Learning to be human

“No. I don't think we would want that.” Maddalena chuckled at the girl's reasoning but didn't dispute it. After all, she was no stranger to that unpleasant smell.

She nodded thoughtfully as Daisy gave the simple answer, letting that topic drop for now. “Well, let’s get back to making breakfast. Where do you keep the cookware?” she asked.

-

Eymanthus hummed to himself as he leaned back in his seat. These little cafes were always so quaint, even if they weren't one of his usual places to hang out. But the coffee was very good and the ambiance was relaxing. And the baristas were cute, he wouldn't deny that at all as he cast a wink toward one of them he caught looking at him.

Daisy shook her head. "If we did that, Mom might actually kick you out of the house," she joked, nudging Maddalena with her elbow. The goddess' lack of response so the topic would be dropped was noticed by the girl. She wouldn't have minded explaining it, but she was curious to see if Maddalena would continue the conversation further.

"Over here, in these cabinets," Daisy said, pointing. "What are you looking for? I can get you a skillet."

–

Anna stepped into the cafe with her hair mussed and her cheeks slightly flushed from the wind. She loved autumn's cooler weather, especially how London made it look so beautiful. It was a time to appreciate nature, and what better way to do that than on a morning walk with a cup of her favorite coffee?

She stepped up to the counter and smiled at the barista, who recognized her. "Hi, Anna! Same as always?"

Anna laughed quietly. "Iced dirty chai tea latte," she answered, stating her typical go-to order. "You know me too well, Olivia."

"Maybe," the barista teased. "Coming right up." She tapped on the register to pull up Anna's total.

Maddalena chuckled at the idea but nodded, bumping her playfully back. “I can't say I would blame her but it's giving me ideas for when I get back home.” she smirked.

“That should work.” she nodded, opening the cabinet Daisy had pointed out. “Perhaps you should help me gather the usual tools you would use to make this.” she suggested.

-

Eymanthus glanced over as he heard the door open and raised a brow as he took in the new woman’s appearance. She was very pretty. He smiled to himself, listening in on the brief conversation and catching her name easily. But he wasn't going to move yet, he wanted to watch her for a moment longer.

Daisy snickered to herself before a serious expression dawned on her face. “I forgot that you need to go back,” she said quietly. The girl silently reached for another drawer and pulled out a rubber spatula. When she looked back at Maddalena, she searched the goddess’ face. “How long are you here until?”

—

“That’ll be £4,” Olivia said, motioning to the little tablet for Anna to pay.

Anna slipped her card into the reader and watched as it declined. Confusion marred her expression, and she tried again. Declined. A third time. Declined. Pushing her worry down, she reached into her purse and slipped out a few bills. “You can keep the change,” she said before turning away and pulling out her phone.

A few touches, and she was calling someone. “Where are you?” she demanded by way of greeting. A pause. “Have you been out gambling again?” Another demand, met by a shorter pause. “My card just declined for coffee.” A pause. “Three.” Pause. “Cash.” A short pause. “Tell me the truth,” Anna bit out, trying to keep from coming undone in the coffee shop. A long, long pause. Finally Anna shook her head. “Yes.” Pause. “Tuesday at eleven.” Short pause. “I’ll see you there. Bye.”

She hung up and exhaled swiftly as Olivia called her name from the counter. With that, Anna picked up her drink and headed for the door.

Maddalena raised a brow at the question and the somber tone she had taken. “I don't know how long. The only thing I know is that I can not return until I am able to reclaim what was taken from me.” she sighed, clenching her fist in annoyance. “They didn't even tell me how they expect me to do it. Not even a clue.”

-

Eymanthus gave a slight wince as he overheard her half of that phone call. He may not have those problems himself but he wouldn't say he was unsympathetic. Deciding now was as good a time as any, he flicked his wrist causing his pseudonym to be called and a coffee placed on the counter beside hers. He stood up and walked over, reaching the counter at the same time as she did. Though he started to reach for her order “by mistake”.

Daisy noticed the fist and the irritated edge on Maddalena’s words. “I can help,” she offered quietly. “I’m not sure how much help I’d be, but I could try. Whatever you need me to do.”

—

Anna was still distracted from her phone call, so she didn’t even notice someone else was reaching for her drink until their hands brushed. That jolted the woman out of her “autopilot” mode, and she looked over to see a man beside her.

Her eyes widened slightly as she took in his appearance. It was brutally unfair how attractive he was. Anna had to swallow her first attempt at words before she managed to say, “Excuse me. This one is mine.”

Maddalena forced herself to breathe and relax her hand in front of the girl. Here and now was not the time to let those emotions show. “I apologize, Daisy. I shouldn't have behaved like that. But I thank you for your offer.” she smiled softly. “Truthfully, neither one of us knows what to do here and I doubt your mother would appreciate it if I put you in any danger.” she added, remembering Anna’s story from last night. “But I believe you can help me… fit in better for now. Not just with what you said about clothes but teaching me about things that you see as day-to-day.” she suggested.

-

“Oh, sorry.” Eymanthus apologized as their hands touched, giving the woman a shy smile before glancing at the cups and realizing his ‘mix-up’. “Ah, sorry. Again.” he chuckled as he picked up his actual drink. “I wasn't paying enough attention.”

Daisy frowned. “You don’t have to apologize. I want to help. I mean, I don’t want you to leave… but I want to help you. This place isn’t where you belong.” She paused after saying the words, feeling both the truth and the sadness in them.

“Mom doesn’t have to know about my help,” she immediately suggested. “I’ll help you with anything you want me to. You’re, like, the coolest person I’ve ever met.”

—

“No, no, it’s alright,” Anna insisted. “Really. That happens quite often actually. You wouldn’t believe it…” She trailed off, realizing her rambling, and took her cup from the counter.

Again, she snuck a peek at his face. Bloody hell, he was attractive. It took her a second to realize she was staring, and immediately she felt embarrassed. “Do you usually come here?” she blurted, covering up her gawking as best she could. “I don’t think I’ve seen you before. I’d definitely recognize you.” Anna cursed herself for that last line. Now where had that come from?

Maddalena smiled softly and ruffled Daisy's hair again. “You are a very brave and smart girl. If times had been different, I would have taken you under my wing.” she admitted. “But just because I do not belong here does not mean I would be unable to visit. Something I should have done more often.” she added, shaking her head.

“Thank you.” she nodded, still planning to keep her promise. “I don't understand what you mean by “cool” but I am curious about how other things have changed since I was last here.”

-

Eymanthus blinked, pretending to be caught off guard by her words, before chuckling softly. “No, I can believe it. My family always said my head was so full of music I couldn't pay attention to what I was trying to read.” he said as a blush painted his features.

He took a sip of his drink to hide the fact that he plainly noticed her staring but shook his head at the question. “Not really. I travel a lot so you probably wouldn't have seen me before.” he choked back a laugh at her last comment and rubbed the back of his neck. “Uhh, thank you? That sounded like a compliment.” he replied with an uncertain tone in his voice.

Daisy giggled and swatted at Maddalena’s hand. Maddalena’s remark had her thinking. Under her breath, she muttered, “You still can.” But her eyes lit up at the goddess’s words. “You could really visit us after you get your powers back?” she asked eagerly.

She laughed at the goddess before covering her mouth. “It’s a good thing,” Daisy replied, reaching in the cabinet for a skillet.

—

Anna’s eyes softened. “You’re interested in music?” she asked.

“Oh,” she said quietly at his answer. A wild blush appeared on her face at his tone. Was she really this bad at… flirting? That’s what she was attempting, right? To flirt? When was the last time she’d flirted?

“It was meant to be,” she clarified. Her embarrassment took over, and she backed away and toward the doors. “It was nice to meet you, but I should go. I think I’ve embarrassed myself enough for one day.” In front of a drop dead gorgeous stranger, no less.

Maddalena raised a brow at the muttered response but chose not to answer, even as the thought of teaching her self-defense came to mind. Perhaps Anna wouldn't mind that so much. “Of course, I could. Traveling between the realms is not a difficult thing. I used to do it many times to teach a few of my followers or just to stir up a little mischief.” she smirked playfully.

“Good.” she nodded. “Now, where do you start the fire to cook with?”

-

“I am.” Eymanthus chuckled with a note of pride. “I love music.”

He almost smirked at the blush on her face, glad to know that he hadn't lost his charm. But the look was gone before anyone could see it.

“Then thank you. If I came here more often I would have recognized you too.” he smiled warmly back. “Are you sure you have to go?” he asked, hoping to lure her into staying a bit longer.

Daisy grinned, then her expression faded into confusion. "If it's that easy, then why don't you come more often? Even if the time blurs, as you said, you could still come back every so often. You hadn't even seen a refrigerator before, and those have been around for a while."

Her eyebrows arched as she reached for the dial on the stovetop. "You have followers?" she asked curiously. "What are they like?" Glancing down, she clicked it on, and a little controlled flame burst to life.

-

Anna grinned eagerly. "I love music too," she agreed. It was something Harry had never really understood about her.

She blushed harder as he returned her compliment with one of his own. Did that mean he found her attractive too? He must have because the next thing Anna knew, he was subtly urging her to stay. And she found herself suddenly not wanting to leave. There was something about this man that drew her in. He was so alluring and captivating.

"No," she answered shyly. "I think I may have just found a good reason to stay."

“Honestly, I had not felt the urge or desire to visit for a while.” she admitted with a shrug. “I probably would have eventually but… I’m sure there have still been thieves and troublemakers but I have not felt a draw to them. Or the draw has been weakened to the point where it's not as strong as it used to be.” she mused.

Maddalena raised a brow at how Daisy started the fire but adapted, placing the skillet over the small blue flames. “My followers were a rambunctious group. Thieves, yes, but only to survive. Mischievous but only for the fun of it, never to cause intentional harm.” she smiled nostalgically. “Actually, I remember a young man who spoke similarly to you and your mother. He wasn’t truly one of mine but his skill in theft was unmatched at the time. And quite the marksman with a bow and arrow.” she chuckled.

-

Eymanthus smiled at the common ground they shared, it would make this a bit easier for him, and he gestured to the table he had been sitting at when she decided to stay. “Then would you like to sit with me? We can talk about music for a while and get to know each other.” he offered kindly.

Daisy tilted her head and placed the bread slices on the counter. "Oh," she murmured thoughtfully. "So… visit when you feel a draw from your people?"

As she plugged the toaster into the wall, she listened to Maddalena's description of her followers. More and more, Daisy longed to be in that group. "A bow and arrow?" she asked incredulously. "That's crazy!"

Then, before she could stop herself, she blurted, "Can you teach me how to be a thief?"

–

Anna tucked her hair behind her ear and nodded. "I'd love that," she replied, accepting his offer without so much as thinking twice about it. She waited for him to lead the way over to his table and delicately sipped on her drink in the process.

“Sometimes.” she nodded slightly. “They could call to me when they needed my help or guidance and I could either visit or just show them what they needed. Other times, I would visit just because I wanted to and would disguise myself.” she explained.

Maddalena chuckled at the girl’s enthusiasm over the weapon. “I wonder… No, most thieves are not remembered.” she muttered, brushing aside the thought before beginning to make the eggs.

Though she stopped at Daisy’s sudden question and looked at her with a raised brow. “I could but I am not sure if it would be wise to do so. I’m sure your mother would not like it.” she pointed out. But she couldn't deny that the girl already had some skill with stealth and seemed eager to learn. “Perhaps… I could teach you how to defend yourself to start. Then depending on how long I am here, we'll see about the rest.” she offered with a warm smile.

-

Eymanthus smiled at the coy action and lead her over to his table. He even pulled out the chair for her, setting his cup on the table first. “What's your name, by the way? We haven't really been introduced.” he chuckled a little.

Daisy's eyes were huge. "Woah," she breathed. "So just… whenever they needed your help, they'd call you? What did they need help with?"

Though Maddalena's comment sparked the girl's curiosity. "What do you mean, you wonder?" she asked pointedly. "There are some thieves history has remembered."

The raised brow and start of her sentence were very much encouraging to Daisy, but she slumped her shoulders at Maddalena's mention of Anna. But her solution made Daisy's smile come back eagerly. "Yes!" she enthused. "I'd love that!"

-

Anna flushed as he pulled out her chair for her, and she sat down with an excited smile. She was sipping again from her drink when he asked her a question, and she quickly swallowed before answering, "Oh my God, you're right! I'm sorry, my name is Anna. What's yours?"

(I'm letting Anna enjoy the princess treatment before she finds out he just wants in her pants lol)

“I’m a goddess, Daisy. Of course, they could call me.” she reminded. “I know your mother was only somewhat familiar with the Greek Parthenon but it was fairly similar for mine as well. They could call me for almost anything, help finding food or shelter, protection when they were causing mischief or similar things.”

Maddalena just shrugged. “I was just wondering if he was remembered. For a thief, he was also an admirable man.” she told her. “Had the name of a bird, I believe.”

She chuckled at the young girl’s excitement and nodded. “Very well then. I will teach you.” she promised.

-

Eymanthus smiled as he took his seat across from her. “Oh, no need to apologize.” he assured. “I’m Ethan. Anna… That's a lovely name.” he hummed, leaning back leisurely.

(That’s his plan. 😉)

Daisy laughed shyly. "Right… yeah, that makes sense." She nodded along, understanding it the more Maddalena explained it. Then, she bit her lip before whispering, "Did they have to… you know… sacrifice something?"

For a moment, Daisy's face was screwed up in thought. Her eyes widened, and she blurted out, "Robin! Oh my God, it was Robin Hood– you knew Robin Hood? He stole from the rich folk and gave to the poor. That's a classic tale."

Daisy immediately straightened with determination. "I won't let you down," she stated firmly.

–

Anna blinked quickly and smiled. "Thank you. Though it's more common than Ethan is." She continued to sip from her drink, trying not to stare too long at the man across the table from her. She simply couldn't get over how attractive he was.

"So," she began, "where do you travel?"

(She can't catch a break 😭)

“Daisy, my people were thieves. My temples, the few I had, were sanctuaries to them. They were not rich.” she explained. “Any offerings that they gave were small. A stray coin, some bread, a piece of fruit, a jewel they couldn't sell…” she sighed, shaking her head a little. “But it was enough for me.”

“Yes. That was his name.” Maddalena smiled, nodding at the familiarity. “Such a skilled man. I’m glad he is still so popular.”

She smiled warmly and put her hand on Daisy’s shoulder. “I know you won't.”

-

Eymanthus shrugged nonchalantly. “I wouldn't know about that but I think your name suits you well.” he smiled.

“Oh, just about anywhere.” he admitted with a dismissive wave of his hand. “I’ve been all over the place. I just let the wind guide me.” he said poetically.

Daisy’s demeanor eased, and she listened carefully. Maddalena was a goddess. Of course she had temples. The girl made a note of that in the back of her mind. “Oh,” she breathed. “Well, I think that’s wonderful.”

“There’s been movies made about him,” Daisy added. “But I haven’t watched them. Maybe we could watch them with Mom later.”

Daisy’s eyes brightened, and she lifted her chin higher. She would do anything for Maddalena, she knew it in that moment. This was the kind of woman she wanted to be.

-

Anna nodded her head slowly. “Thank you,” she replied.

Her expression melted at his words. She was such a romantic it hurt. “How magnificent,” she murmured thoughtfully. “Why have you come to London?”

“Unfortunately, I was never good with the geography of this world either so I am not sure where those old structures are or what condition they are in.” Maddalena hummed as she turned back to the cooking.

She raised a brow at the new word but nodded, assuming it was similar to what Daisy had done to show her father's incredible feat earlier. “I would like that.” she nodded.

The former goddess noticed the determined look in her new student’s eyes and smiled. She admired the determination but she hoped this wasn't going to be a mistake.

-

Eymanthus‘s had to take a sip of his coffee to hide the successful grin at her reaction to his words. “Nothing in particular. I just… happened to be in the area.” he admitted with a shrug. “But I’m glad I was.” he smiled softly at Anna.

Daisy nodded and didn’t say thing more. She was already hatching ideas in the back of her mind that she didn’t want her mother knowing about. Or even, for the time being, Maddalena.

A big smile bloomed on Daisy’s face, and she nodded. “Okay! When Mom gets home, I’ll ask her if we could watch it.”

Daisy was glad for the smile Maddalena returned, and she went back to making the toast. She stuffed two pieces of bread in the toaster and returned to the refrigerator to grab butter.

-

Anna smiled and blushed yet again. “I am too,” she admitted shyly. She lifted her drink to her lips and took a long sip. When she drew back, she asked, “Is there anything you’d like to know about me, other than my name?”

Maddalena glanced at the girl with a raised brow, though she would be a little disappointed if Daisy wasn't planning something.

“What is that?” she asked, curious about what exactly she was doing.

-

“Of course.” Eymanthus nodded. “Please, tell me about yourself.” he encouraged, admittedly a little curious about the woman but he wasn't going to bring up her phone call right away.

Daisy noticed the look and grinned subtly. "What?"

She shut the refrigerator and set the butter on the counter. "It's butter," she explained while rummaging through the drawer on her left for a butterknife. "You put it on toast for… flavor, I guess. That's just how Mom always makes it, so I make it that way too.

-

Anna pursed her lips thoughtfully. "I suppose there's not that much to know. I'm a criminal barrister for work. I enjoy books and wine any day of the week. And…" She paused for a moment, but she decided he'd probably find out anyway. "I have a daughter."

“Darling, I don't know what you're thinking but I can tell you're planning something.” Maddalena smirked. “Just as long as you are careful, I won’t stop you.”

She chuckled a little but nodded. “I know what butter is, though that is a new container for it. I meant the thing you put the bread in.”

-

Eymanthus shook his head. “I disagree. That's a very interesting job and the fact that you have a daughter… is wonderful. And I respect your honesty, not many people would admit to that when they first met someone.” he told her.

Despite Maddalena's smirk, Daisy's stomach dropped. She'd been caught, and she hadn't even done anything yet. She was a terrible miscreant. Maybe that's just what you got when your mother was a barrister. Painfully obvious tells. But her follow-up was a relief. Daisy returned the smirk. "Just tell me one thing," she said. "How could you tell I was planning something?" She needed to know what tell to control.

She blinked and a very faint tinge of pink appeared on her cheeks. The girl shook her head to clear away the embarrassed blush and swallowed. "Right, yeah. Obviously. Um, that's a toaster. You put the bread in, and it heats it up."

-

Anna sighed quietly. "Interesting to say the least," she remarked before drinking again. Ethan didn't even know half of the hells her job had led her through. "Thank you. I guess it just comes with the job description. Unwavering honesty all the time."

“Experience, dear one.” Maddalena smiled warmly. “I trained many thieves and mischief makers. I would be insulted if you weren’t planning something.” she chuckled.

She hummed thoughtfully and nodded. “How convenient. And very interesting.”

-

Eymanthus chuckled a little. “An admirable quality. Especially in your line of work.” he complimented. “What's your daughter like?”

Daisy couldn't help the grin on her face at Maddalena's comment. "I'm always planning something," she replied smoothly. "But did I have any tells?"

On cue, the toaster made a ding, and Daisy lifted the bread out and put it on a plate. "Do you want butter on yours?" she asked, cutting a thin slice for her own piece of toast.

–

Anna wasn't sure how long she'd been blushing, but Ethan definitely wasn't helping it to go away. She attempted to drink from her latte to cover it up, but of course, that was when he asked her a question. So, she quickly swallowed the liquid and smiled. "Just darling. But she's growing up too fast for my liking. She's already fifteen! And she's incredibly curious about nearly everything."

Maddalena laughed at the girl’s response and gave a slight nod. “Everyone has a tell. What do you think yours is?” she asked, challenging her to think.

She jumped a little at the sound of the machine but tried to shake off her surprise. “Yes. Thank you.” she agreed, taking the eggs off the heat. “Can you get a couple of plates?”

-

Eymanthus smiled as she talked about her kid. It was so cute how mortals fawned over their children. “She sounds like a handful.” he chuckled, taking a sip of his drink.

Daisy pursed her lips and thought back to when Maddalena had guessed her scheming. “I didn’t say anything,” she replied. “Because I was too busy thinking.”

She giggled a bit at Maddalena’s jump. “Sorry. I forgot it does that. I’m just used to it. Here.” She reached into the cabinet above them and picked out two medium size plates for their eggs and toast.

—

Anna nodded in agreement. “Yes, she is,” she remarked before taking another sip. Her cup was halfway gone now.

“Won’t you tell me some more about yourself too?” she prompted.