Olympic Desires IC Thread

[Erin_]

Artemis

Leaping as gracefully as a gazelle she closed the distance between them, her hand curving around the nape of his neck, grasping the silken curls there and pulling them ungently, forcing him to meet her gaze, her eyes glittering with cold fury, as lovely and as distant as the far off stars.

"I do not expect your aid, God of Thieves." Her voice was a soft growl, bespeaking a growing anger that might be mistaken for something else. She released him, pushing past him and striding towards the entrance, every bit the huntress now.

Even as she moved, she wondered at her fury...not understanding it. Hermes had done nothing to invoke such anger. Had she expected something less? Something more?

Chaste she might be, but Artemis was no innocent. She knew the passions that drove men and women and even gods. Though such passions did not rule her, still she recognized them.

If she considered, truly considered...the answer was clear. What else could Hera offer to Hermes? He did not lack for worshipers. He did not lack for anything.

Pausing at the doorway, Artemis did not turn. She merely glanced over her shoulder at the god that, aside from her own twin, she had once felt the most kinship with. The rage within her midnight eyes had given way to sorrow, though the distance between them might be far enough that he would not see.

"I will not wish you luck. But at the end of this game, I hope your prize is worthy of its cost."

There was so much more she would have liked to say. As she stood in that doorway, she realized that most of her anger had come from disappointment. Most..but not all. There was a hard little knot in her stomach that she could not account for. She wanted only to run...to hunt...and to forget.

But that was not to be. The die had been cast, and for good or ill, she would have to see how it fell.

 

[FenixZero]

The hollow sound of the conch echoed through Hera's chambers, interrupting Poseidon's thoughts. Turning his head in surprise he saw his son Triton, knee bent before him. The youth's face was troubled as he raised his eyes to meet those of his father. Poseidon knew his message before Triton even spoke. The God of the Sea had felt the change instantly. The subtle lapping of his waves against the shores, or the thunderous boom as the crashed against a rocky cliff face were all silent. Triton's lips scarcely had time to form the words before Poseidon's trident slammed into the ground.

His face had become a mask of pure rage. Taking the sun and denying him the sparkling waters was enough but this affront was nothing less then a declaration of war against him!

Whirling around to face Hera, he snarled between his teeth, "So be it sister. We will speak of my terms later but for now I desire only to show these upstarts their proper place"

Without even waiting for her reply he turned and strode out the door. He was barely able to contain his anger. The thick corded muscles on his body stood out like whipcords, the strands of his heavy beard twisting and coiling as if embodiments of the fury that grew with each step he took towards the chambers of Artemis.

"Artemis! Show your face to me you wretched witch!" He bellowed as he moved down the hallways. Triton kept close behind, his head bowed low. He knew what his father was capable of in these moments. On any given day Poseidon was temperamental and easily angered, but to directly evoke such a wrath seemed like madness. Even for a god.

Poseidon's eyes, now the color of the raging sea finally found the Goddess of the Moon, his lips curling back in a furious sneer.

"I offer you one chance to make right what you have broken." He snarled at her as he approached closer. "One opportunity to restore your moon and MY oceans and to act as an Olympian should."

Finally closing the distance between them, he raised himself up to his full height, towering over the smaller Goddess, "Do it not and you will become my enemy."

Standing tall, trident clutched proudly in his hand, Poseidon looked every bit the warrior king. His kingdom surrounded every temple, shrine, port, or city worth a damn and even with his tides silenced, with a simple word and a gesture from his trident could summon a storm that would drown the world.

"Remember well how that simpering snot-nosed brother of yours slunk away from engaging me at Troy. Remember how his boasts that he could match my strength were muted. And remember that Delos, Sparta and all other places where you are worshiped will fall beneath my waves if you defy me."

 

[poohlive]

Why did that look hurt him worst of all? He had done many things, crossed many people, seen them with pity or hate or fear or even disappointment in his eyes, but he'd never felt sorry for what he did, or who he was...

Not until this day.

"I'm sorry," He spoke, after she had left, to an empty room. The whisper of guilt echoing off the walls, soundless in his admission. He had nothing left to give, not even himself.

So, he left. He walked back, passed Poseidon, passed the halls, to where his mistress stood. In an empty room, looking as if she had already won.

It was far from over, but now their victory was within reach. He moved in behind her, his lips almost upon her neck. When he spoke it was a whisper on her skin, silent, seductive, sending shivers sneaking passed her spine.

"And now Poseidon joins your cause. A powerful ally indeed, to turn against his own brother."

He felt her turn her cheek, for a moment their lips only a hair's breath away. He eased forward, letting them touch ever so slightly. Not a kiss, no, but some gentle sigh that seemed too good to pull away.

Yet, he did. Hermes pulled from that kiss, moving past her, towards the baths.

"You have done it. There is no sun in which to see, no moon in which to move the oceans, and no stars in which to navigate, but you have done it nontheless."

He spoke, walking towards her baths, removing his clothing as he did so. His sandals, his robes, his linens. He stood there, naked, turning towards her from the entrance, dark lustful eyes upon her.

"A small victory, we can at least celebrate that," He stepped inside, letting the warm water surround him as he leaned against one of the sides.

 

[Erin_]

Artemis

Posiedon's wrath was glorious, and served only to strengthen her resolve.

She stood in the face of the sea god's rage, not shrinking away from him, though he towered over her. She might have looked fragile there, a pale and lovely moonflower growing in the shadow of a dark and ominous cliff, but looks were often deceiving.

The moon goddess stood still, her arms crossed lightly beneath her breasts, her head canted to the side as she listened. Stray tendrils of sooty black curls brushing her bared shoulders, lending her a soft and feminine air, framing features that were attentive and sympathetic, but quite resolute.

"Do you not feel it mighty Poseidon?" Artemis' voice was soft, but power laced her words just the same. "Do you not feel the changes carried on the wind?"

Midnight eyes met those raging ones, moved beyond them towards Triton briefly before returning. "Call your storms. I care not. I have set myself upon this course, and I will see it through." Those words were tinged with regret. The goddess was well aware of how fierce an enemy the sea god could be.

She did not speak of Apollo. She did not need to. Poseidon would know that her twin would stand beside her.

Her intentions thus spoken, she continued. Her task now to try and ease her uncle's rage. It was a task she was not well suited for. She did not have Apollo's or Hermes' gift for words. She was a creature of shadows and of silence. A huntress who did not announce her strategy to her quarry.

But in this game, the rules were different. "But if I could uncle, I would ask for the patience of you and your son." The goddess spread her hands, her eyes silently appealing. "There is but one purpose for my actions, and it is not to anger you or disrupt your realm. It is merely to stand in opposition to the one who has ever set herself in opposition to me."

There was more of course...what Artemis wished to accomplish was nothing less than divine murder. But she did not say as much to her uncle.

 

[brigid_fitch]

"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'.

"You must know one thing sister. Should I lend my aid I will expect to be...compensated thoroughly."

Hera had expected this reaction. Poseidon had ever wished to remove himself from the machinations of the other Olympians. He was much like Hades in that regard; his kingdom came first and foremost with no thought of how he fit into the grander scheme of things. Selfishness, arrogance, and self-importance were Poseidon's stock in trade and Hera knew how to use that to her advantage. But she had to admit to being somewhat surprised by his request for compensation. Could it really be that easy this time, so straight-forward? Hera had envisioned days of carefully laid plans in order to move Poseidon into a position most desirable to her ultimate objective. Now all she had to do was offer him something that would match his unbridled ego, give him something that Hera could easily live without, or simply make a promise that she may or may not keep down the road.

It was difficult not to laugh out loud at the Sea King's naïveté.

But her amusement was broken by the dimming of the moon's glow about Olympus. The sconces flared brighter to compensate for the growing darkness and Hera looked behind her in alarm. Now she could plainly see the Cup Bearer's form in the sky, as well as the thousands of other stars in the now-moonless sky. For a heartbeat, all Olympus and the rest of the world stood motionless at this new development. Hera shook her head in amazement at Artemis' actions, for only she would be so bold, and so stupid, as to follow her brother's foolish lead and pluck the moon from the sky. Hera hoped the goddess truly enjoyed all aspects of the hunt, for, anticipating Poseidon's reaction, she was now to become prey.

The haunting moan of Triton's conch came a moment later, to alert Poseidon of the situation that he had obviously already felt. She turned to watch the interaction between the two as Poseidon's fury practically took on a life of its own. Triton blanched at his father's furor and disappeared, most likely to attempt to save as many sea creatures as he could from the sands on which they would be stranded without the moon's tides.

"So be it sister. We will speak of my terms later but for now I desire only to show these upstarts their proper place"

Poseidon was gone just as quickly, storming off to confront Artemis, a scene Hera desperately wished she could witness, but knew better than to get involved. She had already made her play for Poseidon and was confident that, when the Sea God took sides, it would be with her and against the bastard gods who drew him into their private war against his will. What was Zeus playing at, she wondered? By allowing his children to exercise their greatest powers, they had invited the wrath of not just Demeter and Poseidon, but all mankind. Surely, no island was worth that.

Unless, she thought, perhaps her vision of Phaedra was far more realistic and inviting than she had bargained for. Zeus was still on Olympus, but his attention was drawn elsewhere. That was the only explanation. And, worse still, the realization that Poseidon was delivering the Siros navy to Crete in spite of his brother's warnings. Hera had tempted Zeus to distract him from the ships, but now Poseidon had made that gesture unnecessary. This presented a new problem, but not one that Queen of the Gods couldn't overcome. Phaedra would have to be dealt with, but in due time. For now, she needed news from Hermes in order to solidify the next stage of her plans.

 

[FenixZero]

"Patience? You ask for my patience!?" He could hardly believe his ears. She had dared ask for him for patience after her insult! She had stolen something precious to him, something that he treasured, and now she tried to pacify him with words. It was bad comedy.

Poseidon loomed over his niece, his shoulders still rising and falling as he drew breath into his powerful frame, the last bit of his control keeping his hand from striking the insolent Goddess to the ground.

He had respect for his niece, she was one of his favorites in fact. She knew the wisdom of spending time away from Olympus, preferring the company of her nymphs and her animals to those of Gods. He could almost admire her at times, for she was a creature of surreal grace and beauty, the shame being only that she had chosen a chaste life.

But any admiration he had for her was meaningless now and his rage would not be denied. Were it not Zeus' decree that she remained a virgin forever Poseidon would have taken supreme pleasure in knocking her to the smooth marble floor, expose every inch of her milky-white flesh to his furious eyes and feel her whimper her submission to him. He entertained the notion for only a moment.

"Do not think I will be so easily pacified Artemis. I am more then a god, I am also a King and will not suffer this crime against my kingdom. But if your choice is made then so be it. You will regret this choice niece when my storms swallow your shrines, or when my earthquakes leave your groves and forests dead and broken!" His voice nearly shook with anger.

He refused to be the first to break the stare. He snapped a command to Triton without even meeting his son's eyes. "Triton! Summon the mightiest of the Ketea. Delos dies screaming"

The messenger of the oceans bowed his head and sounded his conch shell, vanishing from sight in helix of ocean spray.

 

[brigid_fitch]

"And now Poseidon joins your cause. A powerful ally indeed, to turn against his own brother."

Ah, Hermes, who's timing was almost as precise as the Fates' themselves. Almost as if granting her wish, the Messenger God appeared, moving slowly behind her. Light and sensuous, barely enough to move the hairs at her sensitive neck, he breathed against her, the warmth of his breath in sharp contrast to the chills it created down her spine. Hera turned her head to meet the god's lips, hoping to simply brush against them and renew their game that for centuries had simultaneously both thrilled and frustrated her. But Hermes seemed different today. Typically, the pixie-like trickster god would dance away, finding another approach in order to continue the game. Now he simply moved his head out of her reach, retreated from her, walked away towards her baths. What new game is this, she mused.

"You have done it. There is no sun in which to see, no moon in which to move the oceans, and no stars in which to navigate, but you have done it nontheless.

"A small victory, we can at least celebrate that,"

A victory? No, not quite yet, but her pieces now dominated the chessboard, of that she was certain. Zeus and his allies could not make a move without dire consequences. As Hermes spoke, she watched in wonder as he removed his toga, his linens, his winged helmet and sandals. He stood before her, standing at the archway leading to her baths, his blonde hair in unkempt, wild ringlets framing his face. She had always thought of him as a godling before, her stepson, younger than the rest, therefore more playful and easier to play with. Now, looking at his lithe, athletic torso, muscular arms and legs, and undeniably large manhood, she could not see him in that light any longer. Half-silhouetted by the light of the sconces, she saw he was truly a god. She could not see the expression on his face or in his eyes as they were hidden in shadow, but she secretly, silently hoped they now mirrored the desire in hers.

Without another word, he stepped into her baths. A brief flash of anger drew her up short at the impertinence. No one entered her baths without permission. They were her sanctuary and that was well understood by all. But, as she watched Hermes' body disappear beneath the water, she was saddened at being denied the vision of him. Despite herself, she slowly strode towards her baths, watching this beautiful young man who beckoned her. She remained somewhat wary, knowing the God of Lies possessed many forms of trickery and she refused to be caught unawares. She slowly disrobed, untying the golden ribbon that held her chiton in place. It slipped from her shoulders and soundlessly pooled about her elegant legs and onto the floor. Another step moved her closer to the baths and she removed her sandals, her eyes never leaving those of Hermes. She descended the marble stairs into the warm, scented waters, positioning herself across from the god, draping her arms casually over the rim of the bath.

"You are changing the rules, Hermes," she said, her brilliant blue eyes never leaving his cunning green ones. His motivations were still a mystery to her and, until she knew what he was up to, she was the weaker party. But there were ways of getting information, finding out what she wanted to know, even from the God of Lies.

"This new game you play with me is fraught with danger. Are you certain you wish to play it?"

 

[Erin_]

Artemis

The softness faded from the huntress' midnight eyes. She had tried to explain and she had failed. But she would not suffer such threats from any god.

Her hand moved to her bow, still on her back, and she took a step nearer to her uncle, lifting her hand and poking fearlessly at his chest. "Your shrines and temples will suffer the same fate."

There was no conversational tone to her voice any longer. She was as furious as Poseidon was, each word succinct, dripping with power and finality. "Your worshipers as well. Have you forgotten, great lord of the seas, that the mortals who worship you do not dwell beneath the waves?"

"Do not for a moment think that your blustery rage does anything save bore me uncle. Do as you see fit."

With that the huntress turned, her hand still curved around the reassuring smoothness of her golden bow. The silken robes she wore swirled around her youthful curves as she moved to walk away.

It was all that she could do to keep her rage in check, but there was a greater purpose at stake. She had to keep that purpose firmly in mind, or risk losing all. And she had come too far for that.

 

[poohlive]

He had to bite his lower lip from moaning out loud when he saw her emerge from the robe, her perfect body tempting and as deadly as she was. His eyes followed the curves running up and down, flawless as any other goddess, even moreso. The mother of all goddesses, the first one, the perfect goddess.

She slipped beneath the waters as he, and he too felt a twinge of sadness that her rich scented bathwater concealed so much.

"I wanted to try something new," He spoke, slowly moving toward her. He traversed the water in determined steps, some fierce predator with muscles all poised, eager to take his prey.

"Do not get me wrong, goddess, our old game is fun. Playing, teasing, frustrating each other to no end. It does have a certain appeal, but at the end of the day we both leave disappointed..."

His leg touched her, running up the side of it, as he moved in closer. He stepped between her legs, rising amidst the steps, towering over her, bending down to look right into her eyes.

"Do you not wish to play this new game with me? I was hoping you would," His foot caressed her inner thigh, the slow deliberate touch of need. It grew within him, his cock just below the water line, almost visible at its hardness, its full length now on display.

"If you wish me to stop at any time," He whispered against her ear, his cheek brushing alongside hers, his lips on her earlobe, kissing, nibbling, "Just say so."

 

[FenixZero]

Extra thanks to Erin for the collaboration

Balling his fists Poseidon watched his niece turn and leave him. His anger was not abated.

How dare she turn her back to him in this way!?
"Artemis! I am not finished with you yet!"

The goddess paused, his commanding tone demanded that much of her. But she did not turn. Glancing over her shoulder, her midnight blue eyes smoldered with rage to match his own. "There is nothing more to say."

Her tone was scathing, angry. "The end result of this charming little confrontration will be decided elsewhere, mighty Poseidon."

It was almost more then he could stomach. He closed the distance between the two of them in a few long strides, his anger almost blinding him.

One powerful hand shot out, fastening around the huntress' forearm and spinning her around to face him. He was unused to anyone standing against his anger this way. Perhaps he had spent too much time beneath the sea.

"We are finished when I say we are and not before niece. Do you truely care so little for your followers that you send them to their deaths just to spite my sister?"
Artemis says:
Those smouldering eyes looked at his strong hand gripping her alabaster skin, moving slowly upwards to meet his own gaze yet again. "I care enough for them to try uncle."

She tried to tear her arm from his grasp. "It is you who will not listen. You have made up your mind...you had already done so when first you sought me out. And I must either fall in line with you or be struck down."

Soft full lips were curved in a savage snarl as she spoke, her mounting frustration with the entire situation pouring out of her. "I did not take such a drastic step lightly." Again, she tried to free herself from his grasp, succeeding this time. "It is an affront to me that you think I had."

His hand clenched tighter, knuckles going white. As she moved to step out of his reached his hand snapped back, raising to strike the insolent goddess across her full, pale cheek.

"You have disrupted the natural order. Long has your moon moved my seas, Luna's push and pull were like a lover and you have taken that."


"I was the one who gave mortals the horse, and it was I who showed them how to break a rebellious mare! Perhaps you need a similar lesson little one"

Artemis hissed softly, her sandaled feet whispering over the smooth marble as she danced backwards, avoiding her uncle's open hand.

Common sense demanded that she leave, but her ire was up, her midnight eyes alight with rage.

"At last you speak sensibly Poseidon. It is my moon...my gift to withhold. Do you think I owe you some sort of tribute for the centuries of harmony?"

The goddess snorted in derision, a cold, cruel sound, her hands on her shapely hips now as she confronted her uncle. "You took a gift for granted uncle, and now you demand too much."

His hand flew out, catching the midnight huntress across her full pale cheek, the slap like a clap of thunder in the empty halls of Olympus. His trident fell to the side, leaving both his hands free.
"Stupid little girl. How long will mortals pay you tribute with the moon gone from the sky? None can cross my oceans without paying tribute to me, but what do you have without the moon?"

"How will you have your precious hunts? How will you bathe in the moonlit pools? How can you even call yourself a goddess any more?"

Her head snapped to the side, her hand lifting to her stinging cheek just after, sable curls framing that reddened cheek as she slowly lowered her hand. In the span of her whole life...albeit brief compared to his...no one had dared lay hands on her in that manner.

"You risk much, mighty Poseidon." Her words were icy, her eyes like shards of shining glass, burning with the fire of many stars.

"I have but one word for you...for all of your protestations, your rages, your posturing. That word is impotent."

The goddess took a small step back, the shadows beginning to envelope her lithe and lovely form. "The moon will be returned to her rightful place when I see fit. " Even in the shadows, the red mark that his hand had left on her cheek stood out, but if it pained her, Artemis gave no sign of it. Regarding her uncle from the relative distance of the shadows, Artemis could not help a small sigh. Things were not going well. She only hoped Apollo's luck was better.

The Sea Kings arms folded across his chest as he watched Artemis' defiance. Even in his anger part of him appreciated her defiance. She refused to submit to him...at least like this.
But he had learned something of value. Artemis had been a virgin for a long time and on some level she feared the touch of a man. The surprise, shock and anger in her eyes after he had struck her told him that.

"You are a skilled huntress little one, but you know nothing of war among the gods."
"You think to call me impotent? I will show you how potent the king of the seas can be. Now begone from my sight"

Artemis was gone the next instant, biting back her retort, knowing that having the last word was not what was truly important here.

 

[brigid_fitch]

"I wanted to try something new,"

His lyrical voice floated across the water as effortlessly as he himself did, approaching her perch on the marble stairs. There was more light here than in the archway and she saw more clearly the rippling of his muscles, the wiry strength of his arms, the taut torso all so different from Zeus' build. Zeus was perfect in every way, barrel-chested, arms like iron, his whole body exuding strength and power. Hermes' body displayed a different power, that of a whip or a long, subtle knife--a chorus of contrasts existed between those two gods and Hera couldn't help but be excited by the prospect of this new experience. As he loomed over her, standing between her legs on the bottom stair, she saw the wild desire in his eyes, barely contained, held back by the strongest of wills. All she had to do was yield.

"Do not get me wrong, goddess, our old game is fun. Playing, teasing, frustrating each other to no end. It does have a certain appeal, but at the end of the day we both leave disappointed..."

His leg grazed hers and a shock ran through her at his touch. This was a side of Hermes she had never seen before. Confident, yes, but his stature, his words now reverberated with a commanding quality he had never shown before. He was right, of course--their eons-old game of teasing had always been entertaining and a delicious distraction, but it was not without its disadvantages.

"Do you not wish to play this new game with me? I was hoping you would."

Hermes' voice was husky, his need unmistakable. Hera realized to her surprise that she was breathing heavily herself, nearly panting with desire for the young god as he moved even closer to her, stroking her inner thighs with his legs. His cock so close to her now, she could see its outline just below the water if she only broke their gaze. Could it be, she wondered? She searched his eyes again, the emerald green dancing with the torchlight from the sconces on the walls, and found no malice, no subterfuge. Only longing and hope--hope that she'd succumb. Could it be that there is no game, no mischief afoot from the trickster god? As if in answer, he bent down to her, soft warm lips against the coolness of her skin.

"If you wish me to stop at any time, just say so."

His mouth on her earlobe, kissing, sucking gently. More contact then they had ever had before in all of the young god's existence. And it was thrilling. She found herself powerless to say no, satisfied that there was no ulterior motive to his actions. He had simply grown tired of their game, of playing by her rules, and had invented his own. And she was eager to learn them.

Reaching up, she clasped her arms around Hermes' neck, drawing him nearer to her, wanting to feel the warmth of his body against hers. With the slightest of thoughts, she sealed off access to her chambers both by physical means and by any prying eyes. No one would be suspicious after the day's events if the Queen of the Gods required some time alone and undisturbed. Satisfied that they would be undiscovered, she turned her full attention to Hermes, turning to meet his hungry mouth. The kiss was tentative for the briefest of moments, each wanting to be certain that this was what the other wanted. Then Hermes, uncharacteristically in command, kissed her more insistently, opening her mouth with his tongue, exploring this forbidden fruit as her tongue danced along his. It was Hera who broke the kiss, looking into the god's eyes once more, pleased to find them guileless. The gods could hide many things from her, but not even Hermes, God of Lies, could out-manipulate Hera. She could always tell.

Hera smiled at the young god. "I'm unfamiliar with this new game of yours, Hermes. You'll have to show me how it's played."

 

[impish_pixie]

Aphrodite

The Goddess of Carnal Desires listened to the beautiful Sun God with mostly a feigned interest. She really was quite good at it and she never meant it to be insincere but whenever a conversation did not deal specifically with her wants or desires as the major topic, she was forced to pretend she was giving it her full attention. It was just her way of being polite. Her expression remained mildly serious with only a hint of her usual smile peeking through, her eyes kept with his instead of wandering off like her attention. She held her body still, mostly, confining her actions to a subtle shifting of her weight from hip to hip, as she drew breath. Her head cocked to the side while her finger traced a soft line along the fair skin of her delicate neck.

His lips, they look so soft for man, she thought as those lips spoke about Hera’s intolerance. His chin is strong and his jaw line sharp, they keep his mouth from looking like his sister’s, she thought as he mentioned his lovely twin.

It was not until his words rung with the sound of passion that her attention was truly his. She could never resist the call of her nature and as his eyes moved over her body, she unconsciously shifted to display her beauty.

“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.”

His words are… persuasive. His attitude is even more so, despite the fact she has already promised her allegiance and her support, she is not unwilling to renegotiate with the handsome young god. Denying the possibility of a more personal alliance would be contrary to her to her sensual nature, and the fact that Apollo is by no means an ascetic only adds to her interest.

“Rewards? If I side with you, I suffer Hera’s wrath long before the rewards of victory can come our way. I take risks. That is true, but only in the matters of the heart. I would be a disappointment to my followers if I were to expose them to Hera’s vengeance for such practical concerns as personal gains.” She raised a hand and placed it along the sharp line of his jaw, her thumb nearly brushing his pretty lips. “No," she shakes her head and her artful curls tumble around her shoulders, "For my followers to understand they need to see I have a personal reason for my choice.”

 

[Otto26]

Zeus closed his eyes to Olympus and felt himself slipping into the world of mortals, a golden mist that covered the palace of the king and sought through the rooms and passages until he found his goal. She was less than he remembered her, but at the same time she was more. Prometheus had truly created a work of art in man and had, if that was possible, surpassed himself with woman. Even in repose her curves whispered soft promises of delight and peals of laughter.

He passed beneath the sheet and slowly enveloped her, knowing every inch of her. She stirred in response, shifting lightly, fitfully semi-aware of him. He entered her dreams, appearing to her as the thunder. Frowning, he realized something was not as it should be and searched until he found it.

She made sacrifice to me, but not as I saw it. Where then...? Hera. Oh very clever my dear wife. And how shall I repay your deceit?

"Phaedra," he whispered to his lover. "Zeus Thunderer, Deliverer of Justice has come to you. Heraklion needs a ruler and a champion and you will be the vessel which brings forth both. You shall bear a son who will be a mighty warrior and a great leader of men. He will lead you in battle and will never know defeat. But he will never sit upon the throne of Heraklion; that task shall fall to you."

As he spoke he lifted Phaedra from the bed, supporting her within himself and entering within her at the same time. She moaned softly as he filled her, his essence contriving to be phallus, lips, and fingers upon and within her body. He felt her pleasure and smiled as it mingled with his, building to a crescendo that burst within them both and drew a cry of joy from deep within her. He cradled her softly as her body trembled and gently lowered her back to the bed.

His mist slowly withdrew from the palace and he glanced at the darkness that enfolded Greece.

"This must cease," he declared, and sped his way back to Olympus.

 

[poohlive]

He never imagined this is where Hera would be, under him, her whole body pouring off heated sex, body uncontrollable, urges undeniable. The game, as Aphrodite had explained it to him, had certainly turned all sides.

Hera had him here so many times, so many different times he'd been like this, easy putty in her hands to do with as she pleased. And each time she turned him down, walked away as if nothing had happened.

He thought about it, his eyes wandered to the naked archway. If he got up right now, pulled his cloak back on, went to deliver more messages... he would have won. He would have Hera pooling and pouting as he left her, his ego fulfilled.

His ego, yes, but not his body. His body required more to sustain itself.

So, instead of leaving her shaking and quivering in her own baths, he drew in a breath and kissed Hera. Those full pouty lips coming to his own, drawing from him the insatiable hunger that had rumbled in their stomaches for far too long.

"The rules are simple. I am a man, you are a woman," His hand moved beneath the water, caressing her soft skin underneath it, teasing her nipple as it hardened. The touch caused the slightest of sighs to escape his smiling lips.

"And, for just this once, just here... just now..." He spoke, snaking across her skin, riding down to her neck, her bare shoulder, helping her back to arc up to his touch, "... nothing else matters."

 

[Erin_]

Artemis

She had one last person to bespeak...a task she did not relish.

That thought made her chuckle. Relish...the truth was that she dreaded the chore. She would have rather faced a thousand titans than try her hand at this wretched diplomacy any longer.

She was terrible at it...that was quite clear.

Alone for the moment, the goddess of the moon paused, resting her back against the cool marble of the wall and collecting herself. Her hands lifted to her face, smoothing over soft cheeks as she breathed, trying all that she could to calm herself down. It would do no good to approach Ares in this manner.

Midnight blue eyes narrowed, sparking with power as her anger did not cool. Pushing herself from the wall with a small frustrated growl she strode from Mount Olympus, seeking Ares, Aphrodite's lover....and one...she hoped...who had as little love for Hera as Artemis herself did.

"Ares!" The goddess' athletic stride was smooth, but graceful, her chiton flowing with her as she moved, each step baring smooth moon-kissed alabaster skin.

"I would converse with you." It took no time to find the god of war. The huntress approaching without fear, starry eyes raking him up and down appraisingly.

"I know you are not blind to the events that unfold before you. I ask you now Ares, if you will join me in this purpose." There it was, spoken plainly...or as plainly as any Olympian ever spoke.

Apollo would have perhaps praised Ares' armor first, before getting to the heart of the matter. But Artemis did not have her brother's skill with words.

"Hera will be overthrown, cast out. I can think of many reasons that such a happy turn of events would appeal to you."

 

[LongshanksSierra]

The Huntress' alabaster face was crowned with raven curls, her eyes deep and piercing as she appeared before Ares. He often admired her athletic form, which he felt was often wasted on the hunt. She would have made a fine... warrior, after all.

"Hera will be overthrown, cast out. I can think of many reasons that such a happy turn of events would appeal to you."

Ares sat back, thoughtful at this approach and enjoying Artemis' straight-forward approach. "I have no doubt you can," he intoned. "And while Hera's ultimate fate is no great concern of mine, she has promised me what I desire most." The god of War paused a moment before continuing. "No temples will be dedicated to Ares on Crete whether the Heraklions or the Sirosans win. My only worship will occur in the war to win dominion. In this, Hera has promised me glorious battle to surpass even Troy." He shifted his eyes to look down upon the mortal world, where the forces of both sides still struggled to assemble themselves. Chaos was perhaps being too... effective...

Ares returned his eyes to the goddess. "I have promised Siros victory on the condition that Hera provide me with a long and satisfactory war. That is my principle concern, the internal struggles and machinations of the rest of the Olympians bother me little. With your own devotion to the hunt, I believe you can understand that."

Ares moved around the Huntresses as she listened to his words. "But perhaps you can tell me why I should reverse my position. Zeus seems to care little for my strength in his cause, or my soldiers to aid Crete. So enlighten me, why should I side with the Thunderer? What arguments can you offer?"

 

[Erin_]

Artemis

Short sighted fools!

Everywhere she turned, she was surrounded by short sighted fools who could not see what was before them.

The god of war circled her, and Artemis' lips curved in a cruel and savage smile, her cheek still red, the hand print that marked mighty Poseidon's temper tantrum evident on her pale skin.

She did not move from her spot, standing still as he circled her, letting him come on his own to the conclusion she hoped that he would. Midnight blue eyes glanced over one bared shoulder as she whispered, "You have as little love for Hera as I do Ares. Are you not eager to see Olympus free of her endless manipulations?"

That was not a good argument...she knew it even as she spoke it. Her eyes grew distant for a moment, her thoughts reaching out, brushing against those of her brother and seeking inspiration.

"Then again...there is always Aphrodite." Artemis' smile became softer, but still she did not turn towards Ares. "With Hera out of the way, who among the gods would stand between you? Surely not Hephaestus."

 

[brigid_fitch]

Hera gasped as Hermes teased her nipple beneath the warm, scented waters and her back arched as the pleasure rippled through her. She was surprised by her own body's reaction, but no more surprised as she was by Hermes right at this moment. They had always played a cat-and-mouse game, with Hera as the dominant one. Now, Hermes as the agressor was new. And she found that she enjoyed it.

"And, for just this once, just here... just now...nothing else matters."

His arm beneath her, pulling her close, and she could feel the heat of him, the whip-like steel of his muscles against her. His touch like cold fire on her breasts, her neck, her shoulders. When she was with Zeus, their quest for dominance extended even to the marital bed, neither willing to give in to the other, a constant trade-off of power between the King and Queen of the Gods. But with Hermes, she found she did not want that. She realized now that she had always longed for his touch, to experience what the Messenger God had to offer. She kissed along his neck, the curve where it joined his shoulder, moving up to his ear where she nibbled his earlobe as he had done to hers.

"Show me your power, Hermes," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. "Take me as you would one of your nymphs." She brought one arm over his neck, drawing him even closer to her, her other hand moving lightly along his torso and slowly down his body. She denied both of them her further touch for only a moment, wanting to feel every inch of him, tracing the lines of his flesh with her fingers, memorizing them.

"Here and now, I am yours." And she finally moved her hand lower, to his groin, and found his raging cock. Stroking it gently under the water, she felt her own desire grow even more. All else was forgotten--Crete, the Sun and the Moon, Zeus. Her mind was filled with just the two of them, here, sequestered in her baths.

 

[MaiusImperium]

Her words were like a honeyed potion poured softly into his ear, her touch soft as rose petals on his face, he suppressed a shiver and lost his eyes in hers, for the briefest moment he though of nothing else but the woman before him. His hand shot up to her wrist, his fingers wrapped around the slender joint tightly, for a moment her hand was held immobile against his cheek.

“If you would not do it for personal gain, would you do it for one who would have your affection? For one who desires your touch?” Softly he reached out to her face with his right hand and lightly brushed a long golden curl of her hair from her face, his grip on her wrist did not lesson. His eyes closed and he pressed his smooth lips to her palm for the briefest of kisses, barely more than a brush against her palm.

“Your worshippers would find it more palatable if she allied herself with a new admirer, a new love, even a fleeting one, one that would dote upon her and pay homage to her in a manner befitting her beauty and majesty.” He whispered quietly, his breath dancing across her skin and his eyes glinted in the darkness. Centring himself, he closed his eyes and allowed his hand to fall to his side. Apollo’s fist clenched, then unclenched, there was a bright glow, a white shimmer that lit up the corridor and momentarily dazzled, when the light subsided there was a golden trinket, thickly jewelled in his palm.

“Let this be a token of my desire, Aphrodite.” He lifted the trinket between him and Aphrodite. It was a dainty comb of gold, it’s teeth unbearably thin, yet strong as adamant. Atop the comb were studded five clear jewels. “Prisons that house Urania’s light.” He lifted his palm to his face, pursed his pink lips and blew gently on the comb. Softly a light began to glimmer within the five diamonds, a white light that slowly grew and grew, it was not a constant light, but a shimmering one. Glance hard enough and one could see tiny stars burning brightly at the centre of the jewels. Gently the sun god slipped his fingers between the gossamer strands of her silky hair and drew a few errant locks from her face. Attentively he focused on her hair, his eyes moving from hers for a moment, the comb slipped into her hair smoothly, as if it were meant to reside there.

He took a moment to stand back from her, to admire it. It was no small token, many favours to gods and demigods resided in it it’s crafting, but it sat on her well, the celestial fire within the jewels only magnified the aura that surrounded her. With delicate movements he rested his hands on her shoulders and stepped into her, he swallowed his anxiety, it was a dangerous game to dance with the goddess of lust. His hands slipped along her flesh where her neck and shoulders met, and came to cradle her head. Apollo pressed his lips to her cheek and softly kissed his way to her ear, there he stopped and spoke softly.

“I could make things most pleasurable for you. What say you?”

 

[poohlive]

He couldn't scream out in pleasure, triumph of controlling the uncontrollable goddess. How could he have ever doubted Aphrodite? The advice she gave him sounded so foolish, so childish, and yet here it was, here she was. Everything happened as it should have, and she melted at his touch.

Maybe she would have always melted at his touch, it didn't matter though. All that mattered was Hera, and how she wanted to be taken.

"Like one of my nymphs?" He smiled, his lips coming across hers, tasting the flesh as well as the idea in his head. Hands ran through her hair, grabbing, pulling it back so he could see her, down, below him, bent up, looking. Her mouth open, a soft moan caught in that throat of hers.

He helped her up, moving her around, pushing her against the lid of the pool. She bent over it, her ass coming above the water line, warm and wet against the touch. He moved to pin her like this, his cock afire as it slipped up between her opened legs.

He kept a hand on her mane, pulling it back when he wished. His other hand shot between them, slipping himself against her hot wet cunt. The object of his desires for so long, how easily her juices dripped onto him, his cock sliding back and forth along her pussy lips.

Then it found the entrance, her body guiding him in, easing him down to her very core, where she needed to be fucked. He pulled her back, feeling the cunt grab onto him, slide down him, push until their bodies colliding into one another.

His muscles all grew hard and tense against her. One hard grunt, thrusting into her, pinning her against the wall of the pool. His cock buried inside of her now, unable to move, unwilling to leave her.

Like a nymph, taken from behind, used for pleasure. He watched as her body took him, so warm and welcome, so exciting to see those cunt lips wrap around his cock, kiss it so lovingly, taking it deep down inside. Her whole body sheathed him, the soft skin coming around, moving him to let his teeth rake against her back, wherever he could kiss, nibble, and bite.

His rhythm started fast. A hard pounding between them. He refused to give up, as if all the frustrations of their encounters, back and forth with the tension now had reached its peak and sprung on this one perfect moment.

His fingers found hers, entwined in them, as he pushed ever harder into her.

 

[LongshanksSierra]

"Heaphestus?" Ares echoed with a wry grin. "He does not stand between me and Aphrodite's bed now, that will not change with or without Hera's involvement."

Ares looked into Artemis' eyes, the deep pools that burned over her creamy pale shoulder. He saw the anger and passion that smoldered there. An intriguing and attractive glance. The god of War completed his circuit, coming to stand quite close in front of the Huntress. "If you wish to sway me with pleasures, you'll have to do better than that."

She didn't understand, as the rest of the Olympians never did. They saw only the god of War as a beast of bloodlust. Yes, there was that, but war offered many beauties. The subtle shades that crafted a campaign from start to finish. The perfect dialogue that came from combat, revealing layers of communication where words fell short. The nobility of spirit that came from defending one's city, friends, and family. The grandeur of conquest that came from overthrowing one's foes. The god of War knew all of this, felt the inspiration of it in his devotees.

"Think of this Huntress," he said as his eyes bore into hers, "When your foe believes herself victorious, she is most easily toppled. Pride as turned more than one conquering hero into a slave, often in a moment's time." His eyes moved over her form. "Think of this, and perhaps you will move beyond the short-sighted gains in this immediate conflict. A single battle does not a war win."

"I can help you, but there is always a price."

 

[Erin_]

Artemis

Midnight eyes, glittering like the velvet night sky set with stars, regarded him coolly. Inwardly, she seethed still...her brother's inspiration had been no help. But there again, perhaps it was Artemis herself who understood Ares better than Apollo did.

"My gains are not short sighted..." She began, her hand lifting to her stinging cheek, a reminder to her that to keep a cool head was by far the better option over letting her passion hold sway. "But perhaps we are speaking at cross purposes when in fact, we are not so very different in thought from each other."

"It's true I count few soldiers among my worshippers." She was very aware of his eyes on her, but she kept her body still, her hands at her sides, fingertips brushing the sleek, cool fabric of her thin robes. "But there are many warriors. I know what it is to hear your heartbeat reverberating loud in your ears...to stand against a foe in a place where words are of no further use."

Her head tilted thoughtfully, shining sable tendrils curling down her shoulders, brushing her cheeks, her neck. A further reminder of who she was...that sight of moon kissed flesh peeking out from sooty black locks. A soft smile curved on her full lips as she listened to his words, somewhat astonished.

Who would have thought she would hear wisdom from the God of War? Truly, she had not expected it.

"If I were my brother, I would try to guess what that price might be and perhaps barter a bit." Her arms spread slightly, her palms outward. "But clearly, I am not my brother."

Lowering her arms, she let them rest again at her sides. "Name your price Ares. I swear to you, I will do all that I can to meet it."

 

[impish_pixie]

Aphrodite

“Let this be a token of my desire, Aphrodite.”

Her perfect lips formed a silent “O” as the trinket Apollo offered caught her gaze. A little thing it was, yet one of such beauty, it would sit proudly among her lovely curls; in her mind’s eye she could see it already.

“Prisons that house Urania’s light.” Its shimmering glow would reflect in the red-gold of her tresses. She did not doubt it, and she knew she must have it. Those little stars belonged on her; only her beauty could do them just. Any other woman would pale in comparison to the lovely trinket, but she and the comb would enhance each other and shine together.

She resisted the greedy urge to rip it from his hand and only relaxed when she realized he meant to place it in her curls. She watched with appreciation the look of concentration on his face as he placed it on her. She did not need to look to know how magnificently the jewels suited her; however, it was still difficult not to call a mirror to her so she could admire it. Instead, though, she allowed Apollo to step back and do the admiring for her.

The goddess of desire felt the warm touch of the sun upon her skin and she smiled but as his hands cradled her head, her smile became a wry grin. As he pressed his lips to her cheeks and kissed a trail to her ear his words, “I could make things most pleasurable for you. What say you?” drew a mirthful laugh from her.

“What say I? It is a loyal son who will sacrifice himself for his father’s cause. Save your virtue, Apollo.” She tossed her head, fluttering her delicate curls, as she smiled. “I will have you, Sun God. When the fire in your belly burns for me, I will take you.” She leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his lips, teasingly tasting him with her tongue before stepping away, “For now, your trinket will satisfy me. I side with your Father, the King of the Gods.” She adds as an afterthought, “I bring with me Eros (love), Deimus (fear), and Phobus (panic), consider if they may be useful to our cause.”

 

[Otto26]

Zeus felt the floor of Olympus beneath his feet and opened his eyes to the dark halls, lit only by candles. Sated, he did not pace the halls in a rage, but rather moved purposefully through them in his search. He found Apollo in conversation with Aphrodite and listened for a few moments.

I was wise to marry Aphrodite to Haephestus, though it was less than fair to her and not what she desired. She has ever been loyal. I shall have to reward that, if I can.[/]

"Apollo," he said as he stepped forward, "we must speak. Your loyalty to me warms my heart, but we must not destroy mankind in our conflict. I will not loose Prometheus to create more for our amusement. Return the sun to the sky, and prevail upon your sister to do likewise with the moon. Ares wishes a battle and Hera believes she will win and increase her worshippers. Let there be a battle then. But Hera will find her worshippers hard pressed to win far from home, fighting on the island I grew up on. And if they triumph for a time in Heraklion, what of it? We will ensure Siros burns in the absence of her warriors and our worshippers shall toil under the yoke of Hera's and be reminded of why they should be devout in their worship of us."

He looked at Aphrodite. "Send Deimos to Siros, my dear, and let him there reside for a time. We shall see if the warriors of Siros hunger for battle when their families live with dread."

He smiled at the pair of them. "My wife is otherwise occupied, at the moment, so the time to act is now."

 

[MaiusImperium]

Her touch excited his lust no end, which was to be expected. Her lips were soft against his, yet confident and purposeful, as she broke away he found himself exhaling slightly, though his face was neatly composed. For a moment he allowed himself to fantasise about taking her forcefully, here and now, he could almost feel the tresses of her hair in his iron grip, the warmth of her naked body against his. It was a pleasant fiction, one that he decided he would indulge in later, when he had the luxury of time.

“Your gifts are almost as lavish as your beauty. I’m sure we shall find a use for all of your sons.” A small smile spread across his face, though his composure was somewhat disrupted when he heard his father announce himself. He hadn’t noticed, hadn’t thought to keep his wits about him, and then he realised, that was Aphrodite’s true strength. With an effort he drew his gaze from the love goddess’s gaze and turned to meet his father’s eyes. He listened carefully and nodded dutifully.

“I shall heed your commands, wise father. The sun will be returned to it’s rightful place. The Sirosans shall not long endure your anger father, my plagues shall undo them at home. When their fighting men return home to Siros they will find their wives, their mothers and elderly fathers crippled and blind with disease, all you need do is give the word. I ask for your leave, father.”

The sun god bowed his head politely, spared himself one last hungry glance in Aphrodite’s direction and faded into the shadows of the dimly lit corridor.

From Olympus he travelled back to the world below, flitting through the unnatural darkness quickly, across the oceans to Rhodes. There he was welcomed into Helios’ abode once more and he spoke thusly.

“Lord of the Sun, your task is complete, your loyalty will not go unrewarded. Go now with haste and place the sun back in the heavens, where it belongs.

“Far-seeing Apollo, your words do me credit, I would ask a boon of you for my service. You know of one I greatly desire, Thalia. She is happy and brightens the world greater than any sun does.”

“Speak no more Helios, what you have asked for you shall receive in good time, provided you will stand vigilant here in your abode. War amongst the gods is brewing, you may be called upon to aid other gods, remain loyal and your affection for Thalia will be reciprocated.”

With those words Helios offered his guest nectar, they supped together and then Apollo was gone from the home of Helios. The master of the sun took up his burning chariot once more, the powerful flaming horses laboured and toiled, slowly climbing into the hair and the sun was dragged back into it’s home in the sky. All the world was alight once more, birds awoke to the warmth of the sun and sang sweetly, flowers opened to catch the light and the sun shimmered and sparkled brightly once more.

From Rhodes he went in search of his sister, they had much to discuss and the moon would need to be returned before the sun set.