A Greek God's heart (Needs male)

Walking out onto the sun lit courtyard, she turned her head to make sure her twin sisters were still behind her. Two small brunettes came in running from behind, giggling and playing tag. Their dark brown curls bouncing as they ran after the other. The oldest sister, Avalon, who had came out first smiled gently. Her book under her under arm. Watching the youths run around the sun dial. Having no cares in the world.

Avalon stood tall and lean. Her hair flowed down to her back side, beautiful waves for each strand. Her hair was usually in a bun, but also fell to the back of her torso. The usual hairstyle for the women of Athens. Finding a stone bench where Isabelle always went to think, her eyes followed her two sisters. Her crystal gray eyes glinted off the sun. Shining with affection for the little girls. Laying her chin on her thin and dainty hand, she laughed as her sisters played.

Her house was the length of the market. Resulting in becoming the biggest residence in Athens....Which also meant, the family with the most expectations. Sighing, Avalon thought of the days she was so carefree. But now, she spent her day learning to cook and clean. Along with manners and becoming the perfect spouse.

"Come here girls." she called in her melodious voice. It rang through the court yard like a beautiful song. The children turned and rushed over. Looking at their older sister questioningly. Grasping their small hands, Avalon took them to the sundial. "With this, we know what time of day it is. But that is thanks to the sun. Her white smile shined brighter then any star. Pointing to the sun she shielded her eyes. "The sun is at it's highest point, meaning it is midday." Then she crouched and motioned them closer.

"Do you want to hear a secret?" She whispered.

Both nodded and the smaller one spoke. "What is it?!" she asked excited.

Avalon laughed and spoke. "Soon, Apollo, God of the sun. Will take his golden chariot and move the sun. He does it every day, staring in the morning, and ending at night. Without him, we would not have light." she cooed motioning to the sun. "The shadow on the dial will move, and we will know what part of the day it is."

The girls smiled and ran around some more. Avalon looked up, covering her eyes a bit. And smiled. "Thank you..." then, she went to reading.
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OOC: I need someone to play Apollo, or any other Greek God. Please Pm me if you wish for the part. The plot in a nutshell is. Up in Olympus, a greek god (your choice) has been getting frustrated with the Goddesses. They think they are better then anyone else, or they nag too much. Even Aphrodite has gotten on his nerves. Out of boredom, he looks down upon the mortal realm...and just as he wants to turn away he spots her. A mortal goddess herself. None in which he had ever seen. He watched her from afar for the longest time before he tells himself. He must have her. So breaking the rules, he changes hiself to give him a human appearance. And to woo this young maiden. Maybe bring her back to Olympus. But what will happen when Zeus hears about it?

((Lalala!))

Sitting idly upon the edge of a cloud was not looked upon particularly well. Not by humans, for certain since they would fall through and plummet to the earth, but even the gods and goddesses of mount Olympus did not terribly like the idea of lounging upon soft nothing. They considered it flaunting. As if they did not flaunt enough themselves, but unlike many of the others who lived upon the hallowed mount Apollo was the son of Zeus. Thus affording a sort of cart blanche, to his cloud lounging. He enjoyed it, more oft then naught with a nymph in one, or both of his arms. Allowing them to spread their delicate hands and naughty minds upon his body and spirit, as the bright rays of the sun that he kept fastidiously kept his body a deep shade of bronze and gold.

Only all too often he was tiring of these nymphs and these goddesses and their games.

No longer was there any innocence or desire to please. If it existed, it was only an act to please him. It was the blushing cheeks of chaste, and silly giggles of the innocent that he adored more then anything else. Especially once his tongue or cock made it's way between their legs. They would squirm, wiggle, and sometimes scream to try and force him to allow them to escape, but he was indeed a god and though perhaps Ares, Poseidon, and a few of the other more brutish gods could best him in the ring... No goddess could. That was for certain, and even less so a nymph or demi-god. Both of which were rapidly growing more annoying in their desire to gain rank and favor, moreso then please or even to be pleased.

Frustrated with life high atop the mount Apollo oft found himself looking down upon the mortal lands, and today the sound of innocence brought his gaze quickly to focus.

The child laughter was music in his ears, but something stronger stayed into his gut and heart right after. The voice of the girl, woman, well she was both. Both a woman, but still a girl, who stood teaching them of his sun. The glorious blaze that he set in motion everyday, and that kept his hair shining in such golden brilliance.

With a single glance upon his fathers throne, Apollo sifted through the cloud and floated down to the earth behind a nearby building from the square where the girl read and her sisters played happily. His appearance immediately changed. The metallic tinge to his skin shifted to a gleam like oil, brightening the golden flesh and also making it more human. His powerful chest, strong arms, and thick thighs were clothed in the most white, and the purest white at that. A robe fell over his shoulders and a loincloth wrapped about his thighs and waist. Upon his head the burning fires of the sun dimmed, and shifted into a golden fleece of curls. His face turned round, and friendly with a smile. But his eyes... They remained the same burning blue. The same crystal that you could look into and loose yourself for ever.

He began singing before stepping around the corner. A deep voice, but light tone.

And upon seeing the two playful children the song burst even more lightly, making them giggle and stare, before straying towards him not too quickly for as all children they were shy with their elders.

Yet, when his eyes fell back upon their older sister the tone deep deepen. Soft. Melodic. Calling for her in some way that she could not understand. Only know.

The younger two noticed as well, but they blushed and giggled before running off for the tune was not meant for them at their age. They ran to their sister, and giggled themselves onto either side of her.

"Hello my lady, oh well, my ladies," Apollo said with an apologetic glance to the younger two.

"It is a glorious day, is it not?"

Just then the sun burst even brighter over the clearing. Not hotter. Just brighter. Revealing Apollo in the his own light gloriously.

Reading the book to herself. The music filled her ears slowly. The voice of a male angel...Her eyes averted tot he sound of her little sisters giggles. Turning, her eyes spotted a figure approching. Strong and lean. He had the build of a warrior. His eyes were what caught her's the quickest. They burned as bright as the sun, yet they were as blue as the clearest oasis. Hearing his music, she set her book down and turned so her whole body faced him.

Seeing her sister's giggle and run over to her, she wondered what was wrong...Then she heard it, his tone chane. As her ears perked, Avalon turned her whole body to face him. As her eyes locked with his, the heat rushe dto her face. Anoticableblush on her face. Sheepishly, her lips curled into a smile. Her fingertips brushing over her lips in a shy, flirtacious laugh. Listening to his song...Avalon realized she knew this song. It was in greek tongue. Her sisters knew how she sang it them as a lullaby.

Opening her mouth, Avalon let her voice blend with his. Smiling ever so sweetly at him as their notes intertwined. When he stopped and seemed to charm her sister's, she couldnt help but figure she was already under his spell. As her sister'slaughed again, they seemed to sense the chemistry between the two. Avalon smiled a bright smile. As the sun came out and shined, it reflected her inner beauty.

"I agree." she cooed and looked at the sun ,sheliding her eyes. Her sisters began to pipe up.

"Doesnt out sister have such pretty voice?" One asked, pulling on the golden haired boy's robe. Making Avalon stand and knelt down beside her sister.

"Renisma, don't be rude. Remember, you say excuse me..." she scolded in a nonthreatining way. her sister nodded and apologized. Stnading back up. Avalon turned to look at the sun boy. "You have uite the musical gift...?" She said, once more getting lost in her eyes. Then she realized, he was on their property. If her father found out of this. He would surly be hung. Or worse. With a concerned expression she heard the steps of her parents coming.

"Renisma, Risca, please, tell mother and father I will be back soon, tell them..I went to the market!" she said and iockly grasped the man's hand. Running off the property and near the pavillion, one which overlooked an olive tree in a shaded place. Where water ran down a rive. Finally, she let go of his hand and whirled around. "Forgive me kind stranger...But if my father found you on our property..." she had a feeling, deep in her, that..she wanted to protect him. Shaking the thought, she slowly began to turn away. "Oh...Um Thank you for the wonderful music..." she called and began to walk off.

Apollo laughed. Knowing it was more than enough to keep her from walking away. Though he did have a very strong urge to do more. He wished very hard that she would not leave, and if even though he had no need to do anymore he was nearly ready to rush over and pull her back. Closer to him. But then, he was glad for the restraint, for she did indeed stop and turn as she heard the confidence of not a man, but of a god welling through him. It would sound like a man that knew he was both far more powerful and important than her father, but not in a way that he would flaunt. He simply found it amusing that she was frightened for his safety. It was amusing, but also... Enjoyable.

"I do not laugh at you my lady, but rather because of you. Your beauty, tis obvious, but what is within you... It is much more stout then what any man knows. Will you walk with me? Show me your city, for I am a newcomer from... A place... In the mountains up high."

As he stepped closer Apollo was able to not simply take in the beautiful girls womanly form, but drink it. Not gulp it, but sip it slowly as his razor sharp eyes touched every bit of her skin that was showing; and some that was not. However, it was far from lustful and dark. His gaze. Where many men would gaze in lust and desire a god gazed in delight and admiration only. Did the pangs of lust touch his sculpted form? Of course, but there was not a shred of evil or indecency in the thoughts though they were rather strong and carnal.

"I've come to search the city for priestesses. To be trained in the temple of Apollo high upon the mount. Know you of any place, or fathering where the appropriate... Recruits, might be found... That is, of course, if you do serve the gods?"

The question came with a small raise of a piercing blue eyes. Able to see through any answer directly to the core of it.

Stopping in her tracks she heard him begin to laugh. Thinking might be laughing at her, she whirled around to face him. His laugh sounded like his voice, magical...something she wanted to hear over and over. But coming back to reality, she found herself about to scold him. He opened his mouth again, and began to charm her with that voice. And the small compliments that came from him. Sheepishly looking at the ground, she felt the wind blow. Her gown billowed in the breeze a bit, shaking the trees. Thinking about her sisters, Avalon knew they would be alright without her...and she could explain to her parents later. Turning back to him, her lips curled into a smile brighter then the sun.

"I would enjoy showing you around Athens." With a soft glance, she began to turn. But found he was staring at her. Taking her in, in a way. She had no idea he lusted for her body, that he was lost in her beauty. But he was....With a shy smile the two began to walk. Avalon caught sight of his sapphire eyes and thought for a moment. "The temple ot Athena is out. But their may be woman at the theater. They sing beautifully and their musical talent is divine..." Her eyes looked dreamy as they said that. But then went back to normal. "I watch them as much as I can..Saying I wish to be one myself, but alas I cannot.. Then she looked at him with a sad smile. "Though I love Athena, our goddess, Apollo is the next one whom I worship. Though I worship all of the Gods...They do so much for us..." she said contemplating.. Then came back to reality.

"I cannot become a priestess nor a theatrical maiden. For I am to be married off soon." Thinking about it now, she didnt want that at all...Most woman in Athens could not read, though she, Avalon, had a large imagination. She would listen to the philosophers, thinking of what they said and the moral to it... Men scolded her, along with her mother and father.. But if they didnt like who she was..then that was no her fault. Walking through the square, stood a giant fountain. Athena surrounded by Greek messengers. She held a pot, which water fell from. Children played in the square as they walked by.

"I wish you luck in finding your maidens....I'm sure my sister's would do it when they mature." Quietly laughing, she heard music. Coming from a lyre. The song was familiar to her. "We are getting close to the music hall. along with the theater. I would adore to see Apollo's temple..." Another dreamy look in her eyes.

"You will have to make it a point with your husband to visit the temple." He replied with a soft, compassionate smile. It did not take a god to figure out that she wanted to have nothing to do with her husband or institution of marriage itself. Apollo heard the music as well. It immediately infused his soul and he felt his blood both thicken and warm. Touching Avalon lightly on the shoulder he steered her through the crowds towards the music. Once they were but a few feet away he leaned over to gently brush his words against her soft ear, "Do you know the song? Yes, I thought you might. Shall we sing it together? In front of everyone, you do not mind this? Good. Let's..."

Their voices quickly drowned the others in the square out, but while Avalon focused on those other people Apollo focused solely on her face. Searching it carefully, but not within her view. He wanted to watch her blush as everyone stared, for while her beauty outmatched her voice; it was a very narrow victory.

Once finished they received quite the applause.

Walking from the musician after depositing some coin, Apollo caught the young girl staring at him. He smiled at her. Enjoying both the stare, and most especially the blush when he caught sight of it. He touched her elbow and pulled her through the crowd, toward the place that many of the dancers and singers had congregated. As they moved through the crowd he whispered, "Your sisters will be beautiful too. I can already tell. If it were not for the cursed thing of Time they would already be serving upon the temple floors. Yet, I do not think they will outmatch your beauty Avalon... Avalon..."

Apollo looked disappointed as he glanced over to her. His face, when disappointed, looked as if plagued with both fatigue, illness, and death. It was not pleasant. In fact it was downright frightening, "You lie to me... There is naught here to serve in the temple of Apollo... Save you, yourself." His eyes fixated on hers, and he stepped very close. One of his hands touching her cheek, the other upon her hip, "Would you go... To his temple... If you were not betrothed?"

Having been pushed to sing in front of everyone, her face turned red. Making her a bit irritated. But once, she opened her mouth, her new found confidence was introduced. Singing in front of a crowd, was a rush for her. The feeling of people staring in awe..made her feel like, she was really something. Something that couldn't be held down by anyone. As their song ended and claps filled the air, her face went back to red as she shyly smiled at the crowd. Avalon had not been paying attention to see that this young man was staring at her...

As they walked off, she noticed his face began to go dark. Displeased by something. With a sad look, she sighed. "I am sorry...but this is Athens..It is rare to find another maiden who worships another god other then Athena..." she said and stared at the sky. "Though I am loyal, I believe all gods should be thanked..." His next question surprised her more. If she was no betrothed...would she do such thing? Closing her eyes, Avalon felt his hands gently caressing her skin. It took her a moment to ponder.

"...I would...But my husband is to be chosen soon...I have no choice in this..." she locked her eyes with his. Avalon did not know this stranger, not even his name. And he was touching her and holding her with such a familiar atmosphere.......Looking to the sun, a smile played at her lips. "The sun is the one of the only things that make me smile these days. Next to my sisters." Turning back to him, she pulled away. "I do not know your name..yet you touch me like I am yours." She said a bit annoyed. "Woman are not play things to you men." she scoffed. Was he just trying to play with her heart? Shaking her head...she turned. Tears pooling in the corners of her eyes.

People already were talking about the Olympic challenge. The one that chose her suitor....She was not a prize to be won... Shaking her head, she walked toward her home. People already speaking of the games. Whoever wins the gold, wins her.

"Wait! No, stop!"

Apollo ran and with a light laugh he snatched Avalon's hand.

"I meant no disrespect... You are beautiful and I could not help myself... Please, forgive me." He smiled with a gleam of embarrassment and glanced down at the ground shifting from foot to foot. His hand upon her shoulder dropped; sliding softly down her arm until he held her hand in his own. Then he took the other hand and held it too. Carefully he placed them both together inside his own and kissed the very tips of her fingers. She looked up at him, and his eyes snapped up from the ground to pierce hers. Searching her soul carefully for any shred of anything but the innocence that had attracted him so delightfully. He could not find it. All he found was sadness at what she perceived to be her own fate. It was a cruel, human, mortal fate. One that made him recoil is disgust. Lightly he licked his lips before speaking again.

"Avalon... I can take you somewhere different. A place where you need not fret about whom you are betrothed to, or being cooped up as a housewife. However... I cannot take you there without your desire, for me. If you kiss me, and I feel everything about you is right, and you desire to be with me above all else. Together... We can go to this place."

With a pause he let go of her gaze, and whistled sweetly. Before returning his eyes to hers. They glittered in an inhuman way, "Do you desire me Avalon? In that way. The way that makes you blush, and your sisters giggle though they know not what it is about. Can you show me, and kiss me?"

Carefully his fingers stretched out, and lightly he cupped her chin.

Keeping her gaze directly into his eyes as he waited patiently for her reaction.

Feeling her hand in his grasp, she was whirled around to face him. Cocking an eyebrow, she listened. Her face went from annoyance, to embarrassed. Yet soft and affectionate. He..he really thought that she...was beautiful. A light pink blush appeared on the bridge of her nose as she listened to him speak. Her face became even redder as he gently kissed the tips of her fingers. He was very smooth...but was he being sincere? Then he said it. He would take her away...Away from things she never wanted to do. But what about her family...? Her sisters? How could Avalon abandon them... Thinking for a moment, her eyes locked with his and they grew wide.

What...Was he? She wondered. Where would he take her....Why did he want to take her? Feeling her attraction, she shook her head. then made her decision... "I will only go with you...if you prove you want me to come..." she said gently and smiled sadly. "Prove to me you want my love..." she whispered and pecked his cheek. Then turned to run off. Her heart aching as she ran to her home.. Locking herself in her room, her sisters watched as she sobbed.. Then decided to do something about it. Sneaking out, the two twins looked for the musical man. Finally, they found him.

"Music man!" one yelled and ran up to him, the other one keeping up behind her. "Did you make our sister cry so sadly?" the other asked with a frown... Then the other spoke once more. "Do you want to be Ava's partner?" She asked with big eyes... "Because their are men competing for her at the Colosseum in a few days...Whomever wins, gets Avalon's hand..." Then she smiled. "Please enter! Avalon should be happy...And...you like her dont you?"

Apollo was smiling as Avalon rushed away in a hurry.

He wasn't laughing at her, or enjoying her distress. But rather he was getting excited about what was to come when he did prove to her that he was very much interested. Not to mention the fact, that he was a god among men in every sense of the word. He began walking. Not entirely sure where he was going, but simply enjoying the last rays of the sun as it began it's steady fall. Soon he would need to be back to position it for another days run across the skies, in fact just as he was about to take his leave was when he heard the little pitter-patter of feet across the courtyard as Avalon's two cute sisters hurried over to him.

Their cute little voices filled the dusk air. Apollo could not keep the smile from his face, nor the twinkle from his eyes as they spoke in turn.

"Did you make our sister cry so sadly?"
"Do you want to be Ava's partner?"
"Because their are men competing for her at the Colosseum in a few days...Whomever wins, gets Avalon's hand..."
"Please enter! Avalon should be happy...And...you like her dont you?"

They were so precious, how could he refuse? Leaning over he kissed them both on the forehead, one after the other, bestowing a blessing and a bondage of song upon them. Together they would be the most beautiful chorus of angels, but if they were apart they would not be able to sing above a whisper alone. He gave them each a careful glance, his piercing blue eyes searching their innocent souls and reveling in the happiness he found there. Finally he spoke gently, and kindly, but happily and excitedly too!

"Do you think she wants to be my partner?"

They both nodded eagerly.

"Do you think I can win the games?"

Without a moments hesitation they nodded again.

"Why?"

Sometimes, often times, children could see beneath mortal masks. Apollo had a sneaking suspicion these two might just.

The twins exchanged glances before one of them spoke confidently. "You are Apollo...right?" She whispered. The other one giggling. "Next to our Goddess Athena..you are Avalon's most cherished God. She loves the sun..." Holding hands, they gave him a serious look. "Please win..for our sister!" They then saw that it was getting dark and turned around. The smallest running toward their home first. "Good luck!" The other called as she quickly went to catch up with her impatient sister. The two sisters got home just in time. No one realized they were gone.

Meanwhile, dear Avalon was still trying to figure out the mystery man...The attraction between the two was undeniable. Her fingers found her lips as she traced them slowly. Pondering what had come over her to just go out and kiss him like that! Her mother would surely scold her, and her father. Would have the poor man hung. Sighing, the fair maiden stood and walked over to her window. Seeing the last signs of day fall as did Apollo's sun..Hearing her mother's call for dinner, she turned away and walked to the dining area. Her family waiting patently for her.

Her father stood at the end of the table. Strong and jolly. But also a serious man. His face contradicted itself. His eyes, were cold and fierce, while his cheeks and forehead showed his laugh lines. Kissing his cheek, Avalon soon turned over to her mother, who was on the other side. A very sophisticated woman. Looking much like Avalon, but a bit more aged. Her eyes sparkled with the excitement, but also, she was a strict woman. Then there were her twin sisters. Waving to her as Avalon took her seat. Giving thanks and blessings to dear Athena. And silently to herself. Avalon thanked Apollo. And all the other Gods and Goddesses.

Although through dinner Avalon wished to lash her tongue at her parents for what they were doing. Avalon knew, it would get her nowhere anytime soon. Sighing as she finished, excusing herself quietly. She went up stairs. But..knew she couldn't sleep..Not yet. Something kept bothering her. Climbing from her window..she ran through the olive trees...Finding a cool pond in which she found many years back. A secluded place. Peaceful..and quiet. Sitting down, she dipped her feet in the crystal clear water. The cold making her shiver a bit, but it was quite refreshing.

He had been watching after the two young ones ran off back to their home. It was easy enough for a god, especially one of Apollo's light to see through even thick walls and into the hearts of mortals. He sensed the fathers pride, dignity, and desire to move up in the world and it displeased him; for how could someone use something so beautiful such as Avalon to grasp for petty power? Her mother too was proud and dignified, but with her Apollo was not displeased for she only favored the marriage because it had been properly done in the old traditions. And indeed, at least she would marry a man young, fit, and able to still please her in ways that a man should. He would not be an old dotard, not for Avalon, who was truly more beautiful than any other in all of the city. The little ones in all of their innocence simply adored their older sister, and knew better than any save now for Apollo her true anguish.

Apollo watched as Avalon slipped from her room and entered the garden. The cool night air left goosebumps over her skin. He walked toward her, his aura both brightening and warming the air around him. As he stepped around a fig tree he stopped immediately.

"Apologies," He said in his deep voice, "I did not know there was another out and about during these hours. Wait... Avalon, is it really you?" He smiled, feigning surprise as he stepped closer, but slowly as to not frighten her.

"What brings you to this place in this strange hour, alone, and... Such sadness. My heart, it shudders at the site, someone as beautiful as yourself should not be so downcast. Come... Tell me what burdens you. I will do what I can to lift it from your shoulders and bear it myself."

Apollo slipped onto the same bench as Avalon, but did not sit close to her in case she felt uncomfortable. However, he did sit facing her with both his arms open in the very likely case that she would slide into them. His face was soft, and yet his eyes still burned with the sun though it was dark throughout the sky. There was something about this one in front of him that kept him from hiding himself completely, but also from revealing himself completely; she kept him trapped between two worlds like no one else had ever done before.

Being totally oblivious to his acting, her ears perked at the sweet music that was his voice. Turning around to see him, her eyes almost sparkled in the light he was giving off. Even if it was dark. Everything seemed so much bolder with him. With the best smile Avalon could manage at the time, she didn't mind him too much. Though being alone with him made her nervous. As he explained how she could tell him her burdens, a look of sadness flashed in her eyes for a split second. Avalon wanted to hide it...It wasn't very lady like to just whine..But it was becoming too unbearable for her.

A tear ran down her soft face as she bit her quivering lip. It..It just wasn't fair. Feeling his warmth from where she was sitting, an impulse, an in the moment feeling, came over her as she shifted into his arms. He was much warmer then the cool night. Keeping her safe and secure in his arms. For some reason, without her even really having consent. She just knew, she could cry in front of him. Finally letting out tears in front of someone who could witness them. Her sobs were soft, her voice catching every once in a while as she silently wailed. Finally, there wasn't any more water in her body to really convert into tears. Sniffling and whimpering she shook her head and gazed up at him.

"I..I don't want to be forced into this.." The soft redness of her eyes along with the shimmering of tears seemed be apparent. "It is not fair..that I am supposed to marry someone who can win some competition of strengthen body. " Her hand reached up to place a loose curl of his shining hair behind his ear. "Not strength in heart." A small smile appeared for a split moment. "Forgive me constant whining...It is not very attractive." Oddly enough, she began to feel very sleepy. The warmth of him brought her deeper into his arms as she laid her head down on his chest. Her eyes closing. "I..I don't even know your name..yet. You are very kind to me...." Before she fell asleep, she wanted to know.

Being totally oblivious to his acting, her ears perked at the sweet music that was his voice. Turning around to see him, her eyes almost sparkled in the light he was giving off. Even if it was dark. Everything seemed so much bolder with him. With the best smile Avalon could manage at the time, she didn't mind him too much. Though being alone with him made her nervous. As he explained how she could tell him her burdens, a look of sadness flashed in her eyes for a split second. Avalon wanted to hide it...It wasn't very lady like to just whine..But it was becoming too unbearable for her.

A tear ran down her soft face as she bit her quivering lip. It..It just wasn't fair. Feeling his warmth from where she was sitting, an impulse, an in the moment feeling, came over her as she shifted into his arms. He was much warmer then the cool night. Keeping her safe and secure in his arms. For some reason, without her even really having consent. She just knew, she could cry in front of him. Finally letting out tears in front of someone who could witness them. Her sobs were soft, her voice catching every once in a while as she silently wailed. Finally, there wasn't any more water in her body to really convert into tears. Sniffling and whimpering she shook her head and gazed up at him.

"I..I don't want to be forced into this.." The soft redness of her eyes along with the shimmering of tears seemed be apparent. "It is not fair..that I am supposed to marry someone who can win some competition of strengthen body. " Her hand reached up to place a loose curl of his shining hair behind his ear. "Not strength in heart." A small smile appeared for a split moment. "Forgive me constant whining...It is not very attractive." Oddly enough, she began to feel very sleepy. The warmth of him brought her deeper into his arms as she laid her head down on his chest. Her eyes closing. "I..I don't even know your name..yet. You are very kind to me...." Before she fell asleep, she wanted to know. Forcing herself awake, she sat up a bit. Her eyes still looking a bit drowsy. All of that crying made her very...tired. Yawning again, she blinked a few times.

It was like he was putting her under some kind of spell. Her eyes fluttered again as she laid her head down again. This time on his lap. Staring up at him. Her hand trailed down his collar bone, then down her clothed chest. A tired smile and a glint appearing in her eyes. "Could you sing to me...?" Just like a child asking for a lullaby. His voice brought her the security and just calmed her. It was beautiful in so many ways. As he sang those sweet notes..her eyes felt heavier then they had. Drooping, and finally closing as his voice floated through the air and carried her to sweet slumber.

While other might have considered this cheating. The god that was Apollo knew it was not, for the life of the beautiful little mortal in front of him was not worth playing for. He decided firmly then and there that he would win the competition and do so with his heart rather then strength, and if that meant showing a mortal side of himself when he had none in reality then so be it. The way her sleepy body fought her distressed mind did give him serious doubts to what he was doing right then, instead he thought he would almost like to take her back with him to the Mount Olympus, but once again he knew that was not how things were meant to be. He was meant to win her heart as a mortal, and after that he could not be sure. There was a choice in their future, together, that he could not see past and likely he would not be able to until they had reached the choice. Sighing softly he bent over to whisper into the sleeping Avalon's ear, "I am Apollo, but you will know me as Ambrose..."

Then he gently kissed her cheek; bestowing a nights rest full of uninterrupted sweetness and comforting light.

The next morning Avalon's father came to her after breakfast and asked her sternly, "What do you know of a man called Ambrose? Is he some lover of yours that you have failed to mention? Speak quickly daughter, for I am still your father and thus may still use my cane if you fail to satisfy my curiosity. He is a fair looking man, and some say he is a priest who sings well, and perhaps wealthy, but I have not heard of him before and I fear that my own daughter has been disobeying her parents."