Welcome to Gaia! ::

Apollo gasps, stumbling back and holding up his hands and forearms to protect himself slightly, but otherwise not attacking Endymion. He gives the young god his best 'give it to me' look.

The sizzling boiling arrows hit his skin hard, searing in about half an inch and letting the blood flow lazily from the wounds. But seeing Endymion like this... Apollo couldn't bear to break this spell by blocking the attacks. Instead, he lets the arrows his shoulder shoulders, upper arms and chest, where they wouldn't critically hurt him and cause him to retire from the battle.
"Gods above.... Endymion... You're..."
In awe, and knowing that he had lost, Apollo sinks to his knees, bowing his head in submission. Endymion was a full-fledged god and had gained his true form in a matter of days. Fate only knew how powerful Endymion would be with more training.

Apollo lifts his eyes up to gaze at the wonderful god before him and couldn't help but pray at the sight. Endymion looked so natural, so perfect, like a celestial being come to life before his eyes, almost too holy to look upon.
"God of hope, loved by nature, men, and gods alike... I would endure a thousand mortal wounds to see you like this, just to be in your presence. It seems like not long ago when I first saw you, there in a place where men could only enjoy you for your body... But my precious god, Endymion... I always felt there was so much more. Bless all in this world that has lost hope, help them to see the miracles of your presence in a land where winter has stretched for centuries... Gods, Endymion... I raise the sun, but... I wouldn't be able to be Truth without Hope."

Apollo catches Endymion in his arms, holding him in a tight embrace, gripping him firmly as if to assure himself that Endymion was really there. it was chaste with awe, but still tender, loving. Apollo could soon feel Endymion's power fadin gwith the prayers and support's Endymion's body. He lowers him to the ground gently, taking off his own shirt to cover Endymion's nudity and enfusing the body with warmth. He then heals all of Endymion's wounds and hoists him up in his arms, carrying him back to camp with his warmth protecting the young god from the bitter cold weather. He says softly, "Just relax. I'll get some clothes on you and tuck you in. You'll be able to sleep for a long time and I'll wake you with a few hours before noon..."
He reaches camp and quickly dresses Endymion in warm but comfortable clothes before sliding his body into the sleeping bag and zipping it up, "Sleep well, my god."

Apollo's heart leaps in his chest at this. Endymion wasn't pushing him away. His acceptance had nothing to do with sex like his rejection had, but Apollo probably savored it more this way. Endymion wanted him to stay beside him. He squeezes Endymion's hand lightly and kisses it and he slides into his own sleeping bag right beside Endymion, "I won't leave your side... Now rest, my wonderful god, the energy of the Sun will keep you warm all night..." He lays down, his body snuggled close to Endymion even though their sleeping bags separated them. True to his word, he pushes waves of heat through both of them before falling into a deep sleep.

It was only a few minutes later that Apollo came to consciousness, drawn by the Sun to wake. He groans softly, not wanting to get up. His soft violet eyes sweep open, bleary and wandering at first before locking on Endymion's. A small warm smile stretches its way over Apollo's defined lips, his smooth tan face seeming to light up at the sight of the beautiful young god beside him.
"Good morning... If you wish it, you can go back to sleep for a few more hours. We have over five hours before noon.... Mmmm.. I wish I didn't have to get up... I don't feel like moving..."
He snuggles close for a moment before the draw of the Sun at the horizon was too unbareable. He sits up, stretching, muscles taught and pullling beneath his thin, nearly translucent shirt. He yawns slightly as he relaxs again, one warm hand straying to stroke through Endymion's soft tresses.

Apollo smiles down at the god that he loved deeply, admiring every aspect. His face seemed so innocent and young, but he knew that Endymion's power was much greater. So feminine and yet masculine. He hadn't doubted that Endymion would be a good model; he was almost a picture of defined youth and beauty. He presses a kiss to Endymion's forehead, "Mmmm... good idea... I'll be right back."
He leaves the tent and makes his way to the horizon in complete awe of the god that was once his lover, his hope that Endymion would someday return to him soaring high and making his heart throb. The Sun, as if sensing this change, rose easily and spread unseasonable warmth, making the air simply chilly instead of the regular frigid temperatures. The snow melting around them, Apollo returns to the tent and crawls back to Endymion's side.

Apollo lays down, feeling the prayer tingling through him like waves of peace amid a stormy ocean. He practically purrs happily and strokes Endymion's hair again, fingers so gentle that one would wonder if they were imagining it. He sings softly, the song he had sung a couple of nights ago, the Gaelic love song, and even though he knew Endymion wouldn't understand the words, the emotion was behind it as he sung his lover to sleep.