Angela
Bendis and Artemis meet again at the Euterpe Lounge 

Named after the muse of music, the Euterpe Lounge is a chic venue where gods and patrons come together to appreciate live music, jazz performances, and poetry readings. The lounge is adorned with musical motifs and celestial accents, creating an atmosphere that resonates with the divine muse of melody.
Norman
𝕿𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝗼𝗻𝗲 . . . 𝒙 

The cozy and intimate atmosphere made Bendis reminisce of a sophisticated speakeasy or jazz lounge from a bygone era. The dimly lit interior soaked itself in a warm, amber glow, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. 
 
 The walls were adorned with an eclectic array of framed artworks and vintage-inspired decor, evoking a refined and sophisticated ambiance, and setting the tone instantly.

The plush, velvet-upholstered furniture and the scattering of small lamps and candles throughout the space contribute to the ambiance. The circular booths and intimate seating arrangements suggest this establishment is designed for intimate gatherings, gossiping conversations, and the savoring of fine drinks and delicacies.

It seemed sort like of a hidden gem that was made by Euterpe, The Muse; To Bendis it was a sanctuary where patrons could escape the outside world and immerse themselves in a world of refined indulgence and artistic expression. 

The attention to detail and the harmonious blend of textures, lighting, and furnishings create a captivating environment that beckons the senses and invites the visitor to lose themselves in the enchanting allure of this remarkable space.

She sat in one of the booths, wearing a dramatic, floor-length houndstooth print dress that showcased her both elegance and boldness. The dress held a deep V-neckline, with exaggerated puffed sleeves, and a flowing, full-length skirt. The pattern creates a striking visual contrast between the black and white tones.

Bendis sat in a powerful pose, with one leg crossed and the hand raised to her glass of chardonnay in a thoughtful, contemplative gesture.

Her posing, combined with the dramatic hairstyle of an intricate, braided updo with floral accents gave the image a sense of regal, almost theatrical quality. She wore teal high-heeled sandals to provide a vibrant pop of color that complements the black and white of the dress. The overall effect allowed her to have a striking visual impact, blending bold, graphic patterns with an elegant, statuesque presence that makes her still approachable. 

 Her hazelnut irises darted all around the lounge, identifying fellow deities, and mortals.

 Though, her mind relaxed As the first note glides into the air, it was as if a sudden portal to another dimension opened up pulling the goddess into a musical dialogue that resonated in her. 

 The smooth, sultry tones of the saxophone and the playful trill of the piano enveloped Bendis into a rich tapestry of sound as if Athena herself weaved it; however, that wasn't the case for it was mortals who were so gifted, and flawed. 

She waited at her seat, waiting to see if anyone was worth approaching.


✧ ˚ 　· 　　 . . . 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑠
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 :: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧
𝑐𝑜-𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 :: 
𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 :: 
𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑠 :: 
𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 ::
Stephen
It was a busy Saturday night for the lounge, as busy as they permitted of course; the bouncers at the door regularly waving off entry to keep the population inside to a necessary minimum. The low ambient sound of conversations and movement already at a boiling point of maintaining the desired volume level. However strangely enough the heavy steel door granted admittance to one more singular presence, the bouncers at the door offering hushed apologizes to whomever it was. In the dim mood lighting of the space it would be near impossible to make out the figures features, that paired with the individuals purposefully inconspicuous movement of avoiding sight-lines as they headed towards the bar left them shrouded in light mystery.

Saddling one of the velvet cushioned barstools she sat, making no sound she twisted in her place to angle herself to subtly observe the room and more importantly the stage. In the interim of the motion a squat older gentleman, the bartender, approached down his lane towards her. Wordlessly she delievered him a single glance, green eyes aglow like emeralds in the warmth of the lounge, with a gulp he recognized her and immediately began pouring her usual. A few notes of the song later a whiskey on rocks styled nectar was delivered to her upon a decorated coaster, without missing a beat she retrieved it and stood, paying no mind to actually paying here. Further intent on completely her routine the figure prowled silently to her usual booth.

That was when she'd spot her, cross legged and well dressed, with a bubbling glass in hand. It had been quite some time since either had directly interacted, an unseen toothy smile would spread on the figures face. Tonight the huntress would become the hunted.

There'd been zero intent on her end to attend to anyone that evening, she'd only returning to Olympia just a few short days ago and had went out with the desire of having an easy, relaxing night on the town. It was treat she could rarely afford, always busy with one task or another, and even less often did she actually wish for a setting so public. All previous notions were thrown out the window however the moment she'd laid eyes on her, the dark woman enjoying a drink alone in what was usually her regular booth. It was too good an opportunity to miss.

With the precision and attention to remaining unseen she was so well versed in she stalked to the goddess, weaving her way to the backside of the establishment; always remaining out of direct sight with her prey. After lining up her approach she turned and made a silent beeline for her, black heeled boots somehow quiet upon the hardwood floors. Even in her discretion she still caught a few glances, only attempting to hide from one particular set of eyes. Tonight she was dressed somewhat irregularly for herself, form fitting leather pants that clung to every curve and duvet of her form, the sort of thing that wandering eyes latched onto. Paired with a red satin button up, although a majority of the buttons were left undone, tucked into her pants creating a pillowy mass of fabric hinting boldly at what was beneath. In a few seconds her stride came to a halt as she reared upon Bendis.

She bent over, placing an elbow upon the booth to lean above it, her face drawing close to the other just by a few inches. "Hey Beny." A teasing playfulness exaggerated her words, an energetic attitude bubbling just beneath the surface. 

"I didn't know they'd let you in someplace like this." A faux jab, she knew Bendis to be a more refined goddess than herself who likely appreciated this scenery with more sincerity than herself. 

Artemis smiled as she came around the booth, sliding in carelessly close to the goddess. Her golden red curls flowed untamed tonight, aglow like fire in the orange lighting of the room. With the proximity the scents of wood, vanilla, and cinnamon could be easily picked up from the woman. "How much did you have to bride the boys at the door?"

||
Angela
I SEE SO MANY TYPOS AFTER REREADING FUCK, I meant bribe in that last line]]
Norman
╭──╯ . . . . . 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧.

_ _
 𝕿𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝘁𝘄𝗼 . . . 𝒙 

𝐀𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐒 regarded Artemis across the velvety darkness of the booth, her eyes glinting with the subtle thoughts of a mind forever imaging threads of possible futures. She acknowledged the contrast between them: Artemis, the embodiment of the wild and untamed, and herself, similar yet the strategist cloaked in velvet shadows of societal intricacies. 

𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐑 usually guarded nature, Bendis found a certain solace in the company of Artemis, whose straightforwardness and sharing of domains carved a space of trust rare in the divine realms.

"I wonder, Artemis, what pulls you away from the tranquility of enjoying your presence to the clamor of these human & divine engagements. Is it curiosity, or perhaps something, or someone has drawn you out tonight?" Her tone was casual, yet each word was chosen with precision, aiming to gently probe behind Artemis's motives without stepping into the territory of intrusion. 

𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐘 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐆, she leaned into her embrace and pulled the slit of her dress over, covering her glistening legs which glistened subtly in darkness.

𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 softened glow of the lounge, Bendis's posture remained relaxed, yet her mind was always calculating, always planning several steps ahead which was her personality. She was well aware of her reputation among both gods and mortals—a figure of both reverence and caution.

𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘to foresee potential in others made her a valuable ally, yet it also erected a wall of introspection around her, making her analyze every gesture and word for deeper meanings. "Your presence here, amidst all this human concoction of drama and gossip, is intriguing. We both know how nature can blossom out a purer tune than these jazz clubs of human creativity. Yet here we are, you and I, us, drawn to the same dimly lit corners of mortal amusement. Is it the need of unpredictability, or perhaps a break from our divine duties?"

𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐄 sipped her chardonnay, the cool liquid a sharp contrast to the warmth spreading through the booth, Bendis's gaze softened. Her vision for those around her; a vision of what they could become often isolated her, yet with Artemis, whom she hadn't seen in a long time she saw not just a fellow goddess but a spirit who possibly could understand her. 

"We are both creatures of a deeper wilderness, aren't we? In our realms, we command and protect, yet, somehow we have sought solace in these connections. They, these people, remind us that amidst the divine, there is an everlasting profound simplicity in just... Being." 

𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄 trailed off, inviting Artemis to fill the silence, a silent acknowledgment of their shared complexities and the unspoken understanding that, beneath the surface, their spirits were not so different after all.

"But, that probably means nothing to you." She released a cough of amusement and placed the wine glass on the table while leaning back against the plush pillows in the booths.

✧ ˚ 　· 　　 . . . 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑠
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 :: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧
𝑐𝑜-𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 :: ꪖ᥅ꪻꫀꪑ꠸ᦓ
𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 ::  
𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑠 :: *Enjoy.*
𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 ::
Stephen
Artemis lounged freely within the booth, her back uncoiling against the plush wall of the booth while an arm resting atop the cushioning. Her other hand lazily nursing her amber toned drink, her eyes watching the liquid away with the soft movement of her wrist. Those same eyes casually returning to lock on Bendis as the other spoke, observing her in her entirety swiftly before landing upon her eyes. Artemis absentmindedly found their color similar to the swirl of liquor in her own glass.

The goddess' lips, which had dropped her standard flashing smile, tightened in their corners once more. Bendis was an eloquently spoken goddess, deeper thought behind her words even if Artemis mimed them exactly. She found it a challenge to match the other, Artemis was a creature of pure and undeniable things, earnest in her every aspect. So rarely did that sense of unease fill Artemis but with the pair's similarities she found herself unconsciously comparing them.
 
"Boredom has led me here this evening," She wanted to kick herself for trying to even attempt to sound more sophisticated than she was, "I enjoy the little tunes these mortals play, they've been absent from my days for sometime so I thought to treat myself." Her eyes drifted from the goddess and to the stage where the performers still played, a slower more somber song having begun, before returning her gaze to the booth they occupied once Bendis continued speaking.

Artemis listened diligently, her eyes not leaving the other even as she took a sip of her whiskey. She savored the flavor, letting the liquor linger in her mouth before allowing herself to swallow, following the burn as it traveled inwards. Its effects were insubstantial but the placebo of it cooled Artemis a bit, her tense shoulders seeming to lower just a fraction. Although all together Artemis gave the imagery of a tiger in a dress, all muscle and sinew disguised in a veil of fabric and leather. She lounged with the confident supremacy most predators did, unchallenged and unafraid but ready to react should the need arise.

Sensing her turn to speak again Artemis placed her drink upon the wooden table that centered the booth, bringing her now free hand to join her other. Her fingers lacing together in some old habit, fiddling with one another to distract her active mind. "The wilds and her creatures fill me with purpose and duty, they give me reason to protect and satisfaction and peace when I do just that but..." Her eyes flickered over Bendis' face, searching for the words in the others features, "But yes, here we are, tucked away in a den of impurity and humanity." She'd found her answer but didn't feel like sharing it seemed.

"We belong to them, those realms of the wild, we always will as is our duty and honor but is it so impossible for us to belong to this one as well?" There was something hinted at her inflection; a desire to belong, to be seen and understood, but it was tucked away behind layers of responsibility and tradition.

At Bendis' dismissal Artemis returned her eyes upon the goddess, squinted in a sort playfully teasing smile. She released her entwined fingers and placed her cheek into the hand that was resting atop the cushioning. Her leg nearest Bendis lifting from the floor and lying withdrawn upon the space that separated them, Artemis' body language now delivering all of her attention for Bendis. "You're right, means utterly nothing to me." She smile grew briefly at her own sarcasm, amused so far with how things were progressing.
||
Norman
╭──╯ . . . . . 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧.

_ _
 𝕿𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 . . . 𝒙 
 
𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐒 couldn't help but let a little smirk play at the corners of her mouth, amused by Artemis's attempts at sounding a bit more highbrow than usual. It was a side of her that didn't come out often, and it was almost endearing in its rarity. 

𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐎𝐌 brought you here, huh?" She asked, her tone easy and conversational. "Must be nice to kick back once in a while, even for us gods, right? To just soak in some of those simple human pleasures without any grand purpose."

𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐀 𝐒𝐈𝐏 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐊, her gaze never leaving Artemis. "I've got to admit, there's something about these little human gatherings, the music, the chatter. It's all so... Real. Makes you feel a bit more grounded, doesn't it? Reminds us maybe there's more to life than just our duties up on high."

𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐒 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "You're all about duty, I know. And it's important, no doubt. But don't you ever wonder what it'd be like to not always have to be 'on'? To just live a little, find some joy in these small moments? Maybe that's what we're protecting, these bits of life that even we find refreshing." 

𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃, considering Artemis's point about belonging to both their world and this one. "Maybe you're onto something. Maybe we can belong here, too, in our way. It doesn't always have to be an either/or thing."

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐗𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐅𝐓 in Artemis's posture didn't go unnoticed, and Bendis matched it, her own demeanor softening. "You're right," She said with a gentle laugh, "None of this really matters in the grand scheme, does it? But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy it while we're here."

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 of the moment seemed to weave a stronger bond between them, a silent acknowledgment of their shared understanding and enjoyment of the night's lighter side.

𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐒'𝐒 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 softened as she noticed the way Artemis settled more comfortably into the booth, her eyes reflecting a touch of the candid connection forming between them.

"𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖, 𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐒," She began, her voice lower, carrying a thread of warmth specially reserved for moments like this, "It's interesting how stepping away from our duties for even a night can reveal things about us."

"𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐁𝐄" The real challenge isn't always about fulfilling those eternal roles, but sometimes just letting ourselves be a bit more... Open. Vulnerable, even. And isn't that a different kind of strength for us?"

𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃 briefly towards the stage, where the music played softly, now more of a gentle echo to their conversation than a distraction. "This place, with all its human flaws and chaos, it's like a mirror sometimes. Shows us not just what we rule over but what we're missing out on. It's kind of funny how we, protectors of all things wild and natural, end up finding a bit of comfort in human messiness."

𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 just a bit closer, Bendis reached out to touch Artemis's hand lightly, a gesture uncharacteristically personal and revealing a depth to their growing friendship. "We might walk through these realms as distant deities, but tonight, why don't we just be us? Friends enjoying the night out. Maybe we can find a little peace here that we're always fighting for out there."

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇 and the shared smiles that followed not only highlighted a shift in their usual interaction but also signaled a deeper recognition between them. In the dim, soft lighting of the lounge, amidst the low hum of oblivious mortal lives.

✧ ˚ 　· 　　 . . . 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑠
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 :: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧
𝑐𝑜-𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 :: ꪖ᥅ꪻꫀꪑ꠸ᦓ
𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 ::  
𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑠 :: 
𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 ::
Stephen
Artemis thought much of Bendis, she was a manicured and thoughtful goddess in both visual and personal aspects. There was intent behind every word, every action and decision, and it put Artemis on edge. She vigilantly studied every little expression of the other, from the words she spoke, to the way she sat, hell even to the way she smirked at Artemis' expense. Everything in her mind clashed with the setting, this place wasn't her natural element and these sort of conversations weren't things she was accustomed to. But ultimately as she sat there in that small space, isolated from the world around and all its attributes worries and pains, she could find no ulterior motive to why Bendis would entertain this conversation. Artemis felt herself relax at that realization, a bit of unnatural feeling for her, but nonetheless she felt some unspoken tension break as they continued.

"Gods yes, don't get me wrong, but what is the whole point of us toiling away day after day, year after year, century after century if we don't get enjoy it from time to time?" Artemis actually enjoyed her work for the most part, she was at home in the wilds, she felt purpose and validation whenever she helped bring life into the world, but she couldn't argue against the simple necessity to do some things for her own pleasure.

Her chest caught itself as Bendis leaned in, her mind subconsciously expecting something. It released the held breath as she began to speak of duty. Something about the other's words about always being on resonating with something pushed down within herself. She brushed the fear of confronting that undesirable something off with a soft hearted chuckle, turning her face away from Bendis to take a sip from her drink. "I don't really remember the last time I trying not being on... I suppose it never felt right to me. I've so much time to enjoy and humans, well, they have so little I just figure it's right to give 'em my all."

She continued listening to her counterpart, however her vision now remained hesitantly teetering from her glass to the musicians across the room. That didn't mean her attention had drifted from the conversation, rather instead now she only allowed for Bendis' words to reach her, placing more thought into the actual meaning and tonality behind them than the simply just the goddess they came from. Her comment about opening up and being more vulnerable striking a particular cord within Artemis, her jaw subtly tensing in wariness of the idea. 

She was dragged back to from her thoughts when she felt a hand upon her own. Wheeling her attention back to Bendis she locked eyes with the woman, her first instinct was to pull her hand away, but for some annoying reason, to Artemis at least, she hadn't yet. "Benny... I didn't realize you were such a big softie." A smile played at her lips, a nervous tick to hide what she really felt. Her mind however was computing a trillion things at once, ultimately it came down to whether or not she was going to accept this. 

"The night is long and dark, so I guess I wouldn't mind sharing it with a friend." Her mind wandered to the last person she'd called friend. "But if we're gonna keep up this pace I'm definitely gonna need another drink." She flicked a glance to her nearly empty glass, it sat beside her hand that still had yet to move from Bendis' touch. Artemis supposed she'd just have to take the risk tonight.