Ever regal, calculating and graced with a beauty only matched by her wisdom.

Athena was a goddess among goddesses. Some have her favor, others don't. Truly Athena was an anomaly among Olympian Goddesses. She had no passions for dolls or gowns. No interests in maidens or makeup. She never was just to be seen and Olympus be damned, she would be heard. And Humanity and Divinity alike are glad that it was so. From the moment she sprung from Zeus's head, fully clothed fully armored and adult she spoke nothing but wisdom. Wisdom was her Gift to the universe. She had a cunning and analytical mind. Taking in information -almost feeding on it, and bending it to her will. Her wits were always quick and she rarely made mistakes. Whether it be in government, politics, law, war, Athena mastered it all. Fitting for Zeus's favorite. But one thing Athena also had a talent for other than her Mastery of the Mind was the Mastery of the Sword. Battle strategy was her bread and butter. She could hold herself in a fight and only has a few losses under her belt. Spear shield or sword, she would utilize it like a painter would use a paintbrush or farmer with his plow. Sometimes she dreamed of the sequences and techniques she learned over the years. Always keeping her mind alert for more knowledge.

What made her even more unlike other Goddesses is that is was a virgin. A sworn virgin at that. She vowed to never give away her maidenhead. Never to submit or bow to a man. Or worse. A husband. An arranged marriage was definitely out the question. Too many young women are forced into unions none of their choice simply because they were told to. Such a life only breeds resentment and heart ache. But I think it would be a fool to say that she to do not feel some sense of loneliness. With all of her Perfection, she still had trouble with people. Or maybe people wasn't the right word. Emotion.

She could hold a conversation and laugh and joke as she needed but Athena usually likes to stay stoic. She never wanted to reveal too much of her inner feelings or struggles. They can be used as weapons against you and upon Olympus, those weapons we're in high demand. She hated going to court and dealing with Olympian politics and drama. Every day there was someone getting betrayed, or hurt or a petty squabble would start a war or Zeus would be caught in another adventure of his. It was beginning to be too much especially after centuries of dealing with it. But she stayed so she could help tip the balance. She was a great source of wise counsel among many Olympians, not just the older ones. One time Hephaestus pointed out that she was a great voice of reason.

She was walking home after receiving her sword. It being freshly made by the fire god. Its steel was flawless. She could see her reflection within the blade. Almost white as milk, it had a nice charm to it. The handle had extravagant engravings of owls on it with jewels etched beside them. Though the design itself serves no practical purpose, it was a nice touch and a bit of artistic license on Hephaestus' part. Some called Hephaestus her male counterpart. He was not a warrior and he didn't have the stone hard confidence and regalia Athena had, they both were into crafting.

Her skill at the forge we're not as refined or prominent as his but she could weave tapestries extremely well. Before Hephaestus was married she would visit when she could and use the workshop. She would dare say that his intelligence could match hers. But Hephaestus' means of intelligence was more soft. Athena's was unforgiving and cold. Whenever she would engage in an argument she will make sure her opponent was eradicated. She will take advantage of anybody's weaknesses or chinks in their armor to gain an edge. She believed that was something Hephaestus was unable to do. He was no in her position. And if she can have in her way she hoped he would never have to in her position. Olympus can be cruel and sometimes you have to let out your inner demon to survive on this mountain. Sometimes she would be the only thing stopping an angered god or goddess from wreaking havoc on the Mortal Realm.

She first met Hephaestus when he came up to Olympus after being thrown off by Hera.

He was still young and looked about the mortal teenage age, even though being a god he was eons past that. He had tricked Hera with a rigged throne and though personally humorous to Athena, it spread chaos on Olympus. A bereaved god while though crippled, was powerful enough to make items that could harm or capture them. Zeus wanted to punish him but Athena suggested against it. Only Hephaestus had the power to release Hera and having Hephaestus punished or imprisoned certainly wouldn't help matters.

In order to quell the madness and release Hera, Zeus gave Aphrodite to Hephaestus as his wife. Many on Olympus desired Aphrodite and some would take up arms for her. Zeus didn't want a civil war between his ranks so giving her away was a double win for him. A no win for Hephaestus or Aphrodite. She was sure Hephaestus tried to make it work but it never would have.

Aphrodite was never monogamous to anyone and she wasn't going to start with "an ugly cripple". Aphrodite and Athena were like a snake and a mongoose. Water and Oil. Both of them so similar yet so different.

Both were strong and beautiful women but accomplished this is different ways.

Aphrodite was sex incarnate. It was no secret it was one of her pleasures. She knew how to flirt, suggest, entice and her natural feminine allure and oozing sensuality she was able to capture attention and hearts. Stealing husbands from their wives and leaving a sea of broken hearts in her wake. She was beautiful and she knew it and with that came power.

Athena was also beautiful, arguably just as much as Aphrodite. But she instead rejected all the standards and limitation placed on her gender. She instead of sexual power, had a more humble approach. She never was interested in male attention. Though a complement her and there was okay,being in the sexual world was not something she aspired to do. Her version of a woman was someone who could use more than her body or grace. Athena knew how to lead armies, run council meetings, fight, negotiate. She had capabilities and the intelligence to prove her worth in almost anything she ventured into. And with that came power.

Which version of female was better or respectable, was a question even she could not answer.

She could respect Aphrodite's lifestyle if it didn't involve so much brutality. Not in the physical sense but when came to the game of love, romance or sex not many walk away unscathed or happy. Some never recover and heartbreak doesn't go away in one night. Many reasons why Athena wish to remain alone.

Athena could see the pain of Hephaestus, even when he tried to mask it. Aphrodite had no plans to hide her infidelities and probably sees no reason to. It must be hard, not only having your spouse or loved one cheat on you, but them be so unapologetic about it. Aphrodite's words could be harsh and she would sometimes insult or belittle Hephaestus. In his face or behind his back. Yes their marriage was arranged but that was no excuse to take it out on him or make him feel worse than he already does. It was one thing to cheat but choosing a mate in your spouse's brother? That's just cruel.

Ares and Aphrodite were lovers way before Hephaestus showed up. They are lovers only. Just raw sex and nothing else. But not without cost. Ares only prominent emotions are selfishness and cruelty He was The God of War but unlike Athena he relished in the carnage and bloodshed. Ares would start conflicts on a whim and it mattered not to him which side won. It was all just for the blood. He treats Aphrodite pleasant enough when he wants to sleep with her, but he has beaten and slurred Aphrodite. But she always came back.

Athena would feel bad for her, but Aphrodite's cruelty can match Ares' and her attitude wasn't the most humble or decent. Aphrodite craved attention and was not without it usually and that can create a monster.

Soon her thoughts dissipated as she made her way upon her palace. Night was slowly approaching and she was tired from a long day of duty. But soon after her body relaxed reaching for her door, Ares appeared.

"Gray eyes! You're looking in bad form. Some sleep should do you well." Ares mocked as he leaned across a pillar, arms folded proudly. Ares had a strong build, expected from a war god. He was a about as tall as Hephaestus and has Hera's dark brown hair. He was dressed in his gleaming armor, crimson cape falling from his shoulders similar to Athena.

"I doubt it. I took a long nap after my victory over you." Athena countered, not falling prey to Ares' provocation

"As you say. That's a fine looking sword you have there at your hip. Did the cripple make it?" Ares jeered.

"Yes Hephaestus did craft it. As always his craftsmanship is exemplary." Athena answered while defending Hephaestus. She wondered how boastful Ares would be if he was the one Hera threw off the mountain.

"A thrall's profession. A man shows his true talents on the battlefield. Too bad that leg of his is all twisted and mangled. There's no honor in letting a man walk around as a pariah." Ares continued. It was no surprise he had a more rigid view of masculinity. To Ares no man is a slave, a freak or cripple or at least not a REAL man. Didn't matter the circumstances. The strong live and the weak don't. Those words could sum up Ares' mindset and way of life.

"How childish, though I'm hardly surprised. It's expected of you. Someone so fragile must be able to make those around him the same, least he feel inferior." Athena insulted back. Those like Ares had to feel on top. Otherwise what little self worth they have would tumble to the earth.

"Please! Inferior to whom? I have the favor of all boys and men in Greece. People cower when my name is spoken. And I have Aphrodite. The loveliest of creatures! All men wish to be me." Ares boasted unfolding his arms and facing Athena.

"If that's what you think then please continue on with that belief." Athena responded, closing her eyes with a sigh. Inflated egos were very hard to reason with but she had enough.

"You think you're so above it all. Mrs. Perfect. Zeus' favorite." Ares sneered. Noticing Athena's and Hera hated Ares, like many of the other gods. And knowing his father favored Athena most of all, his rival, made his blood boil with hot rage and jealousy. "Come then Athena lets put your new blade to the test. Show me how good you are." Ares challenged, drawing is own sword.

"Sheathe your blade brother." Athena commanded. No tone in voice changing but her feet were ever planted firmly. It was a warning and a part of her code: Allow your enemy the chance to surrender. If not then it was battle.

"Hmph!" Ares muttered, readying his stance.

Honestly Athena hoped he wouldn't stand down. Nothing makes her feel better than putting her older brother in his place.

She sighed again. She then drew her sword, scabbard singing as the blade scraped across it. As soon as Ares heard it ,Athena disappeared. She swooped in to Ares' left, knowing he was right handed, he wouldn't be able to dodge her sword. She then thrust her blade towards Ares side, hoping to end it with a quick blow to his ribs.

The god then jumped out the way right before taking a swing of his own. Athena blocked and parried, hammering away at Ares. To his credit Ares was keeping up. He outclassed her in strength but every warrior knows you to need be able to do more than hit hard. Athena has more pose and eloquence in her style. She was quick and making a strike without at least three backup plans to replace it.

Swords cried out as they clashed against each other, and capes blew like wind with the two warriors speed and agility. Many onlookers ignored their bout as this happened every week on Olympus but some stood and watched enamored with their display. Bobbing and weaving and swinging and grunting was the two could two, entranced in their duel.

Athena now held the advantage. She had manage to nick away at Ares as they fought. Making at least 30 different cuts around his body and limbs. Twelve of them would have been death blows if they weren't immortal.

Ares was now shaking from pain and his golden ichor flowed out his wounds. He still was standing and was ready to continue his assault.

"If you keep this up you'll exhaust yourself before you're body regenerates." Athena warned pointing her sword at Ares' throat.

"Not likely gray eyes. You think you exist with no faults or flaws but I'll prove you wrong." Ares stated before rushing her. Athena locked at eyes at Ares and did the same. Both warriors ran with all their might as their hands gripped their blades, ready to strike true.

Before blade met blade two vines sprung from the ground and wrapped tightly around Athena and Ares. Ares cursed and struggled. Athena stood still noting that her own adrenaline and battle rage was calming. She was sure Ares was as well and his cursing was to keep up appearances.

"Now now. Lets be nice. We can't have both of you fighting until Selene drives her moon." Dionysus The God of Wine stated as he approached bout of them.

"I thought these were your doing Dionysus." Athena said as Dionysus crept forth. He was drunk(which is no surprise) as his breath stank of wine and his steps were hampered with stumbling and limping. His robe was barely on his shoulder and he struggled with not giggling.

"What is the meaning of this clown! Release us!" Ares roared. Though even Dionysus could tell it was more bark than bite. He simply giggled before tripping and landing o his side, facing Ares

"Pish Posh! My vines can cause aggression and madness as well as sap it away from its prey. You two should be all out of juice." Dionysus said before taking another drink from his goblet. "But I'm not!" He laughed, beckoning his cup.

Dionysus' vines had many effects such as sapping away chemicals, hormones and magical energy from other gods. Athena felt as though she was falling asleep. "Release us brother. We're done for now." She asked now feeling better after besting Ares.

"What about you Ares." Dionysus asked from the ground.

"Hmmp! I'm done. It wont be a solid victory if she isn't her best. We'll finish this another time sister."

Athena nodded acknowledging his withdrawal. Dionysus' vines then retracted from their captives and returned to the soil.

"Zeus is displeased with your squabbles as of late. Your latest war in Sparta has caused quite the stir." Dionysus revealed, coming to his feet.

"Father huh. Fine then. By our father's grace brother I call a temporary truce." Athena relented.

Are only looked at her, eyes mixed with rage and was sure he was going to insult but he remained calm.

"Also there has been an emergency meeting. All of us must attend." Dionysus added, before waving his finger over his goblet. Soon more wine filled the glass and he back to swallowing it.

"Of course. Must you always be drunk. Surely it gets boring." Athena teased lightly punching Dionysus shoulder.

"Ouch! Hey watch it Sister. You're as strong as an ox- OH! No offense. He said rubbing his shoulder.

"None taken."

"Well then I'm going on ahead, try not to get lost clowns." Ares finished before trekking onward to the meeting hall.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

It was a busy morning on Olympus as Helios began to drive his chariot across the clouds. The morning air was crisp and sound and Hephaestus was on his way to the palace hall where the Olympians gathered for meetings and such. He honestly hated going to these as it was usually meaningless for him if it wasn't work related. But it was duty after all, given his title. His wife, equally annoyed was at his side. He could hear the whispers of gods and goddesses passing by on their way to the hall as well. That was something else he could do without. They were most likely whispering about him, and Aphrodite as they do. Gossip ran rampant within the godly plane as Immortals with their long lives didn't much else to do.

"There they are. Aphrodite and her ugly husband."

"They're still together?"

"I don't see how she stands being around him."

"Poor Hephaestus. I heard Aphrodite was with Ares again."

"Well that's no surprise. How could she not. Ares is a hunk! Hephaestus..not so much."

"Gods, could they be more tactful about it. Its not like they're even trying to to be quiet." Hephaestus stated as his metal leg clanked about. The grating noise was something Aphrodite couldn't stand.

"Don't pay them no mind. They're just bored." Aphrodite responded back to her husband as she took his arm. He hated how she flipped to a loving wife whenever others were around. Though he would rather have this than her usual moods. She would often berate and yell at him in front of the others. There was no pleasing her.

"I heard Athena came by the other day. What did she want?" Aphrodite sneered. The animosity was strong with her.

"Just picking up her new sword. Apparently she broke hers in a fight with..Ares." Hephaestus answered. He hated stating Ares name around Aphrodite. It was no secret that he was her favorite lover and she made no pretense at hiding that fact.

"Ares huh. They do have this strange rivalry."

"And you don't with Athena as well?"

"Oh stop. You know how that virgin prude is. She is so snobby."

"How ironic."

"Whats wrong with you?"

"Well the thousands of years of infidelity wouldn't help my mood."

"What are you on about.? I was with you last night."

"Really. I remember waking up alone in bed. You were no where to be found." Hephaestus said letting go of his wife.

Aphrodite now grew silent. Then she got vocal.

"Don't act so surprised. You know we've had problems."

"Of course and these problems have plagued us, ever since we first met."

"Don't start with again. Please, not this morning?"

"Do you ever see me going off and cheating whenever I'm mad at you? No. I've been faithful to you. But you can't seem to do the same."

"Oh grow up. I'm the Goddess of Love. Sex and love is my duty and passion. You know it's my nature." She said flipping her hair hypnotically. Oh how Hephaestus used to love that. But he was a fool as this is how she trapped men. She knew exactly how to work it so she got what she wanted. It was torture knowing she did this with his brothers and cousins. To many nameless Gods and Mortals. His imagination was already a hotbed fueled by passion as he was an artist. She didn't have to do that to him.

"My heart is yours but I'm sorry if I'm such a slut to you." Aphrodite said with anger. She hated when he acted all high and mighty just like Athena.

"Is that how you rationalize it!? Your 'nature'? You must be joking. Art is my nature yet do you see me drawing on walls and crafting buildings just for the fun of it? There's a time and place for everything." Hephaestus reacted shocked by her attitude. He was tired of comparing himself to other men…but he knew his place as much as he hated it. He was nothing but a cripple in her eyes. A monster. Dead weight. An abomination among the Gods. He always understood that he wasn't even second best.

"Can we please drop it, We have business today and I'm very busy. Mortals have been asking me to bless them all week."

"Is it blessings or your body that you're handing over." Hephaestus sneered.

Aphrodite said nothing as she walked on to the palace alone.

Hephaestus noticed every deity in the vicinity had been listening and now acting like they weren't.

"Gods be damned. This day can't get any better." He stated sarcastically as he made marched on, leg still clanking. But little did the fire god know how just how much his days would change. Or how soon…

XXXXXX