Ok so I couldn't stop writing after the last chapter, so this a treat. I hope you all like it. Thank you Jellicos! Your review inspired me to keep writing. Now back to our goddess.
Warnings are in the first chapter. (dont want to give anything away but remember, this is a story about two women who are in love. If you don't like it then don't read it.)
Athena was glad to see no one was waiting for her when she entered her War room. She didn't feel like dealing with anyone. With a sigh she replaced the her sword on the wall and watched for a moment as it began to repair the dents and small nicks in the blade.
It was a sword that Hephaestus had made her long ago. Not only was it unbreakable but it could fix itself. It was one of a kind. Not even Ares had one. She had received as a gift after she'd helped Hephaestus improve his smelting techniques.
As she thought about the lame god her lips fell to a frown and she felt bitterness rise in her throat. What did he have that she didn't. He was ugly and smelt horrible. He couldn't even walk across a room without his cane.
Why would Aphrodite want to be with him? She asked herself then growled in frustration. That was the twist. She didn't want to be with him. She had been given to him by Zeus after Hephaestus had made Zeus' throne.
Briefly she wondered how it would feel to be given away like that. A shudder ran down her spine and she shook her head. She'd fight before going willingly. Aphrodite hadn't fought. She'd gone with her head held high, but she had sworn that no man would control her.
Turning away from the sword Athena glanced at the map in the middle of the room and watched as the red block continued its trip to Sparta. Everything in Athens seemed fine, and she saw that on Ithaca, Odysseus was aiding in the construction of a new temple to her.
She was about head into her bed room so she could change when she noticed a small red block heading toward Pella. Chewing on her lip, she wondered why Ares's men would be heading to Aphrodite's city. Usually she was made aware of any troop movement to a city.
"What is he doing now." She muttered as she glanced at her sword then her room. She could either go confront Ares or see Aphrodite. Either meeting held much unpleasantness but at the same time some enjoyment. Seeing Ares would mean an argument, and watching while Ares lost against her wit. But she would have to deal with his arrogance.
Seeing Aphrodite would mean she would have to be on her toes and avoid the incident in the field at all costs. She would have to pretend not to care too much for her while her heart would scream out her love. She would have to hide that. But at the same time, she would get to spend time with the beautiful goddess without anyone around.
Shrugging her shoulders she passed her sword and headed into her bedroom. Seeing Aphrodite would be much better then dealing with Ares. It would also help with her task from Zeus. How in the world would she convince Aphrodite to stop cheating on her husband.
Once in her room she quickly cleaned herself up then changed into a clean white robe. Tying a belt around her waist she glanced down at herself and nodded approvingly. Shaking her head she let her brown mane of soft brown hair fall around her face. She wanted to look as best she could.
Sighing softly she closed her eyes and tried to push her feelings away. She had to pretend the sight of Aphrodite didn't excite her and tear her apart at the same time. She was truly in hades when she was around the goddess. But she was always drawn to her.
Opening her eyes slowly she wondered for a moment what would happen if Aphrodite did happen to return her feelings. Snorting she gave a weak smile. To always wonder where Aphrodite was, and with who. That wasn't the type of relationship she wanted. Shaking her head sadly she felt her heart start to hurt more.
It was like she had been stabbed with a large sword several times, the way the pain surged through her body. Leaning against a wall, Athena tried to control her breathing. She was making herself sick with these thoughts.
They were the same ones every time. Aphrodite coming to her with a kiss after she won a great battle. Standing together as they watched Helios race across the early morning sky. Arms wrapped around each other then sharing a kiss. Rubbing the palms of her hands against her eyes roughly she tried to erase all the pictures she had in her head.
She had faced titans, defeated giants and held her own against the other gods' wrath. Her presence had helped the Greeks win at Troy. But she was letting herself be beaten by love. The thought sobered her up and she stood with a determined look in her eyes. But her heart was still hurting.
As she left her room she was about to reach for her sword but she hesitated then thought better of it. She wasn't going to deal with any army. Leaving her War room, she headed to Aphrodite's Temple of the Heart. It was just down the street so she decided to walk.
Aphrodite sighed with satisfaction as she gave the temple one last look over. There wasn't a speck of dust anywhere and the floors shone with a bright gleam. Nodding her head she crossed her arms over her chest and looked at the couches and piles of pillows that were all positioned in the far corner of the room.
Raising a brow she watched as a red pillow replaced a blue one. It looked better that way, she thought to herself with a smile. Her arms dropped to her side as a table appeared in front of one of the couches. A moment later a jug of wine along with two cups appeared. The cups then disappeared and two different cups appeared. "They go better with the red." She muttered though they looked like the previous ones.
She had to laugh softly at herself. She'd never been so meticulous with how her temple looked. Her laughter stopped and she wondered what that meant. Frowning she walked over to the small fountain in the middle of the room. It was of her holding a vase on her shoulder.
Watching the water fall she let her mind sort through past events. The first was from earlier that day. When she had gone to Earth to see Ares after the battle. Athena had acted very funny. Leaving so quickly as soon as she'd gotten there.
Zeus did want to speak with her. Aphrodite reasoned with a nod of her head as she rubbed her cheek with the back of her hand. When he wants to talk to you, you don't take your time. There were other times when Aphrodite had shown up where Athena was, and the goddess of war had quickly made her exit.
Aphrodite's stomach tied itself in a knot and she frowned. Maybe Athena couldn't stand to be near her. But then again just a few moments ago they had shared a look. Aphrodite was sure it wasn't a look of hate or disgust.
"Why was she crying." Aphrodite said to no one as she bowed her head and looked at her feet. She had never seen Athena cry. The feelings that she felt from Athena were strange for the often aloft goddess. She wondered briefly if Athena had a lover or was spurned by someone.
Instantly Aphrodite felt the rage of jealousy sink into her heart. Trying to banish the feeling she reasoned with herself. "I have no claim on her." When she said it out loud her voice sounded hollow, like she didn't want to believe it.
"If she's found someone, who makes her happy, then good. I'm glad for her." Aphrodite told the statue that stared blankly at her but seemed to smirk in disbelief. "Ok, I want it to be me." She admitted then felt her jaw drop in amazement.
"I'm in love with Athena." She whispered then looked around quickly to make sure no one with real ears could have heard. Groaning she covered her face with her hands and tried to figure out when it started.
"When she made that damn flute." Aphrodite whispered as she looked back at the statue. "She looked so funny, but she was so proud of that thing." She closed her eyes and remembered.
Athena had entered the Throne room where the gods were gathered. She had shown her newest invention to Hera and Aphrodite. Both goddesses had laughed at Athena. Her cheeks puffed out and her face growing red with exertion. They had teased her and said she looked silly. But deep in Aphrodite's heart she had loved the sound the flute made.
Dropping her head, she ran a hand over her cheek again. "Or it could have been that stupid contest." She mused as she recalled that fateful day.
Paris was charged with picking the Fairest of the Goddesses. It was between Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. Each goddess disrobed and then promised Paris something if he picked them. Of course when Aphrodite promised him the love of the most beautiful woman, Helen, he picked her.
Hera, in a blinding rage swore that he would have no peace and cursed him. Aphrodite had waved off her warnings and rolled her eyes. But Athena had told him that he should be careful not to let outside forces make up his mind. That had impressed Aphrodite.
"She really is perfect. Isn't she?" Aphrodite asked the statue. "And so out of my reach." She lamented as she walked over to the couches and threw herself on one with a groan of frustration. Athena was the great virgin goddess and would no doubt remain that way.
Closing her eyes Aphrodite pinched the bridge of her nose. "But who were those feelings of love for?" She asked sounding more confused. No doubt some handsome, dashing hero. She sneered at the thought. She knew of countless men who would be more then willing to lay with the Goddess of War.
"And none of them are worthy of her!" She snapped as she opened her eyes and sat up quickly. Athena would be there any moment. She had to pull herself together. Reaching her hand out she poured herself a cup of wine and took a small sip.
"Aphrodite?" Athena called out as she entered the temple. Squinting her eyes slightly so they could get used to the darkness she made out the form of Aphrodite standing in the middle of the room.
Getting off the couch quickly Aphrodite felt a smile on her lips. As her eyes took in Athena's form against the door, she felt her heart pound harder. Never had she seen the goddess look so beautiful, so feminine so desirable. Shaking her head to get rid of those thoughts she walked to Athena. "Thanks for coming."
Blushing when she realized she had addressed the statue Athena looked at the real Aphrodite and smiled slightly. Wow she looks great. She thought to herself sighing sadly. "So what's going on?" She asked with a raised brow, wanting to get away from the temptation as quickly as possible.
"Why don't you come have a seat and some wine?" Aphrodite offered with an inviting smile. She prayed silently that Athena would say ok and not run off. Letting her eyes travel over Athena's body she smiled at the slight curve of her hip that was often covered in her armor.
Athena groaned inwardly but hesitated only a second. Never noticing the other goddess was checking her out. "Sure." She said as she plastered a fake smile on her face. She didn't know how long she could be in Aphrodite's presence without making a fool of herself. Already she was feeling like a love sick boy.
Walking back to the couches, Aphrodite took a large swallow of her wine. As she laid down on a couch, she watched Athena sit on the edge of the one across from her. Nodding to the jug of wine, Aphrodite took another drink.
As she wrapped her hand around the jug, she forced herself to concentrate. She didn't need Aphrodite to question why her hand was shaking. "So what's going on?" She asked again then took a sip of the wine. It was very good, more then likely from one of Aphrodite's rich worshipers. The thought left a sour taste in Athena's mind. A gift from a lover possibly. She frowned.
Aphrodite saw Athena frown and raised a brow. What's wrong? She asked herself. "Um, well I need a favor." She started as she sat and leaned her elbows on her knees. She licked her lips nervously.
Raising a brow, Athena took another sip of the wine trying to wash out the bad taste in her mouth. "Well ask, if I can help then I will." She promised with a nod of her head. It wasn't unlike her to help the other gods. Of course if Aphrodite asked her to hand over her city of Athens, Athena would seriously consider it. "Besides, after this morning I owe you. So whatever you want is yours." Nodding her head, she took another drink of wine. No one could ever say Athena didn't repay her debts.
Her heart fluttered at Athena's words and she wondered for a moment what Athena would say if she told her what she wanted was in fact her. She couldn't help the sly smile that spread across her lips but she quickly pushed those thoughts away. "I have a slight problem." Aphrodite started as she swirled the wine around in her cup. Watching the liquid make a mini whirlpool she continued. "I have 5 priestesses who need to go from Pella to Larissa. To attend the fertility festival and welcome my new priestesses in training." She explained as she reached for the jug to refill her glass.
Reaching out quickly Athena grabbed the jug before Aphrodite could and held it up with a slight smile. "I see." She said thoughtful with a nod of her head and held out the wine to pour. Holding her cup out Aphrodite smiled in thanks and watched while Athena poured her a glass.
She felt a warm sensation flow through her body. No one besides servants and the Olympian cup bearers had ever refilled her glass like that. Athena truly was a mystery. But Aphrodite liked it never the less.
"Let me guess, you want me to escort them." Athena finished then took a long drink. Aphrodite chuckled softly but shrugged her shoulders.
"Well, I don't expect you to do it yourself. I thought you could have one or two of your soldiers do it." Aphrodite explained as she leaned back on the arm of the couch and raised her brow. "If you can't spare any I understand." Taking a sip she watched Athena over the rim of the glass.
Athena took a sip of her drink and pretended to think about it. Of course she would help Aphrodite. She could spare a few soldiers. In fact they would enjoy a break from the training and their daily life in the city. She already had in mind 5 of her best men that were close to Pella.
"That shouldn't be a problem." She said slowly with a nod of her head. "It would only take a couple days." She reasoned as she put an arm on her leg and leaned forward, holding her cup loosely in the other hand.
Aphrodite felt a surge of excitement at the way Athena was sitting. Like she was taking total control of the situation. There was an air of confidence around her and it was addictive. "No more then a week." she nodded her head.
"Why not have Ares do it?" Athena asked carefully, hiding all emotion from her voice. She really wanted to know why Aphrodite was asking her. And she wanted to find out if Aphrodite knew of the troops heading towards Pella.
Aphrodite bristled at the mention of Ares. She was getting sick of him. "Last time his men violated my priestesses." She explained with a dark look in her eyes. It struck her deep the why he had laughed when he'd learned of what happened. He hadn't cared one bit about the girls. Or her own tears over the situation.
"I see." Athena said with a nod of her head. She believed Aphrodite was not planing anything. She knew how much the goddess cared about her priestesses. "Well consider it done. My men should get to Pella by tomorrow night and they will leave at the next dawn." She said as she stood up to go.
Aphrodite smiled. "I'll tell the priestesses to be ready." She said as she too stood. "Do you have to go right now?" She asked wanting to lengthen the time Athena was around. She still had to find out what those feelings of love were about.
Athena hesitated a moment and looked at Aphrodite strangely. Why is she asking me to stay. She wondered but outwardly smiled. "No, I can stay." She answered before she could stop herself. Sitting back down before she could get herself into any more trouble she took a large gulp of her wine.
Aphrodite gave herself a mental pat on the back. Laying back down on the couch she put her cup on the table and sighed softly. "So what did Zeus want with you earlier?" She asked lazily. She knew if she could ware the other goddess down with small talk then maybe she would answer some questions about earlier.
Looking up quickly from her study of the tiled floor Athena felt her heart stop. Did Aphrodite know something? She asked herself. Their eyes met and the goddess of love raised her brow in question.
"You know how he is. If its not one thing, it's another." She joked with a forced laugh then took another drink and found her glass empty. When she reached for the jug Aphrodite grabbed it and held it away.
"Why are you acting funny?" She asked pulling the jug away when Athena reached for it. Keeping it just out of reach Aphrodite smiled at the way Athena pouted slightly.
"Come on give it back." Athena said as she put her cup on the table and stood up with a scowl on her face. Trying to look intimidating. Without her armor and sword she didn't get the desired effect.
Raising her brow Aphrodite shook her head. "Not till you tell me what Zeus wanted to see you about." Shrugging her shoulders Aphrodite slipped back on the couch a little, putting more room between her and Athena.
Taking a step around the table Athena put out her hand in a silent request for the wine. Shaking her head Aphrodite stood up as well and gave a chuckle. "Not till you...omph." She was stopped mid sentence when she was tackled by Athena.
Both goddesses and wine jug fell onto the couch Aphrodite had just risen from. The jug slipped from her hand and fell on the pillows spilling its contents. Athena could come up with no explanation why she had done what she'd done.
She had a strong urge to touch Aphrodite and this was the best she could come up with. Giggling Aphrodite silently thanked Athena for the contact. She loved the way Athena's arms felt so strong around her body.
Her head pillowed on Aphrodite's shoulder and her arms around her waist, Athena smiled slightly. This was a nice position. She felt Aphrodite's arms slip around her back and she closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.
"Athena." Aphrodite whispered not wanting to break the silence but knowing if they stayed like this any longer she wouldn't be responsible for her actions. Her desire for Athena was growing with every passing second.
Looking up into Aphrodite's face Athena felt her breathe caught in her throat. Aphrodite's lust glazed eyes were not what she expected. "Please." Athena whispered as she moved her body slightly so her lips were hovering only inches from Aphrodite's.
I hope you liked this chapter. I swear that the next chapter will be up within two days if not in a couple hours. Please Review! It wil only take a minute to say "nice story." Thanks for reading!