Lineage of the Mortals: Fall of the golden era

Cracks

In a world of her own, Rhea lounged upon a divan. One hand on her pregnant stomach, the other held lazily by her sister Theia. Who was sitting upon velvet cushions on the marble floor talking with the other titanides. The divan was forged of ornately carved gold, depicting olive trees whose branches snaked their way across its entire frame. The soft fabrics draped across it were various shades of yellow and orange. The six sisters were arranged in a circle of cushions, of similar colours, and various trays laden with delicious food. Rhea had insisted that she could join her sisters on the floor but, to her reluctance, they had insisted that two mortals bring the divan from the throne room.

'You don’t want any unintentional harm to the little one'

They had insisted. She admired their concern but Rhea knew the child’s fate and it made her heart ache. The thought made her wince and caused her hand to flinch.

“Are you ok?”

Theia asked, noticing her sudden movement, stroking Rhea’s fingers with her thumb.

“Just a kick, nothing to worry about Tia.”

Rhea smiled, running a hand through Theia’s blonde locks reassuringly. Her sisters sky blue eye’s glittered a smile back.

“Alright if you’re getting tired just say so”

“I think I have energy enough to hear you all gossip”

Thiea squeezed Rhea’s hand and resumed her conversation with Phoebe. Theia was always a bubbly, positive and caring individual which had made Rhea’s pregnancy all the harder. Seeing her sister care about a niece or nephew she would never meet was difficult, but Rhea didn’t have the heart to reject her kindness. Rhea went back to her own world. Usually the meetings always went the same way. The intention was to discuss the ruling of the provinces but since the world lived off the bounty from their mother, Gaea, little input from the titans themselves was needed. Normally the younger generations regulated the weather and ambassadors sorted minor conflicts that weren’t worth their attention. Each of the four provinces was assigned a compass point. Phoebe and Coeus ruled the north, Krios and his wife Eurybia ruled the south, Hyperion and Theia the east, Iapetus and his wife Clymene ruled the west, Tethys and Oceanus governed all oceans and water bodies while Rhea and Cronus ruled as king and queen in the centre. Themis and Mnemosyne found their purpose with the mortals teaching them order and language. Rhea and Cronus’ palace, where the titanides had decided to meet, was a sight to behold. Every wall and every floor was made of marble, lined with vibrant gold veins. Each window was ornately carved with symbols representing the couple. Each room was adorned with the finest furniture and decor. Themis had always complained it was too extravagant but Rhea never really paid attention, even as a child Themis was irritatingly pious. To others it seemed like more rooms than she needed but Rhea desperately wanted to fill those rooms with a dynasty of her own like her siblings at their own residences.

The sisters were currently using one of the smaller lounges. This was Rhea’s favourite which she had nicknamed the ‘sunset room’. The two large windows letting in the evening light of the setting sun illuminated the room with reds and oranges, which caused the gold viens in the marble to glitter warmly. It always brought back the memories of her mother holding Rhea when the sun set to comfort her childhood fear of the dark. She was admiring the sunlight on the pillars either side of the door when Themis raised her voice.

“Ah Phoebe I forgot to ask how Lelantus was doing as the new northern ambassador?”

Themis’ voice had that tone she used when she wanted to make a point about something. Phoebe remained fairly stoic. The titaness was not very expressive and was even more impassive with Themis. As the titaness of bright intellect Phoebe had the kind of knowing countenance and piercing eyes that could read a soul like words on paper. She and her husband mostly concerned themselves with the acquisition of cosmic knowledge reading what they could from the axes of the earth and stars. As a result Themis’ opinion of what was proper didn’t have much value to Phoebe.

“He is doing well. Leto has decided to join him in the forest and help with his ambassadorial duties since Periboia is close to having the baby.”

Phoebe replied, her expression didn’t give anything away. Themis continued to push forward with the topic regardless.

“Yes, yes. The………….. Oceanid is doing well? Has he even requested Eros to wed them yet?”

Themis probed. She watched Tethys, who was clutching the edge of her cushion in her fists, from the corner of her eye. She knew Tethys was always defensive of her daughters.

“My son does what makes him happy and I’ve seen the child will be healthy. That’s all I care about.”

She replied in a level tone. If Phoebe had been offended by Themis she didn’t show it.

“Of course sister, you must care about his happiness. I’m just saying she might need some reassurance that his loyalty remains with her. After all those nymphs can be….. distracting and there are many who would want his attention”

“I dare you to say that again!”

Tethys exclaimed, unable to hold her tongue. Her deep sapphire eyes trained on Themis like knives. A slight grin played on Themis’ lips. She had got the reaction she wanted. If you or your family were doing something Themis didn’t approve of she always enjoyed telling you why, usually with an audience present for maximum effect.

“Now sister there is no need to raise your voice. I just meant that maybe the younger generations would know more of proper conduct if your daughters devoted more of their time to their appropriate duties”

Themis replied with an emphasised snotty tone, casually brushing a grey lock of hair behind her ear. Theia and Phoebe shared an uneasy glance, neither one wanting to get involved. Rhea sympathised most with Mnemosyne who was seated between Themis and Tethys. Tethys’ scaled skin visibly bristled.

“Don’t you dare criticise my children. If you have anything to say to me I can more than handle you myself.”

Tethys stated with gritted teeth. Mnemosyne’s eyes shifted from one sister to the other, her face clearly showing regret at her choice of seat.

“Let’s just calm down. Remember....”

Mnemosyne tried to appease her sisters to diffuse the tension, but to no avail.

“Quiet Mnemosyne. It’s time she learned the proper conduct required of her status.”

Themis rudely interrupted. Unfortunately in this state of mind Themis wouldn’t be hushed and would have the last word.

“I have spent years honing my foresight to benefit this land. I have taught proper order to the residents of the provinces. Oceanus and yourself barely come to shore, what exactly is your contribution? It’s not my fault if you didn’t set the right example for your daughters. If you can’t handle that then I suggest there are some changes you have to make”

Themis lectured. She turned her chin up at Tethys and proceeded to pick up one of the honey cakes from a gold tray. Mnemosyne sank into the cushions while the other three sisters looked on in horror, this was the farthest Themis had ever gone. You could see something snap in Tethys’ eyes. She jumped to her feet and knocked the honey cake from Themis’ hand, sending the tray of honey cakes all over a now surprised Mnemosyne.

“How dare you question my role and dictate how my children should live. I am proud of them providing water throughout the provinces and I will not have you belittle that. It seems your precious order is worthless without progeny to teach it to.”

Tethys argued back. Themis stood to her sister face-to-face, breaking her calm and level facade.

“How would you know the importance of order? With morals as loose as yours?”

Themis retorted. With that the two ferociously began hurling insults at each other. Mnemosyne had now fully immersed herself in a protective shell of orange cushion and honey cake. Theia watched, her mouth wide, while Phoebe shifted uneasily on her cushion. This wasn’t the first time Themis had caused a seething argument among the sisters but it had never degenerated to insults. Rhea was sick and tired of the performance.

“STOP THIS CHILDISH DISPLAY AT ONCE!! YOU ARE TITANS. ACT LIKE IT!”

Rhea shouted. Themis and Tethys fell silent as Rhea’s shout echoed around the room. In the group of six Rhea was always the grounding force between her sisters. Being pregnant she now leaned toward more explosive means. Rhea rubbed her forehead in an effort to divert a headache.

“We had this meeting to discuss matters concerning the provinces and so far all you two have achieved is a squabbling session”

Rhea scolded as she looked from one to the other.

“We are by no means perfect but we each have our role to play. I should think that two equally important parts of this land would have the wisdom to be able to at least be civil”

The two avoided Rhea’s eyes like chastised children. Tethys even began fiddling with the belt holding her teal chiton in place. Rhea lounged back on her divan and let out a deep breath when she had finished her speech. Instantly Theia was at her side buzzing around her nervously. Mnemosyne stood, brushing the crumbs off of her sleek black chiton and picking them out of the curls of her long black hair.

“Rhea is right just make amends”

Mnemosyne said, relieved the ordeal was over. Out of the two Tethys was the only one which showed any remorse. Themis took stray strands of hair which had come loose and put them back into her hair clasp, which was encrusted with quartz beads.

“I may have been excessive in giving my advice”

Themis set her jaw as she managed a terse apology. Tethys raised an eyebrow and sighed when she knew it was the best she was going to get.

“Next time I won’t over-react as I did”

Tethys admitted. Theia whipped round on them both.

“Is that the best you can manage? Who do you two think you are putting this kind of strain on Rhea? You know the trouble she has had in the past”

Theia scolded putting her hands on her hips. Theia’s cheerful sky blue eyes had darkened to a stormy, deeper colour. Theia had her hair up and wore a bright cream chiton held by a matching belt with a clasp in the shape of the sun, a symbol of her husband. Theia was one of the most caring of the sisters but if you crossed one of her family her temper could match Tethys’. Phoebe wrapped a comforting arm around Thiea’s shoulders. Her violet eyes trained on Tethys and Themis.

“As much as you are right, I don’t see any harm done. I think Rhea has chastised them enough Tia”

“Phoebs is right. I’m fine”

Rhea assured Theia.

“Alright but I think we can arrange this for another time”

Theia said in a concerned tone as she sat by Rhea’s side and took her hand. Rhea absent-mindedly rubbed one of her green eyes.

“Maybe that would be for the best”

Rhea conceded. Theia smiled and kissed her on the cheek. She rose from the divan and hugged Phoebe and Mnemosyne in turn.

“I’ll visit soon. I think I’ve left Hyperion and Helios alone for far too long”

Theia said. She gave Themis a dirty look as she walked from the lounge.

“Rest well Rhea I wish you the best. Are you coming Themis?”

Mnemosyne asked making her way out of the room, still picking crumbs from her chiton.

“Yes”

Themis stated. Mnemosyne and Themis locked arms and disappeared in bright light, to which Phoebe lifted an eyebrow.

“I would have expected some hint of remorse. Our Themis ever the conundrum.”

Phoebe remarked. She took a seat beside Rhea who was looking wistfully out of the window.

“She loves us in her own way. At least she has found her way”

Rhea said, sounding forlorn. Phoebe held her hand reassuringly.

“I’m sorry for your losses sister. I wish I could have seen it coming but the truth of the matter is no-one is to blame.”

As Phoebe tried to console her sister Rhea had tears in her eyes.

“What do you see Phoebe?”

Rhea whispered. Phoebe placed her other hand on her sister’s stomach.

“I’m sorry I wish I could see more. My sight is usually clear but there is something preventing me from receiving any signs. However I do see he will be loved and that is what matters”

“I’m having a son?”

Phoebe smiled as the news perked up Rhea’s mood.

“Yes and he will be handsome and strong. A credit to his mother and his father.”

When Phoebe mentioned Cronus Rhea tensed.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, no just a kick. You said you were visiting your daughter in the southern province after the meeting?”

Rhea said diverting the subject. She managed a weak smile while withdrawing her hand from Phoebe’s.

“Yes. Just a short visit. It’s difficult with her being away but she seems happy. Hecate is growing fast as well. She is coming close to the age her abilities will present themselves. I have a feeling they are meant for something special. If I am going to make to them before nightfall I should be going. Goodbye sister”

Phoebe hugged Rhea as she said her farewell. As she left the lounge she walked past Tethys, who was still standing awkwardly amongst the cushions.

“You should have more consideration than Themis”

Phoebe whispered to Tethys, shutting the door behind her as she left. Tethys stood awkwardly for a few minutes more before Rhea spoke.

“Don’t worry on my account Tethys it’s not the first time we’ve argued amongst each other”

Rhea assured her sister, readjusting her belt and brown chiton to a more accommodating position for her pregnant body. Tethys couldn’t help but notice how pregnancy always suited Rhea. Her brown hair and olive skin glowed, even if her temper did worsen. Before Rhea could lift herself from the divan Tethys sat next to her.

“I apologize Rhea I know the delicate position you are in and I should have been more considerate”

“Please Tethys don’t. It is ok just help me get up so I can go to bed and rest”

“I know losing five children is hard but I know this little boy is healthy and strong”

Tethys continued, she felt she had to say something after acting so rashly. Rhea’s hand began to shake

“To lose two sons and a daughter in child birth can’t be easy for you or Cronus, not to mention losing Hestia and Hera to illness so soon after”

“Tethys stop”

Rhea insisted, her voice cracking as tears began to make their way down her cheeks. She could hold herself together when they weren’t mentioned but thoughts of her children plagued her mind every moment.

“No I have to say this. You haven’t talked about any of them after their deaths and I want to help. I can’t imagine what it’s like keeping this bottled.........”

“I see their faces every day Tethys. Hestia, Demeter, Hades, Hera and Posiedon their names are etched into my heart. You don’t know what it’s like to hold your child lifeless in your arms hoping that in the next second they’ll breathe. After feeling them grow within you wondering what kind of person they will be, looking forward to all the memories you’ll make together and in seconds it’s gone. I already told you I can’t talk. Every time I do it hurts and no amount of time can wash it away so please save me the pain and just go. You can’t understand it. Most of you have your children still. You get to be proud, to be taken for granted and loved in return so spare me.”

Rhea’s tone became bitter in an effort to push Tethys away. But she held onto her hand regardless. Tethys was crying as well and continued to share.

“Please Rhea I miss them too I still remember when Hera and Hestia would play with my daughters. They were such lovely children……”

“Enough Tethys I’m tired just go”

Rhea said. She pulled her hand from Tethys’ grasp and managed to stand.

“Unlike me you have a family to attend to”

___________________________________________________________

The grass felt cool on my back as I woke. I just lay with my eyes shut delighting in the sun on my face. The slow breeze made it feel as if the earth was rising and falling slowly, breathing like I was. I reluctantly roused myself fully from my sleep, maybe I could get some time alone with Astraea. With the celebrations the night before there wasn’t the chance to talk to her without a mortal present. Being who she was seemed to draw them to her like moths to a flame and it made it awkward for me to talk honestly. Even though I doubt they would be interested in anything I would say. As I blinked away the weariness from my eyes I could see the mortals lying in circles around the burnt out bonfires. The flames had leapt to the sky so strong, so powerful and now all that was left were piles of ash. Now black as the darkness it used to illuminate. I tried to spot anyone I knew but there were no faces I could recognise. It would be easy to assume that Astraea had other things to do and be back later. But I started to worry about Xyanthe. Since we spent so much time together she seemed like my responsibility, despite me being the younger. I walked round the circle of people hoping to find her on the other side of the ashes but again no familiar faces.

Not sure of what to do next I picked my way across the mass of sleeping bodies to the elm tree. Where it had grown from my birth mound the ground was slightly raised. When I reached the base I couldn’t believe its height. I marvelled at the calloused bark and traced many of the lines with my fingers. They seemed to be endless, melding into the sea of branches and lush green leaves above. I leaned my head so far back that the wreath on my head fell to the ground. When I went to pick it up a jagged branch caught my eye. Looking at the wreath in my hands and then to the broken branch I made a decision.

“I think this suits you better than me”

I said to the tree as I hung the wreath on the broken branch. The leaves seemed to rustle happily as if in thanks. A strong wind blew across the meadow, causing my hair to blow into my face in a shower of withered blossoms. Gathering my hair out of my eyes I looked up and saw that all the leaves of the elm were pointing in the same direction toward the forest. I continued to stare confused at the sign above me. A warm gust of wind stronger than the last blew me in the direction of the leaves were pointing.

“Okay, okay I get it.”

I said making my way into the forest. I could feel the soil becoming richer under my feet as I weaved between the tree trunks and under low hanging tree branches. The variation of trees in the forest seemed unlimited. There were some with large leaves where others were small. Some had thick trunks, others small and slender. No tree shared the same combination of colours. Their leaves ranged from green to yellow to oranges and reds. The bark of each tree varied in different shades of brown. The fruits and flowers reflected this vibrant range of colour. Some sprouted flowers from their branches and others had long thin blooms which dangled from clusters of leaves. I continued on, fantasies of swinging from the vines and travelling gracefully from tree to tree swimming through my mind. I carefully made my way over the exposed roots of a long slender tree whose bark was a rust red. Lost in my thoughts I didn’t notice a stray root and fell, face first, right into the soil at the base of the tree. I could hear laughter and when I recognised whose it was I just continued to lie on the ground with a mixture of relief and embarassment.

“I don’t think I have ever heard that sound in the forest before. Are you alright?”

Xyanthe commented, laughing lightly as she sat on one of thin red roots. I wondered if this was the first time she had laughed. There was something about it that sounded unsure as if it needed practice. I sat back up and knelt on my knees.

“I’m fine, where have you been?”

I replied with a huff, noticing a round red fruit in her hand. Xyanthe raised an eyebrow

“Breakfast, isn’t that why you’re here?”

“No, I was looking for you. You weren’t with the others”

As I explained Xyanthe had a puzzled look on her face.

“Whats wrong?”

I asked. Xyanthe still looked confused as she took a round fleshy sphere from the fruit in her hand and popped it into her mouth. After spitting the seed out she continued to chew the pulp slowly. Clearly the idea of seeking someone out was completely foreign to her. There were so many questions I wanted to ask but most of them seemed so alien to Xyanthe they caused her pain.

“Is there something wrong? Do people not really do that?”

I repeated my question again. I watched as Xyanthe pondered her response and swallowed the fruits flesh. These questions didn’t seem to hurt like the others. Suddenly her demeanour became more morose.

“I guess not. I…….I’ve never thought of it before.”

Xyanthe’s words slowed as she answered me. She put the back of her free hand to her forehead like she was diverting a headache. As quick as it came the moment passed when she turned and smiled.

“Hungry?”

She asked, apparently oblivious of our previous topic. I decided to let it go for now and nodded. Xyanthe offered me one of the fleshy seeds from her fruit. I took it from her and I eyed it curiously. Xyanthe picked another one out herself.

“It’s called a Pomegranate. There are loads of smaller fruits inside. First you peel the flesh off with your tongue and then spit the seed out. Here I’ll show you.”

Xyanthe explained. She demonstrated by popping the small fruit into her mouth, emphasising the movement in her cheeks, and spitting the seed out.

“Pomegranate”

I echoed slowly. I copied Xyanthe and swallowed forgetting an important step, spitting out the seed. I gagged and choked as the seed made its way slowly and painfully down my throat.

“Eugh! And you actually eat these?”

I exclaimed in disgust. The soil would have gone down easier than that did. Xyanthe burst out laughing as I continued to cough and splutter. If she hadn’t laughed much before I was definitely giving her plenty of opportunities to practice.

“I guess I didn’t demonstrate right. Look the pulp is the part you eat see? You peel it off and then eat it”

Xyanthe explained again. She peeled pulp from the seed with her fingers and handed it to me. It was sticky and wet in my hand as the light red juices pooled in my palm.

“Then why do you put the whole thing in your mouth?”

I asked. I could see where Xyanthe was manoeuvring the latest seed in her mouth with her tongue ready to take off the pulp with her teeth. She swallowed and shrugged.

“Experience I guess”

Feeling a little apprehensive I lifted my palm to my mouth and threw the pulp in. Instantly I felt the sweetness of it on my tongue. Savouring the juice, I could taste some sourness before swallowing it. Xyanthe handed me an entire seed as I licked the juice off my fingers.

“Mmmmmm Is this one of your favourites?”

“I assume so, I’ve been eating them every day”

Xyanthe replied. She looked at the fruit as if she was seeing it for the first time. She picked out seeds and kept handing them too me. I took each one hungrily until Xyanthe was scraping the last of the juice out with her fingers and tossing the empty red husk away.

“I know where we can get more, if you’re still hungry?”

Xyanthe said. I nodded vigorously.

“Come on then. We’ll have to be quick”

Xyanthe grasped my hand, lifting me off the ground, and starting running deeper into the forest. I hadn’t realised how much time had passed. The sun was higher in the sky casting long shadows on the forest floor, I tried my best not to trip again. The smell of tree bark and the buzz of insects intensified as the forest prepared to come alive for the day. I could have ran with Xyanthe through the forest forever, the forest was invigorating to every sense down to the soil in between my toes and the air in my lungs. However it wasn’t long before I was short of breath and feeling pain in my legs. Xyanthe noticed the tug on her hand as I began to slow down.

“It’s just a bit further”

She encouraged. Just as I was about to give in we reached a small stream. The water was crystal clear and the banks lined with incredibly tall pomegranate trees. The deep crimson flower petals were beautiful and I would have appreciated them more if my lungs and legs weren’t in painful protest to my sudden run. I stopped to catch my breath as Xyanthe let go of my hand and walked to the stream bank.

“Ismenara! Ismenara!”

Xyanthe called as I hunched over and heaved for breath. I could hear the rippling of the stream and the leaves of the pomegranate trees rustle. As I looked up with my breathing finally under control I sucked in a deep breath once again. She was radiant. From the stream another woman materialised. Her lustrous jet black hair spilled to her shoulders like a fountain. She had a red pomegranate blossom nestled just above her left temple. Her skin had a translucent quality like it was made of the water itself. Her body was tall and hugged by a light green chiton which stopped mid-thigh. She was different to Astraea. Where Astraea was powerful and warm this woman exuded an undertone of fragile brilliance. She looked like she would dissolve away if you touched her.

“Xyanthe, you seem a lot more energetic today. What do you need?”

Ismenara asked. Her smooth voice flowed through the air like water; I wondered how Xyanthe managed to reply to such a voice.

“We wanted to pick a few more Pomegranates from the trees”

“Take as many as you like. Who is this?”

Ismenara asked directing her divine attention to me. She moved out of the stream and walked fluidly towards me. Xyanthe was already reaching up to the trees.

“This is Callidora she was born yesterday.”

“I..... I...... um”

I stammered, trying to compose my thoughts.

“Don’t worry. Language comes slowly to the new ones. You will get the hang of it eventually.”

Ismenara reassured me. She turned to talk to Xyanthe when I managed to get the words out. “I can talk just fine. It’s just I haven’t seen anyone like you before.”

I explained. I could see the look in the corner of her eye at my outburst. It was the same one Astraea gave me. Ismenara smiled brilliantly and inclined her head towards me.

“Well it’s an honour to be the first Naiad you will meet”

“Naiaid?”

“Hmmmmmm...... there is something about that seems familiar. Are you sure you were born yesterday?”

Ismenara said, coming closer. The naiads brow furrowed. My eyes snapped to hers as if she had caught me out doing something I shouldn’t. I stared into her eyes, which were searching for an answer I’m not sure I even had. She stared for what felt like an eternity.

“Ah! Maybe it’s a shared impeccable taste in hair adornments. Iris’ are a lovely choice but withered flowers never do any good for decoration”

Ismenara announced. She winked and proceeded to pick the last of the dried blooms from my hair, dropping them into the river where they drifted away. I didn’t protest. I couldn’t. I still found her presence too overwhelming. She was so close I could see the lines of scales that covered her body. As she moved I could see each of them reflecting the light like sequins.

“Your skin”

The words were out before I could stop them. Shocked, I subconsciously put my hands to my mouth. The perplexed look grew in her eyes again. It seemed like my statement had caught her off guard.

“What about it?”

Ismenara replied coolly, placing her hands on her hips. I stared, eyes wide, I slowly lowered my hands from my mouth.

“I...... I was just interested..... in um... uh”

I continued stumbling over my words. My head couldn’t form a sentence in the growing panic as she stared me down. Suddenly Ismenara’s eyes softened and her lips curled into a grin.

“I’m sorry I just couldn’t help myself. Don’t worry you’re not in trouble, it would take more than that to offend me. You’re recently born it is only natural you would be curious. What do you want to know?”

“I was admiring the scales, they reflect the light beautifully”

“Really? Then watch this”

Ismenara’s eyes glittered, I doubted the other mortals were in a position to give out compliments. She took a step backward and held out her arms. Her skin began to ripple like water as the scales shifted in waves. The light floated over her body in blinding bands. I was dazzled by the sight, I never thought she could control them at will.

“The scales allow us to blend into the water”

Ismenara explained. She flattened her scales and her skin looked like my own, except for the light blue hue. She looked satisfied at my reaction. My curiosity overcame my awe.

“But why do you have to move in the water unnoticed? Is there something you’re hiding from?”

“The purpose is to connect and become one with the water. Each Naiad has its own spring, stream or fountain. We are then responsible for keeping the water clean and pure.”

“But how do you know which one is yours?”

I continued to ask. Ismenara’s eyes glittered, she never had the opportunity to share this before.

“Questions. Questions. When we reach a certain age she feels the urge to leave the ocean and come to land. It’s like a magnetism pulling us to where we are needed. If a nymph is with her water body for long enough she becomes so connected with it that its maintenance becomes more survival than duty”

“How so?”

“Ah ah ah that will have to wait for another time. You never give everything away first time”

Ismenara teased. Before I could ask anymore Xyanthe had returned with the pomegranates. She handed one to Ismenara and then to me. The three of us sat by the edge of the stream and started working at the fruits outer shell. I just sat staring at mine not sure how to mimic them.

“Here let me get that for you”

Ismenara said as she handed me her fruit, which already had a few seeds exposed. She took my own and started working her way inside.

“You just open the fruit with your fingernails but mind not to burst any of the seeds. It can be difficult but you get the knack of it after a while”

Ismenara explained licking some of the red juice from her fingers. I heard Xyanthe let out a triumphant grunt as she began eating the seeds too.

“Come on dig in.”

Xyanthe encouraged. The day hadn’t turned out as I planned but as I starting eating the pomegranate seeds I didn’t mind too much.

_____________________________________________________________

Rhea woke groggily from her nap in the main bed chambers. The room was decorated in sky blues and yellows, echoing the morning sun. The large double doors serving as the entrance to the room was each carved with an image of Cronus on the left, holding a sickle, and Rhea on the right, holding a new-born baby in her arms. The room was long and narrow with pillars in two rows leading from the door to the bed. Moonlight poured in from large arches in between the pillars leading out to balconies. Light blue curtains that hung from the ceiling to the floor in each archway. Every balcony was furnished with divans and other seating decorated with azure and gold cushions. Rhea walked out onto one of the balconies to admire the starry sky, pulling the curtains behind her. She shivered and hugged herself. She wasn’t cold but shaken from her talk with Tethys. Lowering herself carefully onto a divan, Rhea placed her hands protectively on her stomach.

How many times had she stared at this same sky? Wishing and hoping Cronus would get better. How many times had she held her child like this dreading the day they are born? Rhea continued to brood on these thoughts. She didn’t notice the doors to the bedroom open and close nor the sound of sandles being kicked off. It was the rustling of the curtains that caught her attention. Rhea was roused from her thoughts by two muscular arms embracing her and a kiss on her forehead.

“Cronus”

Rhea whispered affectionately. The muscular arms released their embrace and two pale blue eyes met her green one’s.

“My dear Rhea”

Cronus whispered back kissing her again. Cronus’ wavy locks of blonde hair were dishevelled and his chiton was unpinned held only by his belt. His chest was bare, except for a thick cold torque winding its way around his right bicep. Despite the tone of his body Cronus was extremely lean and the smallest of all the titans.

“Someone’s been training today”

Rhea stated, eyeing the casual state of her husband. Cronus grinned and lounged behind Rhea holding her in his embrace.

“Isn’t it a bit of a wasted effort? Considering there is no conflict”

“You and I both know why”

Cronus weighed down the light conversation with his sombre tone. Rhea shifted uncomfortably in his arms as she tried to brooch the subject further.

“You don’t know that. The fates never favoured you in the first place. How do you know they weren’t lying?”

As Rhea began her plea, Cronus let out a deep, exasperated, breath. He retracted his arms.

“Do you have to bring this up every time you’re close to the birth date?”

Cronus asked. His tone was very bored which insulted Rhea deeply; she sat up to face him.

“Yes. How do you know their prophecy can even come true? Can’t you just let me have one of my children with me? What if what you’re doing to avert it is what causes it?”

Rhea continued her questions. Cronus just closed his eyes and replied in a patronising tone.

“You ask these questions every single time. And every time it is the same answer. We are so close, just one more and you can have your children with you.”

“No Cronus this isn’t going to do it this time. At the meeting today Tethys was telling me how much she missed them. I have to lie to my sisters every time I see them. They think our children are dead. our beautiful, wonderful children. I don’t know how much longer I can stand their condolences and their apologies. I don’t think I can do it anymore, I want to tell them.........”

Rhea paused slightly to gain the courage to finish her sentence

“I will tell them”

Rhea instantly regretted her statement. Cronus’ eyes snapped open and his arm moved like a coiled spring, roughly grabbing Rhea’s wrist. She screamed in pain as Cronus continued to crush her wrist with his powerful grip.

“I have tried to be patient with you Rhea. I’ve told you before the fates predicted our six children would overthrow me as I had overthrown my father. Yet YOU insisted on having them. This was your solution and at every turn YOU question me. All I wanted was to build this great era for mortals and gods. But I still had to accommodate your selfishness. Are you putting yourself before the world you rule? I’m trying my best to be a good king but at every turn you try to ruin my efforts”

Cronus carried on with his verbal assault. Pain kept shooting up Rhea’s arm leaving her breathless

“I..... I’m sor.....sorry. I……… I should have been more considerate”

Rhea pleaded. Cronus tightened his grip even further causing Rhea to scream again. He put his face, contorted in disgust, to hers.

“I don’t want you questioning me again. Am I clear?”

Cronus commanded. Too incapacitated to speak, Rhea just nodded and he released her wrist. She immediately brought her hand to chest and whimpered in pain. As Cronus turned to walk away he spoke again.

“I don’t want to argue over this anymore Rhea. You know I don’t like it when we argue.”

Cronus disappeared through the curtains. It was only when she heard the sound of his chiton falling to the floor and Cronus getting into bed that she began to sob quietly on the balcony. Her hopes and resolve had been shattered into more pieces than the number of stars in the night sky.