everestphillips

[everestphillips]

The Last Lap

Everest didn't know what it was but something just clicked in his head and he realized that his time here was over. He couldn't really explain why that was. Maybe Ev realized that he had the strength that he always needed, or perhaps that he just didn't need the connection with his estranged mother like he believed he needed. I mean, after figuring out who she was, Everest couldn't imagine what the relationship could have been. Oh well, there's no point in dwelling on it now. It would be non-existent like his fathers.

In the middle of the night, Everest wrote some notes before he begin to pack. Storing everything that he brought with him and just tossing all the things related to his divinity to the side. Having this experience probably was for the best. It may not have been perfect, but maybe that's what he needed. Because it just reminded him who the hell he was and what type of life he was leading before all of this.

Well, it seems like everything was finished. All that he needed to do now was leave the handwritten notes and the little gifts. Lord knows they would need it more than he ever would.

EVEREST'S DISTRIBUTION OF ITEMS.

Isaac:

Circlet of Psionic Revenge Ring of the War Mage Potion of Heroism Goggles of Night "If you're going to be making a story for yourself worth of song and legend, you're gonna need this. Our time was short, but you somehow made me feel like the time around us has stopped. I will be praying for your success. But this better not be the last of us."

Naden:

Broom Of Flying +1 Breastplate 10,000 Drachma Necklace of Restoration "If we ever see me in the wild, you don't have to worry about the type of matters I am dealing with. Just enjoy a drink with me."

Wolfram:

10,000 Drachma Liyana's Potion Belt "Please. Buy better clothes, Mr. Ram."

Corey:

Potion of Feather fall 2 Potions of Healing Greater Draconic for Dummies Liyana's Handy Haversack "I remember how close you were to that satchel on the first quest we went together. I hope this can hold all of the memories we have had together. Love you, lovebug."

Pyx

4,900 Drachma "I'm sorry for not being better. But I hope that I am just a small blip in what is a joyous and amazing life for you."

And in the darkness of the night, Everest left the camp. With no fanfare, and somehow, for the first time in his life he was happy about it.

[everestphillips]

"Of course, just doing my part to help," Everest hummed as he retreated to a more comfortable position on the lounge chair. All he could hear know was the rustling of items as Virgil struggled to pick up the runaway item. The son of beauty said he was going to relax, and that's what he was going to do. "Bent down like that? Don't worry, you're no where near the sun to be a bother," he assured the other demigod. Ev continued minding his business a little while longer, before Virgil called his attention once more. His eyes peeked over the dark sunglasses, raising a brow to the man. "Don't you got those little things to deliver," Everest said with some concern. "I mean, a nice little breeze would be perfect, but—" He looked the man up and down and finally realized what he was wearing. "—maybe not while you're wearing that."

"Just trying to restock the infirmary. Could use a couple guys in there to stick things into. You know, patient care, bed rotations." Virgil squints at the fellow godling. Everest seemed to have the right idea, sunbathing on a hot but otherwise perfect day like this. The son of Asclepius' arms flex, trying to keep the rest of the medical supplies from dropping as well. Virgil peers down at the fallen pack of bandages. "Oh, thank you, you are so helpful."

"I'm sorry, I'm not blocking your sun at all, am I?" Virgil chuckles, awkwardly bending over to pick up the fallen item. Seeing the son of Aphrodite in front of him, Virgil couldn't help but feel a bit over dressed. He only had a plain t-shirt on along with a pair of gaudy cargo shorts. He'll admit to it, this wasn't his best look. Virgil had originally thought of using said pair cargo shorts to carry more medical supplies with. However, as versatile as the pockets were, they were as capable of taking packages as Virgil had thought, leaving the son of Asclepius to his current devices.

"I kind of I feel like I should have brought my giant palm leaf from my cabin."

[everestphillips]

Everest didn't really expect anyone to be around, but if he were to be beside someone

"So I am," the demigod said nonchalantly as he turned his hand and examined his knuckles. It was strange to say, but he enjoyed the shade of red that he could see under the warm glow of the light. He could gawk at his own hand for a while before before he noticed the shimmer of a broken piece of glass still lodged in his flesh. Without a wince he reached for it and just flicked it off, revealing the other set of wounded knuckles to Corey if he was paying attention. Though, those appear to be done a while ago.

"There's no need for that, lovebug." Despite the subject matter, Everest's words had a smile in them, as if somehow illuminating the place a little further. "You just gotta let it do it's own thing." Everest then spread his hands in front of him, revealing the bruised pair. Though his right hand still had some of the crimson blood escaping him. It was a gnarly sight, but somehow Ev looked at them proudly, as if it was necessary for him. That same smile was offered to the other man, perhaps to ease some of his concern. "I would love to have you around," he said with a smooth hum. Slowly he offered the tin to the other, before pulling it back again. "Don't you think it's a little early for you, though?" He asked with a little worry, only to still offer the flask back to him.

Corinth was admittedly an early riser. Football training at school and nursing at home drilled it into him. He wasn't the insufferable type who expected others to share the habit. These days, the early hours purely served Corey. He could dress and make breakfast at his own pace. Welcome the dawn while meditating prior to facing another undetermined day. Meditation was sometimes code for smoking a bowl, but the practices were pretty synonymous for Cor.

This morning, he felt adventurous. Dressed warm, he gathered his hooded lantern and strolled out before sunrise. The communal fire pit was a spot most could find Corey throughout the week. The flames and company gathered around were so comforting. He needed that comfort today, to take his mind off of something he had forgotten. Whenever Corey reflected upon it his mouth would sour.

His light soon showed the hunched frame of another godling. With quick study of the shape and voice, Corey instantly recognized it as Everest. Happy, is how he should have felt, but concern washed over Eros' heir instead. "Yeah, I was just up." Without invitation, Corey walked over. He couldn't help but find the sight of a lone godling sat in the darkness a depressing one. Especially his own friend. "... You're hurt?"

Finding his usual seat, Corey set the lantern behind a log so it's light wouldn't shine too bright. "I could fix that, if you want." Analyzing Ev's bloodied knuckles made the healer hesitate. Sometimes, people sought out pain and wanted to feel it for awhile. If Everest desired a cure, he surely would have consumed a potion by now. Instead, he was using liquor to soothe. Cor's gaze landed on the flask and he reached his hand outward, wishing to partake. "Mind if I join in?"

[everestphillips]

"My apologies," Everest couldn't help but chuckle. "It was the first thing that came to mind, but I am curious to know, so I do want to know despite how awkward it might get." And so he listened to every word Isaac had to say like each of them were a precious nugget of gold. "Addicting?" Ev found himself repeating. Not necessarily judging the other for this sentiment but intrigued by this way new perspective. He's never really thought about loneliness as addicting, and he wondered if that's how he felt about his own the same way. "So attention is what you seek?" He interjected, clearly amused. It was something he didn't expect from Isaac. With his temperament, he thought it was going to be something noble. But this was much more fun. "Who cares about being acknowledged by those gods. Let's become something that even they envy." The words that came out of Everest's mouth felt like it was a secret he was only revealing to the other, and the slick grin on his lips confirmed it. It was his plan after all, to become something more than the son of someone.

If only the demigod could hear the sentiments. Words like that could manage to pierce through even the coldest of hearts. It was only a matter if Everest would have reacted well to those beautifully crafted words. "And who said I wasn't serious about my intentions?" His lips fixed themselves to say, returning the nudge. One thing that Everest knew how to do well is blur the line of what was just a flirtatious joke and a veiled confession. But, he did always relish in the confusion he left everyone in.

"If it's any consolation, I met her later in life." Everest said it as if he wasn't wealthy when he was younger. But his relationship with Celeste was absolutely special. Like he had said before, Ev only had a few people in his life, so the few people who managed to be in his life were a different type of special. Was he ready to discuss why that was? Not necessarily. "Yeah, I have actually. Went to a party with her. That's how I got this," he said lifting his hand, revealing bloody knuckles. A deep dark red painted over the nicely tanned skin. "Oh wait—wrong hand," he laughed it off, revealing the other hand, where it also had a set of wounds. Though this one was evidently fresher. However, like it was a matter of fact, Ev breezed by it and continued the conversation. "Maybe I should introduce you to her. I mean, you do want to change yourself, so let me show you a whole new world. Just shove it in your old beau's face."

Apparently Isaac's comment landed, he watched Everest compose himself and quietly filed that away as a victory - confident that if he tried to press the other about the rise Isaac would meet with denial. "I've been called a martyr so we're evenly matched." They'd been on quests together before and while Everest called it selfishness, he liked looking back and seeing the other standing there. It reminded him of the importance in pressing forward; there were people he had to protect.

"I know you probably didn't mean for that to be a loaded question, but it feels like one." Isaac's laugh was short and airy, the answer probably wasn't something simple enough that he could get into it in-depth without having to stand there and monologue in front of poor Everest, but it could be boiled down. "I think I've always been lonely, it's addicting." Isaac sighed, he looked up at one of the pegasi in flight and watched their pattern, uninhibited and free. He envied that. "Lonely as I am, I spent so many years feeling like a nobody that, for me, coming here means I have a chance to be something. Someone worth being acknowledge by the Gods." What greater accomplishment could there be for a demigod? "It is nice though" Isaac admitted, still on the subject of love and loneliness. "Feeling chosen by someone." It was the all powerful motivator, Helen launched a thousand ships by coupling love, attraction, and the pride of men.

He smiled though at Everest's comment, looking back to his fellow demigod who had no choice but to pull focus. Helios was shining above them and all Isaac could think about was how everything in the world besides Everest always appeared dim. "Now who's flirting?" He nudged the other, playfully - happy to be claimed. Glad to feel chosen.

"I don't know the type," Isaac joked, "we were aggressively lower middle class growing up so the heiresses of the world were nowhere to be seen." It was clear that Celeste meant a great deal to Everest, both in how he spoke of her, and what he'd stated specifically. Isaac was sympathetic enough not to downplay the other's attachment toward her, instead he acknowledged it. In truth, Everest's old life wasn't as far behind him as Isaac somehow imagined it was. Not unlike his own, their lives had only been changed for a short time. With all loss, there would always be grief. "Have you been keeping in touch?"

[everestphillips]

@bornatnightt

Their friendship was a little strange, but maybe that's why Everest enjoyed it so much. After their eventful first encounter on the Denali Ranch quest, Ev and Jesse have been keeping in touch at odd hours. Rather strange for the demigod of love considering his track record of not keeping in touch with the people he has had sex. But things at camp worked a little different than life out there and Everest was learning how to handle it. Fortunately, this friendship was not a difficult thing for him to handle.

Now, Everest was splayed across Jesse's bed as if it was his own, clearly comfortable as he was dressed in a black tank, some sweats, and his boxers briefs peeking above the waistband. "So, what's new with you, Jesse?"

[everestphillips]

Everest was not the type to enjoy being easily read, but his eyes did betray him with the astonishment that can be read just because the man was so eager to just hear him talk about himself. It should have been easy, he was the topic he knew about the most. But now, that he was given to chance to express all that he could, he was sort of drawing a blank. Yes, there's so much that could be discussed, but it was also a matter of what the other man actually wanted to hear.

"Alright then. Don't be afraid to ask some guiding questions. I don't want to talk your ear off over something that could actually be of interest to you," Everest said with a smile, showing genuine humility. A trait that is not commonly evident with him. "Well," he began, raising his hands up a bit. "I guess I can start with the fact that I didn't believe that I was Aphrodite's child." A chuckle escaped his lips, recalling his arrival to the camp and how he wasn't able to believe any of it was real. "Actually, when I was told I had a godly parent, I was so sure it would have been Hermes. I mean, I was a whole-ass F1 driver. Speed and the thrill that came with it was what I lived for." Disappointment soon covered Ev's features, almost as if he still wanted that god as a parent. But he knew that regardless what god he was spawn of, it would all be the same. "However, I've come to realize how much I take after the goddess. People say that I received these powers, but really, all the divinity did was amplify my own skills I have already worked on for years. You can't walk among the wealthiest in the world and not know how to play the social game."

Suddenly, his throat was feeling really dry. Everest was talking too damn much about himself, more than he really has with anyone else the camp. And all because someone just asked. The man reached for a glass of water, and drank his fill before he looked over to Axel, just wanting the attention to be off of him for a bit.

"What about you? You feel any sort of connection with your newly discovered parent?"

Axel nodded slowly, taking it all in. Every demigod was different, just like their parents before them. And he knew first hand that relationships with family were a strange and often times difficult thing so there was no judgment in the answer he was given. But he was fascinated by what he was told. No love nor love lost for the goddess of love. It was an interesting thought so of course he wanted to know more.

"Please," Axel sweeped over the table with both hands dramatically, "the floor is yours. Tell me everything you feel comfortable sharing." The man spent most of his past life reading and researching so of course he was up for having a bunch of information given to him all at once. He was excited at the idea of it.

[everestphillips]

@sonsofjustice

Everest wasn't the best when it came to taken other people into consideration, but he at least was fair... enough. So of course, he was going to return the Wolf the favor by taking him to buy some clothes. A small part of it was the fact the other man was taking the time to teach him Draconic. However, the biggest reason Ev wanted to him shopping was because he wanted to see the man in some other type of attire.

Now, the two of them were strolling through Bergdorf Goodman, so Everest can fill Wolf's wardrobe with a new selection of clothes. "So, is there anything that you find to your liking?" Everest could have led him everywhere, but he was more curious as to what the other would gravitate to on his own.

[everestphillips]

"Of course, having such skills would be beneficial when dealing with people." Fortunately, Everest also had those skills. Trained them throughout his life and amplified with his new divinity. It definitely made things easier because that would mean he could keep his eyes on Naden and just keep track of him. Didn't think he was a terrible person, but he is a liability at the moment. "Oh, is that so? Maybe you can have the opportunity to speak with him and maybe catch up." He suggested, choosing to not dwell in the man's addition of 'ex.' If he wanted to open up, Ev was going to allow him whenever he wanted to.

It would be his luck that the demigod that he managed to stumble into was too close to this quest. Whatever. Everest was just going to lie through his teeth like he usually did, and just play the situation to his benefit. "I mean, I was gazing at the pendant, but I won't lie, your brother-in-law did manage to catch my eye," he said with a playful hum. Fortunately, the man was a handsome fellow, so it wasn't much of a stretch for someone to believe that it would intrigue the son of beauty. "Sorry, I didn't mean to offend. He's just a striking person."

Naden chuckled and nodded his head. A small smile on his face at the compliment. "Thanks. It's also helped prepare me for reading people. Which can be useful in...Other situations just as much." Naden said lightly, the small smile on his lips tilting up just a tiny bit more as he lazily swirled the glass of champagne in his hand. When the other asked his follow up question, Naden nodded his head. "Of course. I've none some of these people for years. And my brother-in-law, sorry ex-brother-in-law, is supposed to be here soon." Naden still forgot at times that in the case of the law? They were no longer family. Although the Mendoza's will always be considered his family.

Naden laughed and nodded his head. "The people trying to dance for it look stiff. As enjoyable as the music may be to those that are trained or enjoy it, this is obviously not hte audience for it." Naden said with a shake of his head and a small smile. He noticed the other man's gaze drift. Naden looked in the direction and smiled as he looked at the beautiful pendant, before noticing Enrique Mendoza over there as well. "You looking at the pendant, or my ex-brother-in-law?" Naden asked with a chuckle as he returned his gaze to Everest. The fire within him beginning to swirl protectively. He'll always be protective over the Mendoza's. They are his family, the law be damned.

[everestphillips]

Everest has also been pretty avoidant with many of the other godlings, though, it wasn't done intentionally. After everything that has happened as of late—the altercation he witnessed between the demigods, the past few quests he's been on, and now the swap of gifts among the camp—Ev knew he had to focus on himself. Rebuild himself. The only difference is that he took the gift exchange much better than the other demigods. Everyone appeared to have some sort of existential crisis, but for Ev it was a moment of reinvigoration. It reminded him who the hell he was.

Maybe that's why he was somewhat willing to help someone else, since he actually understood how that particular thing worked. So, he donned a smile when he arrived at the meeting spot Silas had asked Everest to be at, proud to show him the notes that he had over the poisoners kit. He felt proud of himself that he was able to teach someone else something considering his past, and things were going pretty smoothly. So after their session was done for the week, Ev was ready to leave. That was until the older man decided to stop him.

"What's up?" Everest said, curious to hear what else Silas had to say to him.

@everestphillips

silas  heard  that  everest  had  been  the  one  to  wake  up  with  his  powers  when  they  all  seemingly  exchanged  powers  with  each  other,  which  might've  been  one  reason  why  he'd  avoided  his  fellow  godling.  not  that  he  blamed  him  for  what  happened,  not  at  all,  but  silas  ...  was  a jealous bitch sore  loser  &  truthfully,  after  losing  what  he  felt  made  him....  him,  he'd  needed  time  to  recover.  or  maybe  part  of  him  remembered  his  ...behavior  at  the  party  &  he'd  hoped  to  forget  it  all  by  just  not  seeing  everest  ever  again.  that  didn't  work  out  at  all.  he  hadn't  really  spoken  with  everest  since  ....  oh,  the  ballet,  right?  he'd  been  so  busy  since;  training,  practicing,  learning  to  fly  (so  he  didn't  fall  on  his  ass  in  front  of  everybody)  &  then  atlantis  happened,  which  threw  him  for  a  loop  entirely.

but  he  also  knew  he  couldn't  hide  forever,  because  sooner  or  later  he'd  be  on  a  mission  with  everest  again  &  they  couldn't  really  afford  any  ...awkward...  somethings  between  them.  after  everest  came  to  help  him  trying  to  figure  out  that  damn  poisoner's  kit  he  got  from  harley  -  what  a  parting  gift  that  had  been...  he  grabbed  at  his  sleeve  as  he  went  to  leave.  "wait...  you  uh,  got  a  bit?"

[everestphillips]

Everest's thumb was swiping through his phone as he was enjoying his meal. But it soon felt like Axel was watching him eat, since the question was asked right after he swallowed the last morsels of his food. At first he just looked up, unsure how to even react. However, after split moment, Ev wiped his mouth with a napkin, tossing it on his plate and moving it to the side just so he can lean in. "I'm indifferent towards," Everest responded plainly. "I don't have any strong attachment towards Aphrodite. I understand that she birthed me, but mother of mine she is not." Ev was proud of his answer but he's not an idiot, so it's not like he could really deny her influence on his life. So the demigod crossed his arms over his chest and smiled, wanting to at least humor the other.

"Well—I guess that depends how much you actually want to know about me since there's so much that can be discussed."

@everestphillips location: the kitchens

Axel was probably known for a few things at this point but tact was probably not one of them. 

“What's it like?” For what it was worth, he'd waited until Everest seemed to be done eating before starting in so abruptly with a random question with absolutely no preamble. “Being the son of Aphrodite, I mean. Easily one of the most well known gods and everyone's got an opinion on love. But what's it like for you? Being her son?” Such an obscure question but the intellectual had spent a good amount of his time studying the old scholars who asked even more ridiculous questions than this.

[everestphillips]

@lovecorey

"God," Everest mumbled as he jumped off the pegasus and stood on solid ground once more. Unsurprisingly, with how late it was, or early for a few people, the camp was still, with only a few civilians moving around to get ready for the day. Ev was exhausted and still inebriated from the night that he had before. However, if someone were to look at him, they wouldn't even be able to tell with how well his domain was helping him keep his grace.

Still, the ground underneath him felt like waves of the angriest sea known to man, and Everest needed to take refuge as soon as possible. His feet managed to carry him a few steps more until he stumbled onto a bench, facing the unlit bonfire. His buzz was slowly dying down, and he thought it was a bad idea to let it go since he would have to deal with his hangover. So, the smart thing to do was to keep drinking. Ev reached into the pocket inside of his jacket and pulled out a flask. His bloody knuckles wrapped around the metal container as he nursed on the divine wine. As he finished swallowing the crimson drink, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, leaving a small trace of the bright blood on his pink lips.

"You know I can sense you, right?" Everest called out, to the person who seemed to be nearby. Still, the man didn't turn around. He didn't really need to. Ev has gotten pretty good at discerning who's heartbeat is who's in this camp, and this one felt like a familiar song. "What are you still doing up?" He asked, finally turning to face the ruby-headed man so he could offer him a slight grin. "Or are you just waking up?"

[everestphillips]

Working out. Training. It was always the same for Everest. Well, he decided to take a different approach today. Instead of following his usual routine, he decided to do something different today. Relaxing by the lake. It was a a beautiful afternoon, and despite his own desire of doing something different, it was hard for him to break out of his structured days.

Everest laid on a lounge chair outside, slathered in oils and designer glasses protecting his eyes as he bathed in the warm glow of the sun. Nothing was going to disturb his peace, even if they tried. So, when he heard someone call to him, he didn't react. "Yes?" He answered, little confused by the question. "Nope. Still the same as before," he said, his smile heard through his voice. Still, he hadn't moved much, even when he heard the dull thud of something falling to the floor. "needed to make sure to catch every ray. "I think you dropped something, big guy," he teased, finally cocking his head to the side. His sunglasses slid down on it's own, perfectly perching itself on his nose, so he could see what was going on. "What are you up to?"

for the son of aphrodite ⚕ @everestphillips > location: the lake

Virgil had been moving a few supplies to the infirmary from the Asclepius cabin. A couple med kits, bandages, suturing supplies; all bundled under his arms. He had a couple more cases of them to bring in. However, the sun seemed to be at its highest and hottest. Apollo apparently had it out for someone this day decide to cook the camp and the godlings in it.

Virgil speedwalked near the lake before finding a familiar face. He offers a smile, though scrunched up and awkwardly aimed as the sun in Virigl's eyes made it difficult to see. The son of Asclepius attempted to bring his hand over his eyes to get a clearer picture of the demigod in front of him. "Everest?"

"Did you cut your hair? Something seems different about you." Virgil asked, a stray pack of bandages falling to the floor.

[everestphillips]

Everest cocked his head to the side, curious by where Isaac was going only for his eyes to immediately respond in approval. "Holding back on the romance, huh." The smile he had was present, as it usually was around Isaac. However, that last addition had Ev smiling so wide that he had to looked down at the floor so he could recompose himself. "Don't I know it," he began, his tone slightly giddy. "It only makes sense for someone as selfish as me."

Hearing this new bit of information from Isaac had Everest wondering if the other expected some sort of reaction from discovery. Obviously, he did react, just not with a subtle flinch or eyes widened by astonishment. Instead, he looked at something in the distance, thinking for a moment, before nodding almost in agreement. "Truthfully, I didn't expect you to be so... similar to me?" Because thus far, Isaac has been nothing but easy going. Enjoying being beside him during missions even if they don't get the job done. So it is a surprise that someone with such authenticity was so solitary. "Were you lonely?"

However, hearing about his beau did spark a different type of interest. Only to be extinguished almost entirely when Ev noticed the parallels with himself. Still, he played along to keep it lighthearted, because if Isaac truly was like him, then he could only assume how much the other didn't enjoy divulging in personal matters in such a heavy way. "I'm not usually the type to relish in people's misery, but I'm glad it didn't work out." Everest let it hang in the air, his smile mischievous as he leaned closer to Isaac. "Because if it did, I wouldn't have you for myself," he said, his features softening and a laugh punctuating his 'joke.'

With the mention of Celeste, his features softened even more. "She's one of my close friends. Stunning. A genius. An heiress. You know how it goes," he tried playing down. "She's one of the few people in my life who truly helped me. She's the reason how I managed to get back into formula racing and she knows this. Orchestrated my whole comeback." The words were clearly of admiration. Only people as spectacular as her seemed to receive his praise. "Sorry, I guess I miss her more than I expected."

"I had to give myself a moment to mentally prepare," Ever the nerd he switched to a more archaic tone, "lest I become overcome by my jealousy." He smiled, winking as he finished. Somehow, though, hearing Everest's denial was worse because it was sad. "But you know? It's kinda too bad. You deserve to be worshipped." Isaac had yet to see a facet of Everest that he didn't like; vanity, arrogance, and self-preservation weren't the red flags that they maybe should have been.

At Everest's question though, Isaac sort of shifted from one foot to the other, this was perhaps the first time he had a hard time looking at Everest directly. For a moment he looked at the other's shirt, and then his shoulder. A beat went by and then Isaac shrugged as he met Everest's eyes once more.

Opening up didn't come naturally to him, he'd been a boy pushed into therapy at a young age so it felt clinical talking about anything people might treat as negative. That's what the professionals were for. "I didn't really have anyone," Isaac admitted, "not even a dog. My life was very..." How did he put this? "Structured? Orderly." He made a vague gesture, smirking as he felt a little like he was mocking himself, and rightfully so. "There was a guy for a while, but he wasn't really mine. I just wished he would've been at the time." Then again, maybe if they were Isaac would've had a reason not to answer the call.

The foolish thought that Isaac would be chosen over a wife and kids had kept his hopes pinned up for a long time, the truth wasn't nearly as romantic as the lie. Never was.

"Who's Celeste?"

[everestphillips]

CHARLES MELTON for CULTURED February 2024

[everestphillips]

"Perhaps," Everest first respond to emphasize that their occupations might not be as glamorous to each other. "But I'm sure what you do is just as stressful. Especially with how you have to be so detail oriented as well of being mindful of your clients wishes," Everest said with a smile. One thing he knew how to do was how to compliment and have a merry conversation. Though he did find the thought amusing at how he's speaking with the other and how vastly different it would have been if they met at the camp, where the pressure of formalities took hold of his conversation. "Check in on some people," Everest pointed out. "So you do have deeper connections with some of these guests?" Another thing he knew how to do was be deep in someone else's business.

"I have to agree. The music that they selected for tonight is somewhat pretentious, especially if you consider the overall vibe of the event. It sticks out." And almost like he had the power of prophecy, Everest noticed a figure looming over the necklace. One of the special invitees of the night. Before he arrived, Everest took the time to prepare and research over the guestlist, trying to fill as many gaps as he could, and the one thing he couldn't find out much was about this particular man. Maybe he was a piece of the puzzle. Ev returned his gaze to Naden, and offered a smile as he placed a hand on his shoulder guiding him to walk alongside so he could get a better view of the other.

Naden definitely didn't come to these events to often as a guest. He had normally either hosted them, planned them, or was simply there to be seen with his husband. But these events had taught him how to train his eyes to pick up on things. And had trained him on how to be a decent liar. Some people would think he was to sweet to do such a thing. But if it was to help someone he cared about? Naden was willing to do almost anything.

The son of Hestia was still feeling sore from the mission he came back from the night before, but he was keeping his smile up. He had a few things he was hoping to accomplish. And that's hard to do if you're moving like a stiff board.

Naden nodded his head and took the other man's hand. Shaking it softly. "Naden Mendoza. Event planner." He said with a chuckle. "Not as fancy as yours. But I've hosted quite a few of these people before. Just came to chat with them and check in on some people." Naden admitted with a nod of his head. It was easier to just say that versus husband of a crimelord. Especially with so many ears nearby.

"Lovely party. Although I will say, the music isn't exactly my cup of tea." Naden said with a small chuckle. Naden was a fan of just about any type of music. From classical, to pop, to jazz, to even some soft rock. However the music they were playing tonight didn't invoke any passion in Naden. Simply used for more background music Naden supposed. It might as well have been elevator music.

[everestphillips]

The steady gallop of the pegasi filled their surroundings, and accompanied with the sweet song of the birds, it eased Everest's mind and heart. The demigod wasn't thinking of anything, he just was, enjoying the warm sunlight bathing them. At least, he was, until Isaac's voice altered the silence with an interesting question.

Everest's eyes were the first to greet the man, before he finally turned his face to meet him, a smile forming on his lips. He allowed the other to finish before Ev took his bottom lip and swipped his tongue over it, as if to prep it for what he's going to say. "What a playfully awkward pause before boyfriend~" the man jest. "But no, I didn't have a boyfriend before all of this. Besides, I think that title might be awfully generous for whatever I've had with all those people before," he said with a chuckle, though the weight of the truth did sit heavily in the air. "I did have a handful of friends. I still keep in contact with them. Celeste wouldn't be pleased if I didn't."

It was no mistake that Everest didn't bring up his family, instead he took in all the air his lungs could handle before quickly expelling it all in a sigh. Offering Isaac another smile, almost excited to hear the type of life he led before this. "And you? With the little I've known you, I'm sure their lives might feel a little emptier without you there."

@everestphillips location: The Stables, save a horse ride a pegasus notes: inspired by the prompt 007 - since Everest is all up on what people are passionate about

Now and then Isaac wondered what it would be like to fly, who didn't? He figured most people had to, it was right at the top of the list of things that people likely daydreamed about when they were younger.

"Did you have anyone before this - ?" Isaac felt compelled to ask as he looked sidelong at Everest. "Do you-? Out there I mean?" He gestured with a tilt of his head in the general vicinity of what would be the outside world. "Family, friends... Boyfriend?" Isaac lifted a brow at the last remark, not coy but neither was it particularly forward. Everest looked the way he looked and anyone who had eyes could see him for that, but they were also friends? At least Isaac thought so, and he enjoyed the flirting.

For a few moments, Isaac thought about Ignacio, his last friend. Full circle events with irony and karma that wasn't lost on Isaac for even a moment. He wondered what happened to him, if he and his wife were happy - what their kids were doing. It was strange how quickly a person's life can change, what was even more bizarre was how little Isaac missed it.

[everestphillips]

Everest shouldn't be surprised that the other demigod decided to make his way over. Although it was not something that he was initially planning for, he did think how strange it would look if Ev was avoidant of the other, especially with how is able to draw a crowd. It also gave him the opportunity to figure out if the man was sent here by the camp to undermine his work, or if he was here on his own accord.

Maybe it was his own ego speaking, but he couldn't imagine him being part of this crowd.

Slowly, the man was moving closer. Everest couldn't avoid him any longer, he had to break away from the flock that he has created for himself. Moments like this reminded Everest him of the power he held with his gaze and smile. Just a crook of his lips and a warm expression had everyone around him compliant, and a simple nod of his head had the group of people dispersing. Did he always hold this power, or was this due to his divinity?

It could have been an interesting conversation he could have had with himself but the man finally spoke up, in which Everest first responded with a polite smile. Another one. "Matters. Yourself?" Ev merely said, as he was not the type to really divulge information about himself. Besides he was more interested in with he was here. "But I don't think we have properly met. Everest Phillips, F1 Driver for Mercedes," he introduced himself as he offered his hand to the man, using his past career to not stick out.

The child of Hestia has been very careful about making appearances in public. The Romero's were still looking for him. However, for that very reason? He made sure to come out in public and be seen from time to time. Because they needed to see him. Otherwise, they might get bold and empowered enough to go for his daughter or the in-laws. Plus, Enrique was supposed to be here as well to meet up with some of his 'contacts'. And Naden needed to speak with him in person to make sure that Jessamine was doing just fine. Also to pass on some money to give to Isabella and Jose for keeping care of his daughter. No matter how much they insisted on not taking his money.

But the rest of the reason? Was also to keep in contact with his connections. He still had a party event business that he planned on running, and he had hosted many events for Elite people. Naden needed to keep those connections and powerful and influential friends on his side. Because if he didn't have them at least having his back partially, whether because they're connection with him or his deceased husband, than he knew that he would be in a lot more of a dangerous situation.

Naden had been moving to get a drink. Not drinking it, of course, but letting people see him with a drink in his hand made him seem more approachable. But he noticed a face. A face that he definitely wasn't expecting to see here. The two haven't met yet that Naden could recall, but he definitely wasn't unhappy to see another person here from the camp.

Naden navigated through the crowd with the grace of someone who has clearly been to his fair share of events like these. Standing by the other a respectable distance and taking a sip at his glass. "Surprised to see another one here. You here for business or fun hun?" He asked softly and curiously, throwing a small smile in the other man's direction.