47 47_

With the return of Ares, the whole Palace of Olympus was in a fiesta. Like always, he returned with glory and winning streaks. It pleased other gods despite them not being very close to him.

So, a huge celebration banquet was thrown for him and his army. His magnificent return was passed through the entire continent and everyone was excited to hear the news.

Ares held a very strong position in Olympus after defeating the enemy nation. His status went up the sky and many respected him even if they secretly hated him.

He was at war for 100 long years. That amount of time wasn't that long since gods could live up to thousands of years old. So it was a very easy win for him, one would thought. He was simply too powerful.

At this celebration banquet, all gods and goddesses were invited to join. It was mandatory because the land of Eden was finally free from the clutches of war. Zeus wanted everyone to see how important Ares' contribution was.

*

At the south side of the palace, where the Mansion of Glorious War was located, one god was seen laying on his huge bed. The bed could fit almost 300 mortals and he was just there, laying down like he didn't give a crap.

His name was Ares.

With his hands folded under the back of his head, he closed his eyes and slept. One leg raised on top of his other leg. He looked very laid back yet very powerful.

His hair was long, completely straight and it reached up to his waist. He had a very soft and luscious hair despite him being a god of war. He looked divine and his face was literally closer to that of Adonis, the most handsome god in their land.

His hair was painted in ash grey color. One would say it was black at night, but another would say that it was a bit lighter when at day. His hair often sparked some heated discussions among bored gods and goddesses in which made him so irritated when around them.

His eye color was confusing too. One said it was a very deep blue indigo color but another said it was actually charcoal black. It was peculiar enough for Ares to have strange hair color, but his eyes were also the same.

Usually, gods were seen and identified by only one unique color to themselves. It made them appear as the sole owner of their own specific power.

For example, Hades the god of the Underworld possessed a black color with both his eyes and hair while Poseidon the god of the sea, wore a blue color. This made Ares, the god of war- seemed to be in between these two.

This was also one of the reasons why it was hard for Ares to fit in. His different constitution always made others look at him with quizzical eyes.

Ares only knew of one goddess who shared the same characteristics as him. But according to what he heard, she was treated rather differently. Hell, it was very different.

He knew she was known as the goddess of beauty, the most beautiful goddess ever existed. Her hair color was silver but her eye color was green. He didn't know why others didn't run their mouth about her but only at him.

It made him think less of her, really.

Well, he had come to hate her, actually.

He swore to not be so kind towards her even if she was pretty.

What was so great about her, anyway?

Suddenly, the door was banged from outside and Ares opened his eyes slowly. He was still maintaining his relaxed position on the bed.

"Brother Ares! Your celebration banquet is about to begin, why aren't you ready yet?" it was Hephaestus. He came inside the mansion as if it was his own since he was the one who often looked after it when his brother was away.

Ares didn't turn to look at Hephaestus as he said lazily with his deep baritone voice "I'm not going."

"Seriously? You can't do that. This banquet is for you! They're going to celebrate your achievement." Hephaestus walked towards the huge bed. Even the room was already like a small castle, massively wide in space.

"I told you I'm not going." Ares didn't bother to say more as he began closing his eyes back. He didn't care about the banquet.

"No, brother Ares! You should care! Let's get you ready because I can't wait to see my beloved fiance!" Hephaestus whined as he flipped Ares to the side.

Like Ares, Hephaestus was also strong and powerful. He was the god of fire with red hair and red eyes. Everything about him screamed 'hot!' and 'hell!'. He was a bit active and was a very nice god.

He cared for Ares despite other's criticism. Ares was his brother so he didn't want him to be lonely without anyone standing by his side.

Ares looked at Hephaestus with slinted eyes and asked in a bored tone "Since when did you get engaged?"

Hephaestus widened his eyes a bit and he scratched his head. He didn't mean to open up his secret. Guess he was a little excited.

"Well.. ex-fiance to be exact. But I just can't forget about her. I want to see her again!"

Ares didn't probe further and he wasn't even interested. Later, Hephaestus' whining and complaints went about for so long that it was hard for him to continue sleeping.

Ares decided to give in to his brother since he simply didn't want to go away. He planned to just show his face once and then go back to his bed.

And so, Ares and Hephaestus took off towards the majestic hall of the Palace of Olympus. It was located right by the center of every god's mansions that secured the four corner of north, south, east, and west.

After they arrived, the banquet was already in full flight. It halted the moment Ares was in sight. Everyone eyed him differently. Some with eyes full of wonder and amazement. Others with clear hatred and disgust. And mostly it was filled with mild fear. He sighed inwardly, thinking that he should not have come after all.

But when he was just about to make way towards Zeus who was sitting on his throne, several obvious gasps were heard. It was the kind where someone was surprised and impressed.

He turned around and saw her.

With a veil covering her face, Aphrodite walked in slowly, passing by the entrance. Her straight hair was cascaded down until it reached her feet. Some longer strands even swept the floor. The natural silver of her hair was too prominent, like it was actually adorned with various diamonds and jewels.

Despite her hair being too long, it was exceptionally thin and flat. If one was to brush her hair, they wouldn't be able to get enough of it. It was soft to the touch and pleasing to the eye.

Aphrodite's hands were frail and her fingers were long and slender. She wore a white dress which completely covered her body from head to toe. She looked exactly like an angel who descended from above.

Her one hand was holding on to her silver fan. One could see how blood flow from under her skin because she was too pale. Yet, she had a healthy glow overall.

Even if her face was hidden, others couldn't so much take their eyes off her. Her own covered body was able to garner so much attention, what if she showed her face? What if she wore a bit nonconservative dress?

Aphrodite couldn't really find the answer if she really did that..

Might as well cause an uproar..