14. Mentally Recovering and a Visit from a Goddess

It's been 2 days since Marlet had returned from her first attempt at the dungeon and the whole familia had heard about what had happened, many wanted to offer their words of encouragement to her but all were denied access from the Fool's Tree. The goddess seemed exempt from this however and when questioned why she just walked in and out of the room with food trays, the goddess only responded with a "I own the place, I go where I want!" but never revealed anything about the state of Marlet to anyone. Riveria would constantly ask for updates from Loki as she was quiet worried for the girl, unlike others Riveria knew of her origins and understood that Marlet has come from a generally non-aggressive society where death was a much less prevalent concept where one could look forward to passing away due to old age in most cases. Loki has only reassured everyone that the girl in question was as fine as could be in the situation and that she was working through her thoughts, Loki did talk to her familia's captain and vice captain behind closed doors though and explained that the reason Marlet was taking a little longer to process what happened was she had started imagining anyone of their familia in the same situation. They had been fortunate enough not to loose anyone yet and Marlet considered everyone in the familia as family more so than others, especially after everything everyone had done for her.

Sitting before a desk Marlet was looking at a map she had drawn from her perspective flying over her tree and considered what to do with the unused space next to her room. A look of concentration on her face after her little talk with her goddess. Understanding she couldn't prevent death for her familia members, Marlet wanted to do something that would benefit everyone and lift the mood. This was more for her than anyone else, she knew that everyone still went into the dungeon and all she could do was increase their chances of survival. With a small smile on her face as Loki came in and sat next to her, she looked at the plans Marlet had drawn up for adjoining space and a gentle smile could be seen on her face. Loki had learnt just how special each and everyone of the familia was to Marlet, even Bete. This new idea was a very welcome addition Loki would welcome with open arms. "You know, you're gonna have to leave this tree at some point. This new plan of yours though is something I can approve, it's small and won't cause anymore headaches with your ridiculousness" Loki only received a small chuckle from the culprit and a small apologetic smile from her. With her own smile the goddess brought the girl into a small hug, "I've been doing some digging into that adventurer you brought back for Demeter," feeling the girl stiffen but not say anything Loki continued, "it was quiet interesting why he would be in the dungeon. Apparently some other adventurers had spoken about their favourite goddesses in terms of proportion and Demeter was one of the top of that list. Knowing she only had a few level 2s didn't deter them from speaking their minds though so we can assume they were stronger in some way." Loki had a frown talking about this to Marlet, "Demeter also wanted to meet the adventurer that returned her child to her" she finished in a more gentle voice. "Oh, and what benefit's do you want from Demeter Loki?" Marlet got out of Loki's embrace and moved back towards her sketch and made a few adjustments. Hearing a chuckle behind her Loki continued her little story, "well you see, ever since a 'monster' was allowed to walk, or in their case fly, around in Orario the undercurrents had shifted a lot. A lot more than I anticipated, regardless of where you're from all adventurers know not to talk about the gods and goddesses in the way these people spoke about Demeter. I want to use this incident as a springboard to launch a little digging of my own and see which worms crawl out of the dirt." Marlet only nodded her head and kept listening to what her goddes had to say, a small crinkle in her brow at Loki admitting to how she wanted to use the Demeter Familia but she also knew her goddess meant no harm to the other party.

When Loki exited the tree this time with the girl in tow Riveria could only walk up to her and hug her. The next question made said girl snicker and the goddess to falter in her steps, "Loki didn't do anything weird to you?" a look of betrayal plastered on the goddess's face at the elf's words, but seeing the look in Marlet's eyes Loki could only widen her eyes. "I'm fine after Loki told me I needed get stronger a lot faster!" Without missing a beat Riveria brought her staff down on the goddess's head and was about to reprimand the goddess for insinuating something like that to an impressionable young girl. Loki could only have a look of betrayal on her face and wanted to explain the situation before she received another bonk on the head.

Marnet eventually told the truth to Riveria and how Loki had actually helped her understand the mentality of adventurers and that she didn't have to get used to it but rather get stronger to prevent something like that happening regardless of who's familia they belonged to. The elf only gave a nod at her goddess but didn't apologise for what she had done earlier, much to Loki's grumbling about plots and betrayals. The rest of the familia had also breathed a collective sigh of relief seeing Marlet returned to her usual mannerisms and all made a little effort to spend some time with her. Marlet and Loki had also explained the plans she had drawn for what she wanted to build next to her tree and everyone was happy with the decision.

Loki had sent a message to Demeter allowing her to come and visit the Manor and discuss what had happened in the dungeon. It was decided that with the approval of the visiting goddess the meeting would be held at the top of the tree with tea and biscuits being provided. The goddess of agriculture was very impressed with the tree itself and enjoyed the open air meeting area, marvelling at the fact that this was another exclusive thing the Loki familia could provide. "I would first like to thank you for returning young Spart's body to me." Demeter gave the winged girl a small bow as a show of appreciation, "and although it wasn't necessary you returned the stones he had fought for to me." Demeter had a sad smile on her face, they may not have been a powerful familia but she loved each of their members as though she were their real mother. After they had gotten the pleasantries out of the way Loki wasted no time and went straight to the point, "do you know who they adventurers belonged to that was the cause of this whole mess?" Demeter could only shake her head at the question, she too would want to know who the responsible party was. Stroking her chin Loki had on a contemplative look and no one disturbed her.

"We'll keep an ear out for any other groups of people who talk without thinking. Once we find them, we trail them and find out who they belonged too and from there the investigation can continue? How do you feel about this Demeter?" Loki thought out loud, it was a pretty simple plan but then again Loki always said some people were simpletons. Demeter nodded her head and agreed to inform her familia members about this little collaboration between the two familia. "Oh, I would also like to give you some of these seeds Goddess Demeter" Marlet handed over a small pouch of seeds to the goddess and further explained, "they're the seeds to grow apple trees the same as at the front gate. If you show them the pouch I'm sure they'll allow you to try an apple or two." After the goddess left satisfied with the gains and an apple in hand Loki turned towards Marlet with a raised eyebrow. Marlet could only roll her eyes and answer the unspoken "it never hurts to build relations and apple trees take 5 to 8 years to grow. It'll take a while before she can profit from them but when she does, she'll remember that the money from those apples came from seeds she got for free" there was a little shrug at the end of her explanation and Loki couldn't look more like a proud mother. "Alright then, next we talk about your little renovations project. I'll green light it but it means having one of the construction familia by the tree, are you fine with that?" Marlet contemplated what Loki was saying, while it was true that many people wanted to know what was the story about the tree, it wasn't really a secret. "I can agree to it but only the god of said familia can have a small tour to show sincerity, the familia members will have to remain outside." This was the final decision made by Marlet, because at the end of the day the tree was her room where she lived and no one wanted people constantly walking through your living space.

With the decision made Loki went towards her office to write a letter to Goibniu and let him know of what she needed, what she would give him and how much she would pay for it all to be done as quick as possible. Marlet on the other hand went for a quick fly around Orario to see what was happening at this time. Marlet found herself circling Orario twice before landing at the very top of Babel Tower and taking out some fish she had cooked with some lemon herbs out of her inventory. "Usually a person asks permission of the owner of the house before they land on the roof and eat without a care in the world." A very seductive voice could be heard behind Marlet making her cough on some of the fish she had been chewing. Turning around Marlet could see none other than Freya walking towards her with Ottar tanding by the entryway, sword drawn and ready to charge at a moments notice. "Greetings Goddess Freya, I was unaware one had to announce themselves when at the top of Babel" Freya couldn't help but notice that the girl before her was unaffected by her charm. "It happens rarely but courtesy should still be extended" Freya was sitting next to Marlet, both had their feet dangling over the edge of the tower as they watched the denizens go about their daily lives. Marlet felt slightly awkward as she was still enjoying her late lunch so she decided to offer a price to the goddess in question. Ottar took all but one step before Freya waved him down and took a bit of the offered fish and sniffed it curiously.

Marlet could only roll her eyes at the goddess before her, she honestly didn't know what to about the woman. What could she do? Heaving a sigh Marlet waited for Freya to take a bit of the food and slowly chew and enjoy it, "Goddess Freya, if I might ask a question and it might be a little blunt?" Marlet wanted to know in what manner she had attracted the goddess's attention. She received only a nod as Freya took another bite of the delicious fish, "what are your plans with me?" Freya only looked up from her meal and chewed a little slower, contemplating what to say. Swallowing her food Freya had a small smile on her face, "I truly don't know. You have a soul unlike anyone I have ever seen. I can't measure your potential the same I do anyone else. For now, I want to see what you accomplish before either snatching you away or eliminating you" Freya had decided to be straightforward with the girl.

"That's oddly upfront of you, Goddess Freya?"