18 Dance

In the palace of gods, the muses tuned their instruments, their gentle fingers flowing towards the cords and lightly strumming. The melody thrashed through the vehement gods as it permeated the palace with its gigantic ivory pillars.

The night was alive. The clamour of music and the thrum of dance filled the air with fervour and intensity, almost stifling it. The minor gods and goddesses danced with passion and fervour.

Apollo went into this maelstrom of passion and delight, holding two glasses of divine wine and exuding indifference. Minor gods and goddesses who had previously swooned over him now avoided him like the plague in fear.

Still, prying eyes swarmed him from all throughout the palace, like deadly vipers looking for the smallest flaw or vulnerability. But all that awaited them was disappointment.

Ignoring all, Apollo reached the right edge of the palace, music and dance drowned out by serenity and enlightened by the moon's argent light.

Artemis rested beneath an arch, her back against a pillar, her gaze riveted on the silver moon.

Apollo sat down next to her, passing the cup. "Wine?"

Artemis finally turned and stared at him for a time before taking the wine and sipping it.

"Mother?" Leaning behind a pillar and facing his sister, Apollo inquired.

"Mother is with Aunt Demeter and Hestia, calming them, particularly Demeter." Artemis said, with a sidelong glance.

Hearing that, Apollo chuckled. Then he asked. "You don't sound mad."

"Should I be my prudent brother?" Artemis responded by cocking her head. "You always plan for everything. What should I be worried about?"

"Artemis.." Apollo exhaled a sigh.

"I actually understand..." Artemis interrupted, her silver eyes flashing at him. "What is important? Apollo, you know what you're doing. You're walking a fine and perilous line that might snap at any moment and bring everything crashing down."

Apollo looked on solemnly. "I understand, sister."

Artemis continued, her voice heavy. "I hope you do. And all I can say is that I support you, but..." She paused.

"But?" Apollo inquired, his gaze fixed on Artemis.

"I will also stop you before it is too late to look back and regret when everything is already lost. For our family. For us, and for you."

"Mistakes…" Apollo smiled. "Everyone makes the inevitable, including me, for neither the gods nor I are perfect."

He extended his cup toward her. "You know, it's great to hear that, sister. To know somebody has my back all the time."

Artemis clinched her glass with him, and they drank the divine wine all at once, inhaling heavily in silence.

Artemis suddenly laughed, remembering something. "Hell, even your ridiculous 'Dream' about humanity has come true."

Apollo laughed.

Artemis leaned in, whispering. "Tell me, brother. Is it really a dream?"

"In a way, yes." Apollo sighed, his eyes hazy. "Dreams have power, sister, far more than we could fathom."

"Why are you suddenly wallowing?" Artemis chuckled.

"I just realised something today. Something that changes everything." Apollo whispered, swirling the empty cup.

"And Dream was related to this?" Artemis asked, her brows raised in surprised.

"Yes. At least a part of it..." Apollo revealed, reclining on the pillar. However, he did not continue to delve into it, abruptly rising up and extending his hand. "Let's go, sister."

"You're at it again." Artemis sighed exasperatedly and took his hand in hers.

"It is better this way on this, trust me." Apollo laughed.

"If you're not going to finish it, keep your secrets to yourself." Artemis still snorted.

Apollo didn't respond, instead dragging her to the table, her hand in his. As ethereal music played in the background, the heavy air filled with joy and passion splashed across their faces.

"Look at them." Artemis said, scrutinising the dancing and jubilant crowds. "We are one of the honours in the celebration, yet they seem like they couldn't care less about us."

"That's gods for you." Apollo chuckled, making Artemis smile with the roll of her eyes.

"I really need some more wine." She said, her eyes darting towards the drinking crowds.

They walked in edgeways to the tables with the wine. Apollo grabbed another glass of wine for him and his sister and passed it to her.

"Have you seen others?" Artemis inquired between sips.

"Other gods?" Apollo spoke with a raised brow. Artemis gave a nod.

"The last time I saw Uncle Poseidon, he was hanging around with some minor goddess. Ares and Hera were chatting to each other, most likely plotting how to get rid of me." Apollo laughed, prompting his sister to elbow him. "Aphrodite was drinking wine and wandering about the banquet by herself."

"I didn't see Uncle Hades from the start. Helios went with Selene immediately after the celebration began since he said he had stuff to do, though he did tell me to come up in the morning to pick up the sun chariot."

"And Father.." Apollo abruptly clicked his tongue. "He wanted to meet us after the night was over, alone."

Artemis just listened silently. They drank in silence for a few seconds before someone interrupted them.

Apollo looked ahead. He saw a woman walking towards him, her voluptuous hips swaying in rhyme.

Her beauty is poignant of all. It couldn't even be described in words. It would be more befitting to say her very existence is an interruption of "Beauty".

She was Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty and Love.

Aphrodite smiled, a smile that appeared to light up the dark side of the moon itself, striding towards Apollo while disregarding Artemis's threatening glares.

She stood in front of Apollo, twirling her hair and gazing into the surging golden eyes of the Apollo.

She then extended her hand, biting her rosy lips. "Would you like to dance with me?"

Apollo smiled and reached out his hand. Alarms began to ring in the mind of Artemis, while Aphrodite's heart leapt in joy.

However, Apollo didn't take her hand, but instead rejected it. He said, "Aphrodite, you are truly the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."

"However, still..." He drawled. "I am not interested."

Aphrodite's lips thinned into a line. She peered at the Phoebus intently, as though registering his image in her mind.

"It's a shame, Apollo," She said, her lips raising to form a semblance of a smile.

And Aphrodite left with a swirl, her long hair whirling. A scent of roses blossoming in the air.

"Why?" Artemis immediately asked, curiosity filling her eyes.

"What, why?" Apollo said, drinking his wine. "Didn't I just say? I am not interested in her. She is, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman. But I couldn't give a damn."

Artemis gave her brother a contented and proud look that caused Apollo the shivers.

"Enough with that." He glared, causing Artemis to chuckle aloud.

Ignoring her, Apollo cast his gaze on the raucous assembly of gods, who were dancing and drinking with zeal.

Nobody dared to approach them for fear of upsetting Hera; after all, not everyone is Aphrodite. So here they were in their own celebration, ignored and avoided.

"Up for a dance." Apollo suddenly asked her sister.

"What?" Artemis blurted, her head jerking towards him.

"This is our celebration. No matter what." Apollo smiled. "Rather than sulking in a corner, we should enjoy it."

Artemis was stunned, before nodding, a brisk smile adorning her lips. They advanced into the crowds. Their divine auras emanated across the hall.

The music was paused. The crowds went silent. As the minor gods and goddesses moved out of the way, Apollo and Artemis strode. Many glares were also directed towards them. They, on the other hand, couldn't care less.

They reached the centre. Artemis suddenly asked, realisation striking her heart. "I don't know how to dance?"

Apollo laughed, extending his hand "Just follow me and everything will be fine. After all, you are a quick learner, aren't you, little sister?"

"Who are you calling 'Little'…?" Artemis fumed, but she still took his hand with a pout.

Apollo turned and nodded to the nine muses. They smiled and strummed, their hands trailing to their instruments. The music rushed through the divine hall, breaking the heavy silence.

Under the light of the sun and moon, Apollo and Artemis circled each other. Their gazes were riveted as Apollo guided his sister.

The music became more lively. Finally, Artemis nodded. Apollo smiled and placed his hand on her hips, while her hand rested on his shoulders. Their feet finally fell in step with the tune.

They danced together, allowing the rhythm to guide their movements, their free hands raised to the heavens.

They danced and cavorted in front of all, without a care in the world.

______________________

Apollo and Artemis proceeded, their steps heavy, to the main palace of the Gods in the first morning light.

Their elation from the celebration last night vanished, replaced by solemnity.

"Why do you think Father called us?" Artemis inquired, her brow wrinkled.

"I don't know." Apollo wisphered. "But don't worry, I am here."

Artemis went forward, snorting, as Apollo trailed behind her, catching up. Then they arrived at the massive golden door, pushed it open, and entered.

They reached the palace of the gods. The thrones were empty except for the platinum one, where Zeus was present, tapping his armrest, waiting for them.