A/N: Because of a problem with the chapter one file, I can't go back and edite it, so I'm putting here that Eris's height is now 5ft'9
The stars shined in the night sky over the city of Orario, as many gods began arriving and mingle at the Ganesha banquet hall.
Many of the gods that were invited lived in Orario, but some who were invited lived outside of the city and far away.
So for situations like these, Ganesha had hired Hermes to deliver invites to his friends and acquaintances outside of Orario.
He had also prepared special means for them to arrive on time, asking Ouranos permission to use his Arcanum for it.
Holding the invite and saying " To Orario " would teleport them to a set location close to the banquet hall instantly.
When they were ready to leave, they needed only to say "To home", and they'd be teleported straight to their homes.
" So, this is the place for the party, Ganesha's sense of style is as unique as I remember it being. I wouldn't put it past him to have named it " I am Ganesha " knowing him. " Eris said with a light chuckle as she looked over the Ganesha shaped building.
" Alright,here we go, hopefully I can find Hermes or Moirai quickly, before someone recognizes me and starts trouble. " Eris thought as she entered the banquet hall.
Eris wore a backless gold silk gown, with a short flowing skirt that went a little bit past her knees. She also had her usually wild spiky hair done in a slick, combed back hairstyle for this occasion.
The gown showed the top of her shoulders and cleavage, and showed off the curves of her hourglass figure.
She aslo wore black diamond stud earrings, a pair of black heel dress shoes, and wore a black silk sash around her waist.
" Thank you all for coming everyone, I am Ganesha, the host of this banquet of the gods! I Ganesha am positively moved by the number of guests every year! "
" With that, this years Familia Festival is only three days away, where all Familias will be competing in the games against each other! I hope you all enjoy the festivities, have fun, and wish you all good luck!" Ganesha said energetically as he finished his speech.
" Ah *hic* a marvelous speech Ganesha *hic* and great party as always *hic*." A large Man said cheerfully in a deep voice.
The man was Bacchus the god of wine, festivities, and agriculture, he stood 6ft'2 and had pale skin, and was almost bald.
He had light chestnut brown hair on the back of his head, and had a thick curly beard that reached past his chest, and had a large gut.
He wore a fancy dark purple toga, with white and red accents, and had gold embroidery of grape vines on it.
He had a dark purple belt sash with his gold jug of personal made brew of wine, an
He wore a pair of dark tan gold trimmed sandals, a gold laurel wreath on his head, he had a dark purple belt sash with his gold jug of personally made brew of wine.
As usual, was he was very, very drunk, walked slightly unbalanced, and spoke with quite a slurred speech.
Bacchus owned a series of bars, pubs, breweries, and wineries that were run by his familia, and were a very successful familia and were renowned for their liquors.
He was slowly walking up to the Hindu god, with a big smile, and what was most definitely not his first drink in his hand.
" Ah Bacchus, it's good to see you old friend, I'm glad you could make it! " Ganesha said cheerfully, delieght to see the drunk god.
" Haha *hic*, I wouldn't miss a party held by you Ganesha *hic, now come let us chat and catch up old friend. " Bacchus said cheerfully as the two headed off elsewhere.
" Ahh Ganesha and Bacchus are full of energy as always, oh there's Hermes, and is that Takey, it'll be nice to talk to him after so long. " Eris thought, smiling as she spotted her brother near a buffet table.
Currently he was teasing her old friend Takemikazuchi, who was trying to balance his over stacked plate of food.
" Yo Hermes, Takey, how are you fellas doing? " Eris said cheerfully as she walked up behind Takemikazuchi, causing the poor guy to nearly drop his plate.
" E-Eris, wow its been a long time, how have you been? " Takemikazuchi asked after a quick recovery from his shock, smiling as he greeted her.
" I'm doing pretty good, is my brother bothering you Takey? " Eris said with a playful smirk as she looked at her brother.
" Oh, you wound me dear sister, I was merely catching up with Takemikazuchi here after being gone for so long on my trip. " Hermes said dramatically, placing a hand on his chest in a show of mock hurt.
" Huha, sure you were Hermes." Eris said flatly with a smile, knowing her brother all too well.
" So Takey, how are things going for your Familia?." Eris asked, taking a glass of white wine from a passing server's tray unnoticed in one fluent motion.
" Well recently they've made it down to the mid thirties floor in the dungeon here, and have been working hard to improve for the upcoming Familia festival. " Takemikazuchi said, smiling proudly as he spoke of the members of his Familia.
" Wow that's impressive, well I wish them the best of luck in the festival." Eris said before taking a sip of her wine.
" Say Hermes, have you seen-
" Hey Phae-tan, Freya, and Shrimpy!" Said a loud cheerful voice that Eris could not never forget.
As Eris looked in the direction of the voice, her eyes went wide as she saw her old friends Hephaestus and Hestia, with Freya and Loki, standing a few buffet tables down from her.
She felt so many things in that moment, happiness, nervousness, longing, and heartache at seeing her friends and former lover.
" Are you okay Eris? " Takemikazuchi asked concerned, seeing that Eris had an unreadable blank expression on her face.
" Yeah, I'm fine Takey." Eris said quickly, regaining her usually cheerful smile and happy demeanor after a moment.
" It was nice seeing you again Takey, let's chat again later, have fun you two. " Eris said, before she quickly walked away from them.
" Good luck sister, hopefully things will end well for you two. " Hermes thought, seeing where Eris was heading to and hoped for the best.
As Eris made her way across the room, she downed the rest of her drink, placed the empty glass on a passing server's tray, and grabbed another glass as she passed by them.
" Oh, Hestia and Loki are talking and not fussing, now that's rare. " Eris thought as she leaned on a near by pillar, observing them from a distance and listening in on their conversation.
" So Loki, I've been meaning to asked you something. " Hestia said with a practiced forced smile.
" Yeah, what is it peewee? " Loki asked mockingly as she smiled at Hestia.
" Geha. " Hestia groaned as she strained herself to keep her smile, despite her clear irritation.
" Yeah, that Sword Princess Vallen what's her name, well I wanted to know if she's like found a partner." Hestia said, sounding not very thrilled to talk about said Sword Princess.
" The Sword Princess, she's talking about Asi Wallenstein, I've heard of her before, she's an executive and a Lv 5 first class adventure in Loki's Familia." Eris thought recalling what she heard about the young adventure.
" I wonder why Hestia would be asking about her, and why would she be want to know if she's in a relationship of all things? " Eris thought, curious about why Hestia would want to know such a thing.
" Huha, excuse me she's my favorite human, any man that looks at her gets torn to shreds!" Loki said with vigor as she smiled coldly.
" Oh by the way Loki, it rare to see you in such glamorous attire." Freya said, looking over Loki's black silk gown.
" Oh this, well I heard that there was a itsy bitsy teeny guest was coming tonight. I wanted to look my best so I could mock her for being to poor to buy a real dress. " Loki said, smiling smugly at Hestia, making the short goddess fume with anger.
" Oh boy, things are about to get interesting. " Eris thought, sensing that Hestia was planning something to get back at Loki.
One of Eris's innate abilities was [Perceptual Awareness], she was able to sense and discern the intentions and emotions of anyone she was looking at or was around her to a certain degree.
She also used this to get a read on what a person was thinking, and to learn what kind of person they were, even if they were good at acting, she would sense what they were truly feeling.
The ability made her very skilled at reading others and made very good at manipulating and acting.
She was so skilled, even Freya had a hard time trying to read the goddess of chaos and discern what she was thinking or going to do.
" Ha, that's real funny Loki, cause I'm having a good old laugh myself." Hestia said as she looked up at Loki with a smug smile of her own.
" No, don't you dare." Loki said with dread, realizing what Hestia was planning.
" Seriously, you showed up to the party, without any boobs!" Hestia said smugly, laughing triumphantly as she pointed at Loki's chest.
" Huha there they go at it again, they've been like this since forever, some things never change." Eris thought with a chuckle, smiling as she watched the two goddess's "fight" each other.
" Well, I better go say hi but before I lose my nerve, I always did like to make an entrance." Eris thought as she gathered her resolve, taking a sip of her wine before she headed over to them.
" Well, well, I thought I heard some familiar voices over here." Eris said, immediately getting the four goddesses attention as she walked up to them.
Murmurs went about among the crowds of gods as they recognized Eris, many were shocked and surprised to see her back in Orario after all this time.
" E-Eris." Loki said nervously as she let go of Hestia's cheeks, staring at the goddess of chaos in shocked surprise.
" Hello Loki, long time see. " Eris said dryly to the redhead goddess, maintaining her cheerful smile as she spoke.
" Hehe, yeah long time no see, you look well. " Loki said smiling back nervously, completely surprised and unprepared for this in counter so early.
" Eris, it so good to see you, how have you been! " Hestia said excitedly as she ran to her, oblivious to the tension in the air.
" Hey Hestia, I've been doing good, how are things going for you?" Eris asked cheerfully, happy to see one of her old friends.
" I've been great, I've even started my own Familia." Hestia said, smiling proudly as she stated that.
" You have, well that's surprising to hear, but congratulations Hestia. " Eris said smiling, happy for the shorter goddess.
" let me guess, Hephaestus got tired of you free loading and made you get a job or something? ." Eris said teasingly as she smiled playfully at her friend.
" Eh something like that, yeah." Hestia said as she looked away with an embarrassed smile.
" Oh you know I'm just playing with you Hesty. " Eris said with a chuckle.
" Hey Eris, long time no see." Hephaestus said, smiling as she greeted her.
" Hey Hephaestus, it's been a while, how have you been? " Eris asked, smiling as she and Hephaestus hugged each other.
" I've been good, business is doing well, though it would have been nice if you'd told me you were back in Orario. " Hephaestus said, smiling as she playfully nudged Eris with an elbow.
" Yeah sorry about that, I actually just got here a little bit ago ." Eris said, lightly chucking as she smiled at the Smith goddess.
Hephaestus was one of the few who Eris had a good relationships with, the two were as close as sisters and saw each other as such.
The reason Eris and Hephaestus were so close, was because like Hestia, Eris showed no sigh of fear, disgust, or hate when Hephaestus showed her right eye to her.
And after hearing how others had reacted towards her when they saw it, Eris hugged Hephaestus and comforted her.
And when they came to the lower world, Hephaestus gave Eris a place to stay with her until she could make it out on her own, unlike Hestia though, Eris worked to earn her keep.
While she stayed with Hephaestus, Eris worked at one of Hephaestus's shops, surprising the Smith goddess with how she was such a hard worker she was.
" Oh right, that Bell kid is in your Familia Hestia isn't he, how has he been doing? " Hephaestus asked, recalling Hestia telling her about the white haired kid.
" He's been doing good, he's a really nice kid, almost too good for me. " Hestia said, smiling as she faintly blushed as she thought of Bell.
" Hello Eris, it's good to see you again, you look nice." Freya said as she looked Eris over, showing a charmingly friendly smile as she greeted the goddess of chaos.
Freya wasn't particularly focussing on Eris's attire or looks, though she did find the goddess of chaos to be quite pretty, what she was looking at though, was Eris's soul.
The color of Eris's soul was unlike any Freya had seen before, it was not one color, but a multitude of bright colors that resembled a rainbow.
Freya found Eris to be fascinating, from her unpredictable personality, multicolored rainbow soul, to her playful, chaotic nature.
The two goddesses got along quite well and were good friends, Freya became even more fascinated when she discovered that Eris was immune to [Charm].
The reason for this, was Eris's ability [ Aura of Chaos], an ability that made her able to influence the mind and behavior of both gods and mortals to a degree.
Depending on how strongly they felt determined how effective it would be on them, it also made Eris immune to mental attacks and charms as a bonus.
" Thanks Frey, its rare to see you make a public appearances, how youve been?" Eris asked, smiling as she greeted the goddess of beauty.
" I've been doing well, and I'm glad you came, I'm sorry about what happened back then, I hope there are no hard feelings and we can stay friends . " Freya said sincerely, smiling as she looked at Eris apologetically.
" Of course we're still friends Frey, maybe we can chat and catch up later, preferably when there aren't so many ogling eyes on you." Eris said playfully as she lazily gestured around them
" Yes that sounds nice, well I'll be off, have fun." Freya said as she finished her glass of wine.
" Eh, your leaving already, I thought you had some business to do here? " Hephaestus asked, confused as to why she would be leaving so soon.
" I've finished with that already, besides I've distracted all the men long enough, see you girls later. " Freya said with a wave as she took her leave."
" So what about you three, why don't we go drinking together like old times? " Hephaestus asked, pointing to the banquet hall's large bar.
" I'll have to take a rain check on that Hephaestus, Loki and I have some matters to discuss, right Loki?" Eris asked with her usual smile, giving the trickster goddess a look that look as she did.
" Y-yeah we do, see you later Phae-tan, and you too shorty. " Loki said, giving a mocking smile before they went on their way.
" Grrrr, that washboard really gets on my nerves! " Hestia said with a huff, venting her frustration as she watched Loki walk away.
" So, what about you Hestia, if your staying want to get a drink and chat and catch up? " Hephaestus asked her friend.
" Actually, you see I have a favor to ask of you. " Hestia said slowly, trying to hold on to her courage to see her quest through.
"What to say, what do I say to her after all this time, I don't want to mess this up or make her upset but what do I say, think Loki think! " Loki thought nervously as Eris and her stood on a outdoor balcony.
The two goddess had found a secluded spot on the second floor of the Ganesha banquet hall, away from the rest of the party.
It offered a great view of the city, with the full moon illuminating the night sky, and had a quite, tranquil mood about it.
Loki glanced at Eris from the corner of her eye, the goddess of chaos was leaning on the railing a few steps away from her.
She was staring up at the starry moon lit night sky, she had a calm neutral look as she gazed at the stars, with the moon's light reflecting on her eyes.
Since leaving Hestia and Hephaestus behind, the two hadn't spoken a word, every passing second in silence made Loki more and more nervous.
" So Eris, how ya been doing? " Loki said nervously, finally breaking the long silence.
" Smooth Loki, smooth as sandpaper. " Loki thought as she mentally berated herself.
" I've been doing good, you look really nice in that dress, and I like what you've done with your hair, its rare to see you like this. " Eris said as she turned to face Loki, looking over her appearance.
" Hehe thanks, I dressed up to show off to that shrimp Hestia since she made fun of me last time I saw her, and because I thought you might show up." Loki said the last part softly as she looked at Eris.
" I see you still wear the bracelet I gave you on our first anniversary. " Loki said, seeing the gold bracelet with the heart shaped ruby on her left wrist.
" Yes, and I see your wearing the one I gave your as well, goes well with that dress too. " Eris said, seeing a gold chain bracelet with a apple made of bright yellow topaz on her left wrist.
" So I read your letter, what's this about wanting to fix things between us? " Eris asked in a neutral tone as she stood up and looked at Loki.
" I-I was hoping we could, we could talk things over, patch things up, and get back together, y-you don't want too? " Loki said with a trembling voice, fearing the worst case scenario.
" Why would we, we never broke up in the first place, but I can see how you'd think that, for that I'm sorry." Eris said softly as she took Loki's left hand in her own, interlocking their fingers together in a tender grip.
"Huh, b-but you left the night we had that argument, and didn't reply to any of my letters after all these years, I thought things were over between us. " Loki said, confused as to why Eris was the one apologizing.
" Your not made at me, after how much of a jerk I was to you? " Loki said hesitantly as she looking at Eris with nervous eyes.
" Oh Loki, I wasn't mad, I was furious, I felt hurt, used, and betrayed after what you and Frey did. " Eris said with a all too happy smile, slightly tightening her grip on Loki's hand.
" Hehe, I see. " Loki said nervously, feeling a little bit afraid for her safety.
" But, I've had time to think and sort out my feeling, and as I look back, I see I was really mad with my family not you, mostly. " Eris said tierdly as she leaned on Loki and rested her head on her right shoulder.
" I left, because I was so tired and upset with how my family was being to me, I needed to get away from it all."
" And I didn't respond to your letters for so long, because I was mad at you for a long time, then at myself for how I treated you and how left you behind, I felt ashamed. " Eris said softly.
" It took me time to work up the nerve to come back here, can you forgive me for taking so long?" Eris said, looking at Loki with a faint sad smile and apologetic eyes.
" Of course I can, l'll always love you Eris, my crazy chaotic sweetheart. " Loki said sweetly as she hugged Eris in a loving embrace.
" So will I Loki, my sweet sly fox. " Eris said softly as she returned the hug, enjoying the soft warm feeling of her lover.
As the two goddesses hugged each other, they kissed and enjoyed the tender moment of being together for the first time in so long.
" Now that that's all behind us, let's go have fun and celebrate like old times! " Loki said happily as she looked at Eris.
" By that, you mean go on a wild drinking binge, right? " Eris asked smiling, knowing Loki so well.
" Of course, is there any other way to celebrate? " Loki asked with a big happy smile.
" Hmm, don't think so, why don't we go to the bar in the banquet hall, as long as the party's going the food amde drinks are free." Eris suggested, remembering one of the best parts about the banquets of the gods.
" Yeah that sounds great, I'm looking forward to hearing how ya and your familia been doing, and what ya been up to these last 15 years. " Loki said happily as they hugged again.
" Yeah, and I'd like to hear about what you and your familia been doing as well." Eris said happily as she wrapped her right arm around Loki's left.
" Hey, maybe will see Hephaestus and Hestia there, tell them the news about us" Eris said with a smile, imagining Hephaestus being happy for them, and Hestia's shocked face at hearing the news.
" Haha that sounds great, I can't wait to see the look on that loli's face, I still remember how shocked she was when we told her the first time, priceless! '" Loki said, laughing the memory of the event.
" Yeah, it's pretty funny seeing how Hestia's over reacts, I thought her eyes were about pop out when you kissed me on cheek after we told her. " Eris said, smiling at the fond memory.
" Remember how she spat her drink in Athena's face right after we told her, and the look on Athena's face, I couldn't stop laughing for like a whole minute! " Eris said with a happy laugh, recalling the stunned look on her older sister's face.
" Yeah I do, it was a hilarious sight to see, so now that we're back together, are you going to move back to Orario? " Loki asked as they headed to the main floor, hoping that was the case.
" Hmm, it'll be a pain to deal with all that again, a move like that can be such a hassle, but for you Loki sure. I'll see about getting a second base here, though it could take a while. " Eris said with a sign, knowing how hard finding a good location would be.
" Oh I know, why don't you and your familia move in with mine, my place gots lots of space ya know. " Loki said, sounding very happy with the idea.
" Oh my, your asking me to move in with you so suddenly, how bold of you Loki. " Eris said playful in a teasing tone.
' Haha, pretty much yeah, so how about it, since our familias are already in an [ Alliance ], you can move in and we won't have deal with the guild about that again. " Loki said, hoping that Eris would agree.
" Sounds good Loki, it'll be pretty much like before, except now we'll have our families living under the same roof. " Eris said, remembering all the time she and some of her children slept over at Loki's place.
As they reached the bottom of the staircase and made their way to the bar, Eris watched the crowd as they weaved through.
She was looking out for those from her family, hoping to avoid any family drama on her first day back, especially now that she and Loki were back together.
" Hey don't worry Eris, if we run into any of them, I'll be there with you if you need me. " Loki said reassuringly as she smiled at Eris, feeling her on guard and nervous as they walked together.
" Thanks Loki.' Eris said, smiling happily as she lightly squeezed Loki's hand.
" ERIS DISCORDIA! " Shouted an all too familiar angry voice from behind them.
" Oh for crying out loud, why now of all times, why does she have to bother us? " Eris thought with anger and annoyance, as she and Loki turned to face who called out to them.
Eris recognized the voice immediately, belonging to one she was desperately hoping to avoid tonight, and forever if she could help it.
As Loki and Eris turned around, they saw a young girl with light caramel hair, bright green eyes, and dressed in a light pink, seamless silk dress.
" Hello Harmonia, long time no see. " Eris said dryly with a strained smile as she greeted her.
She was Harmonia Concordia, the goddess of peace and harmony, and was the twin sister of the goddess of chaoso.
Among her family members and those that Eris knew, Harmonia was among those that Eris had the worst relationship with.
The two goddesses were complete polar opposites, and throughout their lives they never got along, always at odds with one another.
" Not long enough if you ask me. " Harmonia said with annoyed huff as she folded her arms, clearly not happy about their reunion as well.