Deception :: The Goddesses Descent. [Karameida x Ashiaka]

Tiamat :: Freya :: Nanaja :: Odin :: Anu​

::The above are links to each characters respective image. [Minus Anu and Odin.] ::​

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Prologue :: Guilty until Proven Innocent.​

A hush fell over the gathering of the gods and goddesses. Deities from all cultures stared in fascinated horror at the drama unfolding between the Akkadian and Norse pantheons. "I DEMAND RETRIBUTION UPON THE GUILTY!" a woman screamed in fury and pain. The woman was Tiamat, the Akkadian Goddess of primordial chaos and of the seas. "THEY TOOK IT! THEY DESTROYED IT!" she hollered in frustrated agony. Anu, the leader of the Akkadian pantheon looked on with concern. "Calm yourself Tiamat, what has happened to you?" he asked with furrowed brows. Tiamat whirled around and faced Anu with tears streaming down her face. "The heart of Abzu was stolen....and my temple has been desecrated!!" she said between chest wrenching sobs. Anu's eyes widened and a cumulative gasp rippled among the different pantheons. The desecration of a gods or goddesses temple was a heavy enough crime, but to also steal such a sacred object? It was unthinkable, the Deities looked around to one another and to each pantheon wondering who could have carried out such a heinous act.

The golden heart of Abzu was a dear treasure of Tiamat's; everyone knew her tragic story and also knew the value of the sacred object. It not only enhanced her powers but held sentimental value to her. The heart of her dead husband; whoever stole it would pay a heavy price indeed. Surely no one would attempt such a travesty? Anu stared at Tiamat deeply troubled "These are....heavy accusations, Tiamat. Do you know who might have tried to do this to you?" he asked with genuine concern. "I HAVE MORE THAN AN IDEA!" she screeched even more enraged. "IT WAS NANAJA AND FREYA!" she said pointing to the two goddesses in each pantheon. At the accusation a burst of conversation echoed throughout the pantheons. Nanaja and Freya? Surely Tiamat couldn't be serious? The conversations rose in volume until nothing could be clearly heard. It was completely outrageous! How could she accuse her own kin of such a thing?

The loudest of them all was the Norse pantheon, they denied the accusations on Freya's behalf and they all looked towards the Akkadian pantheon in indignation. How dare she accuse Freya of all deities? "ENOUGH!!!" Odin said, the command carried over the din of noises and slowly the pantheons hushed, waiting expectantly to see how the all knowing Odin would react. "These are indeed, very heavy accusations. Should you be throwing names around so callously?" he asked, his eye piercing Tiamat. Tiamat spun around and stared angrily at Odin. "Don't try to protect that wench! I know she and that traitorous Nanaja did it!" she said without a tremble in her voice or a wavering gaze. It seemed, Tiamat was certain of who'd done it. Anu stared on even more deeply troubled. He glanced over at Nanaja who wore an expression of shocked horror. "I DEMAND SATISFACTION!" she screamed her voice climbing. Anu and Odin exchanged glances, they knew what their laws demanded but they did not want to carry out the deeds.

Not a single word had been uttered by the accused; Freya and Nanaja. The shock of being accused of such travesties seemed to have rendered them mute. Was it a sign of shocked innocence? Or horrified guilt? In all honesty, no one was entirely sure what their inability to defend themselves signaled. The silence stretched on and was finally broken; it seemed they finally found their voices.

"How dare you accuse me of doing something so awful?! You wretched little liar!"
"Watch who you accuse, Tiamat! I will not stand idly by and listen to your lies."

They both said in self righteous rage. Everyone stared at the two goddesses who were bristling with anger. The air fairly hummed with the rage that was coursing through it. This little scene could very easily start a war between the two pantheons, which in turn would drag other pantheons into it due to loyalties. "The guilty will never admit their guilt! BUT I KNOW THE TRUTH!" she said her chest rising and falling with each of her heavy breaths. "For such accusations, I feel it might be worth our while to let them prove their innocence..." Odin said looking to Freya and Nanaja. Anu nodded slowly in agreement. Tiamats eyes bulged and she let out an ear splitting scream "NO!!! YOU CAN'T DO THIS!" she bellowed. "Why do you give them a chance? Why do you not destroy them where they stand!?!?" she raged.

"We can not deal out a punishment with only your word against them." Odin said matter-of-factly. The look on Tiamats face was mutinous, her expression darkening in unconcealed rage. "Henceforth, Freya of the Norse shall be stripped of her god-hood and cast out until the day she brings back proof of her innocence. No one shall help her and any caught will be dealt with severely." Odin said with a heavy heart. "Let it be known that Nanaja of the Akkadians shall also be stripped of her god-hood and cast out until such a day that her own innocence is proven. Any caught aiding her shall be dealt with harshly." Anu said, an odd expression on his face. With a snap of Anu and Odin's fingers, Freya and Nanaja vanished from their spots; with their god-hoods revoked they were no longer able to remain in the heavens and were sent plummeting to earth towards their new mortal lives.

"Fine! But don't say you're doing this to be fair. You're only doing this for them because they happen to be your favorites." Tiamat said darkly before disappearing from her stage.

Naomi Stalbridge [Nanaja]​

Naomi tapped her foot impatiently as she scanned the crowded ballroom. Most people would have cooled their heels after three and a half months but not the former Akkadian goddess of war and sex. No, she was still fuming inside at the accusations Tiamat had hurled at them. You never accused any god or goddess of War unless you wanted to come to a very bad end and yet, here she was...stuck on earth as a mortal. Why would Tiamat accuse her of stealing Apsu's heart and desecrating her temple? It made no sense to her, none. Granted she wasn't a Goddess of wisdom or anything but it didn't mean she was stupid. Rash, maybe...but not stupid. She started feeling the familiar surge of rage and forcefully re-directed her thoughts; it certainly wouldn't do her any good to go into a fit of rage now.

When her and Freya had first arrived on Earth they had immediately set out to prove their innocence. They didn't think it would be overly hard because they were, very much innocent. But when day's turned into weeks without a single bit of headway, they fell into a rut. Nanaja had sat around for weeks, first whining about her ill fortunes and how she was never going to get her god-hood back. Then it was rage, how dare they do this to her! Surely they could have seen that she was innocent!? Why else would they be the leaders of all the gods in their pantheon if they couldn't even discern the truth?? After the rage past she had gone into a stage of denial and had tried many times and in many ways to "wake herself up" from what she was sure was nothing more than a nightmare. After that it was a grudging acceptance of her current situation. It was only when they had actually sat down and figured out a course of action did she feel a little better.

She looked around herself once more, staring at all the ridic-- elegantly dressed nobles. This world was vastly different from her own people and even her past surroundings. Though the one thing that was familiar to her was the falseness of the polite world. In this world everyone wore a mask of detached politeness even while they shot each other in the back. Once they had gleaned the information they needed they were able to move among the patrons of the ton with relative ease. Being a former Goddess, she came equipped with the arrogance and hauteur that was demanded of the socially elite. The only thing she was forced to learn was being polite. A Goddess of war wasn't supposed to be nice or play well with others. But if she wanted to restore her god-hood, she needed to be able to move around in society. It was infuriating.

What was even more infuriating was that she had to use a make believe name and even come up with an excuse for herself. To think that she'd have to stoop so low as to make excuses for herself. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Naomi opened the fan that dangled around her wrist and made play of fanning herself. "Why in damnnation do we have to attend so many of these things?" she said pitching her voice low so only Freya, who was standing next to her could hear. "I don't understand the need for so many people to attend...it's hard enough to move with all these layers of clothing..." she said trailing off and glancing down at her own ball gown made of satin and of the deepest hue of sapphire blue. "but to actually try and dance when you're rubbing elbows with everyone is idiotic." she said with a disgusted sigh. She wanted to be out looking for clues but knew that she'd get nowhere, it was a vexing situation.

The candles that flickered in the chandeliers high above cast an ethereal glow over the sea of people in all their brightly colored gowns and ornately done hair. Gems glittered on the necks, wrists and fingers of the wealthy, some were fairly drowning in gems. The room itself, was grand and had many plants positioned to create deep pockets of shadows for a little privacy. If a couple wanted a more assured sense of privacy then the vast gardens of the elegant town house would certainly do the trick. Everyone knew what was going on in those shadows and in the gardens but so long as it wasn't seen it was acceptable. It didn't make any sense to her. Naomi felt akin to a shark trying to fit in with a school of brightly colored fish.

"I wish Alice would get here....I heard it was fashionable to be slightly late but I don't think it's fashionable to miss the entire ball." she murmured. Alice was the Viscountess St. Angel and had taught her most of what she currently knew, she was also the reason that she hadn't become a laughingstock of the ton. She'd shown her where to buy her town house, which modiste to go too, which milliner and even where to buy the best jewelry. She had been the one to get them the invitations to all the right balls and soiree's to assure that they would be an immediate success. It had worked. After their first introduction into society they had been fashionably in demand, every hostess had them on their guest list. It seemed like everyone was eager to meet the mysterious and very wealthy widows who'd just appeared from seemingly nowhere.

She had stayed detached from the crowd of people and had staunchly refused every person who offered to dance with her. She didn't know how to dance nor did she want to dance with any of them. She'd heard from Alice's husband that there were bets going down in all the betting books in every club on who would get to dance with Naomi first. It burned her to know that she was nothing more than a trophy. She wondered if their views would change should they find out she was actually a Goddess. And oh what a Goddess too. She wondered what they might do should they learn she was the Akkadian Goddess of war...well, formerly the Akkadian Goddess of War. How they might flee in terror, or beg for forgiveness. The thought amused her and a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

She closed her fan and let it dangle about her wrist once more. She hoped that after awhile people would give up on asking her to dance. She really hated repeating herself.

Freya Duvall​

Freya continued to fan herself as her eyes roamed the ballroom. Although amusing, her distraction wasn’t working. Even as she found the interested glances between patrons of the party, estimating when and where they would find time to enjoy each other’s company, her thoughts still strayed to Tiamat and her ludicrous accusations. She still felt the indignation and anger simmering just below the surface, just wanting some sort of outlet upon which to be released upon. Although primarily a goddess of love and sexuality, Freya’s dominion also included death and war, and the allegations hurled at her had aroused the ire of the ordinarily gentle deity. Freya ceased her thoughts for a moment, taking a calming breath. This was a social even, she could not let her anger become apparent here lest ruin her budding reputation. It was time to move on from this line of thought.

Tiamat’s accusation had cost them so much… and for what reason? What sort of reason had the Akkadian goddess implicated them for? The ex-immortal could not for the life of her figure why. It was probably why she wasn’t a goddess of knowledge, she thought with a wry, self-depreciating smile. Nanaja and her had been cast out almost four months ago, and they had floundered quite pathetically. Nanaja, going by Naomi, had gone through quite a few stages till she finally accepted what had happened. Freya, had, however… gone near comatose. It had been too much. While Naomi broke down, raged, and denied, Freya almost wasted away. It finally sunk in as her companion’s denial became less vehement and more helpless. They helped each other accept what was happening, and finally decided on a course of action. It was keeping them both from falling back into a depression, Freya felt.

She noticed Naomi shake her head suddenly, and Freya refocused and turned her clearing gaze to the war goddess. She saw the hint of familiar contempt, or something akin to it, for how the world worked when it came to socializing. Freya herself didn’t mind it so much. It was much like when the pantheons convened; gestures of politeness, smiles that rang false, and the true meaning of a sentence being between the lines. It was a game she had grown accustomed to and, if she were less humble, would say she mastered. Freya entertained the thought of laying a hand on Naomi’s arm in hopes of calming her, but thought better of it. It would more than likely not be appreciated. They were bonded by circumstances, but not exactly close.

Returning to her game, she heard Naomi suddenly speak to her. She couldn’t contain the chuckle she gave at the woman’s exasperation. “We have appearances to keep, you know that Naomi. It wouldn’t do for the two most prominent widows of the ton to be missing.” Freya replies easily, a confident little grin painting her features. “And it is quite the crush, isn’t it?” The raven haired woman gave her companion an appreciating look. “You should learn to enjoy yourself, Naomi. You’re quite popular, if it wasn’t obvious.” She took a moment to glance at her own organdie gown, a dark shade of violet. The Akkadian goddess wished to be finding who had done this to them, and Freya understood that. However, without a solid direction in which to head, they had to make do, and Naomi knew this.

It was then that something caught Freya’s eye, something she had not yet seen here among the ton. Lady Eva and Lady Vivian, it would appear, had that look about them. To all but the most observant, it would appear that they hardly acknowledged each other’s existence as they danced with their partner. However, the ex-goddess of love knew better. She could hardly contain herself. Snapping her fan shut, she turned to Naomi with a conspiratorial smile. “Naomi,” She whispers, tapping her fellow party-goer on the shoulder, “It would appear that Lady Eva and Lady Vivian will be spending a few moments together sometime this night.” Normally should would not gossip so with Naomi, as she was not one for such petty diversions, but such a juicy bit of gossip had to be shared. However, it appeared that the woman had not heard her, as she herself began to murmur.

Although slightly offended at being somewhat ignored, Freya had a suppress a giggle at the comment, once more opening her fan. Nodding her head in agreement, her thoughts turned to the Viscountess St. Angel. It was thanks to the elegant woman that they had been able to integrate so successfully into the society. Their first meeting, however, had not been the most… graceful. The two goddesses had been wandering around aimlessly for hours, trying to find out how to integrate into the society. As it was, they were outcasts, and would never get any information as such. They needed to attend a ball, find a seamstress, a place to live… They could procure the latter two, although with some difficulty, but the ball was another story. One could only get into such an event with an invitation, and they knew no one of any standing. Until they chanced upon the Viscountess, although stumbled might be more appropriate. Alice had been exiting her carriage, and the two of them had nearly collided with the woman. Introductions were made, and with a glance, Naomi and Freya knew this was their chance. The two of them told the Viscountess they were widows just ending their mourning for their husbands, and were new in town. It was a gamble, but it had worked like a charm though, and now Naomi and Freya were quite popular topics of conversations.

Freya, unlike her companion, however, did not mind the attention that they had garnered. She gracefully accepted any offers to dance that were presented to her. However, she offered nothing more. For the ex-goddess of love and sexuality was vastly different from other women of the human race. Because of her previous station, Freya had the ability to shape shift at will between a female form, and that of a hermaphrodite, in order to please her female lovers better. When she fell from god-hood, instead of taking on the female form, she took on the form of a hermaphrodite. As such, Freya was quite uncomfortable in her body, as odd as that might sound. Any man she might attempt to take to bed would surely flee, and many women would do the same. So it was with great disappointment that Freya distanced herself as well from others, although for entirely different reasons from her fellow fallen goddess. Naomi’s sudden smile, however, caught her attention, and Freya shook her head amusedly. The woman was probably thinking about what the men betting on and courting her would think if they knew who she truly was. ‘Twas the only reason that such a smile could be found on Naomi’s face during the ball. She could see the entertainment in such a thought.

A sudden thought occurred to Freya, and she smiled somewhat deviously. Closing her fan once more, she turned to Naomi, and held a hand out.

“Would the lady be so kind as to give me the honor of a dance?”

Naomi Stalbridge [Nanaja] :: Alice Marscen Viscountess St.Angel​

[The above are links to the respective character images.]​

Naomi pursed her lips, Freya was right and she knew it. She didn't have to like it but there wasn't anything to do about it. Naomi was not a creature accustomed to having to wait patiently, she was one of action. She tapped her fan against her hand in an unlady like show of impatience for a moment before letting it drop to dangle from her wrist once more. Oh the things she would do when she finally got her fingers round the one responsible for framing them. She might not have her powers anymore but she still had her memories and her imagination and that's all she really needed to cause anyone serious harm. Not to mention the things she would to Tiamat when she finally got her god-hood back. She had to wonder what exactly that wretched woman had been thinking, putting on such a disgusting display of drama for all the pantheons to see. It was as if she had been trying to shame them. She didn't really understand the need for such theatrics. Sure, if someone had desecrated her temple and stolen an item that was sacred to her that she'd have demanded retribution as well but she'd have never put it all out in public like Tiamat had done.

A heated blush colored her cheeks when she remembered the humiliation. Yes, she'd also pay back Tiamat for shaming her so openly like that.

Naomi shook her head slightly coming out of her violent thoughts. Was no use thinking about such things right now, it would make the waiting that much harder to endure and she really did not need that. It was unbearable enough as it was. She barely registered what Freya was saying; something about two people getting together or some such nonsense. Even without her powers the woman could still spot a match-up from a mile away. Naomi on the other hand was able to sense the beginnings of a good fight about to start between two people. All they'd need was a good outside "push" and she was always willing to give that "push". However she had to refrain from doing that since she could no longer "disappear" at will. Normally it was something that would have certainly taken the edge off of the whole situation but now just seemed to make the blade of boredom sharper.

Naomi had watched Freya being led onto the dance floor by an endless stream of admirers and mentally sighed; at least one of them was enjoying themselves. Though she imagined the goddesses would have enjoyed going home with them as well. It was a bit out of the question at this point and time though. If Naomi had wanted, she could easily have taken any one of the members of the ton as her paramour. It was considered fashionable after all. But it wasn't something she wanted, she rather thought it might make the situation that much more complicated and that was something their situation did not need.

Naomi turned her head quickly and stared at Freya blinking in rapid succession. Had she heard correctly? "Wha---"

"Naomi, Freya, there you are! You both look stunning tonight as usual." a warm friendly voice broke in saving Naomi from an answer. Naomi turned her head and offered up a smile "There you are Alice, I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever show." she said genuinely relieved. "And miss this? I should think not!" she said coming over to them. "I hope I did not hear Ms. Duvall ask Ms. Stalbridge to dance. That would be simply scandalous." she said jokingly, laughter lighting up her blue eyes. Alice was a fair person with light brown hair, brilliant blue eyes, full lips and pale skin. Her looks alone warranted a second look but what really drew the eye was the inner warmth that the Viscountess exuded. The Viscountess was only nineteen years old, her husband twenty seven. They were fairly close in age considering some of the other match ups and she was happy with her marriage. "How have you been, Alice?" she asked grabbing a glass of champagne from a waiter as he passed by. "I am well. Thank you for asking." she said eying Naomi curiously.

Naomi remained silent a moment longer taking a few small drinks from her warm champagne. "I was wondering if you and your husband might be able to help me Freya." she said casting a furtive glance in Freya's direction. Alice's eyebrows raised slightly "With what?" she asked glancing between the two women. "You see, something was recently stolen and we were wondering if you and your husband might be able to find it. Or find any clues or rumors about it." she said choosing her words carefully. Alice didn't know who they truly were but she had a lot of connections as did her husband and they could use the St. Angels help. She just had to be careful on how she worded things. "Is it valuable?" she asked furrowing her brows. "Ah, well yes. It is very valuable. You see, the thing is; we inherited it from a distant relation. She had a few odd rumors about it but nothing substantial...." she said hesitating slightly.

"Well? What is it?" she asked urging Naomi on. "Well she claimed it was the golden heart of Abzu and belonged to the primordial goddess of chaos and water, Tiamat." she said clearing her throat slightly. Alice remained silent for awhile while she stared at each woman. "Akkadian?" she finally asked in a soft voice. Naomi just nodded her head. "What exactly do you want me and my husband to do?" Alice asked in a hushed whisper. "Mostly just tell of us any odd rumors that come up about the heart, or Tiamat or anything that seems to be odd and connected with any ancient civilizations; and more so with their deities." she said. "Anything else?" she asked with an arched brow.

Naomi thought for a moment but shook her head. "Not that I can think of. Perhaps Freya can." she said turning to face the Norse goddess.

Freya almost broke into laughter at the face Naomi made when she registered what had just been asked. In truth, she might have, for she planned to tease the stoic woman, but unfortunately, or possibly fortunately, Alice chose that moment to make her appearance. Freya turns to their mutual friend with a smile, once more snapping her fan open to counteract all the body heat trapped in the room.

“Ah! Alice, why thank you! You look just as beautiful as always,” Freya replies with a sincere smile. The ex-goddess hears the relief in her companion’s voice, and jokingly thinks whether it is her joke or the crush she is relieved to be distracted from. However, a smirk crosses her features as Alice brings up the dance request. She schools her face quickly, and gives the Viscountess a scandalized look, almost as if asking, ‘who, me?’ It was enjoyable to know someone from the ton with a sense of humor similar to her own. It was something else her companion generally lacked. Apparently the ex-goddess of war, from her vantage at least, was not one for humor. Although it could quite easily be the situation they were both in. With the way that Naomi went straight to business after the small pleasantries made her believe that it was not so, though.

She decides to stay quiet while Naomi and Alice discuss the main reason they began attending these things. Though in truth, she might have to teach the red-head to be a bit more subtle, though she supposes she couldn’t fault her for her nature. At least she was being careful in her word choice, though that shouldn’t have surprised her. In war one had to be cautious, lest lose the advantage. However, her brows furrow a bit when Naomi implied they both were related to the same distant relation. She shook the thought away though, probably a slip of the tongue. And as the conversation went on, Alice obviously didn’t catch it, or at least didn’t bother to bring it up.

Freya’s attention, however, snapped fully to the conversation as Alice asks to confirm it was Akkadian. She knew Alice was intelligent, however, knowing that they are looking for an Akkadian artifact seems… odd. And the pause before hand, it wasn’t contemplative; the ex-immortal suddenly wonders if Alice could possibly know more than she is letting on. She decides to set the thought aside later for discussion with Naomi. An exasperated sigh almost makes an appearance from her lips as she asks with the subtlety of a brick to keep them in the loop about ancient civilizations, more so with their deities. She can only pray that Alice believes them to be superstitious widows, and not dig deeper. When the conversation is directed back to her, Freya closes her fan and taps her chin with it while she thinks.

“Maybe any information on new members of the ton besides ourselves?” She suggests, as it’s the only thing she can think of. Normally she’d be more subtle about the request, but Naomi had already thrown that out the window. She hopes that the approach that had been taken would pay off.

Out of the corner of her vision, she spots something that will annoy her Akkadian partner. A young gentleman, one she recognizes as a persistent pursuer of the red-headed widow. And he is approaching as quickly as the crowded ballroom would allow. The Norse goddess feels her brows furrow. When were they going to learn that Naomi was simply not interested? I mean, to anyone with an ounce of common sense, the Akkadian goddess had made it clear she’d never accept a suitor from the ton. It was almost as exasperating for Freya, who had to deal with a moody Naomi afterwards.

A devious plan suddenly makes its way to her thoughts, however, and a similar smirk soon follows. If this didn’t make the message clear, than nothing would. Sadly, such actions would also diminish her suitors, which is probably for the best. Thinking on it now, she must seem like such a tease, flirting and dancing, but never more than that. Well, here goes my fun… The raven haired woman thinks with a sigh as the man finally reaches them.

“Shall I have the honor of dancing this set with you, Ms. Stallbridge?” He asks with perfect politeness. As Naomi is about to refute the man, the violet dressed woman speaks up in her place.

“I’m sorry to inform you that my very good friend is not in the least interested in dancing with you, or any of her suitors,” Freya comments easily, sidling up to Naomi, and placing an arm around her waist, and pulling their hips together. She uses her fan to hide the smirk upon her features.

Naomi Stalbridge [Nanaja] :: Alice Marscen Viscountess St.Angel​

[The above are links to the respective character images.]​

Alice contemplated her new friends for a moment, a question forming on her lips. After a moments hesitation she let out a small sigh and seemed to force the question back. "Ah, well I'll see what I can do for you two." she said tapping her fan lightly on her wrist. She surreptitiously surveyed the room noting the excellent turn out. It was an absolute crush. The hostess probably knew that the two mysterious widows were to thank for her success, it was quite a coup to have them at your ball or soiree. "Well, it seems you two have once again attracted a rather large crowd. I knew you two would be well received, however I had no idea that you'd become this in demand. I must say, I am rather proud of you two." she said smiling warmly at both of them. She'd known from the start that the jaded members of the ton would be utterly fascinated with Naomi and Freya. Not because they were both wealthy, well respected widows and ignoring the fact that both of them were quite lovely; it had to do with an inner power they exuded. It compelled you towards them, it was a quiet and royal power that commanded attention. Men and women alike adhered to this inner power of theirs even if no one realized it.

"Any new members in society? Besides yourself?" she asked with a small frown. She shook her head slowly, uncertainly at first "I do not recall anyone like that. I'll make some discreet inquiries into the matter and keep an eye out for you, if you'd like though." she said glancing around trying to locate a butler. Snapping open her fan, she fanned herself vigorously. "I may have to step outside for a few moments. It is unbearably warm in here." she murmured almost to herself.

Naomi, meanwhile was studying Freya quite surprised at her intuitive suggestion about keeping an eye on any new members. Shaking her head she smiled ruefully to herself "One must never underestimate the Norse." she thought shaking her head. It wasn't like Naomi to underestimate anybody but often times she'd find herself doing just that with Goddesses associated with love. Returning her attention back to Alice she nodded her head slightly in acknowledgement. "Thank you, we'd be very much in your debt." she said showing one of her rare smiles. What would Alice do if she knew she now had a goddess in her debt? It certainly wasn't something that happened often. And had certainly not been something that had ever happened to the War Goddess. Well there was a first for everything. "How do the french put it? C'est La Vie? Yes, Such is life." she thought with a mental sigh.

Naomi had been so absorbed into the conversation she failed to notice one of her would be suitors approaching. There seemed to be an endless string of male admirers who'd asked her to dance since her debut into society, but this one had been one of the most insistent ones.

Alice noticed a flicker of agitation cross Freya's features before being replaced with amusement. Following the woman's gaze she spotted the determined male making his way towards them. "Hmm, well this should be entertaining." she murmured behind her fan. "I see Lord Benett has once again found you M'dear." she said raising her brows and smiling behind her fan. When he stopped he nodded politely to all three of the woman, Alice herself politely bowing her head in return before he set his attention back on Naomi.

At first Naomi looked confused at Alice and then she spotted the determined male and set her back teeth in irritation. "Persistent man...." she though in agitation. There was a point when you should always admit defeat, even she knew that. But this man just didn't seem to grasp the fact she just was not interested in him. She dropped into a short curt, curtsey as society dictated she should and caught Alice's amused look out of the corner of her eye. "At least someone is amused at the turn of events." she thought dryly. She knew she certainly wasn't. However before she could say anything at all to the man she heard Freya cut in and politely and intimately touch her in a way that suggested they might be much more than "very good friends". Naomi quickly turned her head and sent a somewhat confused and questioning look at Freya not really sure what to make of the comment. When she looked back at Lord Benett she saw that he looked taken aback and was quickly switching his gaze from Freya to herself, questions in his eyes. "So be it..." she thought with a mental shrug.

Beside them she Alice's eyebrows had climbed rather high as she watched the scene play out. "So that is what she was planning..." she thought amused despite everything. She knew that the small gesture would not go unnoticed, Freya had managed to make themselves even more notorious. The little scene would be the talk of the town for several weeks, if not months. She watched Benett curiously wondering how he'd react.

He was silent for a long while. A look of keen interest had replaced the initial surprise. "I see. Well I suspect that might be because neither of you ladies have found the right man" he murmured to them before bowing to all three women in turn and walking away. After a moment of acute silence, Alice snapped her fan shut and grinned "Well, I must say that was rather amusing. But I doubt your little scheme worked. If anything I'd say Lord Benett is even more interested than before. At the very least you've now given the Ton quite a lot to gossip about." she said with a small tinkling laugh. Alice glanced around making her point when she saw multiple pairs of eyes turned in their direction in acute interest. She could already hear the tongues wagging. She also noticed that the interest of several noted males in the area seemed quite a bit more interested than they had moments ago. "I believe now would be a good time for that fresh air." she said turning in the direction of one of the balcony doors.

Naomi just wanted this night to end. She also had an unsettling sensation of being watched. Sure there were any number of people who were looking at them but this was a feeling of a predator stalking prey. She wondered if Freya was having the same feeling. Normally she'd start hunting whoever thought they could hunt her but, in the cumbersome gowns and her mortal body she didn't think she'd fare very well.

Rage. It wasn’t a feeling that Freya often felt. Although a Goddess of War, she was first and foremost a Goddess of Love, and that often tempered whatever anger that Freya would feel. However…

I see. Well I suspect that might be because neither of you ladies have found the right man.

Freya had absolutely no idea that such a simple, condescending sentence could get her blood to boil. She actually had to restrain herself from following the arrogant mortal and beating him within an inch of his now god-forsaken life. As soon as she was a Goddess once more, she’d make sure he’d never, ever, be able to please another woman in his life. For now, however, she had to find a way to punish him while still mortal.

As Alice and Naomi made their way to the balcony, Freya followed next to her fellow ‘widow,’ still seething.

“That pompous arrogant man… The gall! Insinuating that he would be a better lover then myself? Such conceit. I am the Norse Goddess of Love, I’ve pleased more men and women than he’s even met!” The raven haired woman mutters lowly under her breath. Only Naomi would be able to hear her angry utterances, and only because of her very sharp hearing. Had Freya not been so absorbed in her fury, she might have felt the sensation of being watch, and not in the voyeuristic way she sometimes enjoyed.

“Can you believe that mortal, Nanaja?” Freya whispers to her fellow Goddess, needing to let off some steam. “Having the audacity to intimate that I could not satisfy you if I so wished? Never has a mortal shown me such disrespect.” Finally reaching the balcony, Freya begins to pace before the other two, fanning her face. She knows she needs to calm down. Anger will do no good when trying to extract revenge in the ton. Suddenly, a thought occurred to her.

“Alice, would you be so kind as to do me another favor? I’d like to know any and all information on Lord Benett that he would not want others finding out,” Freya requests of her friend. It occurs to her that Alice might be confused at her offense to his statement, but she’d simply ignore it unless directly asked. For now, she had the first step of her revenge; sabotage his image within the ton. After all, nothing was more important to these high society types then the opinions of their peers. Yes, it would be a good start…

Another plan came to her mind, but she quickly shook it away. It was far too outrageous, and would likely not work quite as well as she would wish. No, for now, she had her first step. She could dwell on further thoughts of her revenge later. Taking a deep breath, she pushes her anger down. Walking over to the balcony edge, the pale woman leans forward to observe the city before her in its entire spectacle. She could admire the human’s tenacity.

“So, Alice, where’s the Viscount? I’m surprised he is not here enjoying the festivities as well,” Freya inquires, almost as if the previous moments of rage had never happened. In truth, she was a little embarrassed at her passionate outburst. She was normally much better at controlling her temper, but it appears that skill had left as well as her god-hood.