chapter 8: i’m taking you into town

A Walk, a Confession, and a Silent Promise

I’m Taking You Into Town

The streets of Élidora are still fresh with morning.

The sun glides slowly between towers, lingers on the windows, and kisses the cobblestones with golden light. Passersby weave through a quiet ballet of to-go cups, phones at their ears, and rushed glances.

In the middle of this ordinary life, Dana Noctielle walks.

To her left, Zeus — long white coat, sunglasses, nonchalant yet precise pace.
To her right, Odin — classic black suit, tied-back hair, elegant cane, and a piercing gaze despite his grumpy air.

They don’t hide. They simply exist. Three figures that would make any sensitive seer shiver… but here, they melt into the daylight.

"So, Doctor Noctielle, where are you taking us?" asks Zeus, a playful smile on his lips.

Dana rolls her eyes, mockingly exasperated.

"I’m not a tour guide, Uncle. But I found a café with lemon meringue pies… that could make you forget divine nectar."

Odin responds without delay.

"Impossible. I’ve tasted nectar. And I saw Zeus’ meringue once. It was a disaster."

Zeus, mock-offended, lifts a hand to the sky.

"It was artistic expression."

They laugh.

And the world keeps turning.

It’s a small café, nestled between two bookstores.

Aged wood, hanging plants, warm lighting. The place smells of rosemary, sugar, and paused dreams.

They step in.

The waiter stares a second too long, hand frozen on his notepad. Then he blinks, regains focus.

Dana takes the lead.

"Three teas, and one slice of pie, please."

She sits gracefully, without solemnity.

Zeus removes his sunglasses, places them on the table.

"Do you do this often? Peaceful outings?"

She exhales slightly, then answers.

"More and more. I used to run without thinking. Now… I walk with intention."

Odin watches her for a moment.

Not to judge.

To confirm what he sees.

"You don’t seem like you’re running away. That’s rare."

She takes a sip of tea.

The aroma is soft. Slightly smoky.

And then, almost whispering:

"I passed my driving test."

Silence.

The two gods blink.

"Excuse me?" breathes Zeus.

She sets down the cup.

"I signed up. I did the hours. The tests. Everything. And I passed."

They blink again, as if she had just announced she defeated a titan with a spoon.

"You didn’t use your divine speed?" asks Zeus.

"No. I stalled. Three times. And thought the instructor was going to eat me alive."

Odin lets out a short, almost animal laugh.

"That’s… beautiful."

"And now, I want a car. A real one. No solar chariot. No dimensional gate."

Zeus fiddles with his bracelet, thoughtful.

"Any specific model?"

"A simple compact. Comfortable. Discreet. Good speakers."

They both nod.

Like two old Uncles quietly smitten with their favorite niece.

After the café, they walk a bit through the shaded alleys.

Dana stops to speak to a dog, crouching, smiling. The animal wags its tail like she’s made of sunshine.

The two gods fall back slightly.

Zeus, in a low voice:

"I’ve already spotted a divine dealership that does custom models."

Odin nods.

"And I slipped some stellar gold into her bank account. Quietly."

"Tomorrow morning. After her shift."

"We hand her the keys. With a bow. No words."

"She’ll pretend she’s not surprised…"

"…But she’ll cry. And say it’s because of the pollen."

They share a look. A silent pact.

The sky turns rose-gold.

The light softens. Shadows lengthen. Shutters close gently in homes that smell of cinnamon.

Dana walks between them.

Not behind. Not ahead.

Between.

"Thank you. For today."

Zeus puts an arm around her shoulders, silent at first.

Then.

"You know you’re our pride, right? Even when you insist on living like a simple human…"

Odin, lower:

"You’re stronger than we ever were."

She lowers her eyes touched but playful.

"You’re only saying that because you want a second slice of pie."

"Obviously," replies Zeus.

And all three laugh.

She traded storms for quiet streets. Dimensional gates for warm teas. And even the oldest gods…

…Love to follow in her quiet steps.

End of Chapter 8 – I’m Taking You Into Town