Hey guys, yeah, I am still alive and still working on that story (sorry if it is taking so long. I am blaming Asclepius for being such a difficult character to work on right now). But I am still intending on finishing this story for you in a preediting version. After this one, there will be only one chapter left, I am so excited, so I hope you will enjoy.
Chapter 40: Delphina and Apollo
Delphina was exhilarated. The nymphs had prepared hot water in the basin and with thin towels, they washed every part of her body while another took care of her hair. She closed her eyes. She rarely received such care but today was not any day.
It was her wedding day.
Ho! So many things had happened since that night three months earlier. After this first divine night together, they had reestablished their old routine with a whole new spin this time. Just like before, they had their meals together but now, Apollo made the efforts to converse more with her and the Muses. Just like before, they ruled Delphi together, but this time, Apollo seemed to consult her more often, so much more preoccupying with having her opinion and approval. Just like before, they would spend plenty of time together, only this time they would find themselves holding their hands and staring at each other with awe and passion.
Just like before, they were together. Only this time they were deeply together.
Of course, it would be a lie to say that everything had turned into a fairy tale. Certainly not after all the turbulences their relationship had faced.
When they went to commemorate the deaths of the Trojan War, it had been quite tense. They had experienced that event separately, pretty much on opposite sides. Delphina had to remind herself of her grief of Patroclus and Achilles while Apollo had indirectly killed. There were also the deaths caused by the plague Apollo had provoked.
But the god had suffered as well. Delphina remembered that Achilles had first killed Troilus, his son while defenseless. The demigod had also mistreated Hector's body and killed so many others in search of glory even though he had apologized. Then, they had come to the part of the Trojan horse. That one time when Delphina had struck.
What an awful mess they had been through!
After the commemoration, they had been quite honest about their feelings. Like a step required to let go of that dark period. They had stared at each other in silent before hugging each other, crying and seeking for comfort. No more hate. Let the past be in the past and renew their relationship in peace. Obviously, since they were gods, their lives would forever be full of turmoil. They just needed to be strong enough and make it work.
And they were working to make it work.
As mentioned earlier, Apollo worked harder than ever to make her more involved in the running of Delphi, even sharing stuff from his own areas like healing and music. Therefore, Delphina stopped seeing it as a secondary residence but the main one as it will officially become after their wedding. Sometimes, Apollo brought her along on the sun chariot so he can share more of his world to her. One day, he even showed her his home on Mount Olympus even though he rarely went there, preferring his palace at Delphi. He also promised he would bring her to Hyperborea in the next winter so he could also share this place dear to him with her.
In return, from time to time, she turned him into a dolphin and invited him to join her pod. At first, it was awkward to see him interact with her companions. In particular when he met the species that descended from the children he had killed in complicity with Artemis. The painful memories transmitted by their ancestors proved to be strong.
Her children were too kind and obedient to provoke a scene toward this intrusion. However, as a good mistress, she made sure they would feel comfortable with his company. She gave them the freedom to stay behind when Apollo was there if they didn't enjoy it and some of them chose to. The God of Almost Everything accepted that reality. Maybe someday they will forgive him but it would take time. They were as stubborn as their mother.
Meanwhile, Delphina slowly repaired her reputation. First thing she did was searching for all the other wandering souls lost at the sea during her absence. How many there was? She lost count. The sea had truly become dangerous after her disappearance as Poseidon had been very grumpy at the time. Not to compare with Odysseus's trials but she had been told how difficult it had been for all the Greeks to return home. Similarly, the Trojan survivors led by Aeneas had faced many hardships before arriving in Italy where they found refuge.
Talking of Trojans, she couldn't hope to regain their trust that soon. Strangely, she felt better this way. She would hardly digest being forgiven easily by the people she had deceived the most.
In conclusion, so much had happened, but the most important was the happiness she now shared freely with Apollo…
Her daydream got interrupted by Calypso who entered the chamber. "Leave us alone. I have to talk to the bride."
The nymphs left without any protest. Delphina was often impressed by the natural halo of authority of her twin.
Calypso moved to go behind her and proceeded to finish herself the hairdressing. Delphina close her eyes and smiled. Just like in the old days when they were children.
"Are you nervous?" Calypso asked.
"A little." A lot, in reality. Since she was marrying an Olympian, the wedding was obligatorily a big event against her own wishes. She knew there would be a thousand of people, including faces she hardly recognized. These kinds of event were so rare that everyone wanted to enjoy the festivities even though it was supposed to be "her" day. That was a lot of attention she would have to bear.
But she dismissed that annoyance by focussing on what mattered: Apollo and she would be soon united by the sacred bond of marriage.
However, she couldn't express her joy, yet… Not when her sister was here. "Calypso, we need to talk."
"About what?"
"I don't want to pull a sensible string, but… Are you sur you are alright? Seeing me getting the happiness you didn't get?"
Delphina might love Apollo, but she will never fully enjoy that day if her sister was being unwell.
Calypso sighed. "Delphina… I will not lie. It hurts. I am happy for you but it still hurts. But you deserve to savour your happiness, to appreciate your luck. I don't want you to wait for me to find love again for you to be guilt-free of your romance with Apollo."
"Calypso, I…"
"Look! I am done with your hair now." She turned around and faced her. "You are so beautiful with that bun and this few blond hair left flowing on your back. Even Aphrodite will be jealous when she will see you."
"Quiet!" Delphina laughed. "I don't want you to ruin my wedding by attracting the wrath of a goddess on me."
"Well, Aphrodite once called the dolphins the most beautiful creatures on Earth, so she kind of agree with me!"
They kept laughing. But the tension remained and the silence returned. After a moment, Calypso finally said. "Thank you again for the dolphin you gave me. It is truly a wonderful companion and it made me feel so much less lonely. Thank you."
"You are my sister. I would do anything for you. Don't ever hesitate to ask or be honest with me."
"Well, talking about honesty. There is something I didn't tell you yet."
"What is it?"
"Hello, my dear daughters."
Delphina's heart jumped. She turned her face towards the door where she saw Atlas standing.
The goddess had her mouth open, unable to hide her shock. It was the first time she saw him since that meeting on Ogygia island. She still kept contact with him, writing letters to him but hadn't visited him yet. He still lived so far away and she had been very busy recently.
But to see him here… "How?"
"Heracles agreed to take my place to allow me to be here for such an important day."
This was only the second moment they shared together and it was her wedding day. She would usually dislike such quick familiarity but he was her father. She rapidly grew to appreciate him as he had been there for her when she needed it the most against all odds.
"Thank you. I am so glad you are here."
She saw Calypso coming behind him, smiling. She knew her sister had visited him often since she lived nearer from what she heard. Obviously, after Odysseus' departure, she had needed their father's company more than anyone else and therefore, they grew closer. Not that Delphina was jealous. In the contrary, it reassured her to know that Calypso could rely on someone else.
Then, Atlas, coughed to attract their attention and reluctantly said. "I have some uncomfortable news to bring as well."
They both turned to him, listening.
"I just learned that your mother is here as well."
Her mother? She could catch Calypso freezing at the announce as well. They had no time to react because a servant arrived, warning that the wedding was about to start.
She groaned at the bad timing but she couldn't delay just so she could calm her nerves. The downside of marrying on Olympus was that Hera, as the Goddess of Marriage, was presiding and you couldn't upset the strict planning of the Queen of the Gods without facing harsh consequences even if you were the bride.
She stood up, arranging a little her dress and put her veil above her hair. "I am ready."
With emotions in her throat, she looked at her father. "Would you give me the honor to lead me there?"
He offered her his arm. "Why do you think I had to come here?"
She couldn't be happier.
He led her to the grand room where the ceremony was to take place. When she entered it, she was reminded how large the pantheon was with at least a thousand pairs of eyes staring at her. And not everyone could be here since there were too many nymphs and river gods. Still, she faced an intimidating number.
She could hear a lot of gasps as many people recognized her father, the famous Titan and legendary old enemy of the Olympians. Zeus had probably warned them in advance in order to avoid a scandal but she knew that old enmities didn't bring the best feelings.
But she didn't care. This was her day!
She walked many steps and her eyes searched for Apollo. Once she saw him, her heart melted. He was stunning with his white cloth with golden suns embroider on it while covered his legs, waist and only half of his chest. He wore his laurel crown while mortals always saw a symbol of a doomed past love but between them, they knew it was more significant to their own relationship.
He was so beautiful. Of course, he had always been. But how she now saw it went beyond physical attributes and divine nature. She saw the beauty of his personal growth just like he saw her own. He looked perfect but she knew better than anyone else that he wasn't. And unlike when he first met her, he also understood that she was imperfect as well.
But they had accepted each other and were ready to go along with their feelings despite their flaws.
As they said, nothing was stronger than love. And she was relived when she finally said: I do.
…
"Are you nervous?" Apollo whispered to her ears.
"I am not." Delphina replied.
"You lie."
The ceremony had ended and they were sitting at their table for the meal. From their place of honor, they could watch the whole room and while she ate ambrosia and drank nectar, she eyed every single person present in the room. She recognized few of them as she rarely spent time on Olympus.
Her sister conversed with their father, sitting not far from them with their status of close relatives of the bride. Same treatment for Leto and Artemis. Zeus, despite being the groom's father, remained on his throne beside Hera whom he probably didn't want to upset by sitting close to his ex-lover.
Her foster parents, Nereus and Doria, were sitting to another table. They might have raised her but she understood that they desired to leave this place of honor to Atlas. And for once, she was grateful that they chose to not allow her to fully claim them as parents. Her father deserved this second chance from the start.
There was only one person left.
"My father told me my mother was here." She said.
She felt him tense as he took her hand. They once discussed about it a long time ago so he knew how complicated it was. She had met and forgiven her father but not her.
"Hi! May I be the first to congratulate you on your marriage." It was Thetis who had approached. Delphina realised she had never visited her again since Achilles' funeral. After everything that happened, she had no clue how to initiate a conversation. Maybe just remain natural would be best.
"Thank you, my dear friend." Delphina replied. "I saw that you came with your parents and the other Nereids. I am grateful towards all of you for being there."
"Please! Don't flatter me. It is only natural. We did see you grow up after all. I wish you happiness for your marriage." Then, she turned to Apollo. "And to you as well."
Delphina gave a look to her now husband. He stared at her and took her hand. She understood what he meant. Some issues needed to resolved right now. She nodded to him.
Then, he said frankly to Thetis. "I apologize for killing your son. I know he was a mortal. I know there was a prophecy but I still wanted to express my regrets to you. You suffered a lot of that loss. For me, it is important to acknowledge your pain… I am sorry."
"It is alright. I should apologize too. I am the one who told my son about the prophecy concerning Troilus… You killed my son but he killed yours first because of that information that I shared… I am so sorry."
"Well, if you forgive me, then I forgive you. I hope we will let go of the past for good so we built a friendship. My new wife often let me know how much she admires you. Just know you are free to come at Delphi whenever you want. You are welcome there."
"Thank you. This is appreciated."
Delphina smiled. At last, some more reconciliation in this complicated family.
Thetis left. Then, it was Nereus' turn with his wife Doris to come to them.
"My dear child. What a privilege to have seen grow up, becoming a woman, a goddess and now being happily married. I wish you an everlasting happiness."
"Thank you." Delphina replied with emotions. "As my foster parents, you will forever have my gratitude for everything you did for me. Having you present at my wedding means a lot to me. I will keep you forever close to my heart."
"So do we." Nereus said before turning his gaze to Atlas which still conversed joyfully with Calypso. "May I assume the you finally understood why he deserved to keep the privilege to be called "Father""
Delphina looked at Atlas as he laughed at a joke. If one ignored his imposing musculature, he would look like an ordinary man. Not one of the most powerful Titans and previous enemy of Zeus. He looked so fun, so caring. She wondered what a childhood with him would have been, but it was too late and she forgave him for that. But not everything was lost.
"Yes, I perfectly understand now. And I thank you for doing the hard but right choice."
Then, her father looked up, as if he had guessed that they were talking about him. His lips widened, he stood up and walked toward Nereus.
"My old friend, it has been such a long time." He said while giving an accolade.
"So glad to see you again. It has been such a long time indeed. How good it is to watch you enjoy a little bit of freedom." The Sea God replied.
"Enjoy is the right word. Those moments will be temporary but least they will exist. I will not take them as granted this time." Then, he stared at Apollo. "I realise that we never properly met but I already know you from your reputation, God of the Sun. Please, let me tell you how grateful I am for the deal you made with your father on my behalf. Ask me any service and I will gladly answer. And I also thank you for making my daughter happy as well. Be reassured that you have my blessing."
Delphina quickly turned to see her husband's reaction. Apollo still had his doubts about his worth (just like she did). Those thoughts would never disappear, but she knew he would not stay insensible at the words of his father-in-law.
"Thank you… This meant a lot to me. For all the few days in the year you will be free, please know you are welcome at Delphi and a bedroom will be prepared specifically for you. I would even let you get all the attention of my wife so you can get back the precious time you lost with her."
Delphina smiled. Apollo was making so many efforts to get along with every member of her family. No, in fact, he did it so effortless. He really showed he wanted to change and be a caring husband. She felt so lucky.
"It will be an honor and a pleasure. Thank you." Her father answered.
"May I cut in?" Hermes suddenly appeared.
Delphina laughed as she suspected the Messenger God's interruption would manage to turn the mood of her husband as some things just never changed.
But a woman appeared behind Hermes as well. Her face wasn't familiar. But she had a similar allure to the messenger God, just more feminine.
But before Delphina could ask who she was, she saw her father approaching her, depositing a kiss on her front. "It has been so long, Maia."
Maia? Hermes' mother? One of the Pleiades? One of Atlas' daughters? One of her biological sisters?
She started to panic interiorly. Hermes could at least have prepared her in advance. She gave a look to Calypso. She crossed her arms and looked away, refusing to be involved. Delphina sighed.
Thanks Sister.
Alright. She turned back to them. Atlas talked joyfully with Maia and Hermes. They appeared like a happy family reuniting. A family she felt she had no part into. It was so awkward. And it was happening on her wedding day. She needed guidance on how to react.
Thankfully, as if he had guessed her distress, Apollo coughed loudly and he instantly made them turn their heads to him.
"Forgive me for interrupting you but it is impolite to remain in front of the married couple and ignore them. I believe that there are presentations that require to be officially done in the present."
There were advantages of being married to the God of Truth.
They all stood in silence, looking at her. Then, Maia came to her, taking a breath.
"I want to congratulate you on your wedding. This is the first time we are meeting each other. I will not count the day you were born as I don't think you remember that day very well. The same thing goes to Calypso."
As soon her name was spoken, her sister seemed to understand she couldn't avoid that confrontation. Therefore, she got up and walked to be beside her. Instinctively, they both hold their hands. They will go through that sensible issue together.
Maia pursued. "Our father had a good excuse to not be there but my siblings and I didn't. The reason we never visited was simply we were afraid and confused. We had to manage the change of life with Father being sentenced and our mother being heartbroken. Thinking about twins we didn't know came last. And when we did remember your existence, we feared your reaction and wondered what kind of relationship we should do when it was the Nereids that took our role. And when we were told that you hated talked about your abandonment issues, it didn't help our dilemma. Therefore, it was easier to remain in the status quo. We still don't know if it was a mistake or not. In my case, after the birth of Hermes and knowing you both befriended, I felt uncomfortable and I admit that I chose to avoid you to protect myself."
Delphina understood. "It is alright. You had nothing to do with what happened. The same thing applies to your… our other siblings. Yes, there were times when I was angry just thinking of you. I was upset about many things. But I really understand why you reacted the way you did. I cannot blame you as I was as uncomfortable with the whole situation. I forgive you and I thank you for being here. I am open to build a relationship if you are inclined to."
"I think the same thing as her." Calypso said.
"Thank you." Maia said.
Atlas touched her shoulder tenderly. "Don't torment yourself with such guilt. The decision of giving up your youngest siblings came from one person alone."
He turned to them. "Calypso, Delphina, I want you to know that your mother is not in this room. I talked with her once I arrived here… I told her to hide. It is your wedding day, Delphina, and she owed you to not distress you on such a special occasion. But if you or Calypso want to speak to her, just say it and I will take you to her. It has to be your choice."
Delphina turned to Calypso. It was hard, but they both needed to make the choice.
They chose.
…
"I am surprised that you chose to not see her." Apollo said.
The ceremony was over and both of them were finally back at Delphi after a wonderful but exhausting day. The God couldn't wait to bring up the subject as soon as they landed in their home and they walked the halls.
"Apollo. This is our wedding day. Meeting Maia, one of my biological sisters was a lot of emotions for me to take in. I don't want to imagine what it would be like to meet my mother. Like my father said, she was the one who abandoned me and Calypso while led us to our existential issues. It could go wrong as it could go right, but no matter what, I refused to have that invading my mind on my wedding night."
She was tired. It had been such a long day. Every step felt like climbing a mountain.
"Someday, I will talk to my mother. Calypso and I, we agreed that we will do it together when the time will come. But that will be for another day."
She only wanted to think about anything else right now. Then, she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. That touch felt so exquisite and lowered her internal tension. He made her turn around
Apollo gazed at her. Being taller than her of a head, he shadowed her without dominating her. His arms circling her chest, holding her tenderly but not firmly. Her body was pleasantly electrified. She looked at him and she shivered by the amount of desire and love she could read in his blue eyes.
It was official. He was her husband. He was hers.
"I thought I would enjoy the day." The God said. "But instead, I was tortured. You were so impossibly beautiful and I was so deeply in love like I have never been, I wished for everyone else to disappear. To have this moment just for ourselves. Waiting to be alone with you, time appeared so slow."
She smiled and gave him a kiss. "It was the same for me. I really hated to have so many people there but seeing you help me to overcome my shyness. I was happy to see so many members of my family, including Maia, but honestly in the depth of my mind, I only cared for you."
"I love knowing that you are saying the truth." He went to kiss her back but she put a finger to his mouth.
"Before we go to the part you are eager to go to, I would like to see my bedroom. I know to servants already moved all my stuff to the master bedroom, but… It is so symbolic. I need to see it one last time before embracing that new life in this palace."
"Ho… Well, there was a thing I wanted to show you tomorrow but I can already show you tonight since you want to go there."
She raised her eyebrows. "What do you mean? What did you put there?"
He laughed. "Only one way for you to find out."
He took her hand and he led her to her bedroom. When they arrived, she pushed the door. The inside had practically not changed. The same painting of the dolphins on the walls, the same chests, the same carpets… But her bed was not there. Instead, it was…
"A cradle?" A cradle made of wood with dolphins carved on it. It was pretty but so surprising.
"Well, it would be a loss if your bedroom would go out of use. You worked so hard on the design and as you just confirmed, you have an emotional bond to it. So, I just changed its purpose."
"But… I am not pregnant."
Apollo smirked. He took her around his arms and answered. "You are not… But you will be after tonight. Are you forgetting I am the God of Prophecies."
She gasped, almost losing her breath. "You are sure?"
"Have I ever been wrong?"
Her hair raised under the amount of joy her soul received. She jumped and hugged him with all the strength she possessed. "I am so happy!"
"So, am I. I am ready to be a father again. But an immortal one this time."
The statement made her cold under the realisation. "Wait, are you saying…?"
He put a finger on her mouth. "I am not saying that I regret Asclepius or even Troilus for the pain of losing them brought me. Asclepius will forever live in our heart and no new child will ever replace him. I comfort myself thinking he is reunited with his mother. But after having to go through this again with Troilus, I would lie if I denied the relief that I feel by knowing that this one will feel more special as he or she will forever be with us."
"I see… Ho! All this emotion! It makes me so nervous."
He laughed and he suddenly took her in his arms in bridal style while made her gasp. "Then, let me free you of all this anxiety! We have a baby to make and I am a very impatient god!"
She laughed and she kissed him passionately while he brought her to their bedroom for a very heated honeymoon.
Thank you for reading
I am not very satisfied with the writing of this chapter. So sorry if the emotions are not as good as I am used to deliver. But I promise I will work on it once I edit it. But right now, I hope you still enjoyed it. We are so close to the ending. And the conclusion will feature some action, so it should be fun for me to write it.
See you soon (hopefully not next year!)