-_- Just realized I have more in student loans to pay back than I originally thought. This is depressing. Instead of $5500, I have $11000. Still no job, no responses to applications. Will have to put this other loan on unemp defer, as well. NOT looking forward to paying yet MORE money. Sigh. Oh well. It's time for some Aoede!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Slapping her arms against the chair she was sitting in, Jane stood to gather her papers and pen. She took them to her mini office and settled down at the desk. Frowning slightly, tongue sticking out, she determinedly set pen to paper and began to work on her song once again. She kept her original copy near to use some of the images from it.
"The earth quivers
But even in its fear
It cannot hide itself
From the scouring forces of nature
Which strip away the hope of new life
Nature's work leaves nothing more
Than a sweeping expanse of barren earth
A fallow field waiting
For rain that cannot come,
So its flowers cannot grow
Surrounding the field is inky, stagnant water
Hiding the unknown
Promising both life and destruction
If only it could flow
But while the depths are dark
The surface reflects a distant haze
The horizon burns red-orange
Approaching ever closer is a cleansing fire
Destroying and cleansing all in its path
Spitting and hissing, sparks flying
The fire roars inexorably forward"
Smiling, Jane carefully re-read what she'd written. It was different from the original, but conveyed more of what she was looking to. Satisfied, not wanting to push the limits too much, she stashed the papers inside her desk and went out for a walk. The song was much closer to done that it had been before, and she had quite a few more concrete ideas that when she'd first begun to write it.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Life Isn't Fair
Justice
Sometimes it doesn't
Turn out how we want it
So when they tell you life
Isn't fair
Just listen
Make sure you never cross a faerie ring. You can call them cylch y Tylwyth Teg if you want, but that's just a fancy name for trouble. I stepped off the forest path in search of mushrooms and saw the circle. Naturally, I was curious and decided to wait until the elf returned. Several hours later, a sprightly, jolly little fellow came traipsing back, bearing something in a basket. To this day, I don't know what it was. But I thought I could catch this bundle of mischief, so I lunged at him. In the process I stepped into the ring. The magic set my skin tingling, raising goose flesh along every bit of exposed skin. Not knowing what happened, I tried to step back out and found myself blocked, unable to pass. There was no physical barrier, mind you, but nonetheless I could not step past. I heard a noise behind me and, on the verge of panic, I spun around to see what it could be.
Sometimes it doesn't
Turn out how we want it
So when they tell you life
Isn't fair
Just listen
Make sure you never cross a faerie ring. You can call them cylch y Tylwyth Teg if you want, but that's just a fancy name for trouble. I stepped off the forest path in search of mushrooms and saw the circle. Naturally, I was curious and decided to wait until the elf returned. Several hours later, a sprightly, jolly little fellow came traipsing back, bearing something in a basket. To this day, I don't know what it was. But I thought I could catch this bundle of mischief, so I lunged at him. In the process I stepped into the ring. The magic set my skin tingling, raising goose flesh along every bit of exposed skin. Not knowing what happened, I tried to step back out and found myself blocked, unable to pass. There was no physical barrier, mind you, but nonetheless I could not step past. I heard a noise behind me and, on the verge of panic, I spun around to see what it could be.
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Bitch Before the Booze
Okay, so I'm not really bitching. In fact, I'm not bitching at all. Nope, I'm just putting up some sentences for the week.
June 19
Like a lion stalking across the plains, she crept up on her prey, oblivious to the noise she was making.
June 20
"Panda!" cooed the little girl, holding her arms out for the stuffed toy.
June 21
"I hope I don't need to go through the 'if you want to live' speech."
June 22
Make sure you never cross a faerie circle.
June 23
I grinned sheepishly and raised my hands in a "how should I know" gesture.
June 24
"There's a 30% chance of severe thunderstorms every day for the next week."
Jun3 25
Survival of the dumbest, that's the law of the day.
June 19
Like a lion stalking across the plains, she crept up on her prey, oblivious to the noise she was making.
June 20
"Panda!" cooed the little girl, holding her arms out for the stuffed toy.
June 21
"I hope I don't need to go through the 'if you want to live' speech."
June 22
Make sure you never cross a faerie circle.
June 23
I grinned sheepishly and raised my hands in a "how should I know" gesture.
June 24
"There's a 30% chance of severe thunderstorms every day for the next week."
Jun3 25
Survival of the dumbest, that's the law of the day.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Aoede
Aoede looked at Jane, her face carefully blank. "Aoede, don't say anything. I know Rhea doesn't like you, I just don't know why. But I guess we're all entitled to our feelings. Could you stay a bit longer and help me out with this piece?"
"Of course. I can stay for a bit, but then I do have to leave as well."
"Sure, sure. I have to ask, though. How come I don't feel all twitchy, like I need to write something? I mean, last time you," she coughed, "popped in, I did."
"Probably because this time you're really putting effort into working on the piece. As I have said before, I can't inspire those who don't want it. But I have been told my presence can have that effect on people."
Jane nodded. "Okay, so. Colors. I know you mentioned the different between cool and warm colors. But I think I should stick with warmer ones. Reds and oranges can be really ominous, as well as black. But then, they can also be really hopeful. Hm."
Aoede crossed her arms and smiled slightly. Jane blinked and started writing on her paper. Red-orange of new dawn... Inky water reflecting hopeful rays... Crackling/burning fire, sending furious sparks, eating away... dark soil, renewed and rich... Sun peeks over horizon... Jane continued to write down ideas for several more minutes. When she was done, she held out the sheet to Aoede, who shook her head. "I'm here to suggest and inspire, not critique overmuch. If you think it's good, and you think it has a place in your song, then you will write it in. Otherwise, it will be left out. Now, I do apologize, but I must be going. I have an appointment with my sisters."
"Thank you for your help. You really have given me some things to think about for my song."
"You're quite welcome," Aoede responded. She put her glass on the kitchen counter and, with a wave, she disappeared.
Jane slumped down into a chair. "Well," she mused softely, "that was certainly more interested that what I had planned to do today."
"Of course. I can stay for a bit, but then I do have to leave as well."
"Sure, sure. I have to ask, though. How come I don't feel all twitchy, like I need to write something? I mean, last time you," she coughed, "popped in, I did."
"Probably because this time you're really putting effort into working on the piece. As I have said before, I can't inspire those who don't want it. But I have been told my presence can have that effect on people."
Jane nodded. "Okay, so. Colors. I know you mentioned the different between cool and warm colors. But I think I should stick with warmer ones. Reds and oranges can be really ominous, as well as black. But then, they can also be really hopeful. Hm."
Aoede crossed her arms and smiled slightly. Jane blinked and started writing on her paper. Red-orange of new dawn... Inky water reflecting hopeful rays... Crackling/burning fire, sending furious sparks, eating away... dark soil, renewed and rich... Sun peeks over horizon... Jane continued to write down ideas for several more minutes. When she was done, she held out the sheet to Aoede, who shook her head. "I'm here to suggest and inspire, not critique overmuch. If you think it's good, and you think it has a place in your song, then you will write it in. Otherwise, it will be left out. Now, I do apologize, but I must be going. I have an appointment with my sisters."
"Thank you for your help. You really have given me some things to think about for my song."
"You're quite welcome," Aoede responded. She put her glass on the kitchen counter and, with a wave, she disappeared.
Jane slumped down into a chair. "Well," she mused softely, "that was certainly more interested that what I had planned to do today."
Inclement Weather Watch
It's 6:30 and we just had some epic storms roll through. However, there is still a severe storm watch, not to mention some tornado warnings about. So I'm going to try to update this evening, but if I cannot then it's because something probably happened to the power after I made this post.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday Night Poetry
On Friday, July 2, I will be closing the voting for which paragraph(s) to expand. If you wish to have input, feel free to make a most. You can cast your vote in any post I have made, since I read them all.
The Breakdown of Soul
The breakdown of the soul
Is both fast and slow.
It can come in little bits,
Like shark flakes of obsidian,
Slicing away.
But it sometimes come in heaps,
A landslide of negativity.
Sometimes we lost bits of it
Every day.
A piece here.
A bit there.
Until there is nothing left
But a
Shell
She looked at the man across from her. "Every time you have some little trouble, some meaningless triviality, you come to me. You expect constant sympathy, little things to make you feel better. You want me to be a fount of strong, expressive, pithy little bits of wisdom. Well, I hate to break it to you, but I have my own problems to deal with. And right now, they are far more pressing than anything you whine about. Basically, what I'm trying to tell you is this: You'll have to come back some other time if you want me to say something poignant."
The Breakdown of Soul
The breakdown of the soul
Is both fast and slow.
It can come in little bits,
Like shark flakes of obsidian,
Slicing away.
But it sometimes come in heaps,
A landslide of negativity.
Sometimes we lost bits of it
Every day.
A piece here.
A bit there.
Until there is nothing left
But a
Shell
She looked at the man across from her. "Every time you have some little trouble, some meaningless triviality, you come to me. You expect constant sympathy, little things to make you feel better. You want me to be a fount of strong, expressive, pithy little bits of wisdom. Well, I hate to break it to you, but I have my own problems to deal with. And right now, they are far more pressing than anything you whine about. Basically, what I'm trying to tell you is this: You'll have to come back some other time if you want me to say something poignant."
Friday, June 18, 2010
I'm feeling special today
It's Friday, so time for the weekly sentence marathon! Sorry for the late post. Been getting distracted really easy today.
June 12
I would ride you like a four-winged dragon, but it would still be unobtanium.
June 13
I'm sorry, but you seem to have me confused with someone who knows what you're talking about.
June 14
If you can't figure it out, even with the clues, then we need to figure out where you're going wrong.
June 15
"You'll have to come back some other time if you want me to say something poignant."
June 16
She rubbed her hands together, an evil grin plastered on her face.
June 17
The tiny fae flitted from flower to flower, shedding sparkles in her distress.
June 18
I am the Porno Queen and you will kiss my stiletto!
June 12
I would ride you like a four-winged dragon, but it would still be unobtanium.
June 13
I'm sorry, but you seem to have me confused with someone who knows what you're talking about.
June 14
If you can't figure it out, even with the clues, then we need to figure out where you're going wrong.
June 15
"You'll have to come back some other time if you want me to say something poignant."
June 16
She rubbed her hands together, an evil grin plastered on her face.
June 17
The tiny fae flitted from flower to flower, shedding sparkles in her distress.
June 18
I am the Porno Queen and you will kiss my stiletto!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Aoede
Aoede stared into her glass of water as she asked mildly, "How are they conflicting images?"
"As I just said, they evoke completely different responses! Fire is something powerful, sure, but it also inspires fear. Houses burning down, lives ruined, forests razed, etc. Water is more calming, a quiet force. Everything that happens around water is done beneath the surface."
Jane frowned. "I think you're looking at it the wrong way, Rhea. Those are different sides of fire and water, yes. But Aoede has a point. Both of them are important symbols of life and death. I mean, if you look at religions, many belief systems feel that both elements purify things. That's more in line with what I'm thinking. Cleansing, refreshing, rebuilding."
Rhea shrugged, but spared an unfriendly look at Aoede. "Certainly. Do what you think is best, Jane, dear. It's your song and I want you to be completely happy with it."
"You know, Jane, you might want to include some color imagery. It's only a suggestion, but different colors evoke different feelings. Rhea has a point. You want to evoke emotion, so that people understand where you're coming from. Cooler colors, such as greens and blues and purples are more calming and restful. Warmer colors, reds, oranges, yellows, and the like, are more lively and vibrant. If you play with color imagery it could add a different aspect to your song. For example, the distant fire colors the sky in splashes of red and orange. As the sun sets, it's beautiful. But coming from a fire, it is more ominous. It's just something to think about."
Jane nodded. "I never thought of that. Thanks Aoede." She wrote the word colors on her sheet of paper.
"Well," groaned Rhea, standing, "I think it's time for me to go. I do have things to do. Jane, it's been wonderful to see you. Aoede, I would like to say it has been a pleasure, but instead I'll say it's been interesting." She nodded to both of them, went to put her glass in the sink, and left the apartment.
"As I just said, they evoke completely different responses! Fire is something powerful, sure, but it also inspires fear. Houses burning down, lives ruined, forests razed, etc. Water is more calming, a quiet force. Everything that happens around water is done beneath the surface."
Jane frowned. "I think you're looking at it the wrong way, Rhea. Those are different sides of fire and water, yes. But Aoede has a point. Both of them are important symbols of life and death. I mean, if you look at religions, many belief systems feel that both elements purify things. That's more in line with what I'm thinking. Cleansing, refreshing, rebuilding."
Rhea shrugged, but spared an unfriendly look at Aoede. "Certainly. Do what you think is best, Jane, dear. It's your song and I want you to be completely happy with it."
"You know, Jane, you might want to include some color imagery. It's only a suggestion, but different colors evoke different feelings. Rhea has a point. You want to evoke emotion, so that people understand where you're coming from. Cooler colors, such as greens and blues and purples are more calming and restful. Warmer colors, reds, oranges, yellows, and the like, are more lively and vibrant. If you play with color imagery it could add a different aspect to your song. For example, the distant fire colors the sky in splashes of red and orange. As the sun sets, it's beautiful. But coming from a fire, it is more ominous. It's just something to think about."
Jane nodded. "I never thought of that. Thanks Aoede." She wrote the word colors on her sheet of paper.
"Well," groaned Rhea, standing, "I think it's time for me to go. I do have things to do. Jane, it's been wonderful to see you. Aoede, I would like to say it has been a pleasure, but instead I'll say it's been interesting." She nodded to both of them, went to put her glass in the sink, and left the apartment.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Romance
Romance
She has
Eyes like stars, skin soft as a baby
Long, silken hair to twine around your fingers
Perfect breasts and mile-long legs
Delicate fingers and toes
He has
A strong, rugged jaw
With dark eyes to make you swoon
Strong, sculpted chest and arms
A smile to melt the coldest heart
Together they make the perfect couple
They have their fights
They have their make-ups
Their everyday lives that go on and on
But through it all is the romance
Candle-lit dinners, just those two
Slow walks in the park
Nights spent in front of the fire
Holding hands, resting her head on his shoulder
Content just to be together
I was going to do something raunchier for that one. I think, however, I shall save more raunchy stuff for later, hm? :)
The melody drifted in the air around us, powerful, emotional, moving. The lady sung a melody of loss and recovery that swept us away, mesmerizing the entire crowd. Our hearts broke as the music grew sad. We felt lonely, unhappy, and unloved together. And, as the swirling music blended with the singer's voice, we found ourselves healed. It was a slow, slow crescendo until, at least, we unconsciously cried out in exultation at finding happiness again. As the song died, the last few notes fading from the air, the mood in the room remained pensive. No-body clapped, it wasn't appropriate. A few cried still, others wore beaming smiles, and some looked shocked. And as we left, we knew, how we knew, we'd remember the song, if not the people who heard it with us.
She has
Eyes like stars, skin soft as a baby
Long, silken hair to twine around your fingers
Perfect breasts and mile-long legs
Delicate fingers and toes
He has
A strong, rugged jaw
With dark eyes to make you swoon
Strong, sculpted chest and arms
A smile to melt the coldest heart
Together they make the perfect couple
They have their fights
They have their make-ups
Their everyday lives that go on and on
But through it all is the romance
Candle-lit dinners, just those two
Slow walks in the park
Nights spent in front of the fire
Holding hands, resting her head on his shoulder
Content just to be together
I was going to do something raunchier for that one. I think, however, I shall save more raunchy stuff for later, hm? :)
The melody drifted in the air around us, powerful, emotional, moving. The lady sung a melody of loss and recovery that swept us away, mesmerizing the entire crowd. Our hearts broke as the music grew sad. We felt lonely, unhappy, and unloved together. And, as the swirling music blended with the singer's voice, we found ourselves healed. It was a slow, slow crescendo until, at least, we unconsciously cried out in exultation at finding happiness again. As the song died, the last few notes fading from the air, the mood in the room remained pensive. No-body clapped, it wasn't appropriate. A few cried still, others wore beaming smiles, and some looked shocked. And as we left, we knew, how we knew, we'd remember the song, if not the people who heard it with us.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friday Brings with it Small Comforts
June 5
His voice was deep and warm, flowing over me like honey, promising things not spoken of in polite society
June 6
I kept waking up feeling like I'd run a marathon, so one night I decided to pretend to sleep.
June 7
She sat by the telephone, hoping for and dreading the call she knew was coming.
June 8
I never did understand the adage "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all."
June 9
The melody drifted in the air around us, powerful, emotional, stirring.
June 10
It's not a freak show, it's my life.
June 11
Tom felt numb, empty, and hollow after pushing away every unwanted emotion.
His voice was deep and warm, flowing over me like honey, promising things not spoken of in polite society
June 6
I kept waking up feeling like I'd run a marathon, so one night I decided to pretend to sleep.
June 7
She sat by the telephone, hoping for and dreading the call she knew was coming.
June 8
I never did understand the adage "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all."
June 9
The melody drifted in the air around us, powerful, emotional, stirring.
June 10
It's not a freak show, it's my life.
June 11
Tom felt numb, empty, and hollow after pushing away every unwanted emotion.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Aoede (redux)
Okay, well, it's 12:30 AM. I'm still up, though, so it's still Wednesday for me. :)
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Oh, it's no problem," said Jane. "I'll get it for you. Rhea, sit down and drink your wine. I would hate for it to go to waste." The witch-streaked woman glared over the top of her wine glass. It was obvious there was much more she wanted to say on the matter, but it would have to be left for another time. Aoede was already planning a special visit to this "friend" of Jane's.
Aoede wasn't completely sure just why she disliked Rhea. But it almost felt like she was jealous of her charge. Though, whether it was jealousy for being a great musician, or for being visited by a muse, or some other reason she couldn't tell. Regardless of the reason, it made no sense at all. Most people had some sort of creative bent. Most.
"Thank you," said Aoede softly as she accepting the glass of water from Jane.
"Well, I guess now that that's over, we can all be civilized people and let me write my song?"
"Of course. I'm sorry to have been bothersome." Aoede sipped from her glass. "You were going to make a list of images, weren't you?" She studiously ignored Rhea's continued dislike. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Well, yeah. I really like the images I have. But do you think the fire and water motifs might be a bit conflicting?"
Aoede though out it, sipping at her drink. "Not as much as you might think," she said slowly. "Both are strong images. Water and fire can both be destructive, as well as life giving. Water is necessary for life. And fire purifies, returning vital nutrients to the ground so that new plants can grow. They can both also be very beautiful. So you could feasibly use both, though whether or not you will is ultimately up to you..."
Rhea broke in. "I think they conflict. Whatever you say about them both being powerful might be true, they evoke completely different responses."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Oh, it's no problem," said Jane. "I'll get it for you. Rhea, sit down and drink your wine. I would hate for it to go to waste." The witch-streaked woman glared over the top of her wine glass. It was obvious there was much more she wanted to say on the matter, but it would have to be left for another time. Aoede was already planning a special visit to this "friend" of Jane's.
Aoede wasn't completely sure just why she disliked Rhea. But it almost felt like she was jealous of her charge. Though, whether it was jealousy for being a great musician, or for being visited by a muse, or some other reason she couldn't tell. Regardless of the reason, it made no sense at all. Most people had some sort of creative bent. Most.
"Thank you," said Aoede softly as she accepting the glass of water from Jane.
"Well, I guess now that that's over, we can all be civilized people and let me write my song?"
"Of course. I'm sorry to have been bothersome." Aoede sipped from her glass. "You were going to make a list of images, weren't you?" She studiously ignored Rhea's continued dislike. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Well, yeah. I really like the images I have. But do you think the fire and water motifs might be a bit conflicting?"
Aoede though out it, sipping at her drink. "Not as much as you might think," she said slowly. "Both are strong images. Water and fire can both be destructive, as well as life giving. Water is necessary for life. And fire purifies, returning vital nutrients to the ground so that new plants can grow. They can both also be very beautiful. So you could feasibly use both, though whether or not you will is ultimately up to you..."
Rhea broke in. "I think they conflict. Whatever you say about them both being powerful might be true, they evoke completely different responses."
Monday, June 7, 2010
Lazy Monday
The Safety Net
It catches you when you fall
And never makes you feel small
It's the people you know
And the places you go
That make up your support wall
Blah. Just... poetry blah.
"The camp out was great, dad! I really had lots of fun. The bugs weren't all that great, but we had bug juice. And we slept in tents and cooked our own food. But it wasn't what I eat at home. Cuz you can't cook certain things over a fire. At least, not like you can hot dogs. I don't really like hot dogs, they taste funny. You pretend hot dogs taste like chicken nuggets. If you don't, then you're going to end up not eating something cuz you're not going to like it."
It catches you when you fall
And never makes you feel small
It's the people you know
And the places you go
That make up your support wall
Blah. Just... poetry blah.
"The camp out was great, dad! I really had lots of fun. The bugs weren't all that great, but we had bug juice. And we slept in tents and cooked our own food. But it wasn't what I eat at home. Cuz you can't cook certain things over a fire. At least, not like you can hot dogs. I don't really like hot dogs, they taste funny. You pretend hot dogs taste like chicken nuggets. If you don't, then you're going to end up not eating something cuz you're not going to like it."
Friday, June 4, 2010
Feeling Lethargic
Please, please, PLEASE vote for which paragraph you want further expanded! I've only got one vote so far and I would love to have more.
May 29
"What's got your knickers in a knot?"
May 30
There are times in our lives when we wish we could return to the innocence of youth.
May 31
Now is parallel to eternity.
June 1
He learned early in life that he best way to deal with pain was to ignore it.
June 2
"I would give my right lung for a chance to taste that again."
June 3
You pretend hot dogs taste like chicken nuggets.
June 4
Don't let the looks fool you, she's exactly as dumb as she seems.
May 29
"What's got your knickers in a knot?"
May 30
There are times in our lives when we wish we could return to the innocence of youth.
May 31
Now is parallel to eternity.
June 1
He learned early in life that he best way to deal with pain was to ignore it.
June 2
"I would give my right lung for a chance to taste that again."
June 3
You pretend hot dogs taste like chicken nuggets.
June 4
Don't let the looks fool you, she's exactly as dumb as she seems.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Aoede
As of the second I hit submit, this will make 40 posts. Not a particularly noteworthy achievement, but given my propensity to give up on blogging, I think it's worth something. No treat yet, though. I figure that will probably come around post 100. But who knows?
Please don't forget to vote for which paragraph you want to see expanded!
*~*~*~*~*~*
Aoede smiled, taking Rhea's hand and giving it a slow shake. As she did so, she used her abilities to subtly read the woman. What she felt concerned her a bit, but she wasn't going to say anything about it. Jane clearly adored her friend and would take no badmouthing of her. So Aoede schooled her face to a pleasant demeanor and smiled brightly. "Rhea, it's an honor to meet you. I'm glad you'll be available when I cannot be to help Jane."
Rhea pulled her hand back and slowly crossed her arms. "May I ask you a question?" Her expression wasn't particularly friendly, but neither was it hostile.
"Certainly. If I can answer it, I will do so."
"Why now?"
"Excuse me?"
"You're a Muse right, a goddess of inspiration?"
"Well, yes..."
"So then why now," Rhea continued as if Aoede hadn't spoken, "of all times, did you choose to show up and help Jane? Jane's a musician and songwriter, so you had to have known when she stopped writing. If you are who and what you say you are, then why didn't you do something earlier, hm?"
Aoede wasn't surprised by the questions Rhea posed to her. In fact, she expected it from the moment the other woman spoke. Now it was her turn to cross her arms. "I am indeed Aoede, the Greek Muse of Music. Of course, there's no way to prove it to you. And even if I could, would you really be satisfied? Or would you ask for more and more demonstrations?" She waved the questions away. "Through the centuries, I have watched over and inspired more people than you can possibly imagine. The entire current population of the planet is a mere fraction of the people I have watched over. At times, it is overwhelming, but I make sure to watch over every single person who has a creative bent. And before you ask, no it does not matter whether or not they exercise that talent.
"So, yes, I knew the exact moment when Jane stopped writing. I even have an inkling of why, though I'm not going to tell you. That's for Jane to tell you if, or when, she's ready. Why did I wait until now to step in? I can only inspire those who are willing. If I tried to inspire an engineer, for example, to write a sonnet, it wouldn't happen. I can't force someone to do it. Jane was finally ready for me to step in and help her write, even if she didn't feel like it at the time." Aoede turned to Jane. "I'm sorry to speak about you like you're not here, but I felt it necessary to get my point across to your friend here."
Jane blinked and looked a bit shocked. Aoede had sounded almost... angry. Which was something she never expected to hear out of the Muse. "Uh... yeah, no problem." She saw Rhea open her mouth, probably to say something even more confrontational. But Jane didn't want to have a pissed-off demigoddess in her living room. "Aoede, would you like something to drink?"
"Sure. Show me where the glasses are and I'll get myself a glass of ice water."
Please don't forget to vote for which paragraph you want to see expanded!
*~*~*~*~*~*
Aoede smiled, taking Rhea's hand and giving it a slow shake. As she did so, she used her abilities to subtly read the woman. What she felt concerned her a bit, but she wasn't going to say anything about it. Jane clearly adored her friend and would take no badmouthing of her. So Aoede schooled her face to a pleasant demeanor and smiled brightly. "Rhea, it's an honor to meet you. I'm glad you'll be available when I cannot be to help Jane."
Rhea pulled her hand back and slowly crossed her arms. "May I ask you a question?" Her expression wasn't particularly friendly, but neither was it hostile.
"Certainly. If I can answer it, I will do so."
"Why now?"
"Excuse me?"
"You're a Muse right, a goddess of inspiration?"
"Well, yes..."
"So then why now," Rhea continued as if Aoede hadn't spoken, "of all times, did you choose to show up and help Jane? Jane's a musician and songwriter, so you had to have known when she stopped writing. If you are who and what you say you are, then why didn't you do something earlier, hm?"
Aoede wasn't surprised by the questions Rhea posed to her. In fact, she expected it from the moment the other woman spoke. Now it was her turn to cross her arms. "I am indeed Aoede, the Greek Muse of Music. Of course, there's no way to prove it to you. And even if I could, would you really be satisfied? Or would you ask for more and more demonstrations?" She waved the questions away. "Through the centuries, I have watched over and inspired more people than you can possibly imagine. The entire current population of the planet is a mere fraction of the people I have watched over. At times, it is overwhelming, but I make sure to watch over every single person who has a creative bent. And before you ask, no it does not matter whether or not they exercise that talent.
"So, yes, I knew the exact moment when Jane stopped writing. I even have an inkling of why, though I'm not going to tell you. That's for Jane to tell you if, or when, she's ready. Why did I wait until now to step in? I can only inspire those who are willing. If I tried to inspire an engineer, for example, to write a sonnet, it wouldn't happen. I can't force someone to do it. Jane was finally ready for me to step in and help her write, even if she didn't feel like it at the time." Aoede turned to Jane. "I'm sorry to speak about you like you're not here, but I felt it necessary to get my point across to your friend here."
Jane blinked and looked a bit shocked. Aoede had sounded almost... angry. Which was something she never expected to hear out of the Muse. "Uh... yeah, no problem." She saw Rhea open her mouth, probably to say something even more confrontational. But Jane didn't want to have a pissed-off demigoddess in her living room. "Aoede, would you like something to drink?"
"Sure. Show me where the glasses are and I'll get myself a glass of ice water."
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