A/N: Okay, I did promise that I would update this and it has been a little over a month already… anyways I have a lot to explain so enough with the dilly-dallying.
First, I would like to answer a question posted by satomika-chan. About the use of both Greek and Roman/ Latin names of the gods in this fic, it actually depends on the character who thinks or speaks the name. The characters who are considered born Greek in this fic will naturally use Greek names and the specific races will be using the Roman names. Neon does a better explanation of this in Scene III of this chapter.
Also, I'd like to encourage you guys to read the character checks, vocabulary look-ups and context disambiguation, and mythological cross-referencing I've provided before the author's end notes. They will help readers understand this fic better since I can not put everything in the narrative. And I would not include the 12 Olympians and other famous gods in the character checks since any reader of mythology probably know them by heart but if you guys want added info just tell me and I'll give them decent character checks.
Acknowledgments:
Satomika-chan: I hope I answered your question and if there are any more questions you'd like to ask feel free to do so. Thanks for the support. And good luck with your duties. Duties are meant to be enjoyed despite the fact that they are tiresome. That's from experience, sweetheart.
Aki-chan: I know you're pretty busy what with the first week of classes in the new year. I hope Sodales finds a place with you like the way you support Other God and MIAB. I truly enjoy reading reviews from you. About my writing style. I think I've never used the same writing style for any of my fics. And I'm glad you like the way I write. I try my best to find a style that would best deliver a story everytime.
Crystaliz: anything for readers like you. And expect you'd be a regular in my A/N's… hehe… this chapter is specially for readers like you. Hope you enjoy this.
Shenhui: I'm glad you find the story interesting and I do hope this chapter meets expectations.
On to the Fic…
Standard Disclaimer still applies.
Sodales by Anne Raven
Act I
Scene I
And the center of the world was Delphi where Phoebus sits on his throne of truth and speaks to men. The Sanctuary of Apollo, known as Phaedriades in the ancient world, was situated on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus where the sacred spring of Castalia bubbles up and the river Cephissus flows freely. A breathtaking view overlooking the Pleistos Valley and the adjacent surroundings was enough to make anyone come for a return visit. But it was not the reason why hordes of pilgrims from all over the world came.
Seekers of Truth would give up their entire fortunes for a chance to sit with Apollo's Oracle who spoke,
[1] Words untainted by shadows and honey sweet lies
From Apollo whose Truth is unquestionable
That even gods come down from high Olympus to listen.
Neon was appreciating the beautiful landscape. She knew Tokiya would enjoy this vacation. She planned this trip meticulously and as custom dictates, those born lower in rank always arrive earlier than their superiors. She was no exception. She perfectly knew her position in the grand scheme of things. She was far from being like Tokiya who was born a god and was handpicked by Poseidon, patron god of Atlantis, to be his city's king. Though she was born an aristocrat like Kauro, she was no native of Atlantis and she was scarred, deeply scarred. She was a princess born in Elis but grew up in Thessaly but she could not, by any means, return to her roots. She wanted to change that. She would distinguish herself once more, specially in Tokiya's eyes. But she dreaded that this arranged meeting would crush all her dreams.
There were few palmers that day but the prophetess had told her her king would have to wait a while longer. Apparently, Apollo granted audience to another suppliant. This does not bode well. Neon knew Tokiya was at times prone to bouts of impatience. Yet, she could not help but wonder who the other visitor was, important enough to be entertained by the Pythian god.
Whenever Tokiya left Atlantis, Kauro usually accompanied him. When the rest of the Atlantean lords asked the king why, he simply shrugs off the question. When asked the same question, Kauro simply tells them that Tokiya thinks he is his personal bodyguard and with his skill with Kougan Anki, no one dares deny his proficiency as a warrior. Beyond words, Kauro knew Tokiya trusted him the most. He was like an older brother and so the devotion was natural between them.
They knew each other well enough to know why the water-god was good-humored despite being told to wait until the Delphic lord finished his earlier appointments. The moment the Oracle left promising them to notify them the moment Apollo was available, Tokiya turned to Kauro.
"I want to see more of Delphi. I had always wanted to see Castalia and see for myself the driving force of many classical works' poetic inspiration." He said in his usual commanding tone.
"Yes, of course. And we're going to visit the Python's cave too, right?" Kauro grinned.
"It's not right to impose on our king, Kauro." Neon chastised.
"Let him, Neon." Tokiya said then started walking expecting the younger man to follow then added, "Wait for the priestess here, Neon, then come look for us when Apollo is available."
Scene II
It was no surprise that Tokiya wanted to see Delphi's sacred spring. He was a water-god after all, the only legacy he gladly accepted from his Titan father. He had wanted to see Cephissus as well but would rather not risk a run in with his brother for whom the river was named.
He left Kauro as the young Atlantean further explored the cave where the epic battle between Apollo and the Python occurred. He was leisurely walking towards one of two fountains where Castalia flowed and he could already hear the rippling of the water. As a gentle breeze assaulted him, he noted that it was a perfect day. Bright blue skies, accommodating weather, there was only one thing missing. Her…
He was nearing the marble-lined basin of the Castalian fountain when he heard the soft chuckle that wafted along with the wind. There he saw a maiden,
[2]Whose smile was warm and bright
Like Helios in his chariot of golden sunlight
And beauty that the nymphs would covet.
Violet-crowned maiden, fairest of the fair
Happy is he who sees you.
She was beautiful and something about her was definitely divine. Tokiya grabbed a fistful of his dark blue robe just above his heart where an ache of longing issued the moment he laid his eyes on her. He would've convinced himself that he was dreaming if it weren't for that pain. He wanted to touch her but refused to move lest she disappear. He watched the wind play with her waist-length hair arranged with a couple of narcissus and anemones adorning her braids. He traced the luscious curves that were barely concealed by her pale purple robes, a color only nobilities were allowed to wear, that fell in waves around her form.
The leaves of the laurel tree that shaded the bench she was sitting on rustled as a strong gust of wind passed and she let go of the wreath she was holding as she struggled to hold her skirts in place.
A glimpse of pale flesh…
Cupid must be playing with him. He swore if this was an illusion, he would hunt down the love-god himself.
And as she lifted her head after the turbulence passed, his pale blue eyes fleetingly connected with her deep blue ones before she was called by one of her companions.
"Lady Apellia, his Grace calls you."
She nodded to her companion and left. Still dazed from the sight he saw, he didn't notice Kauro walk towards him until the Atlantean tapped his shoulder.
"What's up? You look like Medusa got a good look at you." Kauro asked.
Tokiya shook his head once and said, "I just saw the most beautiful thing my eyes ever came across."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. No wonder a lot of poets get inspired by Castalia." Kauro beamed flashing his signature fangs unwitting of the vision that lingered in his friend's mind.
Scene III
γνωθι σεαυτόν
(gnothi seauton)
Apellia was reading the inscriptions carved on the limestone walls of the temple. This particular phrase caught her attention and she fingered the engraving reverently.
"Know thyself." She whispered her mind racing towards thoughts of the past, present and future.
She was so intent on the markings that she did not realize that a tall, red-headed woman was about to collide into her.
Neon was mentally listing the places where Tokiya and Kauro may have gone that she did not notice she was on a collision course with a maiden who appeared to be as still as the statues that adorned the place.
One more step then… thud!
Neon found herself on the cold hard floor of the temple after being knocked over by Zeus knows what.
"By Jove! Are you alright?" The unknown maiden asked.
Neon realized that it was this maiden she accidentally bumped into.
"Sorry, I wasn't looking." She said as she looked up at the maiden.
"No, I wasn't paying attention as well." The lady said, her pretty face dimpling as she smiled.
She was quite young or at least younger than Neon was; of noble birth, a dead giveaway by the purple robes she wore but her regal stance tells it all. As Neon looked at the younger girl, she internally cursed Aphrodite's injustice. How could the goddess give such a young girl the body that wasn't possible for her until she was a grown woman?
She was obviously a foreigner. She had called Zeus by his Latin name Jove like native Romans, Atlanteans and those from Asia Minor. She wasn't Greek like Neon was who never picked up the habit of calling the gods by their Roman names despite her years in Atlantis, a feat Tokiya who is also born Greek easily mastered.
"Are you alright?" The maiden asked again.
Neon nodded as she grasped her hand and stood up. She noted the softness of the hand, as expected from a woman of her position, but firm and she vaguely wondered if the lady knew how to wield weapons. She was sturdy as well judging from the way she didn't seem fazed by the collision. There was something about her that was not ordinary and something that was familiar to Neon like a half-remembered dream.
"You! What are you doing to Lady Apellia?" A girl with short hair and oculars said.
"What is it to you?" Neon retaliated.
"Don't you know who she is? Show some respect. She is Lady Apellia, daughter of the King of Winds." The short-haired woman said.
"Maya, that is enough! Where is father?" Apellia reprimanded her companion.
Neon whipped her head towards Apellia and appraised her once more. How unexpected. A relative. This one seems to be thoroughly pampered. She did not know her grandfather had another child and by the looks of it, this was a favorite.
"I'm sorry. Maya tends to overreact sometimes." Apellia smiled apologetically.
Neon nodded and watched Apellia leave followed closely by Maya, glaring with disdain aimed at the Royal House that left her broken.
Scene IV
If Oceanus had never been unfaithful to Tethys then there would be no need for him to be here. He would not have to consult Apollo if his mother never cursed him to assure that at least one god in the history of the world would remain faithful to his wife. As noble as it sounds, it wasn't exactly a joyride knowing and feeling that your world was askew because half yourself was missing.
As Tokiya walked towards the Delphic lord's chamber, a force compelled him to stop and look at the wall where a single line was beckoning him to it.
γνωθι σεαυτόν
Yes, that was why he was here.
Phoebus Apollo gave him a quick scrutiny as he raked his eyes up and down his form. Normally, Tokiya never felt anxious when in front of other people; he always made sure he was presentable, from the set of his long silver-gray hair to his blue robes of a rich Atlantean silk. Still, he felt a little awkward in front of the older Olympian to whom the Truth is never concealed.
"I had always wondered when you'll come to me, Enipemus." Apollo said.
"Please, Phoebus, I'd rather be called Tokiya." He informed the god after frowning at the mention of his birth name.
"I know. I just wanted to see your reaction if I called you your true name." The god's lips raised into a mischievous smile taking note of the way Tokiya's eyebrows knitted. "I have one question though."
"What is it?"
"When you discover where she is, what will you do next?"
Tokiya remained silent. He had not actually thought what would happen after he finds the One. He had always assumed that the moment he finds her, she would easily come with him. But Phoebus' question pushed his perspectives to the other facets of his predicament. They may share souls but she definitely had a life of her own. What if she refused to acknowledge that they were halves of the same whole? What then?
Tokiya scowled. "I'll think about that. What's important is that I do find her. Where is she?"
Apollo placed a hand on his shoulder and said in a voice that was clouded by prophecy,
[3]On a clear summer day
In the company of Gaea's gifts and Persephone's fall,
There where the water runs and the wind blows gently
You can find her.
And the first thing you notice about her is her smile.
"Can you be more specific?"
Apollo laughed shortly. "I have seen many a desperate man but I never thought I'd see a desperate god."
Tokiya glared which amused the Olympian.
"Be patient, Tokiya. Fate has ways of bringing her to you. But I should warn you; it will be a long journey." Apollo snickered at the water-god's churlishness and repeated his words.
"Be patient."
-TBC-
Character Check:
Kishi Maya – is a character from Flame of Recca who plays as Apellia's lady-in-waiting. She is unique to the manga and appears only once in the whole series. (See FoR manga volume 7)
Vocabulary look-up and Context disambiguation:
Violet- crowned maiden, fairest of the fair
The line does not mean that Apellia wears a violet crown. It means she is violet-haired.
γνωθι σεαυτόν – Greek; it reads gnothi seauton which translates as know thyself
In the company of Gaea's gifts and Persephone's fall
Gaea's gifts would refer to plants and animals. Gaea is Mother Earth in Greek mythology and it would be natural to think of Nature as her gift. Persephone's fall would refer to wild flowers/ spring flowers but most specifically the narcissus.
[1],[2],[3] – All of these passages are originally done by me after studying the style used in mythology books and Ovid's Metamorphoses so if they read like ancient Greek passages credits are due to Ovid and Hamilton.
Mythological cross-referencing:
In mythology, Tethys is Oceanus wife and the mother of the Oceanids and the Potamoi. She remains to bu thus in this fic. For this fic, Tokiya is considered as one of the Potamoi (river-gods) and later on, Mifuyu who is to play as an Oceanid will appear. However, there is another set of offsprings sired by Oceanus. They are known as the Cercopes twins and their mother is Theia. For the purposes of this fic, this mythological fact predisposes Tokiya's predicament.
In this fic, Tethys, while pregnant with Enipemus (Tokiya), discovers that Theia is also pregnant with the Cercopes by Oceanus. Angered by such display of infidelity, she curses the child in her womb to never be capable of marital faithlessness. As a result of this, the Moirae opted to split Tokiya's thread of lifeso that it could be woven into the tapestry of life of the one woman he is destined to be with. The only way for him to piece the two halves together is to marry the woman who shares his thread.
This is based from the belief that once a man and woman marry, they become one. This will also mean that Tokiya can never marry or allow himself to be committed to a woman who is not the One because once his life's tapestry is joined with another, the missing half would be displaced and can no longer return to him causing its eventual death. The same is true for the woman. Any act that would prevent the joining of the two halves would result to the death of the missing half.
A/N: Okay…I know you guys already know that I am one heck of a lazy proof-reader so excuse the typos and grammatical errors. I usually correct them whenever I post the next chapter. (Why so long? haha) I hope you liked the chapter enough to leave a review. If you guys need further explanations, feel free to inform me. I hope the passages read as if they were taken from some dead ancient poet because that was the effect I was aiming for. Thank you for reading and see you on the next chapter. By the way, does anyone have a translated copy of Plato's Timaeus and Criticas? My Greek is poor and I can only boast that I can read Greek but really, reading and understanding are two very different things. I can't seem to find one at this moment and need the info for Atlantis. If you do please PM me. It will help a lot to improve this fic.
Yours,
Anne Raven