Aphneion
A palace sprawls on the shores of a lake hemmed by mountains in the Caucasus. The central node of the Chalceus Citadel, Aphneion is a love letter between divinities whose love shook and continues to shake the Realms.
The palatial home of Ares, Aphrodite, Leonidas and their Areosides.
Purpose / Function
When Ares fled Olympus with his lover Aphrodite Venus Ourania and their son Eros Areides-Ouranov in tow, he took them to the safest place he knew, a lake in Thrace. There, he promised to Aphrodite and her belly growing with their twins, he would build them a home.
Both palace and fortress, Aphneion started as little more than war tents and spartan furnishings. Built through offerings, Ares constructed the beginning palace as an inner sanctum for his lover and consort. A bastion for their growing family and a pledge for forgiveness.
It would outshine Olympus, or, it would feel less like they were cast out and missing the luxury of the gods.
With time, Ares succeeded. Aphrodite never doubted him, even when the storm clouds battered at the heavy linen of their tent and she prepared to give birth on straw. Even then, they were not alone. The most unlikely help came, when Artemis Diana Olympia swooped to her half-brother and his lover's rescue.
Alterations
Architecture
Wide columns, open spaces, views of the Lake and vineyards and olive groves, the Aphneion is a paragon of Hellene & Roman luxury. Modelled after Classical Hellene temples, and expanded through the architectural style of Roman villas, the Aphneion is a sprawling and pristine palace dedicated to the companionship between Love and War.
A place of true beauty, hard won.
Painted marble columns overlook the lakeside pools and pleasure gardens, surrounding the entirety of the palace. Nestled on the opposite view, expansive vineyards & olive groves provide wine and olive oil for the holy family.
Comments