Coming From the Shadows Series
Athens Encounter
428 B.C.
Athênai
The Athenian marketplace throbbed with life, a cacophony of shouts, bartering and the bleating of penned animals – despite the shadows of the Peloponnesian war that loomed large, a resilient joy permeated the air, a defiance against the anxieties of siege and strife.
Elpis, with her raven hair flowing like liquid night, and eyes the colour of amethyst, moved through the crowd with an ethereal grace that set her apart despite attempts to blend in with a simple, earth-toned peplos.
She was a celestial being, an immortal visitor with a peculiar fondness for humanity; her own kind, as powerful as they were, looked down upon the mortal kind, viewing them as fleeting, flawed creatures – Elpis however, she saw their potential, the spark of creativity and resilience, it fascinated her to no end.
She had witnessed the rise and fall of many civilisations, the triumphs and tragedies; her heart ached for them, even as her kind dismissed them.
This visit was more than just observation; it was the continuation of her quiet efforts to nurture their burgeoning civilisations, a task she had undertaken since the chaos wrought by Zor’Githas.
Zor’Githas, a rogue celestial being that held an unnatural lust for war, for power; he had sought to manipulate the mortal; caused a collapse within the bronze age, a design he envisioned would lead to a war – he had pushed humanity for self-destruction, and if not for Gallus, could possibly have succeeded, Gallus though punished Zor’Githas for his intentions and prevented the utter annihilation.
Elpis has since taken it upon herself to mend the damage; to guide, even if subtle, to inspire the fledgling societies towards a brighter future.
It was amidst the fragrant stalls of spices and the clatter of potter she met Akadios; he was an Athenian soldier, his tanned face etched with hardship from many campaigns – still, his eyes held a warmth that belied the warrior exterior.
He stood a head taller than most, his shoulders broad and strong; he carried himself with a confident gait.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her; his gaze drawn to her as if by invisible cord – he had seen beautiful women in Athens, but none possess the otherworldly allure that Elpis held.
It was her eyes in particular, those striking violet pools that truly captivated him – he had never seen such a colour – purple itself often associated with royalty, but to see such an eye colour, he simply could not look away her eyes just seemed to hold secrets.
Hesitantly, he approached her – he had a nervous flush creeping up his neck “Forgive my boldness” he began, his voice a pleasant baritone “But, I have never seen such eyes as your before; they are extraordinary”
Elpis met his gaze – there was a flicker of amusement that danced within the violet depths, she had grown accustom to such reactions “Thank you” she replied with a smile, her voice like the chimes of distant bells “It is kind of you to say”
Akadios felt emboldened by her response and decided to push on “Are you new to Athens; I do not believe I have ever seen you before”
“I…, have been travelling” she answered vaguely, offering no further explanation
But, it was simply her choice to respond that allowed for him to grow more confident; he seized the opportunity “Perhaps, as a traveller, you would allow me to show you the wonders of our city; I am Akadios, a soldier of Athens” he puffed his chest slightly in to hope of impressing her.
She couldn’t help but chuckle in amusement, a smile curved her lips – a radiant smile that just made his heart skip a beat, she knew his intention, she was use to such advances, she could read mortals before they ever approached her; this one though, this one held something different, an earnestness in his eyes intrigued her; she could sense a genuine appreciation.
“I would be honoured Akadios” she said, her voice soft “But I am most interest in the Acropolis; I have heard so much about it”
And so began their unlikely acquaintance; Akadios – a hardened soldier found himself transformed into a besotted tour guide, eager to share his city’s history and culture with a beautiful stranger.
Written By: Westley H.
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