Chapter Two

And you're my survival, you're my living proof
My love is alive, not dead
And tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love.
I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above
I’ll Be
Edwin McCain

An hour before the ceremony was to begin Poseidon showed up on Ares island saying he had to take Callestah away, Zeus wanted to meet with her and Ares’ women were getting antsy as they prepared the Palace in a suitably grand manner for the Union of two Olympians. “I don’t want to go.” Callestah protested.

“I will go with you.” Ares told her. “Come there is nothing to fear. The Old Man just wants to get to know you a little that’s all.”

Before she knew it they left Ares’ island and were standing on the steps of Zeus’ Palace. The huge white marble doors swung open and the Old Man stood there to greet them. “Come in, come in.” He said cheerily although to Callestah’s ears his tone like his smile seemed a bit forced.  The three of them entered his home with Ares standing behind the small woman who was on the threshold of becoming his wife.

“Good evening, Father.” Ares said as he greeted Zeus and then held out his arm.

At first all Zeus did was to stare at him in a manner of disbelief. Ares never wanted much to do with his Father and the feeling was mutual. Tonight was different. Tonight Ares turned a corner and Zeus should do what he could to steer him in the right direction. The Old Man grasped Ares’ forearm and then pulled him in close as they greeted each other.  He did the same with Poseidon. “Brother.”

“Something smells delicious.” Poseidon remarked.

“No fish,” Zeus said with a wide grin. “Just for you, huh?”

“He always did think he was a comedian.” Poseidon intoned dryly as the doors closed behind them.

“What?” Zeus asked his Brother. “I love fish.” He smiled a wicked little grin. “And you, my dear? Aren’t you going to grace this old man with a smile and a greeting?” Zeus asked Callestah.

As if she were waiting for him to give her the answer to Zeus’ query Callestah looked up at Ares.  In her eyes he saw they had much work ahead of them.  Jackson made it through and he was only a Mortal therefore he and Callestah would make it through the same mire only easier and swifter. With the slightest movement of his head Ares nodded.  Callestah smiled and then turn to Zeus. “Good evening Grandfather.”  She offered her cheek and with a bit of hesitation Zeus kissed it.

It wasn’t that he was averse to touching her but afraid it would cause the burning sensation to come to both of them. As his old papery lips crossed her youthful warm skin there was nothing but that sensation. Ares must not have slept with her yet. He was waiting until after the ceremony; how quaint and totally unlike him. “Good evening, Callestah.” Zeus said with an old man’s smile. “Come in, come in, everyone follow me.” He tittered and then led them deeper into the grand palace he once called home.  “We have a grand evening ahead of us to celebrate this new union. Ares you come with me and Callestah please follow Poseidon he will take you to where the women are waiting to help you get ready for the ceremony.”

Again, although no question was asked, she looked up at Ares for the answer. He bent deeply at the waist to kiss her. “We’ll be together soon until then go on….make yourself beautiful for me.”  He teased with a grin then quickly added lest she take him seriously, “Though I don’t see how you could possibly be more beautiful than you already are.”

“Oh,” Zeus groaned. “Don’t listen to him, he’ll say anything to get his way and I should know I’m his Father. But in this case I suppose his words are true for once.”

With a deep sigh she took the arm Poseidon was holding out to her and followed him off in one direction while Zeus and Ares went in another.  “Nervous, my dear?” Poseidon asked.

“No, should I be?”

“I would if I were you.” He returned.  “Then again, Ares has waited a long time for you so perhaps you will calm him down.”

“Calla has already smoothed out most his edges.” She said grudgingly as they walked the shining marble hallways of this grand palace.

“No,” Poseidon said seriously, “you did that perhaps Calla helped but you would have done it anyway. I remember you as a little girl and how Ares always doted on you.  He never did that with a single one of his Sons, you know.”

“So I’ve heard.” Callestah stopped walking and looked up into the face of the much older man accompanying her. “Do you think it’s over? Now that she and I are separated I mean, do you think…..”

“I think the chances are very good that you will live a long life with Ares,” Poseidon said, “I just hope it is a happy one.  He is very volatile.”

“I know.”

“I can’t decide if you’re incredibly brave or stupid.” Poseidon remarked playfully. Whatever she was at the moment she was the future of their race.  Without her certainly there would be no more Olympians.  “Right through that door my dear the women are waiting for you.”

“Have you no pearls of wisdom for me, Uncle?” Callestah asked as she laid her hand upon the bronze door.

“Perhaps later.”

“In that case, would you care to give me away?”

Color rushed into Poseidon’s face and his faded blue eyes shined with surprised glee. “I would be honored, thank you, Lady Callestah.” Poseidon left her to the women while he went to join Zeus and Ares in Zeus’ throne room.

**

“Are you absolutely sure about this?” Zeus was asking when Poseidon entered the throne room to see the two of them along with Morpheus and Achilles were sitting at the large black marble table, a very large carafe of Nectar and even larger plate of food between them.  “Don’t misunderstand me, my Son,” Zeus actually giggled with delight, “if you truly love her then I am thrilled for you. I never thought true Love would ever touch your heart. But she is a clone she is not…”

“She is an Olympian!” Ares said in a hushed roar. “She is Callestah my Daughter, my Lover and my Wife and Mother to my Children. She will give us new blood and renewed hope. I won’t have you speak ill of her.”

Zeus shook his head. “You don’t understand, she is not an Olympian, Calla is.”

“Why must you deny me any happiness? All my life you’ve put me down and taken things from me. Not this time,” Ares asserted as he rose to his feet, “Is this why you called us here early? So you could talk me out of marrying her?” He leaned across the table to get a good hard look at the Old Man who was seated. “She won’t come to you.”

Morpheus cleared his throat. “That’s enough,” Poseidon said as he took his seat at the table.

“No, no,” Zeus said to them, “I can handle him.  I have Callisto, why would I want Callestah?  Besides she’s no interest in me.” Zeus shook his gray head. “It would be a terrible shame if you were to love this woman so greatly and so completely only to lose her.”

“Are you threatening her?”

“Oh!” Zeus threw his hands up in the air and then hung his head down with his hands holding it on his shoulders. “No, Ares. I am not. I am trying to tell you something so why don’t you just listen to me? All right? Five minutes.”

Ares huffed a great puff of air through his bearded cheeks and resumed his seat. “Five minutes.” He agreed folding his arms over his chest.

Switch his ever-present wooded staff from one hand to the next Zeus paced at an old man’s gait before speaking. “She is a clone we cannot argue that point, agreed?”

“Agreed.” Ares said.

“By nature the Asguard are not Immortal. Agreed?”

“Agreed.” Ares grunted. “What is the point, Old Man?”

“An Asguard clone has never before held the soul, the essence of a truly Immortal being such an Olympian. They are fragile to begin with. The only thing I am trying to make you understand is that she may not be as strong as you believe her to be.”

Keeping his seat but looking up at his Father with smoldering eyes Ares began to speak. “She is in the body of a clone but she is an Olympian. She is your Granddaughter, my Daughter,  your niece….” He looked past Zeus to Morpheus and Poseidon, “She is Callestah. She is Immortal and she will bare for me many strong children our race will not die out. We have a new future why do you seem so frightened of it?”

“I am not afraid.” Zeus countered. “I as leader of the Olympians, Ares, I want this future as much as you do. I never thought I would but I do. If you and she are our last best hope then so be it….May all the Gods help us but…so be it.”

Before Ares could speak again Achilles stood up and spoke. “There may be something to what he says, Ares.”

“Et tu, Brute?” Ares quipped.  “What is wrong with you? All of you?”

Sometimes Ares was blind like when he was lost in the heat of battle or rage but now he was blinded by Love and that made him even more dangerous than his temper did. Ares sent many a man, woman and child to Hades and although he did feel Love for Aphrodite he was never in love with her. They simply enjoyed each other’s Lust because they were the only ones who lived and felt with equal passion. The other Olympians were boring by their standards.  If she died, if the clone proved to be as weak as Zeus felt it was, Ares would go on a rampage the likes of which the Cosmos had never seen. No one wanted to be in the way when that happened.  There was no standing in the way of their Union either and as if Father and Son were reading each other’s minds Ares said; “We don’t need you to marry us. We’ve only to swear it to each other.” Now Ares did stand up. “If you won’t perform the ceremony, Father, we will still be One.  You will not stand in my way. I killed you once…” he taunted.

“Whatever you wish Ares.” Zeus capitulated. There was nothing left to do but watch as Fate played itself out. He would marry them, they would mate, they would breed, all of them would leave this world and from there on out it would be Time that held the cards.

**

In the room behind the bronze door all eight of Ares’ remaining women busily undressed, bathed and redressed the Lady Callestah in the finest white gown she had ever seen.  Carefully she stepped into it while the women gently pulled it up over her slender body and into place. To be pampered this way was wonderful and foreign. It was a long time ago that the Graces waited on her this way. Head to toe hand to foot every need tended to every whim cared for.  Daniel was a wonderful and attentive husband but one man cannot compare to an entire entourage waiting for your wish to become their command. “It’s very beautiful.” Callestah remarked as took up handfuls of the linen.

“It was worn by Amphitrite in the day she married your Uncle Poseidon.” Tula explained as she fastened the material together as Callestah’s shoulders. “He brought here for you to wear.”

Looking at herself in the mirror and actually seeing the Lady Callestah and not Calla Jackson, Callestah was struck by her own image. Did she really look so different from Calla? Or was it just the refinery she was clad in? The wreath of flowers in her hair? What was it that made her appear this way?  In a few minutes the woman in the mirror would pledge her eternal and undying love to Ares Lord of War. She would be the wife of an Olympian and not just any Olympian, he was…larger than life…in several aspects.  Her heart started to beat at a pace that she thought her body would never keep up with while a light bead of sweat broke out on her upper lip.  The urge to run snuck up from behind and then…bop!...clobbered her over the head and whispered in her ear….Run! Run!

The Pampered  Princess…

That thought echoed in her mind as she stared at her reflection. Calla often called her that on the occasions they had to fight with each other.  Those times when Kanan was bending her so viscously Callestah would sometimes try to come to the fore just to protect Calla or not to feel so damn useless! Calla would always shove her away calling her a Little Pampered Princess.  And adding in; You can’t handle it.

Looking at the woman in the mirror now it seemed true. She was a spoiled woman or was well on her way to being and she felt guilty over it. Callestah had been happy to flee into the recesses of their mind happy to run and content herself with the fact that she’d tried yet knowing deeper still that her attempt would be thwarted and she was never in any real danger of having to bear the pain and humiliation Calla did.  I am stronger than that. I am not a Pampered Princess.

“Lady? Are you all right?” Talia asked as she fastened the veil to the wreath.

“You will tell me. All of you…you will tell me…” She said as she reached out for the women around her. “You will tell me.”

“Tell you what, Lady?” Tula asked softly. The panic in the petite goddess’s eyes was swift and deep.

“Everything,” Callestah returned in a whisper. “Everything.”

“Leave us,” Tula said to the other women. “Go and make the final preparations. We will begin in a few moments.”  The other women wished Callestah well, told her not to be nervous and that if she needed anything…anything at all…they were here to get it for her then they vanished through the bronze door.  Tula adjusted the veil over Callestah’s shoulder.  “Everything…about Ares and what he likes….yes?”

Callestah liked Tula. She was a very nice woman and she was very beautiful in a Classical Greek manner. Tula had long dark hair that fell about her in gracious waves, dark olive skin, a large bosom and hips to match but mostly she had the most comforting smile and voice.  When they left this world part of her would be sad to leave Tula behind but Ares promised not to bring any of them and she would hold him to that. “Yes. Tell me so that I do not disappoint him.” She knew what to do, she wasn’t stupid. Callestah knew everything that Kanan liked and Daniel, she’d learned with Hartley and she was getting to know the things David liked. While they were generally the same still they were different in so many small ways and there was nothing small about Ares.

“Impossible.” Tula said with a wave of her head. “He loves you so. This will never happen.  Don’t be afraid. Take a deep breath for me, huh?”

Callestah did just that, she took in a deep breath, held it and then slowly let it go. She repeated it a few more times until her heart slowed down and her mind stopped spinning. “I love him so much. I won’t be afraid.”

“Good.” Tula held out her arm so that Callestah could step down from the round pedestal she’d been standing on. “It’s time.”  Walking to the door Tula opened it to find Poseidon already on the other side. She gave Callestah the once over to be sure everything was in place.

“You look beautiful the dress suits you.” The Lord of the Seas said with a wise old smile.

“Thank you, Uncle for thinking of me this way.” Callestah let go of Tula’s arm and took Poseidon’s.  “Is he ready?”

“For a thousand years or more.” Poseidon assured her. “You?”

“Yes.” She looked back at Tula who handed her a large bouquet of white roses. “Thank you.”

“You’re quite welcome, Lady.” Tula said just before she gently pulled the veil down over Callestah’s face and then made her way down the hall in front of them to take her place with the others and watch the ceremony.

When they reached the end of the white marble corridor with its highly polished black marble floor a massive set of golden doors open as if by magick….which of course it was…they opened on to Zeus’ Hall which was a great area of the Palace where once upon a time the God of Gods held huge parties and gala events such as the wedding of two Olympians.

There was Ares, she smiled as she saw him and her already overtaxed heart skipped a beat. Didn’t he look dashing in his own refinery? Gone were battlements and armor save his sword which hung brilliantly at his side. Tonight his dark hair was lose about his shoulders where it wisped about the white linen shirt that was teasingly open to the fourth button showing her that thick patch of hair where she would nestle her head later tonight.  Her eyes fixed on him each step became more difficult until she couldn’t tell if she were creeping along on Poseidon’s arm or if they were running toward him.  Air hot and thin in her lungs making her head light, Callestah thought surely she would faint before she could reach him.

Five feet in front of where Ares stood with Morpheus and Achilles at his side Poseidon stopped and waited.

"We are to witness the Union of these two Olympians. Who gives this woman to this man?"  Zeus asked in a loud voice.

"I do." Poseidon said as they stepped forward once more.  "I am Poseidon ruler of the Oceans, I give this woman, Callestah, daughter of Ares and Aphrodite to this man, Ares son of Hera and Zeus," Stepping aside Poseidon placed her right hand in Ares’ right hand and as they stood facing each other, Poseidon then bound their hands together with a length of purple silk.  When he was done he gently lifted the veil from her face before stepping back to stand behind them.

Morpheus and Achilles came forward each other a crown of laurel and lavender in their hands. Achilles placed his atop of Ares’ head and Morpheus placed his on Callestahs’. The two crowns were joined by ribbons of green, red and, white. First Morpheus and then Achilles walked around the new couple three times thus establishing them as King and Queen of their home or in this case of Ares’ cave.  When they were done Morpheus took his place next to Ares while Achilles stood next to Callestah. 

Zeus handed Ares a golden chalice filled with fine wine.  Ares took the cup being offered to him a long drink and then held the cup out for Callestah to drink from. When she tried to take it from him he held it back and waited until she lowered her hands and then placed her lips on the rim. Ares tilted it up giving her drink. Handing the cup to Morpheus, Zeus took Callestah’s unbound hand and led the couple around the small altar three times, thus showing them the path they must walk through married life.

At this point, Ares God of War stood in front of what remained of the Olympians—save Hades who refused to come—and professed his eternal love and fidelity. Words which either once stuck in his throat completely or were previously only uttered falsely now rang true as they tumbled easily from his full lips.  

“Ares, son of Zeus,” the Old Man charged in a deep voice, “if what you vow is false, it is better that you should fall upon the blade of the sword than to lie to this woman before all the Gods.”  He held his sword firmly against his Son’s heart.

With the blade to his heart and a smile on his face, Ares looked down at Callestah with eyes full of love and devotion.  “My word is true.”  He proclaimed and placed a stunning three-tired ruby and diamond necklace around her throat.

“Callestah,” he charged, “if what you vow is false, it is better that you should fall upon the blade of the sword than to lie to this man before all the Gods.”  He held the sword to her heart.

“My word is true.”  Callestah returned offering up a delicate but sturdy gold chain from which dangled a highly polished chunk of amethyst. Ares bent deeply at the waist so she could fasten it around his neck.

As Zeus placed the sword back on the altar Achilles came forth to unbind their hands and remove the crowns from their heads.  Zeus placed a crystal goblet on the black marble floor. Without taking his eyes from his new Wife Ares raised his right leg and stomped on it shattering it to a million pieces and leaving behind his old life.

“Ooompa!” The small crowd of myths and legends cried out as the glass shattered and the men began to clap in a very slow rhythmic motion.

Time to kiss the bride.  If he got down on his knees he’d still be taller than her. Rather than do that or bend uncomfortably Ares simply reached out and lifted her off of her feet bringing her effortlessly up to his level.  His kiss was warm, long and deep as they sealed the deal. Holding her close he professed levels of love unknown to his old heart. “I love you.  Thank you. Thank you.”  Like David just a few days before Ares felt redemption in her touch in her love.  He’d done so many things for which he needed to be redeemed she would give him everything, all the redemption he required, all the love, the attention, children, everything.  It took him a few moments to understand that the emotional riding the wave of redemption was Completion a sense of Wholeness he’d never before knew existed.  He wasn’t half anymore. He wasn’t angry anymore. Now he understood there was so much more to Life and this Immortals existence than war and chaos.  No matter what Zeus said they had Forever laying before them she was not weak there was nothing wrong with her.  That much was clear in her touch and the way she responded to his.

Zeus with little choice but much sincerity smiled over the new couple as he kissed each palm and then laid it on their joined head.  The applause grew louder and Zeus knew they were standing at the Cross Roads. Were they headed toward destruction or salvation?  He didn’t know.  One thing was certain it was one of them all right.  It wouldn’t take long before Fate stepped up to let them know which.

Although the number of attendees was small the party following the ceremony was not diminished.  There was an overabundance of food, Nectar, Ambrosia, music and laughter.  And dancing let us not forget the dancing.  While Ares’ women attended, they waited on the guests and they danced, it was Callestah with whom they wanted a spin on the dance floor. Zeus first then Poseidon took her from the table and from Ares’ side as they moved their old bodies next to her young one making fools of themselves and enjoying the depths of every moment of it.  Morpheus even made himself solid so that he could indulge in the pleasure of holding her in a pair of arms.  With each dance she seemed to glow a little brighter her face flush with color that was a little redder than before and when she looked at him her eyes were wild with passionate curiosity.  And with each set of arms that wrapped around her Ares felt his newly swelling heart harden and become suspicious.  Soon that would end he told himself as he watched her dance with them. Now it was the four of them dancing in a line and clapping their hands the rush washed over him as he chomped down a thick slick of hard bread.  By tomorrow, after they’d made love, these other men would no longer be able to touch her and the Bond would be complete.  His would be the only touch her body would respond to and even abide. Let them touch her tonight he had Forever.  Callestah stood between Zeus and Poseidon one arm around each man’s waist, she was smiling and laughing when he caught her eye she let go of them but did not break stride. She held her arms out to him and smiled wider beckoning him to join in the dance. How could he say no?  Tossing the last bites of his souvlaki down his throat Ares rose from the chair while dusting off his hands and his beard.  So many years passed by and he lost hope of being here in this moment and the more precious ones to come…very soon now…very soon.  Nothing, not man or god or Fate itself was going to keep him from all he desired. Not now it was too late for such things.

Joining in the line round and round they danced in a half arc arms over shoulders or around waists they bent, kicked, clapped, rose and shouted out; “Ooompa!”  Zeus couldn’t remember the last time this room or his old heart knew such a joyous occasion.

Breaking the line, Ares bent and swooped Callestah off her feet only to settle her upon his shoulder. Light as feather he hardly knew she was there. One hand over her knees securely keeping her in place—it would be terrible if she fell—he bent not at the waist but the knees kicking his legs out one at a time and then jumping back up to full height. He repeated the motion over and over again while those around him clapped and Zeus was impressed to see such joy radiating from his cold-hearted son. Greeks, they tended to be very passionate and demonstrative people for once Ares wasn’t demonstrating his ability to destroy. Never in all Zeus’ long life had he seen his Son so freely and openly rejoice not even after a hard won battle. Whatever Callestah was she was good for Ares as he watched them together Zeus hoped that was enough.

Perched high upon Ares’ shoulder with her slender legs crossed Callestah smiled and laughed as she clapped her hands and snapped her fingers.  This was where she was meant to be it felt perfectly right and she felt perfectly safe.   From now on when and wherever they were together she would always feel at home and he would never let her fall.

Back in a place called Colorado Call had her Daniel and if were lucky she’d get to keep her David too. But mostly she had her Daniel and he made her feel this way as though nothing bad would ever touch her again.

Here on a small island in Greece sequestered away from the rest of the world Callestah finally had her Ares.

Who could ask for more?

End Chapter Two Of True Colors: Ares & Callestah A Love Story
By Moon Mistress
Continue to
Chapter Three