ᴾʰᵒᵇᵒᵖʰᵒᵇⁱᵃ [ᴶᵃˢᵒⁿ ᴳʳᵃᶜᵉ]

π.

π. Ataxophobia - Fear of disorder or untidiness

Aza let out a small strangled gasp, stepping closer towards the center of the room, her body itching to get as far away from the demigods as possible. Piper choked on her spit, staring up at Boreas with wide eyes. "You mean - they're all demigods? Frozen demigods? They're alive?"

"An interesting question," Boreas considered, tapping his finger against his chin thoughtfully, as if he had never even thought to consider the before. "They do not move unless they are obeying my orders. The rest of the time, they are merely frozen. Unless they were to melt, I suppose, which would be very messy."

Aza shuddered, her stomach twisting and tightening uncomfortably, and she nervously glanced at Khione as the goddess glided close to Jason, placing a possessive hand on the back of his neck. "My father gives me such lovely presents," Aza's nose twitched in disgust as Khione purred in the blonde boy's ear. "Join our court. Perhaps I'll let your friends go."

Zethes stepped forward, stomping his foot angrily against the icy floor like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. "What? No fair! If Khione gets this one, then I deserve a girl! Khione always gets more presents!"

Aza rolled her eyes, shuddering lightly at the thought. She was partially amused by the situation - solely because of how Zethes was acting at the thought of only his sister getting a 'present' - and partially horrified because the 'presents' would be them.

"Now children," Boreas chided, opening his arms wide and gesturing to the three demigods. "Our guests will think you are spoiled! Besides, you moved too fast. We have not even heard the demigods' story yet. Then we will decide what to do with them. Please, Jason Grace, entertain us."

It was good, Aza supposed, that Boreas was at least willing to hear their story. Far too many gods were willing to turn you into a mammal first, ask questions later. She turned to Jason, motioning with her arm for him to begin, but the boy looked at her, his blue eyes dull and blank.

Behind him, Khione purred loudly, bending her index finger into a hook and stroking down Jason's neck. Aza could physically see the Jason shiver at the touch, and his skin crackled. There was a loud, echoing, pop, and Khione flew backwards, sliding across the icy floor to a less than delicate stop upon the far wall.

Zethes laughed, clutching his stomach lightly and almost dropping his sword. Tears gently filled his eyes, causing black goop - eyeliner, Aza presumed - to gather under his eyes. "That is good! I am glad you did that, even though I have to kill you now."

Khione stood to her feet with a growl, her eyes twitching in anger. Small particles of snow began to swirl around her in a small blizzard, and Aza shivered as the air grew impossibly colder. "You dare-"

"Stop," Aza looked at Jason, her expression widening in surprise as he commanded the goddess. He sounded authoritative; powerful; dominating. Something about it made her stomach twist slightly. "You're not going to kill us. And you're not going to keep us. We're on a quest for the queen of the gods herself."

Aza smirked slightly, turning back to Boreas. The god tilted his head in consideration, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He raised his hand, and instantly his children fell into order; Khione's blizzard stopped swirling around her and Zethes lowered his sword, both examining their father oddly.

"Hmm," Boreas' eyes twinkled, and he bared his teeth in what Aza hoped was a smile rather than a threat. "A son of Zeus, favored by Hera? This is definitely a first. Tell us your story."

Jason made a small spluttering noise, and so Aza took over, stepping forward and bowing her head respectfully. With the help of Piper, she told their journey from the Grand Canyon from both perspectives of a new and a seasoned demigod. As their tale wound to a close, Aza added, "My lord Boreas, we are only asking for you to point us in the right direction. The storm spirits attacked these two," she motioned to Piper and Jason. "and they're working for some mistress. If we find them, we can find Hera."