Lucretia
A regal fortress that serves as the god's personal residence and command center. The citadel offers panoramic views of the surrounding oceanic landscape and acts as a beacon of divine power.
Arnold
Poseidon's Citadel loomed like a colossal gem, its towering spires piercing the aquatic sky. This fortress, the personal residence and command center of the sea gods, was a physical representation of their divine authority and might. Built from stones mined from the ocean's darkest caverns, it stood powerfully against all opposing forces, unsinkable. Its grand halls and vast chambers were adorned with artifacts of ancient power and murals depicting legendary battles of the sea celebrating Poseidon's many victories. Deep within this magnificent stronghold was Triton's room, once a sanctuary of solitude for the young god. The room was spacious, with walls of pearlescent blue and floors inlaid with shells and pearls. The furniture was crafted from the finest driftwood, shaped by the currents into forms both strange and beautiful. Fitting, for the god of the sea. However, the once proud chamber had been transformed into a gilded cage. The door, a magnificent piece of craftsmanship featuring depictions of Triton's heroic deeds, had been unceremoniously removed. The doorway stood starkly empty, a constant reminder of his loss of privacy and dignity. The confiscation of his mighty trident, a symbol of his power and authority, further stripped him of his status, leaving behind a hollow echo of his former glory. He felt a shell of himself, stripped down by his mother and sister.

Triton sat on his throne-like bed, brooding over his recent defeat. His gaze often drifted towards the open doorway with annoyance, a constant reminder of his family's mistrust. His room, once a place of comfort, now felt oppressive. Outside, the citadel continued its watch over the oceans, while inside, a fallen god nursed his wounds in forced isolation. The contrast between the citadel's grandeur and Triton's personal turmoil painted a picture of a hero reduced to a prisoner in his own home. Thinking about Esmeray making herself at home in *His* Home back in Poseidonia made his stomach twist into knots. Sighing, he stood from his bed and walked to the window, peering out over the vast, endless sea. The citadel was so large he could go weeks without seeing anyone unless they specifically sought him out. He'd tried to leave once, but his mother made sure the marine life obeyed her orders, especially the sharks and dolphins. Stymied, he retreated into his music and social media — anything to pass the time and keep his mind off of things. He was going to go crazy soon.

Nestled discreetly into the floor in the corner of his room, a natural hot tub bubbled invitingly. The tub itself was a masterful creation, a hollow carved directly into the ancient rock, lined with smooth stones that had been worn by centuries of currents. Its design was simple yet elegant, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment as if it were a natural part of the ocean floor. The water within the tub was heated by geothermal vents hidden deep beneath the seabed. These vents, channels of the earth's fiery core, released heat that traveled up through fissures in the rock, warming the water naturally and continuously. The temperature was perfectly regulated by the intricate balance of the ocean's pressure and the earth's heat, providing a soothing, constant warmth that was ideal for relaxation.

Triton slipped off his clothes and stepped in wearing nothing but a mankini. He lowered down until he was entirely submerged. This wasn't a problem, as he could breathe underwater. A few minutes passed, and when he finally came up he slicked his hair back and startled, seeing Esmeray standing over him with a smirk on her face.

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David
"I don't know what I am doing here..." Esmeray mumbled as she walked down the winding halls of Poseidon's Citadel. The monstrously huge mansion was the last place she thought she would be but the invitation that was lifted to her by Amphrities hand was something she couldn't refuse. A peek into the world that Poseidon held behind the persona he had entangled in the worldly events was almost too enticing, especially paired with the ability to poke at Triton. Esmeray walked down the hall, keeping her footsteps light so as to not draw attention to herself. Though she was welcomed by her step mother, she had a feeling her father knew little about her visits to his property. 


The map that Amphi had given her was somewhat confusing, the paper crumpled from the constant in and out of her pocket. The citadel was a circular maze and trying to decipher if she was going the right way or if she had, yet again, turned down the wrong hall was hard. In an earlier attempt to find Triton's room, she had accidentally found a pearlescent shrine to Poseidon. The endless statues and paintings of her father in the nude was not what she had expected to see and something about the finding both amused her and embarrassed her all at once. 

She turned the map sideways, believing she could have possibly had it facing the wrong direction all along. She sighed as the beautiful calligraphy began to turn into gibberish.

"His room is right down this hall and to the left." Esmeray lifted her eyes to the voice. A small water nymph stood in all her glory, her beautiful black locks swaying as if she were still underwater. The unnatural blue tint to her skin and bright silver of her eyes left an unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach. She wasn't used to seeing them without some sort of disguise and her beauty was breathtaking. "Do not worry, I am one of Amphirite's." The nymph curtseyed quickly before throwing a sharp smile her way. Esmeray was sure her face told it all; her nervousness, her awe, and the slight trickle of fear at the thought that she was caught. 

"Thank you?" Esmeray's voice came out in a soft tone, the hint of confusion upon her lips. The nymph smiled yet again as she stepped closer and lifted her hand out to softly touch Esmeray's arm. Her hand was cold but smooth as she pulled Esmeray closer to her in both a seductive and possessive fashion. 

"Serephina," The name came out of her mouth in a sultry and flirtatious manner. "You know, you and your brother hold a lot of similarities." Esmeray kept her face straight, watching the woman carefully. She wasn't sure what the nymph was doing or if she thought comparing her and Triton would flatter her. 

Esmeray grabbed her hand and gently pushed her away. "I'm not sure if that is supposed to be a compliment or an insult but either way thank you. I think I can manage to find his room from here," Esmeray bowed her head quickly to the nymph and scurried down the hall. Part of her wanted to turn back and look at the nymph once more, but the other part screamed not too.

"Let me know if I can be of any assistance," The seduction in her voice was evident, making her words show the hidden innuendo as they followed her down the hall. Esmeray shook off the feeling of unease as she continued to Triton's room. The trek was shorter than she thought and if she had only walked a short distance more she would have found the room without the help of the Nymph. 

The room was far from the prison that Esmeray was expecting. Her mind had envisioned minimal furniture and bars over the windows with little to no work space but this room was a luxury. A vision for any couple on a romantic getaway or honeymoon. She wanted to laugh at Triton's predicament, already expecting him to be grumbling about how miserable he was because of her and Amphirite. While she did hold a little sympathy for him, it all flew out the window as her eyes roamed the room. 

Esmeray grabbed the backpack from her shoulder and let it fall to the ground with a small thud hoping to catch Triton's attention but there was no indication of his presence. She looked around, the soft sound of the jacuzzi catching her attention in the corner. She wanted to roll her eyes at the thought of the jacuzzi alone until she saw the blob of a man underneath the water. 

"I don't want to hear one ounce of a complaint," She said aloud as she walked up close to the jacuzzi, looking down at Tri with a smirk on her face.
Arnold
Triton lingered in the secluded warmth of the natural hot tub. The warm, geothermal-heated waters soothed his frayed nerves and provided a brief escape from the reality of his recent defeats. He had avoided thinking about what it would take to get Persephone to agree to lift the curse, but now, as his life fell apart around him, he had to consider his next move. As he settled deeper into the comforting embrace of the heated water, the unexpected sound of footsteps disrupted the tranquility. Triton's muscles tensed instantly; the steps were too light, too familiar. Without any preamble, Esmeray, his sister, strode into the room. Since she had used her dominion over plant life to bind him with vines and force his surrender, his confidence had taken a hit. Now, her arrival was a reminder of his vulnerability. Triton watched her cautiously from the tub, his cerulean eyes reflecting a mix of resentment and wariness. The past days had taught him the hard lesson of his sister's ruthlessness, and the memory of his own underestimation burned as sharply as salt in a fresh wound. Despite his indignation at her unannounced entrance and the smug look on her face, Triton knew that outright confrontation would be foolish. His sister had not only bested him but had done so under their mother's approving gaze, complicating the dynamics of power and family loyalty even further.

Attempting to mask his discomfort, Triton gestured towards the steaming water of the hot tub with a forced smile that barely concealed his tension. "Why don't you join me in the water?" He suggested, his voice carefully modulated to sound inviting. It was a tactical move, meant to regain some control over the situation, even if it was as fleeting as the steam rising from the hot tub. They both knew his power increased tenfold in the water. Esmerays eyebrow lifts. "I will not go anywhere near you in those..." She points down at his speedo before quickly turning around and walking back towards the discarded bag. "Besides... I don't want to be drowned today and I brought you gifts." Triton took the opportunity to emerge from the water, the liquid cascading off his godly form. Reaching for a towel woven from sea kelp, Triton began to dry himself. His movements were slow and deliberate, maintaining an air of calm composure despite the turmoil brewing inside him. Standing on the cool, damp stone, he wrapped the towel around his waist.

"A gift?" He said, maintaining eye contact with a mix of cautious curiosity and an underlying resolve not to show weakness. His question hung in the air between them, charged with the unspoken history of recent conflicts. Triton knew he had to tread carefully, balancing his response to whatever motives brought her here. His position was precarious, caught between the desire to regain his status and the necessity of navigating the new dynamics imposed by his sister and their powerful mother. As he awaited her response, Triton's thoughts raced. He pondered over possible strategies to reclaim some of his lost dignity without escalating the tension. "Mom removed the door. No privacy. Can you believe that?"
David
Esmeray met eyes with her brother as he emerged from the billowing water. His hair was pulled from his face as the damp water weighed it down against his shoulders. The water was moving, but Esmeray could still see the small blur of hot pink beneath the surface covering little to no skin. She rolled her eyes as he pointed at the water when he set his sights on her. 

"Why don't you join me in the water?" He suggested. Esmeray lifted her eyebrow at him. 

"I will not go anywhere near you in those..." She points down at his speedo before quickly turning around and walking back towards the discarded bag. "Besides... I don't want to be drowned today and I brought you gifts." Esmeray squatted down next to the rather large bag, realizing her first attempt at filling a small backpack was a complete fool's errand as she unzipped one of the pockets. She had plans to dump the trash on his floor but the idea seemed silly now, especially as his words reached her ears. 

"Mom removed the door. No privacy. Can you believe that?" She zipped the pocket full of trash and opened the other side instead. Pulling out a couple of full beers and setting two to the side, a Playboy magazine and a small folded-up square of plastic. She stood and turned to him an ornery smile on her face as she pushed the third beer in his direction, keeping the other two items behind her back. 

"I somehow am not at all surprised. Alright, I'm giving you the option. You can receive your other gifts before she gets here or you can react to them in front of all of us."
Charles
Fluttering wings and a sudden out of place draft of frigid air marked the arrival of a particularly animated Goddess, with a thick, curly mane of dark hair fanning out around her head like fuzz on a dandelion, swaying in the breeze precariously. 

The wind arrived before she did, blowing Esmeray's clothes and hair everywhere, and creating a thin but frigid layer of merciless frost on Triton's still damp skin.

"Esmeray!" A cannonball of laughter and energy barreled into Esmeray from the side, honey-colored arms wrapped around her like a vice, and the smell of crisp and fresh wintry air invaded the room domineeringly. The preceding gust of wind ripped the hidden items from behind Esmeray and sent them through the air and across the room, _coincidentally_ slapping Triton's bare, frosty thigh with a resounding smack. 

The culprit hardly glanced in his direction before looking back up at her sister with big and bright brown eyes and a cheerful smile. "Hi!" 

Ages ago she'd already decided she liked this strong, stubborn sister of hers, deciding to cling to her until they became closer; it was the only way she knew how to get close. She was particularly physical with her affection—and her dislike. Regarding the Triton popsicle nearby, Aeolus decided not to pay him any mind. 

||
Arnold
Triton's eyes lit up at the sight of the beer and Playboy magazine. "Hell yeah," He said, wasting no time in cracking open a cold one and flipping to the middle section of the magazine. "Ah," Slurp, "Miss. September. My favorite. Maybe you're not entirely useless, Esmeray," He added with a snicker. Their sibling rivalry had blossomed into a full blown war at this point. "Just don't get too cozy in my house. I'll be back before you know it." He took another sip of beer, his brow arching at her guessing game. "Two gifts, huh? Who?" The answer was given before they could continue. Aeolus, their younger sister, preceded by a gust of wind, fluttered in, causing Triton to groan. They had been close before the curse, but ever since then she had been absolutely intolerable. He watched grimly as her and Esmeray exchanged affections as Aeolus sent a burst of frigid wind in his direction, freezing the the thin sheen of water still covering his body. "Argh, fuck, watch it!" He scowled, quickly using the towel to dry himself off completely. 

The item behind Esmeray's back was a blowup doll with Nemesis' face. It stared up at him mockingly, and Triton's cheeks suddenly turned bright red. "Oh ha, ha, very funny. Since when did you become such a bitch?" It was a low blow, after all. He was still hurting from Nem dumping him, so this was salt in his open wound. Having had just about enough of his two younger sisters, Triton strode forward and began ushering them backwards, towards the exit. "I don't recall inviting either of you here. Come on. Get out." He pried Aeolus from Esmeray, holding each woman by the arm and marching them to where his door would have been, had Amphitrite not removed it.
David
Esmeray couldn't help but smile as the gush of wind rushed against her. She didn't mind that her hair most likely looked a mess or that her gift for Triton was blown to the ground. She was delighted as the ball of energy came at her with the breeze wrapping her in a hug. Esmeray hugged her back as she laughed with joy at her sister's presence. 

"You came a bit earlier than I expected but I'm glad nonetheless." She pulled the girl away from her so that she could take a look at her, as if she had changed in the few days she had last seen her. She ignored Triton as he complained about the frigid air that was most likely being blown his way. 

It was when he bent down and picked up the small square of plastic that the smirk fell back onto her lips. She had meant it as a joke at first but the more she thought about Tritons predicament she had started to realize he probably secretly loved it which is why Nemesis' face was taped on last minute. 

"Oh come on... I thought it was the perfect gift. Although, now that I see your door is gone, probably not." He grabbed both of their arms and marched towards the exit as if he could toss them and lock them out. Esmeray grabbed his hand and removed it from her arm, planting her feet against the ground. "When did you become such a kill all?"
Charles
Aeolus smiled contentedly, her eyes curving into soft crescents. Her sister's unabashed fondness was what she looked forward to each time she visited. It felt comfortable and pleasant, like a bed made of Zephyr's soft and warm flowery mane. 

So her displeasure was instantaneous when Triton dared interfere. The crisp air turned frigid in an instant. Where he touched her arm was particularly unforgiving, like a miniature storm raging around his fingers, freezing them stiff, and threatening to rip them apart. 

Her previously warm and lively eyes darkened, with an icy pale blue licking at the edges. She looked at Triton like she was looking at a pesky insect, and once her sister was free of his grip, a blast of wind blew his hand off of her own arm completely, pushing him across the room ruthlessly, leaving his body teetering on the edge of his tub. She smiled, but it was a chilling one different from her usual charming, friendly ones. "I don't recall allowing you to touch me, _brother_," The final word was particularly sweet, yet poisonous, reminding Triton that the sister who followed him around happily, calling out his name with affection and admiration, was no more. Days when she would tackle him into smothering hugs, same as Esmeray, were gone. Now, he was less than even a pest in her eyes, simply an unwelcome inconvenience to her otherwise sunny reunion with Esmeray. As for this being his room? _He didn't have the right to own anything._

Aeolus turned her gaze back to Esmeray and the iciness instantly melted, replaced by affection and concern so swiftly that one half of the room was instantly warm and gentle, while the other still had lingering traces of frosty air. "Are you okay, Esmeray?" She asked softly, touching her sister's arm where Triton grabbed. 

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Arnold
Triton looked increasingly flustered as he seethed inwardly. He wasn't sure how Persephone's curse worked, but the level of hostility towards him seemed to increase over time. Perhaps she knew it would eventually get so bad he'd have no other choice but to bend the knee to her. The thought made his stomach twist in knots, but he had to focus. The problem at hand right now were his sisters, who clearly delighted in these petty torments. Cooler heads may have prevailed if it weren't for the Nemesis blowup doll smirking at him, mocking his failings in the unique way that only she could. 

He'd managed to get them to the open doorway, using his body to barricade them from re-entry. His body was cold, but his blood was running hot, his face still red from the most recent insult. He pulled his hand away quickly from Aeolus as the air grew frigid, making him wince. His eyes narrowed; whatever playful quality their banter had taken melted away, replaced by a more serious hostility. Then, a blast of wind sent him backward, until he heels hung over the edge of the hot tub. He held his arms out for balance, glaring at Aeolus from across the room. Ironically, his own powers were relatively useless in this setting, further frustrating him. One of the beer cans was on the floor near him. He picked it up and without hesitation launched it right at Aeolus' head, trying to ping it off of her dome and knock some sense into her.

"You're next if you don't get the hell out of here, Esmeray! And take your stupid blow up doll with you." Grabbing it off the bed, he strode across the room and shoved it into her, trying to knock her over in the process. Now would have been the perfect time to slam the door on them, of course, but Amphitrite had it removed, so instead he just kind of stomped back to his bed, removed his towel, and put on his jeans and t-shirt. 

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David
The soft unraveling of the little foliage that sat in the corners of Tritons room was almost natural, as if they were reacting to the situation and not calling to Esmeray. The short tempered anger that came from her sister almost took her by surprise but the sight of her brother at the edge of the pool made a laugh bubble up in amusement. 

"I am fi-" The words were barely out of her mouth with the beer can came flying at Aeolus. Esmeray put her own hands up in defense and a wall of vines quickly appeared in front of them both. The beer can bouncing off of it and falling to the ground in an exploding sticky mess. The vines dispersed as Triton came towards her, pushing the blow up Nemesis towards her. Esmeray stumbled backwards a bit but regained her composure once her back hit the door frame. 

"Would you stop? What the hell is with you, Tri?" Esmeray threw the doll at him as he dressed. "First you try to attack me and your mom and now Aeolus. It's like you aren't even yourself anymore." Esmeray took a deep breath trying to contain her rage but she couldn't help the sharp anger. She reached her hands up as if to strangle him but thought better of it as the vines started to creep in his direction. She needed to control her anger before she took the whole citadel down with them inside.

She turned towards Aeolus, her beautiful sister. "I swear if he gets any worse we'll have to convince Amphi to let us put him in the dungeon instead."
Charles
Aeolus thought that Triton's tantrum wasn't worth paying attention to; instead, she thought Esmeray was particularly pleasing to the eyes as she displayed her instinctive protective side. The Wind Goddess smiled happily, enjoying the feeling of being cared for by her big sister. She would have been content to play the role of damsel a while longer—had Triton not laid hands on Esmeray. It didn't matter that she wasn't hurt, or that she was a demigod with superior constitution. 

A gust of wind blew Esmeray's hair across her face, coincidentally blocking her line of sight for a minute or so, blinding her to the happenings in Triton's room.

On the other hand, the Sea God was abruptly propelled off the floor by a powerful current of air, a miniature twister dancing around his face and swallowing up any sounds he made, silencing any protests. Like a whisper of death, Aeolus's voice reached Triton's ear directly, so Esmeray wouldn't overhear, "_I've had enough of your man-baby tantrums, you overgrown fish_!"

His body was pushed violently by the wind; right—left—above—and finally pressed to the floor as though weighed down by the boulder belonging to Sisyphus. His clothes disintegrated in the wind, then he was flipped back toward the tub, submerged ruthlessly before he had a chance to catch his breath. 

The wind tore the water in the tub apart to reveal Triton's soaked head, before turning exceptionally frigid, almost instantly freezing the water around him, trapping him in a decidedly beautiful ice sculpture that resembled jagged flower petals. "_Apologize to Esmeray or we'll learn if you can breathe through ice too, brother._" Another whisper touched Triton's ear, sweet but venomous. 

The wind in the room died down and freed Esmeray's hair from its airy entanglement, restoring her line of sight. Aeolus hugged her sister and looked up at her with a cheeky grin, "No need for a dungeon, isn't this way better?" 

||
Arnold
"Don't gaslight me!" He snarled at Esmeray, his eyes burning with intensity. "*You're* The one who came in here to antagonize with me a blow up doll of my ex, who you know I still have feelings for. Always playing it innocent when you're nothing but an antagonist. And don't even get me started how you came pussyfooting around my house to try and get me to turn against dad under the guise of checking up on me. You wasted little time getting to your real agenda when you could clearly see I wasn't doing well. **Selfish**," He stated bluntly, "And with daddy issues. You can get all the way the fuck out of my room."

No sooner had he said what he said when Aeolus unleashed her fury, sending cyclones of wind that hoisted him up into the air and bounced him off the ceiling and walls like a basketball, bonking his head and rattling his bones. It became so intense that it ripped his clothes right off, even his mankini, before she dunked him into the hot tub. Triton, discombobulated, struggled to gain his bearings as an icy wind was set upon him, parting the water just enough to free his head but cold enough to freeze the rest of it, locking him in place. He heard her voice in his ear and it made his blood boil. But what could he do? He was imprisoned in a block of ice, rendered totally helpless. He looked up at his sisters from his low vantage point, his eyeline at foot level. Triton let out a tortured cry of frustration, trying unsuccessfully to jerk his body back and forth. It was no use. He was trapped. Damn Persephone and damn her champion and damn this curse, he thought, feeling increasingly embittered.

He looked an utter fool, naked and frozen in the ice, his bright red face contorted in frustration. He let out an angry sigh and looked over at Esmeray. He knew what he had to do, even if it was through clenched teeth. "I *Apologize*, Esmeray. My temper seems to have gotten the better of me again..." He couldn't bear to meet Aeolus' gaze, not after this. Instead he lowered his eyes and just simmered in his anger and embarrassment, silently plotting revenge. She wouldn't get away with this, he told himself. She would pay for this humiliation. They all would. 

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David
The change was quick, the stark feel in the air from playful to hostile in a matter of moments. The wind came in like a tornado, never touching ground but stirring up all the air and debris around the room. Esmeray's hair went flying into her face, blinding her from seeing anything that may be happening, though she had a sneaky feeling that her sister's anger had come into play. When the wind finally settled Esmeray didn't know whether to be concerned for her sister's quick retaliation or laugh at her brother's frozen state. 

The warm embrace of her sister hit her side once again. She smiled down at Aeolus before shaking her head. The next words from Triton's lip a seemingly unsolicited apology. Esmeray looked at her brother, the apology alot like the one his mother demanded from him. The words were yet again cold and distant, like he could be doing anything better than talking to her. 


"To be frank, I came here to make peace but it seems as you do not want that. Your anger has gotten the best of you again and I would be careful," Esmeray walked towards Triton, crossing her arms as she settled in front of him and looking down, trying not to take into account his indecent exposure. "...Hot tempers seem to run in the family. Do not underestimate us, brother. The doll and the beers were all in good fun but you seem to not believe in fun anymore. I do not know what crawled up your butt and died in there but you need to sort it out."

Esmeray softly kicked at Triton, testing the hold of the ice against his body. Not able to tell how thick it was despite its hold on him. She squatted down next to him, the floor lighty quaking as her hand touched the ground. Her greenish blue eyes met his in a new determination. "I never wanted your house. I never wanted you to suffer. What I wanted, and now what I demand is your help. I have had enough with your attitude, your negative disposition and your entitlement. You will no longer treat me or Aeolus like your baby sisters but as your equals. Do you hear me? It's time you stop crying about your woes and do something about it."
Arnold
As Triton hung there, suspended in ice, with only his head free, he watched and listened to the sisterly display of affection taking place above him. It was an apt metaphor for everything this curse had brought down on him, especially his own response to it leading him to be cold, lonely, and isolated. Had Persephone known? Or did her curse work out even better than she could have imagined? 

"I am my father's son," He said up to Esmeray, his eyes turning stormy like the waves he commanded. "What you call good fun, I call rubbing salt into my open wounds. I wish you would not play innocent. Either own your behavior for what it is, or apologize." It was a little odd having this argument with her being frozen naked in a hot tub of ice, but when you're surrounded by gods, life tends to present all kinds of unusual predicaments. What Esmeray did not yet know was that due to the geothermal vents producing heat from the earth's inner core, the ice in the hot tub was already beginning to soften, beginning to melt. Aeolus would have had to keep up the cold wind non-stop to maintain the prison she had created. 

He flinched when she kicked at him, her boot right at eye level, then watched as she squatted down in front of him. Eyebrows rose when the floor began to quake lightly, a not so subtle demonstration from his sister that she had powers she had not yet used against him. Then, he listened. Really listened. His jaw set and his gaze hardened, but he also nodded and said, "Very well, Esmeray. Equals. But I am not yet set on the path I'll choose to take in this war." The ice, having gotten sufficiently soft, could no longer hold him. He suddenly leapt from the pool, naked as the day he was born, and swiped his towel from the floor, wrapping is back around his waist. He was shivering badly, and his skin had a slight blue tinge to it. He sat on the edge of the bed, teeth chattering, head down. "It's so cold," He whispered, almost more to himself than to either of them.
Charles
Aeolus clung to Esmeray, seemingly indifferent to the conversation, yet a slight, disdainful curve of her lips betrayed her attention to the ongoing subject. She felt that Triton's grievances were inconsequential, unable to understand his fixation on his so-called pain and humiliation. Was it not just a relationship? An abode easily replaced? Through her avians, she'd seen humans go through far worse; even she herself lived at the mercy of others for ages. Only now had her mighty brother faced a setback after a lifetime of living proudly, yet he already couldn't handle it. With her head buried in Esmeray's shoulder, her lips parted and another targeted whisper touched the shivering God's ears, in a playful singsong tone mired in derision, _"Weak~"_ 

With a wave of her hand, a warm summer breeze brushed Triton's body, giving a feeling like sitting beneath a hot hairdryer. It wasn't because she was pleased with his apology or felt sorry for him, it was solely because she enjoyed it—her father's son at her mercy, like she used to be at his and her uncle's. It felt thrilling, momentarily filling the emptiness that always seemed to linger in her hollow life. Then the fleeting fulfillment dissipated and she suddenly felt bored of it all. Tugging at Emseray's arm, she looked up at her with a guileless, cheerful smile. "Was that everything, Esmeray? Can we go have fun now?" Her brown eyes twinkled with unrestrained anticipation, disarming any who saw her, giving the illusion of a harmless, happy golden retriever. 

||
David
"And here I thought you liked salt." Esmeray tilted her head, unable to contain finding some sort of reprieve from the seriousness of the moment. Her life lately had overflowed with arduous situations and even with the small tiffs of fun it was hard to look past them. 

"It's when we take our fathers afflictions and make them our own that I worry." Esmeray's retort to Triton claiming he was his fathers son was just another excuse she did not want to listen to. The justifications were all the same but they never rightfully explained his actions. She stood, taking a few steps back as she watched him carefully. Aeolus quickly clinging to her side yet again. She smiled faintly and hugged her in return, her eyes returning to her now clothed brother. " I will give you a week to make a decision. I will be keeping your trident until you make a decision and for your own sake Triton, it better be the right one. " 

The warmth of summer air coated the room, finally providing Triton with a bit of comfort. Aeolus left Esmerays side and began to tug her towards the door. Esmeray laughed and let Aeolus pull her closer. She wrapped her arm around her little sisters shoulders before pausing to look over her shoulder at their brother. "One week, Tri. I don't want to have to torture you but I will if I must."
Arnold
Triton's eyes narrowed at Aeolus' whispered words drifting through the air to his ear for only him to hear. He was in no position to dispute her claim though, and instead tried to enjoy the warm summer breeze she sent his way to dry him off. It was annoying being so at the mercy of her incredible power, but he was nevertheless grateful to not be so cold anymore. 

By now he was ready for both of them to leave. He had suffered his indignities and just wanted to be left alone to lick his wounds. But Esmeray had other ideas, other *Expectations*. He watched her and Aeolus embrace, the shared affection between them on full display. He felt a twinge of jealous deep inside, but it never registered on the surface for them to detect. 

He hated being backed into a corner, so when Esmeray made her demands he found himself rising from the bed and turning his shoulders to face them. "I do not like ultimatums, sister. What you ask for is no little thing, and if we're honest, our father's wrath would be much greater than your own. That said, I view him even less favorably than I view you." He walked toward them slowly, not in a threatening manner, but simply to show them he was not backing down. "I will have your answer in a week on the condition that you return my trident now. Immediately. It is not yours to keep. Meet me halfway, and I will comply with your wishes."
Charles
Antagonistic as she was toward her brother, Aeolus couldn't help giving him a second glance once he voiced his dissatisfaction toward their callous father, her brown eyes alight with approval. Maybe this brother of hers wasn't so useless after all. Then he opened his mouth again and her fingers twitched with the urge to slam him against just _one_ more wall before they left. 

A dangerous chill crept over Triton's skin as the air around him subtly stirred, felt only by him. In the end, Aeolus held back. With Triton being so civil, she had no justifiable excuse to act upon. She glanced at Esmeray at her side and pursed her lips with a little bit of unhappiness, feeling like her elder sister was too soft on their aggravating brother. Her eyes fell on Triton as he approached, negotiating his terms with Esmeray, while Aeolus herself remained silent, a thoughtful look on her face. Triton could feel her stare hovering over him with devious calculation, and when their eyes met, Aeolus smiled, her eyes bright. She waited until Esmeray and Triton dealt with their terms before speaking, "In the meantime, you'll accompany me out, right, _brother_?" 

_"Or I'll send your Trident into space."_ Her voice traveled directly to Triton once more, dripping in sweetness yet filled with malice. Maybe she couldn't be as she truly was in front of Esmeray, but Triton didn't matter, so she didn't need to mind herself so much in front of him. It was the perfect chance to let loose a little bit and who better to chaperone than a brother who could only be at her mercy?

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David
Esmeray noted the slight bitterness that sat in the room. Between the three siblings they could all claim to share the brutality of their father in various increments. As Es watched Triton and Aeolus she realized she may have received the lesser of the three, her mortality taking a presence where their divinity stayed intact. They were more of their father than she, but at the same time she knew she wasn't far behind. Her morals and whims changed to demand order and safety. 

"Then you will have to make an exception. I will not just hand you the trident back and watch as you continue to do what you are doing. This was not a request. I am no longer the weak demigod sibling you once knew. Just as you are no longer the Triton I once knew." She turned away from him walking towards the doorway as Aeolus stepped toward Triton. "Father does not have to know. I will give you more instruction when you accept my terms." 

Esmeray picked up the bag from the floor as Aeolus spoke, her foot stepping on the blow up doll that had found itself laying on the floor staring daggers at Triton. It was no longer as funny as she had initially planned. Her brother's inability to take a joke caused strife instead. She sighed before grabbing her knife from its sheath on her thigh and threw it at the doll. If Triton did not want fun, she was not going to let him have it. She quickly pulled the knife from the doll whispering a sorry to Nemesis before she walked out of the room.
Arnold
Triton's gaze darted to Aeolus nervously, aware now more than ever of how effective her powers were against him. It was odd to be a god and yet feel so helpless. She, more than anything else, kept him from lashing out again. As that cold chill crept back over him he looked down, his jaw tensing. For the first time maybe ever Triton seemed cowed. Gone was the bravado, the arrogance. He seemed... Defeated in some way. Swallowing, he nodded his head and replied, "Yes, Aeolus, whatever you say..." He felt his face growing red, causing him to turn away before they could see. He walked back to his desk and took a seat, trying to regain his composure, even as Aeolus continued to whisper her threats into his ear.

"Your terms..." He began glancing now to Esmeray. "Great. Can't wait. I just have to betray my father if I want my trident back. I ought to bash your head in, but then I'd never see my prized possession again." He tapped his fingers against the surface of his desk, visibly irritated now but without any recourse. "Just remember, you're not the only one with leverage here. Nothing is stopping me from telling Poseidon of your treachery." Perhaps it was time to play that card. It seemed to be the only way he could stand against the combined power of his sister. "For now, I shall stay my hand."

He watched glumly as she popped the blowup doll she had delivered, shaking his head. What a waste. A cold silence then fell over the room as she walked out of the room. His eyes remained on her, even as she made her way down the hall. It all felt unfinished, tension still lingering in the air.

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Charles
Aeolus didn't cling to Esmeray for once, letting her sister leave while she herself fixed another thoughtful stare on Triton's retreating back. Her lips formed a flat, straight line, missing their usually cheerful quirk. Her moods as fickle as the weather, she suddenly found herself bored, even mildly displeased at his lack of fight. Why did it feel like her useless big brother was becoming more useless by the day? 

She didn't find it enjoyable. In fact, it left her feeling irritated. A part of her felt that he shouldn't be this way—the other was disgusted by it. "Hey, Esmeray," She called out to her sister softly, "How about I join you and the others later, okay? There's something I'd like to do first with brother." She turned and gave her sister a sweet smile before turning back to her brother, approaching him with deceptively soft steps that didn't match the cold, hard glare of her eyes fixed on him. 

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David
There was a moment in time she would have agreed to hand over the trident. A moment in where he brother could simply ask and she would comply with everything he wanted but as her strength and power grew she felt as though it would stay in the past. Esmeray's chance of making a difference in this war taking a strong forefront. She heard the words that Triton spoke knowing that she had already admitted to their father of her placement in this war. She wasn't like her siblings. She wouldn't just fall at his feet and conform to his will because he held half her DNA. Not when that was all he ever gave her. 

Esmeray paused in the hall, looking back at her sister who stood between the two of them. The sweet quiet voice matched the beautiful smile that was bestowed upon her face for Es. 

"Just come by whenever you are done. We have much to discuss." She looked past her sister, at Triton before returning her gaze to Aeolus and offering her a smile in return. "Do not give him too much hell. I don't need him showing up to our meeting as a popsicle." 

Esmeray walked away, planning on escaping the Citadel before anyone else saw her.
Arnold
Triton's sulking could only last so long when Aeolus approached him like some kind of big cat predator eyeballing her prey with that cold glare. She had given him an education as far we how effective her powers were, putting him on notice. He sat up straight and then stood up, taking a step back. "What are you doing?" He said, really wishing he had his trident right about now. He didn't want to get bounced off the ceiling again. Unfortunately for Triton there was nowhere to hide in his room which was big and comfortable but simple in design. "Look, I don't want to fight anymore, okay? I agreed to Esmeray's terms. There's no need for you to stay behind. You've done enough." He took a chance now by stepping forward, arms outstretched like he wanted to make peace, and started to try and gently guide her back around toward the door. "Besides, she may need your help getting out of the citadel unseen. Can't have any of Poseidon's spy see her and report back to daddy, right?"

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Charles
Aeolus only giggled quietly in response to Esmeray's request to not freeze their unworthy brother. Any words spoken to the contrary would have been a blatant lie after all. 

She waited until Esmeray's footsteps receded far away, her breath disappearing from the room, watching Triton plead his case with a tilt to her head, her lips quirked in a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Her face was the perfect picture of an avid listener, but everything he spouted slipped into one ear and out the other, leaving behind only a lingering amusement for his younger sister who found his attempts a sad sight to behold. "Fight? When did we fight, brother?" Her head tilted the other way, like she was examining a strange specimen on display, a touch of ridicule swimming in her big brown eyes, at odds with the obedient, angelic posture she often took in front of others. Aeolus straightened up and stepped toward Triton, each step accompanied by an unforgiving burst of wind that slammed against Triton, pushing him back step by step until he was pressed against the wall. It was like an invisible wall existed between him and his sister, one he couldn't hope to bypass unless she _let_ him, even when she stood mere inches away. 

Her eyes narrowed on him. "Using your father against me?" She sneered harshly, aggravated by any mention of their father, refusing to acknowledge any part of him same as he never acknowledged her, his daughter.
`

"Are you that ignorant or just pretending to be?" She questioned icily, before her words softened with a proud tone that boasted her sister's abilities, "Besides, we both know Esmeray can take care of herself. And we also both know that you're the most arrogant of us all. So why, pray tell, did you submit so easily?" The force of the wind pressing against Triton wasn't as harsh as the one that tossed him around, yet the threat remained—if he couldn't convince Aeolus, she wouldn't hesitate to repeat their earlier 'friendly' exchange. "Tell me, brother, since when are you so easy to talk to? What are you plotting in that waterlogged brain of yours?" 
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Arnold
Aeolus reminded Triton of a bird of prey, her cold eyes reflecting his own fear back onto him. Yes, she was affectionate towards those she cared for, almost childlike, but to her perceived prey she was an apex predator. It was a side of her he had never seen before, now unleashed by Persephone's curse. Never did he appreciate her powers until he was on the receiving end of them. Suddenly her fury was upon him once again, each gust of angry wind more powerful than the last, blowing him back, back, back up against the wall once more. The gale knocked over most of th belongings in his room. He squinted his eyes against the cold air, his hair billowing all around him. "Aeolus, *Please!*" He said, though he wasn't quite sure what he was even pleading for.

"I have not submitted," He shot back, his eyes flashing angrily. "I am merely trying to make peace with the situation. You do not know what you do not know, sister. Give me a moment's peace and let me recover myself." He tried to pull himself from the wall, like scraping an egg from a sizzling hot pan, but it was useless — she had him pinned. Triton let out a groan of frustration, this towering figure of a god made to look weak by a woman much smaller than himself. It was maddening, but on dryland the advantage was hers. "Yes, Esmeray can take care of herself. She doesn't need you to be her enforcer."
Charles
Aeolus truly matched the nature of the wind, her whims and wants no less unpredictable. What was an imminent storm before suddenly became unnaturally forgiving, allowing Triton a reprieve, the wind becoming warmer and swirling around him idly rather than oppressively.

She didn't say it aloud but there was unmistakeable satisfaction dancing in her expressive brown eyes. It seemed like her thoughts and feelings toward Triton were in constant contradiction. She couldn't stand the idea that he might submit easily and cut off her justification for retaliation, yet, she also couldn't stand the sight of him boldly challenging the sister she'd chosen as her favorite. _It was a twisted sentiment that would give Triton no peace in the coming days._ 

Her erratic mood soothed by his words and attitude, Aeolus took a leisurely seat on the edge of Triton's bed and propped her chin up with her palm, looking at him with the look of someone casually watching a show, "So, what is it that I 'do not know that I do not know'?" She questioned with interest, like suddenly finding a new toy to play with, mocking his arrogant words yet also genuinely curious. "What ambitions are you hiding beneath that pathetic façade, brother?" 

She spoke so lightly, it was like the one who'd just been so menacing was not her but someone else. 

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Arnold
The warm air that swirled around him was a pleasant reprieve, but he knew it could change with her mood. He walked before her calmly, assessing her anew; Triton was dealing with a socially stunted, emotionally under-developed goddess, impetuous and wrathful. Her power unnerved him, and she seemed unreachable in a certain sense... Perhaps she had closed herself off to him. He stood now in front of her, the bubbling pool of water directly behind him. He crossed his arms and thought about how best to say this.

"Things have transpired that have an impact on the present. I can't get into anymore specifics right now. As a rule you should always be aware that there is more going on than what presents itself on the surface. You would be wise to show more prudence than you currently do." With that gentle, big-brotherly scolding, Triton smiled and took a step backwards, dropping into the water. The seconds ticked by and he did not surface. Connected as it was to heated ocean vents, Triton would be able to swim directly from his bedroom hot tub out into the greater ocean, beneath the towering Citadel in which she sat. After a minute or two it would be clear he had no intention of returning, and she would be left to sit alone in his bedroom with his final parting words lingering in the air.
Charles
"You're irritating," Aeolus bit out in a blunt tone that hid none of the aforementioned irritation. There was something about unfinished stories that was utterly offensive to her. If one was going to say something then why not say the whole thing right then and there? Why hem and haw, and act all mysterious? 

The Wind Goddess clicked her tongue as she glared at Triton's retreating figure. The air in the room chilled but she didn't take further action, aware that more pressing issues awaited her elsewhere. 

It seemed to her that Triton had nothing of substance to offer and clearly nothing going on in the space between his ears, only capable of acting cool and hiding like one of his slimy shelled creatures of the sea. She felt like a fool for suspecting that he had some grand plan. Even if he did, what could he actually do when he couldn't even best his baby sister?

She scoffed when she realized he had truly fled, purposely blasting air around his already messy dwelling. When she was satisfied with the petty mayhem she'd invoked, she smiled and let out a gentle whistle. 

There was a quiet whisper of wind, and a brown horse appeared, decorated by flowers and leaves in his mane. Aeolus floated upward softly and gently settled on his back, the very picture of laziness as she lay there bonelessly. A soft neigh echoed in Triton's room and the scent of flowers became more pronounced for a moment, then the messy room was suddenly empty. 

A red flower lay quietly, petals shredded and crushed against the floor by powerful hooves, leaving a shocking red stain like a bloody warning left behind for Triton.