Galene

The revived river brings immediate life back to the villages nearby. Fields are built around the villages, the water is used for cooking and drinking, and some even find boats to ride the river in absence of horses and the like.

Calista and Nikolas visit the river a week after its revival, both proud of the success in the plan.

“What will you do now?” Nikolas asked.

“As I’ve not heard of any celebrations, I must return to Mount Olympus to welcome our new god, or new goddess on this occasion. I will return after; my next job will be to create wells for some of the villages farther from the river.”

“That’s a wonderful idea.”

“What will you do next? The boat is yours and well earned, it can take you wherever you like.”

“I wouldn’t mind waiting to help upon your return.”

“My, you are defenseless against true charm… Tradesman, if this place brings you pain, I ask that you leave.”

“Of course, I have considered it. For so long I have thought of what may be across the sea, if somewhere out there is where I belong. But I am afraid. I am unsure if I will find another place of peace like that at your side.”

Calista blushes as she hits Nikolas’s shoulder. “You! I will not be swooned; you silver lounged tradesman. But, fine. If you wish to wait for me, I will allow it.”

“You were easy to convince, you must enjoy my company as well.”

“Careful, I can still revoke the privilege. If you must know, yes, you are amongst a select few I enjoy being in the company of.”

Calista and Nikolas say their farewells to everyone nearby. Damon leads the crowd of thanks the two receive, many wish for Calista to take a seat and continue to bless them as she has.

“Your blessings came from your hard work, please remember this. I only helped by a miracle, but one of you would have been capable of it as well. Yet, you gave me the chance to do so this time. Thank you, it has been an honor.”

The city of Dion prepares for the welcome of a new god. Banners are raised, hordes of food gathered, and many from other wealthy settlements are arriving in droves for the festivities that will last multiple days. The celebration for Alexios lasted 4, each filled with drinking, eating, and many performances for the new god of war.

Calista and Nikolas arrive at the shores of the city by Nikolas’s boat. Even from the shores the celebratory preparations are vivid with color and size.

“This may disappoint you but it may be some time before I return.” Calista said. She giggles at a drawing of Helen posted on a nearby building, such celebrations are overexaggerated in her opinion.

“There is no amount of time I will not wait for you.” Nikolas said.

“Careful now, relationships between mortals and Olympian are strictly forbidden. Or do you wish to end the world before we feel the warmth of the sun?”

“It’s a silly rule.”

“But said to have grave consequences, one that both mortals and Olympian seem to agree on.”

“Continents will split, the skies will fall, the oceans will dry, though I would find a way to fix it all for the woman I love.”

“Do tell then, are you in love with me?”

“You have given me permission to be, and I intend to take full advantage of it.”

Calista stares at the skies of Mount Olympus. “Take me on a date.”

The sentence causes Nikolas to stumble back into the ocean. Calista holds her belly laughing, even finding it difficult to pay attention after Nikolas makes his way out of the ocean.

“Are you being serious?” Nikolas asked.

“Hehehe, of course. My decision will be made then.”

“Was it not strictly forbidden?”

“Oh, forgive me. I thought you would save the skies from falling, the continents from splitting, and the oceans from drying for the woman you love.”

“That and more. Shall I prove myself?” Nikolas offers Calista a hand.

Calista grabs it, her smile the brightest Nikolas he has seen from her to date. “I do wish you luck.”

Nikolas and Calista arrive on the shore far south of Dion. The moon has risen, the cool weather Calista’s favorite as her hums serenate the area.

“The moonlight shimmering on the waves is just as beautiful here as it is from above. May I ask what you are planning? Dinner under the stars perhaps?”

“That would have been a great idea, but I’ve brought no food.”

“You’ve brought a beautiful woman to this romantic getaway and failed to bring food?”

“So, you’re saying I’m doing well so far.”

“Depending on what your next idea is.”

Nikolas stares deep into the ocean before turning back to Calista.

“Do you trust me?”

Calista grabs Nikolas’s extended hand. The boat wobbles as she stands, though they are close enough to the shore to jump and make land.

“I do.”

Nikolas pulls Calista close. Although she is shocked by the sudden embrace, she doesn’t pull away. It’s been many years since she embraced anyone, even her closest friends seldom share such moments.

Nikolas takes one step back, another will cause them to go overboard. Believing that Nikolas will send them into the ocean, she braces for the moment he does.

Soon after bracing, Calista feels her body swept away by Nikolas who jumps back into the ocean. She holds her breath and tightens her embrace on Nikolas. Unsure of what he plans – and believing he may be insane – Calista holds her breath and keeps her eyes closed.

“Calista.”

Calista gasps, taking in as much air she can even though they are deep within the ocean. It’s pitch dark however, their bodies continue to float down.

“I-if this was a ploy to have me embrace you then it is childish.”

“That was part of my plan.” Nikolas releases Calista, keeping hold of only her hands.

“This must be an area blessed by Poseidon. I’m impressed that you know of such a place.”

“I happened to find out long ago, but where we must go is deeper. There will be nothing but darkness for some time, and there is a stipulation before we are allowed in.”

“Is it a kiss? I’m not as bashful as you may think but a kiss will cost you dearly.”

“Not this time unfortunately. Neither of us are allowed to fear where we are going.”

“Hah, simple enough. I am not afraid of a little darkness.” Calista said, though she keeps a strong grip on Nikolas’s hands. “Tradesman?”

Nikolas’s hands have disappeared, even as she waves her hands around, he is nowhere to be found. As she twirls to find him, his distant voice asks her to open her eyes.

Calista finds herself deep in the ocean. The area is lit by glowing plants, algae, strange flowers that share the appearance of a sunflower, and colorful fish with scales that reflect the light from the plants.

The ocean top is nowhere to be seen, but Calista never thinks of it. She can only smile as the fish circle her and she touches some of the beautiful flowers resting on the ocean floor.

“I still believe you are the most beautiful here.”

Calista smiles as she picks a flower. “Should I punish you for letting go of my hands?”

“I wouldn’t mind holding it for much longer.”

Before Calista can respond, a lady of the sea swims around Nikolas. Often called mermaids but distinct from them as they have the complete body of a human, and are known for their strange abilities. Calista is on guard as she appears, some ladies of the sea are known for taking others deep into the sea never to return.

The lady of the sea here has long blue hair and a curvy body covered by a long dress. Her eyes frighten most, pearls of deep white said to give eyesight even in pitch darkness, and of visions many could only dream of.

“Who have you brought here, Nikolas?” The lady of the sea asks.

“The most beautiful Olympian.”

“I believe you are correct. Hello, my name is Galene.” Galene said as she swam close to Calista.

“Calista.”

Galene smiles, Calista has let her guard down after Galene’s interaction with Nikolas. Before she can react, Calista is pulled close to Galene by the fish swimming around them. Galene takes Calista in, her body warm despite being deep in the sea.

“Calista, what do you wish to know?”

Calista looks at Nikolas, the reason for their visit here now clear.

“Don’t worry, Nikolas cannot hear us now.” Galene said. “I can reveal what troubles your heart, or of days in the near future, all you must do is ask. I can even reveal what you must do to take a seat.”

“I know what troubles my heart, I know what must be done to take a seat. Some desires are but fading dreams. Perhaps when I first arrived from Olympus I would have asked, there is no need now. But, can you tell me, even without the seat, can I help them?”

“Nikolas really has brought someone beautiful. You can, and you will find many ways to do so. Trust your heart, trust those dear to you.”

“Thank you.” Calista wipes away a tear, Galene embracing her until she is ready to leave.

Calista rests her head on Nikolas’s shoulder as they stare into the ocean blessed by Poseidon. Galene gave them an express ride back to the shore, and they even returned dry after the deep-sea journey.

“Don’t worry, when the continents split, I will simply pull them back together.”

Calista giggles. “We haven't broken any rules yet. Thank you, this was a wonderful date.”

“Of course. After I stitch the skies back together, I will take you on many more.”

Calista raises her head, staring into Nikolas’s eyes. Such sincerity and kindness are often rare, even Olympians struggle to convey as Nikolas does. And it is for that reason and more, that Calista finds herself in a dangerous position. One in which her heart skips a beat, one which she wishes to follow.

“Would you do it for me?” Calista asked.

Before Nikolas responds a messenger pigeon lands in between them. The note inside details the threats of the nearby lord over the revived river.

“That greedy scumbag. It seems our lovely time together will be cut short. I will drop you off in the city first before dealing with this.” Nikolas said.

“I will go as well.”

“You must return for the welcoming, no?”

“Oh please, I'm bound to break much greater rules soon.”

Nikolas grabs Calista’s hand. “Then let’s do so together.”