"It's lovely!" Aphrodite exclaimed when we returned.
Then she eyed my appearance. "You not so much."
Isn't it just wonderful when the goddess of beauty tells you, you aren't lovely? I was starting to have serious beef with Piper's mom.
"Oh, sweetheart." She cautiously grabbed my finger to pull me along into a bedroom. "You are in dire need of a make over."
"Agreed." I said. "Please fix me."
Aphrodite got to work immediately. With a snap of her fingers multiple clothing options had appeared and she was already picking some out. She poured rose water on me and somehow all the gunk and sweat washed off me. I had never felt more clean in my life.
In one quick motion she had stripped me of my clothes and replaced them with a long white dress with a low cut. My hair was curled and she placed a gold necklace around my neck.
The dress was simple but yet flashy. It showed a lot of skin and barely covered my chest.
"You're boyfriend would absolutely die if he was here!" She said walking me over to a mirror. I gawked at myself in the mirror. Flawless skin, perfect hair and makeup, the white dress was flawless and hugged my curves just right...I'd never looked more beautiful in my life. It even showed off my sun tattoo because it was sleeveless. I got matching sun tattoos with Will last year. His was on his left pectoral while mine was a little bigger and spanned from my heart to shoulder.
But it made me feel uncomfortable. I didn't like how much I was showing.
"I don't think this is appropriate for fighting monsters."
"No," the goddess agreed. "But the boys would kill to get with you! I mean you're stunning!"
I pulled my dress up to try and cover my chest more.
"I don't mean to sound disrespectful but I think you may need to try again with the wardrobe change."
Aphrodite ran her fingers along my cheek. Suddenly her appearance began to flicker. Every flaw I had seen in myself in the mirror disappeared from her.
"Sweetheart, there is a reason I dressed you like this." she said. "I know it's not ideal for a quest but I wanted you to realize something before you leave."
"And what's that?"
"That beauty is about finding the right fit, the most natural fit. To be perfect you have to feel perfect about yourself, and avoid trying to be someone you're not." She said gently. "Beauty is the way you hold yourself. It's how you treat people, how you love, how you accept and value yourself. Beauty is your soul."
"Why are you telling me this?" I asked softly.
"Because I've lived for thousands of years and I see plenty of beautiful girls like you who do nothing but pick apart their flaws. I can see your insecurities and I can feel how my appearance changes when you notice them. As a goddess our appearance can change so easily. I've always envied that about mortals." She ran her fingers through my hair. "The point I'm trying to make is that you're beautiful even if you don't think so. And beauty is power, use it wisely."
"I don't feel beautiful." I admitted. "I'm not like you, or your children." I felt my face heat up as I admitted this. "I'm not effortlessly pretty like Piper. I can't just wake up with flawless skin and perfect hair! And I don't have Annabeth's pretty curls or bright blue eyes like my sister..."
"Another woman's beauty is not an absence of your own beauty."
Before I could think of another response there was a loud knock on the door.
"Hurry up! We don't have time for you to play dress up in there!" Arabelle shouted.
Aphrodite gave a pouty face and sighed. She walked over to her closet again full of infinite clothing options and began rummaging around.
"How's my sweet darling Piper doing these days?" She asked.
I shrugged. "I think she's doing fine. I mean she has a girlfriend now but Jason died so..."
Aphrodite closed her closet with new clothes in her hands, and turned around to face me.
"Jason." She said. "I tried so hard to get them together only for her to break up with him!" She seemed a little frustrated. "I do enjoy a good love triangle, which is why I made him fall in love with you. It gave Piper the push she needed to be confident in her own abilities to win him over. Though...it seems he never fully stopped liking you which probably contributed to their break up..."
"Wait," I said. "You made Jason fall in love with me because it was too boring for you?"
Aphrodite gave a small giggle. "I wouldn't say bored — but I do love to cause mischief when I can!"
"So you used me."
"Used is such an ugly word." the goddess said. "I prefer— directed you to certain choices for an outcome I wanted!"
I couldn't believe this! Well, actually I could. Just when I was starting to like Aphrodite she admits to playing with Jason and I's feelings because she was bored on a Friday night! I once thought Eros was worse than her but I was starting to think he might have been better. At least he was up front about his plans and feelings instead of manipulative and deceptive.
Aphrodite in a quick motion had stripped me of my white dress and replaced it with new clothes that fit my style better.
I was now wearing a yellow cropped tank top and high waisted jean shorts. They were a little short for my liking but they were better than the dress. The gold necklace was gone and my regular camp necklace had returned. My yellow converse was back on my feet freshly cleaned and looking brand new. My hair was no longer curled but instead it was straightened and tied behind my head with a blush pink ribbon.
The makeup was toned down this time and now I only wore mascara and lip gloss. I also now had golden earrings in my ears. Seeing the earrings reminded me of Jasper. I missed his stupid piercings. My chest tightened again. I felt ashamed for sitting her playing fashion show with Aphrodite when he was being chained up and trying to survive Eros.
Aphrodite sighed dramatically. "Oh to be young and in love!" Twirled around in her dress and reminded me of a princess after she had just met her true love.
"Thank you for —" I gestured to my new outfit. "But we should get going."
Aphrodite nodded enthusiastically and opened the door stepping back out to where we had been having tea before. Arabelle was sitting there snacking on some fancy croissants.
In the time it took for Arabelle to stand up, the chariot pulled by swans appeared.
"As a thank you for cleaning the shield." She gestured toward her chariot. "A ride to New Orleans." Her chariot was a jewel-encrusted, golden chariot. It had a soft blush pink velvet seat and smelled like roses. I took a seat in the chariot and grabbed the reins.
"Thank you." Arabelle bowed her head sincerely.
Aphrodite waved goodbye and blew us a kiss as we took off.
We flew through the sky. We were going fast, almost as fast as we had been going when I piloted the golden chariot to the grand canyon. The sun had started setting by now, so I assumed it was around seven.
"We should get there in about an hour." I said.
Arabelle leaned over and sniffed me. "You smell like lavender."
"Uh...thanks?"
"I prefer honey."
My eye twitched. Sometimes this girl really just got on my nerves.
We rode in silence for a while. I recounted what the prophecy had said.
Two half-bloods will journey west
Together foes will put love to rest
The Day will rise from the depths
Only with child of Rome will she take her final breaths
I understood the first two lines but I was confused about the last two. What did it mean by day? And what depths was she rising from? It seemed Arabelle was having her own thoughts because she spoke another question that I'd thought about.
"Why did Echidna stop chasing us?"
I was going to say she probably jinxed us but I was honestly curious myself. "Maybe she sensed Aphrodite nearby and didn't want to get involved."
"She had plenty of chances to get us before Aphrodite." Arabelle pointed out. "Or even now."
"She said a god had let her come after us. Maybe they changed their mind." I said. Arabelle nodded, but didn't look convinced.
"You're supposed to be good with prophecies." She said. "Any ideas what the last two lines mean?"
I shook my head. "I was just thinking the same thing. But prophecies can mean a lot of things and are hard to interrupt. I find it best to try not to think too hard about them."
The last part I was trying to convince myself to do.
When we arrived in New Orleans the sun had finished setting and the city glowed. I landed the chariot right outside the city and Arabelle headed into the hustle of the crowds.
As we stepped into the vibrant city of New Orleans, a sensory symphony unfolded before my eyes. The air is thick with a blend of jazz melodies, the tantalizing aroma of Cajun spices, and the ever-present undertone of history that seems to seep through the cobblestone streets. The atmosphere was electric, pulsating with the heartbeat of a city that thrives on its unique cultural tapestry.
As we strolled down the lively streets, the architecture stood as a testament to the city's rich history. Elegant Creole townhouses adorned with intricate ironwork share space with the boisterous energy of colorful shotgun houses. Venerable oak trees draped with Spanish moss line the avenues, casting dappled shadows on the sidewalks and providing a natural respite from the Louisiana sun.
The sounds of street performers echo through the air, from the soulful wails of a saxophone to the rhythmic beats of a lively street band. The music seems to beckon me forward, inviting me to join the dance of life that permeates every corner of the city.
The French Quarter, a quintessential New Orleans experience, unfolded with a riot of colors, from the vibrant hues of street art to the festive costumes of revelers celebrating life in true Big Easy fashion. The lively hustle and bustle of Jackson Square showcase a kaleidoscope of artists, tarot card readers, and street vendors, each contributing to the eclectic mosaic of the city.
The intoxicating scent of Creole and Cajun cuisine wafts through the air, drawing me towards quaint cafes and bustling eateries. The tantalizing aroma of gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets promises a culinary adventure that mirrors the city's diverse and flavorful heritage.
"You're telling me someone where in all this, Cupid has Jasper chained up?" Arabelle said.
I nodded. "Maybe Eros will be somewhere in the crowd?"
"Worth a shot, I guess."
We ventured into the heart of New Orleans. The air carried a sultry warmth, and the flickering gas lamps cast a golden glow on the cobbled streets. The rhythmic sounds of distant jazz music permeate the atmosphere, setting the stage for a nocturnal symphony. I would have to bring Austin here one day. He would love the music.
As we navigated the narrow, dimly lit alleyways of the French Quarter, the buildings exude a mysterious charm. The historic architecture, adorned with intricate ironwork balconies, casts captivating shadows on the pavement below. The city's eclectic blend of Creole and colonial influences comes alive in the soft glow of lamplight, creating a visual feast for my senses.
The nightlife pulsed with energy, and neon signs illuminate the facades of lively jazz clubs, bars, and voodoo shops. The tantalizing aroma of Cajun and Creole cuisine mingles with the subtle hint of dampness from the nearby Mississippi River, creating an intoxicating olfactory experience. Street performers emerge in the shadows, their music and performances contributing to the nocturnal ambiance.
The sounds of laughter and conversation spill out from the open doors of music venues, drawing your character toward the heart of the city's vibrant nightlife. Each step reveals a new layer of the nocturnal tapestry — from the distant wail of a saxophone to the laughter of patrons enjoying the lively ambiance of a jazz joint.
In Jackson Square, the historic heart of the French Quarter, the silhouette of St. Louis Cathedral stands against the night sky, its spires reaching toward the heavens. The square itself takes on an ethereal quality as the moonlight filters through the foliage of ancient oak trees, creating dappled patterns on the worn pathways.
Arabelle pointed to the Cathedral. "What are the odds he's hiding in there."
I groaned.
As we stepped through the grand entrance of the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, a profound sense of awe enveloed me. The heavy wooden doors creak softly behindus , shutting out the lively sounds of the French Quarter, creating a sanctuary of tranquility and spirituality within.
The air inside the cathedral carries the scent of ancient stone, polished wood, and the subtle hint of burning candles. The dim lighting casts a warm and serene ambiance, accentuating the architectural magnificence of the sacred space. Stained glass windows, adorned with vibrant hues, filter sunlight into a mesmerizing mosaic of colors that dance upon the smooth, worn floor.
The vast, cavernous interior of the cathedral unveils itself in silent grandeur. High, vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate patterns draw the eye upward, creating a sense of reverence and humility. The flickering flames of votive candles illuminate alcoves, casting gentle shadows on statues and religious artifacts that line the walls.
A hushed reverence settles upon us as we walked along the cool, stone aisles, our footsteps echoed softly in the sacred space. Wooden pews, weathered by the passage of time, invite contemplation and reflection. The air is filled with the hallowed whispers of prayers and the distant echoes of the organ, adding a musical undercurrent to the atmosphere.
Approaching the altar, I found myself captivated by the ethereal beauty of religious iconography.
The ornate altar, adorned with golden accents and flickering candles, stands as the focal point of the cathedral, radiating a sense of divine presence. The air is charged with a sacred energy that transcends the physical space, inviting a moment of introspection and connection with the divine.
Just when I was about to say: I don't think he's here. I heard a sound.
"Pssst." The voice said.
Arabelle drew her sword.
"Pssstt." The voice said again. "It's me."
Suddenly a guy with wings appeared in front of Arabelle. The daughter of Victoria yelped and nearly sliced his head off.
"Hey!" He shouted. "That's not very nice!"
I recognized him. "Zephyros." He had curly black hair and wore a Greek chiton with air churning at his feet and wings sprouting from his back.
"Eliana!" He said. "So glad you remember me!"
"Should I know who this is?" Arabelle asked glancing at me unsure what to make of the guy.
"This is Zephyros. He's the personification of the gentle west wind and spring. He mainly serves Eros. His counterpart is Favonius, if you know who that is." I explained. "I met him in Croatia when I first faced Eros."
"So I'm guessing since you're here. He is also here." Arabelle said.
"That would be a correct assumption." Zephyros agreed. "Would you like a pear?"
"I'm good. Thanks."
"Zephyros, can you please take us to your master. We believe he's taken something very important from us." I said.
Zephyros frowned. "Are you sure you don't want to stay and have some fruit with me?" He held up his basket of fruit. He plucked a green apple from his basket and frowned at it. "Oh, bluster. I keep forgetting my symbol is a basket of unripe fruit."
"Please take us to Cupid now." Arabelle said.
The god heaved a sigh. "Oh, alright." He pointed to a creepy looking arch at the back of the building. "He's down there."
"Wonderful." I clenched my fist. As much as I hated the dark, especially creepy underground tunnels beneath a Cathedral dark. I was willing to do it if it meant I got to see Jasper again.
Arabelle glanced at me and then marched forward.
The air changed I descended, it became cooler and carried a faint scent of dampness. The ambient sounds of the cathedral above gradually faded, replaced by an otherworldly quiet interrupted only by the distant echoes of footsteps against the stone walls.
The tunnel, illuminated sparingly by dim, flickering lights, weaves its way through the substructure of the cathedral. The walls are rough-hewn, and moisture beads along the edges, creating a sense of age and history. Shadows play tricks in the low light, casting irregular shapes that seem to dance with each step, creating an unsettling vibe.
The only sounds were the muted echoes of our footsteps and the occasional drip of water.
The darkness seemed to swallow the edges of the tunnel, creating a visual abyss that somehow freaked me out but also encouraged me to continue to move forward with curiosity. The air became heavier, and I followed Arabelle as she wandered through the tunnel. She stopped as we came to a fork.
"Any ideas of where Jasper was?" She asked.
"I don't know." I said. "It was dark and there were skulls around the walls with bodies..."
"Like those?" I looked over her shoulder, and swallowed the lump in my throat.
"Yeah." I croaked.
Arabelle plunged forward into the new creepy tunnel. I followed her.