Smiles Are Beautiful

A week recovery efforts for the river are successful. Much of the trash is removed, and the shape has been adjusted to create flow beneficial for the villages.

“We’ll need to remove this large trunk, but all other trash has been removed.”

“Good. My partner can help with that.” Calista responds to Damon.

“The help of an Olympian would be very inspiring.” Nikolas said.

“My presence is inspiration dear. Unfortunately for you, I have something to take care of. Furthermore, you have freakish strength. We’ll do a search into your lineage once this is over; you may have minotaur or some other mythical creature in your blood.”

“I think you’ll be disappointed.”

“Don’t worry, my intuition is much better than my luck.”

Damon and Nikolas watch as Calista walks alongside the edge of the river before jumping down. Whatever her plans, it is best they not anger her and so they proceed with the finishing touches of their tasks.

By sundown, the groups working on the river celebrate their work. Calista once again brought hordes of food, “I’m no stranger to debt.” She says every time she arrives with a delivery.

“Lose something?” Nikolas asks as he kneels at the edge of the river. Calista remained in the river the entire day.

“My memory is far too great to ever forget a personal item! Do you believe I am much older than I look?”

“Looks can be deceiving. Does your memory serve enough to remind you to rest?”

“You worry like a husband but you have a long way to go before you get such an opportunity.”

Nikolas jumps down and offers Calista his back once more. “Will carrying you get me closer?”

“Ever so slightly.”

“Even Olympians tire.”

“Of course, perhaps in a couple of years I will need rest.”

“You will have a seat and I will be lost to the whims of ocean waves by then. They would appreciate you being at dinner today, I assure you mortal food will be up to your standards.”

“Oh please, even I know mortals do not eat slop. I will consider it, only if someone asks nicely.”

“Oh Calista the great, please grace us with your presence tonight… I also would like to eat with you.”

“I do not mind if you treat me as a friend.”

“I apologize. Then as a friend I will give you no choice, it’s time to rest.”

“Hmph, you remind me of Atalanta.”

“Is she beautiful?”

“Be warned, I will throw you into the river of banshees if you make an attempt at her. But yes, inside and out, her beauty is like no other. I hope to see her again soon.”

The celebratory feast starts upon Calista’s return, many thanking her for gathering them in the efforts to revive the river. She commends them for their hard work, promising that their efforts will have results soon.

As Calista enjoys her meal by one of the fires, a group of young boys introduce themselves to her. Each stumbles over their words and struggles to keep eye contact with Calista, though together they manage to accomplish their goal of meeting the beautiful Olympian.

“I commend you all for your hard work, admirable while being so young. Do try to avoid my partner’s example, you must be as nice to girls as you are hardworking.”

The young group of boys start a wave of introduction to Calista, many asking about the chances of the river returning and each leaving with positive thoughts as Calista promises to make it so. Even without the title of a god, her confidence is enough to bring hope to many.

“My, aren’t you adorable.” Calista says to a young girl who brings a flower to Calista.

“Thank you. I want to be as pretty as you when I grow up.”

“Oh dear, I am the one envious of your looks. Come, sit next to me for a moment.”

Calista rips a piece from the bottom of her dress and hands it to Nikolas. “Oh tradesman, can you stich clothing?”

“Of course. Wounds, clothing, even a broken heart. Ouch!” Nikolas stand as Calista pinches him, no matter how hard she does she never seems to pull blood however. “My apologies, I’ll get right to it. If you’ll allow me the honor milady.”

The young girl nods. “Thank you.” She whispers, “But I can’t repay you.”

“You have no reason to dear; I am repaying you for the wonderful compliment. And my tradesman here is more afraid of me than he is heartless I believe.”

After the young girl leaves, Nikolas and Calista head for the side of the river. Moonlight keeps much of the land illuminated, but the area misses the whispers of the river.

“Forgive me if I have a misconception, but I’ve heard Olympians own very little, including personal items such as clothing.”

“Perhaps, but doesn’t the revealing nature of my new dress make you swoon for me?”

“Your actions do.”

“How daring, and you surprised even me. Congratulations, you are impressive in the eyes of an Olympian. Now then, aren’t you curious about my plans to revive the river?”

“I know better than to doubt the great Calista, though I may have to increase the charge for my services.”

“I’ll allow you to remember how my embrace felt, a fair exchange.”

“Ah, the universe must be rewarding me as of late.”

Two mornings later, Calista and Nikolas return to the side of the river. All the preparations are done, those eager to see Calista’s plan up and ready before the sun.

Calista summons a cage with a small blue wisp inside. It’s made of gold, even the chain heavy in the ore. Hanging it over the river causes the wisp to float to the left.

“Tradesman, dig right there.”

Nikolas jumps to where Calista points, disappearing moments after he starts digging. A few minutes after his disappearance, Nikolas jumps out with a stream of water following close behind him.

“Well done! We’ll create two more which should be enough to feed the river.”

“It’s a miracle!”

Before Calista can continue her work, she is dragged into the celebration. Teary eyes greet her, but all with bright smiles and jovial dances. She is reluctant at first, failing to remember such a time of celebration in recent memory but is soon dancing with those around her.

Nikolas climbs out of the river, arriving to a beautiful sight of Calista dancing. Ripped dress and all,

“She is beautiful.” He said.

Calista rushes over to Nikolas and grabs his hands. “Won’t you join us?”

“Calista, thank you.”

“Hm? Are you sick perhaps?”

Nikolas laughs. “I only wish to show you my gratitude for what you have done here, but I must apologize as this may not be enough to be selected.”

“I’m well aware, but the selection was never the reason I did this.”

“May I ask why then?”

“That is difficult to explain.” Calista looks around to the celebrating before returning to Nikolas and pointing to her smile. “Aren’t smiles beautiful?”

“I misjudged you then, I apologize.”

“You are forgiven so long as you join us. You deserve to celebrate as much as they do.”

“I won’t reject the invitation but I’m no dancer. I’ll join for a fee.” Nikolas says as he allows himself to be dragged by Calista.

“Hm, I’ll allow you to fall in love with me. Truly, what more could anyone ask for?”

“Then I will take you on your offer.”

Nikolas takes the lead, Surprising Calista as she digests his answer. She never questions it, choosing to smile and enjoy the celebration alongside him instead.