The Quest for the Matriarch's Freedom

It felt as though it would be just another long, sleepless night again for Sapphire, who has been sensing danger approaching. However, after pacing the hallway in the Nymph Sanctuary several times, torpor came over her. She collapsed into sleep the minute she arrived at her bed...

"Mom... mom? Can you hear me?" said Ruby, Sapphire's eldest daughter in the dream. Around her were her four remaining daughters: Amethyst, Amber, Nephrite and Spinel. They all had concerned expressions. ''We have found trace of dad... and we can assure you a new patriarch is in place. We contacted the Council of the Erotes and they confirmed there being a special ceremony you can conduct using various ingredients in order to disconnect the bond and open it for a new patriarch... but Jasper must be part of it as well. We need you to meet us in the Palace by tomorrow at midnight. We will initiate from there... oh, and try and bring company. You'll need it.''

Sapphire woke up to a sunny day, alarmed by her dream, setting out to recruit two demigods to accompany her. With help from the camp director, Alexander, she was able to recruit Gavin Masterson, son of Hecate and Brock Garreth, son of Nyx. Dusk breaking, Sapphire waited for the two by the camp van on Half-Blood Hill, fully equipped.

"Hey, hope I'm not late, I had to stop by the infirmary first," said Brock, walking over with a backpack slung over his shoulder.

Gavin followed right behind him, waving at Brock and Sapphire.

"Well, let's head out, shall we?" said Sapphire, climbing into the van, followed by Gavin and Brock. Once they were sitting down belted, the driver, a satyr, began to set out for Manhattan.

"So, where is it we're going, exactly, 'Saph?" asked Gavin. 

"Well, first we're heading out to Olympus. We'll meet my daughters there... they'll explain further."

"So you haven't a better handle on the situation than we do, do you?"

"Not really, no..."

                                                                                    *****

 The group walked into the Empire State Building, the guard taking them up to the 600th floor with a tip of five golden drachmas. While waiting to arrive, Sapphire tidied them up, dressing them appropriately for the occasion (after a series of failures, her powers malfunctioning). 

"Here we are..."

Sapphire nonchalantly walked out as they reached the 600th floor. A hazy, lavender sky appeared before them, New York City and its noise far below them, a road streched out before them. The road was made of white marble, floating in the hazy air with no rails to guard it. Clouds obstructed Olympus from view.

Gavin and Brock were appalled, this being his first time in Olympus.

"Well, come on then, will you?"

They walked along the road, the clouds fading as they stepped closer and closer to Olympus. Eventually, they reached a golden gate, which sprung open as they stepped in front of it.

Gavin's mouth dropped open.

"Woah..." 

Olympus was unveiled before them. Gilded citadels, gardens with blooming flowers and domed temples rose before them. Nymphs, minor godlings and other residents walked about the premises, cheery and happy.  They walked through wide streets and narrow passageways until they reached the peak of the mountain. The throne room sat at the very top, surrounded by the temples of the famed olympians. Sapphire led them to a pink-and-red tiled road, following it until the reach a spiral staircase. As they go on, their favorite scent of perfume fills their noses. They go up until they reach a section of clouds which seems to be lightly tinted in pink. A river with beautifully clear waters, brightly glowing under the sun flows by them.

"Welcome to the Palace of the Erotes."

Across the river, a colossal red palace could be seen. Five towers rose high, silver and pink patterns crossing the marble bricks. A silver bridge seems to be their way across. As they crossed the bridge, more detail could be seen. Carved bronze windows, a banner on each tower, depicting a god. On the biggest was a banner depicting Aphrodite, and on the rest, the Erotes can be seen: Eros, Pothos, Anteros and Himeros. Roses and lush, green grass surrounded them. They walked to the entrance: double doors in the shape of a majestic, golden heart, flung open.