The Challenge

Nine

It was clear in that moment that the world was about the change, that the selfish attitude that accompanied the old Gods would no longer be welcomed. Namira held the apples out to Apollo and Athena, "Eat. I will have you know that any and all of your pantheon that seek my gift will have to prove their worth and take a vow as you did. Make sure they're aware. They cannot enter here with weapons or malintent. If they do, they will perish."
It wasn't quite true that it would mean their deaths, but Namira was sure that at least they'd be denied entry to the realm.

Thor watched the two intently as they ate the apple, replenishing some of their strength. Apollo's previous glow was more intense now, radiating sunlight, whereas Athena's eyes now swirled with silver. Namira, however, had her gaze fixated on the God of War who was watching her through the locked gateway.

His gaze was like fire, a deathly promise along with a scorching heat. She held his gaze a moment before glancing away from its intensity, her eyes shifting to the two Gods before her, "Any of you who may visit here next are to come alone, I have offered you my trust as a gesture of goodwill, but I won't unnecessarily risk anything."

Apollo smiled brightly at that, "You set very clear boundaries, m'lady Namira. We will share your exact words. Thank you, once more, for your willingness to work together, it's unusual within one pantheon alone to aid others because it's the right thing more so than having something to gain from it, it's practically unheard of to bestow that courtesy to other pantheons. We hope to follow your example."

Athena inclined her head to the keeper too, "We shall take our leave. Perhaps you would considering offering this courtesy to my brother and sister as well. I am sure they too can prove themselves worthy."
Namira's gaze drifted back to the portal, watching Aphrodite as she simply lay back on the floor, waiting patiently, while Ares was still watching her, his gaze unwavering.
Namira again looked away, "I'll consider it, but one by one."

Athena again inclined her head in acceptance and gratitude, "We shall meet again soon, Keeper." She then briefly nodded to Thor in acknowledgement, "Son of Odin."
With that, her and Apollo took their leave through the portal. Namira watched as Aphrodite shot to her feet and embraced them both tightly, observing their changes, their power now revived with an innocent excitement.

Ares finally broke his stare too, glancing at the two briefly before his gaze drifted back to her. He stepped forward, his hand pressed against the portal, "I ask that you give Aphrodite the chance to prove her worth. She deserves whatever strength you can gift her, she needs it. Love is a dwindling concept these days, where mortals rush and take for granted... They need her, perhaps more so than any of us."

Namira's eyes flickered briefly with an emotion Thor couldn't quite comprehend, but she nodded to Thor, "We can hear her out."
Thor stepped closer and spoke softly to her in a possessive growl, "I told you to stop collecting vows..."
Namira merely smiled, "I guess you didn't teach me the lesson well enough."
Thor's fingers dug into the flesh of her thighs as he pulled her in closer, "I'll make sure to revisit the lesson as soon as we're alone."

Namira laughed at this, pressing a light kiss to his cheek, "I know it bothers you, but it's the only way I can guarantee everyone's safety, including my own, would you rather I just took the risk?"
Thor sighed softly at that, "No, no I wouldn't."
His focus returned to the portal as he lowered the barriers, but Namira then glanced at the portal too, "For this once, you may both pass through. There's no point in making you wait, Ares, the process is the same and if the others trust you... I'll show you that same courtesy."

Trust mattered, she was convinced no one would speak on behalf of Loki and Loki would never suggest another God taking his place while he stayed weak. It spoke in Ares's favour.
Besides... this had taken long enough already and Namir could think of other things to do.
Her gaze briefly travelled back to Thor before returning to the two Olympians passing through, "You've heard the terms, the conditions and what is expected of you before I am able to bestow my gift. Please tell me why you believe yourself worthy and speak your vow."

Aphrodite looked at the now open portal, but she shook her head, "I will not elevate myself this way, you know Zeus will not be pleased to realize we have procured this gift solely for ourselves, even with the added message that he can make a vow too and show his worth... You know this will invoke his anger."
Ares's jaw ticked with annoyance, a deep angry frown on his face as he regarded Aphrodite, "That is exactly why you need the power."

Aphrodite stubbornly shook her head, "No, this I had no part of. I wasn't among the two that started and I will not show support for their actions. My lessons have been learned." She looked at Namira through the gateway, "I thank you for your invitation and I will welcome your gift at a later time when Zeus has offered his support for this."
With that the Goddess vanished, leaving no room for discussion.
A curse of anger escaped the God of War, his hands clenching into fists at the spike of emotion that went through him. Namira watched Ares take several deep breaths to ease himself before he stepped through the portal.

The man looked like the ultimate predator, his eyes a colour that reminded Namira of a burning fire. He approached her slowly, not sparing Thor a single glance , then knelt before her.

She glanced down at him and Ares looked at no one but her as he spoke, "I will not offer you words that speak of my victories, my importance. I will not offer you singular gifts. I will make a vow to you, if you so wish, but as a gesture of good faith and my own commitment to this union working... I offer myself."
There was a pause, then the God pressed on, "I know your pantheon has other willing hostages as a proof of peace and cooperation. Accept me as such and I will offer you my aid and service in whatever way you might need or want it."

The God of Thunder growled softly, possessively, at the words and how they might be perceived. He, clearly, wasn't pleased with this turn of events.

TBC...