#straightlacedgrace

[xbrightestwitch]

IC

NAME: Annabeth Chase-Jackson NICKNAMES: Wise Girl AGE: 21 ROOMMATES: Percy Jackson OCCUPATION: Barista EDUCATION: Junior at Fableton University, Architecture major

"Wisdom's daughter walks alone. That didn't just mean without other people, Annabeth realized. It meant without any special powers."

FAMILY: Athena (mother), Frederick Chase (father), Magnus Chase (cousin) MARITAL STATUS: Married to Percy Jackson HISTORY: [Canon through Heroes of Olympus.] When the aftermath of the war with Gaea had settled, Annabeth and Percy wanted nothing more than a chance to live a normal life together--or as normal as two demigods could manage with regular monster attacks: no wars, no Tartarus, and as little interference from gods as possible. Annabeth wanted to go to university in a big city, preferably one with a good architecture program, so they settled on New York City.

Since they were going to be living together anyway, they also planned to get married (for the health insurance, obviously). They'd had less than a year of city life before Annabeth found herself lost in an unfamiliar forest with no idea how she’d gotten there, missing time and half-believing she’d somehow fallen back into Tartarus. Jason Grace found her and managed to convince her she was still on Earth, and he brought her back to Percy.

It turned out they’d been sharing an apartment in Fableton for months, and she had no memory of it or where she’d been in the time she’d been missing. Worst of all, she had no memory of their wedding. With the magical barrier around the town gone as mysteriously as it had arrived, they were free to return to their life in New York, but they decided not to. She wanted her memories back, and if there were answers, they'd find them in Fableton.

OOC

VERSE: Fableverse STORY: Percy Jackson and the Olympians CHARACTER: Annabeth Chase FACE CLAIM: Madison Iseman

[moreofachaser]

🍿 (Jason)

[whatthedormouse-said]

🍿 (Jason)

[whatthedormouse-said]

Jason had earned enough of her trust that he didn't have to prove something like that to her. She took him at his word. She did want to see his powers in action, but not because she doubted they were real. It just sounded awesome, more superhero than magical, so it neatly dodged her magic aversion. Maybe she'd feel differently if she saw it, but since it was Jason, it seemed unlikely. "He's not here? I might want to meet this person," she joked. "How do you like your coffee?" She poured their cups and pulled a bottle of vanilla almond creamer from the fridge for hers.

"Not at all," she agreed with a sympathetic look. "There's nothing wrong with wanting something more low key." Now that she had the opportunity to live a normal life, it was all she wanted. It was why she'd avoided training for so long, even though she disagreed with her past self on that now. War or not, it was stupid to let her guard down. It also matched well with what she already knew or guessed about Jason. He didn't seem to want to be special, and it made her think better of him. She knew from experience that those were usually the best kinds of people to have in charge, even if they suffered the most from it. "I don't think I'd want to see you get struck by lightning, even if you could survive it," she added with a small frown.

whatthedormouse-said‌:

That particular smile made her grin. It clearly had a story or two behind it, and she wanted to hear them someday. She’d been less levelheaded when she was younger too, particularly when she was in training and constantly had to prove herself. It wasn’t exactly picking fights for no reason, but in hindsight, the nuances were harder to see. “Thanks, I’ve got it.” The coffee machine dripped behind her. It was mostly making itself.

“I’ve noticed.” She nodded, not losing her smile. She raised her eyebrows when he got the abilities she hadn’t noticed. Hatter had failed to mention anything about demigods with extraordinary powers, so maybe he didn’t know. “That… is seriously cool.” Magic didn’t sound terrible in that context, although she was momentarily grateful that no one she knew in Wonderland had powers like that. She pressed a hand over her mouth to hide a laugh, but it didn’t work. “So you’re basically blonde Superman?” There was a trace of teasing in it, but she was half serious. Her expression lost some of its humor and became more thoughtful. “Is there a reason you haven’t tested them out here?”

Jason was glad when she did necessarily ask for proof, or look at him like yeah right, or any other kind of incredulity.  He didn’t often talk about the things he could do or had done, and he’d remembered why as he grew more uncomfortable with every word.  She managed to set it at ease and he didn’t feel like a bragging douchebag for saying any of it, which was good. 

Until she reminded him of Leo and he laughed.  “Yeah, basically,” he agreed.  “Not the first time I’ve been called that, either.  I should probably be a little nervous if you think like Leo.”  And while the words sounded like a warning or hesitation, the tone underneath them was all fond.  It ended on a sigh. “I guess… a couple of reasons.  I haven’t needed to in a long time, because we aren’t at war and I don’t know if I see that happening again in my lifetime.  And second, it’s kind of nice being anonymous.  Stuff like flying, acting as a conduit for lightning, and flinging wind ropes… not so subtle.” 

[fabletongossip]

I feel like "Hello. This is Jason Grace." should be a new meme.

Everyone should introduce themselves this way. Hello. This is Fableton Gossip.

@straightlacedgrace

[notquitefableton]

@straightlacedgrace

[fabletonrp]

The following have responded to say they’re in for the Drabbley Development Thing.  Let’s make sure everyone gets some!  Also, if you haven’t responded, no worries -- you’re not too late.  I’ll check again on Friday and repost this list if need be. 

@tianabenoit @therevengebusiness @zeus-thezeus @thedragonswings @the-queen-josephine @alltheworldwillbepitch @maiavolkova @ticktockcecily @a-cheshire-reality @no-snow-queen @stitchedsally @funhasarrived @abrimstonecosmos @nosealegs @royalwizardhowl @mighty-and-powerful-miguel @thedarkestfae @leavenotacrack @the-onceandfuture-king @thedwarfthattimeforgot @like-the-flower-jasmine @chivalryone-gratitudezero @thelionheartking @thelittlehutonlegs @not-quite-dolly @child-of-the--underworld @lone-dimitri @night-fury-azicrur @outlaw-john @blind-garrett @hypnotic-kamna @castor-tyndaridae @doctor-jared @morgana-the-sorceress @the-daughter-of-wisdom @god-of-the-seas @sean-cantaras @prince-of-maldonia @reckless-max @lost-trick @megara-valis @zan-the-man @quillantheyounger @ladyxmarian @landlocked-eric @carly-weiss @alively-anna @gxpendragon @theaveragedemigod @fractiousflorist @straightlacedgrace @jack-osborne @dreadpirate-westley @breathingxsymphonies @queenoftheimmortals @justplaying-rajah @i-can-fix-it-felix @emperorllamaface @ittybittylivingspace-aljunni @righthandman-lefou @smartass-shock @the-oogie-boogie-man @somebodycall-ix-i-i @neverletyoufall-cor @surrenderxdorothy @twopartscourage @theicedoesnot-forgive @madnessmost-discreet @whatthedormouse-said @nightmaarejack @notcrazyalice @aseaprincess @ursulakolettis @aggressivelyastrid @abandonedxangel @tragiquemaisbelle @wholelottiefun @quillantheelder​ @cheltochtli​ @littlemissanya​ @djaqofalltrades​ @melkorkamurtagh​

[whatthedormouse-said]

@straightlacedgrace

Molly was grateful for the break from work and studying even if it meant exercise, which she didn't hate except when it involved running. She was pretty sure she was about to get her ass kicked at sparring practice though, given Jason was half a god and she was a mere human. She learned more from failing than from winning, but still, it was probably going to hurt, if not now then tomorrow. She'd pulled her hair back into a ponytail and changed into yoga pants and a tank top, her bag slung over her shoulder.

She stowed it in a locker when she arrived at the dojo, and it wasn't until she was back in the lobby that she realized she'd left her phone in there too. If he was running late, she wouldn't know it, but she decided just to give it a few minutes. The smallest bit of anxiety flickered through her. Their first chance meeting had gone so well; it would be a shame to ruin it, but it was mostly overshadowed by anticipation. She'd been a soldier for years, and trying to beat the crap out of each other turned out to be a decent way to get to know someone.

[whatthedormouse-said]

Chaos was an appropriate word for it, and she nodded. "I'm sorry you know what that's like. But if it's not too horrible, I'm also kind of glad you can relate." From their first meeting, he'd been easy to talk to, and it had only grown more easy as their friendship developed. It made her a little nervous sometimes, how easy it was. Historically, bad things had happened when she let her guard down.

"So I've noticed. Likewise." Her smile became more relaxed, less forced. So far, nothing she'd said had sent him spinning. She felt a brief pang, wishing she could be that open with Maia without risking her voice or her memories. She nodded slowly. "We've been here around the same amount of time, and he's learning. I try to help however I can. And that's kind of you, but... honestly, I don't want you getting mixed up with him. It's your choice, of course, and I'm sure you could handle it. But it would be a mistake to trust him too much. He helped the rebellion when he could, when it wasn't too much of a risk to him, but he's still the queen's man." She managed to keep most of the bitterness out of her voice, even though she could just as easily have been talking about Jackson. She understood Niven's position and she knew how afraid he was, but she didn't forgive him for it. They'd all been afraid.

whatthedormouse-said‌:

After leaving Wonderland, she’d never again considered trying to fix it. That was most likely because she didn’t believe they could get back–if it was possible, Chesire would have found a way. He was magical and committed, so if he couldn’t do it, she was inclined to believe it couldn’t be done. But if it could… She considered it now, and the prognosis wasn’t good. “Assuming we could ever get back there… and assuming that all of us did, then no. The queen won. The rebellion failed. As long as she’s in charge, Wonderland would be no kind of place to live in.”

“If she were gone…” She sighed, sadness creeping into her expression. “I don’t know. She corrupted the magic of Wonderland, and Wonderland was made of magic. The rules of our world went off kilter. The monsters grew out of proportion. Turtles changed into Mock Turtles. Time stopped in some places. Hatter’s family protected the magic. He might be able to put it right again, but he’s one person. And going back might make him completely mad again.”

She realized she’d been thinking out loud without much consideration for her audience, and she forced a quick smile. “Sorry. That was a lot. Um– It wasn’t so bad for me. I survived worse there, so Fableton was kind of a blessing. But my friends… Cheshire hates it here. There’s no magic, and he gets bored easily. Which, incidentally, are two of the things I love about this world. My boss, Niven, was a herald, and I don’t think he ever lived outside of a palace. It didn’t really prepare him for a day job. Or a democracy.”

It sounded similar to how he imagined a world under Gaea’s reign, with the good people and the heart of those against her doing their level best to flee.  All he could do was listen, feeling a rare dip in emotion as she described the destruction of her land.  “That sounds like chaos.  I’m sincerely sorry we understand a lot of these experiences between us.” 

Her forced smile was slow to do it, but it ignited a small smile of his.  “Never apologize.  You can share anything with me.  It’s easy to say that when we’re still getting to know one another, but my limits are vast.  Speak your mind whenever you wish.” 

As she described the struggles of her friends, though, he felt himself slipping into something that was a bit of a hazard for him.  He wanted to help, wanted to fix it.  “I don’t know what can be done about the lack of magic, but regarding your boss, if I can learn, I believe anyone can.  A lot of the demigods had one foot in this world, and one foot in their Greek or Roman world.  I didn’t.  I’ve had to learn how to navigate here, too.  I can help him, if you think he would benefit.”  His smile was a little more genuine.  “I am glad, though, you feel blessed to be here.  I’m glad it’s a bit easier, at least in some ways.” 

[whatthedormouse-said]

After leaving Wonderland, she'd never again considered trying to fix it. That was most likely because she didn't believe they could get back--if it was possible, Chesire would have found a way. He was magical and committed, so if he couldn't do it, she was inclined to believe it couldn't be done. But if it could... She considered it now, and the prognosis wasn't good. "Assuming we could ever get back there... and assuming that all of us did, then no. The queen won. The rebellion failed. As long as she's in charge, Wonderland would be no kind of place to live in."

"If she were gone..." She sighed, sadness creeping into her expression. "I don't know. She corrupted the magic of Wonderland, and Wonderland was made of magic. The rules of our world went off kilter. The monsters grew out of proportion. Turtles changed into Mock Turtles. Time stopped in some places. Hatter's family protected the magic. He might be able to put it right again, but he's one person. And going back might make him completely mad again."

She realized she'd been thinking out loud without much consideration for her audience, and she forced a quick smile. "Sorry. That was a lot. Um-- It wasn't so bad for me. I survived worse there, so Fableton was kind of a blessing. But my friends... Cheshire hates it here. There's no magic, and he gets bored easily. Which, incidentally, are two of the things I love about this world. My boss, Niven, was a herald, and I don't think he ever lived outside of a palace. It didn't really prepare him for a day job. Or a democracy."

whatthedormouse-said‌:

“Seems unfair.” She scrunched her nose. Life wasn’t under any obligation to be fair though, and it sounded like that was even less for demigods. “Good, I hope you do. I mean, I hope you don’t have to. But if it comes to that.” It was always better to have backup, even if he didn’t actually need it.

“It is. Well, it was before the Queen corrupted it. It wasn’t in great shape when I left.” Unlike Cheshire, Molly had no desire to return to their home. There was nothing left for her there. She wasn’t sure there was anything left for anybody there now. “That’s possible. I kind of hope not, though. Getting here was… kind of an adjustment for all of us. Some more than others. Not knowing who he is would make that so much harder.”

Jason definitely agreed, but he had learned long ago that he was powerless to fight against that particular system.  All he could do was find his niche working within it.  Her awkward stumble through well meaning words had him wanting to reach out, to take her hand and thank her.  He didn’t, but it was a close call.  Backup, as a concept, was always much appreciated. 

“That’s a shame,” he said quietly.  “Do you think there could be a way to restore it?  I know the limitations of being here are difficult to work with, but just theoretically, could it be done?”  Not because he was looking for a fight.   Not because he needed to take on any more battles.  But… just because.  That was the only reason he could give himself.  “Yes, it would.  I had the same shock when I met up with my father, so I can relate.  What kind of adjustments did you have to make?” 

[whatthedormouse-said]

She nodded sympathetically. "If only worrying responded to logic." It sounded like worrying wouldn't do any good if Nico was on a quest, but she knew equally well that he couldn't stop worrying about it just because it was outside of his control. Not unless he was much better at compartmentalizing than the average human. "It sounds like you're doing the best thing by staying put then."

She raised her head when she found a small, wry smile to go with that comment. "That's a story for another time." It wasn't the first time she'd felt a small tug to tell him everything, and she probably would eventually, when he wasn't already at his mental and emotional limits. As her friend, she thought he might be one of few people who could understand. It was the slightly more than friends, that mostly unacknowledged possibility, that worried her. Admitting to that level of emotional baggage was almost guaranteed to send any sane person running in the other direction. It didn't make her eager to have that conversation, but she was already sorry she'd put it off as long as she had. It wasn't going to get less awkward by waiting.

"That's usually a good strategy. How can I help?" She was optimistically assuming she could help, but Molly usually did alright with distractions. They already liked sparring and people-watching, so it was a start.

whatthedormouse-said‌:

She settled in and listened carefully, matching this explanation with what he’d already told her in past conversations. Really, if they were going to continue this friendship–and she wanted to–she should just ask Hatter to make her a mythology summer reading list. At the same time, she cringed at the idea of Jason reading something like Alice in Wonderland. She hadn’t read it herself, but from her friends’ descriptions, it was just the bare bones of their story. It had nothing at all to do with who she really was.

She nodded. Quests weren’t familiar to her, but proving herself was. “So even if someone like Zeus could tell you if he was on a quest, you wouldn’t be able to interfere?” That didn’t leave him a lot of options, but she didn’t think he needed her to point that out.

She tugged absently on a strand of her hair. She wasn’t avoiding his gaze, but she wasn’t sure exactly what expression was on her face either. She didn’t want to show him the wrong thing. Despite the wild differences in the worlds they came from, it was one of the things that drew her to Jason that they had so much history in common. She cleared her throat softly and made an effort to bring herself back to the present. “I know what it’s like to survive a war. And I know how that feeling of watching your back never really goes away. I’m sorry you and your friends had so much put on you.”

Jason nodded.  “Exactly.  And Zeus may not even know.  Nico isn’t his son and the Gods aren’t the only ones who assign quests anyway.  I’m not even sure how it would work here.  Usually, if a group is going to go, the person assigned picks their companions at the beginning.  So, if he’s on a quest and he took someone, it wasn’t me or Percy.  Other people don’t really interfere and, when they do, it gets a little sketchy.  So even if I found out what happened and even if it was somewhere I could go, it would probably just mess everything up.” 

He didn’t know what her face said on the heels of his admission, either, but he knew whatever it was didn’t make him worry.  Whatever it was echoed the understanding she verbalized a moment later.  “And I’m sorry you know what it’s like,” he said softly.  Something in him wanted to reach out and take her hand, pull it away from her hair.  He thought maybe once they knew one another better, maybe once he’d found the courage to breach some physical space between them, he might do something like that.  “I think maybe it would be a good idea for me to find other ways to fill my time.  Worrying isn’t particularly healthy.” 

[whatthedormouse-said]

She settled in and listened carefully, matching this explanation with what he'd already told her in past conversations. Really, if they were going to continue this friendship--and she wanted to--she should just ask Hatter to make her a mythology summer reading list. At the same time, she cringed at the idea of Jason reading something like Alice in Wonderland. She hadn't read it herself, but from her friends' descriptions, it was just the bare bones of their story. It had nothing at all to do with who she really was.

She nodded. Quests weren't familiar to her, but proving herself was. "So even if someone like Zeus could tell you if he was on a quest, you wouldn't be able to interfere?" That didn't leave him a lot of options, but she didn't think he needed her to point that out.

She tugged absently on a strand of her hair. She wasn't avoiding his gaze, but she wasn't sure exactly what expression was on her face either. She didn't want to show him the wrong thing. Despite the wild differences in the worlds they came from, it was one of the things that drew her to Jason that they had so much history in common. She cleared her throat softly and made an effort to bring herself back to the present. "I know what it's like to survive a war. And I know how that feeling of watching your back never really goes away. I'm sorry you and your friends had so much put on you."

whatthedormouse-said‌:

“Well in that case, I take it back.” Her smile widened slightly. She sensed the need for a lighter topic. Molly had a few things she needed to confess to him too, but she didn’t think right now was the time. He had enough on his plate without examining her trust issues or his family ones tonight.

“If he didn’t want you to find him, would you be able to?” He seemed to have a lot of missing friends, and she was momentarily grateful that there was no one else from Wonderland she actually wanted to see. Alice, maybe. Come to think of it, it had been a while since she’d seen her around. She’d have to ask Hatter about her. “Hunted,” she echoed, her eyebrows rising faintly. “Out of curiosity, who would be hunting you?”

Jason’s smile matched hers and, for a moment, he couldn’t take his eyes off her.  Once he did, he was shaking his head.  He had a lot to really explain if he wanted her to have the tools to understand, and he didn’t realize it until she had some questions.  For so long, his world had been so insular, no explanation had been required.  Now, he couldn’t explain the feeling of safety he had in telling her these details, but it was there and he knew before he found the words that he would tell her. 

“No.  So…. the world is a little different now than it was.  The fighting and wars I’ve mentioned were all forces trying to overthrow the Gods.  It came basically in two big waves, first the Titans, and then Gaea herself.  While the forces were restless, but before it all exploded, there were quests, things we would do to prove ourselves to our Godly parents.  Tasks with some weird endgame.  If he’s on a quest, I’d have no idea.”  He swallowed hard, the next admission a little more difficult.  “If anything happens to him on a quest, i may not know until it’s too late.”  He cleared his throat.  

“We thought all that was over, though, because the last war laid all the minions and monsters and things to rest.  It’s all been buried, and there was a group of us who were powerful enough to stop them; we’ve all been left alone since.  But Annabeth and Percy were… well, they had to be the most ruthless.  The most powerful.  We’ve all had to do things, and survive things, but theirs was the worst.  So… nothing should be hunting us.  But you might know what it’s like to just… make sure anyway.  To stay alert.  To keep your eyes open.  It’s just that.  I’ll probably always be looking over my shoulder to some degree.”