The curse would be obvious once they got to Olympus, well the Shadow of the mortals shared the same name connect to the adjacent Shadow that the Gods dwelled on. It was an easy matter to move between them for the Gods at least. For mortals it would require crossing the bridge, in this case Mount Olympus.

Asgard was connected to Midgard by the rainbow bridge that Heimdall watched over and connected Shadow. Alynia, being familiar with the Mythology could follow how it worked.

“You will see first hand it is easier to explain afterward,” of course he did not wish to give her a reason to back out now when they had been so close there. Nor did he wish for her to worry too much as she began to place things together.

“We are to get material components for a spell that Circe has to reverse this and such a potent spell it has to be. Suffice it to say that she will not be alone in the casting of it.”

Here, Hermes had wondered if he should divulge something though he did not at this stage. The temple shifted to the heavens over Olympus, a pit stop before it would dissolve and reform on the mortal plan. It might be a mistake in bringing her here but he had no control over the magic of those chemicals. She would draw attention but there was no way around that, he could only hope that things did no attract too much attention. He had concocted a story but there were holes in it of course, again something that couldn't be helped. He could just hope that things weren't looked at too deeply and that they weren't discovered by many, Artemis was likely but would she gossip to her brother Apollo?

Hermes moved to the front of the temple. Alynia's wonder was evident as she looked out the terrain may have been different but there would have been little difference that she would discover. Forest, mountains, even oceans had been here as created by the Gods themselves given whatever whims that they needed to fulfill.

While she looked out at the brighter landscape he flicked his gaze to the sky, notable the sun that Apollo and his chariot moved across the sky. This may work out. Apollo was still busy so his story would hold though if they paced themselves and got to Artemis forest at night she would be busy bring the moon across the sky and could thus pass through her forest without her truly being aware of them cutting through.

But as she marveled at the terrain he was secretly admiring her, up to and including the moment he delivered that kiss, his lips still tingling as they pulled away from each other. His arousal was quiet clear, natural in the fierceness of that kiss but he did not apologize as if he would have if not getting aroused would have been contrary to the norm.

Admiring her there were no apologies on his part that he shouldn't have done that. He simply wanted to do that and there was nothing to apologize for unless she displayed anger and he doubted that she would. That would be something for her to consider for he had no intention of moving beyond that kiss just yet. Oh, most certain that would come up later but he wanted that kiss to play through her mind a bit, wanted her to debate the question of what other pleasures he could bestow. He wanted her to consider so much before he would take her again with a passion.

“I didn't prepare you for that? Well of course not. You may have said no. I know there is no way. You love your husband and that will not change but if you wish to see if that bracelet works to ward off his jealousy you have something to test it with but that is for later.

“He is fey though, a mere kiss should not set him off, nor much from my understanding. I would apologize for that but I can say that it was not unpleasant and I could not resist seeing that reaction again.”

Alynia was still a flustered mess... Suddenly feeling so remarkably timid. It was like her first kiss all over again.. Except this time it had been completely spontaneous. Alynia never forgot the first time Oberron kissed her, while they had both locked up as prisoners under Sable's reign.

But this had been... Entirely different. Oberron had been and has always been a romantic lover. Slow, mature, and patient until Alynia had to bite her tongue to stop herself from begging for more. Now in her eyes Hermes seemed much more direct... Much more impulsive... Especially concerning women. She could tell by the forwardness of feeling his lips on hers. Oh gods, when was the last time Alynia had been kissed like that?

Her breathing was still unsteady as she leaned into the pillar for support. Her gaze nervous, uncertain... But slightly hazed over with desire. W-why in heavens did he have to be such a marvelous kisser?

Her innocent eyes instinctively shifted downward, before squeaking and immediately looking away. The rosy tint on her cheeks deepened in hue seeing the tell-tale evidence of his arousal Hermes didn't even bother to conceal.

But deciding what was best she gently pushed Hermes away while biting on her lip. "Y-you're right I would have said no..." She admitted very truthfully. "But s-surely my husband is enraged at me already... There's no need to infuriate him further.. Even if it was j-just a kiss.."

Was it just a kiss? Alynia felt a sense of guilt she enjoyed it so much... Oh she already felt so horrible about Ian, what kind of wife would she be if she escaped her sentence just to enjoy the company of another man?

"It's not t-that you're a poor kisser..." Of course Hermes knew all to well it was quite the opposite seeing the way her chest heaved for oxygen and how she pressed her knees together to try to extinguish the ignited flame in her core.

"Please.. perhaps it would be better to n-not do... that again. It's a better idea to concentrate on expelling the curse anyway..." She muttered unable to meet his gaze. Alynia feared that if she did... Those godly features of his might have somehow convinced her otherwise.

She cleared her throat, embarrassed that such thoughts ran through her head. "Shall w-we go then?" Alynia suggested, quick to put the kiss behind them. But the feeling of his warm lips lingered in her head.

Ian. That was he answer. Back on her own Shadow perhaps when she had to fight so hard to keep him at bay. But from what she recalled from Mythology the Greek deities had been direct and human-like in heir approach to things.

Oberron was far more patient seeing that his mind set was different than a human's he had learned from and early age to pace himself more for whether tomorrow or in a century time's flow meant nothing to him but that was the thing with most fey. Time was a rather new concept to them for it was only important because other species tracked it. Well they did in a way but it was often astrological events and the alignment of stars that foretold of an event that they followed. Usually it would be a century or more between their holidays.

The Olympians, despite having an abundance of time were still human at heart. Why wait a century when tomorrow was just as good?

Alynia made her excuses about that kiss though it was evident to Hermes that it had effected her. He nodded seeing that she would have denied him that enjoyment should he have asked but the Messenger of the Gods played this matter off as a little thing.

He knew that the memory of that kiss was likely to play in her mind again and again until something boiled over. Right now she was confused. Her recent punishment, the strength behind that kiss, primal thoughts. Of course he could not wait until she truly caved in to these pleasures which had been something that he had indeed hoped would occur this time around as well though there was little doubt to that being the case.

“I meant no offense. You seemed curious, now you have a means of testing that theory.” Of course he had desired to capture those lips with his own. He desired touching them again.

“But since it troubles you so much I shall refrain.” And here he knew far too well that she would be unable to do the same once Eros was introduced into the mix where she would have that desire, that was if he included the deity this time around.

He knew that he was not a terrible kisser, he stole Eros' secret techniques after all. Let us see what this time around brings us.

“Yes, the curse. Let's go.”

He escorted her along featureless plains for the most part, an ocean to their right brought with it the scent of the sea. The ocean was of course Poseidon's contribution to the Shadow and Hermes showed a degree of watchfulness until they came to a forest the reminded her of the Great Forest back home. They waited outside it until dusk, until Hermes was content that Artemis was gone before her guide continued on.

It took most of the night but by the crack of Apollo's light that shone across the heavens the two had gotten to the other side. Clearly the messenger had been extending his gift of speed to her though she felt no change. In the shadow of Mount Olympus that tore through the ground below they waited, looking down from the summit at the world below so peaceful and aware.

“DAMN! He knows already!” Hermes jerked his head upward. “The note, of course, I wasn't thinking. His portfolio. I must go your Majesty, Zeus is beckoning me. Eros will take you the rest of the way.”

"T-thank you." Alynia muttered as Hermes seemed to understand what she was saying. And it was then he lead her out of the pavilion and the Queen took her first step on Olympus.

They travelled quickly, but Alynia didn't feel tired in the least. Part of it, she knew was Herme's magic but it also could have been that she was just too busy trying to take in all that they passed.

Olympus was unnaturally beautiful... The sky was stunningly blue and the ocean a marvelous cerulean. Purple mountains in the distance, beautiful music played from a distance away. Even the air had an almost sweet quality to it. Alynia noticed Hermes was weary of the sea but she decided not to comment on it. She found it hard to believe that it could be anything dangerous in such a utopia.

She held Herme's hand as they almost flew along... Her other hand grasped at the train of the dress she was wearing, not at all ideal for traveling at such speed. But Alynia barely cared.

She wore no shoes, but the ground was consistently soft as if she were standing on clouds. It was hard to believe that anything here would actually hurt her.

The forest, though similar to her husband's in Llynoria, had a different aura. Some parts of the forests back there were steady regenerating from the days of Sable... But Artemis's forests were lush beyond words. A fantastic emerald green that Oberron would have adored.

They rested on the edge of the woods waiting for Artemis to leave watch over her home. Alynia took a nap beneath the shade of a tree, surprisingly calm.

She felt a sense of freedom, euphoric almost, escaping to somewhere so marvelous. There was no room for her to feel guilty. And once night came, the two of them dashed through the trees like sprites. Though Alynia was not in a state of arousal, her pale skin seemed to glow silver in the moon light.

With the night air so crisp, the girl felt unbelievably alive, and as they made it to the other side of the woods she watched the sun rise with an expression of amazement.

They were staring up at a mountain... Taller and more majestic than any Alynia had ever seen. But this sense of fascination was interrupted by Hermes. "What's wrong?" She was quick to respond. "Who knows?" Alynia was unsure of he was talking about her husband or Zeus.

"If Zeus is calling for you... I imagine you don't have much of a choice." Though Alynia didn't like the idea all to much of being left alone with Eros... She would be completely lost without some sort of guide. "Where is he now? And will I see you soon?"

Her hand was so warm and dainty within his own as they dashed onward it was clear that she was unused to the speeds trying to draw in everything but really only managing to draw in nothing. But it had been these very speeds that Hermes had spent a lifetime getting use to.

For her benefit though he was going slower than normal so there were the occasional images that she could make out before they were swept away. Before long they had arrived at Artemis' forest. There were no satyrs here, it went contrary to Artemis' wishes of course. The forest had been a sex free zone for, well as long as it existed Hermes had thought.

Yet Hermes could not refrain from those thoughts, that forbidden nature or seeing the radiant beauty of the Queen as she slept there in all her glory until nightfall when it was safe.

Taking her hand once again he zipped around trees as they moved through the forest. It was necessary this time around in order to navigate around trees at brake neck speeds. Their next destination was the mountain or rather the peak of it that had jutted out of the clouds at their feet.

He looked to Alynia as she seemed rightfully confused about the matter. But with his incredible speed he had a moment that he could use to clear up any sort of confusion.

“Both actually though it was our intend to allow Oberron to know it slipped my mind that if he were to know then Zeus would know. We Olympians know everything governing our portfolios. I know of every theft as it is performed, Poseidon knows every ship that sets sail. Zeus is King of Kings. He is aware of what Kings are aware of.”

There had been ways of fooling their senses of course though it rarely came up. For instance he did not know instantly of every theft though if he considered a theft he would become aware of the culprit. So if Zeus knew he had to be thinking about Oberron, or at least Hermes figured that was the logical assumption or it could be what he was thinking and this could have been triggered at the simple error he had made or in something totally unrelated at all.

"Eros is here now,” Hermes pointed as a sphere of light no bigger than a baseball that assumed the form of an athletic male with piercing brown eyes and jet black hair. He had wings and definately did not appear to be the cutesy cherub that she saw depicted on numerous images. “I will leave you two to get acquainted now.”

It was clear that he had no intention in leaving her alone but at the same token how did Eros know to meet them here at this moment unless the three were suppose to meet here … she soon got her answer,

“So, Hermes sets up this meeting and gets pulled off.” He begins, his bow in hand, a quiver of gold and silver fetched arrows in his quiver though some of the arrows were darker gold or silver fetching.

“Well, I suppose I should get straight to it. I am Eros, son of Aphrodite. I will assist you as a guide at times during your quest. May I?” He stepped closer gazing down into her brown eyes. At this close range she felt the warmth of his body was over her own though he held her gaze with his eyes he lifted a finger to her lips tracing against hem. “May I?” He repeated as he looked into her eyes his form shifting, his eyes becoming violet, his voice changing, the bow and arrows were gone wrapped up in the new image of her husband Oberron.

“May I?”

Alynia appeared momentarily conflicted... So now Oberron knew of her whereabouts. Would she be able to tell whether or not he was angry from Olympus? Only time could clear her conscious.

Thankfully, there was much happening around her to distract herself from such worries. Her gaze followed the glowing sphere as it approached the two of them. She blinked with curiosity, silent as a doe. Cautiously her hand reached out as if to touch the ball of light, but just before her fingertips were to graze it the orb vanished. In its stead stood a man.

Alynia tilted her head in an expression of childlike surprise. She had not expected Eros to appear the way he did. Perhaps not the flying infant depicted on Valentine's Day... But there were so many stories of Cupid's golden hair. But instead of blonde, Ero's locks were raven like her own. In fact, if the two of them were seen at a distance one might have mistaken them for siblings.

Alynia as especially fascinated by the surrealistic wings securely fastened onto he man's back. Seemingly sturdy, and in her opinion very elegant, she wondered if they were made of feathers...

"Oh- alright.." She muttered as Hermes took his leave. Alynia was a tad, or rather a good deal uncomfortable at the turn of events... But she was in their care for now. It wasn't a time to be particularly choosy.

Still her eyes went back to the winged- figure... Trying to find a balance of observing without staring or gawking. He was very pretty... Beautiful even. Alynia found it difficult to explain. Soft, young, masculine features... But she preferred Hermes' appearance, and of course her husbands visage over the God of Messenger's.

Alynia gave Eros a shy curtsy. "Alynia Storm..." She introduced herself forgetting he already knew who she was.

But he stepped in closer, and Alynia's eyes had a flash of worry. "M-may you what?" She stuttered backing away, giving him more than obvious hints that she wanted to keep her distance. Her lips were already stolen once by Hermes...

Her eyes widened in apparent shock a Eros' steady finger traced of her lips... Those words died with a quiet whimper. His eyes were changing... Become an all too familiar shade of piercing violet.

Suddenly, her king stood before her... So uncanny of a resemblance Alynia had to fight the urge to apologize for leaving after just leaving a note behind.

"N-no..." Alynia made out as the ability to speak returned, her hands went to his torso to push him away. "Please don't do that..." Her head turned away, unable to meet the careful gaze of her husband. Alynia felt meek and very uncomfortable.

If he had been upset then Eros did not show it. He simply smiled. “I suppose the King of Llynoria would attract too much attention … as would Eros ...” He scanned her mind though he could only find races of strong love or hate as dictated by his portfolio.

So all those she had feelings towards in one way or another … those that she remained indifferent about had been those that he remained unaware of of course. His mind soon fell upon Ian for it had been the strongest emotions one way or another that he could sense but that was a form that he had dismissed. He was not looking for one that she would loathe and while there were many that could have worked there were many that would stick out her as well.

Mezzo for instance … their were no goblins on Olympus … no dwarfs or elves either for that matter. Phebes came to his mind but it would be unusual for a satyr to be seen anywhere but the wilds.

In the end he settled on her father's form, adorned in sandals and a toga. He had also altered her a bit so she didn't jump out at once changing her hair color to a golden blond and her eyes to a light shade of blue had been easy for him after all.

“Oh, I am fully aware of whom you are now and who you once were,” he chuckled a bit. “The situation is rather ironic come to think of it. Come.” He reached out a hand for her to take as he lead her closer to the peak of that mountain.

It was an incredibly long way down and the climb looked treacherous though as they stood their she began feeling light and could actually see that her arm was dissolving. Not just her arm but all her limbs seemed to melt away before she had been little more than a glowing sphere that could fit in the palm of one's hand.

She had been aware of what was transpiring around her, aware that there was another sphere nearby … Eros? Well it zipped forward and she would too as the conscious thought of movement was all that was required of her.

Down that mountain they descended. She had no weight to her body, she was pure energy though once she was at the base of the mountain she and her “father” resumed their corporeal form. There was a city in the shadowy of the mountain that Eros gestured towards.

“They being the closest were struck the worse. I will show you but first ...” A cloth materialized in his hands, a simple fail, then a hat. Presenting both to her to wear they moved towards the town.

At first it appeared as if everything had been normal though there was something in the air, something that did not feel right. Was it the air? There seemed to be something oppressive something unfriendly about the men that barely glanced her way. Shunned … well not quiet but rather ignored …

“The city has been renamed … it is now referred to as Hera's Vengeance,” he pointed drawing her attention to a stall down the street. Mainly at the vendor their and while she had a veil too she was much worse than Alynia who was just concealed … this woman had a clubbed foot and boils, her eyes had lost their luster for life and she gazed at the two “customers” to her fruit stand.

“Apples for sale only a single Denar ...”

A soft flutter of relief escaped her as Hermes decided to change his guise. Alynia could not help but gaze fascinated as Eros could simply morph from one face to the next. His eyes were peacefully closed, and he didn't appear to be offended or disappointed at all that Alynia had tried to push him away.

When his eyes blinked open he had taken on a very familiar form... Alynia did not know how to respond to the fact she was suddenly looking at her father. In fact, she hadn't even realized Eros had been flipping through her memories.

It didn't feel right... Her father was typically so stern and deathly serious... Now wore a playful smile and had a faint twinkle in his eye. He appeared so youthful than Alynia could last remember... But then again it had been years since she had seen him.

The girl wanted to bring up the inquiry as to why Eros had selected her fathers image, but before the words left her tongue she felt a strange, warm sensation. She shuddered in discomfort. A thick wet feeling as if someone had cracked an egg on the top of her head and the liquid was oozing all through out her hair... But when she reached up to feel it Alynia found her hair was perfectly dry...

Her eyes widened in utter disbelief as she finally realized she was newly blonde! Without a mirror, Alynia was unaware that her eyes had shifted into a pleasant sky blue.

She took his hand absentmindedly, still pondering the fact Eros could change not only his own but other's appearance at his will. Together they became little balls of light... Alynia did not have to control where they headed as it seemed Eros did all of the steering.

When they reappeared, Alynia felt faint and lightheaded... Suddenly retaking on a physical body. She finally was able to ask him, "Why did you select my father's form? You caught me a bit off guard.." The girl admitted as she accepted the veil and hat putting both on without complaint.

She eyes the sad, dark city rather disappointed in its lack of splendor... The buildings were tall and modern... At least compared to the buildings of Llynoria. But there was a strange aura in the city that Alynia could only assume was the curse.

It was a shame... Without the darkness and the shadows that lurked the streets she had a feeling the city would have been glorious.

All of the citizens were hunched over and guarded, and not one seemed to welcome the pair. Her golden hair felt strangely out of place... And she was thankful to be wearing something that hid her face.

Alynia stuck instinctively close to Eros... Still feeling rather odd as if she was seeking her father's protection. But clearly the people around her emitted a sense of danger.

They approached the stall and the ghastly woman that manned it. She was selling apples, but the fruit barely appeared editable. Gnarled and tiny, a dark brown instead of red. Alynia felt a sudden sense of sympathy... Was this what the curse was doing to those effected?

"I have no money." She told the woman sadly but clearly wanting to help.

“Why your father? I could only assume the forms that someone feels strongly about one way or the other and there was no one else around and thus no other mind I could tap into. My powers of shape shifting are some what limited. For instance I can now access those that have left an impression upon you for the next twenty-four hours unless I make frequent contact.

“Altering hair or eye color is fairly easy,” he explained. “As is height and weight if I do not try to bet he only fey that are present here are no fey here. There are fauns though similar to satyrs, in fact the two terms are often interchangeable ...”

But why the father? “I could not take Mezzo's form or any dwarf or fey for that matter I can -” He paused as something flashed within her mind or rather it had been something he was not looking for earlier but as he was channeling through deeper connections …

“I was providing you a guide of sorts that you could relate too but this one is perhaps better.” He shifted form again. “He has served you in that role in the past ...”

And just like that he was wearing Arn's visage. Yes, it was perhaps a better fit … they did not have far to go to get to Vengeance after all. The shadow of despair loomed over head as Alynia got a simple taste of what was going on here.

They walked along taking in all these things and stopping at the vendor. The pickings here did not look so good though Eros sat back and allowed the Queen to do all the talking initially.

Love. Hate. He was good at figuring these things out. While helpfulness wasn't a primary emotion he had the advantages of knowing her and knew how these matters could say her. “How soon you forget my love, you gave me your money to hold onto. Here, get two.”

Eros produced a bag of coins taking two copper ones out and pressing them into her hands. After the apples were purchased hey proceeded onward.

More of the same, that oppressive feeling that hung in the air. Soon Eros brought her to an inn where he got a room though once they were inside he grinned at her and shook his head.

“No, your Majesty, nothing like that unless you intend on it.” He grinned obviously no offended at all. “Let me brake down what I can of this situation. I do not know of everything that went on last time but love, hate, lust, these are all things that I can feel that I know deeply about. Not to disturb you at all though … for instance at this very moment I could tell you how your husband feels, at least as love and hate goes. Not surprising it's love, I had a hand in that, kinda but you don't want to hear about that boring tale.”
Was he baiting her? Well if she were interested in that he would beg off until afterward when all this was resolved.

“Jealousy. That's what this boils down to. But first, what do you remember of last time? Anything?”

"O-oh alright." Alynia stuttered softly, blinking in surprise as she accepted the coins from Eros... Who had now assumed the form of Arn. Perhaps this was a tad more comfortable... Though not by much. The girl didn't know what to make of being referred as his love, so she decided to disregard it.

"Then... I'll have two please." She requested politely holding out the two copper pieces. The old woman rudely snatched them away and gave in return her two sour fruits. Unsure of what to really do with either one of them, she offered one to Eros as they walked away.

"I don't think they're exactly edible." She admitted examining the fruit carefully. "Perhaps if it was cooked..." Though she was doubtful it would do any good.

She strolled along besides him, quietly observing the buildings and people they passed. It was eerie almost... The quite dreary atmosphere of the place. Finally, Eros selected a building to enter and she followed faithfully behind him. It seemed like some sort of inn, a place to stay a night. And her thoughts were confirmed as she was ushered inside a room.

"Wha-" she had began to protest, but Eros had cut her off. Alynia gave him a stubborn pout as she sat down on the queen-sized bed. The only bed in the room.

Her now blue eyes perked up at the mention of her king. "Wait, you had a hand in what?" The eager expression of hers made it more than clear she was caught on the hook. "I'm actually quite interested in the tale." Alynia corrected him earnestly.

She crossed her legs one over the other while biting her lip. A pensive gaze crossed her features. "Jealousy?" Her voice reiterated delicately. "Of what?" It was amazing that she was so oblivious in such sensibilities.

She was even more adorably confused as Eros brought up his next topic. "Yes, Hermes mentioned something along those lines too... That I've been here before. I don't remember anything... Absolutely nothing at all." This was mostly true... Save for those tiny moments of familiarity when she had been with Hermes. Alynia casted those thoughts off as Hermes reminding her of someone she already knew. "Can you tell me when I was here before?" She asked innocently peering into his eyes. "And what was I doing?"

It wasn't Ambrosia that was for certain. The fruits were a far cry from it and he was now Demeter, he could not revitalize the fruit. The Olympians were very powerful but only within their portfolios. He could only somewhat influence matters outside of this domains and not so well.

When out of sight of the vendor he discarded the fruit having no intention on eating it. He doubted she was going to eat her's either though it was amazing that other people around here had been forced to eat this sort of thing.

Eros just figured it was Alynia trying to help without showing the woman that she had been a charity case at all. He could understand that good matured way about her, that willingness to help out where she could.

“They're edible … I don't think you should eat them they are tainted with the curse though. I expect that this curse was unforeseen ...” Well, Eros understood that there were two curses in effect her, one on the people and one on the land but the second was easier to deal with through a bit of negotiation he hoped. “But perhaps you're right. I have had nothing but Ambrosia though.”

“Oh, that tale might be a little distracting right now,” he told her when they were in the room. She looked better with the raven locks of course but the aim was to be as non descript as possible. He had interested her though as he had intended. He had every intention of telling her. He had regarded that eagerness for a moment.

He could taste all the questions regarding love there, most were of idle curiosity at this stage though. He could also trace the thoughts that she had about Hermes … that sly dog, after last time was he planning on … probably …

“Oh, yes, jealousy. I believe you were the catalyst, the last straw. It was nothing you did of course but I am a bit torn if you do not remember … would it do more or less good to know?

“I suppose I will generalize the key points for you to get you up to speed. For years Zeus has dallied with this mortal or that. In fact there are a good number of Demi Gods because of him. Hera has always been the jealous sort, even when these unions were less than consensual as was in your case. Though Zeus had lured mortals away by shape changing into animals in the past he managed to trick you into coming here, I do not know how but long story short he had his way in the end in one of Demeter's fields.

“Demeter took offense and cursed the lands for the defilement of her fields though I think I can get her to ease up. Of greater concern is Hera's curse. To ensure that Zeus would not betray her again she has cursed all the women her with ugliness. Many of the other Deities are in an uproar about it, Zeus most of all but the power of curses is tough to remove. If not for that bracelet there you would be affected as well.

“Of course, Hermes wishes to undo the curse because of the various challenges involved that will test his thievery skills. He was the being that ultimately escorted you back, apparently from my understanding Zeus desired to keep you around for a little while. Perhaps Hera told him to assist you to get you out of the picture, perhaps it was for other reasons I wasn't really involved the first time around.”

"That's unfortunate..." She murmured softly hearing that the gnarled object in her hand could be cursed. An expression of disapproval crossed her features as she watched Eros toss the apple aside. Alynia was very reluctant to do the same...

So she held onto her purchase without a clue what to use it for, even as they entered their room the Queen assumed they would be staying for the night. She placed the ugly fruit on a bedside table, before sitting down comfortably on the mattress to listen.

Her face was uncharacteristically stolid, nodding every few sentences or so as if to tell him that she understood... Surely Alynia was aware of Zeus's prolific history. He was a god known for loving the company of multitudes of beautiful woman. She, being a faithful married woman, did not blame Hera all too much for being upset with her husband, but to plague a whole city of women most if not all of whom Zeus had never laid eyes on? It seemed pretty drastic.

She sighed... It ultimately made perfect sense. The over zealous gods and their magnificent displays. They're little regard toward mortal beings that had already served their purposes. Zeus was aware of it too... Yet he kept sleeping around. Perhaps if it weren't for that last girl things would have never gotten like this...

Alynia's train of thought stopped abruptly... Or rather crashed into a concrete wall. "W-what?! Zeus tricked m-me into coming here?!" She exclaimed leaping off the bed to stand.

"H-how is that possible? I don't recall any of this! I have never been here before!" She claimed stubbornly.

"And he had his way... What on earth do you mean..." It was impressive how sweet yet naive Alynia could be at times.

She stopped, her blue irises going wide as she fell back down into the bed defeated by her own understanding. "O-oh gods... He had his way with m-me In Demeter's field?" Her eyes went up to Ero's, begging him that this wasn't true. "Oh lord... Was I married at the time? Does Oberron know?"

She fell back onto the mattress. Her face in her hands with both embarrassment and shame. "Please tell me your lying or joking with me." Alynia requested glumly rolling onto her stomach in displeasure. "How could I have been so careless... So disrespectful? This curse is my fault isn't it... No wonder Hermes was so unwilling to tell me before..."

Then girl turned her head over her shoulder to peer at the Son of Aphrodite. Her large innocent eyes, pure and earnest looked at Ero's pleadingly with a face that could almost be mistaken as erotic. "What I can do to fix this..." She asked softly.

The Gods were both petty and cruel at times. Of course Hera not only disfigured the girls here but elsewhere as well, not to mention there was something further to the curse or else it wouldn't have been a deterrent at all if a girl just concealed that nastiness from Zeus.

But Eros spook the truth as far as he knew it. That had been the story he had heard anyway when inquiring about these recent curses.

Zeus and Alynia in one of the fields of Demeter … he knew of the event of course he could fell the love and the lust, had memory of it as well as feeling that anger and jealousy that she had towards the act as brought on by Hera.

It had not been Alynia's fault, if anyone's it was Zeus'. She was merely the final straw … Hera had been fed up and went to drastic extremes. The power of a Goddess' curse was strong but this one had been usual in that it trumped Zeus' power to undo it … and Hera was weaker than her husband …

There had been something else at work here, though Eros could feel something, a great jealousy in Hera, stronger than it had ever been as if something inside her snapped.

For a moment he considered that tale that he was going to tell her. Perhaps he would tell her now, it would make more sense in relation to what was going on now.

“You have been here before. You were rather despondent too and so your memories were taken from you as far as my understanding on the matter went. Zeus is a shape changer. He often tricks people in thinking one thing before luring them away. Usually he appears as a harmless animal, draws them off then reveals himself when it is too late.

“In some cases he transforms into a traveler and with Hermes checks upon how hospitable people are. In your case he was Oberron. That was the easiest lure. I could feel both you love and his lust, your revulsion at the reveal afterward … but I messed up … I underestimated Zeus by overestimating my abilities.

“The gist of that tale I was going to tell you makes more sense to reveal now. I was to target Oberrron with one of my gold arrows so that he would fall for you. I then told Zeus about a human of insurmountable beauty so as to lure him to you, even amongst the Shadows you are quite famous when thwarting Sable.

“This was by Hera's command. I was in hiding and when Zeus arrived I hit him with a lead arrow generating a dislike towards you. He was to loose interest in you and with Oberron's affections it was doubtful that you would need the attention of another. But in both cases I miscalculated. The powers of my arrows were overcome by the very willpower of the individuals. I should have used stronger arrows but the same would have been likely to just have delayed it. Zeus wished to indulge his amorous behavior that returned and as for Oberron … his feelings are no longer being influenced. He loves because he does … “

Eros frowned a little as he disclosed all this. Playing with emotions like this … the term being hit by Cupid's arrow … he did not to these things randomly. The Fates who controlled destiny told him who to shot, when and with what arrow. He was occasional told to do something for a God but things, as far as the beliefs on this Shadow were destined. He usually didn't go messing around on other Shadows unless commanded to not wishing to interfere with the Gods and Goddess there.

“The blood of the ugliest woman alive can undo this effect, a component … but alas she is dead. Beheaded in fact. But to succeed there are places that you will have to go that we Gods have been forbidden from going. Ye no mortal can go …”

He did not explain what he had meant by this of course but moved on. “You will have to make a journey to the under world of course but before you can make such a trip there is much to do first. Much. Your memories this time will remain intact as far as I know though if you wish not to remember any of this I, or rather Hermes can see what can be done about that.”

A hearty sigh left those heart shaped lips. A quiet sound, but one of understanding. "I've heard stories of Zeus and his... Many female friends. But never once would I have thought to be one of his targets." She shook her head, ruffling up her blonde locks. "But really? As my husband... You'd think the god of kings would be more original." The girl gave a tiny smile, trying to cast light on a bad situation. Inwardly she was devastated... Gersham, Ian, now this?

Alynia slowly sat up until she was resting cross legged on the bed finding almost everything Eros was saying incredibly difficult to believe. "So it was because of you my husband so readily fell in love with me." She pondered, a bit sad hearing such about her king even though Eros assured her that this was no longer the case. "And Zeus? He was supposed to hate me but the effects of that arrow have worn off? Or do I still hold his ire?" Alynia was doing her best to follow along.

She listened intently as Eros continued on, expanding on the reason of her arrival. "Oh goodness, the underworld?" She exclaimed. "If no mortal can go there, I do not understand how I will set foot in such a lair. What will I be doing there anyway?" It was only fair for her to be curious.

"Honestly, how much to be done? Hermes had said such a journey would only take a few days... And from the looks of it... This will take much longer than that."

Alynia moaned in frustration... "I'm not even supposed to be here in the first place. What a mess."

"There's no other way is there? I suppose it must be done as soon as possible... Please just tell me what I need to do."

“It is a bit complicated … but what I can say is this … Oberron was known to escape his chains as foretold by Prometheus long ago before his imprisonment chained to that rock. From the onset he found you attractive, I did not, could not interfere until after Sable was out of the picture for the deities on your Shadow would not allow my meddling but a an interest of yours you would certainly get Zeus' attention.

“He and Oberron do not like each other very much, I believe it has a lot to do with their portfolios being the same. Since they both are Kings of Kings and possess great power over storms … Zeus of course has the traditional lightning bolt the Hephaestus forges.”

Eros had to back up here so that she would understand better.

“Knowing that Oberron would develop feelings towards the woman who effectively saves him Zeus would no doubt attempt to claim what Oberron had. Spite, jealousy, what have you. Knowing this was going to happen and wishing to prevent it Hera sent me to ground Oberron so to speak, hit him with a love arrow to ensure he did not stray off the beaten path since Fey are more prone to it then humans she felt that by grounding Oberron that you yourself would never have the urge to come to Olympus. Zeus she wanted to succumb to the arrow of hate so he would ignore you.

“But as of recently he's broken the effects of the arrow and that is why he sought you out. To spurn Oberron but in the process earning Hera's fury but since she is weaker than her husband she cannot target him and would have loved to target you but you were gone by that stage. Normally, deities cannot interfere in other Shadows without permission of the deities there and since Oberron already had feelings towards you getting approval was easy. It was probably believed that you being human would be dead before long anyway so it did not matter in the grand scheme of things but remember how frantic he was whenever you were in danger? When he could not be level headed? Now he is a bit more relaxed but in part that lends itself to you growing in power too were he does not have to worry so often.”

Eros hoped that kinda made sense to her. “It is somewhat cliché that Zeus would take Oberron's form but I believe that was an additional way to spite him too, to get you to perhaps question if Oberron was Oberron each time you were around, I cannot gauge his reasoning, I only know that he had a great deal of lust in his heart when he was with you.”

It was a little complicated for the most part. He was probably only responsible in keeping Oberron from wandering about in the beginning though now he did it by choice. He considered her concern about the timing of things.

“Never listen to Hermes mention anything governing time. He moves at such an incredible pace that he often does not consider that the rest of us do not. Perhaps if he were to do everything himself he would manage it in two or three days but we who are not so quick take two or three weeks to accomplish this. Of course he cannot do this and while you are clearly not the only one that can do this you were perhaps the easiest to find.

“Do not worry, getting into the Underworld is easy, getting out difficult since Cerberus does not challenged those going in but those coming out. But there is a section of Hades that is reserved and mortals cannot access it. You shall be fine.

“The task begins there in locating Stephano and Eurayle through conversing with the shade of their deceased sister. The dead of the Underworld here have no memories and are mindless unless hey are the greatest of heroes. If given some blood o drink their memories return but this will be your first challenge.

“For some reason they are cloaked to our divinations but it is hoped she has some information where they could be tracked. Their blood is a necessary component for Circe's cure to this curse … and the two cannot be located through other venues …

“You are aware of who Stephano and Eurayle are, correct?”