We toured the town which was much like I imagine the suburbs in the US to be before heading to where the games were held. Once we hit the running field, Niko challenged me to a race. I kinda tricked him into talking to much so I could get a head start cause, well he is a very fast man! But it seems I am just as fast because he never caught up. After we went to Hera's temple and asked her blessing on our marriage. Night was approaching and we decided to sleep by the nearby lake...well not so much sleep.
I find myself incredibly addicted to Niko, his scent, his body, his mind, all of him is intoxicating to me. It is so tempting to want to stay in this time period, where titans aren't running about, the natural beauty is not spoiled, and I could raise my children in safety. But that is not what I am called to do, what we are called to do.
The next morning we went for a swim and made love again. I love how even the slightest touch can send either of into a state of need. Gods just being near him sends a heat running through my veins. When we dressed I tossed my Egyptian necklace into the deepest part of the lake hoping it would stay there long enough to confuse an archeologist later on, then Niko picked me up and we went to Sparta to retrieve my dress. After trying it on and letting her adjust it Niko paid her and we headed for Athena's temple in Athens. Tradition state Niko says his vows first and I choose to accept them or not....so long as I live I will never forget his words that day nor mine to him.
"Chloe, my love you are sacred to me. I treasure every day I spend with you. It's you that gives me strength. I need you to survive. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you in times of joy, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and whatever Fate may throw before us. I will have faith in you and honor you; I will always defend you and fight beside you. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow and forever."
"Niko before you my life was nothing but darkness and pain and bitter anger. I hated the world for what I had been through. But from the moment I met you it was as if you chased the darkness away. When I am in your awe inspiring presence my pain and anger vanish and I feel nothing but the deepest love and respect for the man I know to be my other, better half. You complete me and make me feel loved, and comforted. Here in the beloved Athena's temple I swear to love you and honor you in everything I do for the rest of our lives. I will fight with you and our enemies shall know true terror as they cower before the might of our love."
When we said then the priestess had tears in her eyes and we kissed for what seemed like hours. On the way out I asked Athena for the strength to protect my family, the wisdom to know when I cannot, and justice for those who seek to harm them. With that Niko made his offering to his aunt and we went to the Mediterranean Sea and made love as husband wife.
Upon our return to Egypt there was a small box on our bed. When I opened it, it revealed two gold bands with a peacock feather eye on them...Hera's blessing it seems. Niko had a talk with Michael when we returned while I stowed my dress and made an oath to never betray him, while Michael swore to protect our family. This upset me a lot but I was careful not to show it. You see, I know my husband...he takes oaths very seriously, and I as a woman of course see the worst case scenario. What is someone had our children and would kill them if Niko did not betray Michael? What would he do then? I was certain he would save our children but I know the great pain that would follow from not only betraying Michael but breaking his oath. I voiced my concerns and told him I would swear no such thing. I try not to work in words like "never" and "always" with someone I do not love. He promised to be more careful in the oaths he makes and we were about to make love again when Michael came.
We talked briefly about things Fate had shown us and eventually it turned to our own issues. Michael asked why I hated him and I told him I did not hate him...I reserve that emotion for people like Leo and Pembroke and my mother. I simply did not like him. He expects everyone to betray him, he is disrespectful of those that deserve it most and he doesn't think things through. We talked about his trust issues and I told him it takes working at it to heal...it does not happen on it's own and he said he had been working on it. We talked about his lack of respect and how he said stories weren't enough for him to bow to the gods...I told him one day a god would find him not amusing and kill him on the spot for that sort of behavior. We are not yet on their level and it is our place to show at least SOME sign of respect. I also pointed out his lack of respect seems to be like his lack of trust in that he expects the worse and also believes the gods have to prove their worth to him, rather than trusting people until they prove unworthy and respecting the gods until they prove unworthy.
We talked about the pregnancy a little but I shot Niko a look that he got immediately and he shooed Michael away so we could be alone...
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