Wise-counselled Themis told that it was ruled of fate that the sea-goddess, Thetis, should bring forth a son, of strength mightier than his father, whose hand should launch a shaft more powerful than the bolt of thunder or the fearsome trident, if she wed with Zeus or with his brothers.
--
Apollôn looked down from Olympos watching over the Ellada. The people were going about their days, not knowing that their lives would soon be changed forever. His eyes focused with unwavering intensity at the location in which Hyakinthos had been as he leaned upon the laurel tree in which Daphnê had transformed.
Her branches woven around his head, and he inwardly mourned what could have been. He stood straighter as he turned to Castellan. He watched as the Half-Divine twins pummeled Theseus and Peirithoos into the ground. Thalia, who had been visiting, took Helénē into her arms, carrying her off to Yew Village where the Artemis' huntresses were relaxing.
Ariadnê perched atop of King Peirithoos' fallen form as she cheered her twin on. Perseus took down five buildings with one strike as he threw Theseus around happily. They were seemingly not fond of Theseus attempting to groom a child, never mind that she was but a few years shy of marrying age.
He thought over everything that happened as the years passed in molasses.
Ever-ageing Time waited on no man nor woman.
The gods watched the change in dynamics of those ruling Castellan. Thalia had returned from hunting with Artemis, a break the goddess declared that she deserved. Rachel had returned from her training to the delight of the others. They crowned her Queen, and were not afraid to silence anyone that argued that a woman could not rule without the hand of a man.
The girls had fun whenever the topic was brought forth.
They found amusement in watching how things had changed in the years since the official closure of the one-sided relationship between Connor and Ariadnê. The two of them avoided each other as if Apollôn had sent an arrow of plague between them.
Whenever the two did end up in each other's presence, the conversations were stilted as they struggled with the newfound boundaries of their friendship. Though that was downright pleasant in comparison how Ariadnê treated him as if he were Luke and Silena whenever Apollôn deigned him a visit.
She behaved as if the boy didn't even exist, not sparing him or the god a second glance.
The one time she cared for his opinion was during the first year in which they held their first marriage season which was held at their behest. She was the only one participating as the others had vows of chastity or were in relationships. Each of them had dresses custom-made by Silena in different colored cloths and designed in their strange fashion.
--
And all the race of gods hasted to do honour to the white-armed bride [Thetis] . . . But Eris (Strife) [alone] did Kheiron (Chiron) [who sent out the invitations] leave unhonoured: Kheiron did not regard her and Peleus heeded her not . . . And Eris (Strife) overcome by the pangs of angry jealousy, wandered in search of a way to disturb the banquet of the gods.
--
The dress that Ariadnê wore was made of something that they called sheer fabric with diamonds and rhinestones covering the rest of her. It was daring and borderline indecent, but she moved as if she could hear none of their words.
Perseus had presented her before the Castellan council who all looked back at her amused. Her hair had been pulled into a high bun at the top of her head until she let the bun loose so that her hair fell into a long ponytail.
