Pax

Since her return, Calista and Nikolas have spent their days advocating for their union, and that of Olympians with mortals.

Today, Calista stands alongside Atalanta before a large gathering of Olympians. Although her union has support, there are many who still protest the idea of such a relationship.

“Your fear is understandable of course, but we have the support of gods. They, alongside myself and Nikolas, will do all we can to protect you. But I believe, now more than ever, that no calamity will come from our marriage. We will walk into a new world, and I hope you all will join us.”

One Olympian raises their hand before speaking. He’s the man that gave his chance of becoming a god away after a dispute with a mortal. “I find it hard to believe that calamity will befall us, but I also see little reason as to why your marriage would improve our relationship with mortals as well. Nikolas is despised; will this have any effect?”

“I can answer that.” Atalanta said. “I’m sure there are many who still hold hatred for Nikolas, but during my travels with him I watched as he struggled to regain his strength that stemmed from it. He regained strength, but nowhere near the level of the man who fought against the old gods. This marriage may not change everything in a single moment, but I do believe it will be the catalyst for us to embrace one another. Just as many were unwilling to hate Nikolas once more, I believe many will take the chance to stand by our side as well.”

“Thank you, Atalanta. As we speak, Nikolas is spreading word of our desire to create a united world. But we cannot do so without risk. I cannot promise what will come, only of what my actions will be no matter the future. I do fear tragedy, but hope overcomes it. I once again ask for your support. You will have our protection, but I must say, you are all strong. I believe no calamity can stand against your might. Will you use that strength for a world of unity?”

The Olympian who spoke before responds first. “I will. I find my hatred for mortals senseless. I wish for the word you all speak of.”

One after another, more Olympians stand with similar sentiments. Should they remain the same then history will repeat.

“Thank you everyone.” Calista said.

After their meeting on Mount Olympus, Calista and Atalanta leave for the mortal realm by boat.

“Thank you for sharing, my lovely fiancé has claimed my boat.”

Atalanta giggles. “Were you going to keep your promise then?”

“Of course, he was deserving of it. But the stars blessed me with something much greater in exchange.”

“Oh you. I hear he speaks the same way about you.”

“In his eyes I’m perfect, I only hope to be enough for his love.”

“You are, what other man would go into the underworld?”

“I believe Theodoros may if the need arises.”

“Ah!” Atalanta covers her eyes. “He and Nikos are too busy since taking their seats.”

“You will be taking one soon as well.”

“It won’t be fun if you don’t take a seat as well.”

“Aw, I’ll be at your side if you wish.”

“I would love to have you, but I don’t want to take away your time with Nikolas.”

“Oh please, he will get more than enough time with me. Although, I do miss him. I hope his efforts are going well.”

“Before Alexios left with him, he mentioned that more and more mortals support the decision.”

“Good, then we must continue to do our part.”

Calista and Atalanta arrive at the first village she and Nikolas visited. It has grown at an alarming rate and is becoming a flourishing farming village. It, alongside Damon’s village, is known as the villages of change given that the villagers there have been most supportive of Calista and Nikolas during their efforts with the river, and now their union.

“Calista!” A young girl rushes Calista and hugs her.

“Dear, Maria, you’re looking much healthier every time I see you. You’re nothing like the little girl I first met.”

“It’s thanks to you.”

“Oh you, flattery will get you nowhere now. Just don’t ask Nikolas. Now, is the garden coming along?”

“Yes! Come look.”

Calista planted a garden in the village a month ago. She tasked Maria with caring for it, promising to pay her even though Maria volunteered to do it for free.

“Lovely.” Calista picks a fruit. “Atalanta, I can’t thank you enough.”

“I’m glad I found them; I can see no better use for them after all.”

“Here, Maria, Atalanta, shall we try them first?”

After having a taste and marveling at the flavor, the group picks the remaining fruit from the garden. They fill three baskets worth, enough for Calista’s next plan.

Maria’s village gathers at Calista’s request near the center of the village. Tables have been set up, but there aren’t enough chairs for the sudden surge in population within the village.

Many villagers returned home to Maria’s village, those who remained now healthier thanks to trade from Damon’s village and their own efforts within.

The villagers split as they arrive, one side in support of Nikolas and Calista, the other against the couple. Nikolas’s efforts failed to convince them; Calista hopes to sway some of their hearts.

Calista arrives with Atalanta and Maria, each carrying a basket with them and placing them on the front tables.

“Are you planning to bribe us with fruit?”

“Heavens no. I find that sharing a meal is the best way to get to know one another. Everyone, please grab a fruit.” Calista said.

The villagers do so, some biting it into the moment they grab one, others waiting for Calista’s reasoning behind the fruit.

“Some of you may know of this fruit, it is called Pax. They were created by Demeter during the war to keep soldiers satiated, and they have rapid growth. I always wondered why they never shared these even with those in Olympus. Many starved during the war, as I’m sure that many of you did.”

Calista grabs a fruit for herself and bites into it, it’s as delicious as the first she tried.

“I see some of you enjoy it, I hope everyone will give it a try.” Many do so, all agreeing that it is delicious. “I bring these to you not as a bribe. But as a show of what we can do together. These seeds can only be made on Mount Olympus, but they only grow on mortal soil. Such delicious fruit was created by Atalanta, myself, and by Maria and her mother. It is just one of the many wonders I believe we can create together.”

“That may be true, but this fruit doesn’t carry the possibility of calamity.”

“You are right to worry, even we do after all. I know we bore you with promises of protection, I will only tell you what I wish for now. I hope that you will share such desires. Nikolas and I, our love will end this world, but it will be in exchange for marvels such as these fruits. It will be for a world where we do not fear loving each other, a world where I can one day share these fruits with you all over a meal. That is what I wish for, I believe together we can make it reality.”

“Will you return to share with us again?”

Calista smiles as she bites into the fruit once more. “Of course I will, I hope you will have me.”

After Calista’s meeting in Maria’s village, her efforts alongside Nikolas continued to increase support for their union. Many spoke of their promise to protect the world, of the gods swearing to stand alongside them as shields against calamity.

Fear was trumped by hope. The world Calista and Nikolas spoke of, the opportunity to share fruit, was one even the most adamant mortal and Olympian could not turn away from.

Now, the world waits for the day to come between Nikolas and Calista. They prepare for what may come, for the defenses they may need, but the words of Nikolas and Calista also bring along preparation for large celebrations.