Dahlia | Female | Demigod | Mentions: Directly: Bodhi. Indirectly: Adeline

Dahlia’s eyes widened for a fraction of a second as her friend listed off reasons for having a bad mood. She had known Bodhi long enough to recognize that his frustrations often ran deep, buried beneath layers of stoicism and sarcasm. Despite his attempts to downplay his concerns with dry humor, she could sense the weight of his worries pressing upon him.

She took a sip of her coffee, letting the flavor dance on her palate before responding, her gaze softening with empathy. "Bodhi," she began, her voice gentle yet firm, "I understand that law school can be incredibly demanding, especially with the added pressure of finals. But you've always had a knack for navigating through challenges, even when the odds seemed stacked against you."

Dahlia leaned forward slightly, her teal eyes locking onto his. "And you're right, nobody's perfect," she said with a warm smile, "But you and I are pretty damn close, I must say. I know you have a lot on your plate, but you've come so far. I'm very proud of you and all the progress you've made.” She shrugged, before adding, "I do make a good study partner if you need one," with a playful wink, fully aware of her shortcomings in that department. Dahlia's expression became more serious. "I highly doubt you'll fail though," she said reassuringly, her tone filled with confidence in his abilities. "You've always managed to pull through, even against the odds."

Dahlia leaned back in her chair, considering Bodhi's question. "Life's been treating me well," she began, a small smile playing on her lips. "Keeping busy with my plants and occasional volunteer work at the women’s shelter. It’s been incredible being there, being able to support those in need. The women that come to Siren’s Shelter are facing homelessness or relationship violence. It’s a sanctuary." Her expression turned solemn for a moment, reflecting the weight of the situations these women faced. "But being able to offer them a safe space and a listening ear, it's fulfilling in ways I can't quite describe."

"It’s also allowed me to get back into the therapy realm," she continued, her smile returning. "And of course, tending to my plants has been therapeutic in its own way. There's a sense of calm and peace that comes with nurturing something and watching it grow. At the shelter, they have begun to coordinate their own garden and greenhouse. Some have incredible green-thumbs while others," she chuckled, "Have black thumbs. But with a little love and magic, just about all the plants make it."

She tilted her head at the mention of Adeline. “Yes, Adeline did just open her shop. I've been meaning to swing by and check it out. I’d love for you to come,” she said warmly, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “She's been pouring her heart and soul into it, it's quite an enchanting little place.” Dahlia couldn't help but smile at the thought. “And knowing Adeline, she'll likely have her pesky little raven there.” She paused, "I think you'd enjoy it, Bodhi. It's a nice escape from reality. Plus, Adeline is an incredible baker!”

Joshua Tilki // 23 // Human // M // Mentions: Cal, Astraea, Bodhi (ind), Norrix (ind)

Astraea’s greeting was far from enthusiastic, though Josh had expected that. Maybe he’d been gone for a while, but some things never changed. He never failed to irritate her, and it never failed to delight him. She did, however, seem to be a little sassier than he’d remembered. Maybe that was just his memory trying to make him look good. He smiled wider, trying to look casual and amused. I could hardly not remember you. “No, you hardly could,” Josh agreed, acting as though she’d just given him a compliment. He was sure a lot of people in this town remembered him, and of course they remembered him fondly. Of course. Or they were jealous of him. And he would make sure it stayed that way - just like high school, when he’d been so popular and his whole life was ahead of him.

“What do you want?” Astraea practically spat at him. Josh raised his eyebrows and smirked in the most infuriating way he could manage. “Just saying hey, Astrie. Relax, kid.” Even if she was inclined to listen to him, he knew very well calling her “kid” wasn’t going to help her relax one bit. He was curious to see, he had to admit, whether she’d changed much since he’d last seen her. Maybe she wasn’t going to put up with his nonsense quite as much as she used to. Deciding to push it a bit farther and see if she’d changed her mind about letting him relentlessly tease her, he opened his mouth to speak. It was probably fortunate for both of them that Cal butted in at that moment. She put her hand on Josh’s shoulder and squeezed so hard he thought he heard something pop. He gave her a sideways glare. His immediate impulse was to try and wriggle free, but that would probably just wind up being rather embarrassing.

Josh watched as Cal went up the bird and began petting it. Frankly, Josh couldn’t see super well without his glasses on. But what he did see of the bird was an evil-looking beady eye and weirdly twitchy head, and he wasn’t going anywhere near that. He stood a comfortable distance away, keeping his eyes trained on the bird. Cal, however, obviously didn’t feel the same way. Cute little fella? Josh begged to differ. “Is this your little friend?” he asked Astraea, gesturing lazily to the bird. Though the comment could have come off as pleasant if anyone else had said it, Josh’s condescending tone definitely made it seem more like an insult.

Cal seemed to remember something, and pulled Josh aside with some vague statement about Norrix. For just a moment Josh thought something terrible had happened. But as Cal explained, Josh let out an amused exhale and punched Cal on the shoulder playfully. “Gods, Cal, I thought she’d gone and died or something.” Cal had suggested Astraea join them, and Josh glanced over at her. It would be good to have a third person, since they were already planning for that. Plus, it would be funny to drag poor Astraea along. “Hey, Astrie,” he said to her, “we’re going to get some food. Come with us. We’re getting . . .” He paused. What were they getting? Something grilled? “Well, you’ll find out. You’re not doing anything anyways.” This was less a request than an order punctuated with an audacious assumption. It didn’t even cross his mind that she would say no. Well, it crossed his mind. But after being rejected by first Bodhi (not that he cared) and then Norrix, he felt he’d be properly humiliated if little Astraea turned down the invitation as well. So he wasn’t giving her a chance to rudely reject him.

Josh turned on his heel and started down the sidewalk, in the direction he assumed the restaurant was. He was definitely eager to catch up with Cal, but also didn’t want to ask a lot of questions about why he’d come back with Astraea right there. So he spoke to her instead. “So, Astraea, talked to your godly parent lately?” Josh asked, giving Cal a sly look and a mirthful nudge. He didn’t believe for a minute that Astraea was strolling around in some divine living room, eating holy oatmeal and watching holy TV. It was really delusional, these kids who pretended they had some connection to some made-up deities just to get attention. Even Josh wasn’t going to stoop that low, and he would stoop pretty low for attention. No I wouldn’t, he thought in annoyance. I don’t need to, anyway. People love me.