This Is Stella's Reality

August 9, 2015 PT 2

Paris was breathtaking as the pale skies gave way to a white gold sunrise. Clouds danced over the tops of old buildings, and a gentle breeze swept through the streets.

I sat on our new balcony, sipping a cup of herbal tea and watching as Alpine balanced along the railing. Her whiskers twitched in the wind, and her cute pink nose scrunched with all the new smells.

It was still early. I hadn't slept much, too excited to explore our Parisian street to let my mind drift too far. And the balcony was a nice place to sit. The back door that usually led to the garden now led here. There was a wicker couch with linen cushions, a small hanging herb bed, and a chair against the right railing.

These few quiet moments were special to me. Watching the world pass by with the rise of Apollo in the sky. Artemis was still bidding farewell, fading with the haze of morning. I smiled, imagining the two arguing, as they always did, in the sky. They were insufferable together.

Speaking of insufferable together, I sent my thoughts to the bedroom.

The boys were still snoring. Dreaming of cake testings and jazz music drifting through a romantic dance hall. They stirred as the sun kissed their faces. They'd wake up soon.

"Paris, huh?" A voice said from that chair by the railing.

I jumped, startled, causing Alpine to scurry back inside. It was Hermes, smirking and nursing a cup of tea as his dark eyes surveyed me.

A sigh blew through me. "You couldn't have knocked?"

He grinned, "Now, what fun would that be?"

"Why are you here?"

"No time for pleasantries?" He asked with mock disappointment. "Fine, I've come on behalf of Aphrodite. She demands you never return to Olympus."

I laughed, "Aphrodite thinks she can demand me to do anything?"

Something flashed across his eyes. A hunger for mischief. It was a familiar look to me. I had seen it cross Loki's eyes several times before.

He leaned back in the chair and extended his fingers out for Sidus to brush his cheek against as he emerged from the apartment.

"I am simply the messenger," he drawled. "However, I do believe she thinks herself to be on a higher echelon than yourself, dear goddess."

"She can think however she likes," I said simply. I finished my tea and stood, staring down at him carefully. "Aphrodite and the rest of you are in luck. I have no desire to return to The Underworld or let alone to Olympus for that matter. I am content here. Amongst the mortals. I have all I need."

He grinned. "So that is your response? You'd like me to tell the goddess of beauty you have no need for her and her frivolous games any longer. That you're happier with these dull creatures than you would ever be with the divine."

"Yes," I said, "that is exactly what I would like you to say."

Hermes shrugged and stood. "Very well, goddess," he breathed. "I will not hide the truth from you; she craved some defiance from you. Wanted you to storm to her abode and fight her for your right to walk that heavenly space."

His eyes watched me. Wanting any change in my expression to be etched into his mind. Aphrodite was not the only one that desired an argument."

I smiled softly, not what he wanted to see. "As I said, Hermes, I have all I need." I turned from him and stepped inside the apartment. Sidus followed, skirting past my feet to find Alpine. "Is there anything else I can help you with?" I asked Hermes.