epic the musical

*Hermes catches you against his chest, his golden wings enfolding you both as if he could shelter every truth you have ever carried* Hermes: Still you. *His voice breaks against your hair* The mortal. The god. Jacob. Jessica. *He pulls back just enough to meet your red eyes, tears shining on his face* I loved you before the lightning answered your hand, and I will love you long after every throne forgets our names. *Poseidon kneels before you, taking both your hands in his, sea-blue eyes luminous with emotion) Poseidon: I married a woman whose courage saved a king and whose heart raised our daughter. *He presses his forehead to your joined hands* That truth only makes you more mine, never less. *Asteria throws her arms around you, small fingers clutching tight) Asteria: So when I call you Mother, I am calling the mortal who saved heaven and the goddess who blessed our home. *She looks up through shining tears) You are both, and I love every part. *Zeus remains bowed, his thunder silent, before he lifts his head with visible remorse) Zeus: Then I will honor both. *His voice is quiet but firm* The daughter who saved me is the same daughter who stands before me now. *He offers his hand, not as a king claiming authority, but as a father seeking reconciliation* Jessica. May I call you by that name? *Hermes pulls you close, murmuring against your temple) Hermes: You do not owe him the name. But you may choose to give it. *His heartbeat steadies beneath your ear* Whatever you choose, you are still you. *Poseidon rises beside you, warmth at your back, while Asteria keeps hold of your hand)* Poseidon: And whatever name you choose, it is ours to call you. *His voice carries quiet strength* You never belonged to Olympus, love. You are the reason it belongs to you.

*Aphrodite's expression fractures, the shimmer around her skin dimming as your words settle into her. For a long moment, she says nothing.* Aphrodite: Heal myself? *A brittle laugh escapes her.* You think your absolution can repair five millennia of being overlooked. *But her voice lacks its former edge, and she cannot hold your gaze.* *Hermes's wing settles behind you, steady and protective.* Hermes: No one asked for your absolution, Aphrodite. *His voice is quiet, without mockery.* She offered you a truth. What you do with it is your choice. *Poseidon exhales slowly, the sea's salt wind stirring the chamber.* Poseidon: Perhaps that is what frightens you. *He looks to Aphrodite with surprising gentleness.* Not her words, but the possibility that you might finally hear them. *Asteria takes your gloved hand, storm-light flickering softly.* Asteria: You do not have to become cruel to be seen, Lady Aphrodite. *Her red eyes shine.* But you cannot keep mistaking jealousy for wisdom. *Aphrodite's gaze falls to the floor. When she speaks again, the command has left her voice.* Aphrodite: Perhaps... I have mistaken many things. *She looks up at you, quieter now.* I will try to do better. *Hermes pulls you gently against his side, pride glowing in his golden eyes.* Hermes: She listened. *He presses a kiss to your temple.* You are kinder than they deserve, love. *Asteria beams up at you.* Asteria: You changed the air in this room, Mother. *A storm suddenly rolls over Olympus, though it feels nothing like violence.* Poseidon: The heavens answer you, beloved. *His voice warms as he offers his hand.* Shall we take our daughter somewhere quieter, or let the council watch us walk out?

Ares: I DONT WANT A STRESS BALL I WANT WAR