In the depths of Italy lives the Great Rome whom had all that many a man dared to dream for. He had fame, glory in battle, strong allies and fertile lands that expanded past the horizon. But he craved something. A woman. Not one like he would have in his bed every night. No he needed one that could live with his life and bear him strong sons that could destroy his foes and beautiful daughters that could give him leverage in war treaties as well as grandchildren. It was a dream that he so very much wanted to possess in the form of flesh and blood.
"Germania." "Rome, is there something you need?" "A woman." A sigh escapes Germania's lips. He turns from Rome. Heading for the doorway. "I will send for one to your room."
"Not that kind of woman." This caused the longtime guard to stop in surprise. For not once in his life did Germania see Rome refuse to have a courtesan sent to his chambers.
"And what kind of woman do you desire then?"
"My Comrade, I desire a woman of myth but it is truly one of flesh. Of great beauty that nature carves from stone and wind breathes life into her."
"Have you been hitting the wine cellars again?"
"No, my dear friend Germania. I have not. I have a journey to make that I need my best tracker for."
"Has one of your numerous ladies escaped?"
"It would be nice if you got one of these rights. For once." A vein throbs lightly on Germania's scalp from the comment. "Then who is it we seek?"
"A nymph."
"A Nymph? My lord you definitely have hit the cellars."
"No I haven't! I know one is out there! I need a wife, one that could live as long as I. A nymph is such a creature."
"Can you not as the lovely Greece or Egypt to be your bride? They live as long as we do."
"True. They would. I had fallen for them upon sight, but they do not wish to be anything but allies. Especially after I had taken over their lands to further my empire. No they will not do. I have heard rumors and tales of a nymph that resides in a forest west of me. A forest that is vast and flowing. Let us go forth and see if the rumor is true and then I shall have my wife."
"You wish upon a whim to find a nymph that is solely alive based on a rumor you had heard?"
"Good. You were listening. Now let us be off!" Rome with a flourish of his cape of red walks proudly through the doors to rally the soldiers. Germania scowl upon face shakes his head at the whimsical gesture that his friend has suggested. Germania was growing rather tired of his lord's schemes. This one will end badly. He could feel it in his bones. Only will it end badly for solely Rome or will it end badly for him as well? He wondered.
They set off that day east as Rome had said before. They journeyed till sundown and stayed at an inn. Where the owner had an encounter with the Nymph of the Wood.
"She is real?" questioned Germania.
"Aye. She's as real as you and I. I saw her not to long ago. When I had traveled from my brother's home. I had to go through those woods when a storm hit. Figured I would find a cave or some form of shelter till it let up enough for travel. It was a strong storm. Jupiter must have been in a foul mood that day. I was braving past rain that stung like bees and wind that whipped around you like a hurricane. Still I trudged on till I heard a strange sound. It was unearthly beautiful, like someone singing. It drowned out the howling winds and whipping trees. All you could hear was the voice. I followed it as if in a trance till I came across a clearing where a young woman was dancing. Wild and graceful that she looked like a ghost. My first thought was why was a woman dancing in the woods at a time like this? The second thought that came to mind was what was the manner of her strange dress. It looked smooth as water but seemed to be made of leaves. I called out to her. She took one look at me and then dashed like a deer into the woods. I ran after her thinking she had been frightened. She ran effortlessly until we came to a rock wall. She turned to look at me. I held out my hand to her offering help. She stared my hand and then me. She didn't look as scared as she had before, so I took it as a sign and stepped forward. The minute I did. The most curious thing happened. She turned into leaves. A swirling mix of green leaves that flew over my head and into the sky! Once more I followed. This time I was lead to the end of the forest. I walked out and looked behind to find the same woman sitting in one of trees smiling. I knew she was helping me from the start. That nymph was one born of kindness. Every time I go through the woods I send a prayer to Jupiter for her."
"Do you know anything else about her?"
"My lord Roma, I know that she will never leave the forest."
"Is it possible for me to persuade her to leave?"
"Depends on what you mean by persuade."
"Forcefully."
"Aye. Then you would have to take a necklace forged of metal that bears no more life with the earth and place it on her. Then carry her from her to your home, never letting her down once to touch the earth. Once she is home with you she cannot leave your palaces grounds."
"You have been most helpfully my good man I shall send more business your way."
"If I may suggest my lord. You should leave her in the forest."
"I'm sorry, but she is going to come with me."
The inn keeper closed his eyes with a sigh. There was no getting through to him. His will outran others.
Germania still felt that this was a fantasy that was cooked up by the inn keeper and others to draw them to the area for business.
The next day they set out to the forest. Unaware of the destiny that lay before them.
They had traveled for day lengths journey to the forest. They came upon it at night. The moon at its crescent peak cast small slivers of light upon the thick woods and shrubs that littered the ground revealing no path to tread for the small army. Still Rome was determined to press on and find the mythical nymph that drove him with desire. Her days in the forest were numbered for soon she will live in the palace. Wearing garments of the purest silk from the Far East, eating the rarest delicious food that was provided from the corners of his empire, gold and jewels will decorate her frame showing that she was to be a woman of wealth and power not to be messed with. Yes his fantasies of his soon to be wife. Though the world and even his most trusted ally did not believe that he was going to find this nymph. Germania in order to persuade his lord to abandon this futile mission requested that they camp for the night and continue in the morning. His goal was to convince him to leave during watch duty.
"Rome, do you think that this nymph will be easy to find?" "Germania, even if it takes me a hundred years I will find her." "Is that wise?" "My empire needs a queen." "And your empire needs its ruler. It cannot last a hundred years without a ruler. Remember you have not yet settled down and had any children, thus no future ruler." "I am well aware of that. What are you trying to get at, Germania?"
"My lord this is a fool's errand. Chasing after an imaginary woman in a vast forest. Your empire, your people, and your soldiers they are real and they need your guidance to lead them through the ages. What they don't need is a drunken myth chaser!"
"You should learn to hold your tongue my friend. Words can cause more destruction than a sword in a master's hand. Specifically words that wrap around one's throat. I will now rest. In an hour I shall release you of your duty. Hopefully you will understand my words." He walked away from the campfire, into his tent unaware that the fire was gleaming with a deep warning reflected in the eyes of Germania. The warning spoke in volumes of numbered days.
The morning dawned bright with promise held in its air. Bringing a feeling of deepest hope into the small group. Hope that their leader will turn back towards home and marry another worthy bride of his choosing. Their hope was soon dashed when Rome gave the order for the party to forge forward. The company did as ordered and marched into the forest, unaware that someone was watching from the trees
It did not take long for the whole company to become lost and separated. Rome was lucky to have three of his skilled guards still with him, but Germania his closest ally was hopelessly lost and alone. He traveled further into the woods within thick vines and leaves. Making it difficult for him to forge forward. Cutting the branches would have been a simple solution, but as he reached for his sword. He felt a tug at his arm and heart. Telling him it was wrong. He normally pushed these feelings away from his mind and did the logical thing. This time it was stronger than him, it vexed him quite a bit actually. His mind was busy with reasons for his lack of strength within himself that he was shocked to have heard a splash. He followed it hoping it could be some kind of fresh game. A deer, bear or even a rabbit sounded good. He did not know how long his supplies could hold him, so any food he could find was welcomed. He followed to where the noise had come from. Taking painful steps to stay quiet so as not to scare away the game. He raised his head to see past the leaves. Carefully moving the branches to reveal a young woman. A naked young woman. In shock he jumped back from the vision. He heard a shriek and then in quick fast words he shouted out apology after apology about accidently peeping at her bathing.
Though he closed his eyes and then chooses now to open them. Another shock reached him. The woman he had seen was in front of him, and then only thing that covered her was her long flowing hair. This sight though a somewhat pleasant view to him still made him blush to the point of passing out.
Gently did she move her hands over the face of the man before her. Curious and not frightened was she of the man. Why had he and his companions entered the forest? Where they trying to do what others had done before them? Braving the forest to near death with only a helping hand from her where they saved. Or where their intentions to prove she exist? It still confused her that people would think her kind no longer existed. How can a living creature exist in front of them and be declared a myth? She wasn't sure, but she knew one thing this man was lost and he was in need of her help. Quickly before the night could fall she whisked away the sleeping man to her tree home. Though it was difficult she manuvered gracefully with little delay. Where she could tend to him and then lead him to his companions in the morn's early light.
The night fell in peaceful slumber around the Nymph's tiny home. In the bed laid the embarrassed and still unconscious Germania. The Nymph stood bye with watchful eye. In case he should stir himself awake. She knew that she still had to be careful around the unusual man. He could have been a kind of hunter that found her to be a prize. Yet there came a feeling of calmness from the energy the strange man posed. This man knew the courses of nature. He knew that one must preserve it, respect it and will oneself from it. One can never cut themselves from it. Nature is the only thing that all people are a part of. Strange how so many have forgotten that in such a short amount of time after their birth into the world. The muse pondered her thoughts while staying vigilant of her charge.
Meanwhile in the cluster of shrubs not far from the entrance of the home of the Nymph, where the soldiers and their leader Rome. He had seen the Nymph take his friend and followed closely from behind. Now there was no doubt about the existence of this Nymph of the wood. He and the others had seen her. Rome was overjoyed in the thrill of finding his bride. She was beautiful. Her face, figure everything about her appearance delighted him. She will be the queen of his nation for sure. But to capture her that was the task at hand. He had to find a way to place the necklace upon her. Just then a plan hatched forth inside his head. Yes, it could work well. He just had to wait for her to come out of the home and then he will have her.
The morning came in its beautiful shades of color that woke the animals from their dens and allowed the birds to sing its praise. Germania awoke to the scene and felt good at first, but when he saw that he was in a place unknown. He became uneasy and alert to every sound made. (Creak) He turned to find the young woman from before this time fully clothed in some sort of strange fashion. She had in her hands she held a tray with a bowl of food. He eased a little in his tension when he felt no threat from this woman.
She came forward and laid the food in front of him. Leaving shortly after. He ate contently at his meal of oat and honey. It tasted sweet and filling. Warming him from the inside out. Once he had finished, the Nymph(which he finally succumbed to believing that she was) returned. He rose from the bed and cleared his throat.
"I thank you for your hospitality, but I must leave now." She didn't say anything, but walked out the door. Germania followed suit. The Nymph was out the door when two of soldiers from Germania's troops grabbed the nymph. She struggled in fear, nearly escaping. If not Rome appeared laying a necklace upon her neck and lifting her upon his shoulders. Though she thrashed her arms and legs, trying desperately to beat him off to let her down. To no avail did he lessen his grip. Determination laced his hands to strengthen his arms and carry her forth to where she and he will live.
Germania was not happy. Not happy at all. To repay the one who watched over him like this. There was nothing he could do, nothing. The word left a hollow pit in his stomach, at least for now. Maybe just maybe. This will be a good thing for her. He tried to make himself believe this, he might have been successful. If only he didn't have doubt.
The posse of soldiers and their leader carried on to their capital with their prize well in hand. Surprise, relief and joy decorated their faces. Surprise to find her. Relief that it was not a mythical goose chase they had to go through and of course joy over the fact that now their leader had his bride, one that will surely show the might and power of their exhilarating empire. Germania was the only one who bore no trace of joy. His face was set in the usual tone. A mask of seriousness. To others it came to no surprise that he was the way he was even before they had reached home. The men simply thought that he was sore over being proved wrong about the whole ordeal, but no that was not it. The true reason lied inside of Germania's mind. The turmoil of what was right and what was it that he had no business in collided against each other. Until he would know the path to take he will remain silent, but vigilant to the signs around him.
When they passed the grand gates of the vast city, a thundering cry of celebration reverberated from the thousands of citizens gathered to greet their leader home. All gazed and welcomed the beauty that was to be their empress.
Rome waved and held the Nymph high in the air to show her off to his...correction their citizens. His face held triumph, glory and joy. For now he held in his possession the key to him finally having everything a man could want or need.
The Nymph in fear clung to the arm that held her high into the air. All around her people were shouting and throwing their arms up into the air. Some dared to try and come forth towards the group. Startling her even more. Never in her life had she been around so many people. She knew nothing of their customs. She had lived in the woods with other nymphs, satyrs and others of their kind. That was until recently when she had been told to live in the area that travellers passed most. She was to lead them to safety that was all. Never had they said she would be captured and taken from her home. With her energy and freedom taken from her by a wire noose around her neck. She held in the flood for she will not show weakness to these people. She will try and be strong.
The men with their prize reached the imposing palace. Germania and Rome advanced forward as the others return home to their families to rest. It wasn't till the doors had been closed that Rome set the Nymph down onto the marble floors.
"Welcome to your new home, my dear nymph. No Nymph does not suit you. I shall name you after our beloved Juno. She is the queen of our gods. Representing power and fertility, qualities that you will show to our people." The Nymph now named Juno did not respond. Her mood seemed to grow worse from the loss of her identity that she had known and the feeling of fatigue grew more in her stomach. She fell to the floor and tried to hoist herself up, her strength was leaving her at an alarming rate.
Germania was first to react. He lowered himself to ask her what was wrong. She said not a word, but moaned a whisper of pain. "Rome call for a scholar, surely one of them can understand!" "Get me Remus the wise!" The servants all dash to search for the man who came forth in less than an hour. Remus was a very old man who knew all there was to know about the creatures of the realms beyond mortals. He was also gentle of heart and sympathetic to the poor Nymph Juno's plight.
"She must be taken back." "What?" "My lord listen to reason. She will not do well in a place built by the hands of man taken away from the root of life. She must be taken back to the forest from which she came." "I will never take her back! She is to be my bride and stay my queen! Bear the children that will make this empire greater the ever!" He raises his arms in a wide welcome of his grand future design.
"I can see that you are a proud man, but pride has its price. I fear that you believe yourself immortal."
"Am I not immortal!" The question rang throughout the halls of the palace. All look to the man who made the proclamation. Germania's face held frustration at his friend's ego and lack of regard toward the woman he was to make his queen.
"My lord if you wish to make this young Nymph your bride you must wait until the full moon." "What? The full moon is a week away from now!"
"Yes, I know that. But it will be at a time when she will have the most strength. That's if you wish for her to bare you children."
"Of course I wish for her to bare me children!"
"Why? Do you not already have a son? The sweet little blonde haired boy. What was his name? France?"
"He is my son by illegitimate birth! I need a child who can be given the throne legally! Now tell me how to make that happen!"
Remus sighed at the ruling nation. He knew there was no way of getting past this now. He knew from experience, the time now was to bow to his needs and tell him what he wished to know. "You must keep plants around her and other such things, allow her to bath in the river that runs into your palace. She cannot eat any meat and the necklace..." "It cannot be removed." "As you'll have it. Good day then to you my lord." With that Remus leaves the presence of the three.
"Gather flowers to decorate her room, prepare a meal of the best produce our lands have to offer and see to it that no one sees her bathing and nobody and I mean nobody is to remove that necklace. Or so help me your death shall be swift."
All servants fear this comment and move swiftly to fulfill their duties. Two hoist Juno up and dash her off to the river. While Germania stands and looks at Rome with a disappointed frown. His line of sight then follows to Juno. How frail she looked in his eyes, so different from the lively young woman he had first seen in the woods. Who danced and ran faster than the wind and more graceful than deer that he had ever seen. How it hurt him to see her like this in so short a time of him meeting her. He prayed things will turn out for the better in the morning of tomorrow. She will make it to tomorrow he will see to it. He will help him like she had helped him.
Juno's P.O.V
In my life I have never felt this sick and weak before. The stone I attempt to stand on is cold and smooth to the touch. Much like the still water of a lake looks before you dive into its entrance. Yet it is nothing like water. It is not that it is just hard that makes it different from water. What makes it so different is that it has lost its memory of the earth. It has been changed so much by human hands that it can no longer sustain the memory of being a part of earth. It has lost the knowledge of who it is. All of the ones who are part of the earth such as we nymphs, fairies and other such folk as well as the those that still remain a part of the earth remember the memory. This memory is what allows us life with knowledge of who we are and can be. To lose this memory ends something worse than life. To go on not knowing who we are or who we had known something that is not bearable for many. The reason flowers lose their petals early when plucked is easily explained. For losing the memory welcomes death.
My energy comes from the earth. This stone holds only a small tie to our mother. It offers what it can, but it is straining for it keep up. So I try without it. I hold up for a dove's breath long before my legs give out and I begin to fall to the ground. I see a dark cloud cover my eyes. Along with the words. "I've got you."
Rome's P.O.V
I see her fall and dive toward her only to have Germania catch her first. Sending a pang of jealousy over me. What business did he have to catch so much as touch my bride to be? "Rome shall I take her to her quarters now?"
"No, I shall take her after all she is to be my empress." I take her from his hands, pulling her close and tight into my arms. "Unless you have a problem with that?"
Germania P.O.V
"No. I do not have a problem with that. Why should I?" I did have a slight problem with it. In the way he acted like a child fussing over a toy. When this woman needed help. But he knew from experience of the past that it was best not to speak these thoughts aloud. It would delay the help that Juno needs and cause nothing better than a petty squabble.
"Do you wish for one of the men to send for a lady's maid for her or shall I fetch one for you?"
"You have the ability to do that yourself." He flourished his exit with his cape, something I believe he did for effect. He was definitely in a mood. Juno. May she be able to break him out of it, before someone else does it permanently.
Juno P.O.V
The sweet smell of flowers greet my nose waking me from my slumber. Eyes open to a flowers and grass that cover all around. Sweet jasmine vines covered the walls. Lotus blossoms rest in small pools of water that scatter in a circle around me. Poisonous oleander flocks in small bunches hidden in corners to sneak a shy peek. Daises and rose buds create the bed upon which I had lied.
I think at first that a fellow nymph sister had stolen me away from this place and allowed me refuge in her home before I leave for mine. Stone walls told me it was not so. I was still in the palace of the man who claimed ownership of me and he was in the room as well.
"Hello, my dear Juno." With new strength I quicken to an open window preparing to take flight upon the swift wind home. Hands grasp my wrists and pull me back. "Now please do not try that again." He turns me towards him so that I may face him as he speaks further.
"I care deeply for you Juno. It hurts me to see you flee. Like I am some terrifying beast or slanderous being that causes you pain. Please I beg you to shake yourself of your fears and welcome the fortune upon which I intend to robe you from head to toe. Riches, food, clothing and more await you. Love that will bring you everlasting pleasure that which i can provide so well for you my dear nymph Juno."
This man if he loves me as he says he would release me from my shackles and allow me freedom in my wooded domain. Instead he lowers his lips onto mine and tries to part them open with his tongue. I turn my head away from him and try to slip from his grip.
"I was too forward wasn't I? I wish for you to understand my heart. I desire you. I long for you. I lust for you. I love you. Juno. In simple words that is what I feel for you. You are the only one upon which will give me a child to rule and a wife to love."
Lies upon lies are still lies. There are others for you to bear children and give the illusion of love that you have. Release me and chase them. How did I become my sister Daphne? Only Apollo does not chase me, but the terrible titian instead.
"My lord the council needs you." He has returned.
Rome P.O.V
"My lord the Council needs you." One of my annoying messenger boys called out from the door over. I made sure that only the men that I knew I could trust were allowed to venture past the door. The ones cocky enough to walk past the door lose what makes them a man. No one will dare harm my empress and ruin her honor. She shall remain the most famous queen in all of the Great Empire's history.
"My lord the Council needs to discuss with you now." "I am coming. Have the guards ready at once." "Yes, sir."
I look back once to my now lively nymph. She looks so beautiful among the make shift forest that I had prepared by the most skilled of gardeners and artists of the farthest corners of my empire make it for her. The messenger boy has little appreciation for his emperor. His look of annoyance of being late makes it all the more apparent that this is one of 'those' meetings. Why couldn't those old bags ever think for themselves. I swear they sometimes need help from me just to tie their sandals. For the wisest men in the empire they needed help on the simplest of things. Why oh why does it feel as if idiots work for me instead of great statesmen? Best not keep them waiting. Leaving old cheeses in the heat causes them to ripen in an unsatisfying way.
I follow the messenger into the grand hall that served as a meeting hall for the elite statesmen of the land. Each handpicked by its county to represent in the courts of the capitol Rome. Laws were made to protect the citizens and end the rein of evil from any who wished harm on others. Yes these halls held great history and great solemnness. Yet today they rang out with shouts that could be heard passed the large doors that took four men to open on each side. Yes, this was to be one of those meetings.
"Gentlemen the great Roma has come at your request." "We thank you for coming at such short notice, Roma. Please take your seat. This may take a while. The topic is one that...stresses some important event that has taken place recently. One that concerns you." My stare turns into one of stone. I had a feeling where this was going and I was not going to like it. Not at all. "We would all like to say congratulations on choosing your bride. The council is happy that you have finally decided to settle down."
"I thank you council men. My bride to be shall be the finest empress our land has ever seen."
"That is what the council wishes to address. You see Roma. This bride you have chosen...she...is...not up to par." "What?" "It is not to say the council does not find your decision inadequate, but Juno as you have named her. She will not be seen as serious." "Seriousness ruins the flowering image of a woman. Causing the brow to furrow and set in deep cracking the marbled beauty." "I understand, but you fail to understand what we are talking about. You see..."
"I know what you mean council man. All of you believe that since I have decided to marry a nymph. A figure of myth in our own country that the people will mock. They will think that she is fake, even though the citizens have actually seen her. It is the foreign dignitaries that you are worried about. Germania was one of our allies to see her." "That does help the case a bit, but there is still the matter of our other allies." "Then we shall throw a feast. Invite all our allies to it. The feast is one to congratulate my coming marriage." "When shall we have this feast?" "Two days before the night of the full moon which is the day I plan to wed Juno."
The councilmen all turn to each other and whisper amongst themselves. Some look pleased, others unsure and only a few were clearly upset. "The council has decided to go through with your plan. If it proves successful the marriage will commence. If it should fail they we request that you find a new bride. Do you find these terms agreeable?"
"Yes, councilmen. Although I feel the need to forewarn all of you. To have your gifts ready for the wedding." I walk out of the room confident of my decision and what lay before me on the road of time.
Germania P.O.V
Should I really disturb her? She does need her rest. Fainting like that in the hall. I should have seen it coming and stopped it. I need to help her, my debt to her must be paid. That's it I shall see her now. I open the doors and enter her room. Finding her trying to escape on the vines through the window. "Oh no." I grab her before she could get through the window. "I am sorry Juno. But I cannot allow you to escape. Rome would not be so kind to those who had been assigned to guard you."
She struggled with more might and I had a difficult time calming her down. "I know that you want to leave more than anything. But I need you to think and give Rome a chance." She looks at me with large sad eyes. It was harder to look at than a sad puppy's eyes.
Suddenly a vase breaks in the corner. "Uh oh." "Who's there?" Out of the shadows came France. Rome's illegitimate son. "Hi."
A sigh escapes my lips before I speak to him. "France, you know you are not supposed to leave your quarters. The small blonde boy looks up to me. "I wanted to see the nymph." He pouted a little. "It's not fair that Papa has me stay away from everyone." I sigh once more. The boy though unruly at times and a lot like his father when it comes to matters with women. Though he is a bit more innocent. He is actually a good child, given the gift of Apollo's beauty and talents. If it was not for his birth he would been seen as the perfect man in society.
Juno moves forward and leans down to look at the little boy. She gently touches his cheek and moves a strand of hair out of his face. France smiles and Juno returns it. He grabs her hand and starts asking her questions while leading her to the window and pointing out the highlights seen from it. Juno responds with nods and gestures. France was grinning from ear to ear. Feeling important for once instead of being shut away so no one could know the shame. Normally I would have to escort France back to his quarters immediately, but I think I'll wait for a while. Juno seems to brighten around France.