SECTION 1: ZEUS AND HERA
CHAPTER 2
Hera
It had been a long time, even in Olympian time, since Zeus had been home. Rhea, his mother, Mother of the Earth, had actually been worried. Rhea! Worried! Hera found it all a bit silly. Hopefully Zeus was concentrating on learning the ways of the mortals he would one day rule. As soon-to-be King of the Gods, Zeus should be busy!
Hera turned towards a mortal couple standing at the altar, her heart pulsing with power. A tingling at the back of her neck told her that her presence would bless this wedding and the couple. She studied them- they looked happy enough, to any other God. But Hera’s specialty was Marriage. That and women. And the woman was scared.
The fear drifted out of her like blood pooling out of a body. She had been forced into this marriage, whether by emotions or threats or… Hera shook her noble head, looking down her nose. Mortals. Marriage, and as Aphrodite would claim- love, had been diluted by these flimsy mortals.
She snorted derisively, wishing she had something better to do than watch mortals. There was no point skipping back to the 1600s again, she’d been watching mortals there all month. Gods and Goddesses, Hera found, were often bored. Or frustrated.
Which, now that she thought of it, explains the fascination over Zeus’ long absence. We are constantly in search of entertainment: drama, gossip, betrayal, obsession, love, hatred…The life of the Gods is a social one, she decided.
“Hera!”
Hera whirled, her flowing robes dancing around her. It was Artemis, goddess of the Moon, twin to Apollo. Hera had never really liked Artemis. She’d never talked to her, never associated with her, never helped her, and never relied on her- which wasn’t an unusual treatment to receive from Hera. “What?” Hera snapped, growling.
Artemis’ pale face was steadily unsurprised, “Zeus has returned. Rhea wants everyone back home.”
Hera sighed, “I’ll be there soon.” Artemis disappeared without another word and Hera sped up mortal time so she could see the end of the wedding.
As soon as the minister instructed the groom to kiss the bride, she stepped forward and touched the bride’s shoulder. The fear left the woman, if only momentarily. And for once, Hera smiled.
Though she wouldn’t have admitted it, Hera’s heart swelled when she returned home. There was quite a congregation there, Olympians she knew well were all talking and laughing and welcoming Zeus home. Artemis was there, and Zeus’ brothers: Poseidon and Hades, who didn’t look as though they were getting on well.
But Hera wasn’t looking for them. She wasn’t looking for Zeus either. She was looking for her sisters Aphrodite and Persephone. Why? Mostly to keep them in check, she hadn’t seen either in a while and they needed a bit of… guidance- or at least Aphrodite did.
She spotted Persephone standing alone, a distance from Zeus, gazing on with fond eyes, innocent as ever. A rare affection warmed Hera’s heart and she smiled at Persephone, catching her eye. Persephone was smart enough to react minimally- a small smile and a nod.
When Aphrodite arrived, everyone knew it. Not that she intended it to happen that way, it simply did. Aphrodite appeared with a poof, a small cloud of soft pink tendrils drifting away from her. Her Influence was so large and uncontrollable it expressed itself physically. Aphrodite was the only God whose Influence could affect other gods. She was uncontrollable.
And besides that, Aphrodite was stunning- perfectly formed from her full chest to her long legs to her perfectly waving blonde hair and slanting eyes. There was a tangible pause before everyone waved and she shouted, “Welcome back, Zeus!”
At these words, Hera was reminded of her relationship with Zeus. Though she’d grown up with him just as much as her sisters had, Zeus had never been as friendly towards her as he was with everyone else. To most, he was trustworthy, handsome, and strong. Towards her he seemed wary.
She watched with a sort of annoyance as Zeus greeted everyone with booming hellos and bear hugs. They were, after all, betrothed. Everyone knew it.
Her good mood gone, Hera strode purposefully towards Aphrodite, tilting her head in the regal manner she’d always possessed, “Aphrodite. It’s been a long time.”
Aphrodite didn’t pause to read Hera’s mood. Instead she swept her up in a strong sisterly hug and answered, “Hera, I’ve missed you.”
Despite herself, Hera’s mood softened. She suspected it had something to do, as always, with her sister’s Influence but couldn’t find the anger to address that. Instead she answered, “Yes, yes, I’m sure. Have you been wreaking havoc on mortals?”
Aphrodite quieted, “Gods, actually. And I haven’t meant to. I was simply around some Roman gods and I thought two of them would be quite good together…”
Hera groaned. Aphrodite got in and out of trouble more than anyone she knew- except perhaps Ares, the God of War. “Just do me a favor,” Hera pleaded, “And keep it reined in around here.”
Aphrodite frowned, “No promises.”
Persephone started toward them at that moment but never made it because Rhea called out, “I have gathered you all here for a reason. And yes, it is to celebrate Zeus’ return- but also, to announce my sons’ preparation periods!”
It was a very sudden, very weighted announcement. The crowd gasped. If Rhea had decided that Poseidon, Zeus, and Hades need start their Prep periods, the time when they would take over was soon- very soon! Which meant, Hera realized with a start, her unmarried days were limited.
A great cheer arose from the crowd, but Hera’s heart sank.
Rhea quieted the Olympians with a raised hand, “Yes, yes, it’s very exciting. Now as you all know, Poseidon will rule the seas, Hades the Underworld, and Zeus the Gods, the skies, and the mortals!”
Another shout of approval rose, and Hera watched cynically as Zeus smiled. Aphrodite whispered in her ear, “Excited, sister?”
Hera hissed.
And then Zeus, with the command and power he always exuded, stepped forward, “Thank you all for coming. I know it’s been a while. My brothers and I have much to do.”
“Including,” his mother added wryly, “Meeting with the council tonight.” The Council consisted of Rhea and the other Ancient Gods who led the world. They would be relinquishing that hold soon. Hera felt the excitement of the new generation taking over her.
“Yeah,” Zeus agreed, his tone teasingly dismissive, “But first- what we Olympians do best -a party!”
The roar that came out of the crowd overwhelmed all previous excitement. Aphrodite grinned at her sister and Hera rolled her eyes.
