Alvin
A sophisticated parlor within Tyche's Gambit is dedicated to the god Palaemon, associated with games of skill and strategy. The Palaemon Poker Parlor is a haven for gods who enjoy strategic card games and engage in high-stakes competitions, blending skill with the whims of fortune.
John
** **
*The sun seemed to shine down on that son of Pan, as he made his way outside his room. It was not often that he would leave the vicinity of the hotel, and yet this was one of the few things he truly enjoyed doing ever since that one faithful day. It didn't matter what time it was nor what day it was, he remembered the features of the man who had granted him an entirely new view on the world. However, not all was well for the young man, as his brown eyes seemed to assess the crowd that moved near him. His teeth seemed almost forced to bite down on his lips, causing him to feel that faint metallic taste of blood that he had tasted so frequently. It was a bad habit, however one that he was unable to stop, after all it seemed prevalent when he was forced to speak to others, or when he wished to escape the choking grasp of a crowd. Dreading the horror of the possibility that one would try to talk to him, after all it had happened before, tourists wishing to know directions, or beggars asking for money.*

*However, all of those thoughts seemed to disappear as he arrived within the Poker Parlour of Palaemon. It was an establishment that he had visited before, after all, even before Helios had granted him powers far beyond what he could imagine, he had a knack for gambling. Cards, numbers, probability, that all seemed to make sense to him, and where many saw a game of pure luck, he had seen that it was not truly luck. Such gives way for him to stop thinking about the dreaded possibility of talking to people, and instead he could further his training in order to control his powers. A faint smile seemed to grace his features as he thought about such.*

** **
*His thoughts unfortunately were interrupted too soon, as he watched those sitting at the table, there were three additional chairs, beyond that chair of his, and he seemed to assess every one of his opponents carefully. A woman with blonde hair that reached towards her back and eyes as green as emeralds sat closest to him, on his left. On her left, a man with curly hair, reaching towards his shoulders, and a goatee. His eyes were just as green, but he seemed to be far more sympathetic than the woman. Though that didn't mean that Andros wouldn't wish to crush him anyway. This was about more than just pleasure for him, this was what he needed to do. On Andros's right sat a man with black hair and brown eyes, though that is where the similarities between them stopped, where Andros was thin, that man was muscular, almost frightening for the shorter man.*

** **
*However, there were only a few moments of complete silence, before the cards were dealt, and the game had begun. The chips lay on the table in a bet of exactly 5,000 USD. However, the cards dealt to Andros were shit, beyond shit even, after all he had received a club 2 and a seven of hearts. But unlike most people, Andros was not worried, instead his facial expression seemed almost deadpan, as he observed his opponents. Most would have perceived it as him letting his gaze wander through the group, nervous and timid. But Andros observed, however he didn't observe others, instead he observed what would happen. Before his eyes flashed, the hands of the man with that curly hair, and how he had been favoured by Fortuna and how his luck would turn around. The blond woman who too had been dealt the worst odds, and who would continue to receive those terrible odds, and the muscular man who was cheating. Andros smiled as the game began, and he was not about to allow himself to lose with that gift he was bestowed. But he knew one thing, he would not allow that man with the curly hair to walk out with any of his chips.*
Catherine
Orion was a frequent visitor of Palaemon's, to the point where people greeted him by name or shot him annoyed scowls based on his previous interactions with them. He enjoyed testing his luck to see just where it would take him. Some days, it was absolute shit, and other days, he had a payout big enough to let him splurge on a weekend in Vegas if he wished. It was never consistent, always unpredictable, but it was the thrill of the unknown that got him going. 

This day was no different, except for the fact he found himself in a situation that he should have known better than to get himself into. He sat himself down at the table, making three. A dark-haired, pretty-boy fellow who looked like he wouldn't speak more than five words and a blonde who exuded confidence, Christi. He had played her before, as she was a regular of the joint just as much as he was. "Think you'll beat me this time, Chris?" He asked with a cheeky smile as his foot bumped hers, only to feel the pain shoot up his leg when she dug her stiletto into his foot. He hissed in pain, tilting his set of cards down as he bent to rub the outside of his shoe as if it would soothe the pain. *"Focus on the game, will ya Orion?"* She shot back. Snark, he loved that in her. 
_ _

The dealer shot him a look that told him to stop screwing around and he slumped in his seat a bit as a raspberry left his lips. He looked at his deck and forced himself to keep his expression straight, despite the excited twitch in the corner of his lips. He must have gained the favor of Tykhe as he stared at the royal flush in his hands. There was no doubt some of his haters would say that he cheated somehow. It was his lucky day! Especially since he was short a couple hundred in the $5,000 bet. He straightened up a bit as they started to play, his shoulders relaxed as he watched as the cards were placed down.

He played it cool, starting from the lower value to not give himself away. He looked up, his green orbs bouncing between Christi and the nameless brunette. However, his eyes couldn't help but squint his way. He had a feeling that had been bugging him for a while now, a tingling sensation that ran up his arms, leaving a trail of goosebumps under his sleeves. *Interesting.*

"Let's have fun, shall we?" He smiled at him as he played his first card, a 10 of Hearts.
John
** **
*He disliked the man with those curly hair, a cocky man who had much more experience in playing poker than he did, but despite all that he was surprised at the choice of how this man decided to play, many would have gone for a far bolder strategy at the start. But it made no matter for Andros anyway, as his gaze went towards the pot. But he knew he couldn't just win every time, and he needed some intentional losses. When you could already see the outcome of the game, every game, your mind begins to adapt and to formulate new strategies to make it harder for yourself to win, after all they would say that he cheated somehow, which in its essence was wrong. There was no rule in Poker that forbade someone from seeing the future and playing accordingly.*

*There was no comfort he held in talking to people, not during a match, not before and certainly not after, however card counting, math, numbers, all that made sense to him. He liked it, and he was good at it. Those things helped him calm down and express himself freely as did his drawings, perhaps when the match was over and he returned he would paint a great work on a canvas, one that depicted the outcome of this game.*

** **
*The seconds passed into minutes, as some of the chips shifted from owner to owner constantly, however it was clear that the son of Pan had the upper hand, as his chips grew in amount, and his original five thousand seemed meager compared to what he had assembled after many rounds. But as soon as he gained the chips more often than not he allowed some of them to be lost to the man with the curly hair, or the snarky blonde. Not enough to diminish his wins however, he knew it was best to only let it grow substantially. Only to win it all, in an All-in once the time had come, and his lips muttered a silent prayer to Helios, as if that would help anything. Well Andros knew that Helios could not help him, but perhaps if he spoke a prayer to him, he would be able to watch the game, after all he wanted Helios to watch, who better than to observe such a victory, than the god who had granted him this ability in the first place.* 

*As time passed there seemed to be a faint smile growing upon the features of the man, and yes it was true, this was perhaps one of the few times he truly enjoyed being seen by people, and to be with them. Ironically, there were no tricks that could be played on him during poker, no one could lie to him, after all the game had already been decided the moment it began. But he was not completely subtle, there were times when his gaze shifted towards the chips, absent-minded as he observed the movements of the game that would yet to be played, over and over again, to take a look at the cards that were to be played, the expressions of the players, the words and remarks, snarky and arrogant. His bets grew in size, the more rounds that passed, fewer times did he watch the chips intently, he knew it was drawing to a close and he knew that he would win and win big.*

"What's your name...?" *He asked the man with the curly hair in a low, perhaps even curios voice and his gaze seemed to only stay with him for a moment before it moved away.*
Catherine
As they embarked on the game, Orion went in with full confidence knowing that he would leave with a handsome payout and perhaps even splurge some tonight at a club or bar somewhere in Dionysus' or buy a few things for himself from Plutus' district. If he ended up this lucky at the table, maybe he'd even end up scoring when it comes down to his non-existent love life - which mainly consisted of his favorable method of one nights and flings - and tie up the rest of the night up with a bang. 

This unwavering confidence continued through the game, and while the chips moved from person to person, it seemed to make a consistent stream his way. That excitement he had tried to contain in the beginning expressed itself through a glimmering glint in the greens of his eyes. If his eyes weren't focused on his hands, they were focused on his opponents instead. He knew Christi well enough to know her plays and mannerisms, and considering the wrinkle between her eyebrows from the stress of the game, he knew she was going to lose. However, when he turned his attention to the man instead, he was surprised to see the faintest of smiles pulling at the corners of his lips. Did he get himself a good hand? Or was he just incredibly confident in his own ability to win? 

Either way, the prophet had no worries. This game was a set win but little did he know that the favor wasn't tilting his way, but instead at the man he was underestimating. As the game continued to go on, he realized he was losing more chips and that his beginning play of starting low was biting him in the ass. How does one fuck up a royal flush? No, he knew well enough that he had been playing it smart. His relaxed demeanor from the beginning had changed as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he was forced to take this more seriously.
_ _

He looked at the dwindling number of his chips as they slowly started to get passed to him with the plays. He only looked up at him when he spoke to him, his voice lower than he would have expected. He gave a lopsided smile, "Orion. And here I was thinking you were wanting to stay mute on us. Look at that, Christi?" He said, though this time he knew better than to nudge her, especially with that icy glare of hers. Her loss was final and he knew she wasn't handling it well. Talk about poking a bear. His eyes moved back to the brunette, "How about you?" He asked. 

A crowd had already found itself formed around the table and while he enjoyed the attention at first, he had found it adding to his stress at the confusion as to why he hadn't won yet. "What's your name?" He played his hand again, only two cards left in his hand now. The game was just about complete.
John
** **
**Drop**

*His nails began to graze his finger absent-mindedly, as if they had nothing better to do, and yet they didn't more often than not, after all while he may have enjoyed a game alone, with just these people on the table, that was not to be. His gaze momentarily moved towards the small crowd, only a few had gathered to watch them, as his strategy had just begun, and Orion seemed to have taken the lead in the game. A singular drop of blood seemed to fall on the mahogany of the table, breaking the skin with his nails. However it didn't mean that he would simply falter, just because others had begun to watch him. He hated it, the feeling of being observed by a group of people, after all it reminded him of all the times in school when he failed to give a presentation in front of his classmates.*

**Drop. Drop**

*The longer the game lasted the larger the crowd that assembled, from three to five to ten to eighteen and the worse he seemed to get, albeit the few comforts he could find such as forcing that small wound to bleed in a more rapid succession, albeit unproductive, it seemed to be some sort of relief. Beyond that the sight, the ability to see what will happen in the game and not be worried by anything, seemed to provide further relief.*

** **
**Drop. Drop. Drop**

*The chips switched owners, going back and forth, between Orion and Andros, unfortunately that woman with blonde hair, had reached the end of this painting. There would be no more strokes for her, and yet that Canvas was not filled yet. Strokes and Strokes of red, painted the canvas, as it painted his nails and fingers faintly. The crowd had murmured, gasped, and been astounded and now it was time for the final stroke, or so Andros was hoping.*

"What's your name?"


*The question seemed to bring a frown on Andros' features, as his eyes observed the crowd through his peripherals. He knew it would be over and he would win, he had the cards, and he saw it play out. However he would answer his question, despite his better judgment, his opponent had deserved it, after all his luck was astounding, but there was no luck in the world that lasted.* 

"Andros." 

*He moved all of his chips towards the pot, there was little confidence in his actions, being watched by the crowd, and yet he had snarky comments in his mind that he would have loved to deliver. There was no fun to be had, if Andros could not be able to ensure that his opponent would not forget this. Especially one that he had allowed to squirm for so long. His gaze moved from his chips towards the crowd and back to Orion. A deep breath was taken, as if to ensure his words would not come out with a stutter.*

** **
"You're bad at this game, aren't you?"

*The faintest of smiles seemed to be evident once more on his features, as he delivered the line, perhaps Helios watched this game, and smiled, though more than likely, if the God wished to visit him again he would be faced with the gravest of lectures, imaginable, at wasting the sight in such petty games. Nonetheless he had a story to tell him, and he looked forward to such, regardless.*

"I'll go All-in."
Catherine
Andros. He found himself repeating it out loud, testing his name on his tongue with his smile still settled on his face. "So you're not from around these parts, are you?" He had a Grecian accent of his own, giving the air of a native even though he was born and raised in SoCal. A scammer against a cheater, what a pairing that was. 

"No wonder you don't look all that familiar. I usually know most of the names of the people here. Him," He nodded his head to the dealer. "Theodore, but he hates it, calls himself Adonis instead. Then there's Christi, we know her well enough. Say hi Chris-" Her heel found its home in his foot again, making a silent scream leave his lips before he bowed his head down to hide the hiss of pain coming from his lips. It took him a second to recover, though with a single tear in the corner of his left eye that he wiped away. "Not... The greatest company." He breathed out in warning. "She's beautiful but underneath, she's as venomous as a viper."

He came to bring his leg to cross over his knee, trying to protect his foot from further abuse from the blonde. He dropped a few chips into the bowl as he continued. "But I'm pretty lucky when it comes to this game. There was a night I left here with 30 grand, though today might not be as much." He was confident in a way that was cocky, though not overwhelming. He didn't think of himself as better than Andros, but he had faith in his hand. Little did he know how wrong he was. He felt a stroke of annoyance wash over him at Andros' doubt, a breathy laugh leaving his lips in response. 
_ _

"You're an arrogant one, aren't you? I like that. I like that a lot." 

 When Andros placed all his chips in, his eyes widened some. Green irises focused on the demigod, his gaze calculating as if he were trying to decipher his play but it quickly went away when he came to bet in all his chips as well. "I'll do the same." Little did he know that was the nail that sealed his coffin. The feeling of goosebumps finally was deciphered to him in that moment, the back of his mind trying to figure out why but realized the feeling was because of Andros. 

*Demigod.*

The prophet leaned forward with his elbows resting on the table, an amused look playing on his features. "Your play, divine one."
John
** **
"Your play, divine one."

*There seemed to be a faint glimmer within his eyes, filled with surprise at the word of this gambler, and yet he could not help but find himself curios at this choice of words. It was obvious to him that most mortals did not know of the existence of gods and demigods, and yet this one called him such. Divine one... That word within his mind seemed to simply fit the description of what he was. What Helios is. And yet he would not wish to compare himself with Helios, after all it would be a short-lived comparison, where Helios was respected and revered, he was mocked and belittled.*

*However, he would not waste this opportunity, as he saw Orion match it. He went all-in as well and that was what he saw when they began to play, after all when he revealed his cards, he watched Orions features, as the realization must have settled in. A Royal Flush. Perhaps luck may have been with him once, however, the scammer did not realize one thing. Luck is a temporary and fickle thing, it swings and swings until it finally ceases once. Once it does cease to swing in your favour, there is little you can do in this game. The only way to prepare yourself for that time is to watch the movements of Lady Luck with your own eyes. A gift that had been granted to him by the Sun.*

"So, does that mean I won? Or did I lose?"

** **
*He looked from Orion to Christie and back to Orion, with a puzzled look. Despite the introverted nature of the Demigod, there was no denying that there seemed to be wit beneath all that, in the deepest part of his mind. Poker helped him express himself, truly though, unlike a conversation, it was clear to him, what to do and say next. It helped him keep off the intrusive thoughts that lurked and, yes, even dominated his mind and forced him to keep quiet. Forced him to fear the conversation with others.*

"I think I'll take my winnings now... Unless any of you wish to go in double or nothing? No? Oh, well..."

*This sort of boisterous attitude while winning, it seemed a different side of the recluse, and yet to him, it was unfamiliar as well. A rush of adrenaline had shot throughout the game, and now he needed some outlet, to release it. He knew that Helios was watching him, after all he had a feeling that he was always watching him, and he hoped that he would be proud of his progress today. He had spoken almost the entire time without a stutter. His gaze however kept upon Orion, wondering if he should seek that man out and speak to him, though the thought seems to turn something in his stomach.*
Catherine
The gift of sight was vastly different than Andros. Both were blessed by the Sun gods, he with Apollo, the demigod with Helios. Though, unlike his opponent, Orion couldn't use his sight on command and instead, it was a lot more spontaneous. The Gods sent him prophecies, giving him more overarching flickers of what the future held, or used for their own whims when it came to spreading their message. If he knew the full extent of their situations, he would have cursed Apollo mentally for not giving him an ability like that. It would have been almost enough to even out the traumatic visions he hit him with from time to time.

Like a mouse caught in a trap, Orion's excitement slowly faded and the smile on his face fell as he saw him play his last cards. He did a double take, looking at what Andros presented compared to what was left of his. No. Way. His eyes couldn't believe it. His expression showed pure disbelief in the situation, especially when he knew he should have won. But instead, here he was with five thousand lost in an instant when he should have been walking away with the full fifteen thousand. Even Christi leaned forward, looking at the last cards and between the two men before letting out a small scoff and getting up to leave the table, pushing her way through the crowd and leaving the poor prophet alone in his dismay. 

*"You've won."* The dealer announced before beckoning someone to come over to whisper in their ear, no doubt to get the cash ready for Andros to take home. 
_ _

Meanwhile, Orion tossed his cards on the table and leaned back with his hand on his chin, as if rewinding the game in his head and pressing play to see where it went wrong. He had played it right, there was no mistake. No, maybe it was already fucked in the beginning when he started low but no one could have known what he had in his hand, yet Andros played off of it perfectly. Even then, the probability of that was near impossible for anyone to guess, unless it was pure dumb luck but he doubted that. Not with how clueless this kid was to not even recognize his win. 

Then, his expression shifted into one of realization. Demigod... *It had something to do with his divinity*, not just that, he knew well enough that champions existed within the midst. The dealer looked to him when Andros put out his offer, only for Orion to look at him as if to say, *"You think I got the fucking money for that?"* Only for him to shrug. The oracle looked back at the younger man, "Before we do, we should talk. Mind following to get a drink?" He asked. There was a small bar at the Parlor that had a few stools lined up on the opposite side of the countertop. He wore a tight smile whilst the crowd dispersed. He knew better than to accuse him of cheating in front of them, especially when what they witnessed was a fair game but game recognized game, and Orion sniffed out the cheater well enough. *And boy*, did it stink. 
_ _

He got up from his seat, waiting for Andros (if he agreed), before walking to the bar. When they arrived, the tight smile disappeared and a glare was directed toward Andros. "I don't know who you think you are, but pulling that shit back there was real low. Do you get a kick out of scamming a hardworking person coming here to let off some steam of their money?!" Despite the urgency in his voice, he kept his voice in a frantic whisper.
John
** ** 
*There was a certain thrill in seeing Orion realize the extent of his defeat as he revealed his cards, it was always a moment of joy to see the agony and surprise within the eyes of those who have lost. Though equally was the joy in seeing Christi leave the table, knowing that she had just lost five grand, and there was nothing she could do about it. Though his gaze moved towards the cards tossed onto the board by the angered Orion, he paid them no mind, after all, he already knew what cards the mortal had. They weren't terrible, not by a long shot, and had this been any other game, Orion would have walked home with 15 grand. However, the unfortunate truth for him was that he lost the game before it even began.*

"Before we do, we should talk. Mind following to get a drink?"

*He simply nodded at the request, as he moved to follow Orion towards the Bar, however he would not wish to drink, after all he didn't like the taste of Alcohol, if not laced with something else. Truth be told, however, he wasn't sure how much he could actually drink, after all he only rarely if ever drank. Though after this day, he certainly could afford some of the more expensive drinks. Perhaps he would stop buy and bring Helios something in order to lighten up that mood of his, after all he wished to make amends and apologize for using his power once again on a mortal.*

** **
"Do you get a kick out of scamming a hardworking person coming here to let off some steam of their money?!"

*Those features of Andros that had been delighted at his victory quickly turned into a frown as Orion spoke, albeit carefully and reserved, after all he didn't wish to give up too much information. But one thing seemed to truly baffle him, he played his cards carefully and allowed Orion to move back and forth with him, so there should have been no reason for someone to accuse him of cheating. No, even those who had lost much more than Orion hadn't complained about such a fact. His eyes gazed away from Orion, as if to look for someone or rather something, trying to search for a window. **Any window**. Though ultimately, his gaze shifted back towards Orion, though there was no remorse inside his hues.* 

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do." 

*His words flowed out of him in a sudden outburst, and for a moment he paused, shocked at his own admission. Though he knew those words to be true, he had never been confronted about it, and yet there were reasons as to why he engaged in this. And for a few moments it seemed as if that was the only thing he would say. His hands lowered towards his legs, clenched into fists, tight, and his gaze seemed much more interest in a bottle of whiskey, avoiding that gaze of Orion.*

** **
"You have no idea, how I feel, Mortal. To know what will happen, to be blessed with more than just powers, to know that finally there is something... Some way I can express myself without stuttering or without having this little voice in my head, yell at me. Tell me that I shouldn't talk to others, and then I found this... Gambling with people who have nothing to lose anyway, because most of them are addicts. This is the only way I can express myself, my thoughts and feelings without fearing that little voice of conscience I have telling me, that I am lower than low." 

*His voice seemed low and quiet, as he moved closer towards Orion and yet looking at Andros, hearing the tone in his voice, one could know how frustrated he seemed to be about... All this. It would be a lie to say that cheating mortals out of their money thanks to his sight didn't provide a fun pastime, and yet it was only a caveat to what seemed to be a constant turmoil.*
Catherine
Never had Orion gotten such a deadpan response, it even made him recoil. If he were in Andros' situation, he would have never dreamed of ever admitting to cheating. Did he not take him seriously? He knew he had kind eyes, a cute face, and a warm welcoming exterior BUT he would *Not* Take this disrespect! His gaze narrowed as he looked at him, the corners of his lips turning downward in dislike. Damn, if only he had recorded it. 

"I could go tell the dealer right now and your money wouldn't get returned to you." He told him, his finger pointing to the bald man who had his back turned to him, distracted by organizing the chips at the table they just played at. Then again, how could he prove that he cheated? *Oh, he's a demigod and he clearly used whatever abilities to cheat,* Would get him banned from the establishment and ultimately make Orion lose one of the few fun activities he had to pass the time. What was he without the thrill of going into debt or striking lucky? For him, it also was a distraction from the prophetic images that constantly bounced in his mind. It gave him something to focus on.

His dark brows furrowed as he continued, using a term he had heard been used so many times to him. *Mortal.* The more he said, the more his brows relaxed and his eyes became kind once more, almost sympathetic. So this was also a method for him to find relief, though for him it was a more confidence factor in terms of distraction. He understood and that understanding tugged on the heartstrings of the prophet. A sigh left him as he leaned back, his arm coming to rest on the bar counter as he pressed his weight against it. 
_ _

"Well, when you put it like that, it almost makes me seem like the bad guy..." He said as he brought his free hand to rub the back of his neck. Was he purposely trying to guilt trip him or was it a genuine response to the oracle's anger? "I get it, man. Gambling is the one thing that quiets everything, all you have to do is focus on the cards, the chips, and the people around you. And also having eyes on you during it isn't so bad." He said with a smile. "The excitement near the end of the game, knowing you're about to take a big one home... God, there's nothing like it." However, the realization hit him again as he realized *He* Was the one with the short end of the stick here and his smile slowly fell. 

His back straightened up with the change in his demeanor, "But it doesn't change the fact that you *Cheated*. How did you manage that? What, you got the gift of sight or somethin'?" It dawned on him as the words left his mouth. He snapped his fingers and pointed at him, "The gift of sight!" He exclaimed loudly, which made others look their way in either surprise or annoyance with the outburst before going about what they were doing before. "Don't tell me Apollo got to you too?" He asked, his voice more hushed now in an attempt to bring their conversation back to private.
John
** **
"I could go tell the dealer right now and your money wouldn't get returned to you."

*Money. It seems that is all the mortals cared about. Wealth. Money. Who has more and who has less? Once he was like that as well, but Helios had ensured that he did not care for the winnings he gathered while gambling. He almost wanted to return the money to this mortal, but then he remembered. He didn't deserve it to be returned. But he did not dare Orion to go to the dealer and tell him his confession, after all, who would believe him? Andros had been careful, more so than usual, and even now within the mind of the Demigod he remembered the cards that he played and that Orion played, the back and forth, and the future that he saw. It was a sloppy game from Orion who relied on his luck, however he did not speak that part out loud, after all it would have simply added to the embarrassment of the mortal.*

*Instead, he watched him as his brows furrowed, while Andros spoke his mind, and it was true, most of it anyway, such things helped him greatly. For that reason Helios had allowed him to use his sight on such things, trivial as they may seem to Demigods and especially Gods, for mortals losing money was the worst of vices and the gravest of insults.*

"Well, when you put it like that, it almost makes me seem like the bad guy..."

** **
*The usage of the word almost was curious, no within this story there was one good guy and one bad guy, and perhaps a third mediocre woman, and he would not accuse himself of being the bad guy. No one ever accused themselves, after all, of being the villain of their story, and yet there was a nagging thought for a fleeting moment that he was not the good guy here. And yet that thought passed, as soon as it arrived. Though he couldn't help but smile as Orion seemed to admit his shortcoming. However what he said next did seem to fill him with more than just a tinge of guilt, as Orion admitted how gambling made him feel. Such feelings seemed to surprise him, after all the charismatic man had it easy talking to people and feeling with them. He was mortal as was everyone around him, mortals did not need to worry about the greater things in life. Their lives are short, feeble and delicate.* 

Don't tell me Apollo got to you too?"

"I am no Servant of Apollo, mortal. I am the Herald of Helios, and his voice in the mortal realm." 

*HIs voice was hushed, despite the intensity of his words, and he gazed at Orion, though surprise evident on his face that he mentioned Apollo. Perhaps this mortal was far more special than he thought, above those other mortals. He leaned just a tinge closer, so that they could talk in quiet whispers, so that others did not overhear the contents of their conversation. It wasn't necessary to have another long conversation with Helios regarding his duties as a Champion.*

** **
"But... What do you mean when you say that Apollo got you? Has he bestowed upon you a gift? I... Had no idea you were a demigod as well... That you have divine blood in you is surprising. But then again, the same can be said for me, after all many still question why Helios chose me... Given my ... Well everything."
Catherine
Of course, money was all they cared about! Whoever was to say that money didn't matter or that it was only secondary to happiness was a complete fraud in Orion's eyes. Without money, how could they afford the pleasures life had to offer? Though to him, that seemed to be the best drugs he could buy, along with the finest liquors that he could find. Numbing his mind and senses seemed to be when he found himself happiest, as fucked as it sounded but considering he was plagued with repeating prophecies and dreams, it was the one way he could quiet everything and find a semblance of peace. While it may be an extreme method to others, it worked well for him all these years, despite contrary belief 

At least he never would dare to use his ability to win a game - not like he could - but still! To be completely honest, the prophet would have definitely used his abilities to his advantage if he could but instead, it was a lot more random and took way too much concentration for it to be worth using during a poker match. Plus, the adrenaline that came from the unpredictability made it worth it, sometimes. This was an odd case, one that angered him. 

However, the sob story from Andros helped quell it temporarily. He was a man with a kind heart who had a soft spot for those who had such stories, but even then, all he had to do was remember why he found himself in this position in the first place for the emotions to rise to the surface again. When he heard he wasn't a servant of Apollo, his brows raised in surprise. "Then how-" He interjected before getting his answer and his expression relaxed. Helios. He didn't know much about the guy outside he was the literal Sun. So, this guy was championed by him. It was ironic how they both were related to two sun gods. 
_ _

"Herald is kind of dramatic, don't you champions only get these dazzling abilities and not much more than them anyways?" He asked before raising his hand to grab the attention of the barkeep. He needed a drink. Talking to this guy was taking so much out of him. "That's like me calling myself the Great Oracle devoted to his magnificence, Apollo." Saying it out loud made him want to cringe. "Well, I guess all the Gods use me in their own way outside of just him- Uh, yeah, a whiskey, neat. Thanks." He stopped mid-way to give his order to the bartender before continuing, only to give a snort that turned into a laugh at hearing him ask if he was a demigod. 

"*Puh-lease*, get in that mess with having a Godly parent? No offense, but the Gods fucking suck as parents. Half of 'em don't even know who their kids are, to begin with." I guess when you were a God, not much mattered, especially when it came to their mortal offspring. "I'm human, or mortal, whatever the hell you wanna call it. And thankful for it, let me tell ya." When the glass was set in front of him, he gave a smile of thanks before his green irises settled back on Andros. 

"Everything? Do you mean your scheming, thieving, cheating ways? Pfft, yeah, tell me about it. I'd love to have a talk with this Helios and tell him all about how his champion is using his god-given abilities to scam poor humans out of their money. Do you even need the money anyway?" He asked before bringing the glass to take a sip.