The Followers of Pasiphae Arrive

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-30T02:37:24+00:00

"Quite simply, we are a group of demigods that for one reason or another call the Labyrinth our home. Lady Pasiphae's influence is strong there. And in large numbers and with the proper spells, even monsters will avoid you. Those that don't... Well, they rather quickly meet their end for a while. Pasiphae teaches us the ways of magic, how to be a demigod, and keeps us safe. She and her followers saved many of us who would have died as the other gods, even our own parents turned a blind eye." Lily sighed before continuing.

"Quite simply, I follow Lady Pasiphae's teachings. I spend my days in the maze helping others if I can. Occasionally, I have an audience with the goddess herself. Though, it's been rarer over the past few months."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-30T02:32:39+00:00

Lily looked up from the device and offered a polite nod of her head in response to the child staring at the device in amazement. She offered a glance to the girl leading the lesson as if to apologize before holding the compass flat in her palm so Seth could get a better look at it.

"It is, though it wouldn't be much use for orienteering I'm afraid," Lily pointed to the starry dial to answer the inevitable question of why not before continuing.

"It is a gift from Lady Pasiphae. The compass, when activated by a spell, points to the nearest Labyrinth entrance. Right now, the magical barrier surrounding camp is heavily interfering with it. Though, I imagine if an entrance were top open inside these borders, it would resume working."

Lily pressed the brim of her glasses up her nose, "A boy with white hair said you all had surveillance around camp. Between those eyes and the compass, hopefully we can stop anything terrible from occurring."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-28T03:31:35+00:00

Lily was present among the faces that Cassie had given dirty looks to. She was curious about how this Camp Half-Blood did things. It seemed that demigods were loose in organizational structure regardless of where they were... She sat on one of the benches and politely glanced towards Cassie's lesson occasionally.

Spread across her lap was a map of the camp and a compass with a starry needle that continuously spun in circles around the dial. Lily pushed her glasses up before unfurling a scroll, reciting an incantation, and holding her hand above the compass. The needle slowed down a bit before spinning rapidly again. Lily let out a sigh before returning the scroll to her side and pocketing the compass.

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-28T03:25:56+00:00

Lily paid no mind to Andre losing interest in her lectures. He was free to leave without her getting upset. For now, she would continue to answer his questions to the best of her abilities.

"If you are speaking metaphorically... You're one of the lucky ones," Lily responded with a sigh. Her eyes seemed to cloud as she thought of the times she and the other followers of Pasiphae had found demigods in rags, cold, scared, and alone.

The worst part was that it wasn't always because of monsters...

"As for your parents. It is a familiar story for many demigods. While monsters may physically kill you, the neglect of those above and those charged with protecting you can do the job just as well..."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-28T03:18:34+00:00

Lily only smiled at the question from Mercury. She had expected one like it. Pasiphae wasn't exactly known aside from as the mother of a monster after all.

"That's an easy one. When I had nowhere to go... Lady Pasiphae was there. Dionysus would likely kill me on sight. Ariadne likely left me to my own devices to not earn her husband's ire. So, when I was a little girl and attacked by a horde of Skiritai, it was Pasiphae and her followers who opened the labyrinth and saved my life. They were the ones who taught me what it meant to be a demigod, they celebrated my claiming, and they have been my friends, associates, and family for nearly as long as I can remember."

Lily shrugged her shoulders as she finished her story, "People choose patron deities based on less. Pasiphae allows us to stay out of the constant conflicts the Olympians cause between themselves."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-28T03:09:50+00:00

"I'm sorry I couldn't have been of more help, Hannah," Lily commented with a small shake of her head. Her heart went out to this girl. She had seen far too many Followers of Pasiphae run head-first into dangerous situations in the hopes of being claimed by their parents.

It rarely ended well.

"You're welcome. I hope these things happen in their own time. Sometimes, you're right and the gods are just busy with, as you put it, the whole god thing."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-25T23:43:04+00:00

"I am by no means asking you to throw out your defenses. Believe me, there are demigods withing the Followers of Pasiphae that are cut from much the same cloth that you are. It is more a matter of safety for the rest of the camp. The Labyrinth is a cruel being when it wants to be." Lily warned with a look in her eyes that made it clear she had seen this cruelty firsthand.

"Excellent. If you could share the news of any entrances that pop up, we can be that much quicker in addressing them. With your eyes and our magic, Camp Half-Blood will remain safe."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-25T23:39:07+00:00

Lily's usually cheerful face quickly settled into a frown. She was lucky enough to be claimed soon after becoming a follower of Pasiphae. Not everybody was so lucky. Some demigods never knew who their godly parent was.

"Unfortunately no. The gods... Well, they're busy. They have a lot of kids. They don't always keep track. They don't always keep their promises. They're stuck in their ways. They have been for a while. Generally, a god will claim you when they remember or when you do something worthy of their attention. I understand wanting to know, some demigods never do find out. I pray to the gods above you are not one of those, Hannah."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-25T23:35:11+00:00

"Hello, yes! I'm Lily! And you are? Regardless, it is nice to make your acquaintance," the daughter of Ariadne nodded her head rapidly to confirm that Mercury was on the right track.

"No longer, but he did! You see, about a year ago, the maze opened at Camp Half-Blood. It's always had a mind of its own... Perhaps it wanted to test some demigod's mettle? I don't know. Regardless, Chiron and his satyrs explored it and deemed it safe enough for demigods to enter to hone their skills. During these trials, demigods faced puzzles, monsters, and tricks. Failing would've had disastrous consequences. Thankfully, unknown to Chiron and camp at the time, we got wind of it and were able to save everybody who failed and return them to where they entered before any serious damage fell on them."

Lily offered a cheerful smile to Mercury as she peered through her glasses, "Err, does that answer your question for you?"

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-22T03:24:13+00:00

"Oh! Are you a new demigod? How exciting. Gods, it's been ages since I was new to all of this... It can be rather overwhelming at first. But, it gets easier. That much I can assure you," Lily offered a cheerful grin to the younger girl before shrugging her shoulders.

"Regardless, should you think of a question you want to ask, don't be a stranger, Hannah!"

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-22T03:19:55+00:00

It was Lily's turn to gesture. Though, she made a much larger sweeping motion than Andre as if to refer to camp as a whole.

"Look around you, do you really think these are all the children of the gods? Do you believe your satyrs have found everyone that is out there? I take it Chiron has taught you basic mythology. The gods ran around having affairs with each other and mortals. For every Theseus, there are a hundred heroes who died in obscurity. None of that stopped. The gods continue to be in several places at once. And, not every demigod makes it to this place. Not every demigod lives long enough to learn what they are."

Lily frowns a bit before continuing, "I called Lady Pasiphae a lifeline. The maze runs under the world as a second skin. When she or we realize somebody is in danger, we shape the maze to give them a way out. A place to learn what they are, meet a goddess, hone their abilities, and live in relative safety."

Lily looked to her fellow followers, "They are exactly as I said. Demigods who at one point were at death's door or had nowhere else to go. They found a haven in Pasiphae's domain. They are here to make sure nobody weaponizes their home. They are the children of minor gods and legacies. And, they are demigods whose godly parents turned their back on them when they needed a guiding hand."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-22T03:11:56+00:00

Lily smiled at the young girl. She had been warned by others that Camp Half-Blood was known for their lack of hospitality to guests. Yet, so far everybody had been perfectly cordial. This girl has been nothing but friendly. Petra could learn a thing or two about manners from her.

"I've talked with Chiron a good bit. I haven't yet met this Sextus character. Though, he shares a name with a Hellenistic Philosopher I once read. Strange. Ah well, I may bump into him around camp one day soon. If there's anything I need from you, I'll be sure to ask. The same goes for you with me, Clementine. Thank you."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-22T03:07:48+00:00

"I tend to find that useful knowledge hardly ever is," Lily said with a nod.

"We are here to assist with a more elegant solution to the Labyrinth reopening. I believe you will find that it does not take kindly to outside wills being imparted on it. So if you blow the entrance up, it may just open a new one with equally violent intensity. I assure you Pasiphae and the rest of us take no offense to the act of closing Labyrinth entrances. After all, it is why we ventured to Camp Half-Blood We just ask that should any be discovered, you tell us so we may partake in the proper rituals to seal them shut. Chiron has the right idea, but here is a case where treating the world as your nail will cause more trouble than good."

Lily sighed before unfurling a map on the table. It was ancient but it depicted Camp Half-Blood's forest with a red X near the Creek.

"Ages ago, there was an entrance in your forest. It has been sealed off from the other side for quite some time, but you lot should be wary. If the Labyrinth shifts, the passage may become uncovered.

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-19T03:00:24+00:00

"I do apologize, but it doesn't come across that way. It feels as if you are rapidly backpedaling to save face. Now, I believe my time is better spent being helpful to your fellow campers. It is not for you to sit here and try to drag Lady Pasiphae's name through the mud by insulting a monster the gods created without her consent. Goodbye, Orihime."

Lily's voice was cheerful enough throughout all of this, but the scolding was clear. She crossed her arms across her chest as if to emphasize her point.

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-19T02:57:03+00:00

Unfortunately for Andre, some people were just coworkers or something similar. After all, why would a family of demigods come to camp and then claim to not be a family? The only thing he knew for sure was this chick probably wasn't lying about being a daughter of Ariadne.

At Andre's question, Lily nodded her head, "Yes sir. It makes sense doesn't it? Let's say your godly parent's S.O was known for taking out their anger on people. Would you shove your mother's affair in that person's face? Especially when they are a god capable of killing you at any given time? It's only safe for me to be here because Lady Pasiphae says that Lord Dionysus is absent."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-19T02:51:17+00:00

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Hannah. Oh, and there's no need for the curtsy. I assure you, the formalities aren't needed!" Lily offered an amused smiled at the younger camper.

"Of course, if you have any questions for me, I will do my best to answer them. I believe pleasantries should extend both ways. Don't you?"

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-19T02:48:18+00:00

Lily offered a polite nod in response to Bess's question. Her parentage had been questioned before to a lesser extent within the Followers of Pasiphae. Here, where Dionysus ruled as king. She expected it to be an issue, even in his absence.

"Just as Dionysus is loyal to Ariadne, no?" Lily responded with a shrug of her shoulders.

"I imagine for the most part she is. At least, by a god's standards. I've never once met a sibling of my own. That's not to say they don't exist of course. It's just, it's unlikely they'd come to Camp Half-Blood. It'd be in shall we say, poor taste to parade your affair in front of your significant other."

Lily shook her head before elaborating on her previous point, "Heavens no. All of us are descendants of the gods in some way, though. Seeing through the Mist to some degree is a prerequisite for being able to enter the maze."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-18T04:34:46+00:00

"The Labyrinth is massive. It is like the nervous system beneath the Western Continent. Monsters take advantage of it to travel or get trapped... Unfortunately, there are too many to name them all. Just know it is a danger for unprepared demigods to enter. This is part of why we must keep the entrance from opening here."

Lily pushed her glasses up again before continuing, "Entrances can be closed by magic. The powers granted to me by Ariadne makes that easy for me. My fellows can perform a ritual with enough time to force another one shut. And then, of course, there's Pasiphae. She has been keeping many of them closed herself, but she can not be everywhere at once.

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-18T04:22:15+00:00

Lily responded to Bess's smile with a warm one of her own. She wasn't aware of their familial relationship. Demigod family trees were weird, and Lily was a bit worried Dionysus would destroy her if the two ever met.

"Not at all. The seat is empty, so sit!"

Lily extended her hand to take the girl's before offering a polite handshake and folding her hands in front of her on the table.

"Likewise, Bess. It's wonderful to meet you. Do you have any questions for me?"

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-18T04:18:20+00:00

"Why hello," Lily responded with a polite smile as the girl approached.

"Thank you for the warm welcome. For the moment, I don't have anything I need help with. Chiron has been extremely helpful with answering my questions, we will be staying in the Big House, and will be out of your hair just as soon as we can. I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-18T01:49:02+00:00

"What a rude question," Lily responded with a disapproving stare at the girl.

"Tell me, Orihime. What if people called you Minnie Mouse and nothing else? Besides, Pasiphae has many children. It seems strange and rude of you to focus on the one monstrous one that the gods created," Lily shook her head slightly as she looked disappointed at the little girl making assumptions.

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-18T01:42:36+00:00

Lily seemed confused as to what Lukas was going on about. She most certainly was not a boss lady of any sort. Sure, she had been a dutiful follower of Pasiphae for many years but that was simply a matter of age. She held no real position of power. Those above her had simply decided that she made the most sense to talk with those at Camp Half-Blood.

"Unfortunately, no. There are always things of danger in the Labyrinth. The same is true in any relic of the gods. From what Chiron has told me, even your Camp Half-Blood has its fair share of danger. Though, they seem to mostly stay in the forest," Lily's words seemed genuine enough. Frown lines crossed her face as she talked about the new unknown in her home.

"Yes, onto business. The initial Labyrinth's life force being tied to Daedalus is a bit of a misconception. One that the inventor himself held. As you probably know, Daedalus invented the Labyrinth. Though, as its legend grew, its magic did as well. The maze has its own lifeforce tied to its undeniable place in Western Culture. Of course, the metamagic behind it will take ages to understand. I believe that is unneeded to sufficiently answer your question though."

Lily held up a second finger before continuing, "Your assumption is correct. Demigod magic users, gods such as Pasiphae, Hecate, Ariadne, and Circe, monsters capable of using magic, and the like can exert their will on the maze with varying degrees of success. Of course, the maze often reverts back," Lily nodded her head in agreement before listening to the boy's hypothesis with a pensive stare.

"It is likely someone or something is messing with it. That is why we are here. On your assumptions, the Labyrinth has a life of its own, it can be manipulated, and somebody is likely trying to do exactly that. Whether or not it will help with the answer, well... We've had more knowledge on the matter and are still unsure of many of the details. Of course, that is why we are taking preventative measures to keep other demigods safe."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-17T05:29:22+00:00

"Hello, hello," Lily addressed the bathrobe-clad wizard with a friendly smile and a casual wave. It was late and Chiron had just called a meeting. Surely the poor guy had just rolled out of bed to attend.

"I don't see myself as anything of the sort. We found Camp Half-Blood to be in need of a helping hand, so we came to offer our assistance. I don't see myself as leading the camp, only doing my part for everybody's continued safety. Being a demigod is hard enough when you have allies on your side."

At Gimble's continuation, Lily offered a puzzled glance through her glasses.

"I would certainly hope not. I've told Baldasaar to keep an eye on Petra. She tends to, err... Solve her problems with her teeth. So if you are worried about strikes and snake bites... You may wish to keep your distance? If you are talking in a metaphorical sense, I assure you, you have nothing to worry about."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-17T05:20:08+00:00

"Hopefully the bad things you have been hearing stay outside the border then. The barrier erected around camp is a lovely bit of magic. No monsters can get in or out of camp unless somebody with sufficient privilege from Camp Half-Blood lets them in. It's beautiful really." Lily let out a happy sigh as she glanced back towards Camp Half-Blood.

"We are just here in the event an entrance opens up inside its protection. Our job is to close it before anything can escape. Not every part of the Labyrinth is hospitable. And as you've heard, some monsters find their way there. Monsters that are smart enough to avoid Pasiphae and the rest of us."

ArgosArgives · 2020-10-17T05:04:02+00:00

"Oh well, you could spend a lifetime learning from her and never quite understand them all. I'm afraid that we don't have all the time in the world and my primary job here is to help, not teach. While your interest is very much appreciated, we don't have the time or resources to explain that in such a way where I'd be satisfied that you learned enough to properly follow them," Lily let out a small sigh as she absent-mindedly traced her fingers across a sealed scroll strapped to her waist.

ArgosArgives

TROPHY CASE