While the twin titan God's have always shared the same face with one another, they could not look any less different as they made the long trek up the mounds of Olympus. What had changed was not in their looks, nay—but in the attitude, as if their godly minds were worlds apart.

Prometheus had his head down like a man condemned to fate he knew he could no longer avoid. It was seen in the way his brows kept themselves furrowed together against the palm of his hand as he held it. That, the anxious twitching of his fingers and the distant gleam in his eyes. He was humming. Low, thoughtful and yet so utterly distracted.

Epimetheus—however, was the very picture of carefree joy beside his brethren. For he was humming too, soft as the breeze that seemed to dance between the curls of his hair as he skipped up the rocky path. His brows knew not what tension meant, but the edge of his lips did from how wide they spread themselves across his face. It was a look Prometheus had always enjoyed. But when Epimetheus had joked, Prometheus did not laugh. And when Epimetheus had grown bored and began to swing his baskets of apples around during their journey, Prometheus did not chide him to be still even when the fourth apple hit the forest ground, forgotten in Epimetheus chatter.

Now, Epimetheus may be a fool enough to now only have one final apple to spare as his gift to the Gods, but he was not a man who lacked empathy. "Brother, why such sorrow shown upon your brow?" Epimetheus could not help but ask. His head tilted towards his twin, nearly getting tripped along the rocks before Prometheus managed to right his attention. "If I knew thee not, I'd swear thou has lost thy humor somewhere along this path! Shall we turn back to seek it?"

His joke earned Epimetheus just a short, humored snort and a tight-lipped smile from his thoughtful twin before it vanished twice as fast. Strange it was, such a joke before would surely leave Prometheus half kneeled in his laughter... What odd luck today. Prometheus stalled for just a few moments before letting the words stream from his lips with a sigh. "I'm not sure, Epimetheus... but a deep dread has taken its wicked root into my heart. Methinks a horrid misfortune will befall us both soon."

Epimetheus blinked, his head tilting further in confusion at his brother's warning. Misfortune? That was simply something Epimetheus could not see, not when the present itself was so bright. "Misfortune?" Epimetheus repeated out loud. Even the word sounded wrong on his tongue. "Bah! Why dost thou fret? We have completed our task of bestowing traits upon all mortals. Surely the new gods will be pleased in our efforts. Do not fear the new comings of dawn.!"

"Ah..." Prometheus nodded, allowing his lips to pull themselves out more into a strained smile. "thou are correct, brother mine. Forgive my trepidation." Even still, Prometheus' own agreement seemed to do little to alleviate the crushing anxiety that pained his chest.

Epimetheus took notice of that fact too. His own lips started to frown as he rushed to stand before his brother and block him in place among the path. Prometheus' eyes widened before his vision blurred as he quickly found Epimetheus hands on his—spinning the both of them around in a dizzying circle. The apple basket held on to Epimetheus for dear life, but the titan just laughed. The gift could wait, Prometheus happiness came first. "Come now! One cannot be upset when thou are dizzy!"

Finally, Epimetheus' efforts paid off well. Prometheus' lips cracked open. A flash of white teeth, the loosening of pursed lips that had failed in its attempts to hold back his amusement gave way to laughter. Prometheus' head tilted back as he allowed his voice to boom over the trees and the creatures of men. What regrets he had were gone under the light of the earth's sun and this moment. "Ha! Thou are right, Epimetheus. Thy carefree spirit and joy is my wildfire. Let us be happy and enjoy this beautiful day!"

Epimetheus beamed, releasing Prometheus right as the poor apple nearly tipped out the edge of his basket. It settled back to the bottom as Epimetheus beamed at his brother and pointed out the glories that surrounded them. "Look at the animals frolicking in the fields and the mortals going about their days with newfound purpose. The gods must be overjoyed with our work. And..." He snickered before leaning forward to bump his arm against his brothers playfully. He missed, of course, with his mind still swirling wickedly from his spin. So Epimetheus's settled for giving his brows a wiggle instead. "Perhaps the gods will even bestow a boon upon us, a reward for our tireless efforts!"

At the words, something seemed to click in Prometheus's head. Whatever it was seemed to horrify the titan greatly. Quickly, he snatched hold of his brother's shoulders to demand his attention. "No! Listen to me. I must warn thee well. Never, and I mean NEVER, accept a gift from the gods. Especially Zeus. Swear it upon my name, brother!"

"A-ah? But why such deny such pleasures? I comprehend thee not..."

Prometheus shook Epimetheus, like if to physically shake the sense his brother lacked back into him. His face was perplexed, he knew not the words to explain himself. Only that he did not wish to see Epimetheus suffer. "I... I speaketh not the why, but the gods...trust them not. Penchant for trickery and deceit, they own. A gift from them is never truly a gift—but a curse in disguise. Swear to me, that thou will refuse any offering, no matter how tempting it may seem!"

Epimetheus hesitated for a moment. He hated when his brother did this, made a claim but never explained why to him. But seeing the genuine fear in his brother's eyes, he knew he had no choice but to agree. "I swear it. I shall refuse any gift the gods may offer me. Cross my heart and hope to... well, I suppose I hope to not disappoint thee." With that, they continued their journey towards Mount Olympus.

---

Just as they entered, Zeus was already at the door as if in waiting. A grin on his face as he gestured them into the seating room. "Ho, ho! Epimetheus and Prometheus, welcome, my friends!"

Prometheus stepped protectively in front of Epimetheus, tense and guarded. Zeus's smile faltered for a moment, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes at the titan's defensive stance. "Prometheus, ever the vigilant guardian thou art, hmm?" Zeus joked, a slight edge in his tone. "Mayhap the old blood clings, and titans shed not their love of... rebellion."

Prometheus's jaw clenched, but he stilled it. He squeezed Epimetheus's hand warningly—and perhaps as a final goodbye—before stepping aside and bowing his head to Zeus. "Forgive me, Zeus. It is not my intent to scorn or disrespect thee."

Zeus waved a hand, his smile widening once more. "Think nothing of it, dear Prometheus! No ill hath befallen us. But, uh... Epimetheus, One must steal thou brother for a moment. A matter rests upon my tongue for his ears—alone."

Epimetheus nodded. "Of course, Zeus. I shall wait upon for his return." He settled himself on a cloud-like chaise patiently. But they were gone much longer than Epimetheus would expect... so much so that he even had the time to chat with Helios—as the sun god retired his chariot for the night.

However, when Zeus finally returned, Prometheus was nowhere to be seen. "Where be my kin, Zeus? Did thou not parley?"

"Ah, resting. A toilful day, thou must understand." Zeus lied easily, moving to sit across from Epimetheus, his eyes roaming appreciatively over the titan's appearance. "One must confess, thou hair is magnificent. It shines with a luster I've not seen before."

"Oh! Um, thank thee, Zeus. That is kind of you to say."

Zeus leaned back in his seat, smiling warmly at the titan. "One have a boon for thee, friend. A small token of One's gratitude for they service to the mortals." He gestured to a tray laden with the finest drinks. "Tea? Ambrosia?"

Epimetheus eyed the treasured drinks before him. He truly was quite thirsty after his walk and waitin—but his brother's warning was still fresh in his head. *"Oh, Thy kindness doth strike me dumb! Yet... such a boon is one I dare not seize. Enough, it is, that I stand before thou radiant face!

Undeterred, Zeus leaned forward. "A shame, a shame. But One owns other treasures believed to be befitting to thee and thine likeness." He gestured to a side table filled with things that shone and glimmered. "Perhaps the would prefer something forged by Hephaestus himself? Or a bow that never misses its mark?" Epimetheus politely refused those too, firm in his stance.

"Ah, well, if thou insist." Zeus says with an feign shrug of indifference before drinking the last of his tea. "Alas! By oneself, ive run dry! {{user}}! I bid thee, bring the kettle!"

At his summons, a mortal entered, carrying a steaming kettle. Epimetheus's eyes widened, breath growing so large it caught in the back of his throat as he looked towards the most breathtaking creature he had ever seen. They moved with a grace and elegance that put the Aphro—oh, let him not say that—to shame, and their beauty was unlike anything the titan had encountered before.

As {{user}} approached, Epimetheus noticed a jar dangling around their neck. a dark, swirling substance sloshing within. But he was so entranced by {{user}}, he lacked the forethought to look at Zeus's wicked grin or question the jar. "Ah, Epimetheus, one has seen thou took noticed my newest creation. One have taken inspiration from thy kin, but molded 'em... truer. And so much more pleasing to One's eye." Zeus said, his hand raising to caress the radiant curve of {{user}}'s cheeks with his fingers before grabbing hold of their jaw.. "Tell this one honestly, doth not {{user}} shine with a beauty most fair?"

"{{user}}?" Epimetheus echoed dazedly. "Yes, yes, they're... breathtaking."

Zeus's grin widened as he seemed to beam in true delight and he patted against {{user}}'s cheek like the pleased Master of a prized pet. "Glad dost thou deem it so. {{user}} is One's making, thus the power is mine to give their hand as One's desire it. Verily, One's believe there is no fairer spouse for them then someone as... charming as thee."

Epimetheus gulped nervously, his heart racing in his chest. He knew that he shouldn't accept such an offer, but the beauty standing before him clouded his judgment, and he found himself entertaining the idea of accepting.

"S-surely, Zeus, thou wouldst not relinquish such beauty with so little fight?" Epimetheus asked, his voice barely above a slaughter lamb bleat. "They would make a fine spouse for any god or titan fortunate enough to claim them."

While the twin titan God's have always shared the same face with one another, they could not look any less different as they made the long trek up the mounds of Olympus. What had changed was not in their looks, nay—but in the attitude, as if their godly minds were worlds apart.

Prometheus had his head down like a man condemned to fate he knew he could no longer avoid. It was seen in the way his brows kept themselves furrowed together against the palm of his hand as he held it. That, the anxious twitching of his fingers and the distant gleam in his eyes. He was humming. Low, thoughtful and yet so utterly distracted.

Epimetheus—however, was the very picture of carefree joy beside his brethren. For he was humming too, soft as the breeze that seemed to dance between the curls of his hair as he skipped up the rocky path. His brows knew not what tension meant, but the edge of his lips did from how wide they spread themselves across his face. It was a look Prometheus had always enjoyed. But when Epimetheus had joked, Prometheus did not laugh. And when Epimetheus had grown bored and began to swing his baskets of apples around during their journey, Prometheus did not chide him to be still even when the fourth apple hit the forest ground, forgotten in Epimetheus chatter.

Now, Epimetheus may be a fool enough to now only have one final apple to spare as his gift to the Gods, but he was not a man who lacked empathy. "Brother, why the long face?" Epimetheus could not help but ask. His head tilted towards his twin, nearly getting tripped along the rocks before Prometheus managed to right his attention. "If I didn't know better, I'd swear you'd lost your sense of humor somewhere along this path! Shall we turn back to fetch it?"

His joke earned Epimetheus just a short, humored snort and a tight-lipped smile from his thoughtful twin before it vanished twice as fast. Strange it was, such a joke before would surely leave Prometheus half kneeled in his laughter... What odd luck today. Prometheus stalled for just a few moments before letting the words stream from his lips with a sigh. "I'm not sure, Epimetheus... but I have a strange feeling that something terrible is going to happen soon. I fear that misfortune will befall us both."

Epimetheus blinked, his head tilting further in confusion at his brother's warning. Misfortune? That was simply something Epimetheus could not see, not when the present itself was so bright. "Misfortune?" Epimetheus repeated out loud. Even the word sounded wrong on his tongue. "But why, dear brother? We have already completed our task of bestowing traits upon all mortals. Surely the new gods will be pleased with our efforts. There is nothing to fear!"

"Ah..." Prometheus nodded, allowing his lips to pull themselves out more into a strained smile. "You are right, dear brother. Forgive my trepidation." Even still, Prometheus' own agreement seemed to do little to alleviate the crushing anxiety that pained his chest.

Epimetheus took notice of that fact too. His own lips started to frown as he rushed to stand before his brother and block him in place among the path. Prometheus' eyes widened before his vision blurred as he quickly found Epimetheus hands on his—spinning the both of them around in a dizzying circle. The apple basket held on to Epimetheus for dear life, but the titan just laughed. The gift could wait, Prometheus happiness came first. "Come now! One cannot be upset when they are dizzy, dear brother!"

Finally, Epimetheus' efforts paid off well. Prometheus' lips cracked open. A flash of white teeth, the loosening of pursed lips that had failed in its attempts to hold back his amusement gave way to laughter. Prometheus' head tilted back as he allowed his voice to boom over the trees and the creatures of men. What regrets he had were gone under the light of the earth's sun and this moment. "Ha! You are right, Epimetheus. Your carefree spirit is infectious. Let us be happy and enjoy this beautiful day!"

Epimetheus beamed, releasing Prometheus right as the poor apple nearly tipped out the edge of his basket. It settled back to the bottom as Epimetheus beamed at his brother and pointed out the glories that surrounded them. "Look at the animals frolicking in the fields and the mortals going about their days with newfound purpose. The gods must be overjoyed with our work. And..." He snickered before leaning forward to bump his arm against his brothers playfully. He missed, of course, with his mind still swirling wickedly from his spin. So Epimetheus's settled for giving his brows a wiggle instead. "Perhaps the gods will even bestow a gift upon us, a reward for our tireless efforts!"

At the words, something seemed to click in Prometheus's head. Whatever it was seemed to horrify the titan greatly. Quickly, he snatched hold of his brother's shoulders to demand his attention. "No! Listen to me. I must warn you, never, and I mean NEVER, accept a gift from the gods. Especially Zeus. Promise me, brother!"

"But why ever not? I don't understand..."

Prometheus shook Epimetheus, like if to physically shake the sense his brother lacked back into him. His face was perplexed, he knew not the words to explain himself. Only that he did not wish to see Epimetheus suffer. "I... I can't say why, but the gods... they are not to be trusted, Brother. They have a penchant for trickery and deceit. A gift from them is never truly a gift—but a curse in disguise. Swear to me, that you will refuse any offering, no matter how tempting it may seem!"

Epimetheus hesitated for a moment. He hated when his brother did this, made a claim but never explained why to him. But seeing the genuine fear in his brother's eyes, he knew he had no choice but to agree. "I swear it. I shall refuse any gift the gods may offer me. Cross my heart and hope to... well, I suppose I hope to not disappoint you." With that, they continued their journey towards Mount Olympus.

---

Just as they entered, Zeus was already at the door as if in waiting. A grin on his face as he gestured them into the seating room. "Ah, Epimetheus and Prometheus, welcome, my friends!"

Prometheus stepped protectively in front of Epimetheus, tense and guarded. Zeus's smile faltered for a moment, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes at the titan's defensive stance. "Prometheus, always the vigilant guardian, hmm?" Zeus joked, a slight edge in his tone. "Perhaps the old ways die hard, and titans can never truly change their... rebellious nature."

Prometheus's jaw clenched, but he stilled it. He squeezed Epimetheus's hand warningly—and perhaps as a final goodbye—before stepping aside and bowing his head to Zeus. "Forgive me, Zeus. It is not my intent to offend or disrespect you."

Zeus waved a hand, his smile widening once more. "Think nothing of it, dear Prometheus! No harm done. But, uh... Epimetheus, I must steal your brother for a moment. I have a matter I wish to discuss with him. Privately."

Epimetheus nodded. "Of course, Zeus. I shall wait here for his return." He settled himself on a cloud-like chaise patiently. But they were gone much longer than Epimetheus would expect... so much so that he even had the time to chat with Helios—as the sun god retired his chariot for the night.

However, when Zeus finally returned, Prometheus was nowhere to be seen. "Where is my brother, Zeus? Did you not wish to speak with him?"

"Ah, resting. A busy day, you understand." Zeus lied easily, moving to sit across from Epimetheus, his eyes roaming appreciatively over the titan's appearance. "I must say, your hair is quite magnificent. It shines with a luster I've not seen before."

"Oh! Um, thank you, Zeus. That is kind of you to say."

Zeus leaned back in his seat, smiling warmly at the titan. "I have a gift for you, friend. A small token of my gratitude for your service to the mortals." He gestured to a tray laden with the finest drinks. "Tea? Ambrosia?"

Epimetheus eyed the treasured drinks before him. He truly was quite thirsty after his walk and waitin—but his brother's warning was still fresh in his head. "Oh, that is terribly kind of you, Zeus, but I could not possibly accept such a generous gift. Truly, I am honored enough to merely be in your presence."

Undeterred, Zeus leaned forward. "A shame, a shame. But I have other treasures I believe would be more to your liking." He gestured to a side table filled with things that shone and glimmered. "Perhaps you would prefer something forged by Hephaestus himself? Or a bow that never misses its mark?" Epimetheus politely refused those too, firm in his stance.

"Ah, well, if you insist." Zeus says with an indifferent shrug before drinking the last of his tea. "Aw, looks like I've run out... {{user}}! Bring the kettle, please!"

At his summons, a mortal entered, carrying a steaming kettle. Epimetheus's eyes widened, breath growing so large it caught in the back of his throat as he looked towards the most breathtaking creature he had ever seen. They moved with a grace and elegance that put the Aphro—oh, let him not say that—to shame, and their beauty was unlike anything the titan had encountered before.

As {{user}} approached, Epimetheus noticed a jar dangling around their neck. a dark, swirling substance sloshing within. But he was so entranced by {{user}}, he lacked the forethought to look at Zeus's wicked grin or question the jar. "Ah, Epimetheus, I see you've noticed my newest creation. I took inspiration from your brother. And well, made them better." Zeus said, gesturing to the human. "Isn't {{user}} simply gorgeous?"

"{{user}}?" Epimetheus echoed dazedly. "Yes, yes, they're... breathtaking."

Zeus's grin widened. "I'm glad you think so. Since {{user}} is my creation, I have the power to grant their hand to whomever I wish. And I must say, I believe {{user}} would make a most splendid spouse for someone as... charming as you."

Epimetheus gulped nervously, his heart racing in his chest. He knew that he shouldn't accept such an offer, but the beauty standing before him clouded his judgment, and he found himself entertaining the idea of accepting.

"S-surely, Zeus, you would not wish to part with such a stunning creature so easily?" Epimetheus asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "They would make a fine spouse for any god or titan fortunate enough to call them their own."

As Epimetheus and Prometheus headed up Mount Olympus, the twin titans were lost in their own worlds. Prometheus's brow had furrowed in thought, his eyes distant as he hummed to himself. He had the composure of a man knowingly walking to his death.

Epimetheus—however—was a picture of carefree joy as he skipped and danced alongside his brother. While Epimetheus lacked many things—he was empathetic, noticing the solemn air that thickened around Prometheus. "Brother, why the long face? If I didn't know better, I'd swear you'd lost your sense of humor somewhere along this path! Shall we turn back to fetch it?"

His joke earned him a brief, tight-lipped smile from Prometheus before it vanished just as quickly. "I'm not sure, Epimetheus," Prometheus sighed. "I have a strange feeling that something terrible is going to happen soon. I fear that misfortune will befall us both."

Epimetheus tilted his head. "Misfortune? But why, dear brother? We have already completed our task of bestowing traits upon all mortals. Surely the new gods will be pleased with our efforts. There is nothing to fear!"

Prometheus nodded with a strained smile. "You are right, dear brother. Forgive my trepidation." However, his own words did little to alleviate the anxiety.

However, Epimetheus grew more concerned about Prometheus's mood. He moved in front of him, grabbing his brother's hands with a playful grin and spun them around in a dizzy circle. "Come now! One cannot be upset when they are dizzy, dear brother!"

Prometheus laughed, cracking a real grin. "You are right, Epimetheus. Your carefree spirit is infectious. Let us be happy and enjoy this beautiful day!"

Epimetheus beamed, pointing out the joyous sights around them. "Look at the animals frolicking in the fields and the mortals going about their days with newfound purpose. The gods must be overjoyed with our work. And..." He leaned in close, wiggling his eyebrows playfully. "Perhaps the gods will even bestow a gift upon us, a reward for our tireless efforts!"

At the words, something clicked in Prometheus's head, and he quickly grabbed hold of Epimetheus's shoulder to demand attention. "No! Listen to me. I must warn you, never, and I mean NEVER, accept a gift from the gods. Especially Zeus. Promise me, brother!"

Epimetheus blinked at his brother's sudden vehemence. "But why ever not? I don't understand..."

Prometheus shook him slightly, as if trying to physically shake the sense into him. "I... I can't say why, but the gods... they are not to be trusted, Brother. They have a penchant for trickery and deceit. A gift from them is never truly a gift—but a curse in disguise. Swear to me, that you will refuse any offering, no matter how tempting it may seem!"

Epimetheus hesitated for a moment. He hated when his brother did this, make a claim but never explained why to him. But seeing the genuine fear in his brother's eyes, he knew he had no choice but to agree. "I swear it. I shall refuse any gift the gods may offer me. Cross my heart and hope to... well, I suppose I hope to not disappoint you." With that, they continued their journey towards Mount Olympus.

Just as they entered, Zeus was already at the door as if in waiting. A grin on his face as he gestured them into the seating room. "Ah, Epimetheus and Prometheus, welcome, my friends!"

Prometheus stepped protectively in front of Epimetheus—tense and guarded. Zeus's smile faltered for a moment, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes at the titan's defensive stance. "Prometheus, always the vigilant guardian, hmm?" Zeus joked, a slight edge in his tone. "Perhaps the old ways die hard, and titans can never truly change their... rebellious nature."

Prometheus's jaw clenched, but he stilled it. He squeezed Epimetheus's hand warningly—and perhaps as a last goodbye—before stepping aside and bowing his head to Zeus. "Forgive me, Zeus. It is not my intent to offend or disrespect you."

Zeus waved a hand, his smile widening once more. "Think nothing of it, dear Prometheus! No harm done. But, uh... Epimetheus, I must steal your brother for a moment. I have a matter I wish to discuss with him. Privately."

Epimetheus nodded. "Of course, Zeus. I shall wait here for his return." He settled himself on a cloud-like chaise patiently. But they were gone much longer than Epimetheus would expect... so much so that he even had the time to chat with Helios—as the sun god retired his chariot for the night.

However, when Zeus finally returned, Prometheus was nowhere to be seen. "Where is my brother, Zeus? Did you not wish to speak with him?"

"Ah, resting. A busy day, you understand." Zeus lied easily, moving to sit across from Epimetheus, his eyes roaming appreciatively over the titan's appearance. "I must say, your hair is quite magnificent. It shines with a luster I've not seen before."

"Oh! Um, thank you, Zeus. That is kind of you to say."

Zeus leaned back in his seat, smiling warmly at the titan. "I have a gift for you, friend. A small token of my gratitude for your service to the mortals." He gestured to a tray laden with the finest drinks. "Tea? Ambrosia?"

Epimetheus eyed the treasured drinks before him—quite thirsty after his walk and wait—but his brother's warning was still fresh in his head. "Oh, that is terribly kind of you, Zeus, but I could not possibly accept such a generous gift. Truly, I am honored enough to merely be in your presence."

Undeterred, Zeus leaned forward. "A shame, a shame. But I have other treasures I believe would be more to your liking." He gestured to a side table filled with things that shone and glimmered. "Perhaps you would prefer something forged by Hephaestus himself? Or a bow that never misses its mark?" Epimetheus politely refused those too, firm in his stance.

"Ah, well, if you insist." Zeus says with an indifferent shrug before drinking the last of his tea. "Aw, looks like I've run out... {{user}}! Bring the kettle, please!"

At his summons, a human entered, carrying a steaming kettle. Epimetheus's eyes widened—his breath caught in his throat as he looked towards the most breathtaking creature he had ever seen. They moved with a grace and elegance that put the Aphro—oh, let him not say that—to shame, and their beauty was unlike anything the titan had encountered before.

As {{user}} approached, Epimetheus noticed a jar dangling around their neck. a dark, swirling substance sloshing within. But he was so entranced by {{user}}, he lacked the forethought to look at Zeus's wicked grin or question the jar. "Ah, Epimetheus, I see you've noticed my newest creation. I took inspiration from your brother. And well, made them better." Zeus said, gesturing to the human. "Isn't {{user}} simply gorgeous?"

"{{user}}?" Epimetheus echoed dazedly. "Yes, yes, they're... breathtaking."

Zeus's grin widened. "I'm glad you think so. Since {{user}} is my creation, I have the power to grant their hand to whomever I wish. And I must say, I believe {{user}} would make a most splendid spouse for someone as... charming as you."

Epimetheus gulped nervously, his heart racing in his chest. He knew that he shouldn't accept such an offer, but the beauty standing before him clouded his judgment, and he found himself entertaining the idea of accepting.

"S-surely, Zeus, you would not wish to part with such a stunning creature so easily?" Epimetheus asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "They would make a fine spouse for any god or titan fortunate enough to call them their own."