"It's flattering to be acknowledged as real, Baraq," Ishtar relaxed, her companion seemingly in no imminent danger of violent illness. "Yes, Mesopotamia, Babylon, Sumeria - Ishtar, Astarte, Inanna... all me, at least now it is."

She stood up and inspected the looming darkness with what she hoped was a critical eye. "I'm as lost as you are... but I'm sure you're right about Cocytus. At the very least I'd need someone with a boat to let me in." She wrinkled her nose. "And I don't think we're alone."