Ilion

By
Omnigrapher

The occasion was a happy one. The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus gathered for the joining of one of their own to the mortal she loved. Thetis and Peleus had picked today to be the start of their lives together.

Everyone was in attendance, well everyone who was invited that is, and the wine was flowing freely. As each of the Gods and Goddesses singly and in pairs came into the reception hall they piled their wedding gifts on a table with other gifts already deposited, each gift growing with grandeur, but still within the givers means.

Everyone was having a wonderful time, it seemed, so much so that nobody noticed a column of dark smoke swirling around itself appearing in the corner nearest to the gift table. As it dissipated a beautiful raven haired, pale skinned Goddess, stood glaring at the merry-makers. She held out her hand, glaring, and the mysterious smoke appeared again, this time in her open hand. When the smoke dissapated, a perfectly formed golden apple with stars dancing on its skin, rested in her open palm. The light of the hall glinting off of its golden surface. On this she carved, with a wicked looking fingernail, To the most Beautiful Goddess. Stowing the gift at the bottom of the pile, where it would be found later, she moved forward to greet the bride and groom.
It seems that everyone is in attendance now that I am here. she said, giving the bride and groom a sacrine, wry, very evil smile.
Discord! Thetis cried clearly surprised by the Goddesses appearance in the hall Im so, uh, happy you could come. She looked at Peleus with a look that said she was anything but happy, but Peleus merely shrugged. Please stay and join our little party, she said as politely as she could.
No, dear Thetis, Discord replied in mock disappointment. I can see that I am not wanted here. See, the merriment has ended. Besides, the Goddess tossed a new look at Thetis, this time one of contempt, I wasnt invited. Thetis caught her breath and looked as if Discord was about to attack her, but Discords darkness passed as quickly as it came and she added a little too airily, No, I was just passing through, and thought I would stop in to see father Zeus and mother Hera. She made an all too obvious search for her quarry and upon finding them made an even more obvious wave to them. Now that Ive seen them, I will go. You two make such a beautiful couple and I am sure that you will be terribly happy together. She laughed a long horrible cackling laugh, a noise so horrible that it cannot be described. How that awful noise could come from one so beautiful, can not even be imagined. Her laughter continued as the mysterious smoke returned to carry the Goddess away as silently as it brought her in. The horrid laughter reverberating through the great hall for a long while after the Goddess was gone.
When the smoke cleared, all that remained was an uncomfortable silence, that left everyone nervous.
it was Zeus who spoke first, clearing his throathis great voice flooded the hall Well, this is a party, isnt it? I think its time to open the gifts!
Everyone agreed and soon Discords chilling presence was consigned to memory. The treasures that lay among the gifts were grand indeed. Gifts so great that they could only be given by the Gods. Among the presents was an armour that Hephasteus made for Peleus, that would in later time be worn by Achilles and Hector, along with assorted other trinkets. At the bottom of the pile Thetis found the apple. As she read the inscription aloud to the assembly, Hera stepped forward.
Thetis, dear, Im afraid that gift must have been put there by mistake. After all, even Zeus would agree that I am the most beautiful Goddess.
Peleus opened his mouth to speak but Athena spoke first You old mare! I am younger and more beautiful than you. It should be mine. Dont you agree, Thetis? she asked, looking meaningfully at her. Poor Thetis could only stand, mouth agape, looking quite shocked.
Now wait a minute! Peleus cried, coming to her rescue This was a gift to Thetis, who to me is far more beautiful than either of you! He smiled at his new, now blushing, wife who was clutching the apple uncertainly.
Ladies, ladies a soft feminine voice cooed neither of you can be serious! The throng turned in the direction of the voice to find a beautiful, vivacious, blond Goddess of perfect proportion. As she made her way forward to stand with Thetis and Peleus. And you cant be impartial, she pointed out to Peleus as that is the case, I will take the apple. After all, I am Athena, Goddess of Love and Beauty. She reached for the apple but Athena knocked her hand away.
Thetis, the poor Goddess, looked down at the object of contention with a look of sadness "But it's mine already. It was given to me as a gift. Why can't I keep it without all of this fuss?"
Athena put her arm around the others shoulders "Dear Thetis, the gift has been challenged, and obviously is causing you discomfort. Do not keep it. Give it away. Let it be carried away to cause grief to another." She looked at Hera and Athena as she spoke.
Thetis nodded in silence.
Discords gift worked perfectly, and the Goddesses were soon squawking like chickens, each trying to convince poor Thetis that she should give her present to one of them. The newlyweds looked in amazementwith the others present, at the chaos that one present could bring. With a look to each other they knew that Discord was upset. They knew as well that this was her way of getting even with them for their not inviting her to the wedding.
Ladies! Peleus yelled here is our solution. The Goddesses stopped to listen It seems that we should have a beauty contest. Just like in the games in my home. You will be judged on body, talent, and beauty. In this case, father Zeus, would you have the honors of passing judgment?
Zeus laughed You are a wise one, Peleus, but mad as well! He thought for a moment. I cannot judge this thing. I would never hear the end of it, no matter who I chose. Are you sure that you want to give up such a pretty prize? It is yours, after all. Both nodded emphatically. Very well, I know the judge for you. His name is Paris. He is a simple farm boy, but is honest and fair enough. I will send Iris to him now and we will have our contest tomorrow." He paused looking at the scowling Goddesses "Fair enough? seeing their pause, he added Of course, to keep things interesting, and just in case one of you three isnt the most beautiful, we will keep this contest open to all who will try their persons. That pushed them. They were not going to lose face to lesser Goddesses, and each acquiesced with curt nods of agreement. Excellent! Iris, go to Paris and tell him what we need and to be at Mt. Ida to judge a beauty contest. The likes of which he will never see again!
Iris's rainbow tail streaked out of the window in obediance. With a clap of his mighty hands, Zeus revived the party.

To be Continued ...