The Will of the Gods

[Blueside]

Chaos reigned in Greece. The source? Mount Olympus, home of the gods. Human struggles are tied with the struggles of the gods, and Oh, did the gods have their fair share of troubles. Zeus slept around, Dionysus got drunk non-stop, Aphrodite seduced left and right, and Hera went around throwing fits. With each trouble, the humans were troubled, and were, at that time, in the midst of war, which essentially boiled down to Athens vs. Sparta. Sparta controlled the ground front, but Athens fleet was superior. All of Greece was swept up in the torrential wave of war as the Gods bumbled forward.

Their fight was, as many fights are, over a woman. A goddess, to be specific. Aphrodite, to be painfully so. She was married, to Hephaestus, but was, as the goddess of love, a little...'flirty.' She had aroused the interest of many a god, male and female alike (she didn't differentiate,) and this made the ugly brute of a blacksmith angry. Sides were taken, arguments ensued, and, on Earth, wars were fought.
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OOC INFO:
OOC Thread
As the thread says, you can be anyone that one might find in Ancient Greece.
In line with this, I don't want a Jedi Knight, or a character named Jon Rogers. Greekify it.
RULE: YOU MAY NOT KILL A CHARACTER WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF WHOEVER CONTROLS THAT CHARACTER.
I'd like to see a bit of a storyline here, not one giant fuckfest.
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A tunic was adjusted, and shoulders rolled to make a lyre settling on his back more comfortable. Fingers drummed against a staff portraying two entwined serpents. Winged sandals flapped, keeping the god aloft. He was Hermes, messenger, thief, and guide to the dead. That's what he was doing at the moment, guiding. He actually had a large group of souls following him to the Styx, all products of this war. "Damned be Aphrodite," Hermes thought to himself (he thought this, to be fairly, while imagining her curves.) Millions of good Greeks were being killed because of this petty squabble, which amounted to quite a bit of work for Hades. Too much, he thought.

Hermes was, as all gods were, a shapeshifter, but he typically stuck to a common persona. He was a handsome male, with a soft face and curly locks that fell into his eyes. His skin was a shade darker than the typical olive Greek, and he was about 5'10".

He successfully guided the dead to the Styx, and went back to Olympus, taking a break before his next job. Once inside the magnificent palace on the mountain top, he glanced around for someone to talk to/steal from.

 

[MissMarbles]

Quick OOC note: I'm not sure how much terminology or geography has changed between when this thread is supposed to be taking place and now, so if names of places/things are innacurate, forgive me! Just shoot me a PM and I'll definitely fix it. =) Also, Blue, since this is your thread, could you give some descriptions on how you want Olympus to look like? That'd be awesome, then the next time I write I won't have to be so vague. Thanks!

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Aphrodite was troubled. She sat upon a marble pedestal, one of many that contributed to the decorative beauty of Olympus. The goddess supported her head in her hand, staring off in the direction of the island of Cyprus. It was there she had first set foot onto earth, and there she was truly understood - they worshipped her and accepted her rites. It wasn't until she'd first set foot on Olympus that she ever thought a conflict or two might arise. Immediately upon her arrival Zeus had wed her to Hephaestus. She loved Hephaestus, as she did all men, but Aphrodite had little regard for the feelings of others when it came to spreading that love around. Aphrodite was well aware of the problems her relations had caused, though she felt no remorse. She was more upset that the mortal war had caused the death of many men. What a waste, she thought to herself. The goddess of love and beauty continued to stare off into the distance towards her beloved earthly home, tempted to return to her war-worn city in hopes of receiving some well-deserved worshipping. The goddess sighed, tossing straw colored tresses over her bare shoulders.

 

[Blueside]

Hermes cocked his head, and saw Aphrodite, the trouble-maker herself, sitting upon one of the many pedestals that decorated Olympus. He glanced around at the place, taking in its beauty. Each of the twelve major deities had their own palace, surrounding a central plaza where most of the pedestals sat. The other gods lived outside the main circle. The ground wasn't, as many legends portray it, made out of clouds, instead it was made of a mosaic of patterns of all sorts of stones, rings that told stories in their pictures, artwork on the ground.

The palaces themselves were more temples than palaces, oftentimes open, lazy places. Gods didn't have time for much sitting around - although they tended to do it quite a bit. Hermes' own palace was just a roof supported by columns, and a floor. Inside there were some nymphs playing music for him, and a chair for him to relax on in his off time.

Of course, because of the war, he had almost no off time.

His gaze returned to the beautiful goddess, and he casually floated over to her on winged sandals. He reached her, and pulled up his legs, hovering Indian-style face to face with her, about four feet away. "Ello, love. How have you been?" In the struggle of the gods, Hermes had taken neither the side of Dionysus, nor the side of the gods who believed that Aphrodite, as the goddess of love, should be shared. He was neutral, although he wouldn't mind the sharing of Aphrodite. She was a beauty by all standards. He smiled, and moved some hair from in front of his face. "This war's been keeping me busy, we really haven't had much of a chance to talk."

 

[gagonthis]

Twenty-five years ago:
The woman had sat in labor for many hours, the pain nearly unbearable as a midwife tended to her. A strong push and a gasp of surprise from the midwife told the woman her child would soon draw its first breath of air. Many looked on as the woman struggled with birthing, it was to be the first heir the Agiad king had produced, and many awaited to see if it would be born a strong male, a proper heir to the crown. A runner had been dispatched to speak with the Delphic Oracle days ago to find if the Gods blessed this child, but the King's consort had gone into labor earlier than anticipated and the runner had yet to return.

With a loud scream of pain and a gasp the woman felt the baby come forth. The midwife gathered it and looked at it, fear in her eyes. "It's a boy m'lady.. but his face..." The midwife muttered, still staring at the baby. The woman reached for her son but one of the elders, the Ephors, snatched the baby away from the mdiwife, gasping at what he saw. "The child is deformed! He is unsuitable!" He yelled grandiosely as he yelled the child up for all to see. Drawn breaths of horror could be heard as they gazed upon the offspring of the Agiad bloodline, seeing the dark marks across the left cheek, birthmarks resembling an animal's claw marks. "He must be left to the wild." Many uttered agreements to this sentiment and though the mother looked crush she nodded a sad affirmation. Tradition had to be upheld. Only the strongest for Sparta.

The elder hefted the baby over his head, prepared to cast it down the slopes of Mt. Taygetos when a faint cry could be heard from someone running towards the crowd. The elder hesitated when he recognized the runner they had sent to the oracle days before returning. The man drew up short, panting slightly and dropping to a single knee before the gathered Ephors. "What news?" One of them said, casting nervous glances about. After a moment the runner regained enough breath to speak. "The... oracle... said that Agiad heir.. with the mark of the Nemean.. must grow into a man or Sparta would perish."

Present:
"HOLD THE LINE!!!" The man's voice bellowed out as he stared straight ahead at the charging line of warriors in front of him. He knew his words were unnecessary, each man here knew his place and would not falter. Spartans did not falter. Shields came up, each man's protecting him and the man on his left as they locked into a Phalanx formation, long spears coming forward. The tide of men crashed into the razor sharp wall, the front line impaled upon the spears of the Spartans. "PUSH!" The man's voice bellowed once more as the Spartan line put their weight forward, knocking the next line off balance and allowing more spears to lance forward and take more lives. As quickly as the rush began it was over, the disorganized charge falling back, allowing room for their archers to fire. "SHIELD COVER!" The Spartans fell into a cluster, shields coming up to create a turtle shell cover against the oncoming arrows. "Cowardly archers..." the man mumbled as the barrage slowed, finally coming to a stop. He lowered his shield slightly, and seeing all the forces in retreat stood removing his helmet. His long black hair flowed out, shining brightly in the fading day's light. His darkened tanned body glistened with perspiration. With dark blue eyes he surveyed the field, seeing the enemy in full retreat "Clear... stand and watch your foes flee before Spartan might!" He said with a hearty laugh that turned the unusual birthmark on his face upward. The men rose, congratulating each other on another victory. "Tend to the wounded and dead then return to camp." His face turned somber as he turned towards the direction of Olympus, wondering what machinations had caused the gods to send these barbarians to war with Sparta.

 

[caela]

Athena

Sighing softly Athena, looked down over the carnage that littered the ground after this latest battle. Damned Aphrodite! This was her fault, couldn't the silly woman be faithful to her husband for even one cycle of the moon?!

Shaking her head she drifted down on to the battlefield appearing as a vision to the dying. She wished she could offer them words of comfort, that she could tell them that they had died for a purpose but the fact was they'd died because Aphrodite was little better than a whore and her husband was jealous. Since she couldn't offer them the comfort of kind words she moved among the dying as silent as a wraith letting them take what comfort they could from the knowledge that at least one of their gods cared enough to at hand as they died.

Only when the last body had been taken from the field of battle did her image shimmer and disappear. Re-appearing on Mount Olympos with a look of righteous fury on her face. She saw Aphrodite and Hermes talking and a low growl filled her throat. Instead of going and yelling at the cause of such death and destruction however she spun on her heel and headed toward the main palace on Olympos.

If Aphrodite couldn't control herself that someone needed to go above her head and there were times it was good to be Zeus favorite daughter.

 

[MissMarbles]

Aphrodite offered Hermes a partial smile as he appeared before her. Truly, the goddess was glad that not everyone was upset with her. As vain as Aphrodite was, it had never crossed her mind that maybe - just maybe - it didn't matter what her peers or the mortals thought of her. She definitely cared - perhaps too much so. The goddess of love was as strict with her worshippers - it wasn't uncommon for her to punish those who refrained from worship or those who spoke ill of her by one form of repremanding or another. Aphrodite was caring and generous as well, offering many a reward, as long as her followers remained devoted and faithful.

"Hermes, my dear," the goddess said. "I have seen better days, my friend." She cocked her head to the side, though it still rested in the palm of her hand. "It has been some time since we have shared words. I am sorry for the result of my husband's temper if it has caused you any hardship," she told him. It was as genuine of an apology as anyone could expect from Aphrodite - apologizing for the outcome of her behavior but never accepting responsibility. "Other than busy, how have your days fared you?" The goddess tilted her head again to the side slightly, spying Athena storming away from the corner of her eye. She stifled a sigh, seafoam green orbs peering back to Hermes.

 

[DJ_Wordplay]

Ares

Ares lounged in his palace. There was an inescapable air of contentment throughout his home. He himself relaxed on a couch, a grin that spread nearly from ear to ear. He was in his most favoured form, that of a large physically imposing man with jet black hair and blood red eyes.

"I tell you what this is." Ares said, his voice raising the attention of his two attendants, Phobos and Deimos "This is outstanding"

"What is?" Phobos answered. The two attendants were identical in appearance. Small, vicious looking things.

"The war. I tell you. I've started wars in every corner of the world. I've murdered, lied and stole and it's led to bloodshed that's claimed the lives of untold thousands." Ares spoke with pride. "But what action of mine yields the most impressive result? Fucking my brother's wife. I swear, the cock truly is mightier than the sword."

Phobos and Deimos both cackled. They were sycophantic little things but they served their purpose. Ares smiled as he contemplated the immediate future.

"I tell you what the question should be now, though"

"How to get back into Aphrodite's bed?" Deimos suggested

Ares looked annoyed.

"No." Ares said quickly, although his voice and face softened as he thought back to his nights with Aphrodite. A body like that and could take it as rough as he liked to give it "Well, yes. That is a good question. But the real question is how to maintain this. Sparta and Athens at war is fantastic, but there's so many more kingdoms that could be involved. So many more battles that could be taking place right now. No, the real question is how this small war can become a great big war."

It was out of the corner of his eye that Ares happened to see his sister, Athena, storming towards the main palace, the Palace of their father.

"Hmmph. Probably looking to cause an end to the fun" Phobos snorted derisively

"Don't see why she's got to be such a spoilsport" Deimos continued

"Quiet, you little idiots." Ares snapped. "She's simply looking to do what's best for Athens..."

Quick as a bolt, Ares began sprinting towards the main palace as well. Reaching Athena on the steps to Zeus' palace.

"Athena!" Ares called out "Athena, dear and beautiful sister, if I may have your ear for a brief moment"

 

[caela]

"Athena!" Ares called out "Athena, dear and beautiful sister, if I may have your ear for a brief moment"

She knew that voice and had to fight down a sigh before she turned to look at her brother. Normally she would have at least tried to offer him a smile but today she was too angry. Too many of her people had lain dead at her feet all because of Aphrodite...her thoughts trailed off for a moment before finishing...because of Aphrodite and Ares. By all the gods on Olympos why couldn't her family keep their nether regions to themselves?!

"What do you want Ares? I'm never "dear and beautiful sister" unless you want something and if it has anything to do with continuing this war the answer is no. I absolutly will not feed into your bloodlust when my Athenians are involved."

Brushing by him she headed up the stairs of their father's palace. This needed to stop before anymore of her Athenians died. Sparta could attack any other city it wanted but Athens was hers and she simply wouldn't allow this battle to continue as it was.

 

[DJ_Wordplay]

"What do you want Ares? I'm never "dear and beautiful sister" unless you want something and if it has anything to do with continuing this war the answer is no. I absolutly will not feed into your bloodlust when my Athenians are involved."

Ares took a pained look on his face as Athena brushed him off and continued up the steps. He followed her though, quickening his pace to reach her side.

"You think me far too base a creature, wise Athena." Ares said with some hurt in his voice "I don't want to see this war continue any more than you do."

Ares could see the look of skepticism wash over his sister's face as she dismissed his words.

"It's true! The Athenians and the Spartans are the two most powerful armies in all of Greece. Now, I have little doubt that because of their allegiance to wisest of all the goddesses that the Athenians will eventually be the victor in this conflict and that would leave Sparta destroyed."

Ares let those words hang in the air for a second.

"And I would so hate to see Sparta destroyed. They make such delicious war." Ares said this with genuine affection. Spartans were after his heart, that was for sure. "Either way, while I would be pleased in a short term sense to see this battle escalate, far better to see Sparta live to fight another day."

"Now you could go up there to Father and plead your case but we both know that will lead to nothing. On the off chance he's actually here and not out disguised as a farm animal, molesting some mortal girl, what will he say?" Ares switched his voice to the booming thunder of his Father's "Leave the mortals to their own affairs.' is what. He'll be displeased if we openly meddle in a mortal affair. What this situation calls for is the wisdom of Athena and the cunning of Ares"

Ares

 

[caela]

"Now you could go up there to Father and plead your case but we both know that will lead to nothing. On the off chance he's actually here and not out disguised as a farm animal, molesting some mortal girl, what will he say?" Ares switched his voice to the booming thunder of his Father's "Leave the mortals to their own affairs.' is what. He'll be displeased if we openly meddle in a mortal affair. What this situation calls for is the wisdom of Athena and the cunning of Ares"

Athena glared at her brother, grey eyes flashing as darkly as any of Zeus' thunderclouds. She hated it when he was right. She was being brash in going to their father, Zeus would only consider them meddling in the war as beneath them. Still she would speak to him later about containing Aphrodite...something had to be done with that woman!

Holding his gaze as her temper cooled to a low simmer she tried to determine the truth of his words. He was flattering her Athenians to say they could utterly wipe out the Spartans - and thus flattering her - but with her help they could defeat them and drive them back fromt heir shores. That he enjoyed the way the Spartans waged war she had no doubt, her brother was nothing if not shamelessly bloodthirsty. Still if the Athenians did defeat the Spartans it would leave the Spartans wounded and unable to wage war for a time and that would bother Ares.

Turning she linked an arm through his and at last offered him a tight smile, "What do you suggest brother dear?"

 

[Mhorashty]

Hades

Hades sat upon his ebony throne, a thin smile of satisfaction drawn across his cold, grayish features. He stroked his thin black beard as he was deep in thought, pondering what exactly he could do to ensure that this would war would carry on. It was then that one of his attendents appeared before him. "My lord," the armor clad attendent bowed quickly,"a new host of fallen from the war have arrived thanks to Hermes. Phlegyas will have to work endlessly to get these souls across."

The dark god sat in contemplation, slowly coming out of it to look to the guard who had interrupted his thought. "Perhaps Charon should go assist him. By my word, make it so." Hades then waved the soldier off. Hades spent the next several moments sending out visions of the battles to his High Priests. Bidding them to seek out the battlefields were thousands were dying and to make sure the proper funeral rites were performed to ensure that the dead would atone for the evils or great achievments performed in life.

He stood from his throne swiftly. Perhaps it was time once again that he ascended to mount Olympus and pay a visit to those who were supplying him with such a steady flow of new subjects to his realm. Hades had confidence that Minos, Rhadamanthys and Aeacus could do there judging properly for the short time he was planning on being gone from his realm without him overseeing their every decision. It was then the god of the underworld doned his helm of invisiblity and ascended to the celestial home of the gods.