Well, your reviews make me feel all fuzzy and warm inside! And I am not a fuzzy and warm person, so congratz!

I have been having second thoughts about putting Nataliya (NRR) in this story, so she might just give Ambrosine some advice, or help her. She won't play a big part.

Enjoy! This is just a filler chapter.

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Κεφάλαιο 3: Γραίες

'As Ambrosine and Damian were leaving Belen's house with their father, Jerome came through the door. He nodded curtly to Damian and Ambrosine, but his eyes lingered for a moment longer on the goddess before him.

Ambrosine, not noticing this action, smiled, and said, "It is a pleasure to see you again, Jerome. Did you give my message to Ioannes? It wasn't of most importance, but I thought he might laugh at it."

Jerome smiled, the first true smile that wasn't made of ice that Ambrosine had seen. "He did indeed laugh, daughter of Hesper. The tale he told me was complete hilarity, and I chuckled also."

Ambrosine's smile softened, now a content smile. "I am glad. Stories are a large part of life. Without them, there would not be much to laugh or cry at. Well, other than girls tripping on rocks and plunging to their deaths!" She laughed. Arsenio put his arms around Damian and Ambrosine.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Belen and Jerome, but we must be on our way. Alcander's blessings to you!"

Belen nodded and smiled. "The same to you, old friend."

As the trio left the warmth and light behind them, Damian and Arsenio chatted animatedly about the type of steel that should be used for Arsenio's sword. Ambrosine became bored quite quickly, and ran ahead, ignoring the protests of her father and brother. In a few minutes time, she was at the door of her house, and she walked in. As she turned around after closing the door, she was enveloped in a tight hug. Without knowing whom she was embracing, she put her arms around the figure in front of her, and squeezed. When she pulled away, she saw a sight that brought tears to her eyes.

"Graeae! What are you doing here? Not that it isn't a pleasure to see you again, of course."

Graeae wasn't like most grandmothers. She refused to be called 'grandmother', as she said it made her sound old, even though she had eternal youth. The young goddess sat down in a cushioned chair, and, with a hand gesture, invited Graeae to sit also. The grandmother obliged, and sat upon the chair, holding Ambrosine's hand.

"Well, my granddaughter, seeing as I have been away for a long time, your father and mother decided to have me stay for a short amount of time. It was supposed to be a surprise for Damian also, but I can see that he has disappeared into the air. But, anyways, that is why Hesper sent Damian and yourself to come through on your fathers message. To smuggle me into your home like I was a criminal!" Graeae laughed, and Ambrosine giggled a little bit herself, before standing up to help her mother prepare dinner, some ambrosia to eat and nectar to drink, the food of the gods and goddesses. Just when Hesper and Ambrosine were completing the meal, Arsenio and Damian walked in. As expected, Damian's eyes grew to the size of a loaf of bread, and he ran over to hug Graeae. Arsenio laughed, and strode over to his mother-in-law to embrace her. Ambrosine took in this scene with big eyes, enjoying the rare moment of laughter and happiness. The work of the gods and goddesses were a big responsibility!

As Ambrosine laughed with her brother and father, Hesper made an irritated sound in her throat. "Come along now, the food is ready. Are you going to keep us lingering around the table, smelling the delicious ambrosia?" Ambrosine giggled, and sat down by the table, her golden goblet and plate filled with delicious food and drink. They sat down around the table, and during the eating, Graeae filled their heads with stories of her wonderful travels.'

As the book closes for this dawn, the wise words of Ambrosine fill the air…

'"Stories are a large part of life. Without them, there would not be much to laugh or cry at."'