Learning to be human

Maddalena was not surprised by the other woman’s reaction. Though she had to admit that she was taking the information better than she had been expecting.

She shrugged at the questions, having expected this at least. “It was just a little mischief. Nothing more than I normally do… However, there was more damage than I anticipated.” she answered since she did not want to go into the details of her accident. “They are the rest of the Pantheon, more specifically the ones who make decisions that affect everyone. And when they decided to punish me they stripped everything from me… Well, most everything.” she admitted, holding her hand out, palm facing up, and summoned a ball of fire the size of what Anna would recognize as a baseball. “Pathetic, isn't it?” she scoffed at the sight before extinguishing the flame. “As to your last question, they didn't say. Just that I am to be mortal until I am able to reclaim my title.”

Anna frowned. If by now Maddalena hadn't explained the details of her mischievous plot that had gotten her kicked out, she clearly had no intention of telling Anna. But that didn't mean she still didn't want to know. Graciously, she let that subject drop.

Her eyes widened, and she took a step back from the fireball hovering above Maddalena's palm. "Pathetic?!" she asked incredulously. "Are you serious?" She blinked several times, shocked by the image. Though she was surprised to hear that there had been no explanation of how Maddalena was to return to the Pantheon she was a part of. Usually, in the stories Anna had read, there was a quest for this kind of thing. But Maddalena had no such luck.

"So… what exactly do you intend to do?" she asked, her hand trembling as she raised her wine glass to her lips again.

“Yes, pathetic.” Maddalena nodded, narrowing her eyes. “Normally that sort of thing would be nothing more than a parlor trick. I’m supposed to be able to do so much more.” she explained, trying to keep her voice from quivering. “If I wanted, I could easily incinerate more than this entire street without even using fire.”

The former goddess sighed and leaned back in her seat, mindlessly swirling her glass of wine. “I… I don't know yet. I need some time to come up with a plan. But I have every intention of reclaiming my rightful title and power.”

Anna's eyes widened, and she nearly choked on her sip of wine. The glass was set down as she reached to brace herself on the island. "Oh, my God," she breathed quietly. So this woman had been very powerful. More powerful than Anna could fathom. She shook her head in disbelief. "Oh, my God," she said again while her mind tried to process the information.

She looked up at Maddalena and found it in herself to arch an eyebrow. "Are you sure that's the attitude your Pantheon wants you to have?" she asked cautiously. "Maybe that's part of the reason you're here as well. In my opinion, this also isn't the kind of situation you make a plan for. You have no instructions, correct? Other than you will be a mortal until such a time as you can reclaim your title. Maybe you're supposed to embrace being mortal. It might give you more of a respect for your abilities when you get them back."

“Yes. Exactly.” Maddalena nodded, once Anna had stopped choking. “Mischief and thievery may be my specialty but I am not limited to just such things.” she pointed out.

“What do you mean?” she asked, arching a brow of her own. “The Pantheon hardly ever cares about me and the feeling is mutual. Why would they care about what attitude I have?” she scoffed. “Besides, I’ve disguised myself as a mortal many times. I know what it's like; how to survive, how to disappear, and how to avoid trouble. It's not my powers that they fear. It's my skills at mischief.”

Anna was about to reply when she heard a quiet cough come from the other side of the kitchen wall. Her eyes widened, and she stalked over to the wall in time to see Daisy's retreating back hurrying up the stairs.

"Daisy May Clayton!" Anna called, freezing her daughter in her steps. "Come back down here this instant."

Irritation flitted across the girl's face before she turned and begrudgingly made her way back down the stairs until she was on the last step and at eye-level with her mother.

"What do you think you were doing?" Anna demanded, trying to keep her anger as contained as possible. "Eavesdropping on a very private conversation… I'm very upset with you, young lady."

Daisy glanced into the kitchen and arched her eyebrows at Maddalena. "Can I see your magic?" she asked, which only made Anna more upset.

"Daisy, you shouldn't be mixing in with all of this," Anna began.

"Mom," Daisy countered firmly. "Stop trying to keep me from things. I'm tired of being sheltered all the time." With that, the teenager brushed past her mother and stepped into the kitchen. "Can I see?" she asked again.

Anna stood behind her, her face a mixture of pain and concern.

Maddalena couldn't help but smirk as she followed Anna to the doorway and leaned against the frame. She wasn't surprised that the child had been listening, perhaps even before she came down to get her drink. Though she had to agree somewhat that the girl didn't need to have the world hidden from her. She had seen the lengths mortal parents went through to protect their children and even respected it but there was always a time when children stopped being children and needed to face the reality of how the world was.

“And what would you like to see?” she asked with her usual mischievous smirk as she held out her empty hand. “A light show?” she asked as small bolts of lightning danced between her fingers. “A sudden snow?” she asked, snapping her fingers creating a flurry of snowflakes to dance around the room. “Perhaps a disappearing act.” she suggested as the snow stopped before it could leave too much water behind and former goddess was suddenly nowhere to be seen.

Daisy's eyes widened at the spectacular demonstration of Maddalena's abilities. "Woah," she breathed as the snowflakes settled in her dark hair. Then she whirled around with a grin, trying to find out where Maddalena had gone.

Anna watched the performance and winced. Great. She can turn invisible too. She reached for Daisy and held her daughter protectively.

"Mom!" Daisy moaned, rolling her eyes. "Would you relax?"

“Over here, dearie.” Maddalena cooed, now standing harmlessly near the sink. “Unfortunately, my powers are limited for the time being. As I’m sure you heard.” she added with a knowing smirk as she took another sip of her wine.

Though she nearly rolled her eyes at Anna’s defensive action. “Your daughter has a point. I may be many things but I am not one who would bring harm to someone who has been so generous to me.” she assured. Yes, she was mischievous, unpredictable, even dangerous but she was not cruel. Especially when she had no reason to be.

Daisy grinned seeing Maddalena reemerge. She broke free of her mother's grip and approached the goddess. "I did," she agreed excitedly. "Is that all you can do?"

Anna straightened at Maddalena's words. "The same cannot be said for people I've previously allowed in my flat and close to my daughter. So forgive me for being protective of her," she stated shortly.

Daisy whirled around and widened her eyes. "Mom," she hissed. "He's gone. Dad promised us that he was dead, remember?"

Anna's fingers curled into fists, and she shook her head. "I don't care. I won't let what happened before happen again."

Maddalena chuckled at the girl’s interest and shook her head. “No. I still have a few more tricks up my sleeve. But, for your mother’s sake, perhaps we should save them for another time.” she winked, not wanting to admit that her little display had left her with a slight headache.

Her brown eyes widened at the bite in Anna’s voice. But as she listened to the mother and daughter talk, she grew curious and nodded in understanding. “No. The same can not be said for others.” she agreed. “And I can not blame you for your reaction. But I can assure you that I mean you and your daughter no harm.” she said more sincerely than earlier.

Daisy's eyes widened with expectation. Then she let out a reluctant sigh. "I guess you're right," she agreed, looking back at her mother. Slowly, she approached Anna and gave her a hug. Anna's expression softened immediately, and she wrapped her arms tightly around her daughter.

"You know I only want to keep you safe," she murmured quietly.

"I know," Daisy replied, relaxing a bit in the embrace. "But not everyone is going to be like Nikhail was." Anna cringed and stiffened just at the sound of his name, but Daisy continued. "And why did you even bring her back here if you were just going to kick her out later?"

Anna's mouth opened, but she didn't say anything. Finally, she drew back and studied her daughter's face. "When did you get to be so wise?" she asked with a wry smile.

Daisy grinned and shrugged her shoulders. "I dunno. It just happened, I suppose."

Anna shook her head. "Go use your newfound wisdom to finish your homework, then." A groan escaped Daisy, but she listened to her mother's words and went upstairs – the whole way this time. Then Anna headed back into the kitchen and picked up her own wine glass again. She finished the contents and moved to refill it. "I'm sorry," she murmured quietly. "I shouldn't have been so harsh on you. Daisy and I… have been through a lot in the past three months. I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

Maddalena watched the interaction quietly, knowing this was a private matter and not the time to interrupt. Though she had to admit it was a touching scene, even if it was only one she could see in the mortal realm.

“You do not have to apologize.” she shook her head. “You have been betrayed by someone. It only makes sense that you would be cautious around others. Though I have to admit my curiosity as to what happened and who that Nikhail was.”

(Okay, so this is going to be mad spoilers for the "Plot Twist" rp lmao)

Anna closed her eyes and let out a shaky sigh. "Fair enough," she replied, steeling herself to tell the story.

"As I told you earlier, I'm a criminal barrister," Anna began steadily. "Nikhail Julian is– was the governor of White Cross Prison. My last assigned case led me to interact with him directly on multiple occasions, especially when my client committed suicide in his custody. I'm very passionate about the rights of prison inmates and such topics. Nikhail and I had a conversation in which I agreed to be a mentor in the prison's outreach program.

"The more time I spent with him, the more comfortable I felt around him, as one is." Anna exhaled slowly and sipped her wine. "We began to… sort of… see each other. He would come over, and we would have some drinks… and there was one night… I stayed with him in a hotel room." Anna closed her eyes and shook her head. "Don't tell Daisy," she muttered under her breath before continuing.

"There was corruption in White Cross, but at the time, I didn't realize that it was all because of Nikhail. He was pulling all the strings under a false name. He created a trap for my former husband, Harry, and kidnapped Daisy and me to be used as bait." She cringed at the word. "I'd never had a gun held to my head before. I couldn't even count how many times it happened that day. And Daisy almost drowned. We almost lost her…"

Anna drained the rest of her wine fluidly and set her glass down as she swallowed. "That's the shortened version, but… you understand why I have to be protective of her."

(🫢🫣😮 That's a lot to process… how much of that will I need to know for the “Plot twist” rp?)

Maddalena listened to the story both impressed and shocked by what this woman went through. Some of the words were new to her, such as “gun”, but she was able to infer the meaning.

“I understand.” she nodded. “After such a betrayal, of course, you would be cautious of others to defend the one you care about most. I will not tell Daisy that part.” she assured. “And I swear, I will not bring any harm to you or your daughter.”

(Um… like all of it 😂 There are more specific details I left out, but Larson will know either none of it or be tuned in to very little until everything happens. That sounds weird… like, he might be able to catch red flags that appear in Anna's relationship with Nikhail (mainly how relatively fast they move) and things like that.)

"Yes," Anna agreed softly. "Daisy is the one I care about most in the entire world. I only want her to be kept safe, though I worry she doesn't always appreciate my attempts at doing so."

Though she laughed under her breath, refilling her glass yet again, as Maddalena promised to keep secret the hotel room Nikhail and Anna had shared. She normally didn't drink this much, but this day was certainly calling for it. "Thank you. I don't need her knowing that I slept with him." She cringed at the words almost immediately and shuddered. "I can't believe I did that," she muttered shaking her head. "He… He…"

Anna inhaled sharply and leaned on the counter. "Oh my God," she mumbled. "I'm sorry… I don't like talking about this. I haven't told anyone as much as I've told you now."

(Ok. Most likely the second one then. Lars is usually pretty observant and add a touch of jealousy 😉… 😮 He could even come over to her house that night to talk to her about (idk what yet) and finds only Daisy home alone!)

Maddalena shrugged. “She’s a young woman. She wants to experience the world. Unfortunately, there are some things that you will not be able to protect her from, despite your best efforts.” she said plainly. She had seen it happen dozens of times, though she had chosen not to be a mother herself. She’d had her own affairs but never went through the trouble of getting married. Part of her affinity meant freedom to her, though many just saw the danger of her preferred lifestyle when she visited.

“She will not learn of it from me.” she nodded. Though she almost wondered if telling Daisy might explain why her mother was as protective as she was. Clearly, the betrayal ran deeper for her than just the fact that he kidnapped and threatened her daughter. But the former goddess would honor Anna‘s decision to stay silent for now.

“You don't need to explain more. I understand that speaking about a problem can cause some relief. Though you do not need to apologize either. He tricked you.” she pointed out, having seen many males in the Pantheon do similar to mortal women. “The fault is not yours. Just his. And you are certain that he is dead?” she asked, raising a brow.

(Ooooh, yes, yes, and YESSSS!!!)

Anna flinched at Maddalena's words. "Yes, I know," she murmured quietly. "That's what I'm most worried about. But I feel responsible for all that happened with Nikhail. I let him into my life – into Daisy's life – and he…" She took another deep breath. "I still have nightmares. It's petrifying. For the longest time, I didn't feel safe. Between you and me, I still don't. But I need to appear as if I do for Daisy's sake."

The woman stared at the red liquid in her glass before taking a long sip. "I should hope she doesn't learn of it from anyone," she muttered. "I'm humiliated just thinking of it."

Her entire demeanor relaxed and her expression softened at the words Maddalena spoke. "Yes," she agreed quietly. "He certainly made me out to be a fool. And to think I found myself in love with him at a time."

But then her eyes widened, and she tensed visibly. "I-I should hope so," she answered, taking a steadying breath. "I don't know if Daisy and I could remain in London if he's still alive."

(😊)

Maddalena nodded once, acknowledging the woman’s worries. Though she sighed at the added confession. “If I had my full power, I would grant you protection that would prevent such a thing from happening again.” she said, comfortingly. Though, at the moment, she wasn't sure what form that protection would take or how it would work out.

“Perhaps… with your permission, I could stay awhile and help you and your daughter. At least until I can figure out what they want me to do.” she suggested thoughtfully. Her skills as a thief also meant she was good at protecting things, and people, as the thieves she remembered were the ones who only stole enough to survive. Though the authorities at the time often lumped those people with common criminals. However, she did have a certain admiration for “professionals” or even those who had the right skills whether or not they were thieves.

Anna looked taken aback. "You can do that?" she asked incredulously. "Such a thing is possible?" Though part of her was angered by the offer. Why couldn't protection have been granted in the first place? Anna and Daisy had done nothing to deserve the hell they'd been put through. Nothing but have relations with Harry Clayton.

Though when Maddalena asked for permission to stay, it made Anna soften a bit more. Nikhail had never asked her permission for anything. It should have been a huge, flashing warning sign. But then again, Anna never really did listen to warning signs. Harry and Nikhail were both separate examples of that.

"I suppose it's the least I can do, seeing as you have nowhere else to go," Anna said, sipping from her wine again. "Though I must ask something of you if you stay here. I'll feel remiss if I don't say it, so forgive me. Please don't go getting Daisy into trouble."

“Of course I could.” Maddalena smirked. “You said you were familiar with Greek mythology, so surely you know the story of Medusa.” she reminded before giving a thoughtful hum. “However… I would need to think more on how to apply it. Perhaps spending time in your world would help me better understand the best way to grant it.”

The taller woman smiled gratefully as Anna agreed to let her stay. It would certainly be nice compared to the number of times she and others had to make or find their own place to take shelter. Though she chuckled at the condition. “I will not deliberately place your daughter in trouble.” she agreed. “But perhaps I might be able to help her avoid it.”

Anna's eyes widened slightly. Sure, she knew the story of Medusa. The woman who could turn anyone to stone if only they looked into her eyes. But the thought made Anna shudder. She wasn't sure that such protection was one she would even want. It seemed like it would cause more problems than it solved. And hadn't she been beheaded?

But as Maddalena continued speaking, Anna relaxed a bit more. The application of such power would certainly persuade Anna more or less to accept it, depending on what it was. So she nodded her head in agreement. "Alright," she said quietly. "I believe that will work.

"Thank you," she added. "I don't think I'll ever stop worrying about her. She's so consumed by wanderlust… and she's always asking questions. I'm afraid her curiosity may even rival my own." Anna shook her head and smiled to herself. "But I just want her to be happy… and safe."

Maddalena raised a brow at the woman’s expression but let out a sigh when she remembered how quickly mortals distort their history. “Perhaps you should tell me what you know of her.” she suggested. “Your reaction makes me wonder how her story is told now.”

“Your daughter is not the first child I have watched over.” she chuckled. “I believe I can handle her curiosity. You both may ask me any questions you may have, however there may be some topics I chose not to speak of.” she warned with a slight smirk as she took a sip of her wine.

Anna nodded slowly. "I'm not as well-versed as I ought to be, like I said. But what I know of Medusa was that she could turn those who looked into her eyes to stone. And I believe she was beheaded eventually. I'm sure there's more, but I'm sorry to say that mythology is not one of my strongest suits."

Anna arched a curious eyebrow, however, at Maddalena's chuckle. "Oh?" she asked, smiling briefly. "I have some more questions, I'll admit, but I don't want to bombard you."

“There is much more to her story.” Maddalena confirmed. “And there are different versions of it as well. One paints her as a monster who was cursed for betraying Athena but that is not the whole truth.” she said, shaking her head at the ignorance of that version.

“You may ask.” she smiled with a slight nod, already having suspected that the woman’s curiosity was piqued.

Anna immediately looked more intrigued. "What is the whole truth?" she asked curiously. "You know Medusa?" She pursed her lips slightly and lifted her wine to her lips to take a long sip before asking. "I'm not sure I'll get an answer to this… but what did you do? I mean, to be punished the way that you are."

Maddalena smiled at Anna’s questions, at least the first two, and shook her head slightly. “Not personally but I know her story better than most.” she admitted before sitting down. “It's a long story but Medusa was, originally, a very attractive mortal woman and the High priestess of Athena’s temple in Athens. You see, the people who lived there chose to name the city after the goddess of wisdom instead of Poseidon, the god of the sea. And, like most males, he let such a choice bruise his pride.” she scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Now, I admit, I do not know exactly how they met other than the fact that Poseidon had taken a mortal disguise and met Medusa. Being like practically every male in a Pantheon, he decided to pursue her but one of the conditions of serving Athena was that you had to… remain untouched.” she explained, hoping her implication would be enough. “Medusa rebuked him on those grounds. Unfortunately for her, he refused to listen once he found out what her position was. He followed her to the temple and took his revenge on both her and Athena. I hope I don't have to explain how but Athena was not happy. Poseidon blamed Medusa, saying that she had seduced him and that being at the temple had been her idea.

“Personally, I think he forgot that she was the goddess of wisdom but most, if not all, of the others believed him easily because he was one of the most powerful members of their Pantheon and a king. So, Athena’s hand was forced. She had to punish Medusa… At least in a way that everyone would believe she was being punished.” the former goddess smirked. “The transformation and power was really a gift so that no man could ever harm Medusa again. And I believe she remained dedicated to Athena even after that. Until the son of Poseidon, Perseus, came along and killed her to save some silly princess.” she sighed, taking another sip.

Anna pursed her lips, noticing that Maddalena had efficiently dodged her question, but she didn't bring it up anymore… yet. Her eyes widened, and she listened with interest to Medusa's story.

"Wow… And sometimes I wonder why I'm still attracted to men and not women," she muttered. It took about three seconds for what she said to register in her mind. Then her eyes widened and she blushed furiously.

"I-I-I'm sorry," she stammered. "I didn't mean to say that, I don't know what came over me." She quickly took another long sip of wine to avoid talking.

Maddalena spluttered in her drink, coughing for a moment before devolving into laughter at Anna’s unexpected comment.

She waved her hand dismissively as she managed to catch her breath. “No, no. It's alright. I’m actually attracted to both.” she admitted, still smiling. “You have no reason to be embarrassed.”

Anna's blush only deepened at Maddalena's reactions to what she had said. Maybe she didn't have a reason to be embarrassed, but she sure as hell felt like she did.

Though she felt a bit surprised at the goddess's easy admission. Sexuality wasn't exactly a topic that came up much for Anna. She'd never really considered the option of being attracted to women. But was it an option? Or if she was attracted to women, would she just naturally feel it?

She shook her head and refilled her wine glass, her face still flaming with a blush. "Still, I shouldn't have said that," she added, all but brimming her glass. The effects were starting to take a toll, as she almost knocked it over when she reached for it again. The liquid sloshed up the sides and spilled a bit on the counter.

"Oh!" Anna reached for a towel and wiped up the mess quickly.