mother night

Nyx: The Fury Megara is under orders to prevent your passage out of Tartarus, my child. Conflict between the two of you is unavoidable. It brings me pain to have to see you fight.
Z: Don't say that, Nyx. Besides! Conflict between Megaera and me has always put the spark in our relationship. We're going to be fine.

Nyx: I sense the growing darkness in you, child. I am so very proud of you. You always have been capable, yet now, you seem to radiate with new-found power.

Z:Nyx, sometimes I get the impression the Olympians look down on those of us born of the Underworld. Is that my imagination, or, what do you make of it?
Nyx: The gods of Mount Olympus tend to think themselves above us, child. Or so your father often likes to say. He alone was relegated to this realm, and grew resentful of his relatives on high.


Zag: Erm, Nyx, at first I though I should ignore this, but I wanted to give you greetings from Lord Ares, who seems rather interested in you.
Nyx: Ah, yes, the god of war. Among all the Olympians, he often struck me as much more accepting of our kind, born of the Underworld.
Zag: You're not... wait, you're not interested in him, I mean, he's... murderous... polite, though, I don't know.
Nyx: I take an interest in whomever I take an interest in, my child. I thank you for the message.

Zag: He, Nyx, erm, Lord Ares wanted to know, and I believe I quote, that "I am often thinking of her here." Take that for what it's worth?
Nyx: I shall, thank you, my child. If the god of war is thus preoccupied with me, well then, perhaps he shall be slower to send droves of mortals to our doorstep here.
Zag: I like the positive attitude.

Zag: You're going to meet Ares sometime, Nyx? Or maybe you already have.
Nyx: What is your concern, exactly, child? Speak plain with me, or else take not my time.
Zag: Well, I... it's just, Ares, he's... I don't know, he just doesn't seem your type! And isn't he a little young for you?
Nyx: You do not understand the basis of our friendship, child. Lord Ares may not meet the moral standards of the mortals who hate him, or Olympians who shun him, but to me? He is cordial and eager to learn. I am quite capable of forming my own views on him.
Zag: I know. I know. You're right.

Zag: Help me, Nyx. Or rather, help yourself. Lord Ares seeks for me to put the two of you in contact. I mean... I don't know why I'm getting so defensive, here, now that I think on it.
Nyx: Do not concern yourself with my ability to navigate my interpersonal relationships, child. It pleases me Lord Ares told you this. Those of Olympus rarely say such things, to any of us here.
Zag: I hear from them rather a lot, myself...

Nyx: Pride has been the failing of so many mortals, child, and has brought low members of your family, as well. And yet... I am so very proud of you, for what you have achieved. I wanted you to be aware of that.
Zag: That means a lot to me, Nyx. Though I never could have done any of this without your help. Even after I lashed out at you after I learned the truth about Mother, you never stopped caring for me... and you put yourself directly in harm's way, defying Father's will. Why do all that, for me?
Nyx: I am eternally committed to this House. Long before your father came to rule, I was already here. When he arrived... I needed to do everything I could to keep order, and establish with Lord Hades an agreeable relationship. But, there is one more reason, besides that...
Zag: To get on better terms with the Olympians. They always used to frown on the Underworld, but... now that they know us, they seem much more willing to get involved and help with things.
Nyx: A reasonable guess, and not without some truth to it, but no, my child. My reason for helping you is simpler than that. It is because I love you. You may not be born of me, but I raised you like one of my own. And I have cared for you as I am capable.
Zag: Nyx... I love you, too. Thank you for everything.

Nyx: You have demonstrated sustained competence in your duties, Hypnos. It gladdens me to see measurable progress. Your efforts are to be commended.
Hypnos: Aw, wow, thanks! Commended by whom, exactly? Megaera? Thanatos? Dusa, maybe! Not the Master himself?!
Nyx: Commended by me. I cannot always look after all of my children, as you know. It falls upon them to take care of themselves, as well as their obligations to our domain. As your mother... it is reassuring to see that you are capable.
Hypnos: Capable? Me? Aw, mom... I mean, um, Mother Nyx! Nobody's every called me that before!
Nyx: You are my son. It is to be expected. However... I know it is not effortless, to be of use. Continue to do well. I shall be watching.

Zag: Nyx, I meant to ask... Charon was there to take Mother and me home the one time. So is he... has he been working for you? All part of some elaborate plan, or something?
Nyx: Charon serves only this realm, child. And, he is very trustworthy. I suppose that it is also possible he has some affection for the Queen, if not for you.

Zag: Nyx, I was just busy doing some administrative chamber record-keeping recently, and, wouldn't you know, it somehow slipped my mind where I could find the sentencing parchmentwork for the knave0king Sisyphus, forced to toil out in Tartatus? I ran it by Megaera...
Nyx: He has offered you aid, repeatedly. At first, I saw it for a brazen act of bribery, but... try as I might, there was no deeper underpinning to his actions that I could detect. That is to say... the records you seek may be found in section sigma-phi-alpha, lower gamma folder.

Zag: Nyx, did you really start a correspondence with Lord Ares, as he put it to me recently? Is everything all right with you and him?
Nyx: His interest in the Underworld is genuine, and he does not regard me as beneath him, even if the technicality exists. The Olympians and the chthonic gods... we have much left to learn of one another's kind.
Zag: Fair point.

Nyx: You have revealed every facet of the Mirror of Night, child. The full extent of its power. I was aware this was possible, yet... you achieved it sooner than expected.
Zag: I don't know where I'd be without it. Probably still in Tartarus trying to get past Meg. I only wish I could get even stronger.
Nyx: The Mirror has little to do with your power, let alone your capability. You may deactivate its effects and see for yourself. It merely gave you greater opportunity to learn. And you shall continue to do so.
Zag: You really think so?
Nyx: Yes.

Nyx: I waived the punishment-sentence for Sisyphus the knave-king, Nyx, except... he chose to stay! He chose to stay in Tartarus, I think in part because he likes getting to speak with me, from time to time! Also his boulder friend.
Nyx: That sounds to be an agreeable outcome for him. Though, his liberty is not the end of his rehabilitation. As his friend... please make certain he does not run afoul again of your father, child.
Zag: I'll look out for him. He's certainly looked out for me.

Zag: Never thought that the Administrative Chamber would have been so invaluable, Nyx. Though, I have you to thank for all of it.
Nyx: Nonsense, child. Our records must be kept up to date. You merely observed that several were long past due. Not even your father can argue with that.
Zag: I hope not.

Nyx: Even among those born longest ago within the deepest reaches of the Underworld... I have seldom encountered anyone so united with the Darkness of this domain as you are, child.
Zag: United with the DarknesS? I've just... been picking it up here and there. Although, for quite a while, since you mention it! I'm not sure that I feel any different, though.
Nyx: Surely that is not so. Think back on when you started all of this. You now know so much more. Are capable of so much more.

Zag: Do you ever get lonely down here, Nyx...? For companionship, I mean, because... I mean, just look at you, you're very beautiful, the night herself! There's nothing you can't do. When I was younger, I thought you and father, you know, but... is there not someone else?
Nyx: How very forward of you, child. I accept your compliment. Although, I am the Night, as you observe. The night conceals all. I know nothing of the loneliness which you describe. This entire real... it is a part of me. And many of its subjects sprang from me, alone.
Zag: I see. Forgive my rudeness...

Zag: Nyx, do you know anything about a softly-spoken gentlebeing under the guise of Chaos? They approached me recently, and offered me a Boon, of sorts.
Nyx: Primordial Chaos... indeed, I know them well. They must have taken an interest in your quest. I would advise that you beware their offerings, though know that Chaos, while a trickster, is not a deceiver.

Zag: Can you tell me something more of Chaos, Nyx? I... have a lot of questions.
Nyx: My place is not to speak too openly of Chaos, child. It is their own prerogative to tell you of themselves. I can say they are the eldest force within this world. Before them, there was nothing.

Nyx: At last. The bridge to Chaos is restored. Thank you so very much, my child. I shall be going, then. And I shall presently return. Please, have no fear. And now, farewell. I shall bring Chaos your kindest regards.
Zag: Please do. Until next time, Nyx.

Zag: Nyx, you're back! So, how did things with Chaos go? Please tell me it went well?
Nyx: It did. It did go well, my child, I... appreciated having had a chance to reconnect with my great ancestor. Thanks to your generosity, to be of us. We had to make up for a great deal of lost time.
Zag: So what happens now? You're back on speaking terms, then... does it mean Chaos will stop by for a visit soon, something like that?
Nyx: Chaos is comfortable in their realm. I may, however, visit every now and then. Keep them apprised of what unfolds up here. Beyond that... Chaos knows better than to exert too much influence upon this realm. Beyond having already formulated it, and everything.
Zag: I see. Well, take care of each other, I guess.

Zag: How are you and Chaos getting along lately, Nyx? Sounds like they expected an awful lot from you before. That you should shine bright as day, something like that? I can't imagine.
Nyx: To shine was never quite my strongest suit. During the dawn of creation, there was much to do. This place... all that you see around you... it was more my leaning. Chaos understands that better, now. As for me, the work helped me to know which limits I have.
Zag: What limits are those? You seem capable of anything. Probably even shining bright.
Nyx: Come, child. We each have our limits.

Zag: Nyx... I encountered Demeter. She mentioned her daughter... Persephone. You never said she was my grandmother. Didn't you think... under the circumstances... that was something I should know?
Nyx: Listen to me, child. What you know, or do not know, is for your protection. Your protection, and your birthmother's, as well. Your suspicion and your curiosity are warranted. But I can do no more about them, now, except to caution you. Are we understood?
Zag: Yes. We are understood...

Zag: Nyx, can you... tell me more about my birthmother? Anything at all. What was she like, when you first met? What did you think of her?
Nyx: Your mother, she... she left a strong impression on us, child. It was apparent she was from a far-off place, and yet... she brought with her a lightness I had not experienced before. My first impressions soon subsided and I grew to care for her. You possess many of her finer qualities.
Zag: Finer qualities? Such as abandoning her family members? Why did she leave? Why won't you tell me?
Nyx: Please... you must not ask such things of me. I swore a binding oath never to say. I have already circumvented it as much as can be done. Go find your mother, child. Then, you shall understand.

Zag: Nyx, if I can ever make my way from here, out to the surface... how do you know that I can find her? The instructions you gave me... how can you know for sure that's where she is, that she hasn't left, or...?
Nyx: Your mother was a spirited woman. What can I tell you, child? I cared for her and her predicament. When she departed, I bent the light for her, shrouding her path, though I myself could see it. I trust I now do not betray her confidence by telling this to you.

Zag: Nyx, this may be an odd question, but... do you know what the Fates may have in store for me? They are your daughters, right?
Nyx: The Three Fates are my daughters, yes, my child. However, I am no mpre privy to their workings than the naive mortals living up above. Not even the Olympians can know the weavings of the Fates.

Zag: Nyx... you saved my life. Gave me life. When I was born. Father told me. I don't know what to say. Why didn't you tell me?
Nyx: There are many things that I am not at liberty to speak of, child. Through my own binding choice. These circumstances are among them. Suffice it to say that your arrivals... required the extent of my ability. And considerable time.
Zag: I never should have been born... is that what the Fates wanted? Did you defy your own daughters?
Nyx: Silence. Tempt not my daughters thus.
Zag: ...Thank them for me.

Nyx: How can I possibly accept such generosity, my child? Surely others whom you know are more deserving of such offerings.
Zag: Nonsense, Nyx. I want you to have it. You've always cared for me. I can't ever repay you for that.

Nyx: Your kindness toward me is unnecessary, child. You know I have no expectation of such gifts, from you or anyone.
Than: I think of you always, Nyx. You raised me as your own, and I am grateful for it.

Nyx: You honor me, my child; although I dread that I am not deserving of such generosity. There is no need to flatter me like this.
Zag: Be that as it may, Nyx! I would still like for you to have it, with my compliments.

Zag: Nyx, if you'll forgive me this transgression for a moment, I would like for you to have this vintage bottle of Ambrosa, please. You can hand it off to Megaera as contraband, but... just in case, I wanted you to have it, first.
Nyx: Ah. A crystal bottle, come all the way from the highest peaks of Mount Olympus to these depths within the earth. Your father always said he hated it.
Zag: Though, Father does have questionable taste.
Nyx: Ah, hahahaha. I accept this gift, with gratitude. This is a delicacy I have not yet experienced myself. Perhaps I may yet save it for appropriate occasions still to come. Thank you, my child.

Zag: Nyx, along with giving you this bottle of Ambrosia here, there's something I have meant to say to you. The Three Fates have been very kind to me. Because, in denying me my birthmother... they gave me you. Without your steady presence here, I... can't imagine what it would be like.
Nyx: Oh. Then, the Three Fates are whimsical, indeed. When you were born, and I was filled with fear for what it meant for you to be alive, to be responsible for you... I must admit I did not guess that, one evening, you would provide for me both such a gift, and such a sentiment.
Zag: Well, I mean every word. I love you, Nyx.
Nyx: I love you, too, my child.

Meg: They can't be reasoned with, Nyx. You know that. What use are they to us, trying to manage this? They'll make things worse.
Nyx: They are your sisters. They are part of your life, whether you like it or not. Your relationship with them is yours to mold.
Meg: I'm afraid there isn't much for me to work with. You have a lot more faith in them than I do.
Nyx: I have a lot more faith in you, Megaera. There are many obstinate personalities with whom we regularly interact. Thus, we do what is possible.

Meg: I think I understand now, Nyx. You've been here longer than the rest of us combined. You've seen this House go through a log. Even before Lord Hades took his place. I never should have doubted you.
Nyx: To doubt is an important instinct, Megaera. Without it, we could not conceive of better circumstances than the ones we know. Besides... I am the Night. Others shall always doubt me. You may doubt me again. I only ask that you heed well your intuitions, from now on.
Meg: I will. I promise, Nyx. And if there's anything you ever need that I can do, well... please, just ask of me.
Nyx: I do know where to find you, Megaera.

Zag: Nyx... I ran into Thanatos out there. He aided me, although I think he's rather upset. That I took off like this.
Nyx: Thanatos is worried for you, child. I hope you understand whatever anger you send from him is not the feeling at the source. Please forgive his rudeness.

Nyx: Thanatos has finally come home, have you not seen him, child? He has been very much preoccupied of late. It must have gladdened him to see you once again.

Nyx: You and my son... it pleases me to see the two of you have grown so close as of late. Thanatos has always led a solitary life. He would never complain of it, and yet... I know he yearned for closeness, in his way.
Zag: It's difficult to find a friend down here. Though, I have always had a trusted one in Thanatos, and he in me. I think we have a better understanding of that now.
Nyx: Take care of my dear son.

Nyx: What is it, child? I sense that your concern is of a different nature than it usually is. Yet, it is veiled to me, somehow.
Zag: Oh, it's just... Please don't take this the wrong way, Nyx, but I was worried you were being rather harsh to Dusa. You asked her not to speak to me, at all?
Nyx: I asked she mind her own responsibilities. I fear she forgets herself, in this House. Though you have an informal air... you are the Prince! The only son of the Lord Hades, Fate-appointed master of this realm. You shall have the company of gods. Not severed gorgon heads.
Zag: Pff! If I'm so important, shouldn't I be the one to choose whom I get to interact with around here?
Nyx: You do not fully know your place, my child. The gorgon head most certainly does not know hers. Please focus on your task at hand, and leave her be.

Nyx: Your father fell to you, as once his father fell to him. Although, you were substantially more merciful. I know it is a bitter victory, at best. Though, tell me... what transpired subsequently, that you have returned? Did you locate your birthmother?
Zag: I did, I... she was there. She was... where you said she'd be. And, more than I imagined, but... I had so little time with her. I can't survive up there, for very long. Why didn't you tell me I'd just die, no matter what?
Nyx: Oh, my child... I say this seldomly, but... I did not know. Or... I did not wish to believe... that the surface would have such an effect on you. But it seems you share your father's fate, after all.
Zag: My father's fate? But he is smugly waiting for me every single time I make it there, and he seems quite healthy by then, all in all! Though... maybe the farther we get from this realm... the worse we get. Because he cast his lot... inheriting the Underworld?
Nyx: So I now presume. You are bound to this realm by powers greater even than mine. Tell me something... if you knew that you could only see Persephone for but a moment's time... would you still make the journey to her, there?
Zag: ...Yes. Yes, I would. I had so many questions left for her!
Nyx: Then go, and ask them, child. Steady your resolve, and find her there, again. And use well what brief time you have with one another, whilst you can. As mortals do.

Hades: Olympus knows of him?! Bestowing on him all their worthless blessings, here, within my realm! Our realm! Explain to me how, exactly, this is possible, Nyx. Either your limitless power has considerably waned, or you are up to something.
Nyx: Do not question my power, Hades. Your son was bound to be discovered the closer he came to the surface. The Olympians are pleased to know they have a distant relative, and bid him welcome to their mountain. That is all. Their influence is very limited.
Hades: Blood and darkness! Do not speak to me about their influence! I've seen their influence firsthand. You've made a foolish mistake.
Nyx: You would speak to me of foolish mistakes? You cannot change the course that has been set. Try all you like.

Hades: ...You are not to aid him in these matters, Nyx; his foolishness is to be scorned and reprimanded, not indulged. Do we have an understanding?
Nyx: We have an understanding, Lord. I am committed to this realm, and to this House. And I remain, as ever, in your debt.
Hades: It is not necessary to remind me. Surely all those who once defied my brother and myself would much prefer a post within my House over eternity within the lowest depths of Tartarus. Not that the darkness there would trouble you.

Hades: ...It is plain to me that you are helping him, in spite of my insistence you do not. What do you expect that I should do about this, Nyx? What would you do, in my position? Deception, in my very house and home...! Answer me.
Nyx: My relationship with him remains unchanged, my lord. He has my full support, and always will. You must know this. He wishes now to leave. I shall make no attempt to stop him.
Hades: Tsch. What good is any one of you. He is not even your son, and yet you coddle him. You know as well as I that he cannot succeed. You fill his mind with harmful delusions. If that is what you want for him, then, please! Proceed at pace.

Hades: What I attempt to tell you, Nyx, is I am grateful. For our long-standing collaboration, here. My rule was thrust upon you and your kin. By all rights, you ought to have undermined my every move. I often thought you would. Yet once Olympus and I severed ties... you stood by me still.
Nyx: I am the Night Itself, as you well know, Hades. As I declared to you when first we met: I shall stand by your side, so long as you remain the fate-appointed ruler of this realm.
Hades: I shall require no additional reminders. Know, in turn, that I shall always oversee this realm to the full extent of my abilities.
Nyx: You have my gratitude.

Achilles: I've done the best I could, preparing him. Though, I am fearful it was not enough. No one has ever escaped this place.
Nyx: Your expertise has readied him, Achilles. Yet I sense it is your confidence in him which spurs him on. Do not lose faith in yourself now, lest soon he do the same.

Achilles: ...I cannot ever repay you for what you have done, O Night. Know only that it is my honor to continue to serve at your pleasure, here.
Nyx: I am certain I know nothing of what you mean, Achilles. Though, your continued service here is more than welcome. The honor is mine.
Achilles: Thank you, O Night.

Achilles: You raised him well, O Night. You know that, I hope? Though, I can't imagine even you could have expected this outcome. Thank you... for making all of this possible. For all of us.
Nyx: You are to thank for this outcome as much as I. Perhaps more so. For I have little choice but to serve this House. I was created in this realm, and it is everything to me. But you? Your loyalty could not have been assumed.
Achilles: Oh, I don't know. I felt I had no choice, either, except to serve this House. At least at first. But in training the Prince... preparing him... I felt like I was living for something again. As strange as that may sound.
Nyx: Nevertheless, given the circumstance of your life and servitude, you need not have given so much of yourself. The greatness of your mortal days followed you into death.
Achilles: You are most kind, O Night.

Nyx: She has departed once again. Your birthmother the Queen. Although, it was not as difficult to see her off, this time. Knowing she shall return.
Zag: It must be difficult for her... returning to Olympus. She had no love for it. I hope she'll be all right.
Nyx: Do not despair. We have ways of watching over her. Not that I expect anything untoward to happen, but... well, with your family, one learns to take precautions, as you know.
Zag: ...I'll miss her.
Nyx: So shall I. But it shall not be long, I think.

Zag: Athena sends you her kindest regards, Nyx. Sounds like you have maintained some correspondence since all this began?
Than: We have, thank you, my child. Goddess Athena is reputed to be wise, and so she was the one I felt was the most likely to listen to reason, understand my view, and ultimately have a willingness to help. It was most fortunate that I was not mistaken about her.
Zag: But... you told her you're my mother. If she's supposedly so wise... isn't that quite a risk? If she finds out you've been misleading her...
Nyx: She is wise, child. It is precisely for that reason I expected she would understand.

Perse: So if there's anything that I can do for you, Nyx, you need but ask, all right? I plan to pull my weight.
Nyx: Your services were always welcome, here. Please acclimate yourself at your own rate. I am available to answer any questions you may have at any time.
Perse: Thank you, my friend. I have to tell you... it's good to be back.
Nyx: Mmm.

Zag: How has it been for you of late, Nyx? Having Mother here again, for old time's sake?
Nyx: Though reminiscent of an older time, it is now very different, child. For one thing... you are present, now. Unlike before.
Zag: Oh, right. So, are you getting on okay, is everything all right?
Nyx: Everything is all right. Your birthmother... Persephone... her presence has been welcome here, I think.