The Epic of Antares

How many times had they practiced calling each other by those titles in their youth? The countless hours they spent embraced as they thought of what it meant for them–an eternity together against all that would be thrown their way. The grey clouds in her eyes reminded him of home, the only place he had ever truly felt at peace. The flashes of lightning, echoes from the very depths of her soul calling out to him. His violet-golden sunset eyes that housed the same thunderstorms, the ever resplendent sight that she burned into memory. They all but ruined any twilight she would ever witness, for none of them could match the radiance of his. Five years apart and in those four words exchanged between them, a lifetime of yearning was reborn anew. It took everything within both of them to not embrace, to not burn away all that they had become to return to a time when all that mattered was each other. No duties, no kingdoms, just each other. Years of regret and longing ravaged their souls.

As Reza watched them, she recalled the conversation she had with her mother some time ago. The words resurfaced to the forefront of her mind, that what she felt for Gawain was not love. For days since she had argued mostly to herself that her mother was wrong, that she still just looked at her as a child, and looked at Gawain as unworthy of her. However in this instant, seeing the pained look of longing in the eyes of both King Antares and Queen Freyja. A look she had never seen before, not even from her own parents. Princess Reza seemed to finally understand her mother's words. Nothing needed to be said, all present could feel it the moment they both looked at each other–this was true love, the kind that many thought only could exist in song and story. That only those touched by the cruelty of fate could understand. Such a primal and visceral emotion etched on their faces; as much as she wanted to look away, Reza could not. She was enamored by it, by the passion they had for each other. All the little princess could think about was wanting to experience the same feeling, for Gawain to look at her in the same way. For the first time in her life, Reza felt true jealousy and it saddened her.

"It…It has been some time." Antares bowed, ashamed that was all he could muster in her presence.

Freyja smiled, the shy little boy she knew from childhood, had not aged one day since she last saw him. "That it has... That it has." She knew not what else to say. Five years she had dreamt of this moment, of the words she wanted him to hear. She lamented at how much of a coward she was.

"Is that you Faye!?" Typhon roared with the might of a hundred men. Before she could address him, he picked her up and spun her around. Amazed by how much she had grown in such a short time. She looked like a true queen.

All present gasped at the familiarity that the red-haired Stygian spoke with the Queen of Talterra, the tension that had formed slowly dissipated and the atmosphere grew to be more welcoming.

Queen Freyja laughed in an honest tone, "By the Gods Typhon, will you ever stop growing?" she was most pleased to see the gentle Stygian. She missed his brashness in the face of duty.

He placed her back down on the floor, "Perhaps in another century or two!" He raised his head proudly and the grin on his face was contagious.

Casspien pushed Typhon out of the way, "Forgive him Queen Freyja, one would think after many years he would take to improving his greetings." The Lord Regent bowed respectfully.

"I am shocked you have not done a better job, Casspien." She teased him with a playful jab. The ever expressionless Stygian offered a rare smile, one that the queen did not miss the chance to comment on. "And a smile at that? Have you a fever my lord?"

Casspien scoffed, he missed her. He could not imagine how painful it all must have been for Antares.

Behind them approached Princess Guinevere who looked more nervous than she was letting on. She properly studied the woman that she had grown up calling sister. The air of authority around her still shocked her but there was that ever present calmness that she carried. As though by her mere presence all would be as it should be and there would be no need for worry. The security her smile always offered, reminded her so much of Antares.

"Queen Fre-" she began.

Freyja embraced her with a warm hug, not allowing her to speak. The last she recalled of Guinevere they were nearly the same height, now after all this time she towered over her. The ever doting sister of Antares who always looked to make herself as small and unnoticeable as always. Now looked to stand tall in the presence of others, an equal among known greats. Freyja would never deny it, but they would always be her family. The memories she had shared with all of them she still held on to tightly, the life they once lived and the laughs they all enjoyed. Feeling the warmth that emanated from Guinevere was all the confirmation she needed. It was the second circumstance she had realized how much time had passed between them all, an entire lifetime it felt like.

Guinevere was not immune to the same feelings as well, at first shocked by the sudden reaction. She slowly accepted the open show of love. Of all the women in her life that she looked to for guidance none were more influential than her mother and Freyja Stormborne. It was this woman who now embraced her lovingly that showed her how to carry herself as a royal, to stand within the halls of Agincourt proud and full of confidence. The woman that was meant to rule alongside her dearest brother. Guinevere embraced her back tightly, fighting tears.

"I have missed you little Guinevere."

"I-I have missed you even more… big sister." Guinevere was surprised by the honesty of her own words.

The tender moment was soon interrupted by the woman most excited for the arrival of the Stygians. Days she had waited for this occasion for it meant things would soon become far livelier than they already were. She would not miss the opportunity to be the one to commence things.

"Will I also get a hug, little Guinevere?"

The Stygian general glared at the Queen of the Nephilim with nothing but blazing venom in her eyes.

"You must be Queen Enrieta Zxyphor?" Typhon studied the renowned monarch , her appearance was captivating. Were it not for the overwhelming sense of danger he felt when he looked at her, he would hardly believe the stories he had heard of this woman. "So it is you who has given my cousin so many sleepless nights?"

Enrieta bowed, taking the words of the Stygian as a compliment. "In the flesh my lord, It is an honor to meet you."

Typhon laughed, shocking everyone including Enrieta herself. "I am glad the south still have such worthy beings." He extended a hand in acknowledgement.

Enrieta had half expected to rile the Stygian up as much as Guinevere was already becoming. Alas she took his hand all the same, pleasantly surprised by his lackadaisical demeanor finding out she was the one that had threatened his realm and his people for so long. She was glad to know that Antares was not the only interesting Stygian to travel south, such odd beings Stygians were, she thought. She did well to hide her disgust of them.

Typhon turned his attention to Reza who looked to shrink in the presence of so many prominent royals. "And you must be the future Queen of Iliad?" he smiled at her in a manner he thought was welcoming but her demeanor showed otherwise.

Stolen story; please report.

Reza shook her head, upon realizing her mistake she then nodded in agreement. However as she understood what that meant she blushed heavily and looked to the ground unable to speak. The comment by the large Stygian turned a somewhat pleasant atmosphere awkward. Once again Typhon bellowed out in laughter, he liked the honest nature in which Reza carried herself. That was enough for the Stygian lord to accept her as Queen. Although it was not the same for the others who looked bemused by his brazen declaration of the union between Antares and Reza, that had yet to be finalized. Typhon had learned all he wanted and was ready to commence the festivities. Still one who had just arrived was not satisfied.

"King Antares! Welcome to Castle Blackrose!" Mars descended from the steps with all the confidence he could muster. "I have heard you are the greatest warrior of your people in the absence of your brother of course! Know as a fellow warrior I am not so easily impressed by tales. Do well to remember that!" The youngest child of the emperor declared beating his chest.

Typhon looked on perplexed at the red haired boy before him. His attempt at a menacing look was impressive if not misplaced.

"Have you lost your mind Prince Mars?" Roderika glared terrifyingly through a forced smile at her little brother. "To address a guest in such a disrespectful manner should be beneath you, and the wrong one at that?"

Mars was taken aback by the remark, he looked back towards the giant in front of him. He was confused how this was not the legendary Antares Xerxes who was said to have dominated countless battles and defeated all who would dare cross his path. The young prince had read all of his tales in preparation for their encounter. None more famous than his voyage to extinguish the rebellion of his uncles, the twin Storm Lords, Magni and Modi Stormborne. The details of the brutal battle were carefully inscribed by the Akashic and others who were present. The story of how he took them both on alone in single combat at the mere age of nineteen, after laying waste to one of the largest armies ever gathered on the Storm Islands. The untold stories that were said of him, many that Mars believed to be closer to fable than truth. The man in front of him was just as how he imagined him to look, a towering giant who had no equal in size or strength. Admittedly he was much larger than he thought but nevertheless who else could the great Antares Xerxes be?

"You must be Prince Mars Blackrose?"

The boy prince turned his attention to the man standing next to the titan he mistook for the king.

"I believe I am the one your declaration is aimed at." Antares waved with a haphazard smile, "I shall do well to heed your warnings young prince."

The youngest son of the emperor was left red faced as his expression turned a brighter shade of red than even his own hair. He was taken aback by the appearance of the man before him. For a moment he thought he addressed a divine being sent forth by the gods themselves. To think such a Stygian could exist, he found himself unable to speak, be it by embarrassment or awe. He grew ashamed of how he made his entrance, but more importantly he struggled to reconcile with the idea that this ethereal man before him was the great King Antares Xerxes. This man was no warrior.

Antares noted how much the boy reminded him of Cyrus, his ward was not nearly as brash but he saw similarities among them. The youthful glow of children who sought to carry themselves as greater than they were. The king's smile would have continued had it not faltered at the sudden shift in atmosphere. The crowd had slowly found its voice again but silenced itself quickly, all lowering their heads. The nobles gathered outside of Castle Blackrose followed suit in mimicking what the common folk did. Antares like Typhon and Casspien did well to hide their presence as much as they could, the weight of their aura could barely be upheld by those who did not have power themselves. However he was not so forgiving.

King Saturn Blackrose arrived with the air befitting that of Emperor of Aurum. His platinum blonde hair and beard carried the very light of the sun within them. Antares had read about how some referred to him as the Sun God and found the description aptly suited. He knew none could see it, but his Akashic Eyes showed him the true nature of the man's Will and soul. Such blinding power was something the Stygian King had only ever seen twice before; one of those times being his own brother Hyperion. Even adorned in the attire fit for a king, his physique was highlighted well. He reminded Antares of a slightly thinner Xenon, but just as tall, and much more subdued in his demeanor. All that he had ever heard of this man he knew to be true. The blood of the mad emperor flowed through his veins, this is who took Faye from him.

Of all shocked by the appearance of King Saturn it was Freyja who was most bothered by it. Unaware that her husband would elect to meet the Stygians himself so soon. She looked to mediate the situation but before she could say anything, Antares had already moved past her towards Saturn. The difference in their height and physique was apparent for all to see. Antares stood a little over six feet tall, but Saturn held at the very least several inches more. The scars on the chest of the Stygian King throbbed as his sunset eyes met the blazing blue eyes of the King of Talterra.

The first to show respect was the Sun God himself, to everyone's surprise. "King Antares," his voice deep and powerful. He studied everything about him in a single look. "I apologize for my brother's outburst." He bowed to audible gasps.

Antares acknowledged the man was more handsome than he thought, and bore a stoic expression that reminded him of many of his kin. For the briefest of moments he wondered if Faye loved him, before he banished the thought to the deepest parts of his being. The king smiled. "He meant no harm, so I take no offense King Saturn." He extended his hand, one which the Terran King took in a firm grip.

There was a combined exhale from all present, from the royals, to the nobles to the guests and even the commonfolk who cheered with renewed fervor. Most of all from Freyja herself. The last of the guests had arrived and finally the celebrations could commence in true earnest.

"Now that all pleasantries have been exchanged." Enrieta wrapped herself around Antares's arm, one that Princess Guinevere and Queen Freyja both took slight offense to. "Allow me to show you all to your rooms. An entire floor has been prepared for you."

Antares chuckled at the ever persistent eccentricity of the Nephilim Queen, he glanced at Faye who permitted him to leave with the slightest of nods and smile. He even took a moment to look upon Reza once more who had a muted sadness about her. However Enrieta had already begun pulling him along, and with that the guests from Iliad were led deeper into Castle Blackrose with Enrieta Zxyphor as their guide.

Before long they had arrived on their assigned floor, Antares remarked at Enrieta being a much better guide than he had anticipated. His conversations with her as they walked were entertaining and even Casspien was impressed at the ease in which they both shared banter. From what he had known about the Nephilim Queen he could not have guessed at such a laid back personality, even still, the woman could not fully hide her bloodlust and it was enough to remind the Lord Regent what she was and where they truly were.

Each of them were shown to their rooms, there was a point of importance to have them all stay on the same floor for their own safety and ease of mind. Enrieta stressed the desire of House Blackrose to afford the Stygians the highest luxury they could muster, and all their needs would be met at whatever time, regardless of wherever they were in the castle. Simply put, whatsoever they wished would be given to them. As they retired to their rooms, Enrieta walked Antares to his, which was at the furthest end of the stupendously decorated hallway with the banners of House Xerxes draped over the wooden doors.

"And this is your room King Antares," the Nephilim Queen directed.

"You will not ask to join me?" said the king in jest.

Enrieta smiled and stepped closer to him. "You have only just arrived, King of Iliad there will be plenty of time for us to…entertain each other." She fixed his attire while studying his expression. She was fascinated at the constant smile that he carried even after seeing Freyja. She desired to break it.

"Given the length of your journey, please rest for the remainder of the day. Servants will collect you all in the evening for the night ceremonies along with the other monarchs." When she was done with her task she stepped back.

"You have been a wonderful guide so far, I look forward to later this evening." Antares gestured and entered his chambers.

Like much of Castle Blackrose the room was spacious, fit for a king to rest himself. He particularly marveled at the fireplace for its extravagant design and the multitude of space for different kinds of chairs. Various works of art hung on the wall and the dark green painted walls brought out the fine woods that were used to accentuate the room. The bed was up against the farthest wall and Antares walked over to it. He sat on the edge and for the first time since he made the journey from Akkad, he felt the weight of exhaustion nearly crush him. They had traveled so far but this was only the beginning. He tried to carry his thoughts to important matters, but could not do so. Everything came back to her, to Faye. All he wanted to do was speak to her, to hear her voice again. Yet as Enrieta had said, there would be time for that later. The Stygian King allowed himself to fall back on the grand bed, and as sleep came, he permitted its cool embrace to drift him off for a few hours. There would still be much required of him as the evening approached.