Olympic Desires IC Thread

[brigid_fitch]

Ambrosia flows and Calliope's music floats throughout the halls of Olympus. The Greek gods and goddesses, languishing about the palace, pass the time in their usual fashion: meddling in the affairs of mortals--and each other's. But there is a disturbance, a potential shift in power in the works, and many of the gods are nervous. They are now busily scheming to grab a little more power, a little more tribute from the mortals who worship them and provide them with such vast entertainment.

The King of Crete has died and with him his unpopular dedication to Zeus. The neighboring island of Siros, confident in their blessings by their own patron goddess, Hera, are now sailing towards Crete to absorb the rich city of Heraklion as part of their own island kingdom. The Heraklions are scattered and disorganized, each community not only possessing its own skilled militia, but also illegal temples to one patron god or another to whom the people are furtively praying.

What will the gods do? Will they allow Hera to claim the mortals of Crete as well, increasing her popularity and power? How will Zeus fight to keep what little support on the island he has? Or will someone else swoop in, taking advantage of the chaos, and establish a new foothold?

OOC thread here

 

[Otto26]

"HERA!" Zeus thundered. "I instructed you to tell your mortals to stay away from Heraklion! Where did they get the idea to invade?"

 

[impish_pixie]

Aphrodite

"HERA!" Zeus thundered. "I instructed you to tell your mortals to stay away from Heraklion! Where did they get the idea to invade?"

As the God of Thunder thundered for his wife, Aphrodite smothered a smile and covered her delicate ears.

"Oh no, here we go again." She chuckled to the Three Graces who were posed elegantly at her feet.

 

[brigid_fitch]

Hera

Not since Argos had there been another chance for Hera to claim additional tribute. She was still bitter over Poseidon's flooding of half that island--damn him, he was always a sore loser--but now with the king of Crete dead, there was a good possibility that she could win that island, as well. And the fact that it was a favorite of her husband's made it all the more satisfying.

Zeus had been missing from Olympus for days, so he was most likely unaware of the monarch's death. Crete's allegiance to Zeus had never been popular with its people, so this was a perfect time to encourage her worshippers there. And, since Zephyr owed her a favor, she saw no wrong in "allowing" him to blow a fair wind onto Siros' navy. They would be at Crete in two days instead of the usual three.

Hera lay back on her couch, savoring the ambrosia that the Muses had brought her. It was sweet, warm as it coursed through her, enlivening her. Her languid pose camouflaged her quick, clever mind as she plotted. Surely the other gods would be attempting to usurp Zeus' little isle. But she would have to stay one step ahead of them. Damn him, she thought. Where was he now? There was no doubt he was dallying with one of the mortals, again humiliating her with his infidelities. What an irony--to be goddess of marriage and have a carousing husband.

She looked into her scrying glass again, to observe the oblivious mortals of Crete. Their king had died with no heir and each hamlet now prayed to its individual god for guidance. Their prayers were a cacophony in Olympus, lost amidst the millions of others' prayers. The other gods were busily listening to Apollo's lute, but Hera was more interested in what was going on in Macedonia. She listened to the mortals, if nothing else but to calculate her next move. And amidst the noise of prayers, she was able to pinpoint one voice. A high priest in the city of Heraklion, beseeching her to save them from these troubled times. She couldn't help but let out a short laugh. "Troubled times?" she thought. If only they knew of Siros' approach. But she would watch this beautiful young man, this high priest of her modest temple on Crete. She would watch him and be certain he came to no harm. For if Zeus could entertain himself with the occasional mortal, who was to say Hera could not enjoy a little recreation herself?

 

[brigid_fitch]

Hera

HERA! I instructed you to tell your mortals to stay away from Heraklion! Where did they get the idea to invade?

Hera's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of her husband. His voice the sound of the storm itself, shaking Mount Olympus and attracting everyone's attention. Evidently, he was more aware of the goings-on of Macedonia than she had expected. Quickly, she gathered her wits in order to answer his obviously rhetorical question. The flush in his cheeks was more than recent sex--it was clear anger. Directed at her.

"My Lord," she began, sweetly, serenely. "I am sure I don't know what you're talking about. I certainly have no control over the entire Siros populace. I'm simply too busy to pay attention to what they do day-to-day. Are you saying they're invading Heraklion?" She looked at him with wide, innocent eyes, but even she couldn't hide the satisfied smirk on her lips.

 

[LongshanksSierra]

It had been fairly quiet in the mortal realms. And for far too long.

Area lounged indolently on a couch among the other immortals on Olympus' peaks. Earlier he had considered semding Strife about some mischief to peak his interest, a border war among the Ionian Greeks perhaps, but then Zeus' voice came cracking through the clouds.

Ares sat up, surveying the stir among the Olympians. The winds changed on Olympus and Ares felt they had the faint scent of battle on them...

There... A sudden rush of prayers to his name, from Crete no less. Ares himself had no patronage on Crete, but many there were burning sacrafices in his name none the less. Yes, war was brewing.

It would depend how the Olympians intervened of course, but no doubt someone would come for the God of War's aid. And perhaps the further glory of battle would not be the only benefit he would reap this time.

"Fetch me my armor."

 

[Otto26]

Zeus

Zeus knew his faults, and even regretted one or two of them, but stupidity was not amongst their number. He knew Hera was playing him, particularly when she was unable, no, unwilling, to hide her smirk of satisfaction.

"Yes, wife, your worshippers are bound for Crete. I thought it polite to give you an opportunity to increase your standing with them by warning them of their impending disaster. Because I care," he said, resting his hand upon her cheek.

 

[MaiusImperium]

Apollo sighed mournfully and brushed his golden curls from his bronzed forehead, his fingers massaged his temples wearily before he began plucking his lyre with renewed fervour. His fingers danced nimbly with a fluidity not born of mortal men across the strings as he muttered below the bickering of pompous Zeus and scheming Hera.

“For one moment can they not allow Olympus to be bathed in music, and music alone!” He flustered hopelessly and clicked his fingers. “Come Euterpe, play with Calliope and I.” The muse of lyric song’s face lit up with a bright smile as she glided over to Apollo’s couch, where she joined the light chiming of Calliope’s Paean to Hercules. Apollo’s lyre, Calliope’s honeyed voice and Euterpe’s flowery flute wove and intertwined in the air to fill Olympus with a heavenly music that fought to drown out the voices of discord amongst the vaulted pillars of the Olympian palace. It was a futile battle, the arguing and bickering always won out in the end.

Apollo did not pay much attention to his playing, his fingers worked with a mind of their own, he was far more interested in what was being said. Already he could feel the skein of fate shifting and altering itself, the fates were preparing for a shift of power amongst the gods, such an upheaval, however minor, took some time to accomplish. Many mortal threads would be woven into the pattern, many more would be cut. Things were afoot, and as usual, Hera was at the heart of the conspiracy. The god of archery and medicine listened attentively, though in truth he didn’t learn much of interest. Hera was scheming, her followers were moving to Crete in the hopes of gaining a foothold there. The king of Crete must have died, Hera would not dare initiate such a bold move if he had still been alive, Zeus’ favour of the Cretan king was well known by all the gods.

A frown marred Apollo’s face as he plucked his lyre. Hera would not be the only one with a renewed interest in Minoan island of old, all the gods would seek to move on Crete, and Heraklion would be at the centre of the conflict. Apollo had to suppress a groan, he’d much rather have stayed in Olympus and played his lyre for the next few decades. Despite his wish to remain indolent, Apollo’s vanity demanded that he also reposition himself on Crete, his followers would need to have their fervour stoked, shrines would need to be rebuilt. For a god supposedly possessed of such wisdom Apollo’s ego was astronomical, and if the other gods were to gain new followers and bigger temples on Crete, so would he.

For now he would listen, and listen carefully. He would let the others bicker and argue in the open, and when the night came he would move, he would consult the fates and move in the darkness. His followers alone could not contend with the might of Zeus or Hera, but open defiance had never been his way. Alliances would need to be forged, old ones would be rekindled and new ones fostered, and if need be, seduced. For now, as always, he would listen.

 

[brigid_fitch]

Hera frowned, her face a mask of fury as she reared her head back, away from her husband's hand on her cheek.

"Because you care?" she roared, her legendary temper raging. Apollo played his lyre louder in an effort to drown her out. "O dearest caring husband, pray tell, where have you been for the last three days? If not for me, then for your so-called patrons on Crete. You were never fully accepted anywhere outside the palace of Heraklion, so 'caring' were you. Now that your one and only proponent is in Elysium, why not let the mortals do as they wish? If Siros launches ships to take advantage of the chaos reigning there, do not place the blame on me. They simply possess the initiative that you do not."

With that, she stood, her blonde curls, the color of honey, framing her face and falling gracefully about her shoulders. Her rage was spent, but her frustration was not. She hated losing her temper, but Zeus alone was able to make her so furious. She glared at her husband, regaining some of her self-control.

"I have done nothing to persuade the Sirosans to attack," she said evenly. "But I happily give them my favor." Without another word, Hera turned on her heel and strode towards her baths.

 

[poohlive]

"And here you are," Hermes helped to don the famous armor of the God Ares. A man of superb power and dominance. His armor had to convey such dominance as well, made from only the finest materials on Olympus. It is said that only the power of another god could penetrate such armor once it was worn on Ares' soldiers.

"I was coming to give you news of the upending battle, but I see you have already been warned. Then I suppose my job here is done."

He let the minions scattered as he grabbed the weapons for Ares to use. A spear, a sword, a lance, and axe. All great weapons for him to choose, Hermes bent down, offering them all to this great god, any weapon he wished to use for battle.

"I do wonder though, which prayers you will answer, Ares?" He said, his eyes calm and serene, "You see, both sides are praying for you, as always. They pray for a good fight, or a quick ending. You could provide both if you so desired, or neither. Your will is that strong, mighty Ares.

"The Heraklions are scattered. They are trying to gather up some sort of army for the coming island of Siros, but without leadership they do not stand much of a chance. The Siros will slaughter them without fail. And then Hera will be hailed as the new head goddess.

"If you were on the side of the Heralions they might stand a chance against the army... I say might only because your awesome power would sway the battle so far in their direction. But... what if you choose to answer the prayers of the Siros'? You would win without fail, and Hera will be more than pleased. She shows gratitude like no other goddess, except perhaps for Aphrodite, if you understand."

Hermes bowed nobly to this god, "Hera sent me to tell you that message. Is there something you wish me to tell her?"

 

[impish_pixie]

Aphrodite

The distracting voices bleated through the back of her mind like so many annoying sheep.

“Oh, gentle Aphrodite, protect my husband on the field of battle.”

“Aphrodite may your tender heart guide my lover through the dangerous days ahead.”

She wished the beautiful Apollo would play his lyre a little louder, or Calliope would raise her voice in song, anything that could block out the bothersome whines would be welcome. With a sigh of resignation, she shifted her sensuous body into an elegant pose that encouraged her strawberry blonde locks to fall charmingly over a fair shoulder. Her graceful hand reached out and smoothed one of Thalia’s errant curls. Somehow, the little Charis always looked as if she had just left a jolly feast.

“Why must they ask such things of me?” She questions the Graces, “Don’t they see I have no control over the course of a battle, and their requests only hurt me? I can give my attention to the men these lonely women love but to what effect?” She softly shakes her head and her beautiful face clouds with a momentary concern the look and the concern quickly passes.

“Men, soldiers, seldom behave wisely on the field of battle when inflamed by love or passion. I do not think a heroic death is what these women want for their men… Well, the one from the little village would be happy if her husband faced a courageous death, so long as her lover safely returned to her.” She nods in sympathetic understanding and resolves to help that woman if she can.

“Fetch me my armor." She hears the bold excitement in Ares voice as he prepares to direct the combat and it sends a quiver of anticipation through her. She knows the heat of battle can offer many rewards but for once, she does not dwell on the pleasures of the flesh. As the other gods prepare enter the field, game is no longer just Hera’s, soon she will have to chose a side or make her neutrality known. Neither Zeus nor Hera is ever willing to accept silence as an answer.

“Hephaestus will side with his mother, no matter what is happening.” Of course, her husband’s loyalties are of no concern to Aphrodite, unless there is something in them to benefit her… and her followers. Her interest aroused, she rises from her chaise in search of additional information.

 

[Otto26]

Zeus

Zeus watched as Hera stalked away eyes lingering upon the way her chiton draped itself around her ass.

"Never the easy way," he sighed.

He unfocused his eyes so that he could know better and let the knowledge of the world fill him. He sorted through the threads of knowlege, examining each carefully.

Zephyr does my wife's bidding. Ares looks for the glory of war and will not care overmuch which side triumphs. Aphrodite seeks advantage. The mortals of Heraklion have turned away from me. Very well. I will give them an opportunity to return to me. Hera has led her followers astray and they should also be given an opportunity to act correctly.

He smiled. "Zephyr gives them a fair wind. The difference between fair and foul is largely a matter of direction... and degree."

He took in a deep breath and forcefully exhaled, adding his force to that of Zephyr and creating a storm that would tear the sails of the fleet to tatters unless they put ashore and lowered them. As he preferred to do, he would give them a choice and consequences. He would give the people of Heraklion the same chance.

I need to send a message. Can I trust Hermes? Probably not; he dotes upon Ares. Still, I will have two strings for my bow.

"Hermes!" he called. "Attend me."

 

[brigid_fitch]

Hera

Hera walked past her baths and into her boudoir. As much as she desired the peace and quiet of a bath and her servants attending her, there was too much to do now that Zeus was back on Olympus. Things were happening quickly and she needed to put more plans into place. If she knew her husband--and she did--he was preparing a storm for the Siros navy. They would be lost at sea and her grand scheme dashed onto the rocks as soundly as their ships.

She needed Poseidon's help. As much as it irked her to admit it, the only thing that would thwart her husband's attempt to delay the Siros navy would be the Sea King's intervention. They hadn't been on very good terms since the judgement of Argos, but Hera had one more trick up her sleeve. Summoning her will, she sent a vision to Poseidon, one of the Sirosan Master of Horse aboard the largest of the ships. The man was watching the coming storm through a porthole as he vainly tried to stay calm for his horses' sakes. Already frightened by the pitch of the great ship, the horses grew more nervous as they sensed the drop in pressure and darkening of the skies, even in the hold. Desperate, the man led one of the horses out from its stall, a beautiful stallion, sleek chestnut brown with fire in its eyes. A true battle horse. Whispering a prayer to Poseidon, the Master of Horse slew the animal, cutting its throat with one swift stroke of his blade.

"Poseidon, Sea King, I sacrifice this horse in your name so that I may beg the lives of the other horses and the men dedicated to them. Help us reach Crete or we shall all perish."

Unable to continue the vision further, Hera fell back against her chaise, exhausted but satisfied. Sending visions to gods was entirely different than manipulating the minds of mortals, but not impossible for the Queen of the Gods. She was sure she had sent enough, and with adequate realism, to spur her brother into action. He would not be directly opposing Zeus; Poseidon would simply see this as acting in the interest of his favored creatures. Saving the mortals was just a fringe benefit for Hera.

She clapped her hands twice in quick succession, summoning the four Horai. Now it was time for her bath.

 

[LongshanksSierra]

"Your words are thick with flattery Messenger," Ares said as he received his helm from Hermes. "But they also ring true."

The rest of the Olympians would know his desire, a long and glorious war. The way things stood now aiding Zues would most likely see that course. The Heraklions were divided and leaderless, easy pickings for the force coming from Siros. By coming to the aid of the disadvantaged Heraklions, the war would be protracted until Siros could respond. And there would be some very interesting fighting as the Heraklions sought to repel Siros such as they were. The battles would be fierce, bloody, and brutally entertaining. He would enjoy those very much. Hera had, undoubtably, come to that conclusion herself. She would naturally expect Ares to side with Zeus. Even if the sky god did not see that himself.

"Hermes!" Zeus' voice resounded through the halls of Olympus. "Attend me."

Ares seized the immortal by the arm before the Messenger could move off to answer his lord's demand.

"Tell your Queen, my desire for a long war could be replaced. If I was sufficently entertained by the Siros offensive... or otherwise occupied."

 

[Erin_]

Was anything more pleasing than the hunt? The thrill of the chase was everything. The wind wild and wanton, tearing through sooty black locks as she moved with abandon after her chosen prey.

Her silver bow flashed in the light of the full moon and the huntress paused, notching one golden arrow and letting it fly, midnight blue eyes watching it fly truly, the silver hind falling midstride.

Full lips curved in a soft smile and the goddess strode forward easily, soft boots making no noise as she moved, leaving the loamy forest floor undisturbed. Drawing her silver dagger, she prepared to gut her kill, pausing to let her hand roam the soft gleaming fur appreciatively.

Hialita, a wood nymph, and one of Artemis's best hunters joined her goddess, inhaling as she approached. The goddess was aware of the nymph's presence, and of something else...a subtle shift in the wind.

"Do you feel that?" Artemis's voice was hushed, but it bespoke of power, and Hialita shivered, shaking her head.

"Nay lady. I feel nothing."

The goddess nodded her head, thick tresses tumbling down her back, framing features that were unspeakably lovely. "Tend the kill." Straightening, she titled her face skyward. Her awareness shifting from the spot on which she stood, shunting quickly as a hummingbird's wingbeat through her temples and her shrines, gathering news from her worshippers and piecing the puzzle together. Hera had moved the fastest to take advantage of the opportunity on Crete.

There was no love lost between Artemis and Zeus's wife. Artemis and Apollo were Zeus's children by Leto. How Hera felt about her husband's infidelities was no secret. Her vengeance was often carried out against child and woman alike, whether the congress was willing or no.

Hera had to be thwarted.

In the span of a single mortal's heartbeat she was gone from the forest, standing on Mount Olympus. She was no longer clad in her hunting leathers, wearing now the gauzy, diaphonous robes favored by the gods. Sable locks were drawn up, captured by bands of gold from which stray sooty tendrils curled.

But even then she was not all softness. Still upon her back was her silver bow, and her quiver of golden arrows.

The music was the first thing she heard when she stood at last upon that holy ground. Full sensuous lips curved in a soft smile, recognizing the skill of her brother. But who to see first? Her father and brother were both about.

The huntress goddess pondered the question only briefly, seeking her father first.

 

[poohlive]

Hermes nodded at the request of the war god. Already in his elegant armor, with his weapon at hand, the man looked threatening enough, but everything else led to the effect that made the messenger shiver with both fear and delight.

"I will go to her as soon as I can. Expect her answer promptly."

He bowed low to the god, before going on his way. It would be a busy day, he knew this well in advance. The past few weeks had been little more than normal around Olympus. He had nothing to do but send love letters to various gods, sometimes mixing them up on purpose.

However, once the king died he understood war would break out, and all gods would be in the midst of chaos. They were scrambling now, trying to find which side would suit them best, and which side offered more reward.

For Hermes, the god of thieves, merchants, patrons, and messengers, war was always good for business.

In no time he was by his father's side, bending down to bow low to the god of thunder.

"You have need for me, Father. What is it?" Already those soft innocent eyes. He didn't know why he tried so hard. He had the most innocent look of any of the gods, all of them. If someone had ever seen him, without knowing who he was, they would never think he had ever done anything amiss. Unfortunately, all the gods knew him all too well, and the look was useless.

Still, old habits were hard to break.

 

[FenixZero]

The waves broke in great blue-white sprays of foam as Poseidon's chariot made its way across the sea. The personal vessel of the Sea God was forged of shimmering white coral, adorned with the precious pearls and jewels of the sea. In one hand he clutched the reigns to the powerful team of horses that drove his chariot across the water, each a snow-white beast that raced with the force of a tidal wave and in his other hand he held his mighty trident, symbol of his kingdom.

The God was in a benevolent mood on this day and the seas were calm. He had been away from Olympus for some time now, preferring his palace on the bottom of the sea. Zeus had been "indulging" himself with mortals a bit more then usual as of late and Hera seemed in an even fouler mood. Their squabbles over mortals grew tiresome. After all, any sailor who attempted to cross his kingdom had to pay tribute to merciful Poseidon. The Sea God had often considered that only Hades had received a better deal, as sooner or later, all mortals called him Master.

A small mortal voice entered his thoughts.

"Poseidon, Sea King, I sacrifice this horse in your name so that I may beg the lives of the other horses and the men dedicated to them. Help us reach Crete or we shall all perish."

Raising his trident and calling his chariot to a halt, Poseidon raised his head slightly, listening intently to the message carried by his seas. Closing his bottomless blue-green eyes for a moment he called the image of the wayward vessel to his attention.

So the Siros navy was making their way towards Crete. Last he had heard, Crete was under the watch of Zeus, though the mortals resented it. The affairs of mortals seemed difficult to keep straight some times.

Still the sacrifice was a good one, the stallion of fine stock and character. Poseidon was a temperamental god to be sure, but he always rewarded a worthy sacrifice. And besides, it was never a bad thing to have one more mortal indebted to you.

Lowering the triple prongs of his trident to the surface of the water, Poseidon watched in his mind's eye as the seas around the Siros ships began to calm, the choppy cat's paws that lapped the hulls of the vessels diminished and finally fell to nothing. The seas became as flat as glass, moved only be the gentle blowing of the winds.

Gathering his horses once more, Poseidon decided to make his way back to Mount Olympus. There was a conflict coming and he wanted to be sure he was on the right side of it. And that meant the side not opposing his brother Zeus.

 

[Otto26]

"A message, Hermes. To the Heraklions. Find the three strongest groups and warn them that a fleet from Siros approaches. They have turned from Zeus so it pleases me to leave them to the mercies of Hera. She, however, favors Siros. Tell them that and then return."

He dismissed the messenger from his attention and then frowned, his brother had calmed the sea for the men of Siros. Ah... Hera. She always was the clever one. But she had deceived Poseidon; that was good to know, though difficult to prove. Still, my brother controls the waves, but the skies are mine.

He again drew in his breath and exhaled, sending hurricane winds to the Siros fleet.

 

[FenixZero]

Poseidon's eyes narrowed as he felt his seas change. Like a temperamental child, the waters which had only moments ago been calm and gentle were beginning to grow angry again. The winds had picked up again! The Sea God gritted his teeth. Zeus had called the mighty winds to sink the ships. Poseidon slammed the butt of his trident against the polished marble floor of Mount Olympus, echoing in a thundering boom across the halls of the Gods. He was dressed in a flowing robe of shimmering scales, that dripped across his broad sun bronzed skin. His hair was long and white, hanging long around his neck, his face adorned with a thick and unkempt beard.

Zeus was king of all the heavens and his will was final, but Poseidon did not care! The seas were his and overturning his blessing to the sailors for safe passage was nothing less then an insult!

"Zeus!" The Sea King bellowed, his voice like a storm, drowning out Apollo's music. His feet stomping angrily across the hallways, Poseidon sought his brother furiously, finally finding the Thunder God.

"What is the meaning of this? Those mortal sailors offered me a worthy sacrifice to pass through my kingdom!" Poseidon's anger was growing visibly, and he was dangerously close to forgetting his place in front of Zeus but his pride had been insulted and Poseidon would not suffer such an insult from anyone, even the Lord of the Heavens.

"You and your wife can bicker about your worshipers until the world ends but the seas are MINE!" Facing his brother sternly, Poseidon clutched his trident and stared Zeus in the eye.

 

[poohlive]

Hermes would have said something more, but he did not speak when Poseidon began to bellow. It was almost anger, on the verge of anger. As if the god who destroyed thousands of ships with hundreds of storms could control that anger of his, but he somehow did.

This seemed like more than useful information. Lots to tell Hera, she would be delighted to hear. He bowed, leaving the scene as soon as possible, making his way to her chambers.

She was taking a bath, he could hear the waters running. He entered quickly, silently, seeing her laying against the edge of her pool, water rippled across her perfect flesh.

"It seems Ares will play ball," He said, soft against her neck, lips so close he was almost kissing her. His hands came around her, helping her to bathe, washing her already flawless skin.

"He said... oh let me get the words right," He searched his mind, "If he was sufficiently entertained, or otherwise occupied, he could be swayed. He seemed enamored with the idea."

He loved the soft slender lines along her neck. His finger trailed down one, ever so gentle was his touch. He helped scent her in oils and perfumes, lavender, honey, ambrosia from across the worlds.

"Zeus wants me to find the three largest groups still surviving in Crete and tell them that the Siros' are coming, and they have lost his favor. I do believe he is scrambling though. Poseidon all but yelled at him for causing the seas to swell with storm. I do believe everything is going according to your plan."

He sighed, softly, his hands running through her hair. It was a rare gift to be so close to a goddess, to see her physical beauty, and mental brilliance coming out at the same time. He had been enamored for a long time.

"What is it you wish of me, My goddess?"

 

[Otto26]

Zeus

"My will is final, brother. Yet if I wanted the fleet destroyed I would do it with fire from the sky. If they seek safe harbor the winds will abate. If they do not, then their sails will tatter and I will withdraw the winds and leave them to your whim."

He pondered possibilities and smiled, faintly.

"Would you bargain for more than that?" he inquired.

 

[brigid_fitch]

Hera

Hera lounged in her bath, breathing in the scents of lavender and sandalwood. Zeus' unexpected early return had complicated her plans, but had not deterred them. Poseidon's quelling of the seas would buy her, and the Sirosans, more time, but not enough to get them to Crete, she was sure of it. Zeus would find a way to detour the ships, if not destroy them outright. She needed another ally.

"It seems Ares will play ball."

Almost as if on cue, Hermes' lyrical voice floated next to her ear. The patron god of thieves and liars would of course possess a silver tongue and she knew he used it to the best of his ability. He was assisting her now, but she remained wary of him; Hermes did nothing that did not suit his own interests first. His deft, slender hands trailed along her neck and she sighed inwardly, relaxing against the smooth marble of the tub. But her mind remained alert--Hermes was beautiful, but wily. As much as she loved and craved his touch, he was above all mischievous. She had not yet ascertained why he was so willing to help her in her acquisition of Crete; his motives were still a mystery. And, until she knew his reasons, she had nothing to use against him. Yet. She nodded slowly, indicating that she wished him to continue.

"He said... oh let me get the words right...if he was sufficiently entertained, or otherwise occupied, he could be swayed. He seemed enamored with the idea."

A smile played along Hera's lips at this good news. So, Ares would sell his patronage to the highest bidder for the distraction of a protracted war. He was almost as predictable as Hades in that regard--anything that would ensure more lost souls, more bloodshed, was desirable above all else. If Athena knew of the bargain she was about to strike with the God of War, she would be incensed. Athena routinely quarreled with Ares--the goddess of warfare simply could not fathom the waste of time and lives spent in the long, drawn-out battles Ares preferred. It was contradictory to her position, but Ares was apathetic. It was the entertainment, the heat of battle that he cared for, not the outcome. And, in order to further her position on Crete, Hera would do all in her power to make sure that happened. What did it matter to her if more Sirosans perished in battle this way. As long as enough survived to shore up her dilapidated temples on Crete and began burning acceptable sacrifices to her, she would be victorious.

She leaned against the lithe body of her stepson, allowing him to comb out her long honey locks with his fingers. Although a constant reminder of yet another of her husband's dalliances, Hera genuinely enjoyed Hermes' company. And his attentions. He continued, his soft, musical voice against her ear, close enough to kiss her if he dared.

"Zeus wants me to find the three largest groups still surviving in Crete and tell them that the Siros' are coming, and they have lost his favor. I do believe he is scrambling though. Poseidon all but yelled at him for causing the seas to swell with storm. I do believe everything is going according to your plan."

The question now became a matter of Poseidon's pride and stubborness. How long could the Sea King hold out against his brother's will? Poseidon ruled the seas, but Zeus ruled the gods. Yet, if Zeus wished the Cretans to be warned, then even he realized that the Sirosans would arrive there eventually. As always, anything involving the mortals was like a chess game--each had to stay one step ahead of the other. And Hera always won in chess.

"What is it you wish of me, My goddess?"

"Mmmmm, the possibilities are endless, Hermes," she purred. "But for now, fulfill Zeus' request of you. Yes, alert the forces on Crete of their impending doom, for if the Sirosans land unchallenged, then Ares would be denied his 'entertainment'. But, before you go to Crete, tell Ares that I will give him a glorious show--one that may even rival Troy. Provided that, ultimately, the Sirosans win."

She reached up to lay a hand over Hermes' as it paused on her shoulder. Turning to face him, pulling his hand downward along her chest, she kissed him on the cheek, her lips brushing his fair skin. "Crete is a big island, Herald--a temple to the God of Travelers would be a most welcome addition to that beleaguered isle, I am certain of it." She released his hand before it reached her supple breasts and stood as Iris and the Horai appeared in order to attend to her. She leaned forward, her delicate finger tracing the young god's jawline.

"Be swift, Herald. And remember, my rewards are as lavish as my wrath is fierce."

 

[poohlive]

"Yes, my goddess," It always turned into a game between them, didn't it? Stolen glances, stolen touches. His hand moving across her body, only to be stopped just before he could sample her. That exquisite kiss upon his cheek, enough to leave tremors where she touched.

Yet, she moved away. She danced from him like some wood nymph, just out of reach. She knew what she did to him, knew all too well. He supposed that is how it went, how it should go, them flirting this way, dancing aorund each other, never touching, never allowing such desires to overflow.

How he wanted to though.

Perhaps she did it out of frustration. It might be. She did not know what he wanted, so she teased him. Kept him off his guard, made him play her game. How he would love to play her game, whichever way she desired.

Hermes left her bath chambers, on his way to Crete to deliver the message.

Should he tell her? Tell her why a god who is usually the most loyal when it came to Zeus is now planning such a betrayal? He could, there was no real problem in not telling her. He only thought not too because, as a god of thieves, he liked his secrets, and he liked the way their games played from time to time.

A secret is worth much, and she would pay her price for it, eventually.

Hermes appeared before the leaders of Crete. Men who had gathered themselves in city-states and large havens across the island. Some were ready to fight challenges to be the next king of Crete, others simply wanted to protect their own land and heritage.

The leaders of the three largest band included a bright young man named Telemus, an old veteran warrior with a permanent sneer on his face, Jascal, and a woman... the wife of the old king of Crete, a young and fair thing. She sat upon her husband's throne with long flowing robes, and a look of beauty and innocence that could rival even Aphrodite.

One look at her and Hermes knew why she was the leader. Even he found himself wanting to fight for her behalf, keep her honor whole and save her grace.

Hermes was a god of messages, so he often appeared before humans. More than anyone else in the pantheon was he seen. Oh, the occasional god often travelled down, sometimes disguised as a goat or a cow, but Hermes came as himself. Tall, strong, lithe, with soft gracious skin and a voice from heavens.

Telemus trembled at his sight, kneeling and asking forgiveness for his wrongs. He would make it right for not honoring Zeus' favor. Telemus got his troops together, in prayer that moment. Offering the best of their cattle for slaughter.

The old man had a look in his eye of wonderment, probably a look that hadn't been on his face in a good twenty years or so. He nodded, underrstanding that homage hadn't been paid. He would rectify the mistake once and for all.

And the lady. Hermes spent the most time with her. She smiled when he came to her. He even bowed, politely. He spoke his message from Zeus. She took the news graciously, as if from some regular messenger and not one of the gods in front of her. She asked what it was she could do to honor Zeus and her husband.

"There are two other groups, led by two men. Telemus and Jascal."

"I know them," She said, her eyes a sparkling olive.

"Send messengers, tell them you must all form on group together. It is the only way to stop the coming Siros. You will all get together, offer your own forgiveness for betraying Zeus. If he hears you, and you are sincere, he might help."

She nodded, clapping her hands for people to come at once.

"Thank you, Hermes. A God here with me..."

Hermes smiled, kissing her fair hand, "If I have more messages for you, I will return."

The lady nodded, bright sparkles in her eyes, "I hope so."

And with that Hermes left. His mission accomplished, the fight now on. It would be a good fight, if nothing else. Ares would see to that.

Hermes appeared by Ares side, bowing low once more.

"She has agreed. You will have your war. She informs me that it will rival Troy in bloodshed and battle. You may do as you wish, your most brilliant bloody horrendous work, so long as Siros remains the victor. That is all she asks."

 

[MaiusImperium]

Phoebus Apollo’s mind worked slowly and methodically now, he did not even attempt to match the volume of his music with that of the quarrelling and bickering that had erupted throughout the palace, instead he plucked quietly as he mulled over his opening move, his brow furrowed and his cool cerulean eyes caste down at the marble floor. He overheard the bellowing of Poseidon and Zeus, he sensed the arrival of his twin, the virgin huntress and he noticed with interest the retirement of Hera to her baths. The world shifted beneath, as god of prophecy he was gifted with certain…unique attributes, yet not even he could see all ends, already he could tell the power struggle that would take place on the Cretan isle would be too close to call, he could see no clear victor through the mists of the future.

Ares would likely care little for the victor, his prowess would go to the side that would deliver unto him the most wanton slaughter, Hermes too could easily side with either Zeus or Hera, Hephaestus would side with whoever Ares was against, the jealousy wrought by that particular love-triangle had caused more anguish that even Apollo had predicted in recent times. Apollo let out a weary sigh and stopped playing, he laid down his golden lyre on the soft velvet couch and slowly rose to his feet. He had his part already laid out for him, there was little room for manoeuvre, he would side with whoever Hera was against, ego demanded it, Zeus would have his bow and his plagues. Apollo could not and would not side with the goddess who had tried to kill both he and his sister in the womb.

“Keep playing, Calliope, Euterpe. I have much work to do, try and keep them appeased.” He smiled warmly and ran his hands through both of the muses’ hair lovingly, they smiled brightly before picking up their lyrical music anew. Apollo made his way towards the snowy pillars of the entrancet, on his way he brushed his hand against Artemis’ shoulder.

“I would have words with you, beloved sister. I will seek you out when I return.” He smiled brightly at his sister and with that he was gone. In the blink of an eye he shifted from Mount Olympus to the Rhodian isle, the home of his servant, Helios.

Already the archer-god’s mind was working furiously, possible futures span out before his vision in a dizzying array, never before had he been assailed by so many visions, so many outcomes. It was said that fate was pre-ordained, and for the most part this was true, there were only ever a handful of outcomes, and Apollo could see them all. This time was different, different threads of the pattern were weaving betwixt each other now, so many powers were coming together in conflict that no outcome was certain, this was one of the rare moments in history where everything was up for grabs. These times came so rarely he could remember the last time such a conflict had occurred, the flames of Troy hurt him still to this day, he was determined not to suffer a defeat of that magnitude again. If you tossed a coin enough times, eventually it would land on it’s edge, they were fast approaching the edge of the coin now.

Zeus’ grip on the isle of Crete hung by a thread, the temples of Apollo could be renewed, he would be richly rewarded if he could please his father, and he intended to do so. The Cretans would need more time, he would brook no haste on the Sirosan’s part. Clad in his bright white raiment, Apollo strode through the island of Rhodes, his feet danced lightly atop the water’s surface, he strode between the massive colossus of Rhodes, which gleamed brightly in the sun of it’s patron. Within a single breath he was within the home of Helios, he who brought the sun to the world. Apollo strode into the house of Helios and was warmly greeted.

“Welcome, my lord Apollo. What brings you to my humble island?”

“Gather up your reins and bridle your chariot, lord of the sun, I Have a task for you.”

------

When Apollo returned to Olympus all was as it was when he had left, it had not taken him long to convey his instructions to Helios. Apollo walked into the palace without fuss, his white raiment billowed and flowed about him, his golden halo shone brightly with a fierceness that almost matched that of the sun itself. A satisfied smirk was spread across his face, he swept a curly lock of golden hair from his face and made his way to Hera’s chambers, where he knew her to be bathing.

The sun god did not announce himself, he spared such courtesies for his friends and allies, Hera was neither. His smirk widened as he laid his eyes upon her, amidst the gaggle of attendants she lay reclaimed at her leisure, his halo lit up the room brightly, the burning sconces were as mere flickers compared to his halo. When he spoke his voice burned like the sun.

“Doubtless your machinations are many and varied, queen of Olympus, but I shall not see my father usurped from Crete, his boons are always fair and generous to me and my sister. By the time your fleet reaches Siros, an army far greater than their own shall await them.” Apollo held his arms out and opened his palms to her, he turned to the wide opening in her chambers that led out onto a veranda, beyond them a sea of clouds rolled and further beyond that the sun shone.

In the distance a trail of smoke coursed across the sky, at the head of it a burning star, he knew Hera would know what, or more accurately, who it was. On wings of fire Helios’ chariot flew through the skies towards the sun, urging his fiery steeds on with bellowing cries the keeper of the sun sped on towards the sun. With mighty arms he cast his whip out from the car of his golden chariot and reined in the sun. In one fluid motion Helios, patron of the sun, plucked the sun from the sky and dragged it away, over the edge of the world. Darkness engulfed the world, leaving divine palace dimly lit by torches and sconces.

“I shall pluck the fires from every lighthouse in Crete if needs be, and your precious Sirosan fleet shall be left floundering in a storm, with only the stars to navigate by. By the time the Sirosan’s reach Crete, they will be tired and it will take them many days to navigate by starlight alone, if they are not first dashed upon the rocks of Crete’s shores first of course.” Apollo could not help allowing himself a satisfied smile, he did have a love of theatrics and lavish displays, if nothing else his little trick with the sun certainly gave him entertainment.

“Of course, If you could find some form of recompense for me, I might be persuaded to return the sun to it’s rightful place.” He folded his arms and paced slowly back and forth. “But what manner of tribute could the goddess who tried to murder my mother possibly pay that could be grand enough I wonder?”

 

[LongshanksSierra]

Ares eyes wandered over the mortal world. And he smiled. Both Siros and Crete had their difficulties ahead of them, nothing would be decided until real battle was met. Oh how he would drink that day.

Hermes voice interrupted his thoughts. "She has agreed. You will have your war. She informs me that it will rival Troy in bloodshed and battle. You may do as you wish, your most brilliant bloody horrendous work, so long as Siros remains the victor. That is all she asks."

"Agreed then," Ares nodded. "Payment in advance, before the swords of Siros are drawn with my might behind them. I look forward to her imagination on the subject. In the meantime, I will work to ensure the armies of Crete do not prevent the Sirosian landing too harshly. Still I expect they will have to fight to take any soil from Zeus."

The god of War then turned his attention to Crete itself. Telemus and Jascal were marshalling their forces, and burning tribute to... Zeus. The absence of a tribute to Ares himself was marked.

"Chaos. Strife," Ares called to his attendants. "Go to Crete. Play. The mortals there have not been sufficiently attentive in their prayers to the god of War in the upcoming battle. They must not unite behind the Queen. I want mutinies, the commands of their captains must fall on deaf ears. Weapon forges must burn in their own fires, reducing their arms to slag." That would send Hephaestus into a fury. "Do not let the armies of Crete muster their full strength. Not yet." Otherwise Ares would not get the battles he wanted. His fingers already ached to clasp around his sword.
The godlings bowed their acknowledgements before descending towards the mortal realm.