"My father." Athena fell to her knees, bowing before Zeus.
"What is it my child?"
"My cousin, who lives in the forest, Artemis, has reported Aphrodite is in our realm. She does not know why, but she wanted us to be forewarned. We all know how much trouble she can cause."
Zeus swore to himself.
The vain Goddess had nearly ruined every one of his children's lives at one time or another.
"We must tell Theseus."
"He has already left for his village, to see his son."
"Hopefully he'll keep his eyes open."
Theseus was overwhelmed. When he stepped out of the small fishing boat, the sight of his son and his brother Stavros walking together almost brought him to tears. But he knew he must act as if he had never met them. It would take concentration. If he saw Phaedra along with them he might not be able to resist speaking to her. He would need to stay away from them. He was only allowed contact with his son. For now he must bide his time.
After several long months, Zeus had finally discovered a way to bring back Poseidon. With careful observation, he came upon a single fiber on the Trident, enough to ensure he would be able to return his son to their home.
As he walked the hall to tell Athena the good news, he couldn't contain a smile.
He approached her room, knocking gently on her door.
Moments later the door opened, and her beautiful face appeared.
"Yes my father?" she asked quietly.
He took her face in his hands, looking straight into her eyes, but she tried to pull away, frustrating him.
"What is the matter? I have brought good news but you spoil my mood child."
"It's Aphrodite. She's been meddling with the mortals, again."
He frowned suddenly,
"What has she done now?"
"She is stalking Stavros, under the guise of being Acamas' friend. I just received correspondence from Theseus. He was watching his family dine this evening, when he noticed a strange aura surrounding a peasant girl who was dining with them. When she departed from their house, she took off her cloak to reveal her Immortal form. He was hidden and so she did not know she was being watched. He does not know why she would do this, but he fears for Phaedra's safety. If Aphrodite becomes any more jealous of her, she may do her harm."
Athena's eyes filled with tears as she spoke,
"I don't want him to lose his true love as I lost mine."
Zeus sighed, his eyes closing,
"My child. I will do all that is in my power to make sure that never happens. You must listen, I have discovered a way to retrieve your love, all is not lost." She turned to look at him, her face suddenly aglow.
"Do you mean it? My love is not gone? This is wonderful!" she leapt into his arms, and he embraced her warmly.
She had not touched him in many months.
He felt her happiness radiating from her, as nourishing as the sun's rays.
He lifted his hand up to hold her head to his shoulder, breathing in her scent. The lines became blurry and he stepped back.
"I must go, I have much to do. Sleep well knowing all will soon be set right."
He left her room in an instant, leaving her in a haze of happy confusion.
Why did he cause her such indecision? For a moment there, in his arms she almost forgot about Poseidon…
R/R please.