He sat at his throne, drowning in wine, watching humans in his little crystal ball. He was laughing at whatever they were doing, so I felt it right to talk to him. He often seemed in a good humor, but he was well known for his temper.

"Father?" I asked as I stepped into the room.

He waved me over, "What beautiful?" He didn't spare me a glance as he continued to watch his little drama.

"I'd like to talk to you." I said braver, it wouldn't hurt to discuss marriage with him, after all it was within his rights to confirm or deny any union. Even if Hera was goddess of marriage, he had final say.

He looked to me then, "I thought you were." His laughter reverberated off the ceilings and I smiled at his rosy cheeks and sparkling blue eyes. It was hard to ignore his glee when he was like this, even harder still to deny our resemblence. We both had strong cheekbones, and our eyes both sparkled a light blue that put the sky to shame in its purity.

"It's important."

"Come, beautiful, sit and we'll discuss what's troubling you." I sat in the floor by the throne, laying my head in his lap as I'd always done. He ran his hand through my curly locks and I sighed.

"I want to get married." There it was out, I had actually said it.

He snorted, "Whyever for? Nothing, but trouble child."

"I just feel the need." I stated flatly, I knew it sounded pathetic, but it was an aching burning need that was tearing me apart.

"Your too much like me, my beauty." He admitted, bending to place a kiss upon my curls. "I love you, but your attentions tend to vary." Understatement of the year, and I could admit it. "Say you do get married." he spat the word. "You'll end up with a jealous harriden like myself, then where will you be?"

I sighed, raising myself so I could look at him. "He won't have cause to be jealous, I'll commit to him."

"Commit?" he rolled the word around on his tongue. "I'm sure you would, but why press such a strong union? Is there some lucky god you have in mind? I had always thought there was something between Ares and yourself, my beauty."

I shuddered from revulsion, Ares was my brother and that was all he'd ever be in my eyes. He was my other half, my darkness, but it wasn't an intimate relation, it was pure blood. Even if it was a common practice, the ties were too close for my comfort. "I had thought of someone, but he doesn't see me as wife material..." I admitted. Hepheastus would make a wonderful mate, kind, considerate, humble in his way. He was the farthest thing from my own father, but his demeanor was that of a true solid king. I had ignored the fluttering of my stomach, but it was hard to ignore the desire I felt in my dreams.

I had dreamed of him many times recently, of everything from his simple kisses to making love in the sun. There was a deep attraction there, and I could live forever content in his attentions. Yet, he saw me as a friend, nothing else. A beautiful woman, whom graced his presence from time to time to share cofidences, knowledge. He would say I was beautiful, but he never actually touched me or made declarations of love. It was rather offsetting.

"There you go then, enjoy his attention and in time you'll tire of him and throw him from your bed like the rest of those neanderthals your so fond of." I giggled, meeting father's eyes. He thought it was an intimate relationship we had, because thats the kind father shared. I had seen him love though. I reconized it for what it was when he and Hera were in each other's company.

They might carry on and he might fall prey to sexual whims from time to time, but there was a true affection there. It was not nearly as pure as Hades had with 'Seph, but it was still as honest. Not all had the capacity for love, and it took a true mate to understand the other's capacity.

"If he were to ask for my hand father?" I inquired, fluttering my lashes.

He grinned, "Then my beauty, how can I deny your wish? We'll have the grandest wedding Olympus has ever witnessed." He took my chin in his hand, "I would not allow anyone to show the goddess of love up in their affection." He sat back drinking another gulp, "Perhaps I should have a talk with this man, just to see where his intentions are in regards to you. Hmm, beautiful?"

I shook my head, it wouldn't bode well since I had yet to even acknowledge them to said person. "I don't believe now would be a good time, perhaps another day?" He laughed.

"Of course, my beauty, you know best in these matters." I turned to leave, when he cleared his throat. "I should point out, how you have been ignoring your duties as of late." I stopped, but didn't turn so he wouldn't see my blush. "Perhaps, if you gave each other some space, he might be more adamant in his feelings." It wasn't like father to be so enlightening, I nodded and fled the hall.

If we had any more space he'd soon forget my name! At least now, he was tolerating my presence. Then, maybe father was right, maybe if I divorced myself from his company for awhile, maybe my feelings would fade some. I couldn't have Heph realizing and pushing me away.

"Where you been, minx?" a throaty voice asked from the hall. It shocked me out of the daydream I'd been having of the very same man.

I turned grinning to Hepheastus, he'd never came to my room before. I motioned him to come in, and he seemed to shake his head. "Come on in, I've seen your rooms."

He looked around with a disgusted look, "It's solid pink."

"Pink will not hurt you, I promise." I laughed. He stepped in, shutting the door behind him. Mirrors made for walls on three sides, the other side was a gift from Demeter, roses of various colors on a terrace overlooking Greece. I had a pink couch placed in the middle so I could lay and watch the kingdom below. He was stepping across the white marble to my pink bed. On it lay the finest silk Athens had to offer, a gift from one of the kings hoping for a good match for his daughter. I had curtains made of the same pilk silk to surround the bed and give me my much needed privacy. I sat at my marble vanity, I had been studying the various jewelry and lotions that were set upon it when my thoughts had drifted.

He stood eyeing the bed, "I can't sit on that, it'll get dirty."

I scoffed, "Sit, you've never been in here before, get comfortable. By Olympus, just get comfortable so we can visit."

He sat cautiously, then laid back. "I believe this is the softest bed I've ever felt."

Giggling I watched as he stretched across the foot of it, turning to look at me. He seemed like such a boy when he did things like that, his grin the same as years ago, but my body was screaming there was a very handsome man stretched before me. "Why of course, I can't sleep on just anything you know."

He groaned, "Guess not." His scars were covered today, hiding half his expression. He seemed less restrained in his rooms, perhaps it was the light that made him hide. "Where you been?"

I shrugged, "Zeus reminded me of my duties."

He cocked his brow, "You'd been ignoring them that much?"

"No," I said crossing my legs, cupping my chin in my hand. "Just a few, I've caught up, just figured you were busy catching up as well."

"Please." he muttered, turning and shutting his eyes. He was laid out, hands propped under his head, legs crossed at the ankles, fully clothed, but he was the sexiest sight to ever greet my eyes in my bed. "I never fall behind. 'Sides you never finished your mural."

Taking a deep breath, I had to keep my wits to keep my voice from revealing anything. "Do you still want me to come back down there?"

He scrunched his face, "Why in Hades name wouldn't I?"

"I just thought after the other day, Ares might have..." I trailed off embarassed from my display of emotions in front of the two men.

"He's just worried about you, love." He looked up at me, and I grinned. "I'd have come to check on you, but I really didn't wanna have to explain that mark you left me."

I put my hands over my mouth, I hadn't thought about that. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean-"

He laughed interrupting me, "Quite a bruise I had. Hurt too."

I blushed, "I'm sorry, I should have never hit you."

"No apology needed, love. I was asking for it, rather have you slugging me than crying." He grinned shutting his eyes again. "Still hurts though."

I went over to him, touching his jaw where I'd hit it. His cheeks were darkened with stubble, but there was no hint of a bruise. "Did it hurt your teeth?"

He shrugged never looking at me as I ran my finger across his rough cheek. "If you were sorry, love, you'd kiss it and make it better."

I laughed bending to give him a peck on the cheek. My lips had barely touched him when he pulled me with one hand to his mouth. I felt him move, but shut my eyes to the pleasant taste of masculine energy invading me to dance with my tongue. He pulled me down on top of him, across the bed, holding me against him. His tongue plundered, it searched, it conquered and I was enthralled. I held his shoulders, but never moved afraid of breaking the moment.

He finally pulled back, looking at me through his lust darkened eyes, I reached up to push his hair away so I could fully see him. He nipped at my hand and I giggled. Laying on top of him, it was easy to see how massive he really was. My feet reached just below his knees and I could roll twice without falling from his chest. He growled claiming my attention back to his face.

"Feels much better, love." he murmered. I watched as he shut his eyes again and his arms held me. I laid my head on his shoulder and my hand against his heart. The steady beat was calming and the hair on his hard chest soft. Lost in the feelings I drifted to sleep.

She was beautiful in every way. There was no disgust in her eyes earlier, no pity, she'd even pushed the hair out of her way to focus on my eyes. She saw past the scars. She lay with her blond curls draping my arm, her hand on my chest, the other curled into my vest, and I couldn't take my eyes off her. Even in sleep, she was seductive. Her leg free of her gown finding its way between mine, I had to actually count my breaths to keep my cock from hardening against it. It was a battle to lay with her so trusting like this, and I kept telling my body I would win. The moon was the only light shining through her room now, and though I was used to fires, she provided plenty of warmth with her softness covering me.

She had seemed shyer, perhaps I shouldn't have waited so long to find her. Then again, perhaps she needed to get over her little break down in my room. Who knew with this woman? But one thing was for sure, I wanted to know.

I wanted to know her every thought, her every move, her every pleasure. She was just like one of my rubies, a rough stone waiting to show itself to be formed in the most beautiful honest light of the fire. I stroked her hair, inhaling her soft scent. It was there like a rose, just waiting for its sweet smell to be inhaled and discovered. For the most part you just saw her beauty, but to stop and appreciate you got every aspect of beauty: her smell, her mind, her laugh.

She slightly jumped, and looked at me. Her blue eyes blurry with sleep fixed to mine and she smiled and lay her head back against me. I was lost, she could break me now. She could destroy me with those soft hands and gorgous looks, and I would retreat to my rooms. I would retreat to carry my burden of loving her, to hide from those who would mock me, and I would risk this for her.

"I did not mean to fall asleep." she whispered.

I laughed, "Well, I'm certainly not as soft as your bed."

She trailed a hand down my chest resting it on my stomach, "No, your not." Her breath against me was torture, I rolled her off, facing her as we lay on our sides. Neither of us actually touching the other at this point. She had a soft smile on her lips as she studied me. She watched my every expression, trailing down farther looking me over, as if she was memorizing me. It was hard for me to stay still, to keep my hair from my face. I was truly ashamed of my scars, but to her they were just me. I had to keep telling myself that as her eyes roamed.

To break her stare I asked, "So you going to show me about your work now?"

She blushed, "I don't know what you want me to show you exactly..."

I shrugged, "Just trying to understand you. Maybe you could show me a taste of what you do. I mean I don't want to be full out voyeur or anything, just get an idea of how you spend your day, love."

"I believe you've already had a taste, my lord." I grinned throwing my arm roughly around her.

"I'd like another." She returned my grin pressing herself against me, her lips to mine. I let her control the kiss this time, giving her the power. She traced my bottom lip with her tongue, I opened to her, her tongue invaded my mouth like a sweet warmth. I held her tight letting her take her time, to taste me. She pulled back, nibbling my mouth, I moaned under her able ministrations. Then I felt her tiny teeth bite me and I couldn't stop my body's response, and growled at her subtle manipulation. "Pure minx."

She lay back with an amused smile playing across her lips.

"So you gonna take me?" She frowned, pressing herself against me. I sighed, I didn't want to be just another lover, no love, you wouldn't distract me that easy.

"You still want to go?" I bent kissing her lightly.

"Of course, love." She frowned, but shrugged.

"One favor then, my lord?"

I grimaced, "None of that 'my lord', you know better minx." She didn't say anything, "Well, what favor?"

"Can't we lay here for just a little longer?" I grinned, nodding. I let my hands travel her body, feeling her softness, her warmth, I would take every second I could get to worship this woman before me. She was perfect, and in turn she touched me.

Her hands would squeeze my arms, testing the muscles, her fingernails would press against my chest, I watched her as she took in my textures, her eyes revealing her every thought. One moment she seemed to be squinting as she ran her finger across my belly, the next she would sigh and her eyes fluttered close as she lay her hand there. It was something I had never before experienced, I had never allowed a woman to have this much power over me, and if I had my way she would keep it. I didn't try to cover my scars as she traced them, I held my body still as she so casually put me under her tender ministrations. We lay all night, neither of us making a move to go farther, neither of us turning from the other, dawn crept in and we were still just as entranced with one another.

I held his hand pulling him through the mortal's village. It was a poor one compared to Athens, but it was rich and abundant with young. His eyes took in everything, I had known he didn't get out much, but the proof was how he looked in awe at some of the varioius goods they offered. He'd let his hands wander over some of the woven tapestries, the primitive weapons, even looking in awe at the sheep.

I just smiled and let him explore his fill, I had all day. He walked from one end of the village to the other, both of us invisible in our glamour, but he still wandered aimlessly looking everything over to take in every detail. He would look at me grinning and I would just rub his arm and guide him forward again.

"So when you going to actually do something, love?" he teased, winking at me.

I shut my eyes, letting my mind wander. "Come on," I pulled him, rushing to the well. There stood a young girl, fetching water, lost in her own existence. "See her."

"Yep." his eyes glued as if he'd miss something. I nudged him looking at an older bearded man feeding his oxen. He glanced over and looked confused. I let my magic loose and it slipped and looped through the air catching itself under the man's nose. His head turned to give the girl a once over before continueing his mudane tasks. "So?" he prompted.

"He's noticed her." I whispered as if it were a great secret.

"And?" he looked down at me confused.

"That's all it will take with those two." I grinned draping myself around him. He still couldn't grasp it. "They'll be married within the year, you'll see."

He snorted, "But he's so much older..."

I shook my head, serious now. "Doesn't matter, he'll be good for her."

"How?"

I sighed pulling away, "She needs someone firmly rooted, she's too much of a dreamer. She'll think he's handsome, anyway. He'll cherish her youth and in time they'll produce much young."

He grasped my hand, "So you say, minx."

"I can't explain it, I just know. Its the same with your forges, you just know." I tried to explain again, but he seemed to be in his own world.

"So that's all you do? What about when it's not 'easy'? When they are not actually attracted to each other?" he was actually considering my powers, it was new to me to have to explain.

"Well, some things just can't be helped. Some love can't be.." I searched for a word. "Some love can't be formed as it demands." He stood still watching me.

"What do you do then?" his voice quiet, I pondered the question.

"I usually allow the mortals to work it out for themselves." He nodded. "I haven't showed you everything yet." I grinned, "I've got to show you my favorite part."

I watched as she bent over the newborn barely touching it before backing away. Her smile, her eyes, her whole body was relaxed and happy. The outspoken seductress had melted to a kind beautiful woman, and I was transfixed by the subtle change.

The baby cried out softly in its sleep and she looked at me, happiness sparkling in her eyes. "Well?" I asked.

"What?" she looked confused from me to the baby.

"Calm it!" I hissed. Weren't women supposed to have an instinct for these things?

"I can't." she sobered. Regret ate at me, "I can't touch it for more than a few seconds, my touch wakens its beauty. Too much would be trouble."

I pulled her to me as she ported us to another crib. This was a little boy and he was wide awake watching as the beautiful woman touched his fingers. He cooed and she sighed. Her whispered words didn't reach my ears, but I grinned. She liked the motherly role, even if she was not a mother. She wanted a baby.

The realization of what she had said struck me deep in my heart. She wanted one of her own! She had every night to have this waved in her face and she wanted one for herself. It wasn't just a mindless whim of the moment, this woman had debated it for centuries. She wanted love that was pure not from some sexual session that was only happening because a man wanted to covet her beauty. She wanted something pure and simple that she couldn't give herself, she wanted it all. Here just a few weeks ago I'd told myself she was so simple, I bit my cheek.

She wanted it all, she wanted more than I was capable of giving her. I couldn't be her husband, I couldn't father a child for her only to have it resented in the halls of Olympus. I couldn't be her lover for she would be the object of jokes and taunts. She was the most beautiful creature ever and I was a deformed depraved man that had been lucky enough to be born to a greedy immortal.

I touched her arm bringing her attention back to me, "I need to get back."

She nodded stepping away from the child into my arms and ported us back to her room. Her soft blue eyes looked me over and I shrugged my hair back into place to mask my feelings. She seemed to cringe at the action and I felt the fool. I should never have allowed myself to believe even for a second it could be any thing more than friends between us.

"What's wrong?" her soft voice pleaded.

I shrugged, making a resolve that I'd have to quell any notions she had of me.

She laid her hand upon my arm, her eyes glistening. "Tell me."

Suddenly anger rushed through me. Anger at my mother, at my life, at her! I couldn't have her and she taunted me so. I grabbed her, easily tossing her to the bed. She looked puzzled, but was undaunted. I threw myself on her, crushing her lips to mine, forcing my tongue into her mouth. I pinched her breasts through her thin gown ran my hand roughly across her body as if in punishment. I felt my loins stiffen and pressed it hard into her soft belly.

She moaned, waking me from my fury. I leaned up to look at her. Her hair was pooled around her, her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her lips swollen, her breathing fast and shallow. I threw myself off her, and rushed out the door. Hating the monster I had become.

"We need to talk!" I nearly fell out of my chair as she crashed through my bedroom doors. I steadied myself to look up into her sharp blue eyes and serious features.

"Yes, little sis? May I be of service?" I asked. She tilted that blond head and for a moment I thought she'd swing on me like she had Heph'.

"Ares, I love him." she declared. I cocked a brow, but smiled. Really, there could be no better match. She was fiecely protective, loyal, and beautiful. He was smart, hard working, and would cherish her like no other.

"And you would like me to do what exactly?" I kicked my feet up on the nearest table, leaning back to watch her. She begin pacing the front of the bed, her arms flailing in frustration, but no words left her lips. "I can't help you, if I don't know what you want."

She stopped looking at me. "I want him to love me." she said as matter of factly.

I sighed, "Well, sit down, sis, I think you should hear a little story." If he wouldn't tell her, I would. Couldn't have him being ashamed of just being him, of being born. No, I would tell her and let her make the decision.