Memoirs of an Immortal (The Immortal Series) (36 page)

I was finally able to breathe. We shared a table of food and heard stories from both Thalassa and Gaea.

Eva and I finally relaxed and were able to laugh and share some of our stories. I felt at ease to finally have met more of our new family. It was time for us to head back and Gaea had given me an amphora filled with her wine. She waved goodbye to us, as we were about to re-enter the void. I could see the mist again telling us where to go. Eva and I stood at the crossroads between our world and the Akris lands.

A hand appeared and grabbed my shoulder. I nearly dropped the amphora. Eva screamed and the three of us just stood there. I looked at this figure, a tall slender woman, who had a long black veil over her face, which covered most of her body.

“I’m sorry to have scared you.” Her gestures were slow as she spoke. “It is rare of me to meet anyone outside our world. I tend to forget how I look. My name is Nyx, I am night and shadow. Gaea has already told most of us the reason why you are here. I want to lend you my help. I will only come when I think you need me.” She pulled back her long lanky fingers off my shoulder. I had to take a minute to realise what was going on, my heart had stopped and it hadn’t started yet. I bowed to her and thanked her. The only thing I could see through the veil, was a smile she gave me, her teeth were bright white, which contrasted sharply with the rest of her.

“I will help you, but you need to go back to the Olympos” She added. She waved her one hand and we gently flew back through the slip.

When we landed back on Olympos, I could finally hear the murmurs coming back and for some strange reason, I found myself missing them. We both readied ourselves to leave, when we notice that Bellerophon and Hephaistos were waiting for us, both with their arms crossed. I smiled wildly, happy to have finally seen him, but he was not as forthcoming.

“What?” I asked as I walked over and put down the amphora next to him.

“What do you mean by what?” He hissed.

“Well the reason why you are angry is?” I waited.

“Do you have any idea where you went?” He voice trembled with anger.

“Yes” I said sarcastically “I just came from there, why?”

His eyes nearly fell out of his head. “You need the permission from Zeus to go.” He added.

“Well I didn’t get it. Does it matter that much? It’s not like he is involved in what is going on anyways. I didn’t want to have him say no. This way I’ll get punished, but still get what I want.” I was calm, but annoyed. Why was he so angry? He reached for my arm and pulled me closer to him. His face was so close I could feel his breath on me.

“You were gone for two days! Time there is different. Don’t you understand it was dangerous!” Hephaistos does angry very well.

I was surprised that it was two days. It only felt like I was there for just an afternoon. I kept my surprise to myself not wanting to give into him.

“I should head back home” I said. I could faintly hear my sisters worrying thoughts.

“Do what you like, you always do!” He let go of my arm and walked away from me. I looked back to see Eva, she was having a similar argument with Bellerophon. I yelled out that it was my fault she came with me. “You! Stay out of this!” Bellerophon pointed and barked at me. I did as I was told and slinked away.

I could see Hephaistos walking ahead of me. I was sad at our distance. I could feel his anger, which made me even more upset, but I had no choice, I needed to do this. As I walked though the courtyard and put the amphora down, I could see everyone waiting for us. My sisters full of concern, but excited with the news and even more enthralled by our story, the men in our family however seemed to grow angrier as we spoke.

We tried to collect our thoughts and gather a better plan of action. Agape finally broke the tension with the men.

“Is something bothering you all? I could feel that there is, either say it or leave.” She snapped. It was rare when she was angry, but I think she was riding the wave of emotions she was feeling from all of us.

“Fine!” Akhilles roared. “You all are planning our demise. Do you have any idea how dangerous everything you are doing is?” She rolled her eyes at him.

“It’s not as thought we could die!” She added. “That may be true, but you could so easily start a new war that we didn’t want to happen. You are all extremely reckless, every single one of you, especially you, Psykhe.” Akhilles pointed at me. Akhilles was known for his wrath and we were bearing the brunt of his words.

“Argh!” He screamed at the top of his lungs out of frustration. Herakles seemed to agree with Akhilles’ sentiment, while Hephaistos sat quietly seething in the corner. I was watching, waiting for his thoughts. He finally looked up at me staring at me with contempt.

“Can you not just know your place and do what you are told.” he warned. I stood up and walked over to him.

“What did you say?”I asked. He stood and towered over me, shaking his head.

“When will you learn? Just go and kill them. Stop trying to make a huge spectacle of yourself.” He snapped. Before I could retort, Anthousai interrupted me. “I’m sorry mistresses, but it is time to get dressed there is to be another dinner banquet. The Mesopotamian Gods have arrived again and Zeus has summoned everyone to attend.” She lowered her head, trying to hide herself.

“There’s no need to go together” cried out Akhilles “I’d rather enjoy my evening then have to spend it with the likes of you tonight.” He left together with Herakles and Bellerophon.

Hephaistos lowered his head down to me and glared. “I was finally excited I thought that tonight we could be together at the banquet and I could finally show everyone that you’re mine, but Akhilles is right. Good night Psykhe.” He purposefully was being hurtful. He knew by saying that so close to my ear, it would make my body react to his words only this time it stung my soul. All of us stood there, in disbelief of what just happened.

“Well I for one have finally convinced myself, that this is why I do not want a man in my life.” Zoe’s comment had finally awoken us and irritation now settled in.

“Fine they don’t want to go with us? Then we will make them wish they had.” I said. I cried out Anthousai name. “I anticipated this happening, plus if I’m not mistaken the last time the Mesopotamians came they somewhat challenged my mistresses, so I prepared very alluring dresses and make up for all of you for tonight.” She said with a wicked grin.

“I will not even acknowledge his existence” yelled Eirene.

“We will sing and dance and show those Mesopotamian bitches what we Greek women are all about and I will finally show that ass, Akhilles, who is the most desirable.” breathed Agape.

“Can you believe him? Argh!!! Tonight I will…” Eva was so upset she couldn’t even finish her sentence.

We took our time getting dressed and came together and admired ourselves. Both Iakhe and Anthousai helped us and also encouraged our scheme.

The Mesopotamians

We finally made it to the Faunus forest, where Zeus was holding what was to be largest and most lavish banquet we had ever been too. All the little orbs were hanging above us again, lighting the forest like little stars that were close enough to touch. Each light slowly changing colour, making the night seem magical.

As we walked into the open area I could see food everywhere. Most had started to reach a happy state of drunkenness.

“My girls!” I heard Zeus beckon, “Come here!”

We walked over to the end of the opening, where all the major gods were.

Zeus had a special tiered table created, that was able to sit all the gods comfortable. “I was going to ask why you were late, but by seeing you all I have forgotten everything. You are very fetching tonight.” He grinned.

I stood in front of the gods with a bright green dress, which was off on one shoulder, while on the opposite side I had a slit that went all the way up, to almost to the top of my thigh. My hair was loosely tied up with large curls falling. Eirene had worn a gorgeous purple dress, which haltered on the top and fell all the way to the ground. It had two large slits to show her legs. Eva wore a short white dress that hugged her breast and showed off her legs. While Agape had a red silk dress that fit her loosely. It looked very plain, but when she turned around, all of her back was exposed. Zoe was the only one that felt no need to go as far as we did and worn a very beautiful simple traditional dress. We all bowed.

“Will you entertain us with songs and dance my daughters and show these Mesopotamians how it’s done?” Zeus asked and we were happy to oblige. The last time they were here, they overshadowed us. In all honesty we were trying to be more demure, afraid that we might give our neighbouring gods a bad impression of us. However, the last time they were here, they let out a sensuality, that made even us even blush.

I called for Dio and in an instant he appeared.

“Yes beautiful?” He smirked raising his eyebrows.

“Wine!” I smiled back, knowing full well that Hephaistos was watching. Dio handed me a kylix and filled it with wine. I gulped it down and he began to fill it again.

“Dio? Would you please be my date for this evening?” I asked, as he was pouring. He smiled as he finished pouring the wine.

“Why yes my beautiful lady, I will. Will we sing and dance?” He added.

“Of course, what kind of girl do you take me for?” I answered, smiling devilishly.

He leaned in and whispered in my ear. “The kind that might be taking it too far.” He leaned back and winked at me.

“I don’t care!” I replied.

“I know. That’s why you’re so much fun!” He grinned from ear to ear. I gave a side look to see all the Mesopotamian gods.

Their features were so dark and different from what I have ever seen before. The Egyptians at least look refined, theses gods looked more like Herakles, large and brutish. They carried their weapons freely and had a quiet control about them. The only one I truly enjoyed seeing was Enki.

He was the most playful and sociable. He was one of the oldest of their pantheon, but his appearance wouldn’t give it away. Enki was the god of wisdom and knowledge. He protected the waters of the dry and desolate lands of Mesopotamia. He was loved by the people and by many other gods. When Enki’s eyes met mine, I smiled and gave a small bow. he nodded back. He wore his usual attire, which was made of carp skins. His large golden necklace of a double snake, shined brightly as he sat. Food was brought to us by the nymphs, while drink was given to us by my date.

As we finished Zeus summoned for us to sing. We prepared our instruments, which Hermes was kind enough to have his nymphs play in our stead. As I stood in front of Zeus and his guests I began to laugh out loud.

“What are you laughing at child?” Zeus asked.

It was Eirene’s fault, she saw Herakles with two female guests who were half dressed. They sat on either side of him and the image of her ripping him to pieces was very clear in her mind.

The Mesopotamians had no problem bring entertainment for everyone. To them, that was one of their gifts.

“Nothing father, honestly. I’m simply happy and enjoying myself at the banquet.” I waved my hand to him.

“Shall we begin?” I asked smiling brightly, tying to deflect anymore questions.

“Whenever you are ready” Zeus nodded. I turned my back to Zeus and faced Eirene.

“Try not to make your imagination run wild. Remember, I see it!” I laughed again. She continued to glare at Herakles. A soft low growl escaped her lips.

“I know what you want to sing first!” I smiled happily.

“Do you remember that song mother taught us, the one when father crossed the line and she sang to him?” Eirene eyes still were burning as she spoke.

“Yes!” I laughed, knowing it was going to be a great night. “It was the one about how she gave him an ego and how she no longer loved him and she will take back all she said.” I said amused at the turn of events.

“Don’t we have to do a war cry?” Agape asked hesitantly.

“Yes!” We both said in unison, as we smiled wildly at her, knowing that it was the perfect song.

Zoe explained the music to the nymphs and began to lead them. Eirene took center and Agape and I flanked her, while Eva stayed behind us.

The music started and the beat was heavy and our moves very alluring. All of us except for Eirene began our war cry, which made the music come alive. I could feel the energy of the room beginning to change. Eirene began to sing and slowly move towards Herakles. Each verse she sang was pointed at him, while the rest of us avoided our lovers, knowing how our moves would make them feel.

I saw that Dio was laughing and shaking his head, his voice echoing in my mind. ‘
Too far’
. I laughed and continued my dance. The song finally ended with Eirene finishing her alluring dance on top of the tiered table where he sat. Everyone was clapping and demanding for more. Each of us took a turn to sing and dance, each song became more provocative then the next. When we finally came to an end, Dio had taken over and decided to sing. I had decided to join him, enjoying the feeling of singing freely and not to mention, I enjoyed the affects it had on Hephaistos.

Akhilles had left the tiered table and had moved himself closer to Agape, in order to get her attention, which she was not giving him. Herakles had asked the two female guests to leave him, while his eyes were kept solely on Eirene. Bellerophon was the only one who kept to himself, sitting alone on a single table, but watching Eva’s every move like a hawk possessed. Hephaistos was still seething from before, but now it was different. I could feel his eyes on me, my body reacting to him in every way. I knew I was going to feel his wrath.

I could hear the Mesopotamian gods talk about us and how they were taken by our charisma, that we may have finally out shined their girls.