Aelia
The villa was warm but not as warm as it is in the summer.
Clear crisp sheets of ice lounged on the clean painted windowsill of the misty glass pane as I peered out of it, admiring the soft swirls of snowflakes as they sauntered by. Delicate powdered snow coated the flat ground like a sparkling blanket.
It's been five years since I met my partner Edwyn but only a few hours since I last saw him and I already missed him with all of my being.
Reluctantly, I stepped away from the window, discarding my night clothes and slipping into the lilac dress that was made specifically for the winter.
I checked my reflection in the mirror before descending lightly down the slated stairs and tiptoed across the mosaic tiles of the hall, swiftly making my way to the front door. I was just about to turn the handle when I heard my father call out. "Aelia!"
Hesitantly I paused for a moment, then reluctantly trudged into the reception room at the front of the villa. The dark oak doors are wide open and the bright winter light is all snowy shadows. My father blended into them as he was slumped behind his desk, a grand beige lamp casting a soft amber light on the documents he was studying. He didn't even look up as I entered.
"Aelia get your mother in here now." His voice was colder than the sharp icicles that hung off the gutter on the roof.
"Yes father." What else could I say? "I'll go get her now." I winced at how weak my voice sounded compared to his. The hope that he would acknowledge me with pride died out like a flickering ember fighting against a strong breeze. Before he could look up, I quickly turned on my heel and walked out to retrieve my mother.
I crossed the long bright halls to her room, ominous light flooding the open space dread building in my stomach the closer I got. Knocking gently, I asked if I was allowed to enter.
"Mother? Are you in there?" I waited for a reply but only heard a muffled cry. I sighed through my nose before slipping through the gap in the doors to find her lying on the bed shivering and crying.
"Mother?" She looked at me, almost through me, her eyes hollow with suffering.
"Father is asking for you in his office." She let out another broken sob and I immediately wrapped her up in my arms, stroking her hair gently like she used to do to me when I was a baby. Memories of when I was a child flooded through my mind; a time where I was happy and carefree, oblivious to the harsh reality humanity lived in. Being constantly watched by the immortals who lived in the unreachable clouds of Olympus. They thrived in their own aeonian lifestyle and were not burdened by the limits of time. We stayed like that for many minutes before she found her voice once again.
"Take me to his office. I... I think I'm ready now." Her voice quivered as I helped her get to her shaky feet. Carefully, I led her back across the long bright halls with shaky hands and returned to the dark oak doors that guarded my father's office. I knocked and there was a rushed cacophony of rustling papers before my father spoke. "Enter."
Unsuspectingly, I pushed them open and guided my mother softly inside. My father looked up not sparing her a glance and gazed straight at me.
"Aelia go take that offering to the temple for Demeter. I need a private talk with your mother." I glanced at her, taking in her fragile state before hesitating, gazing back at my father.
"Go now, Aelia. Don't make me repeat myself otherwise you know the consequences." I froze as morbid memories flashed behind my reminiscent eyes before muttering "Yes father..." under my breath and walking out. I pushed the grand doors open as I exited and they closed sharply behind me.
My father had been like this ever since I was born and I never knew why. Did he just not want me? Was I an unwanted child? Or did he want a son instead of a daughter? Gods I didn't know. Not sure I wanted to know. At least I had Edwyn. My father might be a bit sick in the head and my mother may be broken but at least I was still going. I would never give up; no matter the situation.
Before crossing the mosaic tiles once more, I sucked in a deep breath and gathered my composure. Entering the marble-designed kitchen I paused to admire the beautiful designs that ran along the walls before retrieving my offering. This masterpiece had taken me weeks to gather. It consisted of rare crops and flowers since Demeter was the goddess of harvest. Some saffron, aroids, teak tree seeds in a wooden natural container, some red camellia and a lone magenta narcissus with some simple scented candles all tied together by some farming string.
I decided to add the narcissus since Demeter was the goddess of harvest. Personally I thought it was a rather fitting touch to add since it was a rare flower in my area.
Carefully, I picked my wonderful creation up and exited the villa, silently slipping out into the fresh air. I took a deep breath, holding it in until blackened stars formed at the edge of my vision, and exhaled deeply. Any confrontation with my father always made my heart pound with anxiety even if I didn't clearly show it. I felt bad for leaving my mother alone with him but I had to get this offering to the Sunstone Shrine to please the Immortals. Gods how I wished I would be able to meet a god one day. It was an unusual wish and everyone else would run the other way but it would be a truly surreal experience that I would love to see. Maybe the Queen of Gods or bright eyed Athene.
I set myself at a fast pace, jogging towards the temple whilst cradling the offering carefully in my partially trembling hands. The frost-kissed forests melted away into wide dazzling fields with a fast-flowing river dividing them in half except the cattle were hidden away in their warm barns. The wind caught in my hair, making the dragon braid flap and flow wildly behind me as my footsteps stormed the uneven ground.
My icy eyes glanced towards the shining river as I slowed my pace, stalking towards it. Gratefully, I splashed the clean water on my face, allowing it to flow down my being. I sighed deeply in refreshment at the clean cooling waters before I set myself at that punishing pace once again.
In less than a few minutes I arrived at the Sunstone Shrine - or as others called it The House Of Offerings. Both names were valid I suppose. It was built entirely handmade from stone and concrete as well as sunstone - which was the stone of leadership - to showcase our mortal appreciation to our guardians.
Except the gods and goddess' altars. Allegedly, they chose the material for their altars themselves.
Rapidly, I caught my breath and walked up the sacred steps and passed the main altar. Of course Zeus had to have the biggest and most offerings. He was the King of Gods after all.
I paused beside his altar, my eyes snagging on the statement beneath Zeus' name that was engraved into the divine sky blue stone, lightning bolts surrounding that engravement.
The statement read:
"If you mere mortals dare to go against my power, then I will strike you down with my godly wrath."
There was a strident roar of thunder, lightning flashing glaringly in the pale cloudy sky.
Honestly.
Deities just loved to flaunt how worthless we are compared to them by demonstrating their power. And these were the omnipotent guardians that were supposed to safeguard our race?
Pathetic.
I scoffed and walked past Zeus' altar, past Hades' and towards Demeter's offering altar. The marbled stone was covered and surrounded with gifts and offerings, all of them praying desperately to her for a good harvest.
Kneeling gently on the offering square, I lighted the candles with the provided lighter causing them to emit a calming scent. I put my hands together and breathed deeply, steadying my partially trembling limbs and clearing my mind from my father's usual antics, and exhaled again.
I prayed for a good harvest; a good ripe season of fruits and vegetables for us mortals to sell despite the frosty weather Demeter had left us with. Even if I criticized the other gods I was incredibly grateful to few such as Demeter since her graceful abilities are what allowed humanity to never die of starvation. They couldn't read my thoughts so they had no clue what I really felt just the grateful facade I displayed. However there were always the arrogant few that took life for granted such as Zeus and Poseidon. Even if they granted us to have our authorities such as the police, paramedics, hospitals, court cases and trials all of it but it was just so their "believers" wouldn't die. That was all they cared about. Because it was our prayers that sustained their abilities.
After a few minutes, I opened my diamond eyes and placed the offering right next to Demeter's name, politely nodding to her statement in acknowledgement, all the rare species of crops standing out against the bland common flowers that surrounded her altar.
Except the solitary narcissus that lay at its feet.
"Please, Demeter. If your divine presence is listening, we require a ripe harvest to trade and sell. I offer these rare crops to please you and beg that you fulfill my desperate prayer." My voice echoed in the grand Sunstone Shrine hall but I didn't care. A rumble of rain echoed outside as though it was her sacred whisper acknowledging my prayer and took it as a good sign. I muttered a quiet yet grateful "thank you" under my breath before standing and dusting my knees down mindful of my lilac winter dress.
My ocean eyes glanced at Hades' altar.
Not a single offering.
No prayers.
Nothing.
I suppose that made sense: everyone feared him after all. Any coward would fear the God of the Underworld.
Out of instinct, my fingers plucked that singular magenta narcissus from Demeter's offering and placed it on Hades' altar. He needed an offering. Even if it was just one. This time I spoke my thoughts out loud.
"Hades... If you're listening to me right now, then I offer you this narcissus as a thank you for protecting the Dead for so long."
I rose again and was about to leave when my eye was caught by Hades' statement engraved on his hell stone altar.
"You mustn't fear me. I will be your guardian in death; your protector."
Short but simple; talk about getting to the point. How convenient. My prayer complimented his statement perfectly. Maybe he wasn't like all the rumours that had been spread. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all.
Maybe...
I shook my head and sighed once again, trying to clear my mind but Hades' statement circled my thoughts over and over relentlessly.
"Aelia?"
A voice spoke, snapping me out of my troubled thoughts. Edwyn! I greeted him with a soft kiss, his thumb brushing my cheek as he cupped my face. I felt him smile against my lips and kiss me back. For a few minutes we stood there basking in each other's love before I pulled away for air.
"What are you doing here, Edwyn?"
"I was walking past and decided to make a prayer to Demeter for a good harvest."
"I had the same thought. Mine has that red camellia."
"Red camellia? Where on earth did you find that?"
"A woman never reveals her secrets."
He let out a soft laugh before slipping his hand into mine as we walked out the Sunstone Shrine.
"The saying goes 'a magician never reveals their tricks', silly."
"And I could be both. Who knows?"
I retorted with a teasing grin and he laughed gently once again. We both knew exactly where we were going. The Weeping Willow was what we called it.
It was a huge overgrown willow tree that provided plenty of cover, its long leafy arms teasing the ground, half shy from the vast lake that stretched out in front of it. The towering mountains would make anyone feel small; well except a god or goddess of course. And right at the centre of that mountain range, tallest of all and most intimidating, was Mount Olympus where the Immortals resided.
Legend has it that if you could successfully climb to the top then Zeus would grant you a drop of his blood to transform you into a demi-god as a prize for your courage. Of course everyone believed that tale but no one could actually achieve it. Apparently, some species of mythological monsters lived on Mount Olympus, therefore making it impossible for anyone to succeed.
An expected stunt from Zeus. The opportunity to power was just within our reach, yet still just out of it as well.
Edwyn and I swept the draping branches aside and perched against the tree, my head on his shoulder as his fingers traced my dragon plait whilst being careful not to ruin the pretty pattern. The hours felt like minutes; time flies when you're with loved ones I suppose.
An obnoxious ringtone blared, sharply cutting through the serene silence. Thanks to the abilities of the Immortals, mainly Zeus with his lightning, my small town was gifted with mobile phones to show their gratitude from our offerings. They didn't need to rely on battery or signal thanks to the potency of the Thunderer's power. As far as I knew only a few towns dotted around had the same privilege. It was considered a great honour to be as blessed as this by the King of Gods.
I pulled out my phone with a soft exasperated exhale, picking up the call. My father's voice sounded sharply on the other line.
"Aelia, I don't care where you are. Get home right now."
There was a livid hint in his voice one full of constricted fury, melancholy and stoicness all at once. I flinched and went to speak but he cut me off.
"I don't need your excuses. Home. Now."
And just like that he hung up, leaving me shaken and Edwyn gazing at me with concern deeper than the voluminous lake in front of us.
"Aelia, what's happening?"
His voice was serious. I replied shakily my voice sounding small and powerless as if Zeus himself was standing in front of me.
"My father is demanding I come home. Right now. No excuses. And he sounded pissed."
Edwyn's expression darkened for a moment before he held me tight in his arms in an attempt to comfort me but I gently pulled away not wanting to waste another second.
"I have to go, Edwyn... He's already snapped once and it won't be pretty the second time."
He was silent for a moment before he just nodded. At least he understood why.
"Can I at least walk you home so I know you get there safely?"
"I don't want my father to take out his irritation on you instead. I'll just message you when I get home okay?"
"I'm walking you home. Not taking no for an answer. If you think I'll just let you endure that alone then-"
"Edwyn! Listen to me!"
My sudden shout caught him off guard and his jaw hung open stopping himself mid sentence before he shut it. I rarely raised my voice.
"I'll message you when I get home. I am a grown woman not a baby, I can walk myself."
Edwyn opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. He snapped it shut once again whilst muttering a curse under his breath his jaw clenching in irritation.
"Fine. But just make sure you message me okay? I'll be waiting for it. I just want you to be safe."
My apologetic eyes met his emerald ones for a moment before I turned on my heel and reluctantly trudged my way home.
The emerald forests didn't seem as vibrant anymore as I walked past anxiously. The river seemed to flow slower, matching my morbid mood. Even the cattle had hidden in their stables like they were afraid of my father's wrath too.
The bright pearl walls of the villa came into view, however they looked duller and more caved as though they themselves were trying to hide also. Maybe they were dreading what was about to happen as well.
Silently, I pushed the front doors open slipping inside and closing them behind me. Shouting and crying echoed throughout the villa as soon as I entered. It seemed to be coming from the main bedroom.
That was my father's voice, and Mother's crying. Not wasting a second, I sprinted rapidly up the stairs - skipping a few and nearly falling back down - and ran to the door, shoving it open hastily.
And that was the horrific sight.
The strong metallic scent filled my nose and I froze.
Blood.
My father was brandishing a belt, the scarlet liquid drizzling down the metal clasp as he stood there poised to strike again. My mother...
My mother was curled on the bed crying from agony, blood crawling out of countless bruises on different parts of her body but a certain one caught my attention. A deep cut clung to her forehead crimson running down her face and into her eyes blinding her and stopping any form of self-defense. It dripped as though it was as innocent as rain yet it couldn't be further from it. There was no way a belt caused that. Out of reflex I ran in and seized the belt mid swing, struggling as we wrestled for it.
"Father stop! Why are you doing this?" Tears brimmed in my eyes as I fully processed the horrific scene.
My father's eyes were wild with emotions.
"She dared to talk back to me... She had it coming to her!"
He yanked the belt from my grip and lashed out, the metal connecting with my temple. However I refused to cry out. Even if my vision was blurry I would still fight.
I wasn't going to give him that satisfaction. Not a chance. Even if it meant I would meet Hades earlier than planned I didn't care. Not at that moment. I was far too stubborn to give him what he desired. If it meant my life was to be sacrificed to save my mother so be it. I deserved it for leaving her on her own with him earlier. Oh gods, help me please. I don't care who or how or why just save me.
He went to strike again and I braced myself for the pain that would erupt after the strike connected but sirens sounded sharply outside the villa and the doors were busted open, authorities flooding the building faster than my processing consciousness.
Police busted into the room and my father's face flashed with fear and horror before he was tackled and disarmed roughly by a rather wide officer, handcuffs forced onto his wrists. My mother was rushed to the paramedics stationed outside whilst another medic prepared to treat the gushing cut on my temple.
I stood there shaken as everything happened around me, unable to process it all. What the hell just happened? Did Mother speak out against Father? Or did he just want an excuse to beat something? Did a god really hear my prayer and save me? But I thought gods couldn't read a human's thoughts? Oh gods if they can then they knew how I thought they were hypocrites. Then why save me?
As I came to my senses, I realised that my wound had been treated by a paramedic as others swarmed around my mother like bees, desperately trying to stabilise her as she lost more and more blood.
They rushed her out of the villa and to the ambulance that was waiting for her before it sped off in the direction of the hospital that was luckily nearby. My father resisted as the officer dragged him but those few seconds were enough for his eyes to meet mine.
Fear, anger, hatred, grief, terror. I couldn't tell what. My thoughts were spinning round and round overwhelming and rushed as I stared at the doorway he was dragged through.
Mother... Father... Gods, what was happening? By what god's will was this allowed to happen? Zeus maybe? I couldn't think straight. My eyes snapped to the satin sheets of the bed as an officer passed by.
Permanently stained with my mother's blood.
