These are non-canon stories for Favor of Athena

The morning sun spilled golden light over Columbia, South Carolina, coaxing the morning bustle out onto Main Street. On a patch of grass at Riverfront Park, Athena stretched beneath the warm sky, a quiet smile tugging at her lips. The aroma of fresh coffee wafted from a nearby café, blending with the sounds of distant laughter.

“Mind if I join you?” Liam’s voice carried a casual confidence as he approached, his hands shoved into his pockets.

Athena looked up, her expression brightening. “Sure, just don’t step in the ‘Is this grass? Or just weeds?’ zone.”

He chuckled, perching on the edge of a bench. “Most of my life exists in the unclear spaces. Why should the grass be any different?”

“Nice philosophy,” Athena shot back, eyes gleaming. “But I’ve got to make sure my zone’s got the optimal outlook.”

Across the park, Gertrude was energetically gesturing toward Grant, who ambled over from his favorite coffee shop, a steaming cup balanced precariously in one hand.

“Listen, Grant,” Gertrude emphasized, her tone a blend of enthusiasm and urgency, “the city is begging for a mural competition! We could revitalize that old community center on Elm. Picture it: our art bringing everyone together!”

“Right, while I manage to spill coffee all over myself,” Grant replied, grinning as he set his drink down safely. “You’re delusional if you think people will care about my paint splatters.”

“Oh, come on! It’s about passion!” Gertrude pressed. “And passion doesn’t need precision.”

Meanwhile, at the very coffee shop they’d just exited, Salem and Waldo were crammed into a corner table, debating the merits of iced chai lattes versus classic black coffee.

“Look, Waldo, you can’t live life on a caffeine high alone,” Salem insisted, taking an exaggerated sip of her drink. “You need flavor. Life is meant to be experienced!”

“But black coffee awakens the soul. Nothing frilly or sugary can do that. It’s… pure,” Waldo retorted, with an intensity rarely reserved for a mere beverage.

“Sure, if your soul prefers to dwell in the dark,” Salem winked, swirling a dash of cream into her cup. “Let’s lighten things up a bit!”

Meanwhile, Emaj was wandering down Main Street, earbuds nestled in his ears, each step matching the rhythm of the upbeat music. He felt alive, almost floating until he nearly collided with Paige, who was busy lining up an impressive assortment of flowers outside her small shop.

“Whoa! Sorry!” Emaj exclaimed, pulling back just in time.

“Just another day juggling people and petals!” Paige replied, laughter dancing in her eyes as she adjusted her apron. “Need a flower?”

“I’d love a sunflower! They remind me of summers that never end,” he said, smiling at the unexpected connection.

“You have an excellent taste. Sunflowers bring joy!” Paige placed one in his hands. “But be careful, they can end up spilling seeds everywhere. Just like people, you know?”

Emaj snickered, feeling the warmth from the flower resonate within him. “I’m all for a little chaos.”

Eager to catch the moment, Athena and Liam joined forces with Grant and Gertrude to brainstorm potential themes for the mural, while Salem and Waldo locked horns again on their preferences, an ongoing debate that spoke more about their friendship than their beverages.

The sun shifted, casting elongated shadows as the day drifted toward evening. Spontaneous laughter erupted in pockets around the park, binding Gertrude’s vision, Grant’s sarcasm, and Liam’s philosophical queries into a singular tapestry of connection. It was in those fleeting glances — shared jokes, minor collisions, and unguarded smiles — that the day unfolded unexpectedly, the threads of their lives interweaving.

As the day waned, each character, in their own little corner of Columbia, carried with them a pulse of excitement. The richness of fleeting moments and the surprising warmth of friendships crafted slowly in the heart of a bustling city reminded them that even uneventful days could harbor the beginnings of something beautiful.