Olympic Desires IC Thread

[brigid_fitch]

Hera is Most Displeased

Hera watched as Helios drew away with the sun. The audacity! She was beside herself that Apollo would resort to such drastic measures, plunge the entire world into darkness, just to keep victory from her grasp. Crete was just a rock in the grand scheme of things, and only a handful of mortals to her. It was the opportunity of usurping power from Zeus himself that had set her on her current course. And, to thwart her, Apollo had endangered all of humankind.

"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."

She nearly shook with rage at the bastard's mocking tone, but she kept her demeanor calm. She refused to show Apollo just how much he had angered her. No, that was what he wanted. She knew there was no bribe, no reward she could offer sufficient enough to gain his allegiance against Zeus. And she would not deign to bargain with him. No, there was another way to bend him.

"But what manner of tribute could the goddess who tried to murder my mother possibly pay that could be grand enough I wonder?"

Apollo looked at his stepmother, haughty and sure of himself, a smirk still on his face. But as Hera rose to her full height, her chiton billowing about her as she strode purposefully towards the young god, his smirk faltered. She was smiling, too. And nothing on Olympus was more worrisome than Hera when she smiled.

"You think to blackmail me, bastard god? You forget your place. You rely far too heavily on Zeus' favor if you believe your arrogance can be so easily overlooked. As for the sun, hide it for all eternity for all I care. The Sirosans are skilled sailors and can navigate as easily by the stars as by the light of day. Their armies are fierce and ready for battle regardless of the weather or darkness for that matter.

"But it is not I you should be bargaining with for the return of the Sun. Whereas the Sirosans shall flourish in darkness or in light, what do you think my sister, Demeter, will say? I wonder, what will her wrath be when I tell her you have decided that all of her harvests shall whither and die from lack of sunlight? That her tributes will evaporate as the mortals hang on to their last morsels of food, since no more shall grow in the darkness? That Persephone may as well return to Hades' side, as the Earth has been prematurely left without sunlight? And all due to some ill-formed plan or hubris on your part.

"How long will you be able to hide the Sun before Demeter smites your doctors' healing plants or your Oracle's meditating herbs? Perhaps inflict your priests with the never-ending hunger that was Erysichthon's demise? No, little god, look not to me for 'recompense'. Better you should watch your back, for the Goddess of the Harvest, who feeds the world, wields more power than Olympus combined."

Apollo stood, unmoving at Hera's words. She did not care whether he believed her or not; it did not matter. Hera knew Demeter's fury for it nearly matched her own. She needed to do nothing--Demeter would already know by now what had happened and would deal with the matter shortly. If Apollo knew what was good for him, he would instruct Helios to return the Sun to its rightful place, or suffer whatever consequences Demeter could devise. She left Apollo to ponder his decision--the Queen of Olympus had promised Ares a war and she meant to deliver.

 

[poohlive]

Hermes looked on in amazement at Ares. Already things were underway. He felt as if it might be a big price to pay, but the god of war is near impossible to beat, simply because he does not fight fair.

Although, all is fair in love and war, so it didn't really matter.

Speaking of which...

Hermes searched for Aphrodite. He wanted to see her. She was not in her own chambers, for some reason he thought she might be there. No, she was off in search of information, finding out answers.

Aphrodite, the goddess of love, did not know what was going on. Unlike the other gods, who had knowledge, she had been left uninformed.

He found her, catching up to her. She always looked beautiful, her absolute best even in this simple moment of catching her walking in the distance.

"I have a request," He asked, very formal and almost official. One had to work this way with her. He could never talk to Aphrodite in casual conversation, he would fall in love too fast.

Too late, he was already in love with her.

"Hera is playing some sort of game with me. I don't know what it is. She flirts, but pulls away. She brings me in to touch and leaves me in tremors and shocks. I am at my wits end. I know she wants me, and I want her, but I do not know what to do. Will you help me?"

 

[brigid_fitch]

Hera's feeling better--she's scheming again

Hera again entered her boudoir and lay on her chaise. As usual, her wine goblet was full and waiting for her. Iris doted on her and she was most grateful for the herald's thoughtfulness. But now she needed to be alone in order to concentrate. The bath had relaxed her and Hermes' touch had awoken her passions, but Apollo had soured her mood. She nearly threw the goblet in her frustration at the young god's effrontery, wishing as she had countless times before that Python had succeeded in devouring his mother.

But she needed to focus her energies to the task at hand. She sipped at the wine again, a luscious varietal truly worthy of Olympus, and waved a hand over her scrying glass. The image of Phaedra, Queen of Crete, shimmered into focus. Despite herself, Hera had to admit the woman's beauty. It did not rival her own, of course, but she could see how the woman would be attractive to mortals. And even some gods. She watched as Phaedra met with her advisers, her generals, and strategized with them the coming war. How unlike her weak husband, Hera thought. Wisdom and beauty--it would be best to hide Phaedra from Athena, or Hera would find one more goddess against her in her bid for power.

But she would not hide Phaedra from another of the Olympians. As much as she hated the hypocrisy of her plan, she saw no other recourse to distract Zeus' winds from the Sirosan navy. Deep down, she knew the liaison she was about to create would have been an inevitability, anyway, so she could justify her actions. She concentrated on Phaedra's image and sent it to her husband. In the vision, Phaedra was not dressed in a simple toga but the gossamer wraps of a High Priestess. She was in front of an altar, burning a beautiful young bull whose belly had been slit open and stuffed with myrrh and eucalyptus. The altar was in one of Zeus' temples on Crete and the queen was prostrate before it.

"Zeus, Lord of the Gods, help your daughter in her most dire time of need. I have heard your Herald's message and find myself wanting. I cannot do your bidding alone." She rose to her knees, arms outstretched towards the statue of the King of Olympus. Opening the front of her robes and exposing her breasts, she continued her plea. "I offer you anything you wish, albeit unworthy of your majesty." She now stood, letting the robes slip down her nude, tanned body, pooling about her feet. "Anything I have belongs to you, O Zeus.

"Anything."

The vision ended as Phaedra moved her hands slowly along her body, outlining every curve, every secret, to the graven image of Zeus. Hera lounged against her couch, gulping the wine from the goblet that never seemed to drain of the red liquid. She closed her eyes against the fatigue that always followed the sending of a vision, hoping to also shut out the anger and jealousy of what was surely to transpire next. How she again wished for her bath, to forget the tasks that lay before her. She needed the warmth of the water, the scents of lavender, the coolness of the marble against her tense muscles. But most of all, she desired Hermes' light touch, playing along her flesh. Ah, but that would be a most welcome distraction, she thought.

 

[impish_pixie]

Aphrodite

The Goddess of Love had sought and found a quiet place the garden. She has left the Graces in search of information but what she learned brought her no comfort. The Gods of Olympus were positioning themselves for a major conflict over an insignificant little island. Zeus’ island and Hera intended to make it hers. The opening dance of alliances had begun but Aphrodite decided to wait until partners had been chosen before she would move to the floor. So, she sat by the pond, knowing she made a beautiful picture, and she watched. The smooth reflection of the water showed her what little she needed to know.

Finally, boredom overwhelmed her and she rose to return to chambers of some amusement. She heard his voice, Hermes, as her sandaled feet carried her back to the palace.

"I have a request." She paused, and slowly turned to face him. A small smile spread her sensuous lips, and her eyes held her questions. Request meant favors or payment, who owes who was the currency of the Gods. A request fulfilled would mean a debt owed and Aphrodite liked having the other gods in her debt, the male gods, at least.

"Hera is playing some sort of game with me. I don't know what it is. She flirts, but pulls away. She brings me in to touch and leaves me in tremors and shocks. I am at my wits end. I know she wants me, and I want her, but I do not know what to do. Will you help me?"

“Help you, against Hera? Do you wish her to fall madly in love you or conceive an unquenchable lust for you, Hermes?” Aphrodite laughs, “I can do it but it would be at the cost of everything I hold dear.”

Shaking her head, she lays a delicate hand on his arm, “I can help you, and I will, you must remember that I do so, when I make a request of you.” Her hand moves up his arm and one long finger runs across his cheek, for a moment her eyes look into the seeming innocence of his. “Hermes, you are such a pretty boy, truly you are.”

Her voice softens and she shakes her head, the look in her eyes is almost one of sadness, almost but not quite. “Hera is the Queen of the Gods; she is married to our King, the most powerful of us all. She is strong in her own right and used to dealing with strength. You cannot play games with her, she wants you, but she wants you as a man – not an indecisive boy. Do not pull her hair or steal her sandals, show her that are a man who desires the beautiful woman. Show her your passion and take her.”

 

[poohlive]

As always Aphrodite held his attention so well. Her fingers went to touch him, and he leaned against it. Even within the gods it was rare to receive such touch from Aphrodite.

She wished to know his reasons. He hesitated, unsure. He had lusted after her, since they had played whatever game of cat and mouse they now played together. But, was it love, did he want that?

Part of him did. Part of him wanted to swoop Hera from under the touch of his father. A hardened revenge, but that was for personal reasons. He would not do that to Hera. Hermes was sly and treacherous, but not evil.

"Let's say lust," The way he said it, looking into her eyes, he meant it for her, "And whatever price you ask of me is yours. I will always be indebted to you Aphrodite. Whatever you wish."

She spoke of taking Hera. He had wanted to. In the baths, with her back to him, the outline of her body porceline as water slowly ran off her skin. He would have bent her over, let them rut deep and hard inside of her chambers. Those lustful thoughts got the better of him.

He reached out to Aprhodite's hand, taking it, clasping it within his own. When he brought it up to his lips, soft, delicate was his kiss.

"Is that all? Just take her, end this charade of back and forth, and she will follow?"

 

[FenixZero]

Poseidon narrowed his eyes at his brother's statement but managed to keep his temper in check and his voice at a low rumble. Zeus was the king of all Gods, and the mightiest in all Olympus, to anger him to violence meant obliteration, and even Poseidon dared not suffer that. However, the King of Olympus' arrogance was at an all time high these days.

"Barter brother? Bartering is for mortals and not the affairs of the Gods" He answered with a scoff, bowing his head low before turning to depart Zeus' chambers. Turning his head once more he addressed his brother before exiting, "I do not wish another Troy. Keep the affairs of you and your wife away from my oceans.

The King of the Seas was still very displeased, and his anger radiated around him like a hurricane, the very hairs of his thick beard writing like serpents, the rage building within him. It was bad enough that his own city, proud Atlantis had sunk beneath the waves so long ago, but now the gods seemed to be engaged in a constant game of chess for the cities of mortals.

The deep, empty sound of a conch shell echoed around the Sea King, drawing his attention away from his own thoughts. Standing before the God of the Seas was a young man, his skin fresh with the spray of the waters. He stood on legs like great fish tails, he brandished a large shell in one hand and a small spear in the other, forked at the end like Poseidon's.

"Triton my son. You bring news?" Poseidon addressed him.

"Father, the storms around the Sirosians worsens. Mighty Apollo has plucked the sun from the skies and now the ships sail in darkness. Their cries for your mercy are loud Father. They beg forgiveness for whatever transgression has angered you." The messenger of the seas answered.

The butt of the trident thundered hard against the hallway floor again, the shock like a great tidal wave through the ground itself. Poseidon gripped his weapon tight, his knuckles going white, nearly shaking with anger.

Now Apollo was pulling the sun from the skies? Had all of Olympus gone mad?

"Triton, this is my decree; Our Mighty Brother Zeus has ordered a storm to sink the skips moving towards Crete. But I say that no Siros sailor shall drown in my oceans. Let the waters bring them ashore on Crete, and let no man or horse sink beneath my waves. Zeus himself said the oceans are mine, and none shall pass to Hades without my consent." Poseidon swung his trident out in a wide arc as he made his proclamation. He would not stand for Zeus' interference in how he governed his kingdom, nor anyone else's.

"Do this Triton...and tell the sailors of Poseidon's great mercy, so that they might make tribute to me in the future"

The messenger bowed his head, bringing his conch to his lips once more and issuing a deep, echoing tone. As the sound rose, a gentle spray of ocean mist rose up from beneath him and carried Triton away to do his father's bidding.

As Triton departed, Poseidon turned his attention back to his fellow Olympians. War was approaching. It was unavoidable and perhaps time for the Sea King to give his favor to one side or another.

"A chance for a new city dedicated to me...A new Atlantis" He mused to himself.

His decree had just saved the lives of every Siros sailor and horse, the mortals would be so thankful that tribute to him was ensured, even if they were loyal to Hera.

Hera.

As much as he disliked his sister, he had to admit she was a brilliant tactician and well versed in dealing with mortals. Running a hand through his thick tangled beard, he turned towards her chambers. It was time to talk.

Arriving mere moments later, he raised his trident and spoke in a voice that boomed like waves against a rocky cliff, "Hera! I think we have much to speak of"

 

[impish_pixie]

Aphrodite

Hermes reached out to Aphrodite’s hand, taking it, clasping it within his own. When he brought it up to his lips, for a soft and delicate kiss, her fingers briefly wrapped themselves around his.

"Is that all? Just take her, end this charade of back and forth, and she will follow?"

“Of course, Hermes. You must take charge. Do you think Hera can be won with flowers and soft words? She will crush your flowers and twist your words until you are no longer certain what you said and or even what you meant. If you play a game with her, you will lose.”

Aphrodite withdrew her hand from his and used it to smooth the graceful folds of her gown. “Deal with her frankly. Show her your passion, with the actions of a man burning with desire. Press forward, and do not hesitate.”

 

[brigid_fitch]

"Hera! I think we have much to speak of."

Although not the distraction she had in mind, Hera could not ignore her brother's rumbling voice. Had he learned of her trickery, she thought? She looked at the Sea King's face and there was anger there, but it was not directed at her. No, she decided--he was still fuming over his argument with Zeus. Their exchanges earlier could be felt more than heard throughout the halls of Olympus. Poseidon rarely visited Olympus, so disgusted was he in the gods' daily affairs. As far as he was concerned, the sharks, in all their flesh-rending viciousness, were more palatable company than that of his siblings. For him to leave his oceans was a rare thing, indeed. Rarer still for him to be in her chambers.

Hera knew she had to tread carefully with her brother. She needed him to keep the Sirosan navy safe and to bear them to Crete. Their relationship had always been strained, but lately even more so after the river nymphs sided against him and awarded her Argos. She rose from her chaise, trying to hide her fatigue, and approached him. She greeted him with a genuine smile, kissing him lightly on the cheek.

"Poseidon, I understand the Sirosans owe you a boon. Your mercy towards mortals who choose the life of the sea is quite generous." She moved towards her vanity, pouring a goblet of the Dionysian wine that Iris had left there for her. Offering it to Poseidon, she slowly lowered herself onto her couch. "Is that what you have come here to talk to me about?" she asked innocently. And in her mind, she moved another pawn onto the chessboard.

 

[Erin_]

Artemis

In temperment, the goddess was more like her father than not. She was quick to anger and slow to forgive, her wrath a terrifying thing for man and god alike.

She felt the argument between Poseiden and her father..the whole of Mount Olympus shook with the rumblings of their displeasure. Coupled with the surprising actions of her brother, Artemis found herself wondering when the world had spun so crazily as to turn up to down and black to white.

Stepping lightly, her sandaled feet silent on the smooth marble that lined the floors of Zeus' abode on Olympus, she found herself unable to hide a wry, amused smile. Midnight blue eyes sprinkled with stars found her father alone.

"Sometimes I wonder if you have a plan at all father." The virgin goddess stepped into the chamber, soft skin as pale as moonbeams gleaming in the dimness of the sunless room.

As Apollo was the sun, so then was Artemis the moon. In the absence of the sun the moon goddess was wrapped in cool shadow, shining dark locks glimmering as she moved.

"Forgive my rudeness mighty Zeus." Even now, she knew better than to attract her father's anger, inclining her graceful head respectfully. "But such extreme measures are proving fruitless."

 

[Otto26]

"Your brother was ever quick to act, though of a more mellow temper than you and I, daughter," Zeus replied to Artemis. "I see no rudeness in your words, so I will speak plainly. I have no plan. I see threads that might be and I move to take advantage of them. My wife sees the island of Crete and thinks to claim it for her own patronage. I see Greece and the value to be found in making an example of those that turn from my worship. Mortals are ever the toys of our amusement and it matters little if they worship Hera for a few years. But if I do not resist then Hera will grow bored, Ares will become troublesome, and, in truth, I would miss the challenge."

Zeus regarded his daughter appraisingly. "My winds will torment the ships of Siros, but Poseidon has given them safe passage through his kingdom. Even if I wanted the ships destroyed he would convey the men unharmed to Crete. But they are delayed. I will use the time to remind Heraklion of the benefits of my patronage."

The vision of Phaedra replayed itself in his mind and his lust, a deep river that flowed through him, stirred.

"But what will you do? As your brother has hidden the sun the moon shall hold sway and your power shall wax accordingly."

 

[poohlive]

"Thank you goddess," Hermes said. She had pulled her hand from him, in earnest or because she no longer desired his touch. He didn't know, but he bowed low in any case, giving her the true respect she deserved.

"Your payment," He paused, wondering what it was the goddess could want from him. He had nothing really anyone else didn't posess in better form. His body was not the strongest, nor fairest in Olympus. His mind neither the smartest, his powers held nothing particular.

Posiedon held the ocean. Apollo the sun. Ares all of war and destruction. All Hermes controlled were travelling pick pockets and merchants.

"I do not have much, but offer it, and it is yours."

 

[Erin_]

The goddess of the moon felt the vision of course...she felt the subtle shift of her father's attention, felt the rise of lust in him. Ignoring it, for now, she stepped further into the chamber.

The truth of her father's words was evident...with the sun vanished, the moon could wax in power. "And so perhaps it shall..." Artemis' voice was thoughtful.

"Or perhaps I shall follow Apollo's lead and remove the moon as well." It was impossible to tell from her midnight blue eyes whether she meant it. Her shoulder brushed against her father's broad chest. Full sensuous lips curved in a cruel and wicked smile.

"What say you father? Shall the world be plunged into utter darkness? Will you stand against the elder gods beside your son and daughter?" She circled behind her father, murmuring softly in his ear. "This is a small conflict, that is true. But it can grow to be more father, if you wish."

 

[FenixZero]

Poseidon eyed the offered goblet suspiciously. An offering like this from his sister almost always carried with it a price of some kind, a way to further whatever agenda was twisting in her mind. He would never admit it aloud but Hera was much more clever then he was, and her machinations were notoriously subtle. The simple act of taking the goblet could play into his hands. It was one of the reasons he preferred his ocean kingdom to the Olympian halls. While he considered himself second only to Zeus in terms of sheer power, he was often ill-suited to play Hera's games.

The Sea God growled in his throat a bit but took the goblet, letting the rich ambrosia spill across his lips, tinting his beard with rose colored tinges.

"Our nephew Apollo pulls the sun from the skies, threatening all out the mortals with darkness. If his sister follows his lead and removes the moon, then even the tides will be affected" He spoke slowly, keeping his gaze on his sister as if she were to try some sly trick in front of his very eyes.

"The Siros and the people of Crete ready for battle which I'm sure will have that lout Ares drooling, it seems as if all Olympus is watching these two islands"

The god of the oceans could not help to pause and appreciate Hera's beauty. It was impossible to ignore. Despite all her scheming and her jealousy there was a good reason Zeus had chosen her as his wife. There was something appealing in her rebellious nature and her jealousy, it was something that both desired to be conquered yet fought that same conquest.

Poseidon favored the horse for that very reason. A rebellious mare required a strong stallion to tame her. And as his eyes moved over her golden skin, so barely concealed he felt a desire within him, a desire to extinguish her rebellious fire and feel her submit beneath him. His grip on the shaft of his trident tightened slightly.

But he would not show her this, if Hera felt she had a toehold she would claw for greater control.

"I have always found your petty jealousy tiresome, as is your near constant squabbles with our mighty Brother. However you are more accustomed to the affairs of these mortals.

I care not if the Sirosians or the Creteans emerge as victors, though I prefer the Sirosian horses. However my tributes have been somewhat less of late, and temples in my honor are going unattended. Perhaps it is time I considered turning my attentions towards these mortals"

 

[impish_pixie]

Aphrodite

"Your payment,” he offered and Aphrodite smiled.

“Yes, I will be repaid for my good counsel.”

"I do not have much, but offer it, and it is yours."

“Your gifts, Hermes, are unique. In time I will have need of them and I will call upon you to give me what I want.” With a subtle undulation, she moved close enough to place her hands upon his shoulders and stretch up to whisper in his ear, “A final word, the object of your desire will not submit to being a victim of your lust, use your desire to make her your partner in passion and you will be rewarded, in countless ways.”

She released him, took a step back, and with a final smile she turned to continue her walk back to the palace of the gods.

 

[poohlive]

That was Aphrodite for you. She left you frustrated, confused, horny and wanting more all at the same time. He sighed once, letting her scent waft up to his nostrils a final time before leaving.

A favor for her advice. It didn't seem like much advice, just take what he wanted. Not really take, but be more aggressive. It could work. People took from Hera all the time, including Zeus. Did she want something different?

Aphrodite said no. And she was the figure of knowledge in this area. He had to trust her advice.

And it came with such a price. Whatever she would ask of him. He might not have much power, but one thing he did excel in were secrets. Lots of secrets. She could ask him what he was doing with Hera in the first place, and he would have to tell her why he was siding with her instead of Zeus.

Yes, his favor to her could cause all kinds of problems.

But, he couldn't worry about that now. Just had to keep going, hope that the goddess of love didn't bite him in the ass at the wrong time.

He went to Zeus. He would have to tell Zeus of the armies, of their pentance for the God of all, and what they were doing on the surface.

He entered Zeus' chambers to see Artemis there. Beautiful and elegant, but virginal and chaste as well. What a shame. Like looking at the most beautiful delicious ripe apple in the world and never able to taste it.

Bowing low, he waited in earnest. He did not want to interrupt their conversation. And, what they were talking about seemed important. Hermes knew above others the importance of keeping one's mouth shut, and one's ears open.

 

[brigid_fitch]

"Perhaps it is time I considered turning my attentions towards these mortals"

Hera could scarcely believe what she was hearing. She struggled to retain an apathetic composure, but inside she was practically vibrating. Poseidon had come to her to ask advice. Of course, his pride prevented him from asking outright, and she knew that admitting she was superior to him in anything was a most difficult thing for him. Oh, how she reveled in that. She couldn't have been happier had the God of the Seas come on his knees, groveling at her feet. For Poseidon, his simply being here to ask her for help was just short of that. She did not stir from her couch and regarded him with interest.

"My dear brother, you flatter me. I have no more experience with the mortals than the others who dwell in these great halls. But you choose not to remain on Olympus for any amount of time, preferring the tumultuous waters of your kingdom on Earth. By doing so, no one equals you in your command of the creatures of the seas. Great whales and tiny fish all do your bidding without hesitation, not out of fear, but out of love and respect for you. Mortals are no different."

She rose and walked across her chambers to her balcony, staring up at the moon. Now that the sun was no longer there to challenge it, it's gentle glow filled the sky, illuminating all of Olympus and the world below in a ghostly white. Even many of the constellations were overshadowed by its current brightness. She strained to find the Cup Bearer in the skies, but, although she always knew exactly where the boy was, his light was lost amidst that of Artemis' orb. She turned towards Poseidon.

"Look, Poseidon." she said softly, indicating the glow of the moon that shone over her shoulder. "Look and note what the other gods have forgotten. You consider me petty and vindictive, but for all of my past jealousies and rages, I have never purposely harmed innocents. Apollo hides the sun, an act that will eventually dishearten and weaken the mortals, turning them against him and, ultimately, us. In his rashness, he forgets that we exist because the mortals pay us tribute. Without them, who are we then? Gods without followers are not gods, they are nothing. Mighty Zeus sends hurricanes to destroy the Sirosans, yet he spends eons neglecting the very island they move to conquer. He, too, is rash and does not consider the consequences."

Hera moved towards her brother, the picture of sorrow, her eyes that of a woman deeply wronged. Every move, every gesture was a careful calculation. She gently lay a hand on his mighty arm, feeling the tense muscles beneath her fingers. Looking up into his eyes, the aqua color of the oceans themselves, she saw the god's anger and confusion.

"If you wish the mortals to renew their rightful worship of you, then you must reward those who respect you. Much like you did the Sirosans. Like a child, you reward the good behavior and discipline those who behave contrary to your will.

"You say you do not care who wins this inevitable war, but, unlike Ares, you do not have that luxury. Ares' tribute is the blood spilled on the battlefield, regardless of who spills it. No, brother, if you wish your temples renewed, sacrifices given in your name again, or the respect you most assuredly deserve, then you must choose a side."

 

[MaiusImperium]

After Hera’s grilling Apollo had retired to the hallways of Olympus, there he stretched out on a low couch and lay back, closing his eyes and losing himself in his thoughts. The music and poetry of his muses soothed his vexed spirit, and in the soft torchlight his thoughts drifted.

If Hera thought the Sirosans could contest with a lack of sunlight, then he would extinguish the moon as well, he was almost certain his sister would be amenable to such a suggestion. Ever his sister Artemis had been a friend to him, though her spirit was wilder, more untamed than his they had rarely quarrelled, and out of all the gods his bond with her was the closest thing to trust that he had. All the Olympians were untrustworthy, they were powerful beings, yet capricious and self-serving, ever they sought to advance their own power and tribute, yet he knew he could call upon their bond of kinship in his time of need. That time may come sooner than he had anticipated.

If the Sirosans could content with only starlight, then it was not beyond the realms of possibility that he could persuade his father to cloud the night skies, truly the Sirosan ships would be damned then, but it was not an easy thing. The tumult the earth would undergo would be great, already the stripping of the sun would have severe consequences, he had to act quickly. Hera had raised one pertinent point in all her anger and pride, Demeter would not be pleased with his snatching of the sun. Apollo hoped only to shackle the sun for a day, two at most, yet the fertility goddess would not be happy at all. The sun god was certain she would exact a harsh penalty on him, but it was a penalty he was willing to pay, it would be a small price to pay for the thwarting of his aunt’s plans. He would need to move fast.

He was stirred from his thoughts by the honeyed voice of Urania.

“With the sun gone the stars will always be set in majesty befitting them, sire” Apollo opened his eyes softly, a smile on his lips and looked up into Urania’s dark, soulful eyes. She was quite ravishing, as beautiful as her namesake, her soil-coloured hair spilled about her face in soft ringlets and lavish curls, framing her eyes and the soft content expression on her face. Urania would always find the silver lining.

“You always manage to find the one perfection in each flawed gemstone, my love.” The sun god reached up and stroked his soft fingertips along her jaw line, and then up into her dark curls.

“The other Muses have retired, but I think I shall stay and chart the stars a while longer. The stars are seldom so bright.” Urania slide along the couch, so that Apollo’s head was now cradled in her lap. The muse of astronomy stroked his head softly in her lap.

“I would extinguish the sun for a month, for you my love.” Apollo looked up into her eyes in wonderment at her beauty, it was little wonder he had chosen her to be the mother to his child Linus.

“Stay with me, tonight, my lord Apollo.” There was sadness in her tone, a hint of imploration, and sadness, she asked but she already knew the answer, she had always been sharpest of the muses in mind save Clio.

“You know I cannot, I have lounged here long enough. You know by now Hera is plotting some mischief on Crete, I cannot let her plans come to fruition, for your grandfather’s sake.” With an effort he lifted his head from her lap and sat up, pulling himself from the soft embrace of her fingers.

“Very well my lord,” a soft, resigned sigh escaped her lips and she rose to her feet, Apollo followed her to his feet and slipped his hand around her wrist as Urania moved to leave.

“Tomorrow we shall chart the stars together.” He pulled her into his body and kissed her softly, his lips melting to her own, for a few blissful seconds he forgot Olympus and Hera and everything that troubled him.

Apollo left Urania on the steps at the entrance to the palace, so high up in the heavens, it was if one could reach out and touch the stars. He had left her etching contently into her tablet, charting out the paths of stars and planets as eagerly as Calliope recited or Euterpe played. Rested and ready, Apollo made his way to his father’s chambers. He needed to meet with his father, and his sister also.

What had not banked on was laying eyes on Aphrodite before he reached his destination. He could have recognise those golden locks of flowing hair from a league away, for the briefest moment his sure pace slowed a little as he debated speaking to her. Of all the gods he felt most uncertain around the goddess of lust, Hera was a manipulative schemer, Hermes could be trusted to be untrustworthy and Zeus wrath was terrifying to behold. Yet he knew how to face those opponents. Apollo’s reputation as somewhat libidinous was not exactly undeserved, yet he was certainly no more lustful that spear-shaking Ares or trident-wielding Poseidon, for all his cultured learning and cool temper he always felt uneasy in the presence of her disarming beauty. He stole himself and slipped from the main corridor to follow her.

His sandals echoed flatly on the marbled flooring as he catch up with her, she slipped in besides her as they walked down the wide ante corridor, both of their faces intermittently light up by the silvery shafts of light that shone through alternating windows.

“The sides are forming, dear Aphrodite, already you can feel the shifts of old alliances being reformed, and I wonder who’s side you shall fall upon?”

 

[impish_pixie]

Aphrodite

Apollo’s sandals echoed flatly on the marbled flooring as he catch up with her, he slipped in besides her as they walked down the wide ante corridor, both of their faces intermittently light up by the silvery shafts of light that shone through alternating windows.

“The sides are forming; dear Aphrodite, already you can feel the shifts of old alliances being reformed and I wonder whose side you shall fall upon?”

She walked in silence, only turning to glance at him when he was finished speaking. Still, she said nothing, but she gave him as slow smile and showed him the gleam in her deep blue eyes. She looked ahead again, her graceful stroll undisturbed by his company.

“He really is a beauty”, she thought, and speculated on possibilities for a moment. Thoughts of sex and love, anticipation and desire, the reckless rutting of bodies driven by lust, were as ordinary to her as breathing was to any mortal. They were her nature. She was the goddess of impulses with out control or consequences. As she walked in silence, her mind flitted back and forth, between his question and his presence. Finally, she shook her head, and turned her head to look at him once again.

She attempted to suppress her smile and hide the speculative glint in her eyes, but it was only a small effort since success or failure mattered little to her.

“Zeus or Hera? Our King or our Queen?” She allowed a hint of amusement to slip into her voice. “Unlike you and you twin, I have no blood bonds to influence or dictate my choice.” She sighs, “I have only the bonds of matrimony and a chance to choose between the mother of my less than dear husband or the one who forced me to marry him.”

She shrugged a shoulder, encouraging her hair to tickle the back of her neck with a toss her head, “Hera has Ares, and Hermes, she will have Hephaestus, of course… he is devoted to his mother and other’s I assume. And Zeus? He has you and your sister.” She stops and turns to face him. “Why should I risk offending Hera when I can easily side with superior numbers?”

 

[FenixZero]

"You say you do not care who wins this inevitable war, but, unlike Ares, you do not have that luxury. Ares' tribute is the blood spilled on the battlefield, regardless of who spills it. No, brother, if you wish your temples renewed, sacrifices given in your name again, or the respect you most assuredly deserve, then you must choose a side."

"Choose a side? Are you mad woman?" Poseidon allowed an insincere chuckle, the tiniest spark of amusement tinging his eyes. "I recall the last time sides were taken against our brother Zeus. If I am not mistaken, that side is still entombed in Tartarus."

He kept a comfortable distance from Hera, his eyes carefully studying her. Hera was not one to be so open and friendly. Her honey sweet voice and the playful swish of her hips, they were all elements of her game. Surely she did not think she could manipulate mighty Poseidon so easily. A smile tugged the corner of his lips. He would get the better of this mare.

"Why are you so concerned with this one island sister? Are you that desperate to deny your husband followers? Or perhaps to deny him another consort." He turned his head slightly, casting his gaze out towards the world. The Sirosians were save, and even know he knew Triton had carried them his message. They had sailed towards Crete for Hera's glory. She had sent them into a storm, and Poseidon had delivered them from it. He did not doubt who they would thank when they arrived on the beaches of Crete unharmed.

But Apollo's arrogance would not go unpunished. Without the sun's rays, he could no longer see the endless blue of his oceans, or the way the spray glinted like jewels as his chariot drove across the sea. No longer could he see the fiery horses of Helios emerge from the horizon of his oceans every morning. And if Artemis followed her brother, even his tides could be affected.

"Your games tire me Hera. But some of what you say may be true. My concerns will lie as they always have, with my Kingdom, but should it be threatened I will add my trident to this...'dispute'".

He gave Hera a side long glance before speaking again. "You must know one thing sister. Should I lend my aid I will expect to be...compensated thoroughly."

 

[poohlive]

"The moon's vacancy would ruin Hera's plans, indeed," Hermes said, as soon as he had taken a minute to mull it over in his mind. The thoughts were dangerous, he knew, but he tried to speak as clearly as he could to Artemis.

With Artemis here words were so forward, so precise. When she spoke, everyone knew what she meant, and knew it was the truth. She did not exaggerate or give out partial truths, she lived life as an arrow, straight and decise.

Hermes, however, could not be more twisted. Even when he purposely did not try to deceive his words found a way of becoming waped and full of double meanings. He handed out pieces of lies wrapped in small truth packages. His words came quick and witted, each one a strike here and there, none of them sticking to the wall.

"Poseidon already has offers from the coming Siros army. He has come to Zeus once about threatening his ocean. If you take the moon away, the tides will no longer come. That may be a small thing to you and me, but to Poseidon? You will have killed his kingdom. He will side with Hera, and then you will have many other foes to fight in your struggle."

He came up to Artemis, her beauty once more showing through. One could not look upon her without reminding themselves of her chaste purity. He bent low, taking her hand and letting one kiss linger upon it.

"If we wish to band together against Hera, then we need as many on our side as possible. We need Aphrodite, to woo the hearts of men, we need Poseidon and his warriors of the sea. We need Apollo, with his son, and you, dear sweet goddess, with the moon. I have the merchants, and rogues, and messengers. That is a formidable army against Hera's Sirosians, don't you think?"

 

[Erin_]

Artemis

The wide midnight eyes of the goddess regarded Hermes as he lowered his head, allowing him to take her hand, though one sable brow quirked in surprise.

She pulled her hand from his when she felt the softness of his lips upon it. "If we wish?" When Hermes again raised his head, Artemis met his gaze steadily, seeking the truth that the messenger god always kept so very well hidden.

"You speak of allies God of Thieves...but who, even among the gods, ever truly knows your purpose?"

Her hand lifted to his face, her fingertips just brushing over his lips. "Such lies these lips have known. It is all just a game to you, isn't it Hermes?"

Even as she spoke the moon began to fall, the stars left bereft on their field of velvet indigo. Around the world, the soft sounds of the waves lapping at the shore were hushed, miles of sand laid bare, grounding many sea creatures, leaving them flopping on the newly uncovered shore, gasping at air futilely.

The full yellow moon dipped below the eastern horizon just as the sun had done below the western.

Through it all, Artemis' gaze never left Hermes'. Her hand lowered from his face, her lips curved in a soft, cruel smile. "You are not the only one who enjoys games."

The 'game' had taken on much more importance to her. It was beyond the isle of Crete now...though she would not admit as much to Hermes.

By her brother's actions she judged him to be of a similar mind.

Circling the God of Thieves, Artemis considered him thoughtfully. He would be a powerful ally...but there was no way to be sure of his motives. He could be counted on to play both sides...that was quite certain. "To whom will your loyalty fall, God of Thieves? How may I be sure it falls where you assure me it will?"

 

[poohlive]

He couldn't smile, even as she stared at him, her power coming to full focus now. He couldn't dare love the idea of her falling right into his lap, doing just what he wanted, moving Poseidon and several others away from Zeus' insanity in trying to stop one fleet from crossing an ocean, to Hera's soft regality for doing nothing at all.

He hated that he could not answer Artemis so truthfully, could not show her the plain emotion she wished him to show. His life had been behind the cloak, under robes, down darkened alleys with many mixed dealings.

He was not born with a spoon in his mouth, but by the end of the first day, he had one.

"You can always trust me to be mistrusting," He smiled at that. It was something, was it not? He wanted to say something further, but closed his mouth.

"You were always so truthful, so understanding. I suppose my nature is to lie, and deceive, and look for the best opportunities. You are right, Artemis, I am playing both sides. To what end, yet, I do not know. But I do know this is a fight, and right now Hera is winning."

He hoped at least that much of the truth burned within him for Artemis to see.

 

[Erin_]

Artemis

Was it sadness that flickered across those starry eyes?

"As you say, Hermes." The moon goddess turned away from the God of Thieves, moving to Zeus' balcony, resting her hands on the smooth marble and gazing upwards at the moonless sky.

The prayers of mortals reached her ears...a symphonic harmony of praise and love that lifted her spirits. For a moment, she allowed herself to simply drift in that sea of prayer. But such moments never lasted. Even for the gods...a moment of perfection was all there ever was.

Combined, the prayers were lovely. But the longer that she listened, the less sonorous and harmonic that music became. Some of the prayers were thinly veiled demands...some were half truths...some were complete lies.

"Hera is winning..." Hermes' words echoed in her mind over and over.

How could it be true?

Glancing over her shoulder, the moon goddess sought Hermes' eyes again. "If that is true..." But she did not finish...not that train of thought.

"I do not have your skill with intrigue. I do not know how to be anything other than what I am." She turned slowly, with infinite grace, facing him, the smooth marble against the small of her back. "But I do know you...the babe who outfoxed my brother."

Artemis smiled softly at the memory though the smile faded the next instant. "You and I are more alike than not Hermes. The situations of our births at least. Why would you cast your loyalty that way? What can Hera offer that she has not already tried to take?"

"I would call you ally...if you will allow it." By the look in her eyes, it was clear that she thought that very unlikely. "But I will call you enemy as well...if you force me to."

 

[poohlive]

"Please don't call me enemy," He begged, "Don't let those soft lips carry such a harsh name for me. A rogue, a scoundrel, a thief, a foxhound in the night, but not your own enemy."

He thought to try to convey to her why he would go against his own father. Their father. It didn't seem to make much sense, and it certainly would not be any sort of truth Artemis wished to know. She would laugh it off as another lie.

"Artemis, you are so chaste, so much a virgin. You are swollen in your purity, it is something beautiful and golden around you, sometimes... knowing my past and my dealings, I can barely look at you. My job is to lie, steal, cheat people."

He looked up at her, biting his lower lip.

"But, I also deal with contracts. I am the god of merchants, and a merchant's contract is his bond. If you wish for me to be your alley, draw up a contract. Write it down, on the parchment of the gods... therefor I can not break whatever it lies in."

He had to lower his head, looking at her feet. Even the soles of her feet were cleaner than himself.

"It is all I can offer. What more would you want of me, sweet goddess?"

 

[MaiusImperium]

Everything between the gods was a dance and a game, partners changed many times but the goal was always the same, to further one’s own tribute, to gain a little more influence, a few more worshippers. Some contests were obvious; the strength of Ares pitted against the strength of Athena, others were more subtle. As he walked with her he gained an appreciation of her, lust seemed to roll off her soft skin, her every movement seemed to speak of undulation, the sway of her hips, the fullness of her lips and the sparkle of her eyes. Even her voice was honeyed as she spoke, weighing up her options he listened carefully, devouring her every word, absorbing the nuances of her body language; it was not exactly an unpleasant experience, though he fought to keep himself focused on the job at hand.

“Why should I risk offending Hera when I can easily side with superior numbers?”

He turned and his dark blue eyes met hers in the darkness of the corridor. The pale light of the moon made her skin glow with an ethereal aura, and then it was gone. He felt the pattern of the web shift slightly, felt the laws of physics shift and bend to accommodate yet another unnatural change, and the moon was gone. He smiled knowingly as he looked to Aphrodite, it was perfect timing, certainly a potent demonstration of his sister’s powers. Artemis had taken the moon from the sky, and he the sun.

“I would have thought you know the answer to that, Aphrodite. Hera’s alliance boasts more allies, at this point, I will grant you, but who amongst us has not felt the wrath of Zeus when we have stood against him?” More than a fair point, Apollo had been forced to work the earth as a mortal for his transgression against Zeus, he knew too well the wrath of his father. “When the dust settles from this squabble, the alliance that triumphs will divide the tribute amongst the victors. With Zeus your share will be greater as there are fewer gods to divide the worship amongst.” His voice was hushed now in the near-darkness, only a few sconces kept the corridor in light. He reached out for her wrist and slowly slipped his smooth fingers around it, it was elegantly thin, it seemed so fragile in his own, but her skin was so smooth, so warm. He stopped her in the darkness.

“Let us suppose for the moment that you side with Hera, can you honestly say she will allow you temples even half the size of hers? Her domain is matrimony, yours is lust and love unbridled, your gifts undo her own. She will never tolerate your worship growing on Crete. Hera is cold, but Zeus is full of heat. And heat, Aphrodite, you can stoke, control, manipulate more easily. Your tribute would be great, sea-foamed goddess, greater perhaps than even my own or my sisters.” His words had taken on a heat of their own, his passion had been evoked, so close to her, and even as he spoke his eyes wandered over her body hungrily.

“There is risk, but that is what makes it so delectable is it not? You are the goddess of risk, men and even gods have gambled away their fortunes for a touch, a kiss, a fevered caress. Take this risk with me, the rewards will be more than worth it.”