FenrisFiltiarn: Thank you very much! I am so glad you've been enjoying the story since the beginning!
Haro654: Indeed, the light novel mentioned they had been around but not seen in the biblical religion until later...this is where they were gaining strength until then :D
djohagan: Thanks! I am sure they'll have their fair share of bosses to face.
LordOfTee: I feel the same way, it is perfect for not only building up Dorian as a character all his own, but adding something new for fans of the main canon that are aware of the primary plot threads.
PasiveNox: Indeed, seems they have their fingers in just about every mythology of DxD...
Sakra95: I am glad you liked it! It seems something is going on with Dorian's gear after entering a new realm. And you are right, Greek deities tend to have a greater...pride to them in regards to others. With any luck she'll warm up to them yet. :D
Jwebb96: She can try, but he doesn't take the bait, death by kindness is his greatest weapon! xD
naruto: I most certainly will!
fanficcyberman: That means so much to hear you say that. :) I hope to never disappoint!
And with that...onto the show!
With the force that had ambushed Asgard's envoy driven off or annihilated and all wounded stabilized, Despoina and Hecuba gathered everyone present including their own troops together. As the goddess explained, the only way up to Olympus short of a days-long trek would be through the gateways which must be opened on each side to gain entry. Dorian felt a sense of superiority from the Greek goddess, as if she believed her mere presence placed her above any one of them. He did not like it, but held his tongue.
"They can try to follow," she chuckled with a smile. "But without a stabilized focus on each side, the path would collapse and naught would reach Olympus save their ashes."
Delightful imagery…
She and Hecuba raised their respective weapons, a blinding light forming between them though they remained unaffected.
"By the might of the gods," they spoke in tandem, each syllable in sync. "By the will of man, let the pathway be lit. As long as the flame burns within Olympus and in the hearts of mortals, forever shall they reign."
The light seemed to fold the very air, until an immense door reminiscent of city gates expanded into being. Beyond it was shining fields of green, the realm of the Greek gods just beyond.
"My troop shall enter first my lady," Erland advised Freyja. "I shall step back through if safe and then the rest may pass."
"You doubt my word?" Despoina snapped at the veteran commander.
"Not your word, but if such an ambush could occur at the base of your very mountain, anything is possible. I mean no disrespect."
The goddess huffed and looked away. "Do what you will."
Erland and the dozen guards with him marched into the portal. Dorian and the others waited for what felt like forever. After several tense minutes, the older Hersir emerged once more.
"The path is safe, support and relief are waiting on the other side. Please come through first before any further unforeseen complications may arise."
"Go on ahead," Dorian assured her as she turned to her retainer. "I will remain with the others to deter any other attack and come through once the rest are safe."
Freyja smiled with a nod at his selflessness, without another moment's hesitation she stepped forward and disappeared within the glowing portal.
The exodus inside was slow but peaceful, along with Dorian, Rossweisse, Thrud and the elder Valkyries also patrolled the skies to make sure their negotiators and diplomats made it through safe. Only once all were ferried within and Despoina motioned them down, did they enter themselves.
Much like his own Road Between Realms, the moment they so much as touched the glowing path, the atmosphere changed. Down below so near the mountain the air had been muggy with fog collected all about, here…Dorian felt like they were back on the open plain.
Fields of grass was laid out behind them; pristine and untouched by all save the wind. The sky was a clearer blue than he had ever known, not a single cloud could be made out above. Had this place been built based on the ideal of beauty in Greece so long ago, or was it the basis for it? Regardless of the answer, Dorian did not have time to appreciate the view. Behind him as he finally noticed, a tremendous palace stood dwarfing even the one back in Asgard, the home to the Greek gods.
"It's so large," Dorian found himself muttering aloud.
"Well, it makes sense," Thrud explained. "The Greek Pantheon is much bigger than our own; many of their appetites would put our Allfather's to shame. Hardly a one goes without a harem of consorts."
"With the number of children to match," the two jumped as Despoina walked by, making her comment with a sharp tone and a steely gaze. Dorian and Thrud glanced at each other, deciding it was best not to push the topic further.
"Freyja Darling!" An Olympian Goddess made her way from one of the many entrances dotting the structure; the two threw their arms around each other as she neared. "Fear not, your men shall have the best of care. They did not harm you did they?"
"No, our soldiers under Hersir Erland fought well and they never got close. Despite the circumstances, it is wonderful to see you again Hera."
The Olympian wore a tall deep green gown wrapped in gold. She was even taller than Dorian which seemed to be standard for the Greek Goddesses if she and Despoina were benchmarks. He had gotten used to the utter beauty of any woman of the realms. Hera, Queen of Olympus, goddess of marriage and family had wrinkles denoting her age, but even then none could say she was not ravishing.
Thank goodness Rat wanted to stay home in the Roads; we'd be thrown out in five minutes with him here.
"You are safe here," she assured them. "My husband is preparing everyone for our meetings. I beg of you to relax for today, we can begin deliberations tomorrow afternoon. With our two people united in friendship, this…Khaos Brigade's days will be numbered. No doubt the harpy you captured can tell us something. Oh, is this he?" She motioned towards Dorian who had taken a respectable distance while still remaining close enough to assist Freyja if needed.
"It is," Freyja beckoned him closer. "Dorian Held, this is the Queen of Olympus and my dear friend the Goddess Hera. Hera, this is Mister Dorian Held, my latest retainer and the one responsible for writing many of my letters to you."
"It is about time Frigga found someone who can actually write legibly," Hera let out a haughty chuckle.
"Frigga?"
"An old pet name between us," Hera explained. "Odin called her that once upon a time but…"
"Speaking of which," Freyja tactfully interrupted. "This is Rossweisse who will be representing my husband while he deals with unavoidable concerns back home."
The thrifty Valkyrie bowed gracefully, her armor having been dismissed to reveal her professional business suit. Dorian did the same, dispersing his own armor to stand beside her.
"We have quarters befitting their station prepared." She turned to the daughter of Poseidon still overseeing the wounded. "Despoina, be a dear and show them to their accommodations."
A quick flash of annoyance crossed the young goddess' eyes unseen by everyone.
"Right this way," she motioned towards the diplomatic wing of the palace.
Dorian felt as if he had entered Jotunheim again, due to the size difference of Olympians, however minor compared to the Jotuns, everything seemed just a bit too large. The building was the embodiment of extravagance and overindulgence. Frescos, paintings, statues and dozens of other works of art decorated everywhere he looked. Many were of inappropriate scenes or depicting men or women in acts that Ratatoskr would have been proud of. Their guide could only groan at how Rossweisse and Dorian would both glance about avoiding them while attempting to downplay it.
How can those who work nearest to gods be so sheltered?
"These shall be your quarters for the duration," Despoina informed him in a flat uncaring tone. "You have been given leave to walk the grounds. Be advised, your talks are slated to begin tomorrow evening so leave that open."
"Thank you my lady," Dorian thanked politely as he slowly noticed something about the room, there were two beds side by side. "Um…who else will be staying with me?"
"You two will be rooming together."
"WHAT?" Rossweisse and Dorian simultaneously screamed.
"You are both the aids to your leaders are you not? It's only natural you would be set up in the same suite, this is not a problem is it?"
The two looked at each other only to look away quickly. From a professional standpoint they saw her meaning, but as a man and woman…
"No problem," Rossweisse was the first to answer.
"N-none."
"Excellent, then I will be off," Despoina turned on her heels to leave.
"Lady Despoina," Dorian started far more casually than before, causing her to pause at the door as he caught up. "You saved us out there; I just wanted to thank you. Not only out of courtesy between our people but personally from myself for helping to keep even more from dying…thank you."
The previously stern-looking goddess eyed him suspiciously, as if this was some ploy leading to requesting a favor from her. She waited several seconds, only replying after it was clear Dorian had no such motives.
"You are…welcome. Breakfast is at sunrise, you are free until then." With that last word, far softer than she had spoken before, the goddess departed.
Dorian sighed as she left; her very presence made him feel tense, as if she was constantly on edge and would snap at any moment. With her gone, he and Rossweisse found themselves standing at the doorway, neither certain how to proceed.
"Which do you…" they both started at the same time, stopping upon realizing they were talking over one another. "You first," Dorian insisted.
"Which," she cleared her throat. "Bed do you prefer?"
"I can do with either," he replied. "Did you want to see the view from the window?"
Rossweisse shook her head though it was obvious she was just trying to be polite. The sparkle in her eyes lit up each time she glanced out at the beautiful view. Dorian meandered over to the bed further in the room to unpack, leaving the window-view bed to her.
"We can have rotating shower schedules," she continued, her professional, mature demeanor overriding her shyness save for a hint of red on her cheeks. "I will be taking one now; I would appreciate it if…"
"You don't have to worry Rose, I would never peek, plus it is still early; perhaps I could explore the area."
"Please remember, we are here for a diplomatic conference, not vacation."
"I know that," he muttered, a little hurt. He felt bad of course that not everyone had made it, but wouldn't it do to learn as much as possible? Granted, he had to admit he was excited as well. "I won't go far I promise."
"Just…stay out of trouble," she sighed as she slumped off her suit jacket. "I need some sleep once I am done; please ensure I am up for breakfast."
Is she still a little hung over?
"Of course," he smiled without questioning her; he was partially responsible after all. "If I find any Olympian shops I'll get you something nice."
"Nothing too expensive!" She called out after him, but the young Einherjar had already disappeared by the time she had a chance to remind him of proper cost vs quality management…
Olympian Pavilion…
"I assumed that your pantheon was split like ours, how bad is it?" Freyja asked as she and Hera sat in an outside pavilion. The Queen of Olympus poured her another cup of wine, she motioned when it was enough.
"My husband and I stand together on this, which is what matters most." She asserted. "Poseidon as well though Aries sees no point. Aphrodite and Athena will be arriving but are still on the fence along with many others."
"Despoina seemed to be with us."
"One of Poseidon's 'lesser' children, he certainly has enough of them," Hera scoffed; Freyja never liked that side of her long-time friend. "If Triton was here or one of Theseus' prodigy then it would be different. If only those of the biblical realm could have come to terms they could have mediated as well, it has been far too long since we saw Venelana."
"And Hades?"
"I believe you already met his representative Bennia?"
"Yes," Freyja sighed knowing full well the implications of such a young low-ranked Grim Reaper being sent to represent the ruler of the Realm of the Dead and Cocytus. "At least the girl herself seems interested, also I see your Spartan warriors stand with you."
"Indeed, fortunately they follow Hecuba with an admirable loyalty. I was hesitant to warn you over letters, but many of our best have been…absent as of late."
"I thought your mortal descendants rarely returned in favor of their grand adventures."
"They do, ever children fleeing a failing home, yet even so I expected more for this event, Hecuba was the most prominent who answered the call. I had hoped it would at least bring Heracles back to our shores."
"Perhaps they do not agree, or did not hear the call," Freyja theorized.
"Or they were prevented."
The tone noticeably darkened between the two goddesses, their voices lowering suitably in response.
"You believe this…Khaos Brigade has such power?" Hera sighed, nodding once as subtly as she could.
"They have been becoming more prominent, attacking our people settled below the mountain defenses. We always drive them off, yet they return each time with greater numbers where our troops are thinnest.
"Who could be supporting them with such forces?"
"Your attack confirmed my suspicions, every force arrayed against us thus far have been the same who sided with the Titans long ago and their descendants."
A long silence followed her statement.
"Then their list of allies is long indeed," Freyja lowered her cup. She could not stomach another sip. "Was that the catalyst for our…alliance?"
"I cannot talk of such before the meeting…"
"Preposterous!" Freyja's frustration was bubbling even in Hera's presence. It took much to rile her, but when successful she became a force of the very nature she commanded. "Allies share all with one another…that includes culture, people, advancements, friends and enemies…"
Hera acted calm and collected as if they were still having the simple outing it had started as.
"How do you intend to handle entire generations of races and groups eternally sworn to your destruction in retribution for the death of their forebears and gods?"
"Through the same method by which we dealt with the forebears," she answered in a tone to match her demeanor, placid and uncaring. "If that is not to your liking, you may propose an alternative at the meetings…or call it off entirely."
Freyja slumped back in her chair, realizing the corner she was now locked in. In order to move forward with the dream of which she had tended for centuries, she would have to consider dealing with those who had every right to stonewall them at every opportunity…
If only they could have found a way to coexist with the Titans…things would have been so different.
Outskirts of Olympus…
The ancient city of the Greek gods was massive; Dorian had been walking almost non-stop since he departed the room and seemed to be barely moving. His first wish was to see just how high up they were atop Olympus, a mountain very nearly ten thousand feet high. Asking directions, the guards had been more than happy to direct him to an observation dome on the far edge. Rather than taking the transit he decided to walk, there was so much to see.
Another land of gods and legend, yet nothing like Asgard in the slightest. Are all such realms so…unique?
The deck was built with clear floors the size of a football field with tall railings to prevent any chance of accident. Dorian truly felt as if he were beyond the world of men, he looked down seeking the mountain among the cloudsyet could not locate it.
Such a view is…inspiring, he heard the voice in his gauntlet muse, sounding more impressed than he as it was her first time as well.
"But where is the mountain?" Dorian asked aloud out of habit.
"There," a stern voice informed him. "See that speck below?"
The young Einherjar turned, spotting a woman wearing a sleeveless teal dress. His first impression was a modern twist on the garbs worn by highborn ladies in ancient times. She had deep crimson hair tied into a simple rope braid and was motioning towards a small speck of rock below; he would never have spotted it without her guidance.
"That…?" He did not believe it.
"That is the peak of the mountain the inhabitants of Earth know as Olympus, we are within the true mountain of the gods."
We're flying so high! We have to be thousands of feet above even the peak! Forget Bennia's rock climbing, without wings we could never reach here!
"I had no idea," he remarked. "I thought Olympus was the mountain itself."
"If that were so, the gods would not be so easily kept from the eyes of mankind."
"Too true, I am Dorian." He held out his hand in greeting as he introduced himself. "I arrived with the envoy from Asgard this morning."
The Greek woman looked at him with a raised eyebrow, as if confused. Slowly she took his hand, shaking it with a powerful grip.
"We have already met Mr. Held, or do all the men of Asgard have such short memories?"
Dorian suddenly felt very awkward, trapped mid-hand shake with the woman who knew him already yet he could not place her appearance.
"I…I am not sure…"
She grinned the slightest amount at his words, though it was quickly gone.
"Perhaps I should fetch my breastplate, that should jog your memory." The answer flew from his lips almost as quickly as it reached his brain.
"Chiliarch Hecuba! I am so sorry, you are right, the armor…"
"Calm down," she assured him. "I did not expect to find you here either, I come to such a place to relax myself."
Dorian breathed deep, chuckling inside that he had not recognized her. "I believe heartfelt thanks are owed to you as well."
"I only did what was needed in service to the gods as is our purpose."
"So those who live in the shadow of Olympus fight for them?"
"Far less often now than in the days of my honored ancestor," she confirmed with a hint of disappointment. "At least until these terrorists started rearing their heads. You are not among the Pantheon of Asgard, how long has your family served the gods?"
"Um…I'm the first as far as I'm aware," he answered with an embarrassed sigh. "My parents died when I was little before I knew them but I'm certain they didn't serve Asgard."
Dorian spent the next while describing his past to the warrior; she could scarcely believe one who barely knew the gods truly existed for a few spare months would be serving alongside the heads of their pantheon. He told up to and including his match against Modi sparing few details save those told to him in confidence as well as most of Ratatoskr's remarks. Time flew by around them while the two spoke atop the clear window as if they walked among the very clouds themselves. When the conversation turned to her own family it was Dorian's turn to be surprised.
"Hector…your family dates back to Hector…THE Hector…of Troy?"
"I am pleased my ancestor is so well known even in this day and age."
I'd better know him, I did a paper on the Trojan War back when I studied in England.
Dorian let out a long impressed whistle, "You have me beat by a mile."
"This can be the start of your legacy; it would have to begin somewhere. How did you plan on spending your day free?"
"Exploring, I've never been to Olympus before so I thought…"
"I suppose that means you are available then?"
Dorian turned; floating down from a higher observation tower was Despoina. Armed with her trident, she aimed it directly at the young man with a smug grin. During their talks Hecuba had explained how a god or goddess was always appointed to oversee the human troops. Despoina was that current supervisor. It was not a sought after position by the higher echelons of the pantheon, yet the young goddess had pursued the position with a drive not seen in years.
"The children of Thor are well known even here, for you, a glorified human, to have beaten one; you must be a warrior of renown. I think I would like a taste of that, how about a friendly spar?"
"Lady Despoina," Hecuba remained ever dignified even on her time off. "With the negotiations so near at hand I feel it would be inappropriate for the retainer of Freyja to engage in such…"
"Come now Hecuba, do not be such a prude," the red-haired warrior's eyebrow twitched somewhat at the accusation. "I will abstain from wielding my lightning and he can hold back on such techniques as his. We shall fight without powers and the first blow to land with a weapon will be the winner. How does that sound?"
"If I may respectfully decline…" he attempted though did not get the chance to continue.
"You may not," she replied, her face stern yet somewhat playful buried beneath. "You may respectfully accept or decline and insult me, the choice is yours."
Dorian sighed as she stared him down, hand on her hip. He knew she wasn't officially part of the negotiations and he was only a retainer with no true sway over the outcome, but it felt wrong to flat out refuse her.
As long as the spar is friendly and only to the first hit. I may get a chance to see how a goddess fights as well…
"We would have to find training weapons, ones with less edge than our current armaments."
"No need," Despoina interrupted. Waving her hand, a clear blue liquid emerged from her hand and drifted towards him. "This will create a barrier around our bodies that is quite strong. It will absorb the first blow and then pop, that is how we shall register the first hit."
Sure enough the liquid latched onto Dorian's hand, spreading over his body like a sleeve. He instinctively held his breath as it covered his head, however soon realized it was not obstructing his breathing in the slightest.
"You could have warned me first," he gasped upon releasing the pent up breath.
"If I had wanted to drown you, I could accomplish it easily," Despoina let out a quick haughty laugh as she applied a barrier to herself. "Come, there is a field nearby where none shall disturb us."
Not Far…
The Einherjar and the goddess stood about forty feet from each other, weapons in hand. To counter the reach of her trident, Dorian had his swordspear extended and ready. He kept his Sacred Gear deactivated per their rule of weapons only. Hecuba had followed them if only to act as referee to prevent any injuries on either side. She glanced between the two with a nod before raising her hand into the air.
"The first to break the barrier of their opponent with a weapon strike will be deemed the winner…begin!"
Despoina launched herself towards Dorian, the young man mimicking the gesture. They both utilized their own flight capabilities and met mid-air, clashing weapons. The goddess looked impressed he could withstand a blow from her; admittedly Dorian had difficulty due to forgoing a strength boost from Laerad Ragnarok. Fortunately, he realized she was not as strong as Modi in terms of brute force.
His opponent slid her trident up the length of his haft, hooking the prongs around the blade in an attempt to disarm him. As she twisted, the young man retracted Bright Star down to its bladed state, causing her twist to hit empty air. She twirled her weapon to catch him in the side of the head, however his shield was up and ready for her.
Dorian's own counterattack was blocked; using their interlocked weapons as leverage he performed a roundhouse kick. Amazingly, she stopped it with a single hand, he may have been slightly stronger yet Despoina was far from being at a disadvantage.
He is only human, Despoina thought to herself as they continued parrying, dodging and countering each attack. Augmented by Asgard's magic true, but still human.
"Who trained thee?" she asked as they clashed once more, their faces noticeably close together.
"It was Thrud," he grunted at an especially powerful underhanded strike he barely caught in time. "She was my combat instructor; Rose...Rossweisse was my magical tutor. Though I also studied in a public setting alongside other Valkyries…how about you?"
Despoina impressed him, managing to catch a thrust of his weapon on the tip of a single prong expertly before replying.
"My father along with the weapon masters of Olympus of course, public setting set aside for a low-born such as me."
"Low-born?" Dorian leapt back, the tip of her trident brushing past his face, barely missing.
Hecuba kept a safe distance, monitoring the fight, ready to step in once a victor was clear before it could go any further. The two were surprisingly evenly matched, Dorian held the superior strength while Despoina's experience and skill with her weapon were clearly beyond his.
"Indeed," she scowled. "I was not fit to study among the upper tiers due to how far along I was born from Poseidon's…insatiable nature."
"I don't understand, you are a goddess of Olympus, it just shouldn't matter if you were born first or last."
He…is that naïve? Anger flared within Despoina, years of frustration pushed over by this boy who despite serving the heads of his mythology did not realize something so simple. He didn't deserve to be where he stood.
"This duel is over," she announced. Holding out her hand she clenched it tightly into a fist, her utter contempt for his ignorance plain as day on her face.
The liquid barrier around Dorian suddenly expanded; as it passed his mouth he realized the water within was growing with it and entering his lungs, forcing him to hold his breath. He tried to move, yet found himself immobilized, he was trapped.
"Despoina!" Hecuba rushed forward. "Release him at once, if you do not…!"
"Calm yourself Hecuba; this is to teach him a lesson. I will release him as soon as he passes out before drowning, worry not."
Dorian tore at the water trying desperately to swim to the borders of the barrier but he was held tight. The water within was completely under her control and restricted his movement. He was too high in the air for Hecuba to truly do anything to stop it. His head was pounding as water snuck into his nose despite his best efforts. His vision was starting to blur.
A bright burst of azure light obscured him within the bubble, causing even Despoina to hesitate, fearful that something had gone wrong. The confusion was only compounded as the unthinkable happened.
The water level started lowering.
That's impossible! The water expands with any movement; it should be near-infinite as long as he struggles. Where is it going?
The two Olympian women just stood there as the water continued to drain despite not appearing to go anywhere, after several seconds Dorian's head appeared over the waves gasping desperately for air…and he wasn't alone.
Perched atop his head was a very wet, incredibly annoyed looking red squirrel currently in the process of spitting out water and shaking his drenched fur. As the water level receded she realized where it was going, Dorian had summoned his Sacred Gear and opened a strange blue portal at his wrist causing the contents of Despoina's barrier to disappear within. After a few more seconds the last drops rushed inside, leaving the two floating above her soaking wet.
"Who…did it?" Ratatoskr asked, furious at the impromptu bath he'd received as his home had been flooded.
Dorian motioned innocently towards the woman floating across the way, the angry rodent pointed at her threateningly.
"Your ass is mine lady! And NOT in the fun way!"
The two women watching could not have looked more confused if they tried.
Despoina gripped her trident; bringing it to bear at Dorian's current position now crackling with lightning, he reciprocated the gesture as his Laerad Ragnarok started rotating powers. All pretense of their friendly duel seemed to have been dropped, there were no rules left. The two blasted towards one another, weapons at the ready.
"Now now, that's enough of that."
An invisible force seized both combatants; it did not force them to do anything, yet once in its grasp Dorian no longer felt a need for violence. Based on her lowering arms, Despoina was feeling the same sense of calm and contentment. Behind Hecuba, a pair of women was approaching; one had her hands raised as a magenta-pink energy shrouded them, clearly the source of the magic. The two slowly drifted towards the ground, only then did Dorian realize the second approaching was Bennia. The young Grim Reaper looked concerned yet had a childlike awe on her face. If things weren't so series she'd no doubt revel in watching them fight longer.
"Lady Aphrodite," Hecuba fell to a knee before her. "I apologize that I could not…"
"There is no need for apologies young Hecuba, no harm was done and peace has been restored."
As expected, the goddess was tall, her hair a cascade of blonde reaching the small of her back. Despite the chaotic appearance, every curl was in fact immaculately styled upon closer inspection. He could not have guessed how many hours it would take to upkeep such an appearance without magic or godly assistance. She was arrayed in a pink-white robe of similar make to Hecuba's only far grander. With how thin the material was, every contour clung to her frame yet never seemed to interfere with her movement.
"Can't we all be friends?" Bennia cheerily remarked.
"There is no need to take out your frustrations at the whole on this man," Aphrodite chastised. She sounded like she was talking to a child which, relative to herself, the young goddess was.
A short growl escaped Despoina's lips, without a word she spun on her heel and stormed off, not even bothering to fly.
"Wait…" Dorian tried to stop her. "Ms. Bennia, my Lady," he bowed quickly to each in turn. "I apologize but I must go." He quickly raced after her before they could retort, not even realizing that Ratatoskr had leapt from his head and was currently slicking back his fur at the sight of Aphrodite.
"So," he started by deepening his voice. "The goddess of love and passion eh? I've been called quite passionate myself, perhaps we should compare notes."
To Bennia's horror, the Olympian actually giggled at the cringe-worthy attempt at starting a conversation.
Not far, Dorian had nearly caught up with Despoina; she hadn't realized the young Einherjar had been following her as she entered the observation tower.
"Lady Despoina, please wait."
"Leave me be, and stop calling me lady!" she demanded, barely even gracing him with a glance as she went up the tower. Confused bystanders also visiting parted and allowed them through as Dorian was still trailing water.
"I wish to know what warranted that!" He was frustrated, heart still pounding from his near-drowning experience and he was running on adrenaline. "Is this not supposed to help bring our two people closer togeth…"
"Do you want to know?" She snapped, shoving a finger in his face once on the vacant top-floor. "How can our people even hope to understand one another when you can't even comprehend the status quo?"
"You mean in reference to your 'low-born' status?" That had been when her demeanor changed, he wasn't that thick-headed.
She raised her head almost in a half-nod. "You stand there alongside your goddess, a human raised up in less time than it would take train a foot soldier. Yet you remain oblivious to the way things work regardless of realm…the firstborn ALWAYS outshines the last born. Even after," she hesitated at the next part. "Many years working towards it, I have barely risen to a status in which the others remember my name!"
Dorian stood there and took it, allowing her to vent, with how high up they were her voice was lost beyond the tower to be heard by none save him. He waited until she had finished, half-panting from shouting.
"I apologize for the misunderstanding and my choice of words," he replied calmly. "It was not my intention to give the idea that I didn't know that is how it works…for I do, believe me."
The purple-haired goddess narrowed her eyes at him as if pondering if he were attempting to deceive her.
"My meaning was simply, that line of thinking makes no sense to me. I…knew someone back in Asgard who felt the same way, that because they weren't the 'best' of their family that their worth was intrinsically less. I didn't agree with him and I don't agree with this, you are the goddess of mystery after all."
One should not have so many children if they are not prepared to treat each as if they are their only.
Despoina tightened the grip on her weapon. The stern light in her eyes dimmed at those words, she turned to finally face the young man head on.
"You…actually know who I am? Did you study for the negotiations?"
"To be honest, no, your name was not mentioned in my file," Dorian held his ground. "But I studied history quite often over the years, just because your name isn't high above the rest doesn't mean you should belittle your worth. You...you shouldn't let it change you, it rarely turns out well."
He is…so naïve.
"That was all I wanted to say," Dorian finished upon realizing she wasn't replying. "Have a good day, my lad…Despoina." With that correction and a final bow he made for the observatory entrance.
Where were men like you all those years ago?
"Dorian Held!" She called out, causing him to pause at the door. "I-in accordance with fostering friendship between our peoples, I request you accompany me to breakfast tomorrow morning!"
Elsewhere…
"More dead, and for what!?" The Minotaur roared, throwing the enormous meeting table to the side as if it were weightless. The giant wore decorative jewelry upon his horns, one of which was broken from years of battle, denoting a leadership status. "Vengeance is denied us once more and the allies of the usurpers are behind their walls in the sky!"
"The attack performed beautifully," a dark silhouette emerged from the entrance to the cave they had retreated to after the battle. "You did not kill many, this is true, but you have shaken them while also making them feel secure. Their hubris will ever be their downfall."
"You promised the forces of Olympus would not arrive in time!" He roared back, clearly unimpressed with his pronouncement. "That we could cut off their alliance before it even began!"
"It was a hope to be sure," he sneered. "But even if you slaughtered them to a man, the goddess Freyja would likely have been too much for you. Be thankful she was indisposed helping the wounded lest you see her wrath from what I've been informed. You and your allies still have sufficient numbers for…"
"NO! My people have bled and died enough for this endeavor, I will shed no more blood. Let the cyclops move forward or the…"
He did not utter another word, only a wet gurgling sound escaped his lips. Looking down he realized a white spear of light had pierced his chest. After another moment of defiance, his body gave in to death and collapsed backwards, the spear disintegrating as he struck the floor. His two bodyguards stepped forward, only for another unseen opponent to leap forward, dropping both with a single colossal punch each, neither stirred again.
"Who is the next in line?"
A smaller Minotaur sharing many characteristics with the first inched forward as the others shirked back.
"I-I am," he stuttered. "I am Asterio, son of..."
"My condolences on your father's passing," the first shape bowed politely before him. "Your king is dead, long live the king."
The first day on Olympus has ended, despite the negotiations of peace soon to follow, not all is as grand as it seems above the mountain…or beneath it. As always, I hope everyone Reads and Reviews…but most of all Enjoy! :D
