Themis and Zeus Who: Themis and Zeus What: Themis has her first children Where: Mount Olympus, Themis' chambers Rating: PG Word Count: 638
Themis lay exhausted but happy in her bed. The night had been long but finally she was able to birth three perfect and healthy girls. And now, with only a little trouble, she cradled all three of the girls in her arms. Themis herself could do nothing but smile at the three perfect faces of Klotho , Lakhesis, and Atropos. Looking at them Themis could see flashes of their futures, they would be powerful and revered princess. Themis had thought she felt happy the day Zeus asked her to be queen, she had thought she had been happy at their wedding and as he placed the crown upon her head but they where all put to shame by the happiness she felt now. And she could hardly wait for Zeus to come to her and share in this moment of joy.
"And I want you to organize jousts, banquets, and masques to celebrate the birth of my son," the king had said, beaming, as he walked hurriedly down the hall, in the company of some of his grooms and advisers. The sounds of multiple, strong cries reached them. "Two?!" he grinned broadly, surprise evident on his features, his expression nothing short of pure delight. A pair of sons. Or perhaps a son and a daughter. That might do nicely, as well.
He hurried down the stairs, as servants and guests bowed.
"Your majesty."
"Your majesty..."
"Majesty..."
"I shall send word to each of my brothers to hold each of the children during their ceremony of introduction to the court. If they drop them--it's war!" he joked, laughing heartily.
The doors opened before him, and he entered Themis' chambers. His eyes shone as he looked at her. "Three?" he asked, excitement in his voice. Perhaps two boys, or even three!
"Are they well? Are they strong?" he asked.
"Those are lungs that will out-bellow my brothers, ey, Themis?" he asked, happily nodding toward one of the little babies. "And the eyes. The eyes are clever," he looked at another one of the bundles she held in her arms as he approached. "What wonderful princes they will make..."
Themis smiled as Zeus entered her chambers, “Your Majesty.” she greeted warmly trying to hide the fatigue from her voice. After all, pushing three children from ones womb was no small feat. At his questions she smiled “They are very strong,” she confirmed “And so very bright,” and Themis herself did not know that Zeus assumed that they where boys, and perhaps it was the fatigue that was pressing on her mind that kept her from hearing the singular 's' “they will be the most gracious and wonderful princesses. Most honored among the mortals, they will be called the Moirae, the fates.” She smiled at Zeus heartily, full of love and hope for their futures.
Zeus paused as he reached the side of the bed, the bliss slowly fading in his expression. It was a moment before he spoke.
"Princesses? Daughters, all of them?" he asked, and though his expression was not sour, instead having become one of much milder cheerfulness, the fact that he was somewhat crestfallen seeped into his voice, and was evident in his blue eyes.
"Well, you and I are both young. With fate's grace, boys will follow," he said, giving her forehead a chaste kiss before giving her a nod, and turning on his heel to leave.
Themis' face fell slowly from her doe eyed smile to a look that boarded on tearful “I....they....” she stuttered before swallowing hard as he turned to leave “Of course your Majesty.” she muttered softly clutching the girls close to her chest as the king left. And once the king was gone from her room a few small tears did escape from her eyes.