2Ponderings: The Wrath of the Gods
Disclaimer: This is the "before" and "after" of "the incident", exploring Hera's POV on the entire matter. I do not own Hera, Echo, or Zeus. I do own the character merely referred to as "she." She doesn't have a name yet since I want to keep her vague.
Betrayal.
So often am I betrayed.
Not only is my husband unfaithful, but my "friends" aid him in his affairs.
Echo.
Everyone thinks me harsh. No one ever considers me or asks my side.
There had been much more between us than others think. I have so few friends, but Echo was one. She did more than just talk. She listened. I poured out my heart to her, and then she went behind my back and helped Zeus even though she knew how it hurts me.
I am angry almost all of the time. I am so tired of being alone.
I am the queen of the gods and goddess of marriage, yet my own husband is unfaithful. I must be strong, dispense justice with my punishments. I cannot show, cannot allow, weakness. I must also be merciful.
It is not my fault Echo died. It is not like she truly "died". I do not kill. I shall not allow it to happen again. I will continue to be merciful. Mortals and Olympians alike shall see how merciful I am.
How strange.
I have met a mortal unlike any other; one whom another like shall never be born.
Others shall likely hate her, I had to make the punishment severe, but she shall not die. She shall live out her natural lifespan until her string is cut.
Or not.
She refused Zeus, denied him. She is truly unique and deserving to be admired.
Perhaps I could trust her, have a companion once again. She is quite intriguing.
She could become an immortal and live on Mount Olympus if she were to become a hero.
The first heroine on Mount Olympus.
Yes. I believe this is the time for change.
Performing heroic deeds does not simply mean slaying majestic creatures.
A/N: I hope you all liked Hera, I tried to keep her true to what we hear of her in Greek mythology and also give her some personality. She can be a jealous and vengeful freak but she is also protective and nurturing. I think that she might be very sensitive and caring about how others see her. Unfortunately, this makes her rather self-centered and unable to see from the sides of others. I don't think I really kept her voice the same from Reflections though, I really waited to long to write this and she didn't seem to flow well in Reflections when I quickly reread it. I was considering calling this Stirrings since it's showing Hera with feelings and mentioning changes but it wouldn't really fit with my other titles. Suggestions are welcome for renaming this and naming my heroine. If anyone has any insights, I'd love to hear them. I think I will do Zeus next after all since I want to try to capture a character I usually hold in contempt. Hera I actually feel two ways about. I might also write something about my heroine finding a home on Mount Olympus. I plan for her heroic deeds to center around helping others and healing the damage in the aftermath of "the incident". Sorry for the short fic and the monstrous A/N. Thanks for reading!