The Lore - Part 4
Bravery Among Beauty
Nymph gave one final glance to her sisters. She was met with icy stares, which seemed to mock, “How foolish you are! You’d leave when Zeus is here!?” But there was no time to explain. Hecate was moving too quickly.
Nymph darted between trees and stones, silently praying that the fuming goddess was too distracted to become aware of her presence.
Soon, Nymph found herself descending to Acadia. With few clouds to hide among, she could only glide silently behind Hecate and pray that the goddess would not glance her way. She could only imagine what might happen if the most powerful creature on Mount Olympus caught her. As they neared Acadian soil, Nymph’s heart sank.
They had arrived at “the dark country” – the land we now call “Hammer of Zeus.”
No grasses or flowers grew here. There was nothing but steep, jagged rock cliffs, and cracked, dehydrated ground. Flames flickered against the sky and smoke entwined with rocky peaks, stretching towards the heavens. Thick ash permeated the air, making it hard to breathe – even for an immortal.
Finally, they came to a large stone gate, where – to Nymph’s great relief – Hecate paused for a moment, tracing the strange symbols etched into the doors.
A sad smile spread across the goddess’ face. “Hmph… Another crossroads…” She sighed and shook her head. “He’s left me no choice… I’ve come too far to stop now!” She began to pound with such force, Nymph was sure the gate would shatter any moment.
Warning bells rang out and thundering footsteps raced towards the gate. Nymph scrambled to hide herself among the rocky hillside. The heavy doors parted, revealing her worst fear – giants.
Fallen Craftsmen
“You dare show your face here, goddess!? We have no fear of your powers! We’ll rip your limbs from their sockets and much worse for what your kind has done to us!”
Hard to believe as it may be, the giants were once considered by the gods to be the most noble craftsmen among mortals. They had been granted a rather high plane near Mount Olympus, where the gods could descend and admire their ingenuity.
But humans soon caught up to the giants in talent and imagination, and the gods began to think it foolish to have any mortals living so close to Mount Olympus. They decided they would grant the giants the most lush, rich area of the world as recompense.
This news enraged the giants. As you might imagine, when the gods tried to evict the unwilling creatures, they were met with an array of exquisitely crafted weapons – none of which were any match for the natural powers of those who dwelt on Mount Olympus.
As punishment for their threats, the gods banished the giants to the corner of the world that was as desolate as their former home had been vibrant.
The giants forfeited their ingenuity for hatred. Their designs became primitive. Their lust for revenge consumed them.
As Hecate stood before the terrible creatures now, although she knew they could not harm her, she could not fight back the slightest tinge of fear.
“I… I have come to help you.” She began evenly. “I do not agree with the others; I wish to see you returned to your rightful place among us! Not just on a nearby plane, but dwelling upon Mount Olympus!”
A voice rang out. “We have no reason to believe you, goddess!” The eldest Thunder Clan Leader made his way through the parting crowd. “We have little reason to let you live!”
The giants were quickly becoming restless. Hecate could see the hatred burning in their eyes. The time for talking was almost at an end. If she couldn’t make them listen now, they’d never allow her another chance. If her plans were to succeed, she had to do something drastic – and fast.
“What say you, my brothers!?” A sickening cry spread among the onlookers. They began to ready their weapons.
Hecate searched the ground for a sharp stone. In one swift motion, she raised her hands and slashed her left palm. Glowing dark purple blood seeped into the ground below as an eerie silence spread.
“Do you see, giants? This is the blood of one who is immortal. Among mortals, it cannot be spilt – unless I allow it. With only a drop, I can make you more powerful than you’ve ever dreamed! In time, I can grant you power enough to destroy those who are truly responsible for the loss of your home… the humans!”
The eyes turned upon her had changed. Their animosity had been replaced by power lust.
Nymph shrank deeper into her hiding place. This was not the same Hecate. There was something dark and dangerous swirling in her fixed gaze, and it made Nymph shiver.
“I will grant you this power, but only if you help me now!”
Hecate proceeded to explain her plan to the now-silent mob. She walked the length of the crowd, purposely allowing blood to drip as she moved, and watching with satisfaction as their eyes followed each drop hungrily.
When she had finished speaking, the creatures raised their weapons to the rust-colored skies and began cheering, “All hail Hecate! All hail Hecate!”
Nymph could watch no longer – she had to warn Zeus! Taking advantage of the chaotic celebration, Nymph made her escape, straining to return to Mount Olympus as fast as her powers would allow.
Nymph’s Plea
“My lord! My lord! Please, I bring terrible news!”
A sea of cold glares met the exhausted creature, and at their center, Zeus’ warm concern. “Why? What has happened?”
The day’s events spilled forth from Nymph’s lips. When she fell silent, Zeus rose up and began pacing along the water’s edge. “Are you quite certain you saw all of this transpire? Perhaps it was a dream?”
Nymph shook her head fervently, “No, my lord! I swear it!”
But it was no use, she could already see it in his face.
“Dear one, I thank you for being mindful of my safety, but I have the utmost faith in Hecate. After all, you saw me forbid her from conducting any more experiments, did you not? She agreed to put an end to them. Whatever business brought her to Acadia, I assure you it was nothing to be troubled about.”
Nymph’s head was swimming. Zeus did not believe her. What’s more, she knew her thoroughly embarrassed sisters would be unwilling to forgive her outburst anytime soon. It took all of her remaining strength to answer Zeus. “Y-Yes… my lord…” She turned to flee, but before she could, another visitor approached.
“I shoulda known I’d find you here, Zeus!” Hermes, the Messenger God alighted in the midst of the crowd. “Afternoon, ladies,” he added with a grin. The nymphs shrank back in disgust. “Not your type, eh? Anyway! Zeus! Have I got news for you! Well, you and Hecate, actually. Where is her loveliness, anyway?”
“I’m told she’s visiting Acadia at the moment,” Zeus replied.
“Oh… Well, when she returns, you owe her big time! Thanks to her, your dear ol’ mom’s decided to name you ruler of all Mount Olympus!”
The nymphs cheered and excitedly smothered Zeus with kisses. Nymph’s fearful gaze met Zeus’, which seemed to say, “You see? There’s nothing to worry about!” Nymph’s heart sank further. Now she’d never be able to make him listen.
“Your mom’s planned a big shindig to celebrate!” Hermes continued. “Biggest one Mount Olympus has ever known! Tomorrow night! Make sure you tell Hecate, too!”
“Tell me what?”
Hecate made her way towards the others. Nymph stared in disbelief – her wounded palm was completely healed! Not many immortals could heal that fast! She watched the goddess’ face carefully as Hermes repeated the invitation. As she suspected, Hecate did not act nearly as excited as someone who’d been granted such a high office should.
“What a surprise!” Hecate replied with forced enthusiasm. “I can hardly wait! I’ll head home right now and ready my finest tunic!”
Although Hecate did spend the remainder of that day preparing, it was not for any celebration.
And yet as she worked, one thought refused to leave her mind – the unusual behavior of the nymphs. Whenever she had appeared before, the lithe creatures would reluctantly hide, scowling all the while. But this time, not only had they remained, they had moved in closer towards Zeus, as if protecting him. And their look had not been of jealousy or anger.
It had been fear.
In the short while she had been away, something had changed, and she meant to find out just what.
Or rather, who.
Nymph gave one final glance to her sisters. She was met with icy stares, which seemed to mock, “How foolish you are! You’d leave when Zeus is here!?” But there was no time to explain. Hecate was moving too quickly.
Nymph darted between trees and stones, silently praying that the fuming goddess was too distracted to become aware of her presence.
Soon, Nymph found herself descending to Acadia. With few clouds to hide among, she could only glide silently behind Hecate and pray that the goddess would not glance her way. She could only imagine what might happen if the most powerful creature on Mount Olympus caught her. As they neared Acadian soil, Nymph’s heart sank.
They had arrived at “the dark country” – the land we now call “Hammer of Zeus.”
No grasses or flowers grew here. There was nothing but steep, jagged rock cliffs, and cracked, dehydrated ground. Flames flickered against the sky and smoke entwined with rocky peaks, stretching towards the heavens. Thick ash permeated the air, making it hard to breathe – even for an immortal.
Finally, they came to a large stone gate, where – to Nymph’s great relief – Hecate paused for a moment, tracing the strange symbols etched into the doors.
A sad smile spread across the goddess’ face. “Hmph… Another crossroads…” She sighed and shook her head. “He’s left me no choice… I’ve come too far to stop now!” She began to pound with such force, Nymph was sure the gate would shatter any moment.
Warning bells rang out and thundering footsteps raced towards the gate. Nymph scrambled to hide herself among the rocky hillside. The heavy doors parted, revealing her worst fear – giants.
Fallen Craftsmen
“You dare show your face here, goddess!? We have no fear of your powers! We’ll rip your limbs from their sockets and much worse for what your kind has done to us!”
Hard to believe as it may be, the giants were once considered by the gods to be the most noble craftsmen among mortals. They had been granted a rather high plane near Mount Olympus, where the gods could descend and admire their ingenuity.
But humans soon caught up to the giants in talent and imagination, and the gods began to think it foolish to have any mortals living so close to Mount Olympus. They decided they would grant the giants the most lush, rich area of the world as recompense.
This news enraged the giants. As you might imagine, when the gods tried to evict the unwilling creatures, they were met with an array of exquisitely crafted weapons – none of which were any match for the natural powers of those who dwelt on Mount Olympus.
As punishment for their threats, the gods banished the giants to the corner of the world that was as desolate as their former home had been vibrant.
The giants forfeited their ingenuity for hatred. Their designs became primitive. Their lust for revenge consumed them.
As Hecate stood before the terrible creatures now, although she knew they could not harm her, she could not fight back the slightest tinge of fear.
“I… I have come to help you.” She began evenly. “I do not agree with the others; I wish to see you returned to your rightful place among us! Not just on a nearby plane, but dwelling upon Mount Olympus!”
A voice rang out. “We have no reason to believe you, goddess!” The eldest Thunder Clan Leader made his way through the parting crowd. “We have little reason to let you live!”
The giants were quickly becoming restless. Hecate could see the hatred burning in their eyes. The time for talking was almost at an end. If she couldn’t make them listen now, they’d never allow her another chance. If her plans were to succeed, she had to do something drastic – and fast.
“What say you, my brothers!?” A sickening cry spread among the onlookers. They began to ready their weapons.
Hecate searched the ground for a sharp stone. In one swift motion, she raised her hands and slashed her left palm. Glowing dark purple blood seeped into the ground below as an eerie silence spread.
“Do you see, giants? This is the blood of one who is immortal. Among mortals, it cannot be spilt – unless I allow it. With only a drop, I can make you more powerful than you’ve ever dreamed! In time, I can grant you power enough to destroy those who are truly responsible for the loss of your home… the humans!”
The eyes turned upon her had changed. Their animosity had been replaced by power lust.
Nymph shrank deeper into her hiding place. This was not the same Hecate. There was something dark and dangerous swirling in her fixed gaze, and it made Nymph shiver.
“I will grant you this power, but only if you help me now!”
Hecate proceeded to explain her plan to the now-silent mob. She walked the length of the crowd, purposely allowing blood to drip as she moved, and watching with satisfaction as their eyes followed each drop hungrily.
When she had finished speaking, the creatures raised their weapons to the rust-colored skies and began cheering, “All hail Hecate! All hail Hecate!”
Nymph could watch no longer – she had to warn Zeus! Taking advantage of the chaotic celebration, Nymph made her escape, straining to return to Mount Olympus as fast as her powers would allow.
Nymph’s Plea
“My lord! My lord! Please, I bring terrible news!”
A sea of cold glares met the exhausted creature, and at their center, Zeus’ warm concern. “Why? What has happened?”
The day’s events spilled forth from Nymph’s lips. When she fell silent, Zeus rose up and began pacing along the water’s edge. “Are you quite certain you saw all of this transpire? Perhaps it was a dream?”
Nymph shook her head fervently, “No, my lord! I swear it!”
But it was no use, she could already see it in his face.
“Dear one, I thank you for being mindful of my safety, but I have the utmost faith in Hecate. After all, you saw me forbid her from conducting any more experiments, did you not? She agreed to put an end to them. Whatever business brought her to Acadia, I assure you it was nothing to be troubled about.”
Nymph’s head was swimming. Zeus did not believe her. What’s more, she knew her thoroughly embarrassed sisters would be unwilling to forgive her outburst anytime soon. It took all of her remaining strength to answer Zeus. “Y-Yes… my lord…” She turned to flee, but before she could, another visitor approached.
“I shoulda known I’d find you here, Zeus!” Hermes, the Messenger God alighted in the midst of the crowd. “Afternoon, ladies,” he added with a grin. The nymphs shrank back in disgust. “Not your type, eh? Anyway! Zeus! Have I got news for you! Well, you and Hecate, actually. Where is her loveliness, anyway?”
“I’m told she’s visiting Acadia at the moment,” Zeus replied.
“Oh… Well, when she returns, you owe her big time! Thanks to her, your dear ol’ mom’s decided to name you ruler of all Mount Olympus!”
The nymphs cheered and excitedly smothered Zeus with kisses. Nymph’s fearful gaze met Zeus’, which seemed to say, “You see? There’s nothing to worry about!” Nymph’s heart sank further. Now she’d never be able to make him listen.
“Your mom’s planned a big shindig to celebrate!” Hermes continued. “Biggest one Mount Olympus has ever known! Tomorrow night! Make sure you tell Hecate, too!”
“Tell me what?”
Hecate made her way towards the others. Nymph stared in disbelief – her wounded palm was completely healed! Not many immortals could heal that fast! She watched the goddess’ face carefully as Hermes repeated the invitation. As she suspected, Hecate did not act nearly as excited as someone who’d been granted such a high office should.
“What a surprise!” Hecate replied with forced enthusiasm. “I can hardly wait! I’ll head home right now and ready my finest tunic!”
Although Hecate did spend the remainder of that day preparing, it was not for any celebration.
And yet as she worked, one thought refused to leave her mind – the unusual behavior of the nymphs. Whenever she had appeared before, the lithe creatures would reluctantly hide, scowling all the while. But this time, not only had they remained, they had moved in closer towards Zeus, as if protecting him. And their look had not been of jealousy or anger.
It had been fear.
In the short while she had been away, something had changed, and she meant to find out just what.
Or rather, who.