dear_mun | (no subject)

I don't know. There's no want down here, no need. Nothing to stir you into action - but I miss the sun. I miss the smell of the rain and my feet on the grass as I dance... and music.

I miss music. Orph--

I think... I think I would take any chance to live that I could - but I don't think my mundane has my happiness at heart.

[He sighed.] And that truly is the trouble, in the end. I may have the power to bring you out, yet not even I can keep you free if your mundane wills it. The instant my back was turned, said 'mun' would be able to bring you back to the twilit lands- their powers of 'retcon' can outmatch even a god. Permission from Hades, I daresay I could seek and get- but lacking permission of the mundane, it would all be nought.

But even without that one's help, I think I can offer something for you.

Edited 2013-09-15 23:58 (UTC)

[Annnd THAT'S when the lyre came out.] I make no claims to being a match for dear Orpheus, but if it's music you miss- well, hopefully this can help ease your ache somewhat, hmm?

[His fingers strummed the strings lightly, before he set to really play.]

[The problem with being legitimately in the Underworld is that very little moves you. Everything is serene and still, and emotions are heavily muted. A person has a lot of time to think and no desire to act.]

You would ask it? [Why? Ah.] A hero needs a cause... I would argue that I'm not one, but if it pleases you-- oh! [A lyre. She smiles.

It's not her beloved's, but it will do. Her feet move slowly at first, testing to see if she's truly allowed to move - and then Eurydice begins to dance.]

[Hercules might argue the reason, if things were different. He might speak of a hero knowing he has the power to change things for the better, and the responsibility that power brings; he might speak of how a hero knows just how little justice there is in the world beyond what he brings, and how very good it feels to add a little more; he might mention how even beyond riches and rewards and maidens' sweet lips, the true value of knowing you did the right thing is the one that sticks with a man-

He might have spoken of all these things and more, for he's been a hero for a very, very long time. But at the moment? He plays, and he gets to see what good Orpheus always saw in her.]

[Sunlight is in her steps, feet floating over the ground as though she's barely touching it. Each graceful arc of her arms is the wind, the curve of her spine a bubbling steam. Her hair flies around her as she spins and leaps, each movement unchoreographed yet exquisitely completed.

Eurydice dances the springtime she doesn't have anymore.]

[And Hercules played on, entranced by her actions; elegant Megara never moved so selflessly, Deianira for all her sweetness never had such grace. This one wasn't for him, as well he knew; for all her charms, he refused to let his heart go to her entire. She was in no way a replacement for any woman of his... yet he couldn't help but love her a little in this moment, a creature of beauty in motion flitting through air and light and woodland groves. He played, and she danced, and the world was almost right...

But eventually the song ended, and the notes faded away- until his fingers fell on the strings and stilled them early. Hercules stood up, face pale and eyes resolute.]

This is not where you are meant to be.

[Eurydice moves as though Terpsichore herself guides her feet, and it's easy to see why Orpheus was moved to make her his bride. As a nymph, she gives of herself freely and willingly, for that is nature's way... but her heart is given to one man, and she has no other to give.

When the notes die, their last shimmering echoes no longer heard, she comes to a stop, her body ceasing motion as elegantly as it began. She glances at him from behind the fall of her hair.]

I don't. But I have no choice in the matter.

But I do.

[He moved to take her hand; she was no woman of his, that was certain sure, but at this point it didn't matter. For her to be free to dance, and laugh, and feel the sun- that was enough for him, and the thought of her bound away from such things, insupportable. He could make this little corner of the world right again, it's what heroes do. And he refused to consider being able to change things for her... and just passing on by.

So let's go find someone he could beat that change into.]

[She takes it, and her skin is slightly chilled, the Underworld laying its claim there, too.]

Think you that a hero can save me? My beloved could not.

[But if he wants to try, she won't stop him. Hades will find a way to keep her here, it's what he dies. But for this moment, she can pretend to hopefulness. It's almost like being alive again.]

[It's nothing he didn't expect; with as many times as he's gone to the Underworld, he might as well have built an Elysian summer-home.] Couldn't? Just because an attempt fails doesn't mean it was doomed at the outset. And I've convinced Uncle Hades a time or two before.

[Even 'convinced' him to give up his own dog- temporarily, it must be admitted- but the point is, he's rather more able to come to an understanding with the Lord of the Dead than perhaps anyone else except his father. Honestly, it's still the mundane he's more worried about.]

...You know what? Let's try the simple solution. You're supposed to be brought out without being looked at? Easy. [He knelt, turning his enormous back to her, and spread his arms to either side.] Climb on, I'll bring you out pig-a-back style, and let's see just who would try to stop me.

[Orpheus convinced him, too - but it wasn't real. She's relived that journey over and over again in her mind, forever falling short of the light when her beloved turns to see if she still follows. It never changes, and she has no reason to believe that this will be any different.

But when a noble hero insists on making an attempt, a nymph has no recourse but to allow him.]

It can't possibly be so simple...

[It's not as though she has anything to lose by trying, and she climbs up his back as easily as she would a tree, slender limbs clinging to him but not clutching. She's light as a feather, tiny and insignificant in the wake of his might.]

[Name a time when Hades DID go back on his word. Just one, shouldn't be hard right? Of course, Herc sure can't remember an example; he's far more used to Uncle Hades ensuring other people kept to the promises they'd made.

He rose when he felt her delicate arms around his neck, tucking his hands under her legs to keep her balanced and supported.] Of course not, nothing is ever that simple.

[His voice was calm, collected, and under tight control; the feelings which prompted this action are still there, but being able to sublimate them into doing something is such a big help.] At the very least, Uncle Hades will be terribly put out that I didn't ask first; being unable to find him will only go so far.

[He set off, moving toward Elysium; he may not know this section of what is presumably the fields of Asphodel, but once he gets oriented he can go straight for the gates out of here.] The trick is, now they have to react to us instead of the other way around. And as we gain more momentum in our journey, it becomes far more difficult- and more perilous- to get in our way.

[Does Persephone count? Even then, it's a compromise. Eurydice doesn't tend to dwell on the affairs of gods, but since her untimely (in her opinion) death, she's taken a little more note of what happens down here. It rarely ever goes the mortal's way... but Hercules isn't mortal, so perhaps his plan has merit.]

So long as we both accept that there may be setbacks, I have no desire to not try.

[His grip is sure, and she has no issue with heights or movement at a height, and rides pig-a-back with delicate ease, hair and chiton swaying with his strides.]

Will he mete out punishment?

[She eyes the shades they pass, and the more aware souls, like herself. There is some small hope in her location; if she were already in Elysium, she'd have no need of rescue.]

[In the taking away, or the keeping? Because being ordered to let her go (and arranging things so he's unable to do so) is a bit different than a promise or vow. Better question, is she still unable to eat anything while she's down here lest she lose even MORE time above? Because that would just be extra-terribad... Well, maybe food gets imported.

Hercules absently noticed her gentle grace riding him, thanking Zeus for that; this would be so much trickier if he had to constantly adjust her or deal with fearful shrieking. Thanks for picking a good one, Orpheus!] Punishment? Well, you may wind up cursed, but that's a temporary inconvenience; at least, it is when I return here and pay the price to have the thing lifted. Uncle never could resist a chance to bargain. [The words came out easily even as he picked up the pace, souls and shades going by faster and faster as the wind of their passage began to pick up.]

As for punishing me, that's a trickier notion by far; did I not submit to it freely, there's little he could do to me outside these darkened realms. There's a reason he likes bargaining, you see... [And while Herc's surely not going to rely on it, he does remember Hades calling him 'his favorite nephew' a time or two. He'd given the Lord of the Dead a LOT of business down through the years, after all.

And off in the distance, a spot of healthy green appears- and is gradually growing bigger.]

[Imported is a good thought. Eurydice doesn't need to eat down here, but Persephone does, and there's probably an airtight contract around everything else she does, too, the poor woman.

But yes, Orpheus' choice in bride was sound, and not just for her ability to not be a damsel in distress. The mention of curses is vaguely worrying, but if they're caught, how much worse can death be than it already is? The nymph has no fear there, and worries only for the wellbeing of the hero bearing her out of Hades' shadows faster than any mortal would manage.]

You're going to woo him with a charming grin and a display of brute strength and unimaginable nobility? [Warmth seeps into her tone the closer they get to the green fields.] I would admit that they're easy to succumb to.

[Eurydice isn't relying in it, either - she knows better. But Hercules clearly has several aces up his sleeves, and never mind that the nymph doesn't play cards.]

Now, now- don't go getting carried away! [He just HAD to say it.

Picking up speed even further as he saw the familiar Fields, he missed the effect they had on his passenger- which would indicate a viable alternative, really, given its manifold charms; lilting music, shady groves, good folk all over, even its own sun and stars. Really, dropping her off in Elysium would be a much more practical solution...

But then, it's not often Hercules claimed to be practical. Besides, he doesn't remember Orpheus there, so best to keep going!]

When it comes to Uncle Hades, it's usually the brute strength that makes the biggest impression. But I can always try the charming smile, right? [Judging his moment finely, Herc put on the brakes to slow and halt their remarkable speed, raising up a cloud of dust amid the barren plain as he skidded to a halt just before the gates of the glorious dead. Best to turn and get away quick; he didn't know who saw the dust of his wake, and he definitely wanted to avoid beloved Megara right now. There's just no way this situation could be explained well!]

Hold on tight, we'll be going MUCH faster now.

So cries the hero carrying me away at speed! [Her voice is growing stronger and clearer the farther they travel, and although it's nearly lost in the wind of their passage, she's close enough to his ear that he will have heard.

Elysium would be nice... but heroes do things right. Orpheus is in the world, and Eurydice would go to him before anywhere else. Go hard or go home, isn't that the phrase?]

Be glad you only carry the nymph and not her oak. Our journey would be much less smooth, though perhaps more impressive - but it's for love. Surely even Hades can understand this.

[Dust swirls around them, and her eyes are shut tight against the grit. When she opens them to see the gates, excitement grips her.]

I shan't let go!

[Red hair streams behind her as he makes their bid for freedom, and her skin and chiton gain more colour as they leave the shadows behind.]

My mundane wishes to impart her joy at our meeting, and to thank you for your heroics thus far...

Details, details! [It's a full-throated laugh that escapes him; the strength of her voice and beginnings of a sense of humor are good signs, and the way they're heading at speed away from his biggest fear for this excursion was even better. Beginning to breathe deeply, he picked up the pace even more, the shades around practically blurring by; he may not have any preternatural gifts for speed, but strong legs make up for quite a bit- and after all, he did win the very first Olympic races. ALL of them.]

Who knows, we may... *huff* catch him in... *puff* a maudlin mood. Of course... *gasp* the oak I could have... *pant* just thrown!

[If this trip really is helping her, oh what a scolding he'll get! Still, he really should keep his focus ahead of him, as he goes faster shades grow harder to dodge without losing momentum. Sure he can do it, but even for as experienced a hero as Herc it gets tricky!

Still, the comment on the Mundane is both heartening and worrisome.] Take a... careful look... behind us! Such praise from... a mundane may mean... she'll let you stay free... or we're about to... be put through the wringer!

[Or possibly both, for that matter; that's the thing about muns. But he really should stop talking, the entryway to Uncle's realm should be coming up soon and he wants to be going flat-out by the time it appears on he horizon.]

Nobody likes a pedantic nymph?

[It's an excellent sign; not only is the thought of being Above lifting her spirits, but simply taking action - even that begun by another - is bringing about the physical manifestation of good health. If they get there, the subdued wintery nymph she's become here will be the lively and joyous summer nymph she once was.]

I'd be very put out if you threw my oak; we don't even produce acorns, yet-- or we didn't. I know my sisters will be taking care of him, but I hope he's alright...

[Moving with him as he runs is instinctive. Graceful and intuitive, she easily follows his movements, riding on his back as one rather than a passenger. She can see shades reaching as they all but fly past, but none ever latch on - and then he asks her to check their tail path.

Slender fingers tighten on his shoulders.]

...I assume you've met Cerberus?

[Herc's powerful chest was heaving like a bellows, he couldn't spare the breath to reply- but his panting mouth curled up in something like a smile at the news. They don't know who's doing this, then. If the dog was all they sent out, we may get clean away yet...

His spirits lifted further as he could see the Court of the Dead; Cerberus may be faster than him, yet still the were nearly out and on their way up to the world above! He'd considered how to pass this hurdle; Minos and Aeacus were family and might let him through, but why burden them with the decision? No, the way you deal with a hurdle is to jump it. Smashing through unprovoked would cause Uncle Hades no end of trouble in recapturing fleeing souls and put him into a truly foul mood for dealing with them, so...]

GONNA... LEAP!

[The words were gasped out as loud as he could manage, his face turned toward her just long enough that she might catch it and hang on like grim- well, life- as he chose his moment, chose his angle, and launched them both into the air, just barely skimming below the cavernous roof enclosing this darkened realm.

Really, without her skill at riding a man, he'd never have dared try an escape this way.]

[She takes his increased pace as acknowledgment of the three-headed hound on their heels, and clings a little tighter, moving with him as his strides cover greater and greater distances. The dog is fearsome, but poses no danger to the nymph in her current residential status - but for the hero bearing her to safety, the threat is slightly more real, if not as serious as it could be.

She feels him gather his strength, and when his words confirm the bunching of muscles in his back, Eurydice becomes like moss on bark, stuck fast but pliant and moveable. Red hair and her cream chiton steam behind them as he leaps over the gates, and she thinks she feels the brush of stalactites as they clear the massive hurdle--

--and when they land, she laughs in sheer delight, the sound bubbling from her like water, her arms holding tight to his broad shoulders.]

You can fly!

Edited (tmw you find phone typos hours later, my apologies ) 2013-09-19 09:35 (UTC)

Sadly no... but close... enough!

[With a nymph on his back, he couldn't tuck and roll for the landing- and with Cerberus behind him, he refused to accept a full stop. So his legs were pumping even before contact with the ground where he staggered but kept going- not at a sprint now, but a steady marathon pace meant to eat up the distance and let his legendary stamina kick in. That was pretty fast he was going before, after all.]

So much... for the hard part... things should be simpler from here.

[Of course the moment he said that, the baleful howls of three monstrous heads could readily be heard none too far behind them, and getting closer.]

If anyone asks, I shall call it flying all the same!

[A tuck and roll would be the obvious choice for landing such a mighty leap, but Eurydice is glad he's thought of his passenger, and merely rights herself when she slips a little at his insignificant stagger. It's nothing to her, who's weather storms in the boughs of her oak... and then the howls reach her ears, too.

Risking another glance over her shoulder, she's momentarily blinded by locks of her own hair; a shake of her head clears her vision, which fills with the unmistakable sight of the guardian hound hunting them, baying with triumph.]

...she's gaining on us-- Hercules, you are truly a hero, but you've my permission to leave me here if need be!

[He'd regained enough of his breath to chuckle at her offer, even as he slowed further.] It was in facing Cerberus (amongst other things) that I gained my fame in the first place! Besides, I've something of an advantage with this hound that others wouldn't know...

[When the mighty beast of the Underworld was nearly snapping at his heels, Herc Herc slammed one foot down and cracked the stone of the path, slewing around to face backwards even as he disengaged one hand to hold out before him. In a thunderous voice of command, he cried out: ]

CERBERUS! SIT!

[Because what Hercules knew that almost no-one else was aware of, was that a few of his friends had put Uncle Hades' dog through obedience training a few years ago.]

no subject

1/2

2/2

Re: 2/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject