puts on her frock, and her palm wraps around her blade instantly.

"Elizabeth Swann."

"Olivia Founders."

"I heard of your situation and was wondering if I could help you at all? Maybe find a relative or something?"

"I'm afraid my only family is gone, but thank you for the offer, Miss Swann."

"Then how about a job?"

"Pardon?"

The young woman's brows rise at the suggestion of the girl. How dangerous, she thinks.

"I've been searching for someone my age to be my personal attendant. I believe I can help you out, and that we could be friends Miss Founders."

"Oh-"

"And please, call me Elizabeth."

"Olivia."

But the woman that grins at Elizabeth is not a girl named Olivia Founders, for Olivia Founders died a week ago on a passing from England. This woman, this woman is a trick, a facade, and a pirate - Captain Octavia Flores to be exact. Oh, and she has been planning this very moment for oh so long now...

08.21.2022

runs away giggling like a mad man

hope that you like it so far <3