Chapter Text
“This is a dishonor to me!”
“And so is it to me!”
“You both are just bitter that he didn't choose either of you.”
The king of the heavens was having a headache, listening to the back and forth of the three goddesses; Hera, Athena and Aphrodite.
He had told his son, Hermes, to take away the golden Apple to avoid further conflict, but it seems as if the fates are more rebellious than the god of trickery himself.
And now comes the news, that the shepherd prince Paris, kidnapped Menelaus with the help of Golden Aphrodite, and now he is keeping him in Troy while Helen and Agamemnon plan on waging war? What was this absurdity?
“My beloved wife, loving siblings and dear children,” Zeus said, loud enough for all of the Olympians to hear. “It has come to my attention that there is a great conflict between us. This can disrupt the divine order, and I do not want that. Wise Athena, what do you propose to solve this?”
“Father, I propose that Paris’ actions are to be brought to justice. He should pay for his wrongdoings, infact, all of Troy should pay for his wretched doings. Not only did he choose Aphrodite, he decided to dishonor a king's marriage by kidnapping him to keep him as his own!” Athena said promptly, crossing her arms.
Zeus nods, he then turns to his sister and wife, Queen Hera. “My dearest, what do you suggest?”
“I don't think you would appreciate the solution that I will give you, husband.” Hera glared at him. “But I shall say it anyway. I think the same as Athena here does, Paris and all of Troy should be brought to justice for the dishonor that they have bestowed upon both of us. Besiege their city and let it be swallowed by the flames.”
Zeus nods again, and he finally turns to his other daughter, Aphrodite. “Ever-smiling Aphrodite, what do you suggest?”
“I think that Paris has done nothing wrong. What is his fault in loving someone? it is nothing to be punished so severely over. Besides, I think that it is envy that puts Queen Hera and Pallas Athena against me, as Paris chose me as the fairest goddess, and not them.” Aphrodite said confidently, ignoring the collective glares of Hera and Athena.
Zeus sighs. He could not trust Athena’s counsel in this matter, not when she too was involved in it. He had to take the matter in his own hands.
“And what do the rest of you have to say?” Zeus asked the council of Olympians.
Most of the gods kept their silence, seemingly uninterested in presenting a solution to stop the impending war.
However, The mighty ruler of the seas spoke up, for he was consumed with nothing with anger and bitterness for the Trojans.
“I agree with Hera and Athena!” Poseidon said with a hint of bitter resentment in his tone. “Apollo & I have built the walls that they pride themselves on! And yet, I have never received any offerings, any temples or prayers for what I did for them. They're ungrateful, and their city shall be doomed for their ignorance! Do you not agree with me, Golden Apollo?
Apollo narrowed his eyes, his fingers stilling on his lyre. “No I do not, mighty ruler of the seas. I am their patron, and the Trojans honor me and cherish my blessings. If a war is to be called upon Troy, I will aid them at once.”
“What are you even saying, Apollo?” Poseidon said, unhappy with the reply he had gotten. “The Trojans are wretched, do you not understand? They only presented you with gifts when you sent a plague upon their city. They are selfish and prideful.”
“Do not say such things about the Trojans, they're mine to protect as much as I can as their patron.” Apollo replied.
King Zeus sighs deeply; no one was giving him good suggestions, it seemed, but he could not let Olympus be divided on petty squabbles either. So, his fingers drum on his throne’s armrest, and he finally speaks.
“I have come to this, that a great war will be fought.” He announced. “However, it will not be ending with the sack of Troy, as I value the city and its loyal people as well.”
“What is the point of war if it wouldn't end with the Trojans besieged, husband?” Hera questioned. “Wouldn't that prove to be useless?”
“Keep faith in me, love.” Zeus said softly. “I advise you all gods to not interfere with their squabble directly. If I find any of you having direct involvement, the consequences will be dire.”
“However, I declare my allegiance with Greece and Helen.” Hera said, crossing her arms and leaning back.
“I do as well.” Athena adds. “My chosen heroes, Diomedes and Odysseus, will be fighting in this as well.”
And so, the gods divided their allegiances accordingly; Athena, Hera, Hephaestus, Poseidon and Hermes aligned themselves with Achaea, while Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite & Ares led allegiance to Troy.
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