Hello all~
As of 1/6/2020 this story has now been published on Amazon.
Search Anthesphoria: Sweet Bloom by Ilena Renard, on Amazon!
I've kept the first 7 chapters of this story up for those of you who are interested and would like a preview.
Thank you to those who have bought the book and supported me!
Chapter 1
The Birth of Spring
Doubled over in pain, the barley haired woman retched into the tall grasses that surrounded her. She had been enjoying the company of the friendly creatures had befriended during her self-imposed exile when the onset of pain she was all too familiar with as a woman had begun to trouble her. What initially felt like a slight discomfort had quickly graduated into a blinding pain that washed over her in rounds. As each fresh wave of contractions wracked her body, the woman slowly lowered herself to the ground. Her limbs moved of their own accord as she positioned herself on all fours and was overcome with a great pressure.
Ring of fire? My entire being is aflame. Gods above, how can anyone survive such pain? The woman thought to herself, crying out to the skies as a new wave of fire washed over her. Her vision began to fade in and out as she attempted to focus on the faint shimmering lights above her. She could have sworn that the night sky had been painted black when her contractions began, but as her arduous labor progressed the clouds parted, and the brilliant moon shone down upon her as the stars twinkled high above.
Strengthened by the sight of the full moon and fueled by a new sense of determination, she bore down and began to push instinctively desperately wanting to meet the child she had carried for so long. After what seemed like an eternity, but could have very well been only a few minutes, she heard a sharp cry pierce through the relative silence of the night. It was the most glorious sound she had ever heard in her eons of existence. She greedily grabbed the child she had just birthed and held it close to her, she looked down to see the face of the stranger she had never met, but whose soul she had always known. The woman did not know whether to laugh or to cry, so she did both.
A girl, a beautiful baby girl—and all mine.
Although her body was exhausted, the barley haired woman was wide awake reveling in the beauty of the little babe now possessively pressed to her chest. Moments later she laid supine on the tall grasses, covered in a sheen of sweat that the cool night air was quickly wicking away. Her body still flushed red from the strenuous labor of childbirth. The blinding pain she was cursing just minutes ago was now a distant memory as she gazed down at her suckling child. The moonlight reflected softly on their bodies, mingling with the ethereal glow that softly emanated outwards from within them both shrouding them in a divine luminosity.
With a gentle wave of her arm, the grasses towering above slowly created a canopy over them. The meadow gave the new mother and child privacy as the sounds of the night and of the grasses dancing in the breeze slowly lulled them to sleep. Before Hypnos's powers could fully manifest, the woman smiled at her child.
My beautiful, darling girl. My sweet child. My Kore…
This barley haired woman was a solitary creature and had been alone all these years. Her many years of existence had known much suffering and heartbreak, but the little bundle of joy contentedly sleeping in her arms was without a doubt her grandest achievement and would be her greatest joy. A powerful goddess able to manipulate much of the world around her, she had never truly appreciated her ability to produce and nurture until she was with child. Fighting against the fatigue that made her eyelids heavy, she made a silent promise to her sweet Kore, only minutes old.
You shall never know pain my sweet child, never know the darkness that once consumed my siblings and me. Never know the heartbreak that I have endured at the hands of foolish men. I promise to protect you from the many evils of this world, no man mortal or immortal will ever harm you. I refuse to let the follies and vices that run abound on Olympus to taint your pure soul. I promise to protect you always, I swear it on Gaia, on Mother Earth, from whom my powers derive from. I promise it always…my precious flower, my darling Kore…
Unable to contain her elation, a few tears of joy quickly slid down her cheek as the goddess Demeter fell asleep—her silent promise to little Kore the last coherent thoughts on her mind.
Demeter woke several hours later, despite the immediate fatigue she felt from the events just prior—she felt rejuvenated and the only pain left in her body was from the dull ache of a previously full womb. Feeling a quick recovery on the horizon, she thanked the Earth for allowing her to heal so fast. Being close to the soil and amongst the greenery of the meadow she had unwittingly chosen to give birth in had recharged her life source. Her eyes did not need much adjusting as the world around her was still shrouded in the dark blue of late night and early morn. The goddess's brow furrowed, not much one for darkness she comforted herself knowing that Helios and his chariot were moments away from breaking through the horizon—and with that would come a glorious sunrise. Her thoughts swirling around the bleak dark of the night were immediately swept away as her little Kore began to fuss.
"Shh my dear, Mama is here do not worry," she cooed as she began to feed the newborn infant. She relished in the feel of her daughter drinking from her breast, amazed that her body could grow and nourish such an amazing gift of life. Being the goddess of the harvest, and fertility of the Earth, Demeter was all too familiar with the cycle life when it came to the domain of her powers. Anything relating to sowing seeds, shooting buds, and maturing plants she was plenty knowledgeable of, but every time she looked down at her daughter she was amazed of the powers of creation she had as a woman.
Slowly the remnants of night gave way to dawn, as rays of light burst forth from that point where land met sky. Demeter's surroundings were finally illuminated, and the coolness of the night was quickly melting away under the warmth of the sun.
The start of a new day, and of the rest of your life. Demeter thought as she lovingly gazed upon her sleeping child, her finger tightly grasped in the newborn's tiny hand.
Demeter gathered herself together, wrapping the newborn in the himation she had used as a blanket during the night. Cradling Kore in the crook of her arm, mother and babe made their way east towards the rising sun. Demeter was eager to settle down close by and begin life anew. Her mind wandered to what life would be like for the two of them, living peacefully amongst nature. What it would be like to take little Kore into the local village that was a safe distance away, close enough that she would be able to understand the ways of mortals—but far enough that she would not be in any immediate danger. Demeter smiled at the thought of her little daughter running through fields of flowers, befriending the many friendly and plentiful nymphs that called the surrounding lands and waters their home.
Once again, Demeter's legs moved independently of the goddess's conscious thoughts. She soon found herself in the courtyard of the home she had been patiently tending to prior to the eventual arrival of her daughter. It may not have been the great palace of Olympus, but it was grand enough in size for the two of them. Hidden in a meadow surrounded by trees, close to a babbling brook, it was a quaint home ready to be filled with memories. Demeter stepped over the threshold into their new home.
It had been a little over a month since little Kore had come into the world, spring had slowly given way to summer and the fields outside their home were still abundant with sweet smelling wildflowers. The dozens of varying blooms created a cacophony that was appealing to the senses. The nymphs spent hours in the field getting drunk off the mélange of delightful smells, weaving flower crowns and anklets for their beloved Kore.
When Demeter had first slowly begun to introduce Kore to the other lives that inhabited the lands around her, they had quickly fallen in love with the doe-eyed infant. The nymphs would constantly shower her with little gifts, sweet songs, and kisses. The goddess could not imagine what her life had been like before her little Kore, nor did she care to remember. The newfound joy in her babe was sometimes muddled by drifting thoughts about her father. Trying not to dwell on the unfortunate circumstances of Kore's conception, nor on the strained relationship she had with her sire Demeter threw all her energy into the constant attention and care that came with her motherly duties. Try as she might, however, she could not help but feel a pang of guilt for not telling her child's sire that his daughter had been born.
I had not even told him that I was with child. Demeter shamefully thought to herself as she placed the sleeping Kore in her crib.
Not that he would care anyway, the fool has sired many children with more women than any God could bother to count. As fast as the guilt would trouble her, Demeter was even quicker to dispel those feelings and bury them deep away.
Reassuring herself with positive affirmations, Demeter decided to venture to the local village and assist in tending the fields. The mortals did not know her true divinity, but they recognized her power and skill and welcomed her help. She was the goddess of the harvest after all, and the Earth required her attentions, it was best not to dwell on otherwise trivial matters. Normally she would have not dared to leave her precious daughter behind, but the nymphs had proven themselves excellent guardians—and immortal children were much heartier than their mortal counterparts. Demeter recognized the advantages of the local nymphs and realized that Kore would truly never be alone, even if she were to attend to her godly duties. Besides, no one else knew that little Kore existed aside from the members of her intimate community, so no harm could truly befall her.
Unbeknownst to her, she would not be able to keep Kore's birth a secret from her father for much longer.
Home to many gods and goddesses, Mount Olympus was constantly buzzing with livelihood. Beings with great powers and strengths, revered by citizens across land and sea this place was home to many immortal deities. The giant akropolis housed countless splendid palaces for the gods that did not wish to live amongst mortals. Numerous gardens and stables housed plants and animals both native and foreign. Any whim or fancy a divine being might possibly think to entertain was capable here on Mount Olympus. Placed in the aether where the heavens just began, right above the clouds and the stars, the world of these Olympians was so very different from their worshippers down on Gaia below.
Not always bogged down with day to day responsibilities, the gods were free to do what they pleased. Apart from the frequent banquets, council meetings, and general traffic Olympus was witness to it was guaranteed that there was always some snippet of gossip or news circulating through its many halls. However, when duty called it was vital that these divine beings answered and fulfilled their obligations.
The mighty King of Gods was seated in his magnificent throne, made of a brilliant white marble containing grey striations making it look like the venerable God was settled upon a cluster of clouds. The throne room he was currently attending to business in was a reflection of the balance between the cosmos, sky, and land. When one would gaze up, instead of a high ceiling the eyes were met with the brilliant blue of the sky and a few scattered tufts of white floating serenely by. As the eyes gazed downwards, blue sky met the dark ocean blue of a cosmic sea, white dots and constellations sprinkled about generously. The walls of the vast room were covered in tapestries depicting many of Zeus's greatest feats and showed him as the fearsome ruler he was. Gold accents were a well addition to the room, showcasing Zeus's wealth as king.
The god of thunder and sky was growing impatient, he had been entertaining the complaints, updates, and general foolery of many gods for several hours now. He had just dismissed his last appointment, already forgetting what had been discussed just moments ago.
Heavens, what was Ares talking about? That boy has his hands in too many disputes, would it kill him to leave well enough alone and let us live in peace for once.
Sighing loudly and massaging his temples, Zeus mentally went through a checklist attempting to remember all the problems that required his immediate attention. Running his fingers over a thick beard the color of angry storm clouds, Zeus was broken out of deep thought by the sudden sound of neighing steeds and a thunderous galloping roar. Suddenly, the heavy golden doors that guarded the entrance to the throne room burst open as a chariot as blinding as the sun, pulled by horses whose golden manes seemingly ablaze abruptly came to a stop halfway to the throne.
Always one for a dramatic entrance a smiling Zeus stood up, his hands open in a welcoming gesture, "Helios my dear boy, to what do I owe the honor of your presence?" his booming voice like rolling thunder and filled the otherwise empty room.
Prostrating himself before the heavily built god Helios sweetly began, "Forgive me my lord, for not requesting an audience with you and for barging in so unceremoniously." The young god's face was slightly obscured by a head of golden curls, his bright blue eyes fixed at a point on the floor.
"My child, please rise you do not have to bow so fervently in my presence or apologize. Come, tell me what troubles you I can see that there is something heavy weighing on your mind." Zeus waved his arms for Helios to rise a gentle smile softening his masculine features.
The all seeing one clasped his hands in front of him, nervously pulling at his fingers, "My lord I should have come to you immediately, but I thought it unwise for it is not my business to meddle. However, I now feel that it is best you should know…" Helios trailed off, seemingly trying to formulate his next words carefully.
Sensing his hesitation Zeus reassured Helios, "Go on, I do not blame you for your discretion. You made a wise choice in refraining from speaking aloud, and your decision to come to me is still all the more wiser. Speak freely dear Helios." Zeus folded his arms in his lap, all attention focused on the young god in front of him.
I always forgot this pureness of this boy's beauty. His halo with rays as bright as the sun…surely they are a reflection of how true and just he is within his heart. I wonder what troubles him so.
"A moon ago as I was guiding my chariot over the fields of Enna, I noticed the goddess of the harvest lying in a field, my lord. I thought nothing of it because I know she prefers to live amongst the mortals. However, I was quite shocked to see a newborn girl in her arms. I did not realize she was with child. I assumed that she would present herself and her daughter to the court and introduce the new babe to the rest of Olympus—but since I have not heard the usual chatter amongst Olympus I can only gather that she means to purposefully hide herself. I cannot imagine why, perhaps she is fearful of ill thoughts from others, but I have never known an Olympian to shun away those born amongst us. I thought it prudent to inform you of the presence of the newborn goddess amongst us." Helios let out a sigh of relief, a curl that sat on his forehead momentarily lifting into the air.
Demeter pregnant? Demeter with a child, a daughter no less. I wonder who...? Oh… Zeus's hands once again went to massage his temples as a sense of realization struck him like lightning.
"Helios my boy thank you for informing me of this great news, I will take it upon myself to visit Demeter and see that she graces us all with her and her daughter's presence so that we may properly bless the little one."
With a final curt bow, Helios swiftly turned around and made way to his chariot, his chlamys billowing around him. As soon as he grabbed his reins, his four horses stood at attention and with a flare of their nostrils and swish of their tails Helios bounded out of the throne room into the sky.
Demeter had finished assisting the local farmers in harvesting their crops and preparing the excess for storage. Spring and early summer had been gentle and kind and the grains that would normally have been mostly harvested by now continued to thrive and provide for the mortals. The excess of food, the gentle weather, and the happiness of the villagers with the literal fruits of their labor was overjoying to witness. Since Demeter had realized she was carrying life within her those many months ago, the land had experienced a bountiful harvest and the seeds sowed last autumn were proving to be exceptional in both quality and quantity.
An unexpected gift to the mortals from the new life I have born. Demeter looked down at her feet trying to hide the smile that tugged at the corner of her lips.
The sound of voices suddenly filled her ears. How long have you roamed amongst them? How many generations have you bore witness to? How many seasons have you blessed the ground that feeds them?
Demeter stopped in her tracks, she looked around to see who had spoken and quickly realized that it appeared as if no one else had heard the strange raspy voice except for her.
Try as you might to conceal yourself amongst them, you cannot hide from us. We have known that a deathless one walks amongst these mortals, they are too occupied with their bounties to see that the reason for the blessings breathes and toils alongside them.
There was no mistaking that voice was directed to her, but she could still not locate its source. It sounded as if it came from inside her mind—but it had such depth and clarity she could have sworn these words were being whispered into her ear.
Barley haired, light footed, hands calloused from years of working in the fields and trekking through nature. Your body has greatly transformed since the conception of your daughter, strong hips surely ensured the quick delivery of your Kore did they not? Oh Demeter, Mother Goddess…why do you hide from us?
At the mention of Kore, Demeter turned around abruptly and locked eyes with a greying, feeble old woman who had taken refuge on the shaded steps of a temple. The woman's eyes stared straight into her own, milky white and glazed over with cataracts, a malady of the eyes that commonly affected the elderly. Demeter was not a fool though, she knew that this elderly woman's apparent blindness was just a ruse. She slowly made her way over to the temple, she had passed by it many times whenever she ventured to the village but always failed to take note of which god it was erected in the honor of. The elderly woman was sat upon the highest step and smiled gently at her as Demeter sat on the step just below her. At the same time, they both held their hands out to each other. The older woman held Demeter's hands warmly in her lap.
Without moving their lips and their eye contact unfaltering, the two women spoke to each other through their thoughts.
Sensing a spirit that was spun from a similar divinity the goddess of the harvest silently asked, "Who are you, my lady. How do you know my true identity and what has come to recently pass? How did you single me out so quickly in this crowd, are you an oracle come to warn me?"
Demeter heard a soft chuckle escape from the old woman's thin, wrinkled lips. "Oracle, sybil, seer, manteis, chresmologoi…we have many names—but does it matter? Our practice is all the same. No my dear, I am not here to warn you of any ill danger, I am simply acting as a messenger."
"Messenger? Who would have a message for me?" Demeter's brow creased and her head made a slight movement from side to side, as if she could physically toss the mere thought out of her head.
"The fates, they wish to speak with you." The goddess paled with sudden realization, the raspy voice that had been speaking to her all this time was not a singular voice—it was the three Fates speaking to her in harmony. Upon the realization of the true identity of this woman, or at least on who had sent her, Demeter felt herself now speaking directly to Fates—the older woman sitting in front of her merely a vessel of means for them to communicate to the goddess. Why had she not noticed it before? She was so thrown off by her encounter with this woman that she was slow to recognize the sisters' voices. Demeter blushed with the shame of what she knew the woman was about to tell her.
"Dear Demeter, you know it is customary for a newborn god to have an audience with the Fates for the purpose of determining what lies in their future. We called for you on the third day after Kore's birth, as is tradition, and you chose not to answer. We kindly gave you space thinking you desired more time before facing us—we realize that many do not take well to what we have to say. But surely, we believed, you would seek us out within seven days, as is also the norm. A full moon has passed, Selene and her silver chariot, moonlight materialized, have driven across the night sky and we still have yet to meet. What is the manner of your reluctance?"
Demeter had been staring at her hands, still clasped in the old woman's grasp, she looked up and dark hazel eyes met milky white, "I am truly sorry," the goddess spoke aloud.
"I have merely been selfish with my time, I was not ready to seek you out to determine what path Kore's life would lead her. I know to escape Fate is foolish, and that we all must fulfill our destiny… Nothing could be said to me about my daughter that would make me feel any different about her, or quell my sense of duty to protect her from all harm," Demeter passionately claimed.
Silently nodding her head, the Fates spoke one last time, "Come all the same, there is much you do not know, unavoidable as it is…the fates deem it necessary…and even the Gods cannot fight against necessity."
With their final ominous message, the old lady tightly squeezed Demeter's hand reassuringly, slowly descended the temple steps into the sun, and made her way into the crowd of people before them. She instantly disappeared amongst the throngs of people, as if she were mist suddenly dissipating in the warmth of summer. With a heavy sigh reminiscent of a child reflecting on heavy scolding, Demeter got up to head back home, back to Kore. Without a second thought, she turned around to look inside the temple.
I have been here for how long and I still do not know the patron of this place of worship.
If she had not just finished such a stressful conversation with the Fates, she could have laughed at what she saw before her. However, given the nature of the discussion that had just ended moments ago, Demeter's stomach dropped at the sight of the giant marble statue just meters away.
Golden eyes framed by shortly cropped hair. A dark luscious beard unable to mask the strong jawline underneath. Broad shoulders and a broad chest, a tanned, strong and well-built physique hardened by years of warring and training. Sceptre in one hand, and an eagle resting upon his shoulder, seated on a tall throne in front of her. While this depiction was slightly dated, there was no telling the person it mimicked…Zeus. Of course, what are the odds? Well I suppose with the Fates there is no such thing as a coincidence. Demeter shook her head as she travelled down the temple steps, a sense of foreboding snaking around her stomach. I am sure no good can come from what has just transpired, I can feel it.
Another week had passed since Demeter's encounter in front of the temple for Zeus. She had yet to visit the Fates down in the dark world they called home, but she wanted to gather her strength together first. The conversation weighed heavy on her, and with the time that had passed silent worries had begun to cement themselves in her mind. She did her best to shoo them away, but like moths attracted to a flame they found a way to incessantly buzz around annoyingly interrupting her thoughts. A full meal of ambrosia and nectar helped bring a sense of peace to Demeter, as she was reenergized by the food of the gods.
Tomorrow before dawn, I will seek out the Fates and learn what it is they wish to tell me.
Strengthened by her resolution, Demeter was quick to her feet when she heard a commotion outside. The sharp piercing cry of a bird struck her, and her stomach dropped at its familiarity. The mother quickly made her way outside of her home and was shocked to see the figure standing tall and proud in her courtyard.
"What are you doing here?" Manners immediately forgotten, Demeter was in no mood for formalities as she approached the king of gods. The resemblance between the god who stood in front of her, and the statue she had just recently seen was great. The statue had been a depiction of Zeus freshly out of his youth. The god who stood before her was a grown man and ruler. His hair was longer than it had been when she last laid her eyes upon him, the tendrils beginning to become unruly with its added length. His bare chest, and strongly built muscles were peeking out of the himation draped around him and he looked every bit the king of gods.
"Dear sister, I merely come to congratulate you on the birth of your daughter. I desired to convey my regards in person, rather than summon you to Olympus. Do not be angry with me, I have brought a gift for your little one and my blessings." Zeus sweetly said, bowing his head to Demeter as a sign showing he meant no ill-will.
Despite her seclusion on Earth, Demeter was not surprised that Zeus was privy to her newfound status as mother. The gods always find out, one way or another. There is no secrecy amongst us, at least not for long anyway. Demeter softened at the kind gesture, as bad as Zeus's reputation was, and regardless of how violently he had made her blood boil in the past—she was not ignorant to the fact that the mighty god was still capable of sincerity and kindness.
"Would you like to come inside, I have a feeling that this will not be a quick visit." Demeter raised an eyebrow questioningly and gestured towards the entrance of her humble home.
Zeus smiled genuinely, glad that his hot-headed sister had not immediately struck him down when she saw him. Although I am not in the clear yet, best to tread easily and not invoke her wrath. The two gods ventured inside and towards the kitchen, where the food Demeter had just been dining on was still laid out with plenty remaining for the unexpected company.
Sighing Demeter began, "Let me go fetch her, seeing as you came down all this way I suppose it would be cruel if I did not let you meet her." Demeter headed up a flight of stairs to another corner of the home, and gently picked up her sleeping daughter. Retracing her steps, she breathed in deeply before reentering the kitchen, knowing that once she had introduced Kore to Zeus there would be no turning back.
Zeus had a reputation of being a womanizer, his dozens of trysts with mortals, nymphs, and goddesses alike were all too familiar amongst both gods and mortals. Quite a few of these rendezvous always ended in pregnancy, and his many numerous offspring kept growing increasingly in number. While he never stayed with one woman too long, for he was not even faithful to his own beautiful wife, Hera, it could never be said that Zeus did not enjoy the experience of being a father. He always relished in the feeling of a newborn in his arms, and always made an attempt to look after the welfare of his numerous partners and the products of their coupling.
Gently cradling the sleeping baby in one hand, Zeus softly asked, "Have you yet decided a name for the little one?"
"Yes, Kore." Demeter responded.
Ah, Kore…young maiden. Befitting I suppose in a quite literal sense. Zeus thought as he gently smooth Kore's dark hair from her brow.
Zeus spoke suddenly, "What have the Fates decreed?"
Demeter's turned away embarrassed, wringing her fingers together she professed, "In all honesty I have yet to seek them out, just before your sudden appearance I was preparing to visit them tomorrow before dawn."
"Do you wish for me to accompany you? I would not shun away from this duty and force you to go alone." Zeus motioned for Demeter to sit down, she was still standing at the head of the table.
Choosing to sit next to Zeus, Demeter smiled softly, "No it is alright, I think it better I go alone. I thank you for offering your company."
By this point Kore had woken up and was staring intently at Zeus, she must have found his dark beard intriguing because she was motioning towards it, attempting to grab it in her hands. Zeus bowed his head towards her and let out a giant roaring laugh as she caught on and tugged hard. Kore's mouth opened in a gummy smile, entertained by the sound her father had made.
"Before I forget," Zeus began as he was blowing kisses on the baby's belly, "I have brought a small gift for little Kore." As if out of thin air, Zeus held out one free hand and in his palm held out a wooden bull carved out of the branch of an oak tree.
"I know it is crudely made, you know I have never had the patience nor talents for whittling. I am afraid that is more aligned with Hephaistos's many skills. But I wanted to make her a gift all the same." Zeus gently placed the bull on the table as Demeter grabbed his hand and placed a gentle kiss on his knuckles.
Sitting in silence Demeter watched Zeus gently rock Kore back and forth, he was cooing and talking to her as all parents do with newborns and her attention on him never wavered.
"I must take my leave soon dear sister, but I have just one favor to ask of you." Zeus looked straight into Demeter's eyes. Demeter's body stiffened, afraid of what more the king of gods might possibly want from her.
"I know you have made your home here amongst the mortals, I understand that Olympus may not be up to your standards when it comes to raising a child, but you cannot hide from us all. It would not be fair to Kore if she was eternally hidden from her many family members and other divine mortals. I will not force you, but as her father I implore you think about it. There is no need for frequent trips to the palace, but I do not want her to grow up ignorant of it all. No daughter of mine will be hastily shoved into the dark, it is not right. Go to the Fates, listen to what they have to tell you. In a year from now, I hope you will grace Mount Olympus with your presence and show little Kore to the council, and the other gods." Zeus was kind but firm, it was obvious that he felt very strongly about Demeter's reluctance in sharing Kore with the world.
"You are right brother, I have no love for Olympus and the general ongoings there—but I cannot pretend that it would not be unfair to completely hide Kore from her true heritage. That does not go without saying that I will be limiting her time there…but we will see how the future unfolds." As she spoke Demeter took Kore from Zeus's arms, a moment of hesitation twitched in his forearms as he surrendered the babe.
Sensing the end of his visit and of the conversation, Zeus slowly got up as Demeter escorted him outside. Zeus turned to face his sister, gently lifting her hand to his lips and placing a kiss there. He lovingly gaze down upon his daughter, kissing her forehead gently and softly whispering a prayer of protection that Demeter could not hear. With a smile, Zeus took several steps back conjuring a lightning bolt in his hand. With a swift motion, he threw it to the ground the electricity dissipating with a few streaks of light surrounding Zeus as he disappeared with a sudden crackle reminiscent of far off thunder. With the blink of an eye Zeus was gone, the only indication of his presence the now settling dust that had been swept up into the air during the commotion.
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