War of the Gods

We Gods of Olympus fight for our right to power. Who is the strongest? The most cunning? Those that are easily fooled may hold less respect than others. The fallen ones must prove themselves again and again.

Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. The Titans' sons. They all rule separate realms: Sky for Zeus, sea for Poseidon, and the underworld for Hades. Although Zeus may rule Olympus and have the final say over divine matters this does not mean we sit back and do nothing. So here we stand gathered in our circle of Gods and Goddesses to talk about matters detrimental to only mortals.

"Today we will be discussing the matters of Troy." Zeus's voice booms through the marble room.

"I don't see what's to discuss; the mortals can handle this themselves."

"Of course, you would see it that way Aphrodite, you're the one that started this mess." I look at Ares with disgust as his orange eyes glow bright with mockery every time he looks at me, and I hate him for it. His white tunic covers his body just like everyone else yet he keeps on a platinum chest plate and knee braces. While his spear leans up against his chair carved with warriors. Fire-like eyes, cinnamon brown hair, and the stubble along his cut jaw are wasted on a God so disliked.

"Ares, take a seat, would you? You're only here as a courtesy. So mouth closed ears open please, okay?"

"You threw a temper tantrum because Paris of Troy didn't think you were pretty," He says.

"He chose me in the end because we all know I am the most beautiful after all."

I can see Nyx roll her eyes from where she stands, "You enchanted the man of course he thought you were beautiful."

"Well, it's not like it was just me vying for that apple that night, Hera and Athena did as well!"

"It wasn't us, it was that fool Eris who started all of this," Athena says.

"Agreed, he was the one who brought the golden apple of discord to the wedding in the first place," Hera adds.

"ENOUGH!" Zeus's voice booms quieting the room. "What's done is done. Even though Eris brought the apple to the wedding it was you Aphrodite who enchanted Helen. The war between Sparta and Troy will be on your shoulders." I sit back in my chair and stare up at the crystal-clear dome ceiling. Closing my eyes I take a small moment to breathe, everyone else's voices drown out behind me.

When I open my eyes again I feel Ares staring at me. The left corner of his mouth is slightly turned up. Silently he mouths to me, "Who are you?"

Interrupting the quarrel of the gods I rise from my rose-carved seat, "You forget Zeus," His stormy eyes hold power that penetrates me to my core. "I am no lowly God, I am Aphrodite Goddess of love, lust, beauty, and passion. Although that may seem trivial to you, heed my words: Even love can bring the most powerful men to their knees. A simple heartache can destroy nations, and a broken man will annihilate the world."

The room is thick with tension as we all wait for Zeus's response. His fist sparks blue, and his eyes swirl with purple storms, but he says nothing. He turns his back to us grabbing hold of one of the bolts carved into his chair for support, as he pinches the bridge of his nose. "I think we should take a short breather," Hera speaks for Zeus. The ever-so-rational one when his temper gets out of control. "Take time to think about what to do then reconvene back here later." I'm up and out of my chair before any more words can be spoken.

My golden ankle-high thongs slap across the quartz floor, shoulders back I walk to my hall in Olympus. Changing from my white tunic into the baby pink chiffon with slits that travel up to my thighs. Tying it around the back I slip on a crown of white roses with my knee-high silver thongs. Feeling more comfortable I walk through the corridor until the crashing of the waves reaches my ears. I stop, smelling the salty air, too tempting to pass by. I pull myself up onto the smooth-cut stone ledge facing the sea. "You ruffled quite a few feathers in there," His rough voice catches my attention.

"You are not one to chastise me, Ares," My honey-blonde hair flows against the wind calming the storm that rages within my thoughts.

"Listen, I'm on your side with this. I would rather avoid war as much as you."

"You were born to be the god of war Ares. If they fight it's your job to oversee it. Although, if I hear you blame this war on me I will cut you down with your own sword." 

A small smile grows across his face, "My lady I would never fault you for this." 

 I slide off the smooth stone standing chest to chest with him. "Do not let Zeus hear of your lack of will." Peering up with him under my eyelashes there's much of his face to consume, although I have no time for it. Pushing away from him, "We will not speak of this again."

"Where are you going?" I follow behind.

"Corinth, try not to send a dove unless it's desperate."