[F17 | SP] The Wrong Goddess | <<Challenge of Olympus: Tailor>>

[Morrigan 0]

Challenge of Olympus: Tailor

For the first time in a long time, she had absolutely nothing planned for the day. The few quests she’d completed over the course of the last few weeks, the time she’d spent focusing on improving herself and her skill sets, and the few off moments she’d spent with Phantom had entirely exhausted her – which was why Morrígan had chosen to close the business for the day, and spend it relaxing and recovering her strength.

That had been the plan, at least. It was intruded upon and deconstructed when the appearance of an alert had caught her attention, and she’d opened a message addressed personally to herself. At first, she’d laughed, spotting the signature at the bottom, but as she read and re-read the message, she realised that whatever this message was, it wasn’t something to simply ignore and cast aside.

’Some person…or not person, named Zeus has invited me to the seventeenth floor in order to partake in a challenge against the gods. If I win, well there’s a reward that will supposedly help my ability to craft things…although it doesn’t quite specify what it is, exactly.’ She flicked the message closed, leaning back and glancing over at Phantom. The raven had ruffled her feathers slightly puffing them out as if waiting for the question she knew Morrígan was going to ask. ’How do you feel about attending the seventeenth floor and visiting some gods? They may have something to eat that could be appealing.’

Morrígan didn’t mince her words, offering only the most likely plausibility that came to mind as she asked for the opinion of her companion. The raven, in turn, took time to consider it before giving a single caw of agreement; the only sign she would provide that she was accepting that proposal from Morrígan.

With the raven’s agreement, Morrígan packed away the few things she’d pulled out to work on within her shop’s tailoring room. A room that was less a room in and of itself, and more simply a portion of the main shopfront divided by a room dividing wall, designed to provide her some privacy while she worked on the items being crafted. Once she was certain everything was back in its place, she moved towards the front of the shop, calling out for Phantom as she went.

The darkness outside met them as it always did, somehow welcoming to Morrígan’s senses. She paused only long enough to see the movement in the corner of her eye shift away from her, before heading for the main courtyard and the teleporter that would take her off the floor. She’d learnt from speaking with others that spirits were commonly seen around the tenth floor, but thus far she’d not run into any of the beings that supposedly roamed freely across the settlement, a reminder and testament to those souls that had supposedly once lived here.

With Phantom atop her shoulder, she made she to lock the shop’s door before weaving through the empty streets, thinking about the populace that had once called it home, and what had become of everything. A wash of cold passed over and through her, and Morrígan shivered at the dark thoughts, before driving them away and focusing on the day ahead.

 

Statblock   Hide contents Notes [Theme] Morrígan | Lv. 13 | P. 0 | HP [260/260] | EN [44/44] | ACC [4] | DMG [12] | EVA [0] | MIT [24] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse Tier 2 | Tier 2 Equipment Halberd [Polearm | Tier 1] Enhancement: Accuracy [2 Slot] Enhancement: Damage [1 Slot] Breastplate [Light Armour| Tier 1] Enhancement: Mitigation [1 Slot]  Raven Shield [Shield | Tier 1] Enhancement: Paralyse [1 Slot] Enhancement: Thorns [2 Slots] Dark Cloak [Vanity | Tier 0] Enhancement: Nil [0 Slots] Battle-Ready Inventory Starter Healer Potions {4} [Potion | Tierless | Heals 50 HP] Spyglass {2} [Search Post Dungeon/Familiar/Field Boss reduced by 5] Zackariah's Special Draught [Potion | Tierless | HP Recovery I] Big Bertha Braciole (4) [Snack | Tier 1 | Rare Vitality Consumable] Skills   Hide contents Utility Skills N/A Combat Skills Polearm [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG] Stamina [Rank 5 Weapon Add-on. Active: Passive. Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.] Precision [Rank 5 Weapon Add-on. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 ACC.] Ferocity [Rank 5 Weapon Add-on. Active: Passive. Effect: +2 Damage when using the weapon of your choice.] Armour Skills Light Armour [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: 18 Mitigation. -1 to Stealth Rating.] Meticulous [Rank 3 Light Armor Mod. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 base Damage.] Active Extra Skills N/A Inactive Extra Skills  N/A Combat Mastery Accuracy [Rank: 2. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 BD per rank.] Familiar Skills N/A Estate Buffs N/A Sword Arts   Hide contents [x12] ST-I (12 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x15] ST-II (15 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and missed the previous turn. [x20] ST-B (20 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AOE attack, use only the first roll. [x11] AOE-I (11 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x14] AOE-II (14 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A powerful sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. Only available for use when AOE-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if AOE-II had been used and had missed all intended targets the previous turn. [x12] TECH-A (13 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. [x12] TECH-B (12 EN) | DELAY | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Delay] on the enemy. [Delay] is a debuff that reduces the enemy's ACC by 1 for one turn. Housing Buffs   Hide contents TBD [Home] Master Bedroom [-1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat.] Storage Closet [+1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot.] Living Room [Increase out of combat HP regen by (5 x Tier) HP, and decrease full energy regen to two (2) posts.] Attic (Storage) [+5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests.] Basement [Gain +1 LD, Stealth Rating or Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread.] Extended Workshop [+2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day.] Greenhouse [+2 Gathering EXP per attempt and +1 LD & CD to gathering attempts.]

Edited January 8 by Morrigan

[Morrigan 0]

Athenaia was busy, considering the time of morning. Players and NPCs flowed through the city’s central areas, passing by on route to whatever important meeting or event they had to attend to that day; their focus forward and ignoring the redhaired woman that shifted through the area, trailed from above by a raven that was little more than a black mark upon the blue sky. Clouds were visible in the distance, and yet no one seemed perturbed by their appearance. Morrígan had always thought it unfortunate how few took interest in the environment around them, the beauty that was the world of Aincrad to some measure. It was, if nothing else, an image of perfection when it came to the visual aspects.

Morrígan spent some time wandering the busy streets, glancing into storefronts and making notes about adjustments to her own displays that she could mimic for her benefit. Phantom had taken to the skies once more, leaving her alone with her thoughts as she passed by another oddly religious looking building, its shape and design similar to a temple in her mind. If anything, this floor is a resemblance of old Greece; the buildings similar in design to many of the Ancient Greek stylings. With the message from ‘Zeus’…I’m sure I’ll figure that out once I arrive. Another stall keeper hawked towards her, trying to draw her into their little stand and sell her some trinket or item that she didn’t need. A pointed look was enough to redirect the man’s attention and attempt towards someone else, her expression anything but welcoming to his advances.

I wonder what it would’ve been like to set up shop or live here. This is far too hectic. The tailoring business has been oversaturated a bit here, so success would’ve been a lot more of a fight. Her pass through the various areas had confirmed her original decision to open up on the dark and desolate tenth. It had bothered her, at first, the odd haunted feeling that seemed to permeate the floor and town, but over time she’d grown used to it and almost enjoyed the atmosphere it gave off. Besides, this sort of architecture and design isn’t right for my…designs and creations. I’m not going to be making togas and sandals anytime soon. Smiling at her own poor joke, she moved on from the area she had paused, the gemstones she’d been staring at left behind and the vendor disappointed in her lack of interest towards his sales pitch. Not that she’d truly been listening to it to begin with; but he didn’t necessarily need to know that.

[Morrigan 0]

The city was huge, and Morrígan knew it would take her most, if not all and beyond, the day to explore every corner of it. She didn’t have time for that, as appealing as it may have sounded in her mind. Instead, she’d focused on cutting a winding path through the more centralised areas, heading towards the gate where her note had stated she would meet a guide that would bring her to the mountain Olympus; where she would, in theory, meet with the gods and face a challenge of some sort.

’It really was rather cryptic…’ She mumbled beneath her breath, bringing some odd stares from the nearby NPCs that had been chatting away among themselves, disturbed by the soft sound of her voice across the air. She gave them a dismissive wave, before continuing on her path and leaving behind the storefront she had come to a halt before. It hadn’t carried anything that would interest her – a collection of cooked foods that looked similar to something botched together by a hand unfamiliar with the point of an oven.

The lack of details had, as always, bothered her about the quest. She’d considered reaching out for further information, but what she had previous heard was that there was no danger in facing the gods – rumours and stories had reached almost every player at this point, about the infamous challenges brought by the pantheon overseen by Zeus. None had ever died to the quest, or at least no one knew of anyone dying to it, and very few mentioned anything beyond simplistic tasks focus around their own crafting ability.

Edited Thursday at 05:19 PM by Morrigan

[Morrigan 0]

’Well, daydreaming about it and making assumptions about what’s to come will do little for me. I’d be better served actually investigating the invitation, and seeing what Mount Olympus has to offer.’ She turned her attention to the mountain visible in the distance, rising over the city’s edges as if calling to it. From this distance, she couldn’t see more than an outline of its details, and even that was barely visible at best. Still, it reminded her of her goal, and the range she still had to cross in order to arrive at her destination. ’And then, once I’m there, I need to actually start upon the challenge itself. Wasting time is over, it’s time to head off.’

The entryway in and out of Athania was dense with passing people, the road littered with wagon, cart and walker as they tried to push themselves through and beyond to whatever point of completion was their destination. Morrígan patiently waited, finding small avenues to slip through as those ahead and behind her changed direction, or moved with the flow of the traffic itself. She had just exited the settlement when a voice called out to her, causing her head to snap to the right and search for the source.

’Over here.’ The hand waved, and she spotted an odd looking man, his upper half wearing little more than a jerkin that clearly wasn’t a fine fit for him. His head contained a pair of curling horns that reminded Morrígan of the big horn sheep found in the mountains, and his stance was odd – she half expected him to be held up by artificial legs. Closing the distance, she was only partially surprised to find him standing on hooves, the legs themselves covered in a wool-like fur that was deep red in colour. ’I’ve been sent to recover you, and guide you to the mountain where the gods are awaiting your arrival. I’m sure they informed you all about it.’

[Morrigan 0]

There was a strong level of sarcasm behind the man-goat’s words, and Morrígan found herself staring at him in a measure of distaste and displeasure. Whatever realm the thing had come from – she couldn’t think of it as a man, so much as a thing – it had clearly not been versed in the etiquette one would expect to provide when attending to someone they had been directed to receive. As much to make a point of the poor demeanour, as to adhere to the values she had been raised with, Morrígan gave a curtsy in greeting.

’It is my pleasure to attend the mountain alongside your guidance and knowledge. I am distressed to admit that I have no been informed as to the vital details regarding today’s event, or events as it may be, although I’m sure you would be more than inclined to fill in the missing information while we traverse to our destination?’ Her tone was clear; the request was no request, and as the creature took in her formal behaviours, she saw his eyebrows raise in surprise. Though she could not say whether the surprise was at her own responses, or at the way in which she chastised him without insulting the guide.

A sudden bark of laughter broke the silence that had begun to stretch between them, the man waving a hand before him as if chasing something annoying away. Morrígan waited, her eyes turning cold as she stared at the obviously unwelcomed response and behaviour, waiting to see what the man would say.

[Morrigan 0]

’Oh, you’re a fun one. Talking just like those piety gods and goddesses up there. You’re going to fit right in, I’ll tell you that.’ He shook his head, still laughing softly at the entire situation. Turning on his hooves, he began walking away from the city, taking the main path as he went and beckoning for her to follow. With little choice in the matter, Morrígan stepped after him, already making a note to get his name and report him to whatever counted as a form of hierarchy and control at the mountain. ’I’m to escort you up the mountain, after we cross the plains to its base. Don’t worry, nothing here will attack you – you’ve been given the protection of the gods in your journey. Once you’re there, you’ll get to meet with…’

He paused to pull out a small sheath of parchment, double checking it before continuing his explanation. ’…Athena. She’ll have more information on what comes next, for you. Unfortunately they don’t give simple little escorts like me all the details of what you lot do once we get you there.’

Edited Friday at 09:09 PM by Morrigan

[Morrigan 0]

Another chortle and Morrígan was then left without any more information, the goat-man content to walk in silence for the time being. She wondered if he didn’t revel, to some degree, in withholding the information from her that she clearly desperately needed. Fine, I’ll just have to go into this with as little insight as I have. There’s nothing else I can do, aside from torturing it out of him – and I’m fairly certain the system won’t let me do that. She wasn’t happy with it, being forced to simply accept the fact that she would essentially be walking in blindly towards what was meant to be a challenge from the gods – but there was nothing more she could do, which meant that she was simply along for the ride.

The fields around them flowed by slowly, and Morrígan took the time of quiet to take in the oddly beautiful golden glow that they seemed to give off; an effect caused by the sun’s light striking the golden fields and washing them brilliantly. The image was, in a way, breathtaking to behold – although Morrígan’s darker thoughts took away some of the beauty before her. She could feel the tension rising in her as her desire to reach the base of the mountain, and more importantly the meeting point with Athena, as she took each step. This had better be worth all the trouble of dealing with…wait, what is his name anyways? She’d almost forgotten to question the goat-man about it, her annoyance at his unhelpfulness getting the better of her.

[Morrigan 0]

’Apologies, it appears you know whom I am, but I never was introduced to yourself. It would only be polite to ask the name of one who guides you to your destination, after all, so that proper thanks may be given at the completion of said journey.’ She turned her attention to the goat-man – she was fairly certain her was a Satyr, although there were some similarities to other races of mythology that she wasn’t quite confident in her assumption, yet – and awaited his response.

What she hadn’t expected, was the laughter that followed her enquiry. The goat-man had come to a complete stop, bent over double as it tried to contain its clear entertainment at whatever she had said to cause such a reaction. Morrígan waited, her entire aura haughty with disbelief and frustration at the thing’s reaction, while it tried to regain control of itself. The event, for she would not label it as anything but an event, took far longer than she could’ve expected. As he calmed, however, he gave a regal appearing bow – one that had been practiced, and although it may have been sarcastic in nature, was completed with near perfection in movement – before answering her question.

’My sincerest apologies, your highness. This one’s name is Porques von Ghamanister, although you may name me thus as Porq. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and to serve you dutifully!’ She could see the barely contained snickering behind his words, but chose not to engage in the childish play that he seemed ever so fond. Instead, she focused on the creature itself, curious as to its nature and everything else about it. She at least had a name now, although she wasn’t sure what she was going to do with that once she arrived.

[Morrigan 0]

The base of the mountain was far less appealing than Morrígan had expected. In fact, if anything, it was a harsh reminder that she still needed to climb the mountain; a mountain that was certainly far taller than she had expected it to be when she’d first spotted the peak from the town of Athenia. Now that she stood at its base, she wondered if she hadn’t been a touch too enthusiastic in her desire to reach her destination.

’Come on now, princess. It’s only a little ways to the top, and then you get to hang out with your deity for the day!’ The goat-man was far too excited for what was before them. Morrígan glared at him, but as he started the climb, she realised immediately that he had the advantage on her – the hooves upon his feet providing him an ease of footing when it came to the ascent ahead. He glanced back as she began her own ascent up the side, noticing how much slower she was progressing in comparison to his own movements. In an act of kindness that seemed somehow out of place, she watched as he slowed his own forward movement, clearly waiting for her to catch up to him.

[Morrigan 0]

’You’re far better built for this than I am. How did you develop such muscles?’ Her voice was light and airy, as if conversing about nothing more than the mountain’s colouring, but both knew she was trying to inquire about something deeper about the goat-man, as if trying to confirm something. He looked back with a sheepish smile, and Morrígan couldn’t help but admit the personality fit the individual nearly perfectly.

’All Satyr’s are well versed in the climbing of mountains. You could say it comes inherited from our sheep side.’ He confirmed what she’d already suspected; that he was of a race of beings from mythology and story, brought to flesh through the Cardinal system and sent to guide her towards what she could only now assume was actual gods and goddesses. ’You’re in luck though, I was chosen to guide visitors due to my natural inclination towards noticing in advance the faults and dangers within the mountain’s ever shifting form. I’ll ensure you’re safely brought to the top, eventually.’

She couldn’t ignore the grin that came with the confirmation of her safe deliverance, as if he took some measure in pleasure – or had something planned – in how they were going to reach the top. Her left eye twitched only slightly as she guessed that she was likely in for some pain in their ascent, the Satyr likely taking the safest, longest and most tiring route towards the eventual point where she would be handed off to the deity that she was bound to meet.

[Morrigan 0]

Her estimation had been, thus far, entirely correct. She could feel the pain in her legs and chest as she forced herself to follow the Satyr along the chosen path. Morrígan was far from the least active, her cardio maintained all throughout her life during the various outdoor activities she had been forced through or chosen to attend. The mountain, however, was testing her limits and boundaries – and she had a feeling that was by design.

’You’re keeping up well.’ There was a hint of surprise in the Satyr’s voice, as if he hadn’t expected her to be able to maintain the pace they’d managed for the last hour and a half. She eyed him, suspicious that her expectations had been correct to some degree. ’This path is meant to tire you out; to wear you down before you’re brought before the gods and goddesses, to humble you. The fact you’ve done this well…well, even I’m impressed.’

Somehow the words meant more to Morrígan than the idea of the gods and goddesses all praising her upon her arrival. The Satyr was clearly capable in the ascent, barely showing any sign of exhaustion or discomfort – but he had noticed, and commented on, Morrígan’s own progress, a fact which meant that he was truly impressed by her ability to maintain the pace they’d taken. ’Thank you. This is certainly a challenge.’

[Morrigan 0]

The summit took hours to reach, although Morrígan barely noticed the time passing. The midday sun had crested a while ago, and although she questioned her late start to the day, she couldn’t help but feel a measure of pride as they came to the eloquent entrance of what was an equally eloquent hall and home. Morrígan pulled up short behind her guide, glancing towards the entryway with a measure of anticipation and dread; she had no idea what to expect from the deity she was about to meet, but she knew that she wouldn’t turn away now that she was here. I had more than enough chances for that on the way up.

The woman who walked out of the entryway to greet them was anything but a commoner; tall and proud, standing with a figure that was somehow imposing, as well as glorifying in its visage. For the first time in a long time, Morrígan found herself struck mute before the presence of another, able to do nothing but fumble through a curtsy in greeting as the other’s eyes fell upon her. The gaze was harsh, for but a moment, before it relaxed into a welcoming smile and a softness around the corners of the eyes, changing the environment in a fraction of a second.

’Greetings, Morrígan, and welcome to Olympus. I trust that your travels here were adequate?’ The voice matched the visage, a powerful strength behind it, with a caring overtone that somehow seemed to emulate protection and comfort, with the promise of something more. Morrígan could only nod in response, lost in the echoes of the words as she found herself lulling into simplicity. ’Excellent. Let us be away, then. There’s much to do, much to do indeed.’

A simple wave dismissed the Satyr, and Morrígan found herself oddly disappointed that he wouldn’t be attending to the meeting with her; their bond not something she could call friendship, but they had come closer together as they’d traversed up the mountain’s side. She was not, however, capable of arguing with the towering figure of the goddess – she had no doubts now that this was the goddess – and instead found herself watching solemnly as the Satyr about turned and strode back down the mountain.

[Morrigan 0]

’If you want, I can have Presencious guide you back down the mountain when you leave?’ The voice was calm, but she thought that she caught a hint of jealousy behind the words. Turning to gaze at the woman before her, Morrígan found herself calming within the presence, becoming used to the way it seemed somehow powerful and familiar all at the same time. Finding her voice, she was slow to respond as she considered her words carefully, not wanting to upset the supposed goddess.

’That would not be necessary, but I thank you wholly for the offer. It is simply that we had time to bond on the way up the mountain’s side, and it is always heartfelt when one such bond separates for the first time.’ She shifted her weight slightly, before adding to her commentary in her usual tone of voice. ’The bond was little more than that shared between those completing a difficult task. It will fade, eventually forgotten. I have been told, however, that I was summoned to your esteemed peak for a challenge, of sort?’

Whether her words were enough to convince the goddess or not, Morrígan would likely never know. It was, however, enough to change the topic and focus on the reason as to why she was called to the mountain to begin with. Turning and walking away, the woman beckoned for Morrígan to follow into the atrium, leading her towards a door on the far side. Eyeing the area as she went, she noticed the lush detail in the columns and various planted flowers, everything designed to bring out the best in the item beside it. It was wondrous to see, and Morrígan found herself overwhelmed by the beauty of it all.

[Morrigan 0]

’There’s more in the garden, but I doubt we’ll have time for that.’ The words of the woman came from beside Morrígan, and she realised suddenly that they’d reached the closed door. Her focus returned, the woman opened the door and stepped inside, moving so that Morrígan could make her own way in. The room itself was somehow both simplistic in design, and an image stolen from some cosmopolitan magazine. Pristine white pillars were surrounded at their base by standing vases that carried flowers of a variety of colours. Small couches laid against walls, and tables before and beside presented a collection of areas to place one’s possessions while they lounged in comfort and grace. A pair of golden arched doors led to rooms beyond, but they were well outside of Morrígan’s view.

’Come, seat yourself.’ The woman settled onto a couch across from the entryway, and Morrígan stepped inside, closing the door behind her. She spotted a nearby seat, and settled into it, before clasping her hands across her lap and waiting for the woman to speak once more. ’You’re tense, as if you’re expecting some sort of punishment.’

The observation was obvious, and Morrígan found herself smiling in spite of herself. Nodding slightly, she forced her form to relax a bit, taking the tension out as she tried to calm her mind and answer in kind. ’I have little concept of what to expect, when meeting a goddess. Consider my behaviour as…something akin to respect, not wishing to disdain the gathering with ill behaviour or intent.’

The woman seemed to nod at her words, although Morrígan suspected that she had alleviated   nothing of the other’s observation. Still, she found the atmosphere responding slightly in kind, and the woman leaned forward with a smile upon her face that seemed to dissuade any worry. ’Worry not, Morrígan, I will not harm you nor bring harm upon you. My name is Athena, as you rightly know, and I have summoned you here today to face a challenge. One which will show me whether you are right to bear the title of Tailor, or not.’

Edited Friday at 06:08 PM by Morrigan

[Morrigan 0]

Morrígan felt her breath leave in a shaky, albeit soft, blow. She knew she’d come to face some sort of challenge, but now that she was here and being told about the event, she found herself suddenly nervous. She hadn’t considered it earlier, but as she sat there, she now wondered if it would be possible to lose one’s profession if they were to fail the challenge placed before them; or if the worst thing to happen would be the requirement of repeating such an arduous journey and presentation.

’Now, the challenge I set before you today is one that I have taken time to consider, factoring in your…creative side.’ Morrígan’s eyebrow rose as she noticed the pause. It hadn’t been long, but it was enough to tell her that the words may not have been entirely factual, or that there was some hidden meaning behind them. She waited, quietly, for the goddess to continue, curiosity and fear mingling to a point where she found herself almost leaping at the opportunity to hear the thing that she’d be facing momentarily. ’Come, I will show you.’

Athena stood and wandered to the golden archway that Morrígan had spotted earlier, pausing only long enough to confirm that the player had followed. Morrígan, the excitement bursting through her suddenly, had moved almost in time with the goddess, stopping just beyond the sight of the doorway, waiting to be ushered within as she tried to guess what awaited her. A simple nod was all she received, but it was enough as Morrígan stepped forward and into the room that awaited her, eyes casting about as she took everything in.

What she saw, was nothing like what she had expected. Before her were lines of clothing, hung upon hangers that were far more decorative than anything she’d ever owned. Beneath them lay various shoes, sandals and assorted other footwear. Above, hung and laid upon intricate systems designed to keep them in perfect condition, were a collection of headdresses and assorted accessories, meant to be paired with specific outfits.

Turning in confusion to look at Athena, the question was answered before she could speak it. ’A tailor’s job is to ensure that their outfit’s completion is perfect. One cannot complete an outfit, if they do not understand the base requirements of pairing an outfit – placing together that which is meant to complete one another. I could have you craft a million different pieces…but what good is that if you cannot place them upon one another?’

As the confusion spread across Morrígan’s face further, Athena smiled. She almost appeared to be enjoying the lack of understanding; but the answer came soon enough in the powerful words. ’I wish for you to pair for me three outfits that I might wear tonight to a gala of the gods. Should I find them appropriate for the eve, perfect in every aspect as one would expect of a goddess, I shall present to you an award most befitting. Fail, and…’

[Morrigan 0]

Athena had left Morrígan alone to sort through the closet, retreating to the comfort of the sanctuary beyond. She hadn’t explained what failure would entail, but Morrígan’s mind had filled the gaps all on its own; leaving her to mull through a barrage of clothing that contained an assortment of styles; from the expected Ancient Greek togas right through to modern day dresses that would have been adored by the circles Morrígan had been raised within.

She’d passed through the items quickly at first, taking in stock of what she had to work with, and noting the few pieces that she wouldn’t dare have touched herself if she were desperate. A few pieces she’d been on the fence with originally, and she found herself placing them into the same discarded pile before turning towards what was left. ’This…this is going to be a challenge for sure. Although…not what I had anticipated.’

She sighed as she stared at each item before her; a collection of traditional togas in various colours, more modern dresses of cuts that she’d never seen before and yet seemed both modest, and alluring in design, as well as a variety of middle-aged wear that seemed both elegant, and yet boisterous at the same time. ’Now I just need to figure out which would be best for a goddess…’

[Morrigan 0]

She’d spent the better part of an hour sorting through the clothing, just to pull out the ones that she was sure would not meet the general requirements outlined by Athena. She’d placed them, respectively, onto the hangers at the far end of the room – furthest from the doorway, and out of sight of any prying eyes that might spot them through accidental awareness. She’d done the same with the shoes and accessories that had been little more than an eyesight in comparison to their respective alternatives; a challenge in and of itself considering how each piece was a near majestic creation compared to the modern pieces Morrígan had worked with. Even her time in the real world was putting the outfits to the test, many of them far more elegant than anything she had owned, or seen worn by others. Which was saying a lot, she knew.

Madness had taken over the closet – if it could be called that, the room was easily twice the size of Morrígan’s own shop – as she continued to delve through the various pieces. She’d collected them into sets, although she was still moving a few pieces around that didn’t quite fit together. She’d placed those she was most pleased with – an elegant cocktail dress of gold and blue that seemed to shimmer and shift in the light, paired with a set of mismatched coloured shoes of identical colours; a one piece toga that seemed to shimmer with the colours of the rainbow, drawing away from the simple white sandals that sat beneath and pulling attention to the crown of diamonds and sapphires atop a headband made of silver that glittered like the moon; a ballroom gown that flowed with dark colours of red, orange and violet that seemed to speckle slightly, paired with black shoes that bore beauty and comfort, and a headpiece that contained a single gemstone of near black at its fore; and the final set, a simplistic modern styled gown that sloped away from the right side, providing ample sight towards the beauty hidden beneath without becoming immodest. It was paired with a set of heels, a silver necklace with a lightning bolt, and a tiara that reminded Morrígan of something a princess would wear.

She’d yet to choose the best three yet, but she knew that the four were among the possible victors from the pile she’d been sorting through. Still, she wasn’t willing to rush into anything, and found herself carefully combing through the remainders, hoping to find something that truly stood out in its beauty and elegance.

[Morrigan 0]

She wasn’t pleased with the outfits before her; each carried a distinct flaw in her mind, and although she’d already tailored a few with the sewing kit she’d found hidden away beneath a bench, she felt that they were still imperfect. Her eyes cast over the area once more, hoping that some form of inspiration would come to her, before she was forced to simply display the items and suffer the consequences of the goddess beyond the door way.

’You seem frustrated.’ The voice sent a chill down Morrígan’s spine as she slowly turned to look, finding Athena standing the door way. The goddesses’ eyes bored into her, and Morrígan felt herself slink back slightly as she worried she’d already lost any chance at the possibility of beating the challenge. ’You’ve made some adjustments, I see.’

Before Morrígan could stop her, Athena had crossed and picked up the toga. Refinement was what she’d been attempting, but as she saw the threads that recoloured the edge of the piece, she couldn’t help but feel she’d failed in some measure and form. ’I was, although I’m not pleased with the outcome. It is…missing a vital piece that would provide it the inspiration it needs to be perfect. As it stands, it is simply…acceptable.’

Athena laughed. A response that Morrígan had not been expecting to her words. Eyeing the goddess carefully, she stood from where she’d been seated amongst the pile of clothing, trying to gauge what was happening, and how she should respond in kind.

[Morrigan 0]

’These are wonderful, in their own way.’ Of all the commentary that Morrígan could’ve anticipated, flattery and complimentary wasn’t among the list. She opened her mouth to reply, to argue, before stopping herself and simply staring at Athena. A clear look of confusion upon her face, she tried to figure out what trick the other was playing, before responding wholly. She was saved, however, as the goddess spoke again, clearly determined to explain herself – if only slightly. ’I gave you a near impossible task, and yet you’ve managed to find and compile a collection of outfits that are not only perfect for each piece, but have created your own flair and style to them; one which is unique in the most positive of ways. The shimmering aligned with the gold and black outline…it provides an eye catching experience that draws you back in as your sight begins to wander away. Truly remarkable.’

Morrígan’s eyes moved over the piece, seeing the beauty that Athena pointed out, but also noticing the intricate flaw lines that ran alongside the edges she’d placed. The ways in which the thread had bunched – slightly, truthfully, and barely visible – in certain places. She felt herself frown in response, wondering if the goddess was taunting her work, or if she actually hadn’t noticed the blemishes at all. Unable to remain silent, Morrígan pointed them out with a deft hand, careful not to press too hard on the fabric.

’The imperfections outweigh the beauty of it all. The thread bulges here, and thins along this line. It retwists in an odd way here, and falls short of being complete here. It’ll simply fall apart with time, and is far from anything of perfection.’ She ground her teeth as she finished her sentence, knowing that she was tearing away any chance of winning the challenge even as she spoke. Still, she couldn’t let a false win lead her to complacency; it was far better to face the reality of a situation head on, and deal with the consequences once one had adjusted for their own failings.

[Morrigan 0]

Athena stared at Morrígan for a time, as if trying to judge her from within and without. It left the player feeling uncomfortable, and she shifted on the spot, looking away after a short time as she tried to break away from the boring gaze upon her. She couldn’t help but wonder if this was the effect she had on others.

’Do you know why I gave you this challenge?’ Athena spoke slowly and softly, although the power never left her voice. Morrígan remained speechless as she waited for the inevitable truth that she expected to hear; about how she had been given an impossible task, doomed to fail from the beginning. She was awarded for her patience as Athena spoke again, confirming for her what she had already known. ’I gave you this task because I knew you would be incapable of completing it. None of the clothing in here is fit to be worn by a goddess.’

Morrígan felt herself deflate at the words, knowing that she’d never stood a chance, and hearing it aloud were two far different things; the second one hurt much more, bringing to reality something that she could’ve ignored or pretended wasn’t real.

’At least, that was my expectation. I hadn’t considered that you could modify the pieces, to bring something out of them that had been hidden within.’ Athena had moved on to another set, the ballroom gown that Morrígan had been considering as one of the three she’d display. ’These are unique, far different than the normal pieces I would be found wearing…and yet, they are eye-catching and beautiful. Perhaps not the typical beauty one would expect to find in a goddess, yet…stagnant ideals and imaginations don’t lead us to growth and perfection, do they?’

Morrígan shook her head softly at the words, uncertain if the question was meant to be answered, or simply spoken aloud so that she could hear the thoughts of the other. Still uncertain of how everything was progressing, she chose to remain silent, to hear what Athena had to say. The goddess turned to her suddenly, opening her palms and displaying for Morrígan an item that seemed both out of place, and somehow right for the situation all at once. ’I am impressed with what you’ve done here. Enough so, that I declare you the winner in this challenge – a challenge designed to force you into defeat. You may not have displayed great valor, or strength, or even wit…but you’ve shown great determination, and great enthusiasm for your craft. More importantly, you’ve displayed a great talent. One which I cannot ignore.’

Morrígan slowly reached out and took the proffered item, still not understanding what was happening. The needle was warm to her touch, and she stared at it for a second before placing it into her hip satchel and turning to the goddess. A formal curtsy, and she gave her thanks to the woman before her, still trying to understand what had happened. ’Thank you, Athena. It has been a pleasure to undergo this…trial. I have much to learn, it appears, although I am certain that with time the ideals and teachings here that elude me will be comprehended and applied to my craft, and my life.’

The pair shared a few more pleasantries before Morrígan was escorted out; back to the entryway and left to descend the mountain. She stared at the doors – now closed – for a few moments as she tried to comprehend everything that had just occurred, before giving a shake of her head and heading towards the bottom of the mountain. That was…something. It’s going to take a long time before any of it makes any sense, I fear.

-

Thread Summary
Word Count: 6,658
EXP: 6,658/10x2x1 = 1,330 [Progress] + 500 [Quest] = 1,830 EXP
Col: 400 [Progress]

Athena’s Needle | Crafting Tool | Meticulous: +1 CD when crafting in one’s workshop.