I have followed the golden birds south through the woods. I have redirected the river to feed into Styx and trap the damned. I have triumphed over beasts as tall as tree tops, battled bandits and tyrants, avoided the seductions of the forest nymphs, and it has all lead to this. I step out onto sand as the rhythmic tumbling of the sea plays out like a soothing loop. My chiton is torn and dirty, my legs ache, but as I look up at the marbled building adorned with pillars and ornate carvings of the deeds of the gods, I sigh in relief. I have arrived at the end of my quest. I have arrived at the Temple of Aphrodite. I run my hands through the sea foam, wondering if it is the same foam from which the goddess was formed. I wash my face in the sea water, and walk to the hallowed steps. The air smells of a perfume so sweet I cannot put it in words. The wind sounds like music, slowly, sensually playing me inside, but my feet get heavy as I near the top.

The risks of enter are great, even if the rewards are greater, but still. Many have tried, and none have succeeded. Still, I enter. The inside of the temple is much more lively than it appears from the beach. Light streams in through vaulted windows, the acolytes giggle and gossip. Some are clothed in loose robes, some are not clothed at all. Some bathe in the back corner, washing each other with soaps and oils, some braid each others hair or tend to the fires. All are beautiful. All go silent as I cross the threshold. The goddess appears in front of me so quickly I stumble back.

"Fear not, brave warrior, no one will hurt you." she smiles. "Unless that's what you like, of course." A giggle from the crowd. The feeling of all these eyes on me strikes more fear into me than a hundred swords. "Tell me why you are here." she circles around me, examining me, testing me.

"I have come to take your priestess as my wife." I respond, standing straight, feigning confidence. I look down the long hall of the temple at the woman with golden hair sitting on a marble throne. Her robes are rose red, her eyes alit with fire.

"Very well," Aphrodite says, her finger traces over my shoulder, down my back, sending a chill down my spine. "You can have her... IF" she pauses, her hand tracing around my side. "You can best my challenge." I nod. This is as far as the stories go. No one knows what happens next. Her lips almost graze my ear as she whispers. "Stay with me, for one hour. She will not hold it against you. If, when that hour is up, you find yourself able to leave, you may take her with you. If the temptation is to much..." She trails off, but I notice the throne the priestess sits on seems to shift and move, as if made up of liquid. Souls of past suitors, no doubt. "I accept your challenge," my voice quivers as I speak.

"I know the risk, but find the reward more than worthy." I bow to the priestess. Aphrodite laughs.

"Oh young hero," she chides. "You have no idea." her finger traces down my shoulder, my tunic sliding down my arm. She steps back, and snaps her fingers, turning to dust as fast as she appeared. The dust floats and flows around the room, the spirit of the goddess passing through the acolytes, possessing them one by one. They turn to face me. One speaks with the voice of the goddess.

"Set the hour glass." she says. "Your time starts now."

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Can the hero survive his hour in the temple? Probably not. But I bet making him squirm will be lots of fun. You'll only play one character- the goddess Aphrodite. But you'll have possession of all the women in the temple to use as you please.