Owner	Pose
Shannon	It's been a little while since the last time Shannon was out in her thinking spot out in the woods, a little ways off from the school. It's a place she often went when visiting with Poseidon, although of late he had been silent. It was perhaps to be expected, as he did have the world's oceans to watch over, after all! Still, she did come out to the little brook in the woods, with a stone bench nearby that seemed a bit out of place in the middle of nowhere. She's perched on the bench, with a teal canvas backpack settled on the ground next to her. She's dressed in dark blue jeans, her favorite calf-length caramel suede boots, and a long cream colored tunic sweater in a traditional cable-knit pattern.      The colors of fall are in full evidence by now, with splashes of brilliant crimson, orange, and cheery yellows dotted everywhere through the leaves. A light breeze makes the leaves rustle, a lovely counterpoint to the babbling of the brook nearby. Reaching for her backpack, the winged teen pulls out a thermos; using the top as a cup, she pours out some of the contents, which looks to be hot cocoa, enjoying the drink in peace and quiet. It was a beautiful, peaceful place to think. Still, she did miss the Earth-Shaker at times, and hoped he was well....
Athena	There is a flash of brown as something glides over to the nearest tree. Large wings, the bird flutters to light and settle. An unusual sight during the day, the brown bird is an owl. Peering at Shannon with large eyes, it leans down to preen a little before giving a ruffle of feathers. The beak opens and the owl emits a soft 'hoo'.
Shannon	It was an unusual sight during the daytime, indeed! Shannon's eyebrows flick upwards, the winged teen peering up at the trees. Sure enough, in the one closest to her, there is an owl. "Well, hey there," she murmurs, smiling a little bit. "Shouldn't you be asleep at this hour?"
Athena	The owl's beak opens again, as if panting. Or perhaps laughing. "HOOO!" comes the reply. Side-stepping along the branch, it moves closer and closer. Pausing, there is a flutter of wings for balance as well. It gives a brisk head-shake as well.
Shannon	A grin tugs the corners of Shannon's lips upwards. She finishes the hot cocoa rather quickly, closing the thermos and setting it aside. "If I didn't know better, I'd swear you understood me just then. So either you're a really smart owl, or..." She pauses, thinking for a moment. Looking around the place, many memories swim up in her mind, of all the times she'd met with Poseidon here. Too, many old tales came to mind--and recent experiences.      No way. There was just no way--was there?      "Either you're one smart owl, or you're a little more than you seem."
Athena	The owl just grin-pants again, head bobbing on the swivel neck. Crouching, the wings unfurl and it launches into flight once more. Except instead of launching itself into the sky it flutters a short arc down to the grass. There's a soft flash of color and the owl is gone, replaced by the figure of a woman.     She stands about five and a half feet tall, a classic beauty with long, blonde hair in a messy bun. Gray, wise eyes peer over reading spectacles, her attire is a loose green dress that could be part toga. And criss-cross, strappy, Greek sandals. "A little more than I seem?" the woman asks.
Shannon	Holy hell's bells. Shannon's gut instinct had been right. Her hand flies up to cover her mouth, stifling a gasp as she rises to her feet out of respect. "Or perhaps, exactly what you seem." Her wings spread out to their full span, and she sketches something of a theatrical bow.
Athena	Athena looks both pleased and amused at Shannon's reaction, as well as her response. Accepting the bow as her due, the blonde goddess inclines her head in return. "Thank you, my dear. Do you know how rare it is to find someone who would recognize one of the Old Ones in these times?"
Shannon	"To be honest, you're not the first of the Old Ones I've come across," Shannon confesses, grinning a little bit sheepishly. "First time I did, it was Poseidon. Took me a few minutes to figure it out." Shrugging, she settles her wings in behind her, with a similar soft, rustling sound as the owl's wings a few minutes ago. "It's not exactly ambrosia, but I did bring some cocoa and cookies out with me, if you'd care for some?"
Athena	Athena looks over at the girl's wings when they ruffle and settle, then she chuckles softly. "Yes, I know you have." she replies. "I felt his blessing on your feathers." Pause. "And yes, you can add Mildred Minerva to my long list of names." The woman brightens with the offer, then, nods and steps closer. "I never turn down cocoa and cookies." she replies.
Shannon	"He was always very kind to me," Shannon replies, a faint note of sadness in her voice as she settles down on the bench and reaches for her bag. A small plastic container is withdrawn and opened, containing a fair number of nut-free chocolate chip cookies. These, she offers to Athena, smiling. "My eyes were bigger than my stomach. You'll be doing me a favor by helping me go through these."
Athena	Athena moves to sit beside Shannon, tucking one foot up under the other leg as she settles. Peering into the open container, she selects a cookie. Smiling back, she takes a bite and then plucks up another. "It's a common problem amongst avians." she replies, gaze shifting briefly to Shannon's wings. "The Gods can be kind, yes. But we also have our less-than-flattering moments."
Shannon	"So do all of us," Shannon concedes, grimacing. "I've had a few I'm not proud of." She pours out a bit of the hot cocoa into the cap and holds that up to Athena as well. "Either you've hidden well for a very long time, or you've been away as well. What's brought you out?" she asks, tilting her head slightly to one side.
Athena	"I've been away." Athena admits, accepting the cocoa with a nod of thanks. "We don't spend much time on Earth these days, especially since interference is officially forbidden." She takes a sip, brows lifting. "This is delicious. I can hide in multiple forms when I need to, although I'm fond of Mildred. Perhaps in time I will share my reasons, but for now it will have to be enough to know that I'll be around for a while."
Shannon	Shannon nods, and smiles warmly. "Glad you like that. I put a bit of cinnamon in it this time. Not many are fond of the combination." Companionable silence reigns for a little while, the two ladies--one mortal, one of more divine origins--sharing a common interest in one of Earth's notable contributions to the universe... chocolate. Perhaps that was indeed ambrosia for mortals! "Well, I'm glad you're here. It's always nice to make a new friend."
Athena	Athena lifts a brow, nodding. "The cinnamon gives it a nice Middle-Eastern touch." she replies, taking another sip. "I need to ask you, though. Have you always believed in the Old Gods, Shannon? There has been some significant debate on Olympus about worshippers and such."
Shannon	Nibbling on the edge of her cookie, Shannon thinks about this for a moment. "I was raised on the old stories, and to keep an open mind. My mother's an artist... she'd base a lot of her paintings on the old stories, and she passed her book on to me. Old stories like that usually have some truth to them somewhere. So I would ask myself sometimes, are the old gods real? What would I say to them if I ever could?" She grins, chuckling softly. "Didn't know I'd actually find out one day."
Athena	Athena remains perched and poised comfortably, sipping cocoa in between bites of cookie herself. "So you were raised with the old stories, then. And with an open mind." she replies thoughtfully. "Many people -know- the old stories, of course, but consider them no more truthful than Bugs Bunny cartoons." Another bite, then she asks. "So now that you have my undivided attention, what WILL you say?"
Shannon	"Some parts might not be true, some might. It's kind of sad people leave them behind." She thinks for a moment, nibbling her lower lip for a moment. Her wings slowly begin to furl around her like a cocoon. "I'm glad that the old stories were at least true this far. Maybe curious about how much was real, and how much was myth. But mostly just glad to be able to get to know you a bit."
Athena	Athena shrugs a little. "Like everything else, there is often a grain of behind the stories." she agrees. "So you're curious how much is real and how much is story? Would it have helped if I stepped out in full armor and smote some legendary beast?" Those grey eyes are full of amusement over the reading glasses she probably doesn't need.
Shannon	Shannon just bursts out laughing, turning bright red. Her wings definitely draw in more tightly around her now, completely chagrined. "No need to go -that- far, really! Some things might seem kind of out there, but they might easily have been distorted over the centuries, too. So... it's all good!"
Athena	Athena chuckles, giving an amused smile before finishing her cocoa. She reaches up and out, and when the goddess draws her hand back she is casually holding a large, round shield as if it was a dinner plate. "Behold, Aegis." she declares, voice rising a little. And then she casually sets the famous shield upon her lap. "Not that I doubt your faith, of course. In fact, my dear, it is extremely refreshing."
Shannon	Shannon just smiles, and though some might be tempted, she refrains from trying to touch the shield. "The old stories have that as being crafted by Hephasteus at one turn, or sometimes by the Cyclops' in Hephaestus' forge. Sometimes, your father would use it, sometimes you." Her smile widens a touch, and she cants her head slightly to one side. "There are still those even to this day who have a shield they are well known for carrying. Captain Rogers, for one, though I have yet to actually see the shield. He's about as down-to-earth and big-hearted as you could ever want to meet."
Athena	The goddess holds the shield by the edge, handling it lightly while keeping her gaze upon Shannon. She smiles when the girl refrains from touching it, her expression widening and becoming fonder as the tales and speculation are unraveled. "As I said before, every story has a grain of truth behind it." she replies. "Whatever its history, Aegis is mine." It's almost a declaration. "I have yet to meet Captain Rogers, although I have heard a lot about him."
Shannon	"Well, I do hope you get to meet him one day. I did, about a week after my birthday last year. I was coming out of a music store in town, and nearly mowed the poor man down." Shannon giggles softly, shaking her head. "Took me a minute to put my jaw back together. Got to talking with him, wound up with a new friend."      Her expression and tone both turn more solemn, and this time it's the look of someone who's seen battle--a look that, no doubt, the grey-eyed Goddess was all too familiar with, though perhaps not often in a youth. "About a month later, there was a mutant rights rally that turned pretty ugly. A kid my own age was killed. His name was Daniel. I heard the call to go tend the wounded, but by the time I got there it was already too late. It really ripped me up inside. A lot of folks were there to lean on, and he was one of them. Never mind all the stories of him out in battle, I personally think one of the most heroic things he's ever done is reaching out with kindness when he didn't have to. And I can say the same about everyone who helped me, too."
Athena	Athena shifts her grasp on the shield, holding it by both edges and leaning forward with elbows upon her knees. She watches Shan all the while, spinning the Aegis slowly and casually. "People think that battle is all about glory." she replies in a low voice. "You have seen the -other- side of battle. The side that's not represented in video games or told in the stories. Death. Loss. Sacrifice."     The blonde goddess rises, then, turning to face Shannon with a slight raising of her voice. "Know this, Shannon Lance. There is power in your faith. Should you but whisper a prayer to Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and Goddess of War, I can come to you in an instant. I say this because you are wise beyond your years, and I have no doubt that you will not call upon me lightly. This I declare."     Athena hurls the shield high into the air, then, where it vanishes into the glare of the sun.
Shannon	"Or if there's cocoa or something else to be shared. I think you forgot that part." Shannon cracks a it of a smile, some of the twinkle returning to her pale blue eyes. "Surely that would not be taken amiss."      She glances up towards the sky, following the path of Aegis until it vanishes, shading her eyes against the glare. "Battle isn't all glory. There's the heat of the moment, but... you're right, people forget the other side. It's something I have no doubt I'll see a lot before my time to pass finally comes. My gifts take me into the worst situations, where they're needed the most."      Peering back over at Athena, she seems to think for a moment. Did she dare, with this one? Not many in the old tales had such hubris, yet she herself had not been struck down by Poseidon for such. "When's the last time you simply had a friend give you a hug?"      Then something else hits her. A little belatedly, but still... "How did you find out my last name? I don't remeember telling you."
Athena	The goddess stands there before the seated mortal, hands resting upon her hips in a battle-ready pose. "Do not underestimate the need for a healer on the battlefield. Some of the greatest heroes of wars have been medics." she replies, relaxing slowly.     Then Shannon speaks of having a friend to hug. Athena chuckles softly, grey eyes bright. The goddess steps closer, extending both hands with palms up. "It was too long ago." she replies. "And no, you didn't tell me your last name. But a goddess must have -some- secrets, at least."
Shannon	Confident now that at least she wouldn't be struck down for her boldness, Shannon gets to her feet, a few brightly-colored leaves clinging to her legs, unwitting decorations from Nature herself. It only takes a step or two to close the distance, but Athena soon finds herself wrapped in a warm hug, wings forming a feathery cocoon around them both. "For all the gifts the old gods have, I can imagine all of you get lonely sometimes, too."
Athena	Athena returns the embrace, hugging Shannon tightly. And warmly. She murrs low, not in any hurry to release from the warm hug or the warm feathers. "Mmmm. Yes, my dear. Yes, indeed." she agrees. "For such is the price of power and knowledge, I'm afraid."
Shannon	"Hopefully you don't need to feel so alone any more." Shannon is just as reluctant to let go, all too often not allowing herself this small luxury. For a moment, there was peace, and it was good.
Athena	The two are nearly the same height, and while they hug Athena guides Shannon's head to her shoulder. And she rests her own on the winged young woman's as well. Breathing slows, warmth is returned, and peace settles around them. The goddess is in no hurry, and minutes pass. Then she lifts her head and Shan feels warm, moist lips against her cheek. "Thank you for this, my perceptive little one." she murmurs.
Shannon	Though a little bit surprised by the gesture, Shannon doesn't move, only lifting her head afterwards. For once, there is a wide smile upon her face, and the hug is tightened briefly. "You're welcome." One snowy flight feather flutters to the ground, caught and tossed about amongst the leaves by a gentle breeze. "I think this is one of the greatest blessings any of us can give."
Athena	The goddess laughs softly, returning the light squeeze before she begins to untangle a little. Rocking onto her back foot, she eases her arms from around Shannon, hands trailing down to take the girl's hands in her own. "There are some who would call you bold, Shannon. But I am very pleased. Thank you."
Shannon	"You're welcome." Shannon chuckles lightly, squeezing Athena's hands; her fingertips are slightly needle-pricked, and a bit calloused as if perhaps from playing an instrument of some sort. "Some might call me foolish. Some might say bold. I'd just say a mortal who sometimes thinks too much with her heart and not enough with her head."
Athena	For a moment the goddess just holds Shannon's hands in her own, then she gives a light squeeze before releasing. "There is nothing wrong with using your heart, Shannon. My sister would tell you that much." Aphrodite, of course. "It is one of your gifts." She bends low, then, picking up the dropped feather. Athena holds it by the quill, smoothing the feather with a light stroke of her fingers. The result is that the smoothed feather becomes perfect once more, devoid of any defects or blemishes.
Shannon	The feather, of course, bears the same hint of a blessing that the rest of Shannon's feathers do, perhaps the tail end of molting season. "It's gotten my heart broken a few times. Still is." She shrugs, and smiles a bit. "Those things will work themselves out, I hope." A light smile tugs the corners of her lips upwards as she watches the restoration of the fallen feather. The gifts of others never ceased to amaze her, leaving her with an expression of almost child-like wonder.
Athena	Athena smiles, noting Shannon's reaction to the feather. "One of my simpler gifts, while here on Earth." she replies, offering it back to the girl. "It won't smite your enemies or raise the dead, but perhaps it will just last a bit longer now." Her head tilts, then, and she tucks the blonde hair behind one ear. "I'm afraid I cannot help you with a broken heart, Shannon. Again, that is my sister's gift. But as I said before, you may call on me whenever you need me. Even if it is just for company."
Shannon	Smiling, Shannon tucks the feather behind her ear. "It was time for that one to fall. But maybe it'll make a nice pen to write new songs and stories with." Indeed, there was a bit of a sparkle in her eyes now, with fresh ideas of songs and tales to be told. Stepping back, albeit a bit reluctantly, she smiles, gathering up the remains of the cookies and cocoa, and stowing them away in her backpack. "I think you'll find it more likely I'd offer company, rather than ask anything. But that is something I'd give gladly."
Athena	Athena laughs softly and she nods, grey eyes bright as Shan tucks the feather behind her ear. "A welcome change from some who had called upon me in the past." she replies, wryly. "You know the stories almost as well as I, after all." Taking a step back, then another, the goddess offers. "I look forward to talking with you again, Shannon. And thank you for the refreshments."     The goddess steps up into the air, then, and just as it seems she might fly as a human there is a flicker of color and the owl returns mid-flight. With a long 'HOOoooooo!', it wings in a steady, upward spiral before disappearing up over the treetops.