Scorned: A Greek Tragedy

[Gabriel]

This is a story I have been writing for a few years now, based on the greek gods. Do let me know what you think I love feedback. I will posts new chapeters and/or sections whenever i can.

A few clarifications on how to pronounce names:
Venora (VEN-or-ah)
Ries (Reese)

And so we begin:

Amongst what seems to be endless parties and events, today was unlike any other day in the white halls of Mt. Olympus. Rumors were aflutter over Ares, god of war, and his new companion. The idea of immortality to most gods and goddesses was a fascinating luxury, but it was terribly unbearable for most like Ares. It was whispered that his companion had the grace of Athena, beauty that far surpassed Aphrodite along with power that rivaled even Ares. Ares had combined a drop of his blood with that of his twin sister Athena to give his new companion life. She was the first of her kind; although some would think she would have been seen as an abomination, she was in fact seen as a revolution.

Today she would be introduced to all the gods and hopefully gain blessings from Ares mother and father, the immortal creators, Zeus and Hera. Ares hoped on this day he would take this woman as his consort after receiving his mother and father’s blessings yet not all the gods shared such blissful feelings about the occasion. Deep within Ares grand foyer his eldest sons Deimos, god of terror, and Phobos, god of fear, sat on the floor in anguish. They feared that this woman who shared part of their blood, the blood of Ares, would further avert their fathers gaze from them.

Their father saw them as disappointments; sons that could never live up to their titles which he bestowed on them at birth. The pair of men had always been nothing but feeble boys in their father’s eyes. Although in their mother’s eyes, they did not exist as sons. They were her play things, men to twist around her finger. To Aphrodite all men were meant to worship her, whether they were her sons or other gods. On this day, she shared her sons’ pain over Ares new companion, the rumors that this woman had beauty that surpassed hers, turned Aphrodite bitter. Lying on her silken bed, she stared angrily off into the empty room remembering her affair with Ares and how her twin sons came to be that fateful day when Helios discovered the illicit lovers.

At the time Aphrodite was the consort of Hephaestus, but she did not care, she was untamable. Upon discovering them Helios told Hephaestus. Furious over what Helios revealed to him, he conceived a plan to catch the pair in the act. Hephaestus fashioned a net that at the right time would spring trapping Ares and Aphrodite so they could not escape. When it occurred Hephaestus was not satisfied with his revenge. So to further embarrass the unfortunate pair, he invited all the gods and goddesses to view his ill-fated captors.

For the sake of modesty, all goddesses refused to partake in such a spectacle unlike all the gods who flocked to the sight. All remarks that were said empowered Aphrodite, the gods commented on her beauty and how they wished they could trade places with Ares. Once Hephaestus was satisfied with his vengeance the couple was released, and an embarrassed Ares sped away in his chariot to his homeland of Thrace.

After that day Aphrodite always had Ares under her finger because of two very special mistakes; Deimos and Phobos. When Ares finally returned to Mt. Olympus, Aphrodite told him that she had given birth to twin sons; his twin sons. Ares agreed to give his sons titles and acknowledge that they were indeed his sons, but since they were the result of his embarrassment Ares hated them. To much of her unrest Ares became no longer interested in Aphrodite; he always refused her advances and sexual conquests. After many refusals she grew bitter towards Ares, vowing that if he would not give her his attention, she would make his life miserable.

[Gabriel]

The Grand Hall of Zeus was decorated to mark the occasion, all gods and goddesses were present and awaited Ares to arrive so that he could finally put to rest all the rumors of his new companion. The sound of thunderous galloping came from the sky Ares now was in sight of the Grand Hall arriving by his quadriga. His only companions that arrived with him were the four gold-bridled immortal stallions that pulled his golden chariot. Their entrance however was unusual, the precession that was always followed by some display of power did not happen. The roar of the golden wheels scraping against the marbled pavement was soft, and calm.

All in attendance looked confused; the always vicious Ares seemed tame, his hardened steps which would always echo throughout the halls signaling his forthcoming had been quieted. He almost seemed in a shocking way, gentler… the question now was what or - due to the occasion - whom could have done this?

Ares walked up to the thrones of Zeus and Hera, bowing to his father and kissing his mother’s hand. Ares turned to his twin sister Athena which signaled Nike, Athena’s close and personal friend, to escort in Ares beloved companion. She was veiled hiding all facial features. All that was visible was her marble polished skin and silk layered dress accented by her golden armored chest plate. It was feminine yet brutish, just like the style of Ares. As the two arrived in front of Ares, Nike retreated to Athena’s side with an eager look on her face.

The woman turned facing all the anticipating gods and goddesses just as Ares ripped away the veil revealing his companion. Her eyes were shining ashy gems that accented a gorgeously sculpted face. Although most were drawn in by the flaming red hair that flowed from her head like lava erupting from a volcano. She was the creation of Ares symbolizing him beautifully in everyway; and her name was Venora.

The gasps of the on lookers over Venora’s beauty was astounding to say the least. Goddesses whispered in each other’s ears as the men were hypnotized by her outer beauty alone. For once the rumors were true, Venora’s beauty far surpassed that of Aphrodite’s. In the far corner of the Grand Hall Aphrodite stood with a wine goblet in hand as her delicious gaze rotted into extreme jealousy over this creature that stood above her so elegantly.

“My many friends, I wish to introduce you to my lovely companion and as of today my consort to share the rest of my immortal life with, Venora.” Ares gallantly spoke aloud. “I wish for you all to bear witness to a revolutionary being, my phoenix. She is the wings of destruction a perfect match to my hostilities, gentle yet fierce, graceful yet powerful. Let her now display her stunning power to you so that you may better understand my words of praise.” Ares boasted stepping to the side giving Venora center stage. She looked at him lovingly as he nodded with a smile on his face.

She closed her eyes taking a deep breath. Onlookers could feel power pulsating from their feet. It tingled every nerve in their bodies, this unseen force that elevated the temperatures of their immortal bodies. She raised her arms to the sides, tilting her head backwards; a light appeared from her chest. As the intense amber light grew brighter her eyes opened; freezing everyone blood that pumped in their veins. Her entire body erupted into an aurora borealis of flames and power. The sheer force of the transformation knocked all who were standing to their feet. Their squinting eyes adjusted to the bright light which now revealed a blazing phoenix that now rested comfortably a gold pedestal. Her tail was dancing with fiery plumage, reds, oranges and yellows mixed into patterns no one has ever seen.

[Gabriel]

She was still the most beautiful creature the gods have ever seen, she was indeed a revelation. Hera was the first to applaud, followed by her husband and soon the Grand Hall was echoing with applause. Ares stood by Venora who in a cloud of smoke returned to human form while all who were knocked to their feet returned upright. Zeus and Hera stood from their thrones as all bowed to their prominence. Hand in hand they walked towards their son and his companion. “She is a gorgeous creature my son, you have done well.” Zeus said graciously. Hera lifted Venora’s face up from bowing to look into her ashy eyes. She blinked ever so softly at this mother of gods. “Tell me child, what is it that you wish for in this new life of yours?” Hera asked Venora. Her first words touched Hera’s heart, “What I wish, your grace, is to always see Ares the way I see him now, thoughtful and affectionate.”

Athena looked to Nike with a look of awe in her wise eyes; Nike quickly wiped away a small tear of happiness. Awe is what struck all the gods and goddesses; all except for Aphrodite who rolled her eyes at the Venora’s honest answer. She drank the last of her wine exiting the Great Hall in a loathsome way. Throwing the wine goblet against the wall, she delicately wiped her lips as it shattered into a thousand pieces. This phoenix, Venora, was going to be a hindrance in her plans to make Ares miserable. She threw herself against the wall in self pity and wondered what she was going to do.

“Lady Aphrodite?” An Italian accent came from behind her. Aphrodite took a deep breath to calm herself and regain her composure. She looked up to the handsome Italian man that crouched next to her. “Oh, Ries it is just you.” “What are you doing on the ground? I saw that you left the ceremony. So I decided to see where you were going.” Ries offered his hand to her lifting her off the ground lightly placing her back to her feet. “That ceremony was a bore so I was walking back to my chambers when I became faint.” She elegantly lied.

“Ries be a good boy and collect the others from the ceremony. They need to get back to work. The humans will not find love for themselves you realize. Without the help of my Cupids the humans would be helpless love sick animals. I am so generous do you not agree Ries?” She combed her fingers through her silken blonde hair. “Yes you are extremely generous.” Ries blandly said hoping that Aphrodite would not notice the tone in his voice. “Now, go while I return to my chambers.” Ries kissed Aphrodite’s hand and retreated back to the Grand Hall collecting his fellow Cupids.

Ries returned just as Ares was bestowing a gift upon Venora. Nike held a jeweled necklace box in her arms as Ares delicately pulled out a long and fitting ornament to perfect Venora’s beauty. The neckpiece was similar to a rosary, a golden chain decorated with pearls and rubies. However instead of a cross for the centerpiece, it was a pure gold laurel leaf whose intricate details were highlighted by diamonds, rubies and emeralds. “This is my gift to you, showing my love and my dedication to only you.” Ares said.

“Your mother and I are in agreement, we will bless this union of you and your new companion.” Zeus said placing one hand on Ares muscular shoulder. “Thank you father.” A now breathless Ares said. “May all you gods and goddesses here be witness to this union as you see it here now, and with that let the feast begin.” Zeus announced. The clamor of people began as individual conversations about the festivities ensued. Athena hugged her twin brother Ares in congratulations of his new consort. “I could not have done it without you sister, I thank you.” Ares told his sister. “Well, you know that I support you in all you do brother. I think creating Venora was the greatest thing you have done yet.” Athena commented.

[Gabriel]

Nike took Venora by the hand dragging her through the crowds introducing her to those along the way. Ries made his way through the crowd still collecting all the Cupids as he accidentally bumped into Nike. “Ries!” Nike surprisingly said. “Nike I am so sorry please it was my fault.” “Don’t you worry about it.” She said as Venora and Ries stared into each other’s eyes. “Venora, this is Ries he is a Cupid, they are Aphrodite’s servants. They travel all over the earth finding love for humans. As I recall Ries, you are Aphrodite’s favorite are you not?” He did not respond to Nike’s question, in fact he it did not even enter his thoughts. All his mind was filled with was the beauty of the glistening ashy eyes that he saw in front of him.

Ries was not alone in his feelings of beauty, Venora herself stared at this handsome immortal in front of her. His eyes, she noticed, were bright green; lush almost like a beautiful spring day. Ries indeed was a handsome and so cruelly forbidden man for Venora to lay eyes on. “Ries!” Nike snapped her fingers in front of his eyes. “I am sorry what was the question?” Ries said still dazed. “I know she is gorgeous but some attention would be nice. I asked you if you are Aphrodite’s favorite.” Nike repeated. “Yes I suppose you could say that I am.” Ries finally answered.

“Do you enjoy your job as a Cupid?” Venora asked Ries. He nodded his head slightly with a smile on his face. “Yes I do, watching love blossom is quite a sight to see.” He answered. Nike turned her head in every direction looking around at all the gods and goddesses. She spied Ares speaking to Hades, lord of the underworld and also Ares’ uncle. “Uh-oh.” Nike said with a sigh. Venora’s ears perked at the sound of Nike’s discontent. “Why do you say that? What is there to uh-oh about?” Venora asked finally breaking her gaze from Ries.

“Hades is here, which means the “Iron Queen” is here too…” Nike whispered while she looked for Hades consort. “The Iron Queen? Who is that?” Venora asked strangely looking to Ries for an answer. “Persephone, Hades’ consort also known as the Iron Queen. She got that nickname for her heartless attitude and lack of emotions.” Ries explained. “I don’t see her so I think it is safe for you to be introduced to Hades.” Nike said, still paranoid about Persephone’s whereabouts.

Nike grabbed Venora’s hand again taking her to where Ares was. Venora waved goodbye to Ries, and as she turned her head a breeze wafted past her hair giving off the smell of exotic oils that teased Ries’ senses. His eyes fluttered at the same time as his legs tingled uncontrollably. He thought to himself “my forbidden gaze must not linger.” Although… he could not help but stare at the beauty that was now across the room.

“And here is my beautiful companion.” Ares gestured with an outreached arm. “I am sorry my love if I kept you waiting.” Venora took his hand as he kissed the top of hers. “May I introduce you to my uncle, Hades.” Ares led her hand towards Hades surprisingly gentle hand. “Well my dear you certainly are beautiful. My nephew is quite taken with you and now I understand why.” Hades said as he chose his words with grace. “Thank you very much for your compliments.” Venora blushed. “I would introduce my Persephone however she did not want to attend today’s festivities.” Hades informed Venora as a sigh of relief fell from Nike’s lips. Hades began to laugh at Nike as she looked at him with an embarrassed look on her face.



“Yes my Persephone does have that affect on people. I’m sorry to say that she is quite rigid to most people. I think it was the matters of our union and how she was brought to me that made her so closed off to emotion… but that is a story for another time. I think I shall leave you to talk amongst yourselves. I will go see how your father is doing. Please excuse me.” Hades said as he patted Ares shoulder and moved up towards the thrones in the center room.

Venora leaned to Ares’ ear, “I need some fresh air, if you don’t mind.” Ares kissed her cheek. “Of course my love. All of this excitement must be too much all at once.” They walked away from the crowds and separated when Venora was alone on the balcony. Her arms rested on the railing, her ears finally adjusting to the peace and quiet. “My lady?” Ries came to Venora’s side. “Yes?” She turned her head. Her eyes once again met his. No words were said for some time. They were lost in each other’s eyes. Finally Venora broke her gaze, awkwardly asking Ries what he wanted.

......To Be Continued

[anaraskywalker]

This is great so far!! Can't wait for more!