Chapter XXV
A tower of waves hurled towards the anything on the sea, as lighting spiked the sky. Gaia trembled as thunder shook the shores. Helios's chariot was cloaked in destructive clouds. The couple clung to each other, combining their powers to keep the ship afloat. As they struggled both wondered who had caused this massive storm and more importantly why? A storm of this strength was more than a warning or omen; it was pure reasoned power, even if its aim was ill guided.
Aphrodite and Hephaestus were slapped as waves broke over the bow. They had no indication of any course, the ship simply cut through the watery fortress. After hours of being on deck a crack close to their ears rang through the air. In a spilt moment the sail broke free of the mooring followed by the mast being claimed by the dark waters below. Aphrodite and Hephaestus looked at other wide eyed. They both knew how vital it was to find land, even for an immortal facing this kind of storm was a dangerous enterprise. When this thought passed they saw land, and with their strength swiftly reached it. The instant they felt a rocky surface beneath them they put their lips to the ground saying "Gaia Gaia Ancestor to us all. Please guide us to safe haven" Gaia answered.
The ground rose beneath them gently bringing them to a deep cave. Aphrodite and Hephaestus went into the depth of the cave until the sounds of the storm soften. Hephaestus built a fire and cooked; while Aphrodite made a table and sleeping space. After getting dry they finally sat down in comfort. They were quite through dinner recovering from the force of nature. After a meal they laid on the bed listening to the storm continue to rage. In the light of dawn the aftermath of the storm was strewn across the landscape. Two immortals gazed at the sight; the land had been whipped and torn. They came to a glade with a glistening pool in the center. The glade was untouched by the storm, there was only one explanation this was home of nymphs. Hephaestus and Aphrodite smiled; they whispered "Nymphs are we welcome?"
At their words both wood and water nymphs greeted them warmly; soon they were feasting on food the nymphs provided. Aphrodite whipped her mouth and asked "Nymphs where are we?" A water nymph answered. "We call it Zaffiro, after the deep blue gems rich in the soil. We have no knowledge of what mortals call our land." Hephaestus turned to a wood nymph on his left asking "Do you know who caused the storm?" The nymph said no shaking her head as did the other nymphs
Shortly after the nymphs feasted them Aphrodite and Hephaestus were exploring the land on their own. In time they found two temples directly across from one another, they realized these temples were dedicated to them. Each investigated the damage done. A quick discussion occurred; it was clear they needed to stay to repair the land. However they were unable to do it alone .There were only two other visible temples one dedicated to Demeter and the other dedicated to Artemis. Aphrodite entered Demeter's temple while Hephaestus entered Artemis's temple.
The goddesses quickly appeared and agreed to help. When they reached the end of the day, Aphrodite turned to Artemis who was beside her. "Artemis before you leaves; may we speak privately?" Artemis gave Aphrodite a distant look similar to the one she had bestowed on Ares. However the goddess slipped away from the increasing group together.