For you, my love

“Greetings, Helios. How was your journey this day?” Selene asked smiling, as they passed in the pantheon, each going about their business.1

Gruffly, he replied between bites of a sweet red apple, “Harvest is going well, with the days longer, it seems. And the nights, dear sister, are they as profitable as my days?”2

Selene twirled a golden lock around slim fingers, while arguing with herself on where to divulge her latest secret. “Well, something interesting has happened to me and I’m hoping it continues.”3

“Don’t tell me, Pan has set out to woo you into being his completely? That sly ol’ Were.”4

She scrunched up her nose in disgust, “Eww, I don’t think so. After what happened last time, I’d better not see that hairy little troll again.”5

After chewing his latest bite Helios replied, “Selene, you know he’s not a troll.”6

Taking the apple out of his hand as he was about to take another bite, she waved it around. “Doesn’t matter, he’s a thorn in my arm, if any were.”7

“Don’t you mean side?”8

“Whatever and no it is not Pan. Although I do love the oxen he gave me. They make cleaning Ocean so much faster. For that I will be grateful for his interest.” Selene puffed her lips out, before revealing her brilliant smile. “No Helios, I’ve met someone else.”9

Helios noticed Selene’s giddy motions. She was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet and the silly smile that was plastered on her perfect face was infectious. “Alright, I’ll bite. Who is he? No don’t tell me – if not Pan then, oh please don’t tell it is Zeus? Didn’t you already go down that path? Remember Hera’s reaction to that mistake?”10

Selene shuttered. “Please brother, I know the mistakes I’ve made. I would never do something as stupid as that again.”11

“Then who?”12

She bit her plump bottom lip on the side before continuing. “He’s mortal and a king.”13

She grabbed Helios’ arm before he could go into his usual tirade about her terrible choice in lovers. “You don’t know him. He’s loyal and sweet, and courageous and brave. He’s a hunter. Even you should appreciate that. Please brother, please keep this to yourself.”14

The unshed tears in Selene’s cerulean eyes made Helios hesitate; it was then that Selene knew she could trust her brother to keep her secret until it was time to reveal it to all.15

He sighed heavily. “For you I will. Now I must sleep and don’t you need to get to it? Please say hello to Eros. It’s been too long since we were all together. I do miss her.”16

“I will, and thank you Helios. Sleep well, my brother.”17

He sauntered down the marble hall towards a nondescript door, while she continued towards the dying light on the day.18

* * * 19

He was there, asleep in the meadow she’d suggested in his last dream. It wasn’t hard penetrating his open mind. He was one of the calmest mortals she had encountered. His kingdom was at peace, commence was on the rise. His people were healthy and strong. Very little trouble this region. The war had not encroached on his serene province.20

Selene gazed down from her perch on the grayer side of the moon. She studied his profile, her face softening. Dark curls lay across tanned cheeks, while full kips hung slightly open. She could hear light snores.21

Selene gently nudged is dreams. “Wake, my dear,” she whispered.22

Long lashes fluttered against his cheeks. Sitting, Endymion stretched his hands high above his head. He rolled his head relieving the tension of his shoulders and neck, and Selene watched the muscles bunch.23

“Lover,” she coaxed, “Endymion?”24

He looked to his side and Selene sat in her dream form. Ringlets of spun gold cascaded down from a sparkling crown, to slim pale shoulders. A flowing white dress clung to her frame like a second skin, while billowing around her shapely legs. 25

“Selene, you’ve returned.” He reached for her hand.26

“Endymion, I’m going to talk to Zeus tomorrow.”27

He squeezed her hand gently before replying quietly, “Are you sure you want to do this?”28

Selene pulled her hand out of his firm grip, clutching it to her chest. “Why, do you not love me? Don’t you want to be with me?”29

“It’s not like that.” He retook her hand. “I am only thinking of my kingdom. What will happen when I’m gone? Who will rule?”30

She squeezed his calloused hand back. “Have you no brother?”31

He shook his head. “No, but I’ve a son, Aetolus. He, with his brother Epeius, can manage. Both are levelheaded and strong. Where one is compassionate, the other is logical” Hope brightened his eyes. “This just might work. Do you want me to be with you when you ask?”32

Selene studied Endymion’s face. It was unlined and innocent with love and trust shining out. She would not risk Zeus’ displeasure on him, if her request was denied. “No, my love.” She caressed his smooth cheek. “No, I will do this on my own. If Hypnos visits, then do as he says.”33

She dropped her hand from his cheek and let go of his other hand before standing up. A breeze blew her curls and dress while lifting her up. “Wait for me,” she called down to him.34

* * *35

Selene stood in front of the broad double doors that lead to Zeus’ personal chambers. Scroll work edged the intimidating doors. Her fingers had more their way to her mouth and she was worrying two or three nails to the quick.36

“Oh come on Selene,” she said around her fingers. “It can’t be that hard.” She shook herself and pushed open the heavy doors.37

The hall beyond was massive, as f it was a room of its own, instead of just a hall. It’s floors and walls were white marble shot through with a spectrum of grays and accented with splotches of pearly pink. It radiated Godhood. The ceiling was lined with clouds so white it blinded you, like a day after a lizard.38

She walked on barefoot softly down the hall. The floors were warm on them, which surprised her. Selene thought the floor should be cold like the snow.39

The hall came to an end abruptly. Two hulking guards stood on either side of the entrance. Power and sturdy permeated the air, flowing thickly from the two. Selene slide past them, neither looked at her nor moved.40

A large glided harp stood in the corner; the strings were being plucked by unseen fingers. The strong woodsy smell of cedar gave Selene pause in the doorway. Colorful rugs were thrown carelessly across the floor and on an overstuffed tattered chair, sat Zeus, the most feared of all. Men sniveled before him and women longed to be with him, but behind his fierce scowl and piercing blue eyes was a romantic. Selene noticed this secret side at a banquet. She was just watching all guests and listening to the hum of conservation when she spied a soft, gushy look on Zeus’ face when he watched Hera. Amazing as it was, it was there, and she’s been keeping it to herself for just this occasion. 41

His frothy white eyebrows were bunched in concentration while a beefy finger dragged across the page.42

Selene was reluctant to interrupt him, but it was now or never. “Zeus?”43

His finger stopped and he looked up. He had is usually scowl he gave when he was displeased, plastered on his faces, as though he hated to be interrupted, but when he saw her he broke out his blinding smile. “Selene, my dear. What brings you here?” He reached for her hand. His palms were smooth. It was hard to imagine them wielding lightening bolts. “Hera isn’t pestering your again is she?”44

She shook her head while replying, “No, no she’s been fine. Great really. No Zeus, this is something different.” She knelt at his feet. “I need to borrow Hypnos –“45

* * * 46

A misty haze shrouded the edges in Selene's vision as she surveyed her environment.47

"Endymion," she called, her voice echoed off the surrounding emerald hills. Calf height meadow grass tickled Selene's bar legs. Muti-colored poppies dotted the rolling hills.48

On top of the largest foothill was a large Oak tree, and under it, leaning against the gnarled trunk was a figure. In his hands he held a small harp and if she listened closely Selene could hear the soft notes drifting on the gentle breeze.49

Selene walked purposely to him. When she was closer she felt the drop in temperature from the shade of the large leaves.50

Endymion stopped playing as soon as Selene knelt beside him. He handed her a clear long stemmed glass full of a blood-red liquid. A keep aroma of ripe grapes rose from the glass.51

"For you my love," he whipered in her ear tickling the fine hairs on Selene's neck.52

"Did Hynos pay you a visit?" She asked and then took a drink. the flavor burst on her tongue, a flowery bouquet of flavor quenched Selene's throat.53

He picked up the harp again. Selene watched as his fingers deftly plucked the strings. "He did."54

She waited for more, but it seemed that was all he was willing to say. She became impatient with him and blurted out what she thought he would be grateful for. "It's wonderful that Zeus has granted us this gift, isn't it?"55

Still he played on. So she continued. "It'll be nice having company at work." She glanced from lowered lashes and caught his smirk.56

She threw her arms around his shoulders, knocking the harp from his hands. "I knew you knew."57

Endymion hugged her back. "I am so happy to do this with you."58

Selene stood and offered her hand. "Shall we?"59

Endymion took it, and together they rode the night skies.60