cronus was trapped in tartarus, where he would remain for eternity. zeus felt comfort in that, even as he stood on mount olympus, the place they'd been fighting from for so long. it was no longer a base for their battles but simply their home. the shift was palpable, the relief felt with the banishment of the enemies to tartarus and guarded by the hundred-handers who helped defeat them in the first place. it was peace, quiet — he knew it wouldn't last, but for the moment he could enjoy existing in it.

for the first time in his life he was able to be still. not training for a fight, as he had all his life leading up to the battle, or fighting what seemed an unending war. he knew his siblings, those who had been trapped inside their father until he was forced to release them. he had hera, a goddess who fought by his side initially for revenge but over time for much more. she was the embodiment of fire, burning hot and raging on beautifully, passionately, a wildness in her eyes and spirit that drew him in like a moth.