Chapter 33
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Persephone led Alex to a food stall at the edge of the market which was serving up delicious smelling scrambled eggs, made with what seemed like normal vegetables, including onions or leeks. There were also sandwiches and gyros stuffed with crispy meats and greens of different varieties. Alex's stomach rumbled loudly as they walked over, which made Persephone laugh until hers gurgled even louder.
After they grabbed some food, Persephone led the way to an area covered with waterproof awnings where they could sit and eat without getting wet in the rain. It was such a relaxing environment that neither spoke as they ate. They were both perfectly content to listen to the rain softly pelting the painted fabric above them and watch as people bustled around the marketplace. The light mist from the rain, the wet surfaces and puddles shining in the morning sun and the steam from the grills and ovens of other food stalls lent the scene a mystical, vibrant feeling. To Alex, it felt like he was eating lunch back home on Earth and he felt happier than he'd ever remembered being as he took bites out of his gyro.
After they were done eating, they put their giant leaf plates into a receptacle for later composting and Persephone showed Alex around the marketplace as they digested their food. She led him to various stalls that sold useful everyday commodities and to public buildings such as the bank and baths. She especially teased Alex about demonstrating how to take a proper bath together later after his training that day. Angel bit her lip in frustration and mentioned to Alex how dangerous Persephone's husband could be.
As they walked to the training hall, Persephone began a more serious conversation.
"I wanted to elaborate on what I meant before." She began.
"Before?" This left Alex wracking his brain trying to figure out what she could be referring to.
"About being a good companion to Zeus. I don't expect you to change him or anything. Nobody's ever succeeded at that without his consent, he has such a strong will. Just be there for him and keep him company. We're all worried about him. He was a handful with his willful ways before but now he's been spending less time with people and has been more and more grumpy all the time."
"I thought that was just his personality."
"You haven't seen him at his best, I think."
Alex didn't know how to respond to all this. He didn't feel like the right person to be taking on such troublesome responsibility. He was thinking of excuses and weighing the pros and cons a bit while looking straight ahead.
"He's become less spirited ever since Athena took over for him. Nobody would order him around but she's the one that makes the big decisions now. She's the one the kingdom relies on."
Persephone took a bit to organize her thoughts to try to better explain what she was talking about.
"Zeus overthrew his father Cronus as Cronus had overthrown his father before. After Zeus won the Titanomachy war against his father Cronus, with the supporting titans, and secured his rule, he received a prophecy. Which was that one of his own children, supposedly a son with his first wife Metis, would someday take power for themselves and end Zeus's rule."
Alex was focused on listening now.
"Athena is the child that Metis was pregnant with when Zeus swallowed her whole. He did this in an attempt to prevent the prophecy from happening, much like his own father had done to all of his children, aside from Zeus."
Persephone realized she was going off topic by giving background information.
"Anyway, when Nyx forced Zeus to step down, Zeus allowed Athena to take over in his stead. I've said before that Athena was always his favorite and she received approval from both Gaia and Nyx to take charge instead of Hera."
"I thought Zeus was the most powerful, how would Nyx force him to step down?" Though Alex didn't study much of Greek mythology, he had always seen Zeus portrayed as the strongest of the gods.
"Zeus was, and still kinda is, the king of the Olympian gods. But Nyx was never under his rule and she is powerful. Powerful enough that Zeus never crossed her. Even Pella, our kingdom here in the commons is just a part of Nyx's territory that she rules with a few other gods. But this is all besides the point. I'll teach you more about the local geopolitical situation later if you want."
This was the first time Alex had realized that there was a larger world out there in the commons. He hadn't picked up on this fact the first time it was brought up when Persephone had mentioned about a wider conflict that would involve them all. He thought it was all ancient history.
"I only brought all this up because I hope you can help keep Zeus from growing darker in his humors or energies. Not only is he important to us as the father of our family but his strength may still be needed in the war. He isn't allowed on the front lines due to various reasons and this has only made his moods worse. I don't want anyone near him that will only make the situation more dangerous."
Persephone stopped them both and resolutely turned to Alex.
"Will you be a good friend to him? Will you be the companion that the rest of us can't be? The rest of us have too much history between us, but you are an outsider. He doesn't know you like he knows all the rest of us. So I'm asking you. On behalf of the other Olympians and all those that have ever been protected by Zeus, will you be there for him?"
As Alex kept eye contact with Persephone, only the sound of the rain and each other's breathing broke the silence of the side alley they were in. Alex for his part was growing anxious about this ongoing war he was just learning about. Zeus had said that he would become involved in conflicts between the gods. Frankly, Alex was overwhelmed by such a conversation and by the responsibility she was putting on his shoulders. He still didn't understand the significance of anything in the god commons let alone his own importance at that time and place. Even Angel only watched on.
"I want to give you a good answer but I can only say that I'll do my best. That I'll do what I can." He wanted to stress that he wasn't some miracle worker and was never good at manipulating people to get what he wanted. Neither was he articulate enough to express all this to Persephone at that moment.
"Just be there for him. Be yourself and don't try to force anything. I just don't want you to cause him unnecessary trouble, Alex."
Persephone blew out her breath and pulled on Alex's arm, leading the way once more. The back of Persephone's clothing had been getting wet from the rain as she faced Alex. Now her dress was a little transparent as it stuck to her back. She stopped them for a moment to tie her shawl around her hips so that at least her backside wouldn't cause a scene.
Meanwhile, in a different part of the god commons, Leilatha's city was on fire.
****
**
***Leilatha***
**
****
She didn't have enough time, only the smoke of the approaching fire gave her any warning. She knew it was the enemy army speeding its way to her vulnerable city. If her most powerful forces couldn't stop them, then the meager defenders still left in her capital city stood no chance. She had heard no news, no wind runners had made it back to report on the explosion and the battle. If the enemy was here it also meant that they had overcome her reserve home guard forces defending the interior towns.
She gave the orders to evacuate the civilian population and to bring along supplies and other important treasures of the kingdom. The seeds of the city tree which was grown from the seeds of her mother goddess's tree were kept on her person at all times now. These trees were not only symbolic but actually served as a source of power for the elven gods and goddesses. If they were lost and not replaced, their people may never recover their prosperity and glory. She had to decide whether to escape with her people or make a stand to buy some time. If she was overpowered the seeds could be captured or destroyed. They were so important that she dared not entrust them to anyone else.
Leilatha and the tree, as well as its seeds, were bound to each other. In order for others to draw on the power harvested and provided by the tree, they had to be blood-related to the first matron or married into the lineage. She had never gotten around to marrying another god and had never completed the delicate ceremony to include them in the bond.
...
The approaching horde pierced through the magic barrier and flew over the city walls setting fire to everything green. Even the precious city tree burned, which proved how powerful the enemy was to be able to overcome the tree's protection. After the horde began incinerating the great city tree, they spread out to wreak havoc over the rest of the city and overwhelmed any organized resistance.
Leilatha felt the pain of her tree and cried out, overcome by sadness and rage. She had trouble pulling power from its roots as she prepared to summon a powerful raging storm that would cover the greater part of her kingdom and further devastate her desperate city. It was the only thing she could think to do to put out the fires but also provide some protection to her people as they ran from the hellish horde.
Her Heart burned with rage as fierce as the fires consuming her city.
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Persephone led Alex to a food stall at the edge of the market which was serving up delicious smelling scrambled eggs, made with what seemed like normal vegetables, including onions or leeks. There were also sandwiches and gyros stuffed with crispy meats and greens of different varieties. Alex's stomach rumbled loudly as they walked over, which made Persephone laugh until hers gurgled even louder.
After they grabbed some food, Persephone led the way to an area covered with waterproof awnings where they could sit and eat without getting wet in the rain. It was such a relaxing environment that neither spoke as they ate. They were both perfectly content to listen to the rain softly pelting the painted fabric above them and watch as people bustled around the marketplace. The light mist from the rain, the wet surfaces and puddles shining in the morning sun and the steam from the grills and ovens of other food stalls lent the scene a mystical, vibrant feeling. To Alex, it felt like he was eating lunch back home on Earth and he felt happier than he'd ever remembered being as he took bites out of his gyro.
After they were done eating, they put their giant leaf plates into a receptacle for later composting and Persephone showed Alex around the marketplace as they digested their food. She led him to various stalls that sold useful everyday commodities and to public buildings such as the bank and baths. She especially teased Alex about demonstrating how to take a proper bath together later after his training that day. Angel bit her lip in frustration and mentioned to Alex how dangerous Persephone's husband could be.
As they walked to the training hall, Persephone began a more serious conversation.
"I wanted to elaborate on what I meant before." She began.
"Before?" This left Alex wracking his brain trying to figure out what she could be referring to.
"About being a good companion to Zeus. I don't expect you to change him or anything. Nobody's ever succeeded at that without his consent, he has such a strong will. Just be there for him and keep him company. We're all worried about him. He was a handful with his willful ways before but now he's been spending less time with people and has been more and more grumpy all the time."
"I thought that was just his personality."
"You haven't seen him at his best, I think."
Alex didn't know how to respond to all this. He didn't feel like the right person to be taking on such troublesome responsibility. He was thinking of excuses and weighing the pros and cons a bit while looking straight ahead.
"He's become less spirited ever since Athena took over for him. Nobody would order him around but she's the one that makes the big decisions now. She's the one the kingdom relies on."
Persephone took a bit to organize her thoughts to try to better explain what she was talking about.
"Zeus overthrew his father Cronus as Cronus had overthrown his father before. After Zeus won the Titanomachy war against his father Cronus, with the supporting titans, and secured his rule, he received a prophecy. Which was that one of his own children, supposedly a son with his first wife Metis, would someday take power for themselves and end Zeus's rule."
Alex was focused on listening now.
"Athena is the child that Metis was pregnant with when Zeus swallowed her whole. He did this in an attempt to prevent the prophecy from happening, much like his own father had done to all of his children, aside from Zeus."
Persephone realized she was going off topic by giving background information.
"Anyway, when Nyx forced Zeus to step down, Zeus allowed Athena to take over in his stead. I've said before that Athena was always his favorite and she received approval from both Gaia and Nyx to take charge instead of Hera."
"I thought Zeus was the most powerful, how would Nyx force him to step down?" Though Alex didn't study much of Greek mythology, he had always seen Zeus portrayed as the strongest of the gods.
"Zeus was, and still kinda is, the king of the Olympian gods. But Nyx was never under his rule and she is powerful. Powerful enough that Zeus never crossed her. Even Pella, our kingdom here in the commons is just a part of Nyx's territory that she rules with a few other gods. But this is all besides the point. I'll teach you more about the local geopolitical situation later if you want."
This was the first time Alex had realized that there was a larger world out there in the commons. He hadn't picked up on this fact the first time it was brought up when Persephone had mentioned about a wider conflict that would involve them all. He thought it was all ancient history.
"I only brought all this up because I hope you can help keep Zeus from growing darker in his humors or energies. Not only is he important to us as the father of our family but his strength may still be needed in the war. He isn't allowed on the front lines due to various reasons and this has only made his moods worse. I don't want anyone near him that will only make the situation more dangerous."
Persephone stopped them both and resolutely turned to Alex.
"Will you be a good friend to him? Will you be the companion that the rest of us can't be? The rest of us have too much history between us, but you are an outsider. He doesn't know you like he knows all the rest of us. So I'm asking you. On behalf of the other Olympians and all those that have ever been protected by Zeus, will you be there for him?"
As Alex kept eye contact with Persephone, only the sound of the rain and each other's breathing broke the silence of the side alley they were in. Alex for his part was growing anxious about this ongoing war he was just learning about. Zeus had said that he would become involved in conflicts between the gods. Frankly, Alex was overwhelmed by such a conversation and by the responsibility she was putting on his shoulders. He still didn't understand the significance of anything in the god commons let alone his own importance at that time and place. Even Angel only watched on.
"I want to give you a good answer but I can only say that I'll do my best. That I'll do what I can." He wanted to stress that he wasn't some miracle worker and was never good at manipulating people to get what he wanted. Neither was he articulate enough to express all this to Persephone at that moment.
"Just be there for him. Be yourself and don't try to force anything. I just don't want you to cause him unnecessary trouble, Alex."
Persephone blew out her breath and pulled on Alex's arm, leading the way once more. The back of Persephone's clothing had been getting wet from the rain as she faced Alex. Now her dress was a little transparent as it stuck to her back. She stopped them for a moment to tie her shawl around her hips so that at least her backside wouldn't cause a scene.
Meanwhile, in a different part of the god commons, Leilatha's city was on fire.
****
**
***Leilatha***
**
****
She didn't have enough time, only the smoke of the approaching fire gave her any warning. She knew it was the enemy army speeding its way to her vulnerable city. If her most powerful forces couldn't stop them, then the meager defenders still left in her capital city stood no chance. She had heard no news, no wind runners had made it back to report on the explosion and the battle. If the enemy was here it also meant that they had overcome her reserve home guard forces defending the interior towns.
She gave the orders to evacuate the civilian population and to bring along supplies and other important treasures of the kingdom. The seeds of the city tree which was grown from the seeds of her mother goddess's tree were kept on her person at all times now. These trees were not only symbolic but actually served as a source of power for the elven gods and goddesses. If they were lost and not replaced, their people may never recover their prosperity and glory. She had to decide whether to escape with her people or make a stand to buy some time. If she was overpowered the seeds could be captured or destroyed. They were so important that she dared not entrust them to anyone else.
Leilatha and the tree, as well as its seeds, were bound to each other. In order for others to draw on the power harvested and provided by the tree, they had to be blood-related to the first matron or married into the lineage. She had never gotten around to marrying another god and had never completed the delicate ceremony to include them in the bond.
...
The approaching horde pierced through the magic barrier and flew over the city walls setting fire to everything green. Even the precious city tree burned, which proved how powerful the enemy was to be able to overcome the tree's protection. After the horde began incinerating the great city tree, they spread out to wreak havoc over the rest of the city and overwhelmed any organized resistance.
Leilatha felt the pain of her tree and cried out, overcome by sadness and rage. She had trouble pulling power from its roots as she prepared to summon a powerful raging storm that would cover the greater part of her kingdom and further devastate her desperate city. It was the only thing she could think to do to put out the fires but also provide some protection to her people as they ran from the hellish horde.
Her Heart burned with rage as fierce as the fires consuming her city.
Persephone led Alex to a food stall at the edge of the market which was serving up delicious smelling scrambled eggs, made with what seemed like normal vegetables, including onions or leeks. There were also sandwiches and gyros stuffed with crispy meats and greens of different varieties. Alex's stomach rumbled loudly as they walked over, which made Persephone laugh until hers gurgled even louder.After they grabbed some food, Persephone led the way to an area covered with waterproof awnings where they could sit and eat without getting wet in the rain. It was such a relaxing environment that neither spoke as they ate. They were both perfectly content to listen to the rain softly pelting the painted fabric above them and watch as people bustled around the marketplace. The light mist from the rain, the wet surfaces and puddles shining in the morning sun and the steam from the grills and ovens of other food stalls lent the scene a mystical, vibrant feeling. To Alex, it felt like he was eating lunch back home on Earth and he felt happier than he'd ever remembered being as he took bites out of his gyro.After they were done eating, they put their giant leaf plates into a receptacle for later composting and Persephone showed Alex around the marketplace as they digested their food. She led him to various stalls that sold useful everyday commodities and to public buildings such as the bank and baths. She especially teased Alex about demonstrating how to take a proper bath together later after his training that day. Angel bit her lip in frustration and mentioned to Alex how dangerous Persephone's husband could be.As they walked to the training hall, Persephone began a more serious conversation."I wanted to elaborate on what I meant before." She began."Before?" This left Alex wracking his brain trying to figure out what she could be referring to."About being a good companion to Zeus. I don't expect you to change him or anything. Nobody's ever succeeded at that without his consent, he has such a strong will. Just be there for him and keep him company. We're all worried about him. He was a handful with his willful ways before but now he's been spending less time with people and has been more and more grumpy all the time.""I thought that was just his personality.""You haven't seen him at his best, I think."Alex didn't know how to respond to all this. He didn't feel like the right person to be taking on such troublesome responsibility. He was thinking of excuses and weighing the pros and cons a bit while looking straight ahead."He's become less spirited ever since Athena took over for him. Nobody would order him around but she's the one that makes the big decisions now. She's the one the kingdom relies on."Persephone took a bit to organize her thoughts to try to better explain what she was talking about."Zeus overthrew his father Cronus as Cronus had overthrown his father before. After Zeus won the Titanomachy war against his father Cronus, with the supporting titans, and secured his rule, he received a prophecy. Which was that one of his own children, supposedly a son with his first wife Metis, would someday take power for themselves and end Zeus's rule."Alex was focused on listening now."Athena is the child that Metis was pregnant with when Zeus swallowed her whole. He did this in an attempt to prevent the prophecy from happening, much like his own father had done to all of his children, aside from Zeus."Persephone realized she was going off topic by giving background information."Anyway, when Nyx forced Zeus to step down, Zeus allowed Athena to take over in his stead. I've said before that Athena was always his favorite and she received approval from both Gaia and Nyx to take charge instead of Hera.""I thought Zeus was the most powerful, how would Nyx force him to step down?" Though Alex didn't study much of Greek mythology, he had always seen Zeus portrayed as the strongest of the gods."Zeus was, and still kinda is, the king of the Olympian gods. But Nyx was never under his rule and she is powerful. Powerful enough that Zeus never crossed her. Even Pella, our kingdom here in the commons is just a part of Nyx's territory that she rules with a few other gods. But this is all besides the point. I'll teach you more about the local geopolitical situation later if you want."This was the first time Alex had realized that there was a larger world out there in the commons. He hadn't picked up on this fact the first time it was brought up when Persephone had mentioned about a wider conflict that would involve them all. He thought it was all ancient history."I only brought all this up because I hope you can help keep Zeus from growing darker in his humors or energies. Not only is he important to us as the father of our family but his strength may still be needed in the war. He isn't allowed on the front lines due to various reasons and this has only made his moods worse. I don't want anyone near him that will only make the situation more dangerous."Persephone stopped them both and resolutely turned to Alex."Will you be a good friend to him? Will you be the companion that the rest of us can't be? The rest of us have too much history between us, but you are an outsider. He doesn't know you like he knows all the rest of us. So I'm asking you. On behalf of the other Olympians and all those that have ever been protected by Zeus, will you be there for him?"As Alex kept eye contact with Persephone, only the sound of the rain and each other's breathing broke the silence of the side alley they were in. Alex for his part was growing anxious about this ongoing war he was just learning about. Zeus had said that he would become involved in conflicts between the gods. Frankly, Alex was overwhelmed by such a conversation and by the responsibility she was putting on his shoulders. He still didn't understand the significance of anything in the god commons let alone his own importance at that time and place. Even Angel only watched on."I want to give you a good answer but I can only say that I'll do my best. That I'll do what I can." He wanted to stress that he wasn't some miracle worker and was never good at manipulating people to get what he wanted. Neither was he articulate enough to express all this to Persephone at that moment."Just be there for him. Be yourself and don't try to force anything. I just don't want you to cause him unnecessary trouble, Alex."Persephone blew out her breath and pulled on Alex's arm, leading the way once more. The back of Persephone's clothing had been getting wet from the rain as she faced Alex. Now her dress was a little transparent as it stuck to her back. She stopped them for a moment to tie her shawl around her hips so that at least her backside wouldn't cause a scene.Meanwhile, in a different part of the god commons, Leilatha's city was on fire.*********Leilatha*********She didn't have enough time, only the smoke of the approaching fire gave her any warning. She knew it was the enemy army speeding its way to her vulnerable city. If her most powerful forces couldn't stop them, then the meager defenders still left in her capital city stood no chance. She had heard no news, no wind runners had made it back to report on the explosion and the battle. If the enemy was here it also meant that they had overcome her reserve home guard forces defending the interior towns.She gave the orders to evacuate the civilian population and to bring along supplies and other important treasures of the kingdom. The seeds of the city tree which was grown from the seeds of her mother goddess's tree were kept on her person at all times now. These trees were not only symbolic but actually served as a source of power for the elven gods and goddesses. If they were lost and not replaced, their people may never recover their prosperity and glory. She had to decide whether to escape with her people or make a stand to buy some time. If she was overpowered the seeds could be captured or destroyed. They were so important that she dared not entrust them to anyone else.Leilatha and the tree, as well as its seeds, were bound to each other. In order for others to draw on the power harvested and provided by the tree, they had to be blood-related to the first matron or married into the lineage. She had never gotten around to marrying another god and had never completed the delicate ceremony to include them in the bond....The approaching horde pierced through the magic barrier and flew over the city walls setting fire to everything green. Even the precious city tree burned, which proved how powerful the enemy was to be able to overcome the tree's protection. After the horde began incinerating the great city tree, they spread out to wreak havoc over the rest of the city and overwhelmed any organized resistance.Leilatha felt the pain of her tree and cried out, overcome by sadness and rage. She had trouble pulling power from its roots as she prepared to summon a powerful raging storm that would cover the greater part of her kingdom and further devastate her desperate city. It was the only thing she could think to do to put out the fires but also provide some protection to her people as they ran from the hellish horde.Her Heart burned with rage as fierce as the fires consuming her city.
