Olympic Desires IC Thread

[brigid_fitch]

"Oh, Hera,"

When Hermes slipped out of her, Hera felt a fleeting sense of abandonment. Empty, bereft, she slumped against the cool marble of the bath, letting it leech the heat from her skin as she noticed the now-lukewarm temperature of the water.

"Oh, Hera,"

Hermes was splayed upon the stairs beside her, exhausted and fulfilled. In those two words, he summoned a wealth of emotions. Oh, Hera--what have you done, she thought. For a modicum of pleasure, a brief moment of release, you have sacrificed all that you stood for. Goddess of matrimony, spending eons railing at her husband's infidelities, now only to find herself no better. Anguish threatened to overcome her and she wrapped her arms about herself in cold consolation. She could not deny she had enjoyed her time with Hermes. Throughout the young god's life, she had played the same game with him, one of flirtation and arousal, ultimately ending in denial. To finally end that dearth was ecstasy. But was it worth the price?

She looked again at the young god, his chest still heaving from their exertions, and marveled at his beauty. His small frame camouflaged his wiry strength, much as his youthful visage belied a crafty, cunning nature. As the heat of passion began to evaporate, reality crept into Hera's mind and, for the first time in her immortal life, she was unsure. What were Hermes' intentions? Surely he would never betray their affair--the punishment for him would far exceed anything that Zeus could devise for her. But what happened now? Was this simply a release of pent-up frustrations that the two of them had fed for so long? Or the beginning of something new? The latter both excited and terrified her.

"Hermes," she said, as tenderly as she could muster. She could feel the shift of power on the winds of Olympus--knew that while she had sequestered herself here with the Herald, the other gods had regrouped and rallied. Only now did she notice the thin streams of sunlight creeping through the clouds; Zeus was back and had ordered the Sun returned. The Moon would no doubt be far behind once Night had drawn her velvet curtain on the world. Hermes looked up at the sound of his name, a crooked, tired smile upon his lips. Utterly charming. She could almost feel those lips upon hers again, imagined them traveling across and down her body, the heat of them on her sex, sucking, licking. His deft tongue, useful not only for the lies he so easily spun, slowly, lovingly, bringing her to new heights. She forced the image out of her mind; she had to reassert herself, decide her course before it was too late.

"Hermes, my love," Hera whispered, extending a hand to touch his face, gently stroking his cheek. "What you gave me today is indescribable. I lack your mastery of words to truly express my feelings." She brushed her thumb across his lips, then bent to kiss them lightly. "But I ask you to reach out with your mind, feel what I feel outside these chambers. I loathe to leave this moment, leave you, but we must not linger. Chaos reigns within Olympus; we can use that to mask your presence here, but not for long. I must re-enter the fray, or else my absence from it will arouse suspicion."
With another brief kiss, a quick flick of her tongue across his lips, Hera stepped out of the baths. She glided across the room, the water falling from her skin with merely a thought, and donned robes the color of the brightening sky.

"I will need your aid in the coming conflict, my love. Zeus has been to Crete, I can feel it. If I don't make a move quickly, I am undone." She looked at the Messenger God, deep brown eyes emanating helplessness. Anything she could do, any trick she could devise, that would ensure the young god's allegiance. And to disguise the real flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm her.

Oh, Hera--what have you done?

 

[poohlive]

He thought for a moment, revelling in his own afterglow of sex and conquer, just what Hera would do if he refused. What could she do if he decided to stay within her baths, grab her arm, maybe even take her again. She would let him, he saw that in her eyes.

The way she refused to let him out of her sight, the way she could not help but move down his body, covering it with her own guilty shame. She felt guilt over him, over herself.

Now, his plan would work. Now, she would become a puppet in his hands.

He moved up to her, his footing calm and sure, catching her by the door, pushing her back against the marbled wall. His lips caught hers in a frenzied embrace, his fingers sifted through her usually well kept hair, now as wild and untamed as she.

"Must we go, leave this moment?" He said, spilling confidence on the floor around them. She would never look at him the same way, never speak to him the same. He had taken everything from her. Power, dignity. She could still pretend in front of the others, so long as he left before anyone noticed...

But to him, it was gone.

But, he wouldn't use it to hurt her, not just yet. A final grace of his tongue against her lips and he found his clothing, moving back out of her baths.

"Our little interlude had taken us one giant step back, I'm afraid, "It was the first time he adressed Hera's plan as both of theirs. It seemed fitting, because thick or thin they were now attached together, in a way no one else could ever be together.

To share such a secret within the gods in nearly unheard of. Everyone knew of the wonderous affairs that took place.

"And there is the question of Aphrodite. She might already suspect our engagement. That is something we must watch out for as well. How do you think we should proceed? Do you already have a plan?

 

[FenixZero]

Her manner altered slightly, and Beauty appeared vulnerable. Eyes of sea-foam lifted to eyes of stormy depths, “I must walk a very fine line, but I have not forgotten the sea is my genesis and it holds a special place in my heart. What is it you ask of me?”

A calloused hand wove it's way through Poseidon's beard before he spoke again. He was not used to being forced to choose his words, but Aphrodite required...what did Hera call it....subtlety. The Goddess of Desire's every motion and every word could hold a thousand different meanings, and even this respect she showed him now could be a ruse. Still...she was only a woman, there was little to worry.

"In the end, when my brother and sister have resolved their latest marital squabble, things will return to the way they have always been. Zeus will rule the heavens, I will command the tides, and you will still be Mistress of mankind's deepest desires. The politics of Olympus matter not, only keeping the natural order matters."

He turned his back to her for a moment, casting his eyes out towards the seas. "I love my kingdom Aphrodite. My seas are as precious to me as my children." The butt of his trident rapped against the marble floor and he turned back to the Goddess. "Artemis stuck a traitorous blow against my kingdom...all in the name of disrupting Hera. She pulled the moon from the sky, left my oceans as still as glass!"

His temper was rising within him, the anger coming to his voice like the rumble of a distant storm. But the god forced himself calm. This was a matter that required utter control over his passions, lest he allow Aphrodite to gain control over him.

"With every step she takes, my niece the Huntress insults us both Aphrodite. She has locked away her desires, declared herself forever chaste and places herself on a pedestal above even you. She wears her virginal innocence, her untouched purity like a badge of honor, feeling that her beauty is so pure, so utterly perfect that she will not allow another to taint it with their touch."

Poseidon took a step foreword as he spoke. Aphrodite was as proud of her limitless beauty as he was of his seas, and that pride was the tool he needed.

"I seek to remove her from that pedestal. I seek to show the Huntress of the Moon the pure, wild abandonment of lust and the utter satisfaction that comes from it. And I seek to show Artemis that she cannot defy her own passions anymore then she can change the tides. I would not ask you to involve your hand directly...merely lend some of your power to my aide"

"What say you Aphrodite" He raised his eyebrow, his powerful arms crossing in front of his chest.

 

[impish_pixie]

Aphrodite

As Poseidon spoke, his rage rose to such a pitch that Aphrodite nearly physically recoiled. His fury was filled with such passion the she immediately considered ways to calm his wild spirit. She thought of taking it for herself but knew the Earthshaker would appreciate no interference. So, she waited, watching him closely and listening attentively, all the while hoping the bulk of his fury would be spent before she was expected to answer.

When, at last, he was done, he held himself in firm control and waited for her answer. He stood too close, too looming, and too typical, so much a man as he tried to use his superior size and power to bend her will to his.

She hated to do it but had no choice; she took a step back and moved away from him before she spoke. “You are right about many things, Lord Poseidon, but especially about the bonds of blood. When this is over, all will be well again between you and your siblings. Zeus and Hera will join, once again, in honoring their marriage vows. Neither will blame you, you are their brother. If Demeter or Hades decides to choose a side, in the end they will be forgiven, as well.”

“And the rest of us? Apollo, Athena, Ares, Hermes, Dionysus, and Artemis? They are the children of Zeus, if they side with him he will reward their loyalty, if they stand against them he will applaud their courage and in the end they to will be forgiven. They are his blood.”

As usual, Aphrodite makes no mention of Hephaestus, preferring to forget she has a husband who is the offspring of Hera.

“I have no bonds of blood to hide behind; I have only the goodwill of our Lord King to protect me. I will not jeopardize that again for you.” Although she held her ground, it was obvious that she watched closely. She drew a deep breath and allowed a soft sigh to escape her lips.

“Before you let loose your wrath I suggest you consider a few things. You are wrong about the tides, Artemis can stop them, and she did. Artemis incited your anger with her actions and your passions with her beauty. She dared to defy you. Now, you seek to use me to satisfy your lust, and you justify your actions under the guise of teaching her a lesson when all you really want to do is punish her.” She shook her head and wondered if the lights dance in Apollo’s beautiful trinket. “It is the wrong thing to do. I cannot incite her passion and you cannot take her virginity without expecting the cool moon to be unaffected by the heat and as the moon changes so does the tide. In punishing her, you may destroy the very thing to love and seek to protect.”

“Take my advice, do not destroy her; use her. She is the Huntress; show her what it is like to hunt in the seas. Teach her to love your domain, so that she will have no choice but to use her power to your advantage.”

“Oh…” She smiled, canting her head to the side, “You might want to remember that Artemis has always had a weakness for her fellow hunters.”

 

[Otto26]

Zeus

Zeus found his thoughts straying from Heraklion to Hera. His siblings and children thought of the world as a place of contest and counted worshippers like coins, comparing piles to see who held the most. They forgot that he had had mankind created for their entertainment. The gods would continue long after man ceased to amuse them. Mankind was a toy, it was the gods that were of matter.

And so I forget Heraklion. So be it. What shall I do with Hermes and Hera? Indiscretion I can tolerate. There is a certain justice in being made the cuckold after I have done the same so many times. But I can feel Hermes' ambitions growing. This I will not tolerate. How shall I deal with it?

He sat thus, oblivious to his immediate surroundings even as his mind tasted the entirety of creation and weighed options. At length he chuckled, a low rumble like the approaching storm, dark and foreboding.

Pull, don't push. Hera seeks victory in Heraklion and Hermes seeks power. She will allow his power to wax to further her plans in Crete and he will abuse his power over her. And I....

Laughing quietly now, he waved his hand, dispersing the winds that lashed the Sirosans.

I will let her plans advance until she is in over her head. And then I will put Hermes in his place and remind Hera of hers.

 

[brigid_fitch]

Hera tried to catch her breath, recover from Hermes' kiss which left her heart pounding. A deep pulse emanating from between her legs acted as a reminder of him inside her just moments ago. He had torn from her all semblance of majesty and grandeur during their "interlude" and she had reveled in it. But now she must come back to reality, and his words hit her with an almost physical force.

"Our little interlude had taken us one giant step back, I'm afraid."

Even his manner had changed drastically. It was one thing to do as she had asked, to take her with unbridled passion. But this new attitude the young god struck bordered on effrontery. He had suddenly taken to referring to her and treating her as an equal, not as Queen of the Gods. Not even in the playful manner that they had developed eons ago had he acted thusly; even during that game he had always shown the right amount of deference.


"And there is the question of Aphrodite. She might already suspect our engagement. That is something we must watch out for as well. How do you think we should proceed? Do you already have a plan?

There it was again, and Hera stared at him, amazed. The use of "we", as though he shared her status, her counsel. Too late, Hera realized Hermes' motivations and tried to hide her incredulity. Although always the trickster, aligned with thieves and liars, Hermes had never truly used his own powers or influence to raise his status among mortals. He had always seemed content with whatever worshippers and tribute he received. Suddenly, for whatever reason, it became apparent to her that that was about to change. And she had let him maneuver her into a position where she had no choice but to help him achieve his goals. By waylaying her here in her chambers, the other gods had already fortified their positions and she had lost precious time. Now, she was sure, the battle-lines had been firmly drawn and her only true ally was Hermes. And he knew it, as well.

For now, there was nothing to be done about that situation. She despised being in the position of someone else's power, but, luckily, she never stayed there long. Hermes was right, though--Aphrodite was a primary concern. It would be nonsense to think that their lovemaking could have been completely hidden by the Goddess of Lust. Again Hera blanched; the thought of having to owe a favor to Zeus' daughter was not an easy thing to come to terms with.

"I will deal with Aphrodite, but not until I am sure of what she knows, as opposed to what she suspects," she answered the Herald in a commanding, dismissive voice. "As for my plan, go to Ares; confirm that he is still on our side." She moved to her boudoir, pulling a shortsword from its place on the wall. "Give him this. It was forged by Hephaestus and made of such material that not even a god can break; strong and sharp enough that it could even cut one of Clotho's threads." It felt good, to be back in command--both of the situation and her senses.

"I will visit the Captain of the Sirosan navy myself, and give him my blessing. The Horai will ensure they encounter good weather when they arrive on Crete." She moved towards Hermes and led him to her chamber doors. She still needed him, in more ways than one. Her heart pounded again as she felt his closeness. As much as she now knew him to be manipulative and crafty, presumptuous and bold, she couldn't deny the attraction she felt for him. She stole a quick kiss from the young god, despite herself, her tongue quickly sweeping across his lips. And, she still needed him on her side. This small gesture would act as reassurance and would ensure his alliance. "The other gods are still engaged; you will be able to slip out, so long as you do so quickly. Speed to Ares with my gift to him. You already have yours, my love."

 

[LongshanksSierra]

Ares inhaled sharply through his nose, then let the air bleed slowly out of him. "Fine," he said with a curt nod of his head. "Should you later find your efforts insufficient to the task at hand, you know where to find me." He stepped back from the goddess, and turned his back to her. "In the meantime, it appears you and I will remain on opposing sides."

He pushed his mind, and his lust, away from the Huntress. He would not try to pretend he was not disappointed by her reluctance, but it would hardly stop the sun or moon from spinning in the heavens. And since his lust for flesh would not be sated, he would have to divert his energies to sating his lust for blood.

Ares turned his attention to the world below, sifting through the currents of war still brewing. There were plots and plans in motion that Ares had been too long absent from. He heard Artemis shift her weight behind him. "Consider this Huntress," he said he felt her move to leave, "There are many furies about during this war. Not all will be as... understanding... as I. Remember that in you allegiances."

Things were moving. The Sirosans were nearing Crete. Zeus was attempting to rally the Heraklions, how Ares could not yet see, but it almost certainly involved the comely queen. Still, there were plenty of warlords moving about the island, and who would forsake queen and country for a chance to seize the throne themselves.

Perhaps it would be time to visit the island himself, and trail a little blood behind the footsteps of the god of War.

 

[poohlive]

"If you go down there," Hermes said, speaking to Ares from behind, "You will need this."

He bowed low, offering the sword handle first, as it should be. Hermes eyes the floor, nothing more. This moment was between Ares and Hera alone, Hermes was nothing more than the liason.

"It will not break, not even by the gods themselves, and it is as sharp as any razor, able to cut anything in its path. Truly, a sword worthy of destroying even a god if you so desired."

And, Ares might just wish to do that. Hermes thought there were a few people who might be on the list of those to die by Ares hands... maybe even Hermes himself among them.

"The war you wish is coming, blood and battle and frenzy. Hera will make it so, her plan is already coming together. The blood will flow freely, the war will be as big, as brutal, and as deadly as any you've ever orchestrated Ares. If you have any more wishes, any desires of me or Hera, please just ask..."

 

[Britwitch]

Phaedra

"Phaedra, I am here,"
The Queen smiled to herself, turning to face the voice. Her smile growing as they fell upon the figure emerging from the shadows.
"Achlion..." She murmured, still holding the bedsheet around her body, and walking slowly towards him. Her movements fluid and swaying, looking more like a lioness stalking it's prey than a Queen approaching an uninvited man in her bedchamber. "It feels an age since I saw you last..."
"I thought you might like to know. The ships won't arrive for another few days. We have time to plan, if you so desire."
Phaedra nodded, her mind already contemplating the news he gave her while she moved to circle him slowly, trailing a finger tip across his shoulders as she passed behind him.
"I desire so many things, Achlion..." The words were enigmatic and huskily spoken as she moved back into his eyeline, her finger now running down the centre of his chest.

"I bring word from one of the factions, milady. They are uncertain to join your ranks. They feel they should overthrow you. In fact, their message specifically to me was for you to surrender, and join them."
A delicately formed eyebrow arched upon her brow as she withdrew her hand and took the tome from him.
"Queen's do not surrender..." She said bluntly, casting her eyes over the words before her.
"Just say the command, milady... and accidents will happen. They will understand the full extent of your power."
His words brought a fresh smile, a hungry smile, to her lips. She tossed the tome aside and fixed her honeyed gaze upon his face.
"They shall feel my power before too long, have no fear, you shall be able to exercise your own...powers...soon enough..." Her finger returned to make contact with his body, now running down the outside of one muscled arm. "But I am curious...what do you think should be our course of action...? Do we need their allegiance...? If they baulk at my friendship, will others follow...? You know them better than I, Achlion..."

 

[poohlive]

"I do, my queen," He stood perfectly still, rigid as a statue as she toured him, searching with not only her eyes, but also her fingers. The only part that moved were when his body searched for her touch, just small movements this way and that wherever she touched. Nothing more, nothing less.

He'd stayed still, loyal like some trained dog for her. That's who he was, what he was, trained, instinctive, ready to kill or kiss as she commanded.

"My advice," He spoke, bowing his head slightly. He could not look her in the eye, not unless told to. Rare a man could stare at such beauty and not be blinded from it, like looking into the sun.

"Kill just the leader. Have me go in during the night, and by morning nothing will be left by a corpse and a warning. It will send a message to all others what happens when they try to rebel, and no one will be safe. They know I will come for him, he will be guarded heavilly. If I can still go through their defenses, they will realize that no one is safe from my wrath, or your judgement."

They worked so well as a pair, didn't they? A team, his skin flared with excitement from each touch, rippled with pleasure from every caress. He continued unmoving though, unfiltering, his breathing shallow and controlled, his mind set upon only his queen's wishes.

"But, I think in the old ways. I do not know what a queen is to do, how politics work. It is, and will remain your decision, my queen."

 

[Erin_]

Artemis

"Consider this Huntress," he said he felt her move to leave, "There are many furies about during this war. Not all will be as... understanding... as I. Remember that in your allegiances."

Artemis paused, glancing back at him over one alabaster shoulder, her midnight eyes glimmering with stars, starlight seeming to shimmer in her glossy dark curls. For a moment, she merely regarded Ares, not sure if he was threatening her, or warning her, or offering her the chance to rethink her decision later.

Full lips curved in a cold and lovely smile, "Should it come to pass that I require the...understanding of any god...rest assured I shall seek you out Ares." There was more she might have wished to say...more about the feelings that he invoked in her...the breathless, aching need.

But an unexpected visitor arrived just then, and Artemis fell silent, listening with growing anger as Hermes bespoke Ares. The god of thieves proclaimed himself not only Hera's ally, but nearly her partner, and Artemis nearly choked.

She did not care if the attention of either Ares or Hermes was drawn to her, wanting only to flee that place. To flee the presence of every god and goddess, and to breathe freely...of cool air untainted by lies or betrayals or half truths.

To Cyprus...it was one of the first places she chose when the immortal world pressed too heavily on her. Almost as quick as thought, the goddess was stepping lightly onto the wet sand of the beach, her garb changed once again. Gone were the diaphonous chiton, and the bands of gold in her shining black locks.

She was the huntress again...her form clad in leathers that moved as she did, boots of soft leather on her feet. Her hair was loose, unfettered, a wild shining mane framing pale features that were both unspeakably lovely and utterly untouchable.

The sand of the beach was left behind quickly as Artemis disappeared into the dense, lush forests of the island. The deeper into that cool green she moved, the better she felt.

She had taken a chance...she and Apollo both had. But it looked as though the opportunity that they had sought would not come to pass. No matter. She had told Ares that she was a patient hunter. She could wait for Hera to fall.

In the meantime, Apollo had returned the sun. Artemis closed her midnight eyes, her thoughts reaching out, seeking the moon in her distant hiding place, brushing against her, finding her well, and comfortable. "Stay but a while longer my friend." Artemis was not quite ready yet, to restore her moon to the world.

Her next steps fell on the island of Delos...the island that was sacred to her and her brother. Delos was blessed with many hot springs...and Artemis' footsteps took her quickly to her favorite bathing spot.

 

[FenixZero]

“Take my advice, do not destroy her; use her. She is the Huntress; show her what it is like to hunt in the seas. Teach her to love your domain, so that she will have no choice but to use her power to your advantage.”

“Oh…” She smiled, canting her head to the side, “You might want to remember that Artemis has always had a weakness for her fellow hunters.”

The storms raged in Poseidon's eyes, twisting with turmoil, building and thrashing chaotically with his every glance. Seconds passed after Aphrodite had spoken. She had refused his request, offering advice instead. It was typical of a woman, speaking instead of acting. A King knew better. His grip tightened on his trident and he considered for a moment calling up a great and terrible calamity to force Aphrodite's hand.

But his grip relaxed, his expression softening. The Goddess had made a good point and he would be a fool to ignore it. What effect would it have if he were to steal the innocence of the moon? Simply removing it had caused the waves to lie still, but if Poseidon were to release his passion, his desire, what would come of it? Would the consequences truly be so dire? Was teaching Artemis her place worth such a risk?

"You...speak wisely Aphrodite and perhaps I have been...over zealous. Your council is appreciated." He turned a head towards the seas looking outward. "We chance to much in these squabbles I fear. This battle looks to rival Troy and I'm sure your consort Ares is licking his lips at the prospect. He'll wet his passion for blood soon enough."

He spoke to himself as much as to Aphrodite. So much of him wanted to simply retire to his kingdom beneath the waves and observe the machinations of his siblings, after all he owed Hera nothing, and should his brother ask his aide, the King of the Seas would grant it more then gladly. But what had he to gain by entering into the conflict. His hand stretched out in an open palm and he willed the waves to calm. The Sirosians would be borne on the gentlest of tides, and all sailors across the Mediterranean would sail well today.

He bowed his head, more formally then before. He refused to dip his kingly brow more then a few inches for anyone save Zeus but he allowed her the courtesy. Even in her refusal she had given him much. He pondered a gift for her aide. Aphrodite was fond of gifts, or any appeal to her vanity and such a gesture could curry her favor in the future.

"If you will excuse me" He bowed again, turning to depart. "Oh...one last thing...have you seen your husband recently? There was something I have been meaning to ask of him"

 

[impish_pixie]

Aphrodite

Aphrodite wondered whether it would be prudent to run immediately or wait. Her refusal to do what he wanted caused the tempest to flash in Poseidon’s eyes and she knew the potential damage his wrath could cause, to herself and her followers. His wrath when thwarted was epic and deadly. That is why he is so rarely refused but I am right, this time. As she stood by her words, she stood her ground. She watched him closely; there would be only one sign before he acted, one second for her act as he lifted his trident. Her deep gaze slid from the raging storm of his eyes to the hand that gripped his weapon just to see his hold on it relax.

"You...speak wisely Aphrodite and perhaps I have been...over zealous. Your council is appreciated."

It was so rare that duty, good will, and wise counsel aligned, let alone passed easily from one to another. Aphrodite resisted the urge to sigh with relief.

He turned a head towards the seas looking outward. "We chance too much in these squabbles I fear. This battle looks to rival Troy and I'm sure your consort Ares is licking his lips at the prospect. He'll wet his passion for blood soon enough."

Negligently she shrugged a shoulder, “Ares is predictably led by the passions of his nature. Mother or Father, Hera or Zeus, he sides with the parent promises him the most bloodshed and in the end he will be the one who gains the most advantage from the conflict between the gods.”

She stood at his back, and watched as he calmed his sea. It was a pleasure to watch Poseidon command his domain. No Olympian had greater affection for their realm then the King of Oceans and the passion he felt for his sphere always strummed a pleasant note in her.

When he turned back to her, he graced her with a formal nod; "If you will excuse me" He bowed again, turning to depart. "Oh...one last thing...have you seen your husband recently? There was something I have been meaning to ask of him"

With a soft exhale, her brows furrowed as she briefly closed her eyes. “Not surprisingly, he remains on Lemnos at his forge.” She smiled as she watched him leave. Things seem to be going so well, she shivered and wondered how long it will be until things change.

 

[MaiusImperium]

Apollo

Apollo lay with Glaucus for two short hours; it was not nearly long enough but he could spare no more time. After their lovemaking Apollo had lain with him for a short while, enjoying the peace and the quiet that surrounded the prince’s bed chambers, for a moment he envied the mortal as he lay with his eyes closed, deep in content sleep. His face was angelic when he slept, he had always admired that about Glaucus, he was a fierce warrior when roused to anger, yet he had room for the finer pleasures in life; music and poetry, dance and sex. He was a fitting champion for the sun god, Apollo would never tolerate a uncultured brute for a champion, and a preening beauty such as Paris would be useless in the coming war. Glaucus embodied the best of both worlds.

“Glaucus.” He bent his head over the sleeping man and awoke him with a soft kiss to his earlobe, the young man opened his dark youthful eyes, with a beautified smile on his lips. The mortal said nothing, he merely shuffled himself up so that he was sat up, his back resting against the head of the bed.

“It is time, my love. You must gather the finest of the Toxotai and sail for the island of Crete. Seek out the port of Kydonia; you will find a haven there where you men will be safe. I will meet you there, my Glaucus. For now I must go, there are many things that I must attend to.” They parted with a kiss and Apollo rose to his feet, clad again in his white raiment of robes and golden halo that played gently about his head.

He had sensed his sister huntress as he had lain with Glaucus. She was closing nearer and nearer, he could sense it whenever she landed on Delos, which was a home and haven to both of them. Artemis had always favoured the springs and forests of Delos, while he had always lounged about he palaces and villas of the island. He knew where to find her.

It was not a long journey, deep into the forests, far from the coastline. Through the surrounding farmlands he went, and deeper still, until there were not even goat herders for company. With every step he could sense Artemis closing, closer and closer. Eventually he heard the soft, sweet sounds of water and splashing, undoubtedly his sister was bathing in her spring. He approached slowly and quietly, slowly he emerged from the trees, bracken and leaves rustling and crunching beneath his sandals.

Although he enjoyed his sister’s company her wrath was easy to stoke, she was as wild as her realm suggested. She was untamed, yet even the fiercest animal could be harnessed if made pliable. They often argued, but their disagreements were always half-hearted and neither one of them could stay angry at the other for long.

“Greetings, sister,” Apollo slipped down to the water’s edge and stood, folding his arms with a soft smile playing on his lips, the afterglow of his lovemaking still somewhat evident. He felt refreshed and alive again.

“An odd time to be taking a bath, when our enemies close in all around us.” He grinned, and slowly sat down by the spring’s edge, dipping his feet into the warm, bubbling water.

 

[Otto26]

Zeus strode quietly through the gardens until he came to the abode of Ares. The throne of skin was unoccupied, but he found his son a few moments later, apparently lost in contemplation.

"Ares," he said quietly. "I have lifted the winds and Poseidon carries the Sirosans on soft waves to Crete. Your mother desires that you aid them against Heraklion. But she desires a swift victory. Let it, rather, be a long conflict. If you end the fighting quickly, then Hera will have no more use for you and will seek to be shut of you. The goddess of the hearth has ever been at odds with the god of war. Give her the victory she desires of you, but only in your own time. Does this seem good to you?"

 

[LongshanksSierra]

Ares hefted the sword Hermes had handed him. A gift from Hera, a weapon of Hephaestus' forge. A fine weapon to be sure, and a tribute to the Blacksmith's skill. A twirl of it in his fingers cut the air and sang for blood.

Ares smirked. He took many things from the lame god. While the forge of Hephaestus turned out many weapons for Ares' amusements, the god of war repaid them with his own attentions in the blacksmith's wife's bed. It was a source of never-ending amusement.

He was in contemplation of this when the Thunderer's voice rang through Ares' halls. "The goddess of the hearth has ever been at odds with the god of war. Give her the victory she desires of you, but only in your own time. Does this seem good to you?"

"Yes father, but this deal has already been offered by Hera. I have pledged her victoy in return for a long war." He nodded his head briefly in respect towards his father. "Have you come with a new offer? I am no merchant or mercenary to be bartered with."

 

[brigid_fitch]

Hera

Hera watched the young god depart and a host of emotions battled within her. Longing, desire, shame, anger, defeat all swept across her furrowed brow as she fought to control herself. She longed for Hermes, yes--the feel of his sweet skin, lithe body, taking her in a way that she would never allow Zeus. And she desired more--for him to make love to her slowly, with the passion that they both obviously felt. But what would it cost her to continue such an affair? Surely, she of all women was more than justified in cuckolding a husband such as hers. But to do so was sheer hypocrisy for the Goddess of Marriage.

Before she got too caught up in her own thoughts, she heard the seas of the world calm. Zeus' winds had died down, as well. What had happened as she dallied in her chambers? By removing herself from the other gods, she was woefully short on intelligence. She needed to know what the others were doing in order to make her next move. For the first time since inciting this division, Hera was uncertain. She ran to her scrying glass and saw that the Sirosans were within sight of Crete. The Sea King had granted them safe passage, after all.

Without another thought, she willed her form into that of the main ship's figurehead. The intricately carved mermaid perched on the ship's prow slowly took on the goddess' features. The sailors suddenly heard creaking wood as the mermaid's fishtail split into two legs and the arms lowered themselves from the flowing tresses. Timbers cracked as the mermaid, no longer a mermaid, forcibly pulled herself from the prow and glided through the air, her body now covered with a shimmering green gown. Lowering herself onto the deck, Hera stood, bathed in golden light. The few sailors who had not run in fear were now prostrate before her, recognizing her for who she was. Hera's previous uncertainty left her instantly as she basked in the adulation.

"Arise," she commanded, her voice the sound of an aulos booming across the water. "Arise and do not forget that Hera is your patroness." She spied the ship's captain among the crowd, the first to pray to her when she appeared and now the first to rise to his feet at her command. Strikingly handsome with a muscular build, only the slight greying at his temples belied his age. She strode towards him, the other sailors scurrying away like insects before her, and she ignored them. She came to the captain and laid her hand on his. Without a word, she turned it over and placed a dagger into it. "This is a small example of my son's handiwork, Aiolos. I give it to you along with my blessing in the upcoming conflict." She bent to kiss him lightly on the cheek, surrounding him briefly in her glow. Aiolos said nothing and did not move, for fear of somehow displeasing his goddess. Hera momentarily enjoyed the man's anxiety, leaning in closer to whisper in his ear.

"The dagger's home is in the heart of the Queen of Crete. Sheathe it there, and I will reward you with all that Paris refused--power untold and command of all of Asia."

And then suddenly the goddess was gone, leaving behind a stunned Sirosan crew and a very thoughtful Navy Captain.

 

[poohlive]

"Truly father, a new offer that is better than Hera's?" Hermes emerged, although he was a bit sad to admit he had not been hiding. He would have liked to have hid and secretly known of Zeus' council with Ares. As it turned, Zeus must not have seen him, or not have cared. In any case, Hermes thought it best to let himself known.

"Hera does offer an incredible gift. I know, I delivered the message myself. Although, I can not tell you what it is. I feel there must be some confidence within my messages. Why, that is the reason I am Herald, is it not?"

He bowed before his father, husband to the man he loved, the one who screamed his name not an hour earlier. His mind set upon those brazenly dirty images before he looked serenely into his father's eyes.

"What is it you wish of me, Lord Zeus?"

 

[Otto26]

Zeus laughed, a booming sound that echoed through the hall and made the foundations tremble lightly.

"Hera truly promised you a long war? No, son, I have nothing better to offer you. As my wife has already paid you for what I desire it would seem I owe her a debt that I will work hard to pay, with interest."

His gaze turned to Hermes. "I have nothing for you at this time Hermes. The messages have been sent, the players have been positioned, and sides have been chosen. I think I will have something for you later; a message. But for now I have no need of your services. Perhaps the queen needs an errand run?"

He returned his attention to Ares, clapping him enthusiastically on the shoulder. "A long war will do nicely, Ares. Very nicely indeed."

He walked out of the hall, a faint smile that had nothing at all to do with pleasure adorning his face. A long war will do nicely indeed. My champion will never know defeat, but that does not mean that victory will come easily to him or his mother. And Ares and Hermes will spend that time taking everything they can from Hera. What price is she willing to pay, I wonder? This is becoming more amusing than mankind has ever been.

Zeus the Thunderer laughed and, again, the foundations of the halls of Olympus trembled slightly.