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."