Note from the authoress: Thanks so much for the reviews and story alerts; it's awesome to know people are enjoying this tale.

This chapter gives some background concerning Ino's visions, and Semele and Jupiter's first encounter.

It takes place three years before Semele's wedding; I don't expect to have anymore flashback scenes after this chapter as they can make the story confusing.

I've also written a short piece called The Choices of a King, which explores Jupiter's perspective of The Trojan war.

The link is on my profile.

My thanks to Kates for inspiring the concept for Semele's bold request in her excellent story The Phantom's Labyrinth.

If you haven't read any of her awesome stories you're missing out on an amazing bunch of tales.

There will be more history revealed on the immortal realm in the coming chapters.

Feedback is greatly appreciated.

Enjoy.

The stranger entered the city at twilight, moving with the confidence and grace of a man trained in the arts of war. The soldiers guarding the city gates had addressed him with respect and warmth, recognizing a fellow comrade. He paused to look about him, as if seeking direction or help, dark eyes missing nothing as he watched the people of Thebes go about their business.

It was then Semele had caught sight of the warrior, as she was returning from the agora. What drew the princess to approach him she could never afterwards recall. Perhaps the intense look of interest he cast her way, or how he rode his horse as if he were one with it. Semele reflected that Ino would enjoy riding such a magnificent animal, often her sister could be found in the stables talking to the horses, or offering them morsels from the royal kitchen. She was also an accomplished rider, and though she loved a fast gallop, and appreciated the power and grace of horses, Semele had no passion for the sport like Ino.

Boldly Semele approached the stranger, offering him greetings and the hospitality of her father's house.

He readily accepted.

Semele paused briefly at the palace gates, to inform the soldiers that she had offered Xenia to a stranger and that he would soon request entry. Knowing that her orders would be obeyed, she went to inform her father.

According to the sacred law of Xenia, Cadmus had offered the stranger food and lodging, seating him in a place of honor at the high table. Having feasted well, Cadmus had turned to the stranger, to ask for news beyond the borders of his kingdom. Semele, seated at her father's left, soon grew impatient with the formality of the conversation, and choosing her moment carefully slipped away from the feast in search of Ino.

She did not have far to go, for her sister becoming bored with the endless chatter of the guests had gone to examine one of the tapestries adorning the walls of the megaron. It was a recent acquisition, depicting the warriors emerging from the wooden horse, and the flaming towers of Ilium in the background. Semele approached softly, smiling at the look of intent interest and curiosity which her sister's face wore.

Only ten summers, Ino possessed a love for stories which often frustrated her tutors, as their young princess often preferred a heroic tale for study and memorization, instead of the expected lessons for a daughter of royal birth. Their old nurse Beroe was too strict and unbending, following Cadmus's orders which said that he expected his daughters to be raised according to the customs of their people. Such pastimes as storytelling would never have entered her thoughts.

Ino's voice recalled Semele from her musings with a start.

"I wonder what it was like? For the Trojans when their city fell?" The question was so unexpected that Semele had to stop and consider her answer.

"I don't think anyone's ever asked that Ino. You know the story well, all any Greek has been interested in is the conquest of Troy and the bravery of our warriors. Also there was Paris's breaking of Xenia, the reason the war began in the first place. It's an intriguing question, but I doubt if we'll ever know."

Sighing in disappointment, Ino turned away from the tapestry.

"I'd like to stay and find out if the stranger has tales to tell, but Beroe will come looking for me soon. And father always wants me out of the way when guests come."

"When has that ever stopped you before? You know how much you love a good story, and who is going to care enough to tell him?"

"Beroe."

"She's already left the feast. You know how much they bore her, and you hardly need her to play nurse maid with you now you're older. Come on."

With joy Semele saw the light of mischief rekindled in her sister's eyes, eyes which had for too long been downcast and mournful because of their father's determination to ignore Ino's existence. For a moment fury rose within Semele, and it took all of her considerable will to force it back. There would come a day when she was ready to openly defy Cadmus, but for now she would wait and prepare herself for that battle.

The sisters found a place near the hearth, and settled down to wait. The warmth of the fire, combined with the constant flow of voices soon sent Ino to sleep. But Semele remained awake, anxious for any news this warrior brought of the fates of her countrymen. Half an hour passed before a courtier voiced the question she had been awaiting.

"What of those who survived Ilium? Is there word yet of Odysseus, or our own warriors who sailed to aid Agamemnon?" Their guest's answer was immediate.

"I know only that Laertes son departed Troy with all the rest and has not yet returned to Ithaca. As for your warriors I know nothing of their fate. I can tell you of my years in Troy, if that would interest you milord."

At the mention of Troy Ino roused, only to turn away in disappointment at their guest's words. Some expression must have shown on her face, as the warrior turned in Ino's direction.

"Your highness would prefer another tale perhaps?"

Semele tensed, anticipating Cadmus's reaction to her sister's unintentional disregard of custom. Unlike Semele Ino always found the formalities of court edicate difficult to master, preferring instead a direct approach.

Hoping to deflect her father's anger, Semele came to her sister's defense.

"My sister did not mean to dishonor your sacrifice or suffering, warrior. She has often heard that tale before, and thought that your retelling of events would be similar to other accounts she has heard of Ilium's fall."

"Ah but princess, every warrior's tale is unique. If your royal sister would permit me to speak I am sure she would find my tale enjoyable."

"I meant no disrespect," Ino struggled to recall the correct way to address a warrior of noble birth. "It's just that many of your comrades have passed through our gates asking for xenia on their way home from Ilium. They have told us of Achilles, Patroklous and Agamemnon, and cunning Odysseus whose trickery gained our warrior's access to Troy." Ino paused, wondering if she dared make a request of a stranger for the story she had always longed to hear.

"I know you fought for our people, but would you consent to tell us of Ilium's warriors instead?"

Semele was sure she saw amusement briefly kindled in the dark eyes of their guest.

"Very well princess. Listen and I will tell you of the glories of Ilium, of her wealth, strength and splendor."

Ino always eager for a story sat close to Semele, eyes intent on the face of the storyteller as he began his tale. And it was as if Semele had never heard the familiar story before. He spoke of the building of Troy, of how gods worked unseen alongside mortals to raise the walls which would withstand 10 long years of war. Tales of wealth, glory and power, of conquest and intrigue flowed from the stranger's lips as his audience sat enthralled. He spoke of the splendor of Ilium, of her kings and mighty men of war, and the value which every Trojan placed upon honor, justice and the pursuit of knowledge.

And he spoke of the royals who had played a part in the greatest war of that doomed city. Cassandra, doomed to forever speak the truth and never be believed, destined to be killed by a vengeful queen after witnessing the destruction of her beloved city. Priam, strong and courageous daring the anger of the Greeks to reclaim the body of his beloved son from Achilles. Paris young and reckless, daring to break the sacred law of Xenia to bring Helen to the halls of his father. Hector, tamer of horses, greatest of all the Trojan warriors, a passionate and courageous man who loved his wife and homeland.

Semele leant forward; just as interested as her younger sister to hear how this warrior would describe the destruction of Ilium. Every other account she had heard had been filled with the moments of tense expectation, experienced by the Greek warriors within the wooden horse. No bard or soldier returning to his homeland had ever troubled to speak of that night from a Trojan's viewpoint. Even Cadmus looked interested as the stranger began to speak.

He told of great revelry and feasting, of lovers and families rejoicing that at last the conflict had ended. All in Troy had been convinced that their victory was certain, never realizing that it was Ilium's last night. As Ino listened, she tried to imagine what it might have been like, and felt sorry for all the innocent of Troy who were unaware that death was close.

Semele listened and wondered if a deeper truth was behind this warrior's passionate account of the last night of Troy. It was often said afterwards that Ilium had been a favored city of Jupiter. Could the lord of Olympus then have given his city one last night of glory, so that none would ever forget the splendor of Ilium? Could he have wanted to somehow recompense all who survived the destruction with that one bright memory for them to treasure?

Her musings were interrupted as their guest drew himself up tall and proud, enacting the role of Priam determined to defend his city and family from the Greeks. The sound of a sword being drawn in one single fluid movement echoed through the hall, as all heard of Priam's doomed attempt to safeguard his people, of how he was slain while seeking the protection of Jupiter at the household altar.

Semele had always thought of the Trojan War as a battle where the Greeks were in the right, determined to punish the man who had broken Xenia and return to the king of Sparta his faithless wife. Familiar with the ways of politics, she also knew of the great advantages which capturing Troy would bestow on her conquerors, for it had been situated at a point where trade routes were plentiful and access to great riches was sure. But as she listened to their guest's account, she felt the first stirrings of disgust and contempt for her people's actions on the night of Ilium's fall.

As she listened to the stories of rape and pointless destruction, Semele felt a cold fury begin to flow through her veins. She knew that in times of war the destruction of a city and its people was inevitable, but only in a remote intellectual corner of her mind where logic and rational thinking ruled. To hear such a detailed and gruesome retelling of Ilium's end filled her with loathing for her people. Silently she hoped that their actions had not gone unnoticed by the gods, that Jupiter himself had taken vengeance against those who had destroyed his favored city.

There was utter silence in the throne room as the stranger finished his tale. Ino's eyes rested on the stranger with a look of mingled awe and sorrow. Never before had the young princess heard such a riveting and passionate account of the fall of Troy.

The thought crossed her mind that it was a pity none of her tutors possessed this guest's skill in the art of storytelling, for she would be able to learn history so much more easily with such an accomplished instructor.

But mingled with her admiration was another feeling, one of ancient power and knowledge awaiting only her recognition and acceptance to give it form. She had experienced this before, on the rare occasions when she had been permitted to attend a sacrifice to the gods, or been present at her father's prayers for prosperity and safety for their city. Something she could not explain was prompting her to speak with this stranger, telling her that his presence meant something momentous for both herself and Semele.

She resolved to speak with this stranger before he took his leave.

Semele sat in silence, a myriad of thoughts coursing through her as she struggled to acknowledge all the impressions this warrior's tale had awakened. One of the few things Cadmus appreciated was her talent for observation, one he had readily made use of on a number of occasions. Within the story their guest had related there had been a confidence in fact, and vividness of description which no other bard she had heard relating the fall of Ilium could match.

No word or misstep had betrayed his identity, but a gradual realization that this warrior might not be what he appeared had prompted her quick mind to wonder. She had watched the face of this warrior as he told the story of Ilium's fall. There had been true sorrow present as he spoke of its fiery destruction, the slaughter of the innocent and the desecration of the sacred altars and temples.

She knew that look well, for it had graced the face of Cadmus whenever word of a battle lost and the death of his warriors had been brought to Thebes. When speaking of the end of Troy, dark eyes had held a look she had seen countless times spring to life in the cool gaze of her father. A gaze where duty warred against desire, where the weight of a king's choices were not enough to ensure the end a monarch craved.

If she was right, this was no soldier who now sat facing her, but a god.

The household was not yet awake when Ino slipped quietly out a door to the stables. Often she came before dawn, wanting to spend time with the horses she loved and enjoy the peace before the palace awoke. She was not like her fiery sister; ever ready to debate and challenge, but a gentle calmer girl who desired nothing more than a life devoid of excitement. But even at ten, Ino knew that such a dream was impossible.

So she determined to enjoy these moments out from under the watchful gaze of Cadmus and Beroe, knowing that they would be rare when she reached the age of marriage and must do her duty to her kingdom.

The young princess moved down the row of stalls, pausing to speak affectionately to each horse. Each she knew by name, had even helped to care and feed for them when the palace had been overflowing with guests and the stables had been full. At last she came to where the stranger's horse stood, ears pricked and eyes regarding her with interest. Ino reached out to stroke the velvet nose, marveling at the beauty and strength of the animal as she bent closer.

Approaching footsteps caused her to turn sharply, fearing that perhaps one of the servants had glimpsed her and would not hesitate to inform Cadmus. She found herself looking up into the dark eyes of their guest. Anticipating his request, she unlatched the stall door and led his horse forward.

The contact was fleeting, but in that instant when their fingers touched, Ino felt the world around her reform and sharpen. It was as if she saw everything from the moment of her birth through new eyes, the eyes of one not wholly mortal. In that moment the veil of mortal sight was torn asunder, revealing the god who stood before her as the king of heaven. Still more impressions filled her senses, as she looked deeper instinctively knowing how to use this awesome gift of knowledge. She saw laid out before her the past, in all its glory horror and intrigue, the present, where mortals struggled to discern their destinies, and the future, the most terrible and intriguing mystery of all.

And she knew that these glimpses were nothing compared with the knowledge the gods or The Moirae so easily comprehended. Something far older than the race of men stirred and was brought to life in her blood by that simple touch, a remnant of immortal knowledge which coursed through her being with frightening rapidity. Briefly she fought, but at last gave up the struggle knowing that it was futile to resist this gift of her heritage.

Why had she never realized before what those disquieting impressions meant? Perhaps this revelation was not meant to be hers until she was strong enough to accept its weight.

How was this possible? The look of puzzlement was reflected in the face of her companion as Ino sought an answer.

A moment later Jupiter answered, having divined her thoughts.

"Of course, you are of the line of Agenor, kin to the immortals since ancient times."

All of her father's cruel remarks came back to her, and she wondered what he would say if he knew this astonishing gift she had been given at birth. Often in the past he had questioned the reason for her birth, even said that she was born to be his torment.

The king of gods turned to her, eyes scorching and mesmeric as they locked with her own uncertain gaze.

"Do not underestimate the power of The Moirae. Every thread is unique, has its place in the tapestry of the universe. Yours is a unique destiny Ino, daughter of Cadmus. Never forget that."

"I won't sire." Curiosity prompted her to ask. "Does anyone besides me know your true name?"

"Semele knows, though not through the gift of foresight. Speak of this encounter with her if you will, but tell no one else of what you have learned."

Unspoken between them was the knowledge of what Cadmus would say if he learned of Ino's gift. He would never consider it a blessing, but would regret that her foresight did not possess the strength of even the most untrained of visionaries. He was a king who always required sure and decisive answers, and thus would never consider her gift to be of any lasting value.

Ino also suspected that like the other countless occasions when he had descended to the mortal world, Jupiter wanted none in Thebes to look beyond the form he had taken lest any on Olympus learn of his visit.

Ino stepped forward offering the reins to the god with a quick nod in acceptance of the command he had laid upon her. He turned his horse and rode towards the palace gates, a tall and majestic figure lit by the first light of Eos.

Ino and Semele had often talked of that night in the weeks that followed, and the weight of the gift which was Ino's to bear. More than once it had proved useful, and Ino was careful to keep her talent hidden from all but Semele as Jupiter had commanded.

And now 4 years later, Semele stood at the god's altar, in the hope that this single encounter might influence the judgment she had requested.