Discussion

Two hours had passed and sitting at the desk under candlelight Zantano studied the list once again being met with constant messages from the others on his bride; the pressure was building and all had gone to bed apart for him and the bard who finishing her medley yawned before asking, “Thank you for letting me practice, they don’t like my music! But the time...” “Marydon, you music is good as you said requires more practice but it’s a good working progress and yes, I mustn’t detain you” she nodded before grabbing her lute stopped when he asked, “Who do I pick?” “The one you have most in common with!” “That’s Hela but she did as you would say “rape” me when I was 14...” “She did what?” he nodded before commenting, “Apart for that and her half rotten body we are the same. Both monsters, who are unwanted and do terrible things. Anyway goodnight and thank you for distracting me” she nodded before closing the door behind her departure heard the man begin to scribble down his message.

“To Hela,

I’m writing in regard to your proposal of marriage and regard to it, despite our past and the obvious geographical restraints I would like to accept you proposal if you will have me. We are both desperate in different ways maybe this very common ground can build a stable relationship between us that was lost when you kidnapped me. Whatever the response I would enjoy maintaining contact with you.

Yours,

Zantano-Thánatos”

He sighed looking down as he poured himself some more Mead before leaning back heard a *ping* sound a few moments later from Hela who responded to his mail with the following:

“Dear Zantano-Thánatos,

I received your letter and I’m more than relieved and excited at the prospect of our impending marriage; I believe the best way we can approach this is to start again and leave the past as it is the past but also remember there is a connection between us. I was informed about your urgency from my scouts and offer my condolences to you, no one should have to be forced to marry because their parents agreed to a deal out of fear. I know you aren’t who I want and my half-rotten body isn’t attractive but we will try to make this work even if we never consummate it and we live in our own structures; anyway we will discuss that later and I’ve forwarded the messages to Zeus and the others, just know I do this because I care for you like I always have and they forced this so let’s give them hell!

Looking forward to the day,

Hela”

He nodded before standing to look out the window heard the door open and in walked Triss who waiting for him to turn around stopped when she saw the confirmation from Hela, “Sometimes I wish I was human!” he suddenly spoke hearing her pick the tablet device up and scroll through the messages which was met by the constant beeping of other messages of concern and worry from the others, the pissed off tone of Hera and the angry swearing off Athena, “Zantano why...” “Why? Because if I was I could die in this battle and not have to worry about the marriage and even use it as an excuse for more time; being as I am no matter what happens I will be left!” Triss tapped his shoulder in comfort before repeating, “Why did you do it? Hela of all people. She may seem earnest but you need the opposite to you not someone as bad as you are!” “I never raped anyone unless that’s what you are claiming now!” “No, that’s not what I meant. I meant personality wise and the children from the union, it could cause chaos!” “I know but that’s why I’m not going to consummate it. Gives us a legal excuse to separate after a few millennium” she looked down reading Hela’s line about not consummating it as she spoke, “I said I would find you someone. I just needed time!” “Read the others messages I didn’t have time. None left; not a single moment. It was either today or lose everything: my abilities, my men, my status everything. If I didn’t chose today there wouldn’t be any help apart for my sword coming to this war!” “You sacrificed yourself for us?” “I felt like I owed you all. I made a promise and I wanted to keep it. You relied on my forces so the least I could do is ensure my men are ready!” “So attacking Geralt was venting your anger?” “No in my haste I believed killing Geralt would free you from his hold that he has over you or in your loneliness seek comfort in me or it would prove myself to you, like I was saying I didn’t really think at the time I just hoped for a positive reaction!” “Why even would I?” “It worked with Ares and Aphrodite, Hades kidnapped Persephone and they are happy... I was desperate Triss, I don’t know what I was thinking!” the room fell silent as she studied the letter’s until she eventually spoke in anger, “You are marrying the woman who took advantage of you. I can’t... I don’t even want to think of it!” “Lucky for you, you don’t have to but in hope it won’t be that bad. Worlds apart will bring me a lot of free time, my plan is to just wait it out until all powers are permanently mine and then we can split!” “You aren’t even going to give it a try?” “If we did people would panic. Zeus hates me because of the power I wield and he is faced with the prospect of me being stronger then him and Hela... she is feared because of her power, she is unquestionably the strongest Isu in the North anything more than a “I do” and a small kiss would cause panic in both realms” “So it doesn’t change anything?” he shook his head before stating, “It means when I go back, you won’t see me again. Communications shut off!” “Don’t be silly we could still talk!” he shook his head before looking back spoke, “Trust me. I know Hela! This will be the last time you will see me unless you are wicked in life then who knows!” “Zantano...” his hand stopped at the handle when he felt her hand touch his shoulder, “I’m sorry!” “No. I’m sorry for even putting you in this position. I should have walked the other way. None of this would have happened...”