Who: Helios and Rhode What: Not long after marriage, it takes some getting used to When: Ancient Greece Where: The island of Rhodes
It was his daily ride that had taken him over the island of Rhodes where the daughter of Poseidon reigned. As a reward from Zeus, Helios had become her husband. He had loved many, just as any of his Greek family, but this was the face he chose to see when he woke every morning to draw the sun out of the clouds.
The Titan was vastly different than the small girl who looked like Queen Amphitrite herself. He was at least feet taller, her nose coming at least midway up his chest. His size was not the only thing that had turned the sea nymph off, she seemed rather cold toward him. She had yet to warm up to her new husband, waiting for a strike that would never come.
He brought his chariot down behind the mountains after his morning ride. He greeted Rhode with a softness that she had yet to take willingly. He had forced nothing on her, which was the least that could have been said for her sister Kymopoleia that had been given to one of the hundred-hand brothers. Not all Titans fashioned themselves alike, and unlike Briareos, Poseidon cared nothing for Helios. It's like a text adventure, except with midgets. Ads by Project Wonderful! Your ad here, right now: $2.30
When Rhode found out she was being handed off like a prize to some Titan she'd never even laid eyes on, it was said her temper was indeed something to behold. She'd always thought she'd marry when she wanted to, not because she was being forced to. But there was nothing anyone could do against Zeus, and so she had married Helios and taken up residence with him on her island.
It had to be said, though, that he hadn't yet made her do anything she didn't want to, which placed him above a vast number of gods she could have been married off to. And he was...kind. She hadn't expected that. But kind and patient or no, she was still his wife through no choice of her own. And it was going to take her a while to warm up to him. But she supposed she could start with at least being civil to him when she saw him next.
She'd chosen to go for a walk by the sea that evening. Being near the water always made her feel calm, and watching the sun set over the waves was something she'd always found beautiful. Soon enough, Helios would return from his rounds and Selene would take his position in the sky, lighting up the night with silver. She knew she'd have to face him then. And she'd never run from anything in her life, and she wasn't about to start now. Titan or no, she didn't fear her new husband. So she settled herself down by the shore to wait.
It had been a slap in the face to Poseidon who had married off his daughters to those of his choosing. Zeus had stepped in on this one, giving his favorite to a Titan no less. The ground still trembled underneath the ocean floor with his tirade.
The air had turned cooler already when Helios returned, taking off his golden helmet and armor as he let his horses rest for the evening by the river Okeanos. He was a handsome god, beardless with a bright glow radiating from his skin. When he approached Rhode, the sand warmed under her feet. She was tempestuous, just like her ocean father. He welcomed that and did not try to break it. She was too radiant for that. He wore a golden robe that slid against the sand. The sun was just starting lower down behind the ocean as Selene began her ride. It produced a soft glow against the glistening water, a perfect marriage of imagery.
"It's beautiful," he said of the vision, his hand reaching out to touch a small, soft curl of her hair.
Every once in a while, Rhode was comforted by the shaking of the ocean that showed her father's displeasure with her marriage. But more often than not, it just made things fall off the shelves in her home. It didn't seem too bad right now, as she sat by the sea and let the cool air lift her hair and tangle it around her shoulders.
She felt his approach more than she heard it, his footsteps muffled by the sand. She neither jumped when he spoke, nor flinched when he touched her hair. She was made of stronger stuff than that, and she wouldn't be put off so easily.
"Me or the sun?" she asked dryly. And then, relenting a little, she added, "I've always loved sunset. The sky is beautiful this time of day."
If given the word, Poseidon had such a closeness with Rhode that he would have ended Helios with one strike. The old god had nothing on the Olympians who held power now. He was a relic.
Helios was not struck by Rhode's temperament, it was fiery. He moved his hand from that silky mane, eyes focused as the sun started to fade. The sky now held hues of purple, pinks and a hint of orange. "Couldn't it be both? Compliments swing in either direction as long as you take it." He wasn't easily stirred, he had held up his own to many angry gods with his gift of sight. He'd caught Aphrodite with Ares, he'd waded through Hephaestus' anger in hurt when he'd told him. Helios was a tattle tale to many of them, but he was strong.
Rhode knew that even though she wasn't constantly under her father's eye now, she still bore his protection as his daughter. Even if she hadn't, she could still take care of herself. And not that she'd ever admit it, but she was glad to know that he was there.
"If you like," she said, still looking out at the sea, the red and orange light picking up the low lights in her hair. "I suppose I can take it and say thank you." She still hadn't moved from where she was resting her chin on her knees.
Poseidon didn't give up his favorites very easily. His interest in Rhode bordered obsession as it did her mother, and even as it had for Demeter. He was never going to be comfortable with her being taken from him.
"It wasn't hard was it?" He gave her a flick of one lifted brow. "Saying thank you." He wasn't being snide, but he had some bite that could keep up with her. Helios then sat down beside her, his golden robe a cloak against his shoulders.
The corner of her mouth lifted in a smile. "No, I suppose it wasn't too terribly difficult," she acquiesced. She had to respect him at least a little, for not being afraid to be exactly who he was. Perhaps she'd judged him too harshly, too quickly. Not that she would ever say so out loud of course.
The sun was almost completely gone, and the breeze coming in off the sea had picked up. The temperature was going to drop soon, and her dress wasn't made for nights. She stood up, brushing sand from her legs. "We can go in and have supper now, if you'd like."
He nudged her leg lightly with his knee. "Good," he tilted his head. "I guess I'm not the monster you envisioned?" His lip curled into a half smile. He didn't want her to change and hoped she never expected he would.
He felt the temperature sail a few degree's cooler already, his hand reaching out for hers, the warmth already clinging to her fingers. Eos' ride had begun. It made him tired, but he wanted to enjoy the moment with her. He'd keep her warm though the night if she'd let him.
He wrapped the cloak around her shoulders after unpinning it from himself. "Just a little longer, hmm?"