The Challenge

Twenty-two

The morning sun bathed the Olympian orchard in a golden glow as Namira strolled through the fragrant rows of sprouting fruit trees. She marvelled at the lush greenery, a testament to the hard work she and Ares had put into revitalizing this sacred space.
As she approached Ares, who was standing confidently next to a particularly vibrant tree, a knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Namira's eyes narrowed as she took in the sight of Ares, studying him. He looked different, a subtle glow of contentment surrounding him, "What happened last night?" she asked, a teasing smirk playing on her lips.

Ares chuckled, running a hand through his tousled hair, "Freyr and I connected... In all ways he suppose," he confessed, his gaze holding a glint of mischief, "I suppose he deserves his title of the God of Lust."
Namira's eyebrow lifted in question, " I hadn't realised you two were... close... like that."

Ares grinned, his confidence unwavering, "We've been bonding for a while, since I've started spending time with you all. He's an affectionate thing... His talent to change my energy when my temper rises is truly impressive. God of Love indeed."
He offered a light shrug then, "Then, you know, we've also communicated through the portal last week. He was concerned about Thor's behaviour, the explosive jealousness that seemed to have no cause at all. We spent a lot of time talking..."

He looked at her then, "I've known a while now that I wished to make a vow to him too, but I'll admit I was surprised to have him agree. We made a mutual oath during one of our sessions last night."
Namira's eyes widened in realization as she listened. She hadn't been aware of the depth of Ares and Freyr's connection, nor their communication whilst they'd been here, " What did you promise each other, if I may ask?"

Ares' grin softened and he looked almost vulnerable as he considered whether he wanted to answer. For a moment his eyes grew distant as he recalled their exchange.

Ares and Freyr lay panting in his bed, in his chamber.
A place he hadn't shared with anyone but Thor and Aphrodite. It was a place that echoed who he was in every sense of the word. A balance between strong dominance and gentle care, it held a lightness Freyr had told him he hadn't expected. Ares had smiled at that, he'd worried, despite Aphrodite never having had an issue being in there, that the place would be too dark, too violent.

He hadn't planned on being this intimate, he hadn't expected the unbridled passion that had soared between them while they'd explored all of their pleasures and kinks.
They were a mess of sweat and the proof of their pleasure, but neither cared.

Ares produced a dagger, as they'd discussed, to make an oath unique to them, special to him. Their blood was mixed into a glass of nectar. Nectar derived from one of the golden apples, given to them as a symbol of approval by Namira. Then, clasping their hands, their eyes locked in a shared understanding. Ares spoke first, taking the lead, "I, Ares, son of Zeus, God of War, pledge to you, Freyr, son of Njord, God of Peace, a mutual oath. In times of strife and joy, I promise to love and cherish you whenever we have the chance. I promise to stand by your side in battles both on the field and within the realms of the heart whenever you call on me."

It had been a conscious choice to note this role specifically over the many Freyr ruled over, their opposite nature shining through and hopefully adding to one another's strength.

Freyr, with a gentle smile, responded in kind, "I, Freyr, pledge to you, Ares, a reciprocal oath. To support and strengthen you however I can, to be the calm in your storms and the warmth in your winters whenever we have the chance. In our union, may our strengths complement each other and our weaknesses find solace."

Their grip tightened, a symbolic bond forming between them. Ares continued, "Let our connection be a beacon of unity among the gods. I swear to be open and honest, to share my burdens and triumphs, forging a trust that withstands the tests of time."

Freyr nodded, his eyes reflecting sincerity, "And I, too, pledge honesty and openness. May our communication be a bridge, transcending the realms we hail from, fostering understanding and compassion. In our shared journey, let no secrets divide us."

As the echoes of their oath lingered in the cosmic expanse, a warm glow enveloped Ares and Freyr, sealing their commitment as they consumed the nectar, each other's blood. In that sacred symbolic moment, the gods of War and Peace forged a bond that would not only strengthen their individual realms but also bring a harmony to the divine tapestry that wove through the cosmos.

Ares's gaze was filled with a gentle affection as he redirected his attention to Namira, "Let's say him and I are truly connected, in a bond of open and truthful communication, of love and support."
Namira nodded, accepting that Ares would keep this private and between the two of them.
It seemed she had missed a significant aspect of Ares's life, "I'm glad you found someone like that," she admitted, "I'm sorry for not realising your attachment."

With a playful wink, Ares grinned and replied, "Don't apologise, I assure you that our care extends to you and Sparkles as well. It changes nothing about that... Though we may need more time to satisfy our passions."
Namira rolled her eyes, trying to hide a smile, "Let's get back to work," she said, changing the subject, "We need to hasten the growth of this new sacred tree so that this alliance is forged more definitely."

Together, they focused their energies on the sapling Namira had planted, infusing it with their combined divine power. The air crackled with energy as they channelled their strength into the soil, coaxing the tree to grow stronger and taller.
As they worked, a deep voice echoed through the orchard, "What do we have here? Making progress, are we?"

Zeus, king of the Olympians, stood at the edge of the orchard, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the them as they knelt by the tree. Namira straightened, feeling a mix of nervousness and pride.
Ares stepped forward after he rose, a confident smile on his face, "Indeed, Father. Namira and I have been working tirelessly to restore the sacred grove."

Zeus observed the flourishing orchard with a nod of approval, taking everything in with a light smile, "I am impressed with how much you have both achieved in such a small time already." He paused a moment, then continued on, "I will ask Odin to meet with me to embrace our alliance officially. Well done you two."

As Zeus turned to leave, Namira stole a glance at Ares, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.
The orchard, once a desolate space, now thrived with newfound life—a testament to the strength of their bond and the power of unity among the gods.
Something told her that Zeus's approval wasn't easily given, that it meant a lot for him to speak it.

The knowledge that their alliance would be sealed officially eased Namira and she smiled then, "We cannot grow it much further than this on our own... Other Gods may help us. Do you believe Demeter, Apollo and Hecate might help us with their powers? I'm sure Freyr, with his connection to harvest, , virility, sun and rain, would help us as well. We also need to see who will take care of the orchard when I return to my home... Teach them how, what is needed... Can you help me arrange this?"

Ares nodded firmly, "I'll take care of it."
There was hope in the air now, positivity. It strengthened their resolve to see this done.

TBC...