Callisto's footsteps echoed heavily in the golden halls of Asgard as she made her way to Odin's throne room. The All-Father had officially summoned her presence, and for what, she could only guess. She'd come to the Realm Eternal several months ago to visit her Norse kin for some respite. After being betrayed and banished from not only Olympus, but all of Greece and Italy as well, and subsequently wandering the Earth for two thousand years among mortals and involving herself in their wars and bloodshed, she had needed it. Odin welcomed her with open arms, as he always had, and told her that Asgard would be her home away from home for as long as she was willing to stay.

Home. The thought brought a deep ache to Callisto's heart, and she had to stop her trek to the throne room. The desire for her family, her kingdom, and especially her long-gone son threatened to overwhelm her, and she had to lean against a wall in an attempt to collect herself. A passing Einherjar noticed her and asked if she was all right, but she simply waved him off. It would do no good to lose herself. Her parents and brothers were lost to her the moment she was exiled, Arcadia was thriving just fine without her last she heard, and though it pained her, she had to remind herself once again that Arcas was dead, and had been for as long as her banishment. Callisto told herself that her son would not want her to continue mourning his death, and that he would tell her to hold her head high and keep facing life as it came at her. This did little to console her, but she still made herself stand tall and continue toward her destination nonetheless.

She soon came upon the grand hall where the All-Father's throne was located. Rays from the setting sun bathed everything they touched in golden light. There upon Hlidskjalf sat Odin, his winged helm upon his head and Gungnir in hand. He was flanked by his hounds, Geri and Freki, and his ravens were near him as always. The All-Father was not alone, however. Standing on the steps leading to the throne stood a man Callisto had not seen since she left Olympus. He bore the visage of a handsome youth, his golden curls topped with a winged hat, and on his feet were matching winged sandals. Hermes looked down upon her with a smirk befitting his trickster nature. Many years ago, Callisto would have returned the smirk, but now, she was tempted to slap it off his face.

Never taking her eyes off the Winged Messenger, she bowed in greeting to Odin, "What is he doing here?" she asked icily.

Hermes descended the steps towards her, the smirk on his face growing wider, "Now, my dear niece, is that any way to greet your favorite uncle?"

"No, I suppose it is not," Callisto said, "the proper greeting would be to stab you in the eye".

"Oh, come now. I don't think you want to dirty our host's floors," her uncle now stood at the foot of the steps. His herald's staff clanked on the floor when he made the last step, causing Callisto to wince at the sound. He stood in front of her, and gave her appearance a once-over.

"Callisto Apollides. As I live and breathe. I would say you look good, my niece, but your outfit is atrocious," he said, wrinkling his nose at her. The goddess unconsciously ran a hand over her military coveralls. She had nicked them, along with the boots on her feet, from a woman mechanic at a military base somewhere in England not long before the war ended. It was out of necessity that she grabbed them in the first place, needing to blend in with the other service people, though she belonged to no nation's army. They had turned out to be both comfortable and practical with all their pockets, so she had kept them and continued to wear them.

"Thank you for your assessment, Hermes. You look as foolish as ever," she said dryly, and the wings in Hermes' hat flapped happily on his head. The messenger of Olympus had always taken cutting remarks like water rolling off a duck's back. Nothing usually ruffled her uncle. It was why he was appointed as Zeus' herald in the first place.

A low growl of frustration escaped her mouth. She didn't want to be thinking positive thoughts about her uncle or any of her family for that matter. So she turned her attention to Asgard's king.

"You sent for me, All-Father?"

Odin's one-eyed gaze settled on her, "I did. Hermes has news from Olympus that concerns you".

"Oh? Olympus has not been concerned with me for two thousand years. They were not concerned with me when they murdered my son and cast me out. I can hardly imagine why Olympus is concerned with me now, or why I should care".

Callisto turned towards Hermes so she could tell him exactly where he could shove his news, but couldn't find the words when she met her uncle's eyes. The smirk was gone, and its place was a look of true regret.

"Callisto, Zeus has called you back to Olympus. He has called you home".

The words hung stagnant in the air, and Callisto was so shocked and confused by them, she could not form a response for several moments, and in those moments it felt like the universe had stopped. She had been summoned home. By Zeus. She would be lying if she said she hadn't longed for this very event to happen, fantasized about it even, but she vowed she would never return. Not when the whole of Olympus had betrayed and abandoned her. And here was Hermes, the messenger, her uncle, her former friend, one of her betrayers, delivering the news that she had to go back to the one place it would destroy her to go back to.

Hermes reached down and grabbed her hand and it took in both of his, "Callisto, my beautiful niece, my little mother bear—"

Coherent thought came rushing back to her, and she wrenched her hand from Hermes' grip, "No! You do not get to call me that anymore! Did you forget your role in the events leading up to my exile? Did you forget how you tattled on me to Zeus as if you were a child? Did you forget how you restrained me and made me watch while Ares and Hephaestus held down my son and burned him on Hephaestus' forge, ignoring his screams as the fires charred his flesh until he was no more? Did you forget all that? You have no right to use endearments with me, Uncle. Not after that," and just for good measure she added with so much ice in her voice it could have frozen over Asgard, "And do not ever touch me again".

Hermes looked unimpressed, "Did you forget that you are where you are now because you conspired against the king to usurp the throne?"

"I never did any such thing, Hermes," she said, her voice steadier than she felt, "I never wanted the throne of Olympus. Hera wanted revenge because I dared to be assaulted by Zeus against my will and had a child by him. She could not lash out at him, so she went after the next best thing. Her spitefulness is legendary, Hermes. You know this".

Shrugging, Hermes said, "All the same, it is your word against the queen's," his trademark smirk returned to his lips, "Your dalliance with Hera certainly did you no favors either".

Callisto seethed at the implication, "It was hardly a dalliance! I loved her, and treated her with all the love and respect that Zeus could not provide her, who, as long as we are pointing fingers, had dalliances—nay, I should say he violated hundreds if not thousands of men and women, myself included, and was never held accountable for his actions. He could not face the humiliation of his queen doing to him what he did to her, and would not dare to bring retribution down on her, so he punished me by taking my son away from me. Tell me, Hermes, why would I go anywhere near Olympus now? Why would I want to go back to those that betrayed me?"

"Because your king, your grandfather, has summoned you. Zeus is the ruler of Olympus and all the Olympians. He saved the primordial gods from the tyrannical rule of Cronus, his father, and took his place as king. He is entitled to do as he wishes. You, on the other hand, are not".

It took every ounce of strength Callisto had to not slap her uncle all the way back to Olympus, taking a few steps away from him so she would not be tempted. She breathed in and out slowly to calm her ever increasing heartbeat. Olympus would never change. The men always felt entitled to lay with whomever caught their eye, and felt that the object of their desire was no more than a living receptacle for their lust. Anyone who rejected a god was either overtaken anyway, or was severely punished. She was a grand example of both outcomes. All the more reason to avoid the place.

"Why?" she asked, deciding that arguing about Olympian male entitlement would lead nowhere, "why now? Zeus could have called me home at any time. Why is he demanding my return now?" She thought of her father then. Of the many things Apollo had dominion over, the one that had caused the most trouble, not only for himself, but for others as well, was prophecy.

"Did my father have a vision?" she questioned, and received confirmation when her uncle tensed. "What did he see?"

Hermes didn't respond right away. He seemed to be considering his answer quite carefully, which Callisto thought interesting in itself. When Hermes did speak, his voice was soft and gentle, "He saw you coming home. And it is time for you to do so, Callisto".

She frowned, "Just like that? It was not time yesterday? Or a decade ago, or a century ago, or the moment I stepped off Olympus and out of Greece's borders?"

"Yes, just like that. You have been gone long enough. It is time for Olympus to be whole once again".

"As long as Arcas is dead, Olympus will never be whole", she spat, "not for me, and there will never be a reason for me to step foot in that Hel-hole again. I will not go with you. You can go back to Olympus alone and tell Zeus what he can do with his summons," she turned on her heel and started storming off back to her quarters.

Hermes called after her, "Your parents miss you, Callisto. Would you not like to see your mother and father again? What about your brothers? They miss their elder sister. Do not think I failed to notice that you still wear your cypress and laurel diadem, the very trees sacred to Artemis and Apollo. You can talk all you like about how you hate us, but you are ruled by your sentimentality. You need to come home. You belong with your family," under his breath he could be heard muttering, "And that crown with those clothes? And she says I look foolish".

Ignoring his continued assessment of her appearance, she stopped in her tracks and turned to her uncle, fuming, "Damn you, Hermes! Damn you to Tartarus! How dare you use my familt to manipulate me," she closed the gap between her and Hermes, her face mere inches from his, "I want to know the real reason why you are here. What is the real reason Zeus wants me back? What did Apollo see in his vision?"

Hermes gulped, "I already told you," he squeaked.

Callisto narrowed her eyes, "You are afraid," she smiled wickedly at the realization. A sense of satisfaction warmed her heart at seeing Hermes' feathers finally ruffled. She roughly grabbed her uncle by the scruff of his tunic, "You should be. I have been gone for two thousand years. That is two thousand years, over seven hundred thousand days, of replaying my son's murder in my head. Two thousand years of coming up with countless scenarios to tear every Olympian limb from limb. Two thousand years of ever growing rage," she leaned in even closer to him, bringing her lips up to his ear, and whispered in a deadly tone, "Would you like to be on the receiving end of that rage?"

"Enough," Odin's voice boomed. Callisto jumped. With all of the commotion she had forgotten that the All-Father was there. His one good eye looked down on her with a stern gaze. Heat rose up to her cheeks, and she felt ashamed at her behavior. Odin had been a good friend to her for ages, and he and the halls he ruled in deserved more respect than she had just showed.

"Forgive me, All-Father," she said, "I am quite overwhelmed by the news I've received from my uncle, but that is no excuse for my behavior".

Odin's gaze softened, "There is nothing to forgive, my friend. You're not the only one surprised by the news". He stood up from his throne and walked down the steps to the two Olympians in front of him, "I think it is clear, for the time being, that we are at a stalemate. Perhaps we should take a break, collect ourselves, and reconvene tomorrow. Hermes, as Olympus' messenger, you are welcome to stay in my halls in the meantime".

Hermes smiled politely at Asgard's king, the trickster façade firmly back in place, but Callisto could see that his expression looked strained and shaken, "Thank you, King Odin, but I think I will take the Bifrost back home for the night. My niece has much to sort through, and I don't think my presence will help her see reason".

"As you wish. Return tomorrow at the noon hour. You and Callisto can continue your conversation then".

With a low bow, Hermes walked out of the throne room towards the Bifrost, Asgard's mode of interdimensional, interstellar travel. Callisto scowled at his back, but was thankful that he would not be present for the night. Once he was out of sight, the anger that had welled up inside her finally deflated. She really didn't know what to make of what transpired. Some part of her wanted to follow Hermes, to set foot on Olympian soil, to hold her mother and father and brothers in her arms again, but the idea of facing the gods of her home, Zeus and Hera especially, made bile rise in her throat. She could just imagine the looks of smug satisfaction on their faces, on Zeus because he'd gotten his way again, and on Hera's because of seeing Callisto so utterly humiliated. It was that reason that the goddess realized that Olympus would never again feel like home to her. Too much had happened. Too much had changed.

A hand on her shoulder brought her out of her thoughts. The look Odin was giving her was a mix of concern and sympathy, "Are you all right?" he asked her.

She sighed, "I am really not sure. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen. It is a lot to take in".

"That's an understatement if I ever heard one," he replied. A thoughtful look crossed his face, "How are you going to handle this?"

"I am not going back there," she said, more angrily than she intended. Taking a deep breath to steady herself she continued, "It would not be the same anymore. I am also suspicious of my grandfather's motives. Calling me back out of the blue. Something is off".

Odin's face had gone impassive. He looked behind him to one of the throne room's exits. He turned back to Callisto and said, "You know, the gardens are lovely this time of evening. Will you walk with me?"

"Of course," Callisto said, understanding that Odin wanted to continue their talk away from eavesdroppers.

They strode in silence out of the throne room into the cool evening air towards the gardens, which were immaculately tended to by Odin's wife, Frigg. Callisto recognized many of the flowers and trees. Most came from Frigg's home of Vanaheim, but there were others that were native to Asgard, Earth, and the other realms as well. They had a good view of the Bifrost from where they were standing, and as she looked out, Callisto saw the Rainbow Bridge send out a great beam of light into the heart of deep space. It was most likely Hermes leaving this realm for his own.

"I never thought I would regret negotiating with you to let my family use that," she said to Odin, inclining her head towards the Bifrost, "But I currently find the feeling to be quite intense".

"The fact that I let them near it at all is a testament to your negotiating skills, though after today's events, I'd have to say you've lost your touch, my friend," Odin smiled, his eye taking on a glint of amusement, "But one can hardly blame you for your reaction".

The goddess did not return the king's smile, continuing instead to gaze into the black abyss that was currently carrying her uncle to give word to Zeus of her snub. Callisto and Hermes had used to be close, both having a great love of travelling. When Hermes wasn't sending messages between the other gods or escorting souls to the underworld, he would often accompany her on her diplomatic endeavors. After her own parents, she would have to say that she was closest with Hermes. He had even been the one to coin her nickname "mother bear" after she'd gotten him out of a couple of tight spots during their travels. Though Hermes was her uncle, she was older than him by several centuries (the same held true for her uncle Dionysus and aunts Hebe and Athena), and being a trickster by nature, got himself in trouble on a regular basis. Callisto had always protected him. It was a shame he couldn't do the same for her. For a moment she lamented what their easy friendship had deteriorated to.

The feeling quickly passed, however, and she decided she and Odin should just cut to the chase, "You wanted to carry on our discussion away from prying eyes. What is on your mind, All-Father?"

"I have a feeling you are right to be suspicious of Zeus," he replied, "Your grandfather has a history of taking what he wants regardless of the consequences. I was expecting threats when you told Hermes you wouldn't return with him, and yet he made none, and when you accused him of being afraid, it was plain to see that he was. This is not a simple case of it being time for you to come home. I think whatever your father saw in his vision, it was not good".

"And now the question is: what was it?"

"I do not know, and I do not have a guess at this point, but I fear for you. I fear that Zeus will be the one to come through the Bifrost tomorrow and you will be forced to return whether you want to or not".

Blanching at the thought of facing Zeus after all this time, Callisto fought to squash the feeling of foreboding that was taking root in her heart. If Odin's fears rang true and Zeus appeared instead of Hermes, she would have to return to Olympus, and there would be nothing she could do to keep that from happening, "I do not know what to do," her voice was thicker than she had wanted.

"I do not think there is much we can do right now. We will have to wait until tomorrow and see what happens. I think it is time for both of us to get some rest tonight. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be eventful, to say the least".

"I have a feeling you are right," Callisto sighed, "If there is nothing further, All-Father, I think I will take my leave".

She started to make her way out of the gardens, but Odin caught her arm, "There is one more thing," he said, and she stopped to let him speak, "Callisto, my friend, whatever happens tomorrow, Asgard is with you. Your role as Olympus' ambassador, mediator, and peacekeeper has been invaluable to all the Nine Realms and the other divine realms of Midgard, and many are grateful to you from keeping the gods from descending into war, and you have been a loyal friend to me for many years. I will support whatever decision you ultimately make".

Tears pricked at the goddess' eyes, "Thank you, fílos mou. I cannot thank you enough for letting me stay here and for your unwavering support. It means more to me than you know".

Odin gave a small bow, and Callisto exited the gardens and made her way back to her quarters, her mind whirling the entire way. She had no idea how she was going to keep anyone from forcing her back to Olympus, and she wasn't sure if she could manage it anyway. Once Zeus made up his mind, he got his way. Always. Callisto would never be able to contend with that kind of will, and she despaired at the thought. But for tonight, she was still free, and she would relish that thought as much as she could. Feeling completely drained from the day's events, she started to change into her nightclothes. Her hands reached up to her thick, dark hair, and she undid the clasp that held her diadem in place. She looked at it sadly, the golden cypress and laurel sprigs winding together as a representation of her parents' devotion to her and each other. Apollo had been so proud when he had given it to her. He and Artemis had designed it themselves, and had Hephaestus construct it as a surprise. Callisto supposed she should have stopped wearing it the moment she left her home, but she couldn't bring herself to get rid of the hair accessory. It had too much sentimental value. Placing it gently on the bedside table, she finished changing over and flopped into an armchair in the corner of the room. She would not find sleep tonight. She had not found sleep since Arcas died. Gods didn't need to sleep, or eat, or take part in any of the other functions mortals found necessary to survive, but sometimes they did these things anyway because they enjoyed them or found them satisfying in some way. But Callisto did not get enjoyment out of sleep, nor did she find it satisfying. Her dreams were plagued with fire and the screams of her son, so she had avoided the activity.

She wished Lycaon was there with her. Her old friend had been wise well beyond his mortal years, and she was sure he would know what to do. But he was not. Lycaon had passed away only a few days before Arcas had, finally succumbing to his old age. His death may not have been as traumatizing as Arcas', but it left her no less sad.

Picking up a book on a small table next to the armchair, she opened it and began to read. It was going to be a long night.

fílos mou-my friend