Who is at the door?

As Nereus stood up from his bed, determined to find a way to break the curse, there was a soft knock on his door. He opened it to find Aphrodite standing there, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Aphrodite: "I couldn't help but notice your distress during dinner, Nereus. May I come in?"

Nereus stepped aside to let her enter, his heart racing at the thought of being alone with her.

Nereus: "Of course, Aphrodite. What brings you to my chambers?"

Aphrodite: "I wanted to check on you, and see if there is anything I can do to help. I know how much this curse must be weighing on you."

Nereus: "I appreciate your concern, but I am determined to find a way to break the curse. I am considering finding an old widow to marry, so that when she dies, I will be free from the curse."

Aphrodite: "Nereus, you cannot be serious. That is a terrible plan. Not only is it morally wrong, but it is not a true way to break the curse. Zeus will see through it and you will still be bound by the curse."

Nereus: "I understand that it is not an ideal plan, but I am ****. I cannot bear the thought of living a life without being able to sow my seed. It is a part of who I am."

Aphrodite: "I understand that, but you must find another way. I am sure if you entertain the idea of marriage and take the time to seek a suitable woman you might actually enjoy settling down. You’ll just be limited to sire children with this one girl only.“

Nereus: „You’re one to talk, being married to Hephaistos and sleeping around all you want, even having an open affair with Ares! Why dont i just marry you, Aphrodite? I know how you feel about me.“

Aphrodite: „I cannot marry another. I’m bound to my husband for all time. My affairs and flings are just for fun, but i will always stay with Hephaistos. Find another way.“

With those words Aphrodite leaves you to your thoughts.

As Nereus lay in his bed, staring up at the ceiling, he couldn't help but weigh his options….

He remembered a scroll that an old god, Proteus, had created aeons ago. Zeus kept it in his chambers. It was said to hold the key to breaking any curse or spell. Nereus knew that if he could find and steal that scroll, he could break the curse and be free.

Find the scroll, lift the curse and be free. It’s a risky plan and you don’t quite know how to hide this from your father. Or how to stop him from recasting the curse. But it could definitely work for some time until you figure out the rest.