Memoirs of an Immortal (The Immortal Series) (18 page)

The dress she had chosen was a vivid green. It was tight around my waist and long enough that it passed my feet, creating a small train. It had no sleeves, but it loosely draped over one of my shoulders.

I finally felt like a woman. It had been a while since I had felt like that. My mind wondered back to the times I shared with Cynisca and Eupolia as I watched Aegle dance around me, delighted with her choice. She reminded me so much of them. I smiled at her.

“Really? You think so?” I blushed happy.

“Aegle?” I asked. “You must have been to these banquets before? Are there any rules or anything I should know about?”

I was getting a bit nervous. It’s not every day you’re told to party with the gods. Aegle stared at me confused.

“Are you nervous?” She asked. I bit my lower lip not wanting her to know. “Don’t be, these dinners happen all the time and honestly I think it’s just an excuse to get together and get drunk. It’s always under the guise of some formal banquet.”

She was looking at herself in the mirror playing with her hair, as she spoke.

“Well then, I think it’s time.” She nudged her head towards the door, telling me to head that way.

I swallowed whatever nervousness I had and I walked out through the door.

“Where are we headed?” I asked.

“Your sisters are probably waiting for you in the front entrance. Just follow the lights, it will lead you to the Faunus forest, the banquet is held there.” She then disappeared through the corridor.

I walked to the front of the entrance and there sitting on the fountain were my sisters, each of us wearing a different colored dress.

It was the first time I had seen my sisters like this since, we had all lived together with my parents and never once was dressed formally.

Eva stood up and twirled.
‘What do you think?
’ She was smiling wildly. Her dress was a beautiful soft yellow.

“You look amazing!” I exclaimed, as she nodded knowingly. “I know”

I laughed. “Well are you all ready?” I asked I could hear them, the same thought running through our minds.

We began to follow the little lights that appeared to be strung together. Their pure white colour lit the dark skies. The moon was much larger tonight and the stars appeared to be closer than ever. It was a night that was so beautiful with it’s the gentle sounds and soft breeze, that it took my mind and heart away. It was something that I had grown to love. The harmony I felt here was something I always sought out.

As we got closer, I could hear the sounds of music and laughter, the closer we reached the more nervous I got. By the time we reached the opening of the forest, I had overwhelmed myself with my anxiety.

“Agape, you can feel my emotions right?” I asked her nervously. “Yes, I can.” She replied in irritation.

“So why aren’t you doing your thing. Start easing the atmosphere, here!” I was pleading at this point, my hands flaring at her.

“Fine, fine, sorry I was feeling my own stress right now.” She laughed at my attempt at being strong.

A moment later, I felt at ease, kind of like being a little drunk, everything seemed fine now.

“Agape? You are the best.” I thanked her.

We headed through the path. The same little lights lit the way. We finally reached the opening.

This did not look like a banquet. This was more like a festival. The music was lively and there were so many people.

I looked around and saw that there was so much food and wine, that I was sure it was enough to feed the whole nation.

We stood there all astonished taking in all that was around us.

“Where do we go?” Eirene said franticly.

“Psykhe?” She cried out,

“Do your mind thing. See if you can figure something out?” Eirene was beside herself.

“What would you like me to do? Pick the brains of the gods? You know I can’t?” I fired back.

“Well it not like we can go up to one of them and say ‘excuse me? Where must we go? What must we do?” Eirene was getting angry.

I looked over at Agape.

“Look here.” She hissed. “I’m a novice at this whole thing. My emotions come first, so sorry if I can’t deal with all of you right now?” Agapes nerves got the better of her.

The festivities must have started early, half of those who were here, were drunk and the other half, were singing and dancing.

“OI….OI” Someone was yelling at us. “Over here, you little girls!”

I saw an arm waving, it was Akhilles. It was the first time I felt grateful that I saw him. He stood there with a brutish man, all beard and muscle, his complexion was dark and so were his eyes.

“Finally you came. I was told to wait for you.” His eyes fell only on Agape. “White suits you.” He whispered to her.

“Thank you.” She replied as her cheeks grew red.

We all rolled our eyes at her.

“You all look very nice too.” He pulled himself from Agapes gaze.

“Let me introduce my brother, this is Herakles.” Akhilles pointed at the brute.

I had remembered that I had seen him the first day I was here. He barely bowed his head in our direction.

“Wine! I need wine! We have been waiting for you and I have not had a cup yet. Next time you should be more courteous and be here on time.” His statement was pointed at Eirene. She tweaked a little.

“Listen! We were not told that anyone was waiting for us. Had you known that we were coming here, maybe you should have waited for us at the palace, that way we could have come here quicker.” She hissed. “Now where is this wine you are belly aching about? If I have to deal with you, I’ll need a cup.” I watched as she put Herakles in his place. She seriously had no fear of him.

I wonder if maybe Agape had done something, but she was too preoccupied with Akhilles to have noticed. Herakles watched her walk away with his mouth wide open.

“Do you know who I am? I’m …”

She cut him off. “I don’t care, I’m nervous enough and right now all I care for is a nice cup of wine to calm me down.”

They both didn’t take their eyes off each other, their faces mere inches apart.

“WINE!” Herakles yelled and a little nymph appeared with small clay cups. The nymph then poured the wine and offered it to us.

Herakles reached for a cup, but Eirene took his and gulped it down. She then reach for hers and offered it to him.

“I didn’t want to hear you complaining.”

I knew Eirene to know she really wasn’t apologizing.

“Here, this is where we will sit.” Akhilles had held Agape’s hand and led us to a table, which was right in the middle of the festivities.

“FOOD!” Herakles continued to yell.

Another nymph appeared and placed plates and food on the table. “MORE FOOD!” He had yelled again.

I guess he wasn’t pleased with the amount they had given us.

‘Psykhe change seats with me!’
Eirene’s eyes were wide open and she tilted her head to one side, the side he was sitting on. I laughed out loud.

‘
Please! I can’t stand this man.
’ She was pleading, but I was enjoying the sight of my sister being uncomfortable.

There was no way I was going to make this easy for her. Herakles kept staring at both of us.

“Do you not like sitting here? Am I annoying you?” He was quicker that I thought.

“Well seeing how my sister refuses to changes places with me, I guess I’m stuck next to you. Can you please not dirty my new dress with the way you are eating?” She truly had not fear of him. She just continued to drink her wine as though he was nothing, but a mere servant. I’m sure she was a bit drunk at this point.

“Herakles, this is a first, a woman speaking to you like this. She has no aversion to you. I like her very much.” Akhilles laughed at his brother expense.

“Woman! You better respect me. I have allowed your mouth to run for far too long.” Herakles was at his limit.

I waited. Eirene sat glaring at him.

“My name is Eirene, you will remember that and my tongue may run as long as I like.” She took care to speak slowly and articulate every word.

“Now why don’t you continue to eat? It appears that’s all your good at doing.” She waved him off, ignoring his anger.

“Now, now children, this is a party and I have been waiting patiently for my girls to show up all prettied up.” Prometheus always the savior sat himself next to me. I laughed and leaned into his arm. I reached for a cup of wine when someone reached for it first. Apollon stood behind me as he offered me my cup, dangling it over me.

As I went to grab it, he had yanked it away and drank it. I had not seen him since the first day I was here. I was so irritated that he had shown up, his mere presence left me with bitterness in my mouth.

“I cannot believe that father would allow such insignificant things like you here. You do not belong here, the mere sight of you brings me hives and I demand that you leave here now. So that I may enjoy what’s left of my evening.” Apollon’s face had bordered mine, his breath was hot, his eyes peered into me.

The angry heat that glared back at me now began to soften. I took in a small breath.

“Apollon, could you do me a favor and leave me alone. I enjoy your company as much as I enjoy having my limbs cut off.” I didn’t look away. His face had pulled me in. His eyes intrigued me.

“What are you?” He whispered to me.

“If I’m that insignificant, then why are you paying any attention to me? Just go and find someone else to enjoy your evening with.” I finally broke my gaze and drank the first cup I saw in front of me. He took my hand and dragged me from the table. I could hear Pro yelling for me.

Apollon was walking so quickly, that everything around me was only a blur. We came to a large table at the edge of the forest. He turned and lowered his face and look into my eyes.

“Why are you haunting me? Why is it I cannot forget you? Since that day you have been in my mind, your very presence burrowing itself in every part of me. Why?” He was begging me for an answer, his grip holding me so tightly that I felt my arms go numb. Before I could let myself think, I felt a hand touch me.

“Let her go, now!” I knew that touch.

Hephaistos yanked me to his side, but Apollon had not let me go.

“Apollon let her go. She will not be one of your toys that you fixated on and play with. So before I get truly angry let her go.” Hephaistos’ eyes did not waver from Apollon’s face.

He had finally released me. He frowned at me, his face distorted. Hephaistos’ other arm had wrapped around me.

“I have never spoken a word whenever you decided to take away what I valued, but I will not allow you to take her away.” His voice was clear and loud. He stood his ground and did not falter.

“This is a first.” Apollon began to laugh mockingly at Hephaistos.

“You never attend our dinners nor do you ever act like you care. You are always locked away in your dungeon making little trinkets and toys for us to play with. Why are you here now? Is it for her? Have you finally found what you have been seeking? Well this will be interesting. I also have finally found what I want. You will just have to bow out like you always do. For who would want, a tortured soul, when they could have perfection itself.”

As Apollon spoke I could feel Hephaistos tighten his grip on me. I knew that Apollon’s words were meant to destroy any courage that Hephaistos had to come here.

“Look at yourself Hephaistos. Why would she even look at you? What could you possible offer her? What? Even Hera did not want you. No one wanted you. How can you possibly understand how to care for her, if you cannot for care yourself?” Apollon’s assault continued.

Whatever confidence Hephaistos had, was beginning to crumble. I could feel his arms slowly releasing me. I reached for his hands and held them tight. He looked down at me, his eyes asking me why? I must have had the same look. Why was he letting me go? Was I not worth fighting for?

“APOLLON stop now! Your arrogance is beginning to affect my mood.” Zeus had appeared, with a younger version of himself. What made him seem different was a small thin golden crown that nestled itself in his neatly tied hair. He was shorter than Zeus and had piercing eyes. He stood strong and tall, his presence brought an ominous feeling.

“Who may I ask is this brother?” The man spoke.

“This is Psykhe, one of the five sisters.” Zeus answered.

“Ah, I see, she is quite beautiful. Perhaps when she is done her duties, I shall take her down to the underworld. There maybe I could finally have another wife.”

Apollon and Hephaistos, both were about to protest. Zeus ignored everyone.

“Psykhe, from what I am able to see behind Hephaistos’ arms you look quite stunning tonight.” He smiled. “May I ask you for a favor?” He waited until I nodded. “Will you from now on call me father?”

I was silenced by his request. He smiled trying to reassure me.

“Here is this world, I am father to most, can I not be yours as wells?”

Hephaistos’ hands unwrapped themselves from my body. Zeus looked at me waiting.

“Brother, grant me this one when it is all done, she will brighten my dark days.” Haides ogled me, his presence brought shivers down my spine. I suppose that would be normal coming from the king of the underworld.

“I will decide my fate after everything is done.” I spoke up standing my ground. I wasn’t some sort of shiny new toy that everyone could play with. I was a living being that had rights and choices.

‘Hush, Psykhe, quiet!’
Themis was mentally yelling at me.

I had not seen where she was until Zeus moved, she stood right behind him. I didn’t care at this point.

“I have seen the prophecies through the mind of my sister and you need us.” I took a deep breath before I continued. “If you want me to call you father then you must listen to me. My father, Nikephoros allowed us the freedom to speak on how we felt. He believed that if emotions were not dealt with, it would hinder us. You need us because we’re still human. You as gods do not understand these sorts’ feelings?”

Zeus interrupted me. “We don’t?” He waited for me to continue.

“No you don’t. You do understand at least two very distinct emotions, anger and selfishness. I know that with time I will forget my humanity and that world I used to live in will be taken over by this reality, but by then I want to have lived as myself as long as I can. I want to choose what I want and need. I will not allow things to be decided for me.” I had spoken from my heart, my body shaking from my resolve. I had hoped that my words would somehow reach Zeus.

“You are quite daring and that is why I favor you. I am glad that I was able to see your growth. I wanted you to call me father because I have grown to love you as a daughter. I was amazed at how hard you and your sisters have worked and persevered. I think that you have awoken emotions that lay dormant in me.” He laughed. “So I will allow your freedom, not because of your words and not because I want something from you, but because you have earned it.” Zeus said in a serious tone as he walked over to me. He looked down and patted my head.