A long time ago, in ancient Greece, there were many gods. These gods were loved by the millions of people who lived in Greece. Zeus, the god of the sky, was the ruler of the Olympians. His sister, Hera, was also his wife. She was the supreme goddess, the patron of marriage and childbirth. Jealous as she was, she could not help her husbands affairs(but more on that later).
In the city of Athens, there was a young couple who was engaged to be married in the spring. They both loved to see how Persephone blessed them with the new leaves and flowerbuds.
Rosemary, the youngest of five, was now 19. One day she was doing her daily chores, and thinking about Wolf, her fiance whom she loved and would do anything for.
She completed her chores and then decided it would be a good idea to go worship the gods. As she was walking back home, the clouds grew angry, and it started to rain. Thunder clapped, and lightning streaked across the sky. All of a sudden,a lightning bolt struck Rosemary! She was transported to... Olympus? Zeus thought she was the most beautiful mortal of that century. She was still confused as to why the god of the sky had abducted her.
"You will marry me, or your fiance will die a torturous death" Zeus demanded.
This ultimatum was not what she was expecting. "I..I need time to think this over."
Zeus gave her three days to decide. Rosemary agonized over her predicament. How could she save Wolf, but not marry Zeus. Either way, they would never see each other again.
The first day, she completed her chores, which included collecting the vegetables from the garden everyday, and making sure the family was taken care of. She was the last daughter living at home, and her mother was so sickly she could not take care of her husband and Rosemary. Her father was always worshiping the gods, praying they would be blessed with good food, and weather. Rosemary had no idea what she would do, but feared if she told her parents, it might make Zeus angry. She ran into Wolf as she was walking home from the market and he walked her home. They talked, but she neglected to tell him about Zeus wanting to marry her because she feared it would put him in more danger. The sun was setting. There were only two more days before her decision must be made.
The second day was the same as before, she completed her chores, walked to the market, and Wolf walked home with her. She almost slipped up and told Wolf about Zeus, but caught herself and changed the topic to their wedding. She had planned small simple ceremony, with flower garlands decorating their home. As the sun set she realized she only had one more day.
The routine was the same on the third day. She had until sundown to make her decision. Either way she would never see Wolf again,and either way she would end up marrying Zeus, by force, or free will. Time was running out. She walked home alone from the market today. It was almost sundown.
She was almost home when she noticed a storm rolling in. She knew her time was up. Suddenly thunder clapped and lightning streaked across the sky. She was on Olympus again. Standing in front of Zeus, she bowed. Meaning no disrespect, she pleaded, for Zeus to leave Wolf alone. "My mind's made up. If you do not marry me, Wolf will die a torturous death!"
Rosemary knew what she had to do. "I...I will marry you," she said. She had to protect Wolf, she could not let him die for her. At least this way she knew he would be safe.
"Good choice." Zeus remarked. He was pleased with her. He blessed her family, and did not kill Wolf, but he decided he wanted to make Rosemary agonize over this even more. Since you are going to be my wife, you will become immortal. You will forever stay with me in Olympus." This upset Rosemary. She wished to be able to see her family, and to see Wolf, just one more time.
Hera heard Rosemary's plea to Zeus, for Hera liked to eavesdrop. One evening while Hera listened to Zeus as he talked to himself. His wedding to Rosemary was the next morning and he planned on breaking the news to her, that he would make Wolf immortal as well. He planned on telling her it was a reward to Wolf, since Rosemary had decided to marry him instead of Wolf. His real reason for making Wolf immortal, was to torture him. Rosemary and Wolf could never be together, and Zeus liked the thought of this. So he wanted to be certain the punishment was eternal. Hera didn't like the sound of this. Even though she despised her husband taking another wife, she thought this plan was beyond cruel.
The next day was Zeus' and Rosemary's wedding. All of the gods and goddesses were in attendance. They lavished gifts on the couple, but all Rosemary could think about was her dear Wolf. She longed to see him again.She despaired over having to marry Zeus, but she wasn't going to let Wolf die for her. Rosemary was adorned with gold and silver beading in her long brown hair, and her toga was a beautiful cream color. She walked into the room, not smiling, but with a look of anguish upon her face. She only had a few more moments left before the ceremony began. Once she was married, she would never walk upon the earth again.
When the ceremony was over, Rosemary started thinking she would have to make the best out of her situation. After all Zeus was the god of the sky, he could probably give her anything she wanted. All of the gods and goddesses dispersed after the ceremony, since they had "better things to do". Hera, Zeus, and Rosemary were the only immortals left in the room.
Zeus left to create a storm in Athens, because the mortals were praying for rain. Their crops had started to die. Once he had left, Hera approached Rosemary. She was trying to make the most of Rosemary being Zeus' new wife. That is when an idea struck her. She would find a way for Wolf and Rosemary to be together, somehow. She wouldn't allow her husband to stand in the way of true love.
"Rosemary, I have been inspired. I know of a way that you and Wolf can be together. It wouldn't be for long, but any time with your beloved is better than no time with him."
At this Rosemary began crying tears of joy. She missed Wolf dearly.
"I will convince Apollo to move the sun behind the moon once every six months. I dare not make it more often because Zeus can never suspect what we are doing." Rosemary thanked Hera profusely. Twice a year, somewhere in the world, an eclipse occurs, allowing Rosemary and Wolf to meet where darkness reigns.
