Nikolas

Calista returns to her boat, looking back to Dion once more. As much she desires it, her confidence only wanes and the idea of taking a seat fades.

Accepting her fate, Calista boards her boat. After a small quiver, the boat enters the sea and sets sail for Mount Olympus. It moves slow however, Calista’s mind still torn on her decision.

“What the? Who’s on my boat?” A man’s voice mutters.

Before she can think anymore, Calista unsheathes the blade hidden under her dress and points it at the surprise guest on her boat. The man raises his hands, though he struggles to gain composure after just waking.

Wearing ragged clothing and a nervous smile, the man keeps his breathing calm as Calista wields her blade. She scans his body, finding no weapons or anything of alarm. Except, the strange man posses above average strength, a single look enough to reveal the level of muscle around his body.

“Who are you?” Calista said, her tone would frighten any normal mortal.

“Could you put the weapon down first?”

“State your name and why you are on my boat.” Calista moves the blade closer to the man, his reflection reveals his frightened eyes to himself.

“This is my boat.”

“Your boat?! This boat could only belong to someone from Mount Olympus given the wings. You are no Olympian.”

“Prove this is your boat by making it fly then.”

“You disrespectful… I could, but I do not wish to return home at the moment.” Calista lowers her blade, “I’ve no idea why you’re on my boat, but I will not harm you if you do nothing.”

The man lets out a relived sigh as Calista sheathes her blade. “You’re suspicious, but you do have the beauty of someone from Olympus, so I’ll trust you for now.”

Calista laughs. “This is a first. Who would think an Olympian would need permission from a stranger to be on their own boat. Are there any more mortals like you?”

“Unfortunately, I am one of a kind.”

“I believe that, few can be so audacious. Why were you here in the first place?”

“I needed a place to sleep.”

“Why not your home?”

“I don’t have one. I’m a wandering tradesman who happened to be in the area for the great fall of a new bunch from Olympus. Is your trial at sea? Poseidon would give his own candidates such treacherous journeys.”

“It is not. I will not explain my actions to a stranger either, so do not ask.” Calista eyes Nikolas as he stares into the water, waiting for a fish to be within range of his strike. “But if you must know!”

“Oh yes! Please do tell.”

“I’m having difficulty deciding on what to do for my trial. All trials must be difficult and different, but I’m not sure about mine. After meeting with mortals, seeing the divide on how they hate and love us, I’ve lost confidence that I can even make a small difference with my ability.”

“I think you have good ideas, why not act on one?”

“Ideas? Is that my journal!” Calista snatches her journal away from the man. “Goodness, you wield more courage and confidence than most Olympians, perhaps I should follow your footsteps. I should start by stealing items that aren’t mine it seems.”

The man laughs. “If you’d like, I can mentor you.”

“Hah! I will not fall to such lows, some of us have honor. Now make yourself useful, row alongside the southern shore.”

“As you wish milady!”

The two remain quiet as the sail down the southern shore. Calista’s eyes never leave the mortal realm, but the confidence to return never builds.

Down the path they sail, they witness Olympians hard at work. One is treating wounds of warriors who suffered in a recent border squabble, another teaching those same warriors the proper way to wield a sword.

“I am not like them. In all my years I have never been so frustrated, so at loss. How disappointing. Say… what was your name?”

“Nikolas.”

“Nikolas? Hm, I am Calista.”

“Calista! I name befitting you if I may so myself.”

“Flattery will you get you nowhere. Nikolas, have you ever been at a loss? If so, how did you overcome it?”

Nikolas stops rowing, allowing the boat to sail at its own pace. For once, his eyes seem earnest. His playful demeanor gone as he looks towards land.

“I have. Advising you on how I did it would be of little help; I had no other choice in my case. There was too much to lose at the time, and so I did what I needed to at the time. But it shouldn’t be like that for you. I imagine you are losing confidence on the chances of taking a seat.”

“Correct. I hate to admit it, but I have little talent. Beauty can only do so much. Even if I could grab the attention of the entire planet, I’ve no idea of what to do with such influence.”

“That is natural, few can grasp such attention and make use of it. If this is how you feel, then may I ask if a simple life would not be enough for you? I’m sure life on Mount Olympus is comfortable.”

“It would not.” Calista replies without hesitation.

“Then why do you wish for a seat? A desire for glory and worship will not make you a god.”

“You misjudge the reason I wish to be a god.” Calista stands, rocking the boat and forcing Nikolas to save them from flipping over.

Ahead, well past the coast, is a large dry river. From Mount Olympus it should be visible, yet Calista never noticed it. It crosses through many settlements, once a lifeline for them all.

“How did I ever miss that? You, take us to shore.”

“I’m being employed now?”

“Would you prefer to be turned in to the guard?”

Nikolas begins rowing without delay. “I only jest milady.”

“Very good, I’m glad you’re a reasonable man.”

“My rate can be quite high.”

Calista smiles at Nikolas, driving a sharp jolt down his spine. “Are you a good swimmer?”

“I’m sure I could make some quality exceptions for you milady.”

“Excellent, I’m glad we have an understanding.”