#greek mythology fanfiction | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

a-world-of-whimsy-5 · 2 years

Text

Hyacinthus - Chapter 1

ʚ Summery: Hyacinthus, a prince of Sparta, takes part in the annual games. He ends up making the acquaintance of Apollo, who had come to support his brother's companion. What will happen when mortal and God meet?

ʚ Themes: Slow Burn | Fluff | Soft

HYACINTHUS POV:

The last day of the games dawned bright and crisp, and so very hot. That summer had been like a hammer on us all, beating down on rich and poor alike. Wine merchants and those who plied in light summery drinks had a roaring trade while the clay earth baked and cracked under the summer sun. The servants did their best to smooth the fields for the games as no one wanted it to be said that we were lazy hosts.

Champions from all over took part in our annual competitions, their presence filling every tavern and inn to the brim, their coin filling up coffers all over. No one saw a reason to complain. Not even my father.

My father is Amyclas. He was the King of Sparta, and, when it came to the contests, the most generous of hosts. No expense was spared, and everyone went home with a good word on their lips.

My mother enjoyed the games too, but for the potential spouses she could drum up for my siblings. She would come up with lists and go over each name with my father's counsellors, to try and pick the best candidates, driving my siblings to distraction with her recommendations. They were all married off though, save for me and my baby sister. My father would smile at all of this, as indulging my mother was something he enjoyed.

Anyway, let us get back to the games, and the last event before proceedings ended for this year. It was the archery contest, and the crowds gathered again to cheer. As a contestant, I took a quick peek at the other challengers.

There was the young demigod Perseus, son of Zeus, and, if the rumours were true, a favourite of Hermes. Cilix, captain of the palace guard, and his twin, Cretheus, a man who loved to blame the sun when he lost to his twin. Funnily enough, Cilix does the same whenever he loses to his brother. There would be no living with either of them if they both lost. Grinning, I shake my head and look to my right.

A lot of unknown faces. Some had the look of hunters while others were clearly soldiers. My eyes go beyond them, to the spectators. So many faces, both new and old. As my eyes skim over the crowd, something catches my attention.

Two figures were seated in the far corner, cloaked and hooded, their faces covered in shadows. No one else seemed to notice them. Strange, I thought.

A horn blew, and Cilix coughed. "Pay attention, my lord. Your father is watching."

Father. Yes. He waved and cheered, as did mother. They didn't expect victory, but they did expect me to do my best.

I will do my best. No matter what. I pick up an arrow, nock it to my bow, and wait for the signal.

Who am I? I am Hyacinthus. A prince of Sparta, a contestant at the games, and I had just turned twenty.

The horn blew again, and we let loose. First one target, then another, and another. I heard muffled swearing. Others dropped off after missing the target scores. The twins lost out after both struck well away from their targets. The bickering began even as they walked back to the others. I sighed and girded myself for the grumbling that was bound to plague my ears tonight at the feast. Zeus save me from those two.

“Good luck to you, my lord, ” Perseus said graciously, as the last target was brought out. This time, it was something made to mimic a running animal. I smiled at him, and groaned as the target started to move. A mortal against a most favoured demigod. I’ll need all the luck I can get.

Perseus won out in the end, barely edging out ahead of me by two measly points. No matter. I came second, and a beautiful leather quiver filled with arrows, made by our finest weapons maker, was my prize. I smile in anticipation, thinking of the deer I could bring down with those arrows. As for Perseus, I look to him. He was all happy and smug, with his gold wine goblet and fresh olive leaf crown. The lucky bastard.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see one of the cloaked figures making their way to a corner of the field after the others left. Perseus followed. They exchanged words before quickly leaning in towards each other. Even from where I sat it was obvious that something more than words was clearly shared. They walked off in the same direction, their fingers brushing up against each other. I crane my neck for a better view while the air around me grew even warmer. Who could this admirer be?

"Did no one tell you it was rude to stare?"

The voice was whip sharp, but sweet at the same time. I shot up, startled that someone could sneak up on me so easily. "Forgive me." It was the other hooded stranger. "I didn't mean to do it."

"But you did all the same," Each word struck me like a lash. "You forget common courtesy, prince of Sparta."

I lower my gaze, embarrassed by my lack of manners. My parents would be most vexed, as I was old enough to know better. "I beg forgiveness once more, I did not mean to stare."

APOLLO POV:

The mortal was a most gifted archer, and too curious for his own good. I had to stop him for my brother would not care for mortals trying to pry into his private affairs.

When he squirmed at the reminder of his rudeness, I took my chance to really study him. Tall and athletic, his face still held a flush of youth and his eyes were the sort that could make women swoon over him in a heartbeat. "I am most impressed by your skills with the bow. Perseus very nearly lost, and I very nearly won a wager." I heard laughter as Perseus pulled my eager brother into his tent. "My half-brother is very happy that Perseus won, and the lyre I lost will no doubt end up in his collection of special keepsakes.”

He gulped. “A lyre, my lord?”

“A lyre. And the promise of a prophecy or two.” I ground out the words, for giving up a prized lyre was like pulling out teeth for me. “Coin has no meaning for the likes of us.”

I could see him putting two and two together. The prince gasped, his eyes going wide like platters. “My lord Phoebus,” he sank to his knees. “You and lord Hermes honour us with your presence. Would either of you care for some refreshment my lord? Some wine, perhaps?”

"No food and drink for Hermes. Perseus will look after him." I was in no mood for refreshment, just a diversion until Hermes finally made up his mind to leave. “And nothing for me. My brother is going to be occupied for quite a while, prince of Sparta," I help him to his feet, my throat going dry when rich brown eyes lifted to mine. "Perhaps you can be my guide and my host? Nothing too obvious, mind you. I am not in the mood for unnecessary attention."

The prince scratched his head, as if thinking. “Well," he murmured. "The feasts are all out. Same for the storytelling. Too many people in attendance. Perhaps I could hire a boat and take you as far as I can up the Eurotas?"

Not a bad idea actually. “Do you play any instruments?”

"Yes, my lord. The aulos, mostly.”

The prince's eyes dart down, to our hands. His was still in mine. I let go and my eyes go to his again, to that gleaming rich brown and the sweep of soft black hair, and that face. His was a face bards and poets would sing of, all strong and sharp and otherworldly. I had a vision of him and me, the both of us in a darkened room with him looking up at me, our bodies one flesh while passion and tenderness flowed between us. His skin felt like petals under my palm, his kisses like honeyed wine on my lips. So intense was that vision, that I closed my eyes to savour every precious second of it.

“ My lord?” The prince interrupted as politely as possible. “Are you well?”

I felt a tug on my soul and my heart grew heavy when the image of us together faded like the mist. I found myself compelled to learn about this prince. What role will he, a mortal, have to play in a life such as mine?

“I am well,” I say quickly enough. “You say you play the aulos? That is a good thing. Perhaps you can join me for a duet? If you have it on you that is."”

"I brought it along just in case." The prince perked up in an instant. "Follow me, my lord, and I'll take you to the boats."

HYACINTHUS POV:

The boat moved in silence, save for the ripples the oars made as they sliced through the water. Apollo was content to keep his hood up, as many had gathered around the banks for picnics and gatherings.

Some called out to me and I returned their greetings. Everyone that had gathered along the banks tried to figue out who my guest was, for he kept himself well hidden. It was just as well. The commotion that would ensue when it became known that Apollo was amongst us would have been too much for anyone to handle.

We continued without interruption until we reached an uninhabited part of the country. Here, Apollo thought it safe enough to remove his disguise and his true form came into view.

The golden skin. The ageless blue eyes that had peered into the world’s greatest mysteries and witnessed it all. The gold tipped laurel wreath that weaved through his rich blonde hair, the soft gold aura around his person. Apollo was more magnificent than the songs described him to be and I looked away, red cheeked and embarrassed. Something pulled at my soul, like a cord had wound its way around me, tugging me forward, but to what?

"Never seen a god before?" He asked in good humor.

That pull grew into something deeper, something that took root just beneath my skin. I couldn’t make head or tail of it, only that it started the moment I truly saw him. "Never seen someone like you before," I whisper, my eyes still down at my feet.

He was smiling, I was sure of it. "Prince of Sparta," Apollo leaned over and lifted my chin with an elegant finger. "Do you prefer prince of Sparta? or would you prefer I use your name?"

"Hyacinthus?" His skin radiated a gentle heat and it smelled sweet, like freshly harvested honey.

"Hyacinthus." Each syllable was said slowly and deliberately, as if he wanted to take great care with my name. "A most beautiful name, Hyacinthus. Your parents chose well, for it suits you."

My cheeks flushed with heat. Truth be told, I never cared about my name and I often wondered why my parents couldn't come up with something better. I had even considered changing it to something of my own liking, but now---

"Hyacinthus?" His voice had gone soft and low, a far cry from the whip-sharp tone from earlier. "Did something I say upset you?"

I shake my head and gather my thoughts. "No, my lord. I was just wool-gathering, that is all."

He looked at me evenly, his finger still under my chin. "Very well." Apollo pulled away, taking away the warmth that came with his touch. Suddenly I felt cold, despite the intense summer heat.

His eyes still on mine, Apollo reached into his cloak and pulled out the most beautiful lyre I had seen. I fished out my aulos and listened first before joining in.

Many a pleasant hour passed unnoticed on that river. Apollo truly was the lord of all musicians, and I struggled to keep up. I still went on, determined not to falter and shame myself. My eyes flicked over to his fingers, how delicate they were as they floated from string to string. Apollo showed no anger or impatience if I was a note too slow or a note too fast. He would simply smile and nod, to encourage me to go on. And what a smile it was, as glorious as the sunrise. I sighed dreamily and missed a note in the process. Come to think of it, I missed several.

"Distracted, I see." Apollo grinned and put a halt to the music, making himself content by taking in the scenery. The silence that followed felt like an unwelcome intruder to my ears, and I yearned to hear more. To see those tapered fingers barely touch the strings and create music more beautiful than any mortal could describe. "Could you play one more tune, my lord?" I ask as humbly as possible. "Please?"

When his head whipped back to me, I flinched and closed my eyes, for a tongue lashing that was sure to follow. Who was I, a lowly mortal, to ask anything of a God?

The boat bobbed as if something had moved across it. "Hyacinthus.” He said softly. “Please open your eyes and look at me."

When I opened them, Apollo had inched his way closer. Much to my eternal shock, he said, "I will play."

Gods do not say yes just like that, and I had the sinking feeling he was going to ask something of me in return. Something I may not be able to give. "But on the condition," Apollo took out his lyre and tuned it. "That you show me around your country. And teach me the ways of your people."

I sputtered in disbelief. Me? Why me?

"I would like to spend some time in your company," he said as if he heard my thoughts. The sly grin that graced his lips convinced me that he did. "What say you?"

"I-- ha--have t--to.." I gulp and stammer. "B-be-cause y--you--wish t-to..."

His laughter was clear and silver-sweet. "Yes." A soft, haunting melody drifted over the water like mist in winter. "I want you, Hyacinthus, prince of Sparta, to squire me, Apollo, son of Zeus, around your country. Because I would like to spend some time in your company."

My tongue felt like it was tied up in knots. How do I respond to such a request? To such an honour? How do I form the words? How?

Apollo looked on expectantly, awaiting an answer.

Say something, you blithering idiot! "Yes. Erm..." I nodded vigourously, making him laugh even more. "Yes. Yes yes yes. I will take you around my country."

He nodded gratefully and went back to playing. Sometimes, I would suddenly catch his eyes flicking up at me and then lingering for as long as they could before moving away again. My pulse had been racing like a sprinter's by now and my cheeks grew hot. Apollo looked up again and I managed a smile before blushing like anything. His eyes crinkled before he too blushed and went back to playing.

Thank the stars I listened to Cretheus and decided to take part. This would never have happened otherwise.

When we returned, it was past dusk and torches had been lit. "I best take my leave." Apollo helped me out of the boat before securing it to a moor. "But I hope our deal is still on?"

Why did he look at me so? Why did he ask again when we had already agreed?

Why did he look so nervous? He was a God. He only needed to express his desire and it will be met.

Seriously. Why does he look so nervous?

"Hyacinthus?”

A finger grazing my chin grabbed my attention. A tingle went down my spine when I lifted my eyes to his. They looked so warm and gentle in the torchlight, as if they had been melting. "Yes," I say with certainty. "Our deal is on."

He rewarded me with another glorious smile. "Tomorrow, the royal stables, at the break of dawn. I will come to you. Have two horses saddled for us."

With a final grin, he was gone.

And the world suddenly felt cold in his absence.

#apollo and hyacinthus #apollo #hyacinthus #greco roman pantheons #greco roman tales #writing #creative writing #writeblr #fanfiction #amwriting #greek gods #a world of whimsy writes #greek deity #apollo deity #greek mythology #greek mythology fanfiction

18 notes · View notes

bejeweledangelwings · 11 months

Text

Saginévo

Summary: Hades has spent his immortality in solitude, avoiding the other Gods. Until he heard rumors of Demeter's hidden daughter in a secretive Oasis and found himself curious enough to find out himself. The King of the Underworld was infatuated with the stowed away daughter, he won't allow anything to stop him from getting what he wants.

Previous Chapter

Chapter Two

🕊

Kore felt nothing but excitement as she held her mother’s hand, walking home as Demeter spoke calmly of her travels. She loved to hear about all the adventures her mother goes on when she helps the Earth. She wanted to help so badly but Mother tells her she has to stay to help keep the Oasis flourishing. She knew it was important, but she missed her mother so when she left. The nymphs were kind and played with her plenty- but they weren’t her mother.

As they left the small grove Kore adored, the two came to the sight of their house. She looked back to the older woman, grinning wide as Demeter smiled back with a softer, more collected smile. She gave her child’s hand a soft squeeze, Kore bouncing in her grasp, only growing more excited the closer to the home they got.

The young God had only known one home her entire life, built just beside the lakes she loves to play in. The walls of her home were beige yellow, with a bright orange clay roof she could see far from her home in the forest. The walk home was full of laughter and conversation. Kore wanted to cherish the moments, the harvest would begin soon, and she would have to share her mother for even longer periods as the God would prepare to allow mortals to harvest. Kore wished she didn’t have to share her mother, she could simply exist alongside her mother, without the fear or dread of her being gone so much for her duties.

Stepping through the wooden pane, they walked across the courtyard before they could get to the kitchen. When Kore was a child, she used to spend every day in the courtyard, cluttered with toys, and Demeter watched from the kitchen window. The yard of the home was surrounded by the walls of the rest of the house, and the kitchen’s entrance was on the right. She nearly dragged her mother in before she hurried to the wine glasses and a loaf of bread and set both on the wooden table.

This was her favorite part of her mother’s homecoming.

She sat quickly on her chair, as Demeter took the bottle from the table’s surface. Kore swung her legs, gleaming bright as the wine sat at the table. The wine wasn’t what she enjoyed- she found it bitter, instead, it was what her mother would pour inside it. She still remembered the burning taste of alcohol on her tongue the time she had sneaked the bottle away during one of her mother’s absences. She nearly cried for how it tasted without Demeter’s ingredient.

Demeter pulls the cork out effortlessly, before pouring two full glasses of the wine, she always poured just a bit more for herself- Kore never minded. From the bosom of her robe, she pulled the glass vial, popping it open with her thumb and pouring an equal amount of the shining, pink liquid. Kore couldn’t help but lick her lips. Demeter handed her the glass, and Kore forced herself to be calm as she took the glass between her two hands.

Sitting the glass at her side, she hastily ripped a piece of bread and began to soak it in the wine, looking at her mother. “Thank you, Mama.”

Demeter hums, “You’re welcome, Moráki mou.” She sipped on her wine, “I know that’s why you’re excited to see me.” She teased, but Kore frowned when she said it.

“No Mama, I really missed you.” She told her, “I miss you so much.”

“I missed you too.” She assured.

The older God shook her head, lifting herself from the seat, she reached over the small wooden table towards Kore. She was careful to not knock the wine glasses over as she plucked her daughter up. Demeter brought the girl to her embrace, pressed against her chest as Kore happily cuddled into her neck. Her child was light in her arms, quickly grabbing the wine cup from Kore’s side over to hers. Yet, Kore’s mind had left the drinks, focusing on the warm form of her mother and worrying the fabric of Demeter’s robe between her fingers.

The elder God had missed this terribly, she missed the young girl whenever she was gone. She knew Kore adored her, and nothing would change that- she would always be safe in her Oasis. Demeter pressed her forehead against the daughter’s, the faint smell of lavender from her brown hair filling her nose. Kore was lax in her touch, giggling as she leaned into her mother.

Demeter pulled back, going to sit back on her chair. Kore was perfectly shaped to be on her lap, a comforting weight that burrowed into her form, she was made for this- and Demeter couldn’t imagine returning home without being so loved.

She would miss this when the harvest months came in full swing.

🕊

Hades knew little of his sister, he often avoided family matters altogether and Demeter was never one to build strong bonds. He did know one thing about his sibling; Demeter spent the harvest season mostly with the humans to help prepare for the crops. The vague knowledge was enough to assure him the Oasis was going to be easily accessible for at least the months following.

The time window he had to visit was limited, he was the king of the Underworld and there never was a moment without death. His court would need him, the Judges could handle plenty, but he was still expected to be present. Leaving to go play like a child in the flowers was something he couldn’t excuse himself with. He stayed perched in his throne room, mind elsewhere for days before he found a moment of peace to finally escape with.

When he did return to Demeter’s Oasis, he was greeted with the flourishing gardens he had pictured while laying in his silken bed for sleep. He lurked in the shadows, the nymphs unaware of their gilded paradise being invaded by just the sort Demeter wanted to hide away from. They never had a clue Kore was being beckoned away from their herd by him, so he could be entertained. Kore was unassuming to the tricks he played, the way he could wave her over and hide away in a different field to avoid them, or how he kept his ears perked for the slightest change so he may disappear before being discovered.

The first few visits he found it almost too easy, Kore was a funny creature- she showed him how to braid flower crowns and tried too many times to teach him how to make a flower from a blade of grass; he had been the first she met who could not, of course, it was surprising.

It seemed the universe knew he was getting cocky- after the first few visits, the visits were becoming a challenge he had to overcome.

Going to the Oasis was growing more difficult, the politics in the Underworld couldn’t be slipped past him, and during the times he was in the Oasis the nymphs seemed to somehow notice. He hid in the shadows, watching as the nymphs romped with Kore. The group of girls frolicking in the beautiful forest of Demeter’s creation. When Kore did part from them, the time he had was short visits, blurts of conversation before a nymph or Demeter herself came looking for Kore.

The times he got to see Kore were times of bliss. It was an odd thing, to feel calm because of another. It could be for the calming environment of the Oasis, or how Kore had no social ladder, no reason to impress or keep Hades at bay- for whatever reason there had been, he looked forward to the time.

“Why haven’t the others met you?” She asked, after the first few times Hades hid away once another came to accompany Kore. She laid on her back, her hands laying on her stomach as she stared at the leaves. The roof of the forest was covered in a thick layering of leaves, not allowing the sun ahead to pierce through. The gaps in the leaves allowed a filtered, green light to shine. The rays landed on her, causing the silver leaves in her hair to glimmer.

He lay on his side, propped on his lower arm as his cheek rested in his hand. He was quiet for a moment, he would have to consider his words. He couldn’t allow her to think of his visits as something taboo, or make her afraid by telling her anything close to the truth. His fingers grazed the dirt beyond the grass, as the other still held his head.

“Do they need to meet me?”

“Well-..” She seems stumped, looking off to the side then. “I don’t think they believe me when I tell them about you.” She glanced back at him. “I used to make people up when I was littler- tell stories like my Mama’s stories about her travels..”

She turned her head back to the sky, “I didn’t know I was lying- I was just, telling stories, and now Mama doesn’t believe me.”

Hades watched her, her fingers gently scrunching the middle part of her robe against her torso, unknowingly hiking up the skirt of it. He chose to ignore it, to the best of his ability. “I’m real.” He told her, hoping to ease her mind in some way.

“I’m real, and it doesn’t matter if your mother believes you- or those nymphs.” He looked at her then, she was still staring upward to the sky, her fragile hands still dancing over her stomach. So much of her looked fragile, she did turn towards him, after a moment and just smiled. Perhaps the assurance was all she needed

The conversation was cut short, once more by the shrill shout of some nymph looking for Kore.

He should have been worried Kore was telling the others about him- but he didn't feel concerned. No one would believe her, as long as no one saw him.

No matter how many times he came in contact with Kore- he could never be satisfied. He found himself still attracted to the green gardens and the warm air when he was in his dreary palace. It perplexes him, the court was of his design, and he created his home with precious metals and gemstones natural to his realm. He crafted the walls himself but he still found himself awaiting to step from his home and bring himself to Demeter’s Oasis.

Hades was fully aware it was Kore he came for, but he wasn’t sure what attracted him to her. Perhaps it was the innocence. Hades and his other siblings didn’t have a moment of innocence. The moment they left their mother’s arms, all but Zeus were consumed by their father for power. It was as if they were comatose, all that saved them from being digested alive was their immortality.

It was a suffocating death, forced to suffer years of torture in a prison he could not escape.

When he was saved from the gut of his father, the siblings were thrust into a war to assure they never faced the idea of death again. The siblings did not know peace at the beginning of their life, like Kore's experiences. She knows nothing of the world around her, she is blissful in the tragedies her mother faced or who she was connected to.

And he found himself a leech to such innocence, to such kindness that comes from the ignorance of sin. She fears nothing because she never learned to fear.

It was a moment of peace between his times of chaos; her childlike nature brought him a piece of what life could have been. If he had been given a childhood, to know a moment before he was taught the cruelest lesson to learn in his life; that anyone would destroy him for power.

Perhaps if he had a mother who would lose everything for his well-being.

His palace became a place of isolation. He found himself bored as the Judges of the Dead spoke of the rulings of their days, more often coming to his courtyard to focus on Cerberus on the days he could not sneak away to see the young God hidden away in the gardens.

It wasn’t a flood all at once, it was a soft trickle that soon engulfed him. It would have been so much more noticeable if had been a sudden need or want, he had thought of it as simple curiosity, how she responded to him- but then he found himself laying in his bed, thinking of her face and form.

The trickle became a flood during one of the last visits he made to the garden- the harvest month's end was fastly approaching, and he found himself taking any opportunity to escape from his throne hall.

Slipping from his court, he returned to the oasis he had made his play place. He felt tense muscles lax against his flesh when he felt the heat of the sun- his realm carried a constant chill, no sun or heat came to his realm. That would be life, and nothing alive came to his domain. He found Kore easily detached from the others, lying in the grove he had first seen her in. She detached herself from the others of the garden more and more, he had to be the reason, he wondered if she even realized how enthralled he had become, or if the concept of infatuation was something she knew nothing of.

She had been surrounded by nothing but women, with platonic intentions for their relationship. He was a new experience, Hades felt a certain power to that. He would be the first and last to experience Kore like this. The man came to lay beside her in the grass, a hand confident enough to come and lay on her torso as she stirs back to consciousness. She smiles and then, sitting up greets him.

She smiled, wide and showed her teeth. She leaned on her hip, her elbow keeping her posed upward. Just as he does. He finds she was a sponge to certain behaviors she would watch him do, blindly absorbing and beginning to copy him. “You’re back.”

“I’ve missed you as well.” He said because he knew that was what she meant. She sat up then, pushing his hand off absent-minded as she grabbed a pile of flowers she had scattered beside her.

“I knew you would come back soon. I wanted to make you a necklace.” She said, grabbing the piles of flowers from around the grove. He leaned on his side, propped by his forearm as he watched. Kore had offered him plenty of gifts, flower bracelets, and crowns- the original crown she braided for him was still atop his head, now metal and gems replaced the delicate floral from before.

He supposed there wasn't much else to her vivarium, there was only so much sunny, cool forest and groves and hills to explore, the lake was shallow, and the land could only stretch so far. How long could she live here, before eternity felt like a prison?

His brain was far too busy to ever feel the restlessness of his limited realm, they truly were the same. His eyes flick back to her expression and found her brows furrowed in a frustrated stare at the braided flowers in her lap. He cocked his head slightly, looking at the flowers being woven by her fingers and then at her eyes.

Narrowed and focused, the graze of her fingers made the stems thicker, longer, and better for braiding into a necklace but she seemed to struggle with the shape. He had noticed some time ago she had similar, but weaker, powers as her mother. He wondered how far her powers could go, Demeter was one of the more powerful siblings of Zeus, but Kore spent her day playing with flowers and nymphs, so he had no true way of ever knowing.

Her breath hitches, softly, before he was snapped from his thoughts. The back of her left hand was rubbing softly at her eye, soft orbs of tears formed in her eyes as she stared at the crown. Taken aback, he watched her cry gently as the other hand held the flower necklace, rubbing a delicate petal.

“Are you hurt?” Hades lifted himself from the relaxed position. His hand reached out and landed on her soft, wettened cheek. Kore laid her hands atop her thighs, looking down now. She shook her head.

“I can’t make it right.” She sniffles before her cheek leaned into the rough palm of his hand. He stiffened, how she willingly curled herself into his touch. Her cheek was warm- flushed against his chilled skin.

“You can cry over that?” He had to stop himself from scoffing, at the idea of crying over something trivial. It was childish. Her light green eyes look up at him quietly.

“It was a gift for you,” She whispers, “It has to be perfect.”

“You barely play with me, it has to be perfect when you do.”

Hades sat up right onto the grass, pulling her to his side. In an awkward motion, he cupped her face, his thumbs wiping the forming tears from her eyes. He hadn’t comforted someone like Kore crying before, he was unsure of his actions. In war, the wails of fellow soldiers were common, but he was so inexperienced in this sort of tears.

He was not meant to be gentle or kind, he looked down at her, the delicate creature that cried over flowers, and knew he was in the wrong position, he shouldn't be the one to calm her.

“No more tears.” He mumbled, her eyes swiftly meeting his. Discarding the flowers, her hands came and hung onto his wrists. “I love your gifts.”

“Then why don’t you stay with me?” She demands, sniffling pathetically. Her fingers danced over his skin, the touch was so gentle- he was unused to it. Hands had grabbed and attacked him plenty in his life, but he couldn't remember the last time being touched softly. He was hunched over, watching her face, the way her brows were knitted, the way her cheeks glimmer in the sunlight from the tears.

“Because I can’t.”

“But I want you to, I want you here.” She protests, leaning forward, getting on her knees, and sitting up further, attempting to meet his eye level. Even crying, he found her beautiful. The pale skin mixed with blotched red, lips parted as she softly cried against his palms.

Admiring her, he leaned further down, planting a kiss on her lips. It was a thoughtless action, he had been so close. He had been touching her more, and she never seemed to notice. He broke the chaste kiss, watching the reaction of the girl. She simply stared up at him, with no new tears or hiccups of breath, but she stared, almost studying him after the kiss. She had certainly been kissed before, Demeter must have been affectionate to her daughter- but had anyone but her mother ever given her such attention?

He leaned again, faster this time, and planted kisses on her lips. She didn’t kiss back, but didn’t move away, she had not flinched when he tilted his head. His hands still held her face in place, her fingers holding onto his arms. She wasn’t pulling away, it was all he knew, he wasn’t scaring her, she didn’t want to fight him. He kissed her again, breathing heavily, he held her face- he had hardly noticed he was squeezing her head, the way he was lost in the kiss.

He moaned quietly against her lips, she tried to lift her head upward, to break away. He pulled her closer before he noticed the feeble hitting against his wrists as he attempted to open her confused lips before a boom of a shout stilled him.

Pulling back, glancing behind him as a trail of saliva connected their lips. She was gasping for breath, hands still gripping his wrists.

When Kore blinked, the clearing of the forest was empty. She could still taste the man in her mouth as Demeter came, presenting desserts for them to enjoy with each other- and she was able to forget about the encounter for now.

Hades sat on his knees on the palance floor, before he stood, and staggered off to his duties.

His brain surged through his day, he couldn’t keep his attention flowing. the swirling thoughts thicken and took his focus, he lingered in his schedule until he found himself in the bed, the thoughts didn’t leave him of Kore. The pitiful words, the way she wanted him to stay- he laid in his silken bed that night, fantasizing if Demeter had not intercepted once again.

He imagined he was back in that grove, his hands leaving her head, to grasp her shoulders. Laying her gently on the grass, he turned his head, deepening the kiss. He would lead, hands leaving her face to touch her body- her skin was soft and her body looked plush. Her skin was soft, he wondered how the flesh of her neck would feel against his lips. She would smell faint floral and earthy tones- he could pull the robe off her easily. He would do it gently, of course, he could never brutalize her.

She wouldn’t be afraid, no, her arms would loop around his neck as he lost himself in her chest, the lift of her collarbone as she breathed harder, whimpering his name. Lifting his robe, he would release a hand from her body and position himself to her entrance.

She wouldn’t be scared, he’d whisper in her ear and caress her soft, rounded face, she would be moaning, begging him- he’d be the first to ever give her pleasure like this, and the inside of her body would be like silk, tight against him. He could only imagine how she would scream his name-

His eyes shot open, gasping loudly as his muscles tensed, painfully as he came against pumping his fist against his cock. His wrist shook as he finishes against the sheet of his bed. He leaned his head back on the pillow, grunting softly.

He had hoped he got it out of his system.

Yet, it hadn't. It couldn’t leave his mind, swirling uselessly in his brain as he tried desperately to focus on work.

Hades grew so restless he found himself with the desire to find counsel with his youngest brother. Zeus’ words held little weight in his mind, he was reckless and brash, and many of his actions were considered vile by him. He found himself hiding in the Underworld to stray further from the family, from the man who had even saved him from his fate with their father.

Mount Olympus was everything inaccessible to him, sealed away by a wall. It was not if he truly wanted to live on Mount Olympus, he heard enough of the aging tragedy from the gossip. He could never live within a cesspool of trivial drama; his short visits left him exhausted and with the need to isolate himself from any contact for so long after. The idea of daily life with family theater gave him a headache.

It was just what he needed, to avoid visiting Demeter’s Oasis. He was getting far too attached and feared the day he would be caught by the nymphs or Demeter herself. He wondered if Zeus would have to choose a side, that he would take. Zeus was no stranger to sneaking around to get a man or woman he wanted- but he still needed Demeter to do her duties to continue his play.

He hoped he would never find the answer.

Transporting atop the cloudy summit, the pearling-white citadel stood strong, rays of sunlight fell on glimmering the jewels carved into the walls. The front gates were bustling with Gods, minor deities, and even a few select mortals- often just a toy of the Gods for their strength or mind- were found near the entrance.

The gold accents of the white palace had always caught his attention as he walked through the halls. Zeus had little attention for finer things; he was far too busy indulging in physical pleasures. Hera had most likely been the one to decorate. He shook his head mid-step, in an attempt to rid his other sister from his mind.

As he stepped inside the throne room, the room itself was just like any portion of the Mountain, busy with life. Nymphs prancing, the cupbearers sat alongside Gods to fill the glasses of the Gods. Conversation chattered on in all directions as the room was flush with life. He stood gracelessly in the doorway for mere moments before his eyes caught his brother.

Zeus had been leaning on his throne, speaking to another god Hades didn’t directly recognize. Hera sat gracefully on her throne, looking off into the distance with pursed lips. He took a breath, going towards his brother with his chin raised. When the vivid blue of Zeus’ eyes grazes on his form, the man instantly springs from his throne. “Brother!”

The boom of his voice turned the heads of those inside the hall, the room was now silent as Zeus walked down the steps of his platform. Hades continued to keep his head high, walking in the direction of his brother. The God held his arms out, waiting for Hades to get close enough. Hades didn’t allow his hesitation to show. Raising his arms in the air, he allowed his younger brother to grab him in a strong embrace.

The tight grip on his form quickly subsided, the taller God now looking down at Hades with a gleeful expression. Zeus has always been what Hades was not, with chiseled muscles, glowing, nearly yellow skin, and shining white curls of hair that almost floated whenever he stepped. He seemed metaphysical by even the Gods' standards. He grins wide, teeth on full display as he held his arms open.

“What brings you to my home?”

“I wished for your counsel.” He explained the taller brother’s eyebrows rose in surprise. In their many years of life, he hadn’t come to Zeus for advice in such a way, but he knew his mind was far too foggy with emotion to decide, and he knew Zeus was not one for gossip, he was also not one to have a moral high ground.

“I could never turn away a brother in need.” Wrapping a muscular arm around Hades’ neck, he glanced back to the audience of the throne room. “I shall return!” He bellows, dragging Hades off. Hades could only swallow his pride- he could not bite the hand that fed him or allowed him to rule over his realm.

The short walk brought Hades to Zeus’ bedroom- he would presume, the bedroom itself was elegant. The marbling floor swirled with gold, the bed dressed in red silks with a canopy, and a large bathtub on the far side wall with a small table beside its wines. Zeus came to the wide spread of wines and glasses table beside the door, pouring them both a drink.

“You never come to me for what troubles you.” Zeus began, handing his brother the glass. “I am interested in what brought you from your little underground hole.”

Taking the glass, Hade swirled the drink mindlessly before taking a sip- it was harsh on his tongue, too much like the primitive human wine to be truly enjoyed. His favorite part of his visits to the Mountain was Ambrosia. He was surprised Zeus didn’t offer him the beverage.

“There’s a God.” He struggled for the correct words, the last thing he wanted was to give the wrong idea to Zeus. Hardship follows quickly after misunderstandings with Zeus are involved.

“If it's a rivalry, I cannot get involved, breeds far too much infighting.”

Hades had to hold back a dry chuckle. That was rich from Zeus, the God at the head of nearly every familial drama.

“No; no rivalry, I can fight my own battles, Brother. I promise you.” He glanced off, "It's complicated. This God captivates me. I find myself sneaking away just to be near- neglecting my duties to do so." He tapped at the cup, as Zeus placed the glass bottle on the dresser nearest to them.

"Dear Hades, you come to me with a simple crush?" He sneered and Hades nearly lost his temper there. The older brother refused to give a reaction, only exhaling before he spoke.

"Perhaps this was a mistake."

"Oh, Brother!" Zeus bellowed in laughter, grabbing ahold of Hade's arm once more and crashing his body against his chest in an attempt for an awkward hug. "Give me a moment to collect myself!" He swung Hades from his body again.

Hades is reminded why he loathed the events held here, Zeus swinging and pulling him about as if a doll.

"Through our lives, you have always been so independent, Brother. But you come to me with advice for romantic troubles, excuse me, please." He wiped at his mouth with that same grin that Hades always wants to smack from his face. "I do wish to help- tell me, how long have you known this God?"

"Six months." He spoke honestly. It almost sounded silly when he said it, how little time it took for him to develop these feelings.

"And why must you sneak around in this little relationship?"

His cheeks burn, and he felt like a child being questioned about a crush by a parent. He nearly wanted to bite Zeus's head off for it, but he only took another gulp of the bitter wine. "Her mother keeps her in a vice grip, I fear her retaliation when she finds us."

It would not be an if, but when. He knew his sneaking around he would be discovered, and he feared being unprepared.

Zeus lifted his head slightly, tilting it to the side as he stared Hades down from the bridge of his nose. He took another drink. "How much do you value that God? That girl?"

"I have never felt this way." He confessed, and Zeus only hummed in response, before he turned his head to look him fully in the eye.

"Then take her." The air in the room shifts and Hades could only stare at the taller brother. His heart flopped in his gut, nearly losing balance at such a thing. He swallows thickly, mulling over the words. The look on Zeus’ face was intense, Hades fingers grip harder on the cup in his grasp to steady his hand. He knew of Zeus' actions and the sort of man he was. He knew his brother's advice would be some version of this; had he come for the validation, the permission?

The same man he regarded as horrid for these stunts would give him the allowance for such a thing. He tightens his jaw, what was he doing here, if not to allow himself to do the very thing he has judged Zeus for throughout centuries?

"Mm." Zeus interrupts his internal battle, shaking his head side to side gently as he takes a sip of wine. "Do I know this mother?"

His mouth dries, he could not lie to Zeus, he was not foolish enough for such a move- but he knew once he told his brother Demeter has a secret daughter neither he nor Demeter could protect her. This was a mistake, he had been far too careless in his actions.

"Of course." He sputters.

"Does this mother live on Olympus?"

"No. She doesn't." He did not have to go deeper than that to be truthful, he would dance around the truth- he knew far too many Gods did for their own personal gain. He was protecting Kore, from someone who was not like him, who would not be simply curious.

"Then she's too minor to create waves." Zeus snorted, he placed the cup on the dresser with a loud thud and walks towards the double-door entrance. "Dear Brother, whatever aids you in focusing on your duties and doesn't affect me is permitted.”

Dismissively waving his hand, he began towards the entrance of the room, swinging open the double doors to reveal the long corridor the two had come from. He then looked over his toned shoulder, looking towards Hades.

"You're my favorite brother, do what you must."

Stepping through, Zeus turned the corner, leaving Hade's line of sight. He released the deep exhale he had been holding in his chest, he had deluded himself into believing any part of this was a good plan- he nearly ruined the safety Demeter had created. Hardly given a moment to breathe, Zeus quickly backtracked at the door frame.

"This daughter is no child of Triton, I presume?"

"No," Hades spoke quickly before Zeus simply smacked his lips, his smile returning easily to his face.

"Then my words still ring true."

Hades left with a heavier heart than he arrived. When he returned home, he slouched on his throne for days mulling his choices. He could delude himself into believing he had come to Zeus simply because he won't repeat his words, or he would not judge Hades simply for the want- but he knew better. He had always thought he and Zeus were so far apart, so unlike in all they do- perhaps they were just different faces of the same coin.

That thought nauseated him, he had judged Zeus harshly in the centuries together, but he was no better. He just hasn't had the chance to do so without consequences.

Yet, that wouldn't be true either. Zeus played with other living beings, often leaving scars both physical and emotional. He forced Hera into marriage and if Demeter had been any more weak-willed she would share this fate. Hera lived an angry life and was unappreciated, she was discarded so quickly and Zeus used her to keep Olympus stable. That would not be Kore's life. What sort of life was living eternally in some garden?

A good life, where her flower crown not having enough of the same color left her crying. He still could feel her form when he pulled her to her side and let her calm.

His fingers drum against the armrests of his throne, nails long and black as claws- no, he was different from Zeus. Kore was not a passing plaything- she would be treated as royalty. She was Demeter's daughter, she should be queen. He could provide plenty, more than simply a garden, he could suffer his realm and the power with it.

His decision would have to be made soon, for the harvest months are coming to a close and Demeter fully intends to stay at Kore's side until the next. He would wait another year, barely seeing her until the harvest came again. He was brought back from the all-absorbing thoughts when he was called to his Court. Standing from his throne, he walks towards the gate of death to judge those freshly unliving.

He had been sure he would provide her with a life better than being hidden away from the world. He felt confident in that.

His decision had already been made before he ever stepped off his throne.

#hades/persephone #greek mythology hades #greek mythology fanfiction #Greek Mythology #Persephone

2 notes · View notes

imkindaintopans · 2 years

Text

THE HIRAETH PROPHECY

Offer the gifts of the revelation And the fate will give salvation. Nine children are to be blessed, Seeking Fate will be their quest.

The steps of the messenger, The Flames seeking from a hammer, The Heart of the Sea sunken by the water, From Blood offered by the sky, To Desires seen through an eye, A sword sworn by sun ablazing, A mind shadowed by darkness awaiting, Offer the death of a death alone, Vanish the should be child that is unknown. For the final cure, Sacrifice the wisdom of the pure.

Follow the mark of the pillars' silhouette. A path you will never see but never forget. Soon death will take place and start the race. Soon the chance you gained will be erased.

The Titans will arise and clear above. Spare only dusk and souls will be enough.

Next Part:

Chapter 1

#percy jackson and the heroes of olympus #heroes of the olympus #greek mythology #greek mythology fanfiction #greek myth au #percy jackson au #percy jackson x oc #daphne x apollo #oc #au #prophecy #series #percy jackson series #hiraeth #fanfic #fandom au #randomau #pjo series

11 notes · View notes

withlovefromolympus · 2 years

Note

heard you were short on zera fics. here's one i recommend , it's based on the myth where hera leaves zeus and he reconciles with her by pretending to marry a nymph!

oh my gosh, thank you!! I will read it! <3 @the-witching-atlas look, we got a rec! :)

#i love fix it fics #greek mythology #hera #zeus #thank u sm #!!!#greek mythology fanfiction

10 notes · View notes

streets-in-paradise · 2 years

Link

My lovely friend @yerevasunclair did this beautifull rewriting of the Zeus x Hera love scene in the Iliad. Greek mythology lovers and/ or Sean Bean lovers, PLEASE GO CHECK ON THIS!! ( Even when it isn’t at all a Percy Jackson thing, the faceclaim she tends to use for Zeus while writing remains the casting choice of the first pjo movie.)

It’s one of the most beautifully written pieces of smut i have ever read. I’m in awe: the atmosphere is great,the descriptions are sensual in such a classy way totally worthy of Gods and the dialogue feels ancient in a way i will never reach even if i tried ( seriously, you are a GENIUS.Don’t worry at all about the delay, IT WAS TOTALLY WORTHY!)

I’m speechless, this is awesome and i really need to share my amazement with all of you.

#fic recs #friend's fic #greek mythology #greek mythology fanfiction #zeus x hera #zeus #hera #the iliad #sean bean #michelle fairley #a03 #a03 fanfic

6 notes · View notes

crown-ov-horns · 25 days

Text

Rewatching Yellowjackets while I work on WIPs I have no playlists for. By that, I mainly mean the Greek Mythology things, and the Good Omens things.

I'm so eager to post another chapter of Hellfire (there's smut in the end so that will probably take it's time -_-). Also, of And the Sea became Blood... But, I'm only fleshing out page 5, and, right now, there's 13 of the skeleton. Besides, I remembered I missed the black mass scene (which will need the use of latin).

1 note · View note

inc0rrectmyths · 2 years

Text

some more Ares and Artemis short fic.

Cuz they are so fucking underrated

Ares was sitting under a hemlock tree. That tree was lonely, there was no one of its kind in the entire heavenly garden. And everyone avoided the poisonous tree cuz it was considered bad omen and also a symbol of badluck. But for Ares, it was the most beautiful. The little flowers that were deadly but also delicate. He loved sitting under it, all alone, lost in thoughts.

While he was sitting, he heard swift footsteps. Like someone ran across the bushes a few metres away from where he was. He shrugged it off thinking it might be the foxes, horses, rabbits or even the nymphs playing around. But after few moments passed, a faint weeping sound reached his ears. That made him stand up and look around. He summoned his sword, in case of some danger. He walked up to the bushes where he heard the weeps. And now that he was closer to the spot, he also heard the sound of... a bird..? Yeah bird! A bird whimpering. And he also recognized the weeps in a second. He quickly walked into the bushes and got to the clearing and yup he guessed it right. There sat the moon goddess with a swallow in her hand. Tears rolling down her rosy cheeks. "My dear dear sister, why are you weeping? " he knelt down, wrapping one arm around her slender shoulder. "O brother! Look at this little creature. She was so young. " she showed him the little lifeless body of a swallow. So this was making the whimpering noise, cuz it was struggling for life. Ares thought. "Art, but why are you so heartbroken? " he asked.

"I'm the protectress of the wild, the mother of these creatures. How can I not care? " she choked back a sob. "She left behind a pair of eggs, little ones shall hatch from them. Who will look after them? You? I? Who will look after them brother?! " Artemis blinked her eyes to stop the tears from flowing. And then closed them fully, and the bird vanished from her hands. After taking a long sigh, she opened her eyes. "Goodbye little swallow. Hope you find your way into the paradise and forever sing in the name of our heavenly Father. " she smiled.

Ares who was now very much sad seeing his sister like this, pulled her in a tight hug. "My sweet sister, I know how much your heart mourns for this little bird. So I promise you, as you said in your frustrated state of mind. You and I shall take care of this swallow's little offsprings. " Ares smiled as he saw the goddess' eyes sparkle with joy.

"Are you speaking the truth my dearest brother? " she jumped up. "Absolutely the truth. "

From then, they both adopted the two little eggs. Demeter also helped her nephew and niece to help the eggs hatch. And the two little swallows were a girl and a boy. Artemis named the boy "Andre" and Ares named the girl "Alexis"

They both were really close to the two deities. Andre accompanied Artemis in the forests. While Alexis always worked as a spy and a way to deliver letters in Ares' army. The two swallow siblings grew up to be very graceful and beautiful birds.

#greek mythology #artemis #ares #greek gods #greek goddess #headcanons #ares x artemis #platonic love #siblings #fanfics #greek mythology fanfiction

45 notes · View notes

peggy-sue-reads-a-book · 2 years

Note

Am bored!! So am giving asks to all my mutuals!! So here it goes!! How about some Apollo headcannons I don’t know why I chose Apollo but am asking!! Love ya💜

You chose Apollo because you know I am an eternal fountain of Apollo headcanons. Behold:

Sleeping in the grass and Apollo reaching to stroke your cheek and leaving a trail of freckles.

He’s a literal hearing pad. Apollo is terrified of me because of my vicious desire to be held by him on my period.

His reflective smile on a snowy day.

If he likes you, he adjusts the base and sound quality of your actual ears.

Zeus gave that sunny, happy boy a place in the sky and because of it, he mourns harder than Thanatos who was not there for every bright and joyful moment, birth, breath, all there was to lose with the light of day.

Apollo feels of all things, left behind. By disappearing forests, humans, everything. Hyacinth and Daphne most of all.

His open-mouth laugh. How sometimes he tears up when he laughs just as a reflex.

Apollo reading his pals Tuck Everlasting aloud on a library lawn. He spread out quilts so their butts don’t get wet.

His fair hair and golden eyes. The delicate bridge of his nose.

Apollo’s worried face.

His soft, pretty voice. The gentle way he tilts his head when he’s listening to someone talk. The way the ends of his hair just brush his collar bones. Apollo teaching you to play the mandolin.

Apollo slightly biting down on his lower lip and furrowing his perfectly groomed eyebrows while solving a math problem.

Apollo pushing his glasses up his nose and very politely offering you hand sanitizer with a look in his eyes that is actually begging you to please, for the love of god, wash your damn hands. Wash all the surfaces. Wash everything, please, please, right now, you must. It can never be too clean it will never be enough.

Apollo being the patron god of sheep.

Apollo coming to your house and adjusting your throw pillows and picture frames.

Smoothing your hand open so you can feed a lamb a treat. But then he checks to make sure you didn’t get your fingers nibbled anyway.

Apollo jumping at literally any sudden noise.

His soft, pretty voice. The gentle way he tilts his head when he’s listening to someone talk. How he never interrupts. The way the ends of his hair just brush his collar bones. His hands over yours teaching you to play the mandolin. Prolly he’s gonna boop his nose behind your ear.

He prefers audiobooks

the smell of overturned earth on a day in a august.

Holding his hand and kissing his knuckles.

when my time comes around / lay me gently in the cold dark earth

Thank you for the ask, dear. Self-shipping with Apollo made me the woman I am today and now, you can too.

#you asked peggy answered #apollo my beloved #apollo #apollo headcanon #greek mytholgy #greek mythology fanfiction #the pantheon #greek gods #lyre harp #pining #you’d think I liked men or something

25 notes · View notes

a-world-of-whimsy-5 · 2 years

Text

Hyacinthus - Part 5

ʚ Summary: The king and queen find out, and Apollo is invited to join the family for dinner. He is told the tale of how Amyclas' ancestor became king of Sparta, the words bringing forth a memory he had long forgotten.

ʚ Themes: Soft | Fluff | Some angst

HYACINTHUS POV:

It was spring, and Artemis rejoiced because she longed to feel the grass under her feet once more. I looked forward to it too, as it was too cold to go into the forests during the winter.

Apollo had taken to sleeping with me every night now, sometimes refusing to leave till he had no choice but to do so. I yearned for his presence; his absence felt like a great weight on my chest, and only his return could lighten my heart again. He grew so familiar to me that I had to only sniff out the warmth and scent of honey coming off his skin to know he was there. It must have rubbed off because my father asked what new oil I was using. I must have looked confused because my mother then chuckled and asked me to sniff my arm. Sure enough, his scent was all over me. Freshly harvested honey and warm summer days, and I blushed. My father would smirk and shoo me off to my duties.

Then Apollo and his twin showed me the kind of sacrifices that the Gods truly appreciated. Gold and honey and anything that made a beautiful symphony for him. The finest hunting weapons for his sister. Fresh new roses and anything luxurious for Aphrodite, the best cuts of beef richly flavoured and prepared by my own hands for Ares. Beautifully crafted stories for Hermes, and lists of my enemies for Hades, to show him I crave his vengeance and protection. Hermes showed me how best to sacrifice to Hera without offending her and upsetting the twins at the same time. They even showed me the universe's true secrets, such as how the sun moves in the sky and how the earth is neither flat nor the centre of the universe. It was a lot to take in.

The hounds were used to me now and would topple me over as soon as they saw me, wanting my attention and praise. I would try to pet them all, and grow mournful in the process.

"Cinthus?" Artemis asked one evening when we were at her temple. It was empty now, and we kept to the old orchard, where it was more peaceful. "Why are you sad?"

"You have seven hounds!" I sniffed and blew my nose when one of the dogs whined. "And I only have two hands!"

"Just like Persephone when Cerebrus runs up to her," Hermes smiled as he looked up from his lyre, the one he pilfered, no doubt. "Uncle Hades does not know what to do about it."

"I know what uncle would do to you,” Artemis joined us and sat down, with her hounds resting beside her. One kept his head on my chest while I scratched his ears. "If he thought you were sniffing around Persephone."

“I do not sniff around Persephone.” Hermes protested, although his eyes said something else. "D-d-did uncle say something?"

“Not to me directly, but to father. I heard talk of perhaps keeping you within the caves?” Artemis bit into an apple and closed one eye, the other well trained on her brother. “Packing you off to Tartarus for a millennia or ten?”

She winked at me when there was a series of twangs, off-tune strumming and sputterings. She was just teasing him, but he didn't know. I keep a straight face to not give the prank away. "Tartarus? The Caves?” Hermes was horrified and his music changed to a mournful air. “A millennia or ten?” Frantic shakes of the head followed. “No. No. No. No Persephone for me.”

While Hermes played I stole discreet glances at Apollo’s twin. She had dark hair, darker eyes, and skin that smelled like a forest, no matter what season it was. There was a wildness to her, something beautiful, but it was a frightening beauty that should only ever be admired from a distance. Artemis must have sensed something, for she quickly turned my way. I mumbled an apology and turned my eyes elsewhere. There was a chuckle, and a hand ruffled my hair. "Do not fret," she said, "I will not turn you into a stag and feed you to my hounds. My brother will never forgive me for it."

"Well. That's comforting," I mumble. "I think."

When I looked again, Artemis was actually smirking. Hermes leaned in and whispered. "Lighten her up. All the better for me."

Her glare made him cackle and go back to his lyre.

APOLLO POV:

I had been away for three weeks, on my father's command. When he finally released me from my tasks, I went in search of Hyacinthus and found him in the stables, brushing his horse, Tempest.

I was content to watch, taking in how he was so gentle with his horse, the care he took, and then: "Did Zeus' tasks go well?"

"How did you know I was here?" Gods do not make a sound unless they have to, so how did he know?

Hyacinthus turned to me, smiled, and then turned his attention back to Tempest. "You smell of new honey and warm summer days." The brush glided over Tempest's coat with a soft whoosh. Tempest looked at me eagerly, clearly expecting an apple or two. I obliged. "I'd recognise that scent anywhere."

I held him from behind while he worked. "You smell like me now," I took a deep whiff and realised he was right. New honey and warm days. It was all over him too.

"How did your tasks go?" He leaned into me and reached up to touch my hair. "Very well." Hyacinths sighed, his body melting into mine when my lips fluttered over his neck, making his skin warm where they touched. There was a thump, of his brush hitting the ground when my arms tightened around him like a vice. "Father was pleased, but I missed you. I yearned for you. I ached for you. I- -"

Hyacinthus had turned and pressed his lips to mine. So ferocious was my need for him that I pushed him up against a wall and pinned him to it. He gasped from the shock but clung to me, his kisses leaving me drunk and dizzy like I had taken too much wine. "Apollo," he breathed. "I missed you too."

So engrossed was I in our reunion that my senses turned deaf and blind to everything, including heavy feet striding across creaking stable floors. "Hyacinthus! There you are!" A man called out to him. "We - -"

He stopped dead in his tracks when he came upon us, Hyacinthus pinned against the wall, my lips on his neck. "Son?" He stayed where he was till we had composed ourselves. "Who is this?"

Hyacinthus gulped. "I--" He looked at me, fear and uncertainty filling his eyes. I looked at him, at the man that had found us. "Is he your father?" There was something in his bearing, something only Hyacinthus had.

Hyacinthus nodded. "Tell him," I said, keeping a reassuring arm around him. "Tell him who I am." His parents were bound to find out sooner or later. Might as well get it out of the way now.

"Son?" The king was watching us with curious eyes.

Hyacinthus gulped, then straightened his spine. "This is lord Phoebus, father."

I took off my cloak and hood since the king struggled to believe his son's words. There was some confusion, then a look of recognition. The king's eyes went wide before he sank to his knees. "Oh giver of victories, you honour us with your presence."

"Rise, Amyclas." My eyes go beyond him, to the shadow lingering by the door. "And Diomede can join us as well."

"Greetings, my lord Carneius." The queen dipped as deep as she could. She had the same copper skin and soft curls her son had. Hyacinthus may have inherited his father's athletic physique and bearing, but he was his mother's exact in every other way. "Hyacinthus?" She said softly. "How are you acquainted with lord Phoebus?"

Hyacinthus looked at me again. On my nod, he said, "He and I are in love."

"Your son is the treasured companion of my heart. The only companion of my heart."

His parents gasped. "This is why no one knew how you came and went," Diomede whispered in wonder. Amyclas stared and stared, his face a mask. The air grew heavy and uncomfortable, nerve-wracking. I thought he might disapprove and demand that I leave his son immediately. Finally, after what seemed like hours had passed, "You dog you!" He chuckled and clapped Hyacinthus on the shoulder so hard I winced. "You earned the undying love and devotion of a God? The most Greek of all Greek Gods? How did you do it?"

Hyacinthus was about to answer when the king leaned in and said, "Seriously, how did you do it? Come on, give us the details and spare nothing."

"Amyclas!" The queen looked mortified. I quickly bit down a laugh while Hyacinthus went as red as a freshly halved pomegranate.

"What's wrong with asking, my honey?" Amyclas was all innocence and light. "I mean, think about it. What if Aphrodite calls on one of my men, like Cilix perhaps? Surely they'll need to know."

Hyacinthus turned into an even deeper shade of red. "Trust me, none of your men will want Aphrodite calling on them," I murmured.

The king sputtered. "A-Ares?"

"And boar tusks," I add. The queen was nodding sagely. "Through bowels. None of your men will want that."

He blanched. "Well, in that case... Mmm..." Amyclas coughed, his entire demeanour changing from jovial father to noble king. "Would you care to join us for supper, my lord? It's just us and our youngest, Polyboea."

Hyacinthus looked up at me and nodded. If it made him happy, I would willingly do it, and it was high time I became better acquainted with his family anyway. "I would be delighted to, but tell no one else of my presence."

Amyclas nodded. "I'll let Hyacinthus help you with your disguise." He had gone back to being a jovial father again. "If that's all the two of you d--."

"Out!" Diomede pulled the king out with her, muttering under her breath about men being worse gossips than fishwives. I grinned. "Hermes will like them."

Hyacinthus sighed, before chuckling and nuzzling my neck. "He will. And they'll like him. As long as he doesn't disappear with anything of theirs."

That made me laugh.

HYACINTHUS POV:

The servants all stared at this visitor of ours. Apollo took great care to conceal his identity, and everyone tried to figure out who he was so they could pass on the news to others. Poly was sworn to secrecy, something she relished thoroughly. Secret keeping was something she revelled in.

"Are you Apollo?" She asked after the servants left us on father's command. "The Apollo?"

We had started teaching her about the Gods, but hearing about them and seeing one of them in the flesh was an entirely different prospect altogether, especially for a small child. She looked up at him with star-struck eyes.

He got down to her level and held out a little trinket for her to take. "Indeed I am, princess of Sparta. I am most honoured to meet you. Your brother has told my sister and I so much about you."

She thanked him and clung to mother's skirts. "Will your sister be joining us?" She looked to mother, then to father. "Can we get her to join us?"

"We must see," father said indulgently. "For it is us who must always wait on the pleasure of the Gods; it is never the other way around."

He led Apollo to the table, now set up on a balcony outside. The weather was quite fine and perfect for a meal under the stars. "My lord?" Father pulled out his chair for Apollo. "It is quite all right," Apollo sat next to me instead. "This is your seat, for I am but a guest in your home."

Father nodded, but sat opposite us all the same, to not offend. Mother personally served Apollo while Poly was content to sit on father's lap. "Tell me my lord, when did you first meet my son?"

"The final day of the games, after the archery contest." He accepted the wine I poured for him. "Your son is quite skilled, he almost beat Perseus in the end."

Father's chest puffed up with pride as he said, "Hyacinthus comes from good stock. From his mother's side of course."

It was mother's turn to beam. "She is a huntress herself," I said. "It was my mother who taught me the beauty of archery."

Father kissed her hand and urged her to join us. "That's how we met, actually. On a hunt." He said after she took her seat. "I was after the stag, and she got him instead. I didn't even know Diomede was there until she popped out of the bushes and scared me out of my wits."

Apollo chuckled. "Do you still hunt?"

"Not anymore, my lord, no." Mother was flustered by all the praise, but her eyes started to sparkle. "I do keep my hand in with target practice."

Conversation flowed freely, with my father telling us the tale of our great-great-grandfather. "Sparta had descended into chaos after the death of Menelaus. His sons died in infancy, and he had no other heir besides his daughter. Everyone fought for the throne and then, your ancestor, a hero of the Trojan wars," we all blanched, for Apollo had been on the side of Troy. "Forgive my lord, I forget that -- "

"It is quite all right." Apollo waved away his apologies. "You will not hear reproach from me. Helen was taken, and her husband had every right to rescue her. But please continue."

Father, relieved, went back to his tale. "As I was saying, your great-great-grandfather," he addressed me and Poly. "Was one of the first to charge the beach. One of the first to leave the wooden horse. Some of the treasures he brought back can be seen even today."

The Trojan shields that had been polished to a high sheen and hung on the walls of the throne room. The gold that helped Sparta rebuild. I wondered if Apollo was angry. All he did was smile and rub his leg against mine.

My mother talked about the festivals, the summer games, and my birthday. "He was born right in the heat of the summer," she grinned. "You picked the most uncomfortable time to come into this world, Hyacinthus."

Apollo turned to me with a grin. "When is it?"

"Two weeks before the games."

"Then I must come. To help you celebrate."

He had this look in his eye. I blushed, for I had an inkling of what exactly he had in mind for a celebration. My parents had guessed as well. Father smirked, and mother blushed and coughed. She was still happy all the same.

APOLLO POV:

The words at dinner brought forth scattered images of a distant battlefield.

I see smoke. I smell the stench of blood, of ash and fires. I hear wails, desperate and ragged. I hear a voice, cursing me in the darkness.

"But I swear, here and now, a time will come when all your hopes will dash to the ground, and your joy will become like ash in your mouth. A time when your dreams will burn to cinders and all that you have longed for will come to nought. When that day comes, I will drink to your suffering."

My eyes fly open, only to rest on Hyacinthus, now sleeping sweetly next to me.

Hyacinthus. My Joy. The light of my life. Beautiful, loving, and so very mortal. Bound to the laws of the Fates. I attempted to see into the future, into his future, but every image I encountered faded into shadows. I needed answers, and I could get them from only three women.

Sister. Summon the Fates. I need to speak with them. Now.

The words I heard in my dream filled me with a dread I could not describe. I rushed out to the balcony, only to be stopped by Artemis. "No."

#apollo #apollo and hyacinthus #hyacinthus #writing #creative writing #writeblr #amwriting #greek gods #a world of whimsy writes #greco roman pantheons #greco roman fics #greek mythology #greek mythology fanfiction

9 notes · View notes