Memoirs of an Immortal (The Immortal Series) (23 page)

She forgot her question and answered mine. “The backyard has already a full garden of vegetables and fruits. Each of us has our own room and there are even two nymphs here.” Her voice was full of excitement and wonder. I could tell she was at a loss at what to say first.

“Psykhe?” She looked at me, a smile beaming from her face. “I have to say, I’m pretty happy now. I know a lot has happened, but…” She hesitated. “I’m finally happy.” She smiled contently.

I was happy for her. I wanted her and my sisters to be happy. I knew that it was impossible for them sometimes, but lately their thoughts had changed and they were finally finding a sense of stability.

I stood there waiting for the thoughts of my other sisters, wanting to take in their happiness.

‘I have my own study room just like Asklepiós.’
Zoe seemed pleased.

I looked at this home that had pure white marble and stone walls. I had never seen something this exquisite before. I slowly walked up the stone stairs, wanting to keep this part to myself. I wanted to experience this fully through my own eyes.

I began to trace my fingers along the wall admiring the color of the stone. As I reach the top step, I stood in front of a long corridor that had various doors. I looked down the hall and at the end facing me, was my door. I knew because it had my name. Silver letters were carved into it in. As I walked towards it, I saw that my sisters’ names were also carved into their doors.

I reached my room and upon opening the door, my eyes were filled with wonder. The room was immeasurable. In the middle of my room was a bed, it was so large I did not know what to make of it. The fire place was as large as the room itself. I could see three tree trunks that lay inside it. But what I liked the most was the three large windows that over looked Faunus forest. I could see countless trees as they spread along the valley of Olympos. There was also a side window that overlooked the courtyard, the branches of the giant olive tree reached until my window. I slowly made my way and touched the green leaves.

As I turned my head I saw a small door, I walked over to it and opened it. It was a small room that had hundreds of various colored dresses. I easily fell in love with my room.

I was enjoying my space and taking in what was now to be my new home, when I stopped and realized that I had yet another home to see. I didn’t know how to bring this up to my sisters and to be honest, I didn’t want to. As I got dressed with one of my new dresses, a knock came at my door.

‘I hope she likes me. I’m kind of scared of her.’
I haven’t heard this singing voice before.

“Come in” I said.

In came a beautiful young nymph, her hair the colour of fire, she danced her way into my room and introduced herself.

“Hello my name is Anthousai. I am one of the two nymphs who will be caring for you and your sisters.” She bowed, I smiled. She was sweet and her thoughts were pure.

“I’m happy to meet you, please feel free here and don’t fear me or my sisters ok?”

“Thank you!” She sang, as she nodded happily.

“I’m here to announce a visitor. He has asked for you. Would you like me to invite him here or would you like to meet him in the courtyard?” She stammered.

“Why are you so nervous? Who exactly is this visitor?” I asked.

“Hephaistos. He may be very beautiful, but he does scare me.” She sang. I sat myself down on my bed, shocked.

“He’s here, now! Downstairs? Waiting?” I wasn’t really talking to her.

“Yes mistress, I’m sorry, was I not clear?” She looked puzzled.

“Ask him to come up make it quick, I don’t want my sisters to know.” I commanded her and she obeyed, within a few moments she had brought him to my room.

There he stood tall dark and handsome, his piercing green eyes stared right at me. Anthousai nervously excused herself.

“Would you like to sit down?” I offered a chair that was next to the fire place. He walked over and sat down. I was still standing, more like anxiously waiting. What was he doing here? What did he want?

“Your room it’s quite nice.” His voice was low and raspy.

“Thank you, I like it very much.” I said in a quiet tone.

“Father has he spoken to you? Has he mentioned what he’s done?” Hephaistos was dancing around the question he didn’t want to ask and I didn’t blame him. It’s not as though I was very nice to him the last time we met.

“Yes, yes he did, I…” I stammered.

Hephaistos interrupted me.

“I wanted you to know that I didn’t ask him to do this. This was done on his own accord.” He lowered his head and breathed deeply.

“I know, so now what?” I honestly needed to know what was expected of me.

“He has insisted, so for your own protection, let us play along. If he knew that we didn’t abide by his rule, he would only take it out on you.” Hephaistos said, as he looked at the hearth.

“So I still get screwed.” I said grimly. I felt helpless. “I don’t want my sisters to know. I just started my new life, now this?!”

Hephaistos continued to look at the hearth.

“Do you see the large mirror?” He said in a quiet tone.

I looked over and there against the wall, was a large highly polished bronze plate, which was almost twice the size of me.

“Go, touch it.” He insisted.

I walked over to it and touched it. The metal became liquid, as the ripples stopped, the image of Hephaistos’ courtyard appeared.

“What is this?” I asked amazed.

“This is a gateway to my home. This way you can come and go without anyone knowing. There is a room I have readied for you, so you don’t need to worry.” My heart was beating rapidly, stupid heart. He thought of me. He thought only of me and I didn’t even think of him or how this would affect him.

He had stood up to leave through the gateway. Instinctively, I walked over to him and took his hand to which he jerked away. I pulled it back holding onto it.

“Thank you.” I murmured.

I wanted to hold his hand longer, but I felt I was being selfish. He reached over and caressed my face. My body ignored my mind and allowed his touch. I leaned into his hand, relishing in his heat.

“Come tonight, I will be waiting.” Hephaistos then walked through the mirror. As the ripples subsided, the only thing the mirror showed was my reflection.

The day was filled with us discovery our new home. It was filled with wonder and magic. Anthousai introduced us to another nymph, Iakhe. She was as beautiful as all the other nymphs, she had her head low and her smile seemed somewhat nervous.

Anthousai began to speak for her, but Agape walked over to Iakhe and took her hands. Iakhe lifted her head.

“Here is our home and you are part of it. You should feel it as though it was your space.” Agape reassured her, she smiled and nodded.

“I’m very good at cooking. May I prepare you your meal for today?” Her voice lit the room, her shoulders relaxed and she finally felt at ease with us. Agape replied yes and off she went.

“So how much did you affect her?” I asked.

Agape jerked her head. “Why do you always suspect me?”

I smirked at her knowing better.

“Fine, fine just enough so she wouldn’t be so terrified of us. You saw her. She wouldn’t even lift her head let alone speak to us.”

“This home is so beautiful. It’s as though it knows what each of us wants. I’m happy, I’m really happy.” Eva was smiling, her eyes were elated. You could tell her heart was full and content.

The day passed quickly and night began to fall. I tried to put off my thoughts, worried that Agape would pick up on how I felt. After dinner we each went to our rooms, as I walked into mine, I could feel my stomach fall. I was so nervous that I felt nauseous.

I walked over to my bed and sat. In front of me was the bronze mirror. I stared at it. Did I really have to do this? I fell back onto my bed and I laid there. Would it be all that bad? Why was I so against this? Then I remembered Leonidas. My heart ached as the memory of his face appeared in my mind.

I finally mustered up my courage, I didn’t bother changing. To be honest, I didn’t want him to think I was eager. I walked up to the mirror and touched it. The ripples finally faded and there was his courtyard.

Eerie silences feel over the area, it was different from the last time I was here. I gave into my fate and slowly walked through. There I stood in front of the door to his home. I turned to see that there was another bronze mirror plate against the wall. I didn’t stand there long enough, when a young male showed up.

“Hello mistress sorry for being so late.” He was out of breath. “I’m here to escort you to the dinner hall.” He bowed.
‘She’s very beautiful, no wonder master was very nervous today.’
I smiled at hearing his thoughts, he must have not known about me. I looked over to the bronze mirror it had gone back to normal. “You need not worry my mistress, no one but my master can access it.” He smiled, I nodded.

“Your name is?” I asked, as he walked me to the hall. “My name? You are asking my name?” He seemed surprised.

“Why? Can I not ask?” I replied.

“No, it’s just that no one has ever asked before. I’m a servant you see.” He said sheepishly. I made a face.

“And?” I beckoned him.

“My name is Kelalion. I’m Hephaistos’ attendant and I do whatever my master tells me to.” He bowed, as we stood in front of a large wooden door. The enormous door slowly opened and he waited until I went inside.

As I step through, Kelalion reached for the door and closed it. I looked around to see a large and dark room. There were no windows and very little light. There was no mistaking it, this was Hephaistos’ home.

There was a large hearth at the end of the room. I began to walk towards the fire, when I finally saw Hephaistos get up to greet me. I bowed nervously, as he gestured to a table in the middle of the room. I wouldn’t have seen it had he not pointed it out. I don’t know why, but my mind was focus only on him.

I walked over to it and sat down, the moment I sat little flames lit up over the table. All my favorite foods were there, even food I had never seen before. I was so tense and anxious about coming here, that I had hardly eaten the dinner Iakhe had prepared for us. My stomach happily agreed with the food that was before me.

“I hope everything is to your liking?” Hephaistos asked staying closer to the hearth.

“Thank you so much for the food. To be honest, I’m starving.” I reached over and poured myself a glass of wine. Hephaistos had gotten up and I readied myself mentally, I knew he was about to join me.

“Thank you for figuring out a way for us to...” I heard the door close behind me, I turned and he was gone. He had left. Thankfully, the door opened again.

“Why did you leave? Are you not going to join me?” I asked.

“I’m sorry.” I heard over my shoulder. “My master told me to keep you company.” Kelalion stood at the door not moving. I stared at him for a long while. I finally got back my composer.

“Come Kelalion.” I cried out. “Come and sit with me and keep me company. Are you hungry?” I began to fix him a plate.

“My master will not be pleased.” Kelalion stammered as he stood next to me. I pointed my finger to the empty seat that was there, he looked uncertain as he sat down.

“Well your master is not here, I am and I say eat!” I nearly chucked the plate at him.

He looked down at the food and began to eat it quickly. I watched him as he nervously drank his wine. I realized that my anger had made him nervous. I took a deep breath and calmed myself down.

“I’m sorry. I’m just upset so slow down and enjoy your meal.” I breathed. He nodded as he swallowed his food.

“Why don’t you tell me about what you do and about this place?” I was sorry, but I still was angry.

“Well I have been with Hephaistos for awhile now. He may be difficult, but he is very brilliant. You should see the things that he creates. He has quite the imagination. He not only creates weapons for the gods, but he also creates art, like sculptures that can come to life and jewelry that can hold memories, he can do almost anything.” Kelalion seemed to forget he was scared.

“You admire him.” I added.

“Yes, I do.” Kelalion confessed.

“Are you finished? Would you like some more?” Kelalion had asked me.

“I’m full, thank you. Could you just take me to my room now? If you don’t mind I want this night to end quickly.” I was disappointed, which made me even angrier. Kelalion looked at me with worry.

“But the night is still young and master has something else planned!” he pleaded, but I didn’t care.

“I thank you, but I’m too tired to be interested.”

Kelalion stood up from the table and reluctantly ushered me to my room.

He walked me through the maze that was called Hephaistos’ home and finally reached my room, which was on the second floor. He stopped in front the last door and bowed again.

My room was fully lit with little white flames, it was inviting and warm. A large window that was beside the bed, let in a gentle warm summer breeze, night had come and I could see the moon hang low.

On the bed was a white night dress, I almost forgot about being upset. The room was exactly something I would want for myself, simple and clean, purely relaxing. I could feel the anger and anxiety wash away. Both my mind and body now tired from all the emotions I felt. Anticipation crept in as I looked over to my bed. I wanted to lie there and sleep. I quickly changed and walked over to a small table next to the window. On the table was a basin filled with warm water.

I began to wash my face, when someone knocked on my door. The knock had gotten louder than before. I opened and there stood Hephaistos.

“Why are you in your room now? It’s still too early!” He voice was low and irritated.

“I was tired. Why can I not sleep when I want? Do I need to ask permission from you now?” I was being difficult, the moment I saw him my anger reappeared.

He looked at me, his eyes almost burning. He lowered his face and I could see his nostrils were flaring.

“Fine! Sleep then.” He reached over and took the door and slammed it shut.

“ARGH” I yelled loudly. He was impossible to read, why was he angry? He was the one who left me alone and didn’t reappear all night. I’m the one who should be angry. I was the one who should have been apologized to.

I lay down on my bed and closed my eyes trying to force sleep to come. The flames slowly vanished and only the moon’s radiant light lit my room. I turned to face the window, when I heard Kelalion talking to someone.

“Hephaistos was really angry.”Kelalion said in a hushed voice.

“Well do you blame him? She didn’t bother to come out.” Said the other.

“Yes, but he did leave her without telling her anything, she seemed so disappointed. The master should realize he’s not the best at this.” Kelalion stated.

I quietly got up and walked to the window. I saw Kelalion sitting with a satyr. They were both at a table eating.

“Still, she should have made more of an effort. He had planned to take her to Ourania. She would have been able to study and see the stars from close. I even think he had something to give to her.” The satyr had stopped talking and bit into a fruit, then drank some wine.

Again I was only thinking of myself, Hephaistos had only thought about me and my comfort. I was ashamed of my behavior.

“Kelalion!” I yelled. Kelalion stumbled almost falling over. He finally looked up at my window. He and the satyr bowed deeply.

“Did we wake you? I’m sorry!” He voice was shaky.

“No.” I answered. “You were both right I was I giant ass. Tell me where Hephaistos is now?” I asked. Kelalion looked at the satyr, the satyr shrugged.

“Well he must be in his room now.” Kelalion suggested.

“So where is his room?” I asked.

“It’s on the other side of the house, on the second floor. Would you like me to take you?” asked Kelalion.

“No, I will go on my own.” I wanted to apologize. I was the jerk and he needed to hear that and for some reason, I needed to say it to him right now.

I wondered through the house and found my way to the second floor through the other staircase. I walked up and saw two large metal double doors. I stood there for a few moments, only now realizing that I was standing in front of his door in a night dress. I rolled my eyes at how stupid I was. I turned to walk away when one of the doors opened. I closed my eyes mentally yelling at myself.

I knew Hephaistos was standing there. I waited and slowly I turned. He was bare-chested, his muscles were large, I hadn’t noticed how broad shouldered he was. He was perfect. I could see the large intricate black marking that came up his arm and ended his stomach. A small part of me wanted to trace it with my fingers. My eyes began to drink him in. He waited and peered down at me. The way he looked at me at the moment made my mind go blank.

The words I wanted to say had gotten caught in my throat. I finally regained what little composer I had and swallowed hard.

“I’m sorry.” I said meekly, as I lowered my head so my eyes could look at the floor. I figured it would be easier to speak to him, if I wasn’t staring at him like I was hungry.

“I was wrong. I wanted to say sorry for how I acted. Again I only thought of myself.” I admitted.

He hadn’t said a word so I dared to look up and our eyes met. I could feel the heat of his stare, the desire he had. I was taken aback.

“Well… then, good night.” I stammered.

I barely had a chance to leave, when he grabbed my wrist and embraced me. He held me in his arms. His one hand was at the small of my back, while his other was in my hair, his palm holding the back of my head. He held me tight to his chest. I didn’t dare look at him the heat from his body warmed mine. I stood in his arms, relishing in the warmed that enveloped me.

When I wouldn’t look up, he let his hand slowly drift to my face and with his finger he lifted my chin, making our eyes meet again. I felt shivers run down my body. Why when I was with him, did my body takeover?

“Is that all?” He whispered slowly inhaling my scent, his voice was doing things to me and I didn’t want it to. I finally broke my gaze and pushed him off, he still held me, but not as close.

“Yes that’s all.” I stammered again, damn him.

I was trying desperately to fight this yearning I felt. He reluctantly released me. A small part of me had hoped he forced himself, but he didn’t. I regained my thoughts and bowed.

“Psykhe wait. I will walk you back.” Hephaistos ordered. He reentered his room.

“I can take care of myself.” I retorted, wanting to get away from him quickly.

“That’s not it.” He reemerged with a small throw, which he placed on my shoulders.

He walked me back to my room in silence. I reached for my door, my body very aware of him being next to me as he stood closely.

“Try not to show up at night at my room again. Especially wearing something like that.” He warned. He then walked away.

I opened my door and closed it quickly, wanting to gain as much space from him as I could. I leaned up against the door, my heart beating loudly. I let my head fall back. With his warmth now gone, I could feel the bitter cold breeze that surrounded me.

Morning finally came. The sun’s rays filled my room with a golden glow. I could hear the workers outside. I got myself up and walked over to the window.

There in the courtyard were numerous metal men doing a variety of crafts. I watched as Hephaistos instructed his attendants on what he wanted done. The attendants would then go to their respected areas and command these metal men and other workers.

Hephaistos looked pleased with the work being done. Kelalion stood beside him and was informing him of the various activities of the day.

“Hey Kelalion!” Some other satyr screamed his name and pointed. Both Kelalion and Hephaistos looked up and stared at me.

“Well good morning mistress, it’s nice to see you smiling this morning!” Kelalion said waving at me. “Master, Miss Psykhe has a beautiful smile, does she not?” I heard Kelalion say, as he was nudging his master.

Hephaistos stood there looking at me. Was I smiling? I hadn’t noticed. I bowed quickly and then vanished from the window. I let out a large gasp. What was I doing? I quickly got dressed and dashed down the stairs, but before I could reach the bronze mirror, the same satyr from last night intercepted me.

“Miss, my lord requests you to see him before you leave.” I watched as his tail snapped waiting for me to answer.

“I’m sorry, but I need to go back so please tell him thank you for me.” I took one more step but the satyr stopped me.