Inspired by the Fox “C” the Fox, the Snow, and the Forgotten Prologue
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Inspired by the Fox “C” The Fox, the Snow, and the Forgotten Prologue Long ago, when the world was new, The mother goddess, Gaia, was born from need. Gaia created rivers from her blood, and bundled heat to make the sun. All was peaceful. Soon, Gaia fell in love with the god of the sky and together, they had many children. One of these children was the god of mischief and trickery. This is where our story begins. Chapter 1 (The fox and the Snow) Prometheus looked over the shivering bundle of flesh, all newness and tears. He went over to the new god and decided that he would care for the child. Scooping the baby into his arms he walked away into the night and never looked back. “I will call you Dolos,” he mused and set the baby on his workbench. Dolos giggled and squirmed on the table. Prometheus went out and brought a blanket back for the baby, along with some milk. He fed the baby, and over time, he watched Dolos grow. Gods don't age the same as mortals, so by the next month, Dolos looked the same as a six year old. Dolos grew clever and cunning under Prometheus’ watch. He stole from the market on swift feet, and easily snuck out when he pleased. By the time he looked fifteen, Dolos was chosen as Prometheus’ apprentice. The seasons went on and cloudy fall turned to soft winter. Dolos marveled at the powdery white that fell from the sky, and grew to love the season. Since Prometheus was a sculptor, and a trickster, so his workshop was always warm from the heat of the kiln. Plus, gods cannot die from things like cold and illness. Dolos marveled at all the amazing things that Prometheus would create, and wished that one day he could make something as stunning. Dolos especially adored the sculptures of foxes. He loved to run in the forest and search for the clever little creatures, for they were like minded, as they were both clever tricksters and such. One morning, Dolos asked Prometheus why he had decided to care for him. “I'm not quite sure,” Prometheus said “you seemed like you needed someone to help you,” he smiled. “Also, I needed an apprentice.” He turned back to his workbench and continued to sculpt. “Prometheus, I think I would like to catch a fox,” Dolos said decidedly. “I would like one as a companion.” He nodded at the idea. “Perhaps, before you catch a fox, you could try a mortal. They can be quite fun from time to time,” Prometheus spoke with mischief in his voice and winked a Dolos. Dolos considered this for some time, then decided to head into the nearby village on the full moon. I suppose I could meet a human here, he thought. His feet tapped against the cobblestone while he walked into town. Dolos saw mortals in the middle of the town. They were spinning and dancing around a bonfire. The smell of roasting meat wafted through the air and joyous melodies tickled his senses. Flames lept and fell, almost in tune with the music. Tall shadows appeared behind the people around the fire, making the night feel eerie. As he walked closer, he snatched a piece of bread from a stray basket and chewed as he watched them dance. He sat away from the fire for some time, before a human came up to him. “Why aren't you dancing, stranger? It's the full moon,” Her tone was inquisitive. “Just waiting for the right partner,” Dolos replied. He examined the woman more closely, taking note of her wide hips and soft features. “Would you like to dance with me?” she smiled at him and he nodded. “My name is Snow,” she added. Dolos thought of the snow he loved in winter. It was a strange name for a mortal, but he liked it nonetheless. Snow led him to the bonfire, and together they twirled around and around. Happiness spread through Dolos slowly, like a trickling river as he danced with Snow. The music sped up and he found himself dancing faster and faster until he was laughing with glee. His feet pounded on the ground and sweat dripped from his brow. Dolos was stunning in the firelight, and Snow became infatuated with him. Just as the song slowed to an end, she kissed him fiercely in the glow of the fire, and he kissed her too. Dolos smiled into her lips and let the moment carry him away. The god of deception was just getting started. Chapter 2 (The first mistake) Snow came to visit Dolos the next day. Perhaps he would like some of the bread I made. Snow walked down the path as excitedly as one can without skipping. She rapped her knuckles on the wooden door of the cottage Dolos had told her to come visit. She practically hummed with excitement to see her mystery boy, but couldn't quite work out why. Dolos’ head popped out of the door and a wide smile spread over his face when he saw her. “Snow! I'm glad you decided to come, come on inside!” he motioned for her to come into the room. As soon as she walked in she noticed the stunning sculptures that covered every surface, Taking the forms of foxes and moons and even women and men. “I brought you some bread,” she murmured, suddenly shy. It was not surprising really, Dolos was a truly stunning specimen. He was tall and lean, exactly like she would picture a god, and his hair was a soft chestnut brown. Snow blushed as he caught her staring. “You are quite divine as well. It is a wonder you aren't married.” Dolos smirked at her shocked expression. It was almost like he read her mind. “Lets walk, darling. Tell me about yourself” “Okay,” Snow agreed happily. This would have been her first mistake. … Time passed and Dolos and Snow grew closer. They talked of stars, gods, mortals, and everything in between. They shared lazy kisses as the leaves fell and time seemed to slip away. Snow loved spending time with Dolos, and he came to love her as well. She baked him bread and he told stories of the foxes he loved so. Prometheus smiled at them while they walked in the garden, picking vegetables. They seemed to glow with joy. When Snow went home that day, Dolos went to talk to Prometheus. “You were right, Prometheus, Snow is wonderful, I love her so. I still want to catch a fox. Perhaps this time I will get one.” Dolos’ fascination with foxes was growing into an obsession. It was as if he wanted to become one of the quick little creatures. A seemingly innocent idea formed in Prometheus’ mind. “Perhaps you should take your mortal girl on a hunt with you. She could watch the horses and perhaps pick some berries while you look,” Prometheus suggested. “That sounds wonderful. Your advice is always splendid.” Dolos smiled and shrugged on a warmer layer. “I'll go tell Snow later today!” He ran off into town and bought some flowers. Of course Snow loved the idea. Any excuse to spend time with Dolos was good enough for her. She went to fetch the horses and they set out to hunt a fox. Chapter 3 (The forest and the forgotten) Snow brushed her fingers across the back of her horse, enjoying the soft, scratchy sensation. The horse snorted and puffed out a breath. Autumn was approaching and it got colder every day. Dolos’ horse trotted towards her, with him atop it. “Shall we go, my darling Snow?” Dolos grinned. His riding gear was made of leather, possibly the product of an earlier hunt. There was something different about him today, and Snow found it all the more alluring. She smiled at him and warmth filled Dolos as he watched her eyes light up like stars. Together they rode fast, to the edge of the forest. Wind whipped across their faces as the chill set in. There is something almost magical about riding like there's no tomorrow. The forest was enchanting in the evening light. Golden leaves and tall, old oak trees touched the tips of the skies. Sunlight dappled across their faces and as they rode closer the shadows hit them. Dead leaves crunched under Dolos’ feet as he dismounted his tall black mare. “I'm going to go look for a fox, perhaps you could pick some berries for dessert.” Dolos suggested. “Best of luck!” Snow exclaimed as she waved goodbye. She hadn't the slightest idea where to look for berries, but the river seemed like a good place to start. Snow went to look near the river, tripping over uneven ground every couple steps. Deeper in the forest, Dolos prowled, looking for the fox. He had seen one around that area the other day, and hoped to catch it this time. His godly senses were helpful in situations like this. He could see every detail in a tree trunk, hear every indistinct snap of a twig. Since there was not a fox nearby at the moment, Dolos got to wondering about the other gods. Prometheus had never bothered to hide the truth from him and he was fully aware of his godly abilities. What were the other gods capable of? He could only enhance his senses and persuade the weaker mortals to do as he wished. He thought of all the stories about Zeus and Hades and such.