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Eternal Souls
by Hilara
Chapter 1
GHerK's heart was laden with sadness. Even for some one with the strength of a thousand
men it seemed far too heavy a burden to bare. Immortality for the deity half of his being
had been a "gift" from his father, Zeus but GHerK viewed it more as a curse.
How much luckier the man, than the god. GHerK thought as he looked in on his mortal half
in the Elysian fields. HerKules' head lay cradled tenderly against Deinera's bosom after a
sensual night of love making. His journeys had finally come to a peaceful conclusion.
Never again would he have to leave her side.
Their children slept soundly in the next room. Jason and Alcmene lived in the next house
on the right and Iolaus and his wife and children had a home to the left. Iphicles had a
place next to that. Serena and her second husband also dwelled near as did Hippolyata and
Nemisis. These women who HerKules had once called wife and lovers had become dear friends
of the family. GHerK felt like an intruder, a voyeur. He had disdained these screens, the
first time his father had show them to him. And couldn't understand why he was at them
now. His only excuse was the terrible sense of loss tormenting his every thought.
GHerK had grown to care a great deal for Aphrodite. And his fondness and respect for his
other half sisters, Artemis and Athena, had also grown. He'd also developed a casual
friendship with many of the other deities. The bitterness between he, Ares and Apollo
would never disappear but they had at least agreed to stay out of one another's way, the
last view years of his life. As for
his relationship with Zeus, he knew they loved one another but it seemed, as if a bridge
would always exist between them. One which both father and son were much too proud to
cross. Today, the day of his death and rebirth, he had become an official Olympian, yet
GHerK had never felt more alone.
HerKules had been aiding several families attempting to escape from a marauding army
trying to conquer Greece. He had gotten them to safety but moments later the fates had
severed his own life chord with the fatal wound of an enemy's arrow. The question of
whether he was immortal or not had finally been answered. He was as he was meant to be
from the moment of his birth, both. The instant of his death, Celestia had come for his
mortal half. She had taken him to his old friend, Charron, who escorted his body across
the River Styx. GHerK had been transported by a winged chariot to the heights of Mt.
Olympus. Zeus had been there upon his arrival but the moment had been fraught with tension
and no words had been spoken.
Laughter spilled out from one of the great halls. The residents of Mt. Olympus were
partying again. No doubt they were growing more inebriated on ambrosia and their own sense
of power with each passing moment. GHerK was supposed to be the guest of honor but he had
no interest in joining his "family." Feeling the urge to escape he moved away
from the screens and set out to explore his surroundings, something he had never bothered
to do on his previous visits to his father's home.
Soon he came upon a beautiful field. It looked like the world he'd left behind in a sense,
but the grass here was greener, the skies bluer, the air fresher and the flowers even more
vibrant with fragrance and color. There was a crystalline lake, it beckoned him to immerse
himself in its
depths. Slowly GHerK removed his vest and undid his pants. He stood naked for a moment
in the sun, stretching all his muscles, and lifting his face up to a warm and comforting
sun. His human form had been aging on earth but GHerK had been fully restored to the
magnificent creation he had been at the height of his manhood(as had HerKules when he
reached the Elysian fields). GHerK tested the water with one toe. Its temperature was
perfect, he supposed paradise did have some perks. He saw a board extended midway out into
the lake. GHerK made his way over and mounted it. His body arched gracefully as he
executed a perfect dive into the water.
He had swum at least three laps before his senses alerted him to the fact that he was not
alone. A woman sat on the opposite bank. Her body was quaking, as if from the cold, but
GHerK knew that was impossible. He quickly guessed that she was sobbing. Quickly swimming
over to her,
he emerged from the water. He gave a moments thought to his nakedness, but dismissed it in
his urgency to come to her aid. Besides she was as bare as he.
GHerK approached cautiously so as not to startle her. He was barely able to contain a gasp
at her beauty. She rivaled all the riches in this place of many splendors. GHerK had never
laid eyes on her before and wondered who she was. He cleared his throat gently and asked
her that very question. "Who are you?" She looked up at him with tear filled
eyes and said I am Marianna. And I don't belong here.
Chapter 2
"Please to meet you Marrianna", GHerK said. Then introduced himself. She nodded but kept silent. "I hope this doesn't sound like too nosy a question, but whose daughter are you?", he asked.
"My father was Thesalais."
"Thesalais?" GHerK replied. "I don't think I've ever heard that name around Olympus before."
"That is just it, don't you see?"
"I told you I don't belong here" she cried. "He was a simple farmer and
my mother was Melina, a seamstress." "I was not meant to be an immortal, I am
not of the gods and goddesses. I never ven believed in them until today."
GHerK was not surprised at this pronouncement. The Olympians had left the mortals to fend
for themselves in too many troubled times. Eventually they had fallen out of favor. Many
people had stopped making offerings and parents had also stopped teaching their children
about the gods. GHerK was just as puzzled as Marrianna as to how she had come to be here.
Thousands of questions were running through his head but she seemed to be crying even
harder. This woman was a virtual stranger to him, but each tear stabbed his heart more
deeply than the arrow that had caused his death. He knelt next to her upon the ground. He
tentatively reached
out, and when she didn't object, he began to comfortingly stroke her hair. Then GHerK
gently cupped her face and kissed away a salty tear. Marrianna surprised him with her
response. She wrapped her arms around his neck and placed her head trustingly against his
chest.
GHerK felt the throb of desire begin in his loins. He tried to curb it as best as he
could. It wasn't easy. She was vulnerable and it was simply against his nature to take
advantage of her. Many things could be taken away from him but apparently his sense of
decency was an inherent trait that would always remain a part of his being. GHerK placed a
soft kiss against her forehead and contented himself with pulling her closer into his
embrace. The loneliness he'd felt since his
arrival began to ease.
Chapter 3
Marrianna hadn't been entirely impressed with the Olympians she had met up until this
moment. But this one seemed vastly different. Perhaps she was wrong to trust a stranger in
this unknown world but she couldn't help herself. He was the most handsome thing she had
ever seen in her
life. His rippling muscles, long golden brown locks, and soulful blue eyes were admittedly
incredible. But she wasn't just thinking of his physical attributes as impressive as they
were. It was a brilliant light that seemed to radiate from his inner soul that pulled her
irresistibly towards him. How could she explain standing in his arms completely unclothed
yet unconcerned? Marrianna was positive that she had never met him before this moment in
time, but somehow she knew him.
"Your not like the rest of them." Marrianna suddenly blurted out. Then she
reached up and covered her mouth. Her mother had always told her she needed to think more
before she spoke. She'd just insulted his family. To her relief he laughed. "What a
delightful sound", Marrianna
thought. She also enjoyed the way it rumbled against her cheek.
"I consider that a compliment", GHerK said, once his laughter had subsided.
"You see Marrianna, my dear, we have something in common."
She lifted her head and noted the sadness in his eyes. She longed to wipe it away as he had her tears.
"What is that?", she asked softly.
"I don't belong here anymore than you do", he replied. "Their blood may be coursing through my veins but I don't think I will ever truly be a part of them. But that is enough about me and my family. Do you think you are ready to tell me your story?" Marrianna sensed there was more and that he desperately needed to talk it out. But she was willing to accept his deliberate change of the subject for now. "Well…" she began.
Chapter 4
{Author's note. Zeus was pictured as the irreplaceable Anthony Quinn, when this was being
written.}
"Several days ago my village was somehow warned that an enemy attack was coming. No
one knew who had issued it but everyone took it seriously. My family was able to pack and
leave immediately and many others did the same. There was a handful that planned to catch
up later, however. I was one of them. You see I was the curator for an art museum. The
thought that all those beautiful pieces of art might be destroyed in a war made me sick,
so I set about hiding as many of the treasures as I could. Some of them were buried,
others hidden in secret stairwells and behind wall mortar in various homes and buildings.
But there was one piece, a statue that was too large to disguise. It would have taken at
least ten strong men to move it and the people, who were left had more immediate problems.
Yet I couldn't bare the thought of people never knowing that this piece of such beauty
existed.
It was just so special you know. At least it was to me. No one ever knew how it came to
the museum, who were the subjects it depicted or even who the donor was, but I felt it was
magical. And others seemed to always be immediately drawn to it. So I went to my wagon to
which was tied out behind the building and got my art supplies. My intention was to make a
brief sketch and then quickly meet up with the final group leaving the village. But
something came over me. I took out my paints and began trying to capture from every angle,
its very essence so it would never
truly be lost. I think I would have just kept going, if the light hadn't begun to fail.
When I realized how long I'd been there I started to feel afraid. I quickly gathered up my
work and headed out. The sense of terror grew when I realized that there was not a soul
left in town. Since my wagon had been in the back the others must not have seen it and
assumed I had set off ahead of them. The only sound was the howling of the wind and the
banging doors of empty homes. Part of me wanted to set right out after the last group. I
missed my parents and brothers so much at that moment. But the night was growing ever
darker and the cold more bitter. I knew I'd never make it. So I headed for my home. I hid
the wagon behind the trees and ran inside. I was afraid to even build a fire, so I huddled
in a blanket."
Marrianna began to shiver with the force of her memory. GHerK did his best to offer
comfort. "You don't have to continue, if this is too painful", he whispered.
"No I want to tell you, I need to tell you", she insisted. He nodded in
understanding. Marrianna took a deep breath and continued her story.
"I didn't sleep a wink that night. I was planning on setting out at first light. But
when it came, so did the enemy soldiers. I grabbed the paintings of the statue and hid in
the cellar. If I had fled, the would have captured me for sure. As it was I thought they
would surely come in and take me prisoner or worse. Instead I felt the very foundations of
the house begin to shake. It dawned on
me that they were using a battering ram but there was nothing I could do. I was trapped.
One of the beams began to crack. I saw it falling towards me and then there was nothing.
No sounds, no sights, no pain, just nothing.
I thought this is it, it's over but then something happened. I found myself standing in a
room of pristine white gates and there was a kindly old gentleman waiting to greet me. He
said not to be frightened. That he had come to help me. He was holding a golden tankard
and he held it out and bade me to drink. My throat was parched so I gratefully accepted.
Never guessing what I was consuming."
"Ambrosia", GHerK said knowingly.
"Yes ambrosia", Marrianna replied. "All I knew at the time, was it was
the sweetest thing I had ever tasted. Then the strangest feeling came over me. It was like
I was glowing inside and out and a surge of intense heat and power shot through my body.
The man introduced himself as Zeus, the king of the gods.
He informed me that I was now an immortal and that he was there to take me to Mt. Olympus.
At first I laughed, but when I looked at him, really looked at him, his clothes, his face,
his demeanor, I knew he wasn't jesting. I kept telling him; he'd made a serious mistake.
He said there was none
made. I begged him to tell me what was happening. Why I was being taken. Pleaded with him
to send me back to my family. He looked at me with what I swear was sympathy, but he spoke
not a word. He simply touched my arm and the next thing I knew I was in the bedroom of a
small but beautiful cottage."
GHerK's face grew red with anger. "He didn't try to seduce you did he?", he
growled. "Because if that dirty old man laid a finger on you, I'll...."
"No", she quickly assured him. "Zeus had disappeared. Later I was called
upon to meet the rest of the gods and goddesses. They were for the most part polite, but I
knew they viewed me as the outsider that I am. And the one named Apollo gave me the
chills. So I left and found my way back to the cottage. I've stayed in for the past few
days. But I was starting to go stir crazy, so today I decided to come and view the
surroundings."
She felt her cheeks grow warm. "I saw the lake and decided to bathe. The water looked
so inviting. I thought it would help, but it didn't. So I swam to the shore and just gave
into the tears. That is when you arrived. Don't misunderstand me, everything is exquisite
here. The cottage, this field, the clothes, you..", her voice trailed off. She was
afraid she was revealing too much. "But this is not where I should be. I miss my
family, my friends."
"I understand Marrianna", GHerK said in a strangled voice. "I do too."
GHerK reluctantly disentangled himself from the embrace they had been sharing, while they
talked. "I can't promise you anything, but I will speak to my father on your
behalf."
"Zeus is your father?", she asked with amazement.
"Yes, but don't get your hopes up that it will make a difference. It never has before." With that rather odd remark he was gone in an instant, before she had a chance to respond. She desperately hoped she would see him once more.
Chapter 5
GHerK found Zeus still at the party. He and Hera appeared to be enjoying the festivities.
Well GHerK was about to spoil their fun. He began to stride toward them.
GHerK felt a hand grip his elbow. "Finally decided to show up for your party?",
Apollo's obnoxious voice greeted him. GHerK easily shrugged off his half brother's grip.
"Get lost", GHerK warned.
"Why that isn't a very friendly attitude now is it?"
"You'll have to excuse our brother", Ares said as he strolled up with a stunning
redhead on his arm. He died today. I understand that can be quite a downer." GHerK
shot him a look that let Ares know he'd better not start anything he wasn't willing to
finish. Amazingly enough Ares
shrugged his shoulders and said "lighten up bro" before he, Apollo and their
companions slipped off.
Zeus smiled at GHerK as he approached. "Welcome my son. I knew you'd come eventually.
Have some food, some ambrosia, relax. Evander and the rest of your nieces and nephews will
be arriving soon. Whatever you think of the rest of us, I know you will enjoy their
company."
GHerK wondered at this latest bit of news but he was not about to be swayed from his
mission. "Sorry Zeus but I'm not in the mood to join your soiree. So I'll save us
both sometime and cut to the chase. Send her back!"
"Who?", Zeus asked.
"You know damned well who, Marrianna. And while your at it send me back too."
Zeus didn't respond for a moment. "Excuse me my dear", he said turning to
Hera, but I need a moment alone with my son."
"Of course" she agreed. "Just hurry back quickly, my husband." She
nodded
in Hercules direction. Then she moved away to engage Demeter in conversation.
Zeus motioned for GHerK to follow him. He led the way to his throne room. "I can't do
that", he said as soon as they were out of earshot of the others.
"Why does that answer seem so familiar, so false?", GHerK asked sarcastically. A pained look crossed Zeus' face.
"This may shock you son, but your old man may be king of the Olympians, but that
doesn’t mean I can control everything that happens."
"What is that supposed to mean?", GHerK asked.
"Precisely what it sounds like", Zeus said. "There are forces in this vast universe far more powerful than my own. They have decreed certain things that like it or not, I cannot change."
"What things", GHerK asked.
"Well for one, Greece as we know it will be beset by many, many, wars and not ones
of Ares' makings."
"And you mean to tell me that you can't prevent that?", GHerK asked.
"No", Zeus said and remarkably there was remorse in his tone.
"Then send me back, GHerK said. "Maybe there is something I ca........."
"Aren't you listening?", Zeus shouted at his son. "There is nothing anyone
of us can do. In fact anyone with an ounce of Olympian blood in their veins has been
forbidden to remain on earth. We have been given domain over Olympus, our underworld, the
Elysian Fields, Tarturus and that is it. This is why your life line was cut by the fates
today. Why I am bringing Evander and the other demi-gods and goddesses here too. You have
all seen your last days on earth. I allowed each of the immortals one last time to visit
the other gods and goddesses to have one last visit there as well. They were allowed to
select companions, and give them ambrosia. So new blood will be added to our line, and we
can continue to thrive even in our exile. I would have allowed you the same opportunity
but I knew you'd stubbornly refuse. Besides I feared you would resist coming back. But at
any rate the portal between earth and the remains of our empire will soon be closed."
"So what would happen, if you were to defy these other powers that be by sending me
back, before it closes?," GHerK asked.
"Both your mortal and immortal soul would be vanquished from the universe, completely
erased. Think of what that would do to your mother, Deinera, your children, your friends.
What it would do to m...", Zeus turned away. "I will not allow it to
happen", he said gruffly. It is one of the few things that I still have control
over."
"But what about Marrianna?" GHerK pleaded. "Can't she be sent back?"
"No", Zeus informed him. "The same fate would await her." "She wasn't born an Olympian, she didn't even really choose to be one of us", GHerK pointed out angrily.
"Ah but she drank the ambrosia, so she is now an immortal, none the less",
was Zeus's reply.
GHerK shook his head in disgust. "So you took her here against her will to be a
"companion" and now she's stuck here."
"For your information she was dead in her earthly form. It was the enemy soldiers
that saw to that. I chose to bring her soul here and give it immortality. And no despite
your low opinion of me and other members of the rest of this family she wasn't brought her
as a companion."
"Then why?" GHerK shouted.
"Because without knowing it she did me a favor and I decided to reward her", Zeus replied.
"Some reward", GHerK scoffed. Zeus merely shrugged his shoulders.
"So Marianna and I are forced to live her in exile for ever."
More than likely was Zeus' response. "The forces said we could return to earth, only
if we were to be called back by the people of Greece. If they were to ask for the help of
even one of our full gods and goddesses, we could all return. But as you know that is not
likely to happen."
"And whose fault is that? Do you blame them? Were any of you ever there when you were
truly needed?", GHerK shouted angrily.
"Blame me, if you will son. I've failed. Isn't that what you want to hear? Well I
admit it. But it doesn’t change a thing. We are all in exile. That is something you
and Marrianna are just going
to have to come to terms with", Zeus said forcefully.
"Thanks for nothing as usual, Zeus", GHerK snarled. And with those angry words
echoing through the throne room, he disappeared. The king of the Olympians bowed his head
and amazingly tears of sorrow streamed from his eyes.
Chapter 6
GHerK returned to the lake to find Marrianna had gone. He saw a path and followed
it until he came upon the little cottage she had told him about. He knocked softly. No one
answered. He hated to invade her privacy, hated even more the news he had to impart to
her, but she deserved to know. He opened the door carefully and peaked his head inside. It
was filled with flowers and magnificent art. It certainly did not look like a prison but
he feared Marrianna would come to view it that way. Not that he would blame her.
He found her all curled up and fast asleep on what looked to be a big comfy bed. GHerK
swallowed a lump in his throat. She was covered this time from head to toe, but he found
her impact on him was as stunning as when he first saw her. He couldn't resist the urge to
caress her cheek and stroke the silken locks of her hair.
Marrianna purred like a contented kitten and then opened her eyes. She smiled at him so
bravely and trustingly that it almost broke his heart.
"Why hello you" she said. "I was hoping to see you again."
"You may change your mind, when you here what I have to tell you" GHerK said dejectedly.
"Your father said no?" Marrianna guessed. GHerK nodded in silent
confirmation.
"Well then I guess will just have to make the best of it" she said with
determination.
"Don't do that, don't let them off the hook so easily. Because of their past mistakes you're stuck here. Away from your family, away from your friends. And while your at it don't let me off the hook either. Why is that whenever it comes to helping the people, I truly care about, I end up failing them?"
"Stop it right there mister"she shouted. "Don't go blaming yourself for
this. Sometimes there
are just circumstances in life that are beyond anyone's control, even you big guy."
She saw he was going to argue. "Come here" she ordered.
"What for?" he asked.
"Just come here" she sat up in the bed offering her hand. GHerK drew nearer
and took it in his. With surprising strength she pulled him down beside her on the bed.
"Look in a very real sense, I owe your father my life. He may not have given me back
the one I was used to, but he did give me the chance to live again, start over. Haven't
you ever heard that expression where there is life there is hope? And as far as you're
concerned you've given me comfort, compassion and companionship beyond anything I've ever
known Those are tremendously powerful gifts and I've already come to treasure them."
GHerK couldn't believe what he was hearing. He felt the same way about her but hadn't
expected her to return these powerful emotions. He reached out and drew her tightly into
his arms. He felt a tear begin to fall and then another. Then the dam burst and all the
grief he had kept buried deep inside him came pouring out. He cried for his Deinera and
the kids, Serena, Iolaus, his mother and all those he had loved and lost. And for the
little boy who had grown up longing to be loved and understood by his father. He had never
allowed himself this luxury before because he felt he'd had to be strong for everyone
else. But now things seemed different somehow like a heavy burden was being lifted from
his shoulders.
Marrianna had held him tightly as he came to terms with his grief. She rocked and crooned
to him softly. When his pain had subsided he pulled slightly away. As he had done for her,
she leaned up and kissed the tears gently away. Their gazes met and held as she began to
stroke his arms, then his back. He leaned down to kiss her lips then started to pull away.
"Don't" she whispered.
"I don't want to take advantage of you" he insisted.
"Do you think I'm trying to take advantage of you?" she asked.
"Don't be ridiculous" he replied.
"Then don't you be. All right maybe we are both vulnerable, but we are also both
intuitive enough to recognize this feeling between us goes far beyond that."
"Must be that hal... I mean full god thing" GHerK said offering her a weak smile.
"Must be" she said. Giving him a full wattage grin in return. "Besides vulnerability is necessarily a bad thing, its better than false fronts and guarded walls."
"You might have a point there" he conceded.
"Then as I see it there is only one decision we each have to make and I've already
made mine" she said firmly.
"And what decision is that?" he asked.
"Well you see I've made up my mind that I want you. Now the question is do you want me?"
GHerK nearly fell off the bed. He would never get over how forthright she was.
"So what's your answer big guy?" she asked teasingly punching him in his
right arm. He easily deflected her blow.
He caught her arm and let her feel every inch of his strong muscular body. His arousal
plainly evident.
"What do you think?" he asked rhetorically. Then he sealed her mouth with a
thorough kiss.
Chapter 7
Marrianna was swept away by the power of his lips upon hers. She had never before experienced such potent feelings. Her heart was swelling with love and an unquenchable thirst for this man, this god. GHerK stood and then lifted her off the bed. He set her down, standing directly in front of him. She feared he was going to call a halt to what was happening between them. That was the last thing she wanted.
She was about to protest but he silenced her with another of his heart stopping kisses.
He
put his hands on her shoulders and began easing the gown she was wearing downward.
Marriana felt a flush of embarrassment but then she looked at his incredible blue eyes.
They danced with
the light of a thousand flames as her body was slowly revealed to him. It made her feel
giddy and proud.
Soon the gown pooled at her feet. GHerK smiled at her before he began nibbling softly at
her exposed skin. One hand reached down to cup a breast and he gently caressed her nipple,
bringing it to immediate attention. Then he lowered his beautiful head and took suckle.
Marrianna cried out.
GHerK stopped for a moment and looked at her searchingly.
"Did I hurt you?" he asked concerned. Marrianna shook her head no. She was
incapable
of speaking. So she let her hands do the talking.
Her fingers worked on his vest and even though they stumbled over their task, she managed
to get it undone. Soon it joined her gown on the floor. She sculpted his powerful
shoulders then moved on to his magnificent chest. She played with the hairs on it for a
few delightful moments. Then she could not resist the urge to taste his skin as he had
hers. GHerK groaned in pleasure.
Marrianna lifted her head and gave him a coquettish smile. "You little minx" he
teased. The playful moment lasted but a second as by this point their desire had built to
a fever pitch.
Marrianna and GHerK both reached for his pants at the same time. The moment could have
been awkward but he whispered, "I'll let you do the honors." She was more than
happy to oblige him carefully easing them down his powerful legs. Soon his full glory was
revealed to her. Marianna was astounded by the clear extent of his need for her.
She reached out, unable to deny the powerful urge to touch him. She caressed him until he
was nearly begging for mercy. He picked her up once more and placed her back on the bed
and came down beside her. He loved her with tender fingers and reverent lips.
When the moment came he took her with a gentle eagerness. It was her first time and from
what she had read and heard she had expected pain. There was none. Only a splendid sense
of completeness.
Maybe it was because she was now a goddess, or he was a god, or because he had prepared
he....... Suddenly Marianna lost any capacity for coherent thought as she was delivered
into a universe of a trillion shooting stars. GHerK soon followed. When they returned from
their journey they cuddled, kissed, giggled, chatted and kissed again. Then with him
curved around her like a spoon, they fell into a deeply contented sleep.
Chapter 8
The next morning GHerK awoke with Marianna still cradled in his arms. He looked upon
her adoringly. She looked so sensually sweet. He wanted her all over again but he resisted
the temptation to waken her. The night just passed had been momentous for both of them.
She needed her rest.
GHerK pulled on his pants and then decided not to bother with his vest or boots. He padded
barefoot out into the kitchen area of the cottage. It was filled with an assortment of
delights. They included cheeses, bread, wine and a variety of fruits. He picked up some
grapes and laughed in delight as he remembered the time Sal had finagled him into posing
for an art fair, with only a few bunches of them for cover. His mood turned introspective
as he realized thoughts of his family and friends, no longer brought pangs of loneliness
and loss. All his memories were now of the happy times he'd shared with them during his
time on earth.
"Hey" he thought. "Marrianna is an artist, perhaps I should offer to
model for her." A big grin lit GHerK's face.
He took the grapes and an apple and poured himself a glass of sweet smelling nectar. He'd
only have a snack as he wanted to have a special first breakfast with Marrianna. He'd
prepare it later, then serve it to her in bed.
GHerK brought his food and drink into the lounging area and sat down on some thick
comfortable pillows arranged on the floor. There was a huge window and it looked out over
a beautiful vista of water falls and rainbows. He'd never seen this side of Mt. Olympus
before. It reminded him in a way of earth, yet it was even more lovely and spectacular
than anything he had seen there.
He closed his eyes and breathed deeply and practiced some of the techniques that he had
learned from his guides in Ere. He slowed and listened to the beat of his heart. It's
rhythm seemed different, stronger somehow. He credited a great deal of it to Marrianna.
She was the one who had truly brought him back to life with the gift of her heart. But
there was something more happening to him.
GHerK reopened his eyes and shook his head. Perhaps now wasn't the time for analysis. For
once in his life, he should be only in the present. Let himself enjoy this very special
moment in his life, without asking too many questions.
He looked around the room and noted a leather case. With a sixth sense he could only
attribute to that "god thing" he knew it contained the images she had made of
the statue. The ones she had sacrificed her mortal life to paint. He hated to invade her
privacy, but his sense of curiosity overwhelmed him. Besides after all they had shared, he
didn't think she'd mind. He quickly crossed the room and picked up the case.
GHerK carefully eased the artwork out of the protective covering. When the works were
finally revealed to him, his shock was so tremendous that he fell to his knees and leaned
back against a chair. The statue had been of a father holding his infant son. And even
though these paintings were second generation, artist to artist, the clarity of its
message still shown through. Nothing had been lost in the interpretation or translation.
Marrianna and the original sculpture had managed to convey the love shinning from father
towards the son. The artists had captured it, but they had not created it. It was too
overpowering to be anything but real.
GHerK had finally found the answer to the question that had troubled him so deeply
throughout his life. Zeus truly did love him after all. GHerK realized he had been wrong
thinking he had to prove himself to win his father's love. It had been his all along, from
the day he was conceived. GHerK couldn't understand all the reasons, why they had
disappointed one another so often. Perhaps he never would. But this one answer he'd
discovered today would go along way towards filling the void, he'd always felt where his
father should have been.
He found a paper and a quill and wrote Marrianna a note in case she woke. He wanted to
make sure she was reassured that he would be back and how much last night had meant. He
didn't add the words "I love you" because he wanted to deliver that message in
person.
GHerK sneaked back into the bedroom. She was still sleeping. He set the note on his empty
pillow and then quickly but quietly completed dressing. He was off to find Zeus. They
needed to talk.
Chapter 9
GHerK armed with one of Marrianna's paintings made his way towards Zeus' throne room.
He fully expected his father to be busy with Hera but GHerK was in for a surprise. His
father was not alone but there was no sign of his stepmother. Instead two babies sat upon
Zeus' knee.
The king of the gods looked up at GHerK's approach. "Arista and Argin meet your Uncle
GHerK. I know you are going to like him alot." GHerK hid the rolled painting behind
his back with one hand before he knelt in front of the throne. He took Arista's little
hand gently in his free one. She had curly blond locks and a smile that would melt the
hardest of hearts. There was no doubt she was the daughter of Aphrodite and Hesphestus.
"You're going to be a heartbreaker just like your mother." GHerK said softly.
Then he turned his attention to the other child. It was a boy, with straight black hair
and a scowling expression on his face.
"You're Ares' boy aren't you? I am very close to your brother, Evander. So hopefully
we can be friends too despite my differences with your father." Argin looked
suspicious but a half smile formed on his face." GHerK smiled delightedly.
To his father he said, "We need to talk but it can wait."
"Nonsense" said Zeus. "There is no time like the present." He lifted each of the children off his lap, stood carefully and set them both down on his large throne.
"Now you two be good, while I talk to your Uncle." He motioned GHerK over to a
large window. It looked out on a vast universe filled with stars. For a moment father and
son, stood
motionless and quiet taking in its splendor.
After a bit, Zeus spoke first. "What is it son?" GHerK didn't say a word just
brought out the painting from behind his back and handed it to Zeus. Tears began rolling
down GHerK's face. Zeus carefully unrolled the canvas. He nodded and moisture welled in
his eyes as well.
"You did love me, afterall." GHerK finally spoke.
"From the day you were born. I'm just sorry you ever had to doubt it my boy. I know I
let you down. There were things I just couldn't explain or change no matter how much I
wanted to. As I said earlier, even the king of the gods has limits to his power because of
forces that are greater than you and I can comprehend. And then there were I just simply
let you down. But through it
everything, I always loved you most of all. I love you to this day."
"And I'm sorry I blamed you for everything father. Sorry I took all my losses and
pain out on you. Yes you did make mistakes, but I've made them too. I'm sorry I lost sight
of what really mattered. Your my father and I love you." GHerK said. Zeus held out
his arms to his son and GHerK accepted. Father and son embraced.
"Welcome home son. I've missed you."
"It is good to be home father." GHerK said and really meant it.
Then he broke out into joyous laughter. Zeus look puzzled until GHerK pulled away and
pointed. There were objects of all shapes and sizes floating around the room. GHerK
reached up and grabbed a triangle. It was soft to the touch. The two babies looked
especially pleased with the test of their powers. Just then Arista lifted her finger and
sent a soft round circle flying towards the back of Argin's head. GHerK quickly
intercepted. "You're going to make your grandpa's hair even grayer" Zeus
playfully scolded.
Chapter 10
Marrianna had awakend to find GHerK missing in the morning. She was worried at first
but then she found his touching note. Almost immediately she started to miss him. The
night that they had shared had left her changed forever and she was glad to know he had
felt the same way. After dressing she went into the kitchen. Her melancholia had
dissipated and with the dawn of the day
she felt everything was new, fresh and replete with splendid possibilities. She did still
miss her family, but she knew they would be happy for her and want her to start a new
life.
When she had finished her meal and GHerK had not returned she decided to go in search of
him. She had taken a few wrong turns here and there but eventually she found him.
Marrianna was just in time to witnesses the touching scene of Zeus and GHerK 's reunion
and their playing delighted referees between two beautiful babies. She had hidden behind a
pillar, she did not want to disrupt this moment.
Suddenly a beautiful blonde appeared. Marrianna heard her say, "WOW! What a totally
incredible
sight. Looks like the family feud is over. Ares is going to be totally bummed. You've made
my day
complete." GHerK laughed and pulled the woman into his arms and gave her a kiss on
the cheek.
Marrianna felt a twinge of doubt. Deep inside her heart something told her that GHeK was a
wonderful being and he would never hurt her. But their relationship was so new and they
had just met. Perhaps this other woman meant something to him.
Feeling like an intruder she started to turn away. But GHerK caught sight of her. Excusing
himself he ran up to her. Picking her up he twirled her around. Taking her into the
privacy of the shadows he gave her a thorough kiss. "I'm glad you are here my
darling, darling Marrianna. I can't wait a minute more to tell you, how much I love you,
adore you, need you.........." He took a breath and then gave her another kiss which
succeeded in stealing hers.
"There is so much more I know we should plan and discuss. And I know this is probably
too soon, but I already know I want to spend my eternity with you, so would you
marr......." He trailed off at her stunned expression. Then he said "I knew it,
I've rushed you, probably scared you off, I don't blame you, you need tim........"
"GHerK darling" she sighed. "Yes and hush. Your mouth can be doing a
much more productive thing than babbling" she informed him her voice filled with
laughter. And this time she pulled his head down and kissed the living daylights out of
him.
Two throats being cleared at the same time, made the couple pull apart.
"Look there blushing, how cool is that?" the woman Marrianna had seen earlier said. Zeus chuckled.
GHerK said "Now behave you two." Marianna you have already met, my irrepressible
father Zeus, and this my equally irrepressible sister, Aphrodite.
"Sister" Marrianna whispered gratefully. GHerK and Zeus seemed not to have
heard. But Dite did.
"Girl Talk" she announced and pulled Marrianna aside. GHerK started to
protest, but she shook her finger at him. "Don't worry I'll bring her back and I'll
be nice I swear."
Once she and Marianna were a slight distance away Aphrodite voiced her reassurance.
"Let me tell you, you don't have a thing to worry about. My dearest bro is completely
true blue, and a one man woman. I can guarantee you. And I should know. I am the goddess
of love after all."
Marianna smiled gratefully and the two women hugged. "We should start making plans
for the
wedding right away" Aphrodite informed her. "Because the big guy's, very
impatient, I should
warn you." "Me too" Marrianna told her new sister. "But there is one
thing I worry about."
"What is that?" Aphrodite asked.
"Well your brother told me a bit about his live on earth last night and well
helping people was just such a big part of his life, I just wonder how they will survive
without him or with out all of you."
"GHerK has earned this time for happiness and for himself and I think he has finally
accepted that. But I do know what you mean. I am sure the people down there will be okay.
The rest of us gods and goddesses didn't always live up to our responsibilities to begin
with. On the other hand GHerK did far more than his share."
"The people down there will probably find new heroes to take up there cause. New
forces of good to believe in." "But still we will all miss them and wish there
was a way we could still be
there in case they need us. However, unless they call for us, I'm afraid our hands our
tied. Unless....... Aphrodite’s voice trailed off when GHerK interrupted. And said
"Time's Up".
Aphrodite laughed and said to Marianna "see I told you he was impatient."
Zeus said "I know you two are anxious to be alone but I'd like to show off my future
new daughter in law soon. Let me throw a big bash for the two of you soon."
GHerK was about to protest, but looked at his father's expectant face and gave in. Zeus
assured him that he would advise the rest of the family to behave and that the party would
be tasteful.
There was hugs all around. Zeus returned to the grandchildren and Marrianna and GHerK set
off to the cottage arm in arm to delight in the ecstasy of their new found love.
In the meantime Aphrodite looked at the small lock of her brother's hair she had
discreetly and magically removed from his head. "And since my bro is such a one man
woman I will just have to talk to Hesphestus about his cloning idea." She said on a
giggle. Then she used her powers to create a very good likeness of her handsome brother on
a scroll.
She was no Marrianna when it came to art but it would have to do. Then she produced a
second scroll. On it she wrote, Are you looking for a hero?" A man of men from head
to toe? One who will be there when it really matters, that will make your heart pitter
patter? One who is wonderful and mighty? Call 1-800-Luv-Dite. She then put all but the
lock of hair into a very large envelope sealed it with wax and went to the rapidly
narrowing portal and dropped the envelope down it. She'd done what she could. Aphrodite
giggled then went to help Zeus corral her daughter.
Later in the cottage Marrianna and GHerK were engaged in the dance of love. When it ended
GHerK pulled her in his arms and whispered thank you.
"For what?" she asked.
"For loving me, for giving me back my Olympus family, for giving me a new family with you and our little son in there" he said placing a hand on her stomach.
"A son, how do you know, it's so soon and......?"
"It’s a god thing, you'll get used to it" he told her. His grin reached
from ear to ear and his eyes sparkled.
"You know I think you're right, it must be a goddess’s thing huh?"
"You got it, now as you so discreetly put it before, let's quit talking for awhile
and use our mouths for more enjoyable tasks" he said and suited word to deed.
Several years later some amazons visiting Greece on an archeological dig found
Aphrodite’s package. They took out the portrait of GHerK and studied it. WOW they all
exclaimed at once and in unison they started to chant the call.
The end.
This is solely a fan-fiction for pleasure and enjoyment of fans and is not meant in anyway
to intrude upon the copyrighted material of any person or organization.
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