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CALLIDORA'S POINT OF VIEW

Our walk through the many gardens of what I had learned is the royal palace of Olympus was quite fun if I am being totally honest. The wandering eyes that were on me, nymphs for the most part, did not bother me. Here, things were free and joyous, with little that could bother your happy day.

"It could be a means of the Fates," Artemis theorized about my prematurity, "You know how much they love to play around with our father. Last time, well, last time it was something that he hated. I think she is a joy to be around."

"Perhaps a simple mistake by my mother's body," Hebe said. All of their theories, well, most of them were quite outlandish. From a play by the Fates to Gaia being on her menstrual cycle, my sisters had many theories as to how I was born so early. The fact of the matter was (according to them) that I was not supposed to be out of the womb right now. While something like this had never been recorded, I suspect that my prematurity is natural. Just because something has never happened before does not mean that it is impossible. That would be absurd.

"Like those sorts of things would happen to Hera herself," Artemis denied. "This is preposterous, but alas, it has happened. A baby sister here for all of us to see. Callidora herself is proof of this insanity."

"Insanity," Hebe huffed, settling herself down on the ground. She was right under a tree filled with purple and pink flowers. "Come and sit with me, little one."

Doing as she asked, I sat myself down on the soft grass. It tickled my toes. "Sissy, what are we doing out here?"

"This plant is one that Artemis and I love to teach under. The Wisteria plant is one that we both admire for its vibrant color and unrelenting grace. Perhaps you will see it the same way as us, as I find you to be a graceful little goddess," I blushed at my sister's compliment. She let out a sweet laugh before magically bringing out a book. "I would have you read, but I think that would be boring for you. Instead, I shall read to you."

"Although you will be learning how to read and write in Greek tomorrow. English can be learned later, as it is not our native tongue." I nodded, looking down at the small book Hebe had in her hand. "Take it away, sister."

"Young Gods and Goddesses must learn who they are and what they will contribute to Olympus before their third birthdays or they will be cast down onto the Earth until they can find out for themselves," I shrunk at the thought that I could be kicked out if I didn't find something to do for myself, "During the first month of a young Goddess' life they must figure out what they want in terms of love and children. If one wishes to remain a virgin for the rest of their lives, this is often the time that they choose such a lifestyle. To be a maiden is an honor and a challenge."

"What is a virgin?" I ask.

"Someone who has never had sexual relations with anyone. Like you and I," sister Artemis answers. I nod, not knowing what this whole sex business was. I couldn't have had something I didn't understand.

"If a Goddess does not wish to be an eternal maiden, she may be married off by decree of Zeus. Her father must approve of a marriage not out of a mate bond. If there is a mating bond between two people, whether it be an immortal and a mortal or two immortals, it cannot be overruled by anyone, not even Zeus," This mating bond business seemed very strong if Daddy could not overrule it. "Zeus is very respectful of the mating bond, so anyone who has found their mates here will be safe. Mates are very rare, though. Only a few gods and goddesses have found theirs."

"How many?" Hebe and Artemis shrug. "Do any of the virgin goddesses have mates? Is that possible?"

"I guess some could, but the fates said that I literally don't have one. Just nothing when it comes to a mate bond. I've never been interested in having kids of my own or having relationships. Sounds boring to me," my older sister explains. "If you wanted, I think our father would let you see the fates to check it out. That's what Athena and I did. Both of us are asexual but father wanted to make sure we were also aromantic before we committed ourselves. Looks like we were right about not being interested. He was happy that he didn't have to fend off husbands for us. Aunt Hestia is the same way."

"Anyways, some people have mates and some people don't. From what I can tell, you likely have a mate out there waiting for you. Although, I wouldn't get your hopes up, most of us are thousands of years old and haven't found our mates. Humans are more likely to find theirs, and the majority of them don't even believe in soulmates!" Hebe continued, "Some goddesses are goddesses of natural elements, like fire or wind. Most of the children of the Olympians have more specialized roles. War, strife, childbirth. Every god and goddess has a job to play."

"So I have to find out what I'm good at?" The two of them nodded. "That sounds hard. I'm not good at much of anything. I assume there will be no ability for me to be the goddess of hugs?"

"No, not likely. We are here to help you find out what you'll be good at. Father usually assigns us to the younglings because we have a better idea of what they'll become. We're almost always right in our predictions," Artemis said. "What do you like to do?"

"I don't know."

"What do you not like to do?" This question was easier.

"I don't want to fall." The two of them chuckled. "What? Falling down sounds awful. Mommy is always scared that I'm going to fall. I promised her that I would make sure I didn't fall."

"Falling down is just another part of life, no matter what mother thinks," Hebe says, putting down her book. "Have you fallen down before?"

"No." My sisters hummed. "Don't make me fall, please."

"We should try something, Hebe," Artemis said. "This whole falling thing has me intrigued. I don't think I've ever seen a young immortal have such a strong fear of something before."

"I don't like the sound of this-" there was no time to complain because Artemis had picked me up. "Please don't drop me, sissy! Please don-"

My older sister threw me across the grassy meadow. Not thinking of what to do, I focused my energy on my feet, making sure not to fall on the ground. Never slipping, I managed the feat, staying firmly on my feet as I made a very graceful landing.

"Oh my nature," Artemis deadpanned, "We have a graceful baby goddess. Did she come out this graceful or is she just good with magic already? That seems kind of overpowered."

"I don't know to be honest," Hebe squinted as she took a better look at me. I brushed off some of the dirt that had gathered on my feet before crossing my arms in annoyance. My own sister had just thrown me. For what? What was the reason? What was the reason?!

"That was just pure insanity. Callidora, how are you not falling? I threw you. You were supposed to fall!" Artemis exclaimed.

"You aren't supposed to throw me!" I whined. "I DIDN'T WANT TO FALL SO I DIDN'T!"

"THAT ISN'T HOW FALLING WORKS!"

"YES IT IS!"

"DO YOU THINK PEOPLE WANT TO FALL? THAT ISN'T HOW THINGS WORK!"

"WELL IT IS NOW!"

"Ladies," came a voice. "What are you yelling about? It's such a lovely day, don't you think? No need to be so diffi-"

I thought Mommy was beautiful, but this woman was even better. Her bronze skin illuminated the area with just enough sensibility. She was simply regal. I loved it. I could look at her all day.

"What is that?" her voice, I now realized, was just as beautiful as her face. "She's so- how is this allowed? How does she exist? She's what, ten? Who created such a tiny little goddess? Certainly not me, that's for sure. She is so-"

"You're beautiful," I tried to compliment her. I noticed her flustered gasp. "The most beautiful."

"Damn right I am," she seemed to be filled with confidence as she spoke. "What is your name, little goddess? Who are your parents?"

"Zeus and Hera," I remembered my parents' names. "My name is Callidora."

"They had- she wasn't due for another four months!" sister Hebe sighed and nodded. "She's here now? What is it with Hera and those weird children? First my husband and now this child goddess. We are born fully grown up, she hasn't even hit puberty yet!"

"We still do not know what happened with her," Artemis scoffed. "You seem threatened by our sister, Aphrodite."

"Not at all, Artemis." She did not seem to get along with my older sister. Aphrodite came up to me and ruffled my hair. Again, with the hair ruffling. It was getting quite old.

"Not as pretty as me, but very close. Adorable, but not sensual like me. I'll allow it. Oh, make sure that you don't let your brothers seduce you into marriage. There's a reason they haven't been wed. Unfaithful. Would not recommend them. Find some cousins to marry or even fall for someone on Earth. Some of the men and women there are simply divine," She suggested before waving. "I'll be on Earth spreading love and lust to everyone I see. You know how to reach me!"

I did not know how to reach her, but I assumed that my older sisters did. While Artemis did not seem to like her, Hebe did not look bothered by the beautiful goddess' presence.

"You saved yourself there, Callidora, Aphrodite does not allow any woman to be more attractive than her," Artemis informs. "Goddess of love and beauty has to be above everyone, even her own family."

"Are we not all family, sister?" Artemis shrugged, tossing a jacket over her shoulder. It was not very cold outside, but snow could be seen off in the distance. I walked back over to the Wisteria plant, placing one hand on a patch of purple flowers. They were so beautiful, covering the area that we had found ourselves in. "Oh, the Wisteria. Do you like this plant, little sister?"

"It's very pretty." Hebe smiles and hands me some Wisteria. "Won't this die soon?"

"None of the flowers here, as long as they are tended to, will ever die. It is what makes Olympus so different from Earth. As long as Demeter cares for the many flowers in this area, any flowers sent from this tree will live on forever. It is a beautiful thing, their eternal beauty. If you wish to please someone, perhaps a lover, I would send them some of their favorite flowers. Most lovers would take them with honor. Of course, if said lover is human, they will take anything you have to offer, as you are a beautiful daughter of Zeus and Hera."

My cheeks glow gold at the idea of having a lover. What an embarrassing thing, love.

"Aw, your blush is so adorable in your divine form. Although we should be teaching you how to shift into mortal form. That would be the most important lesson, I believe. If you know that, you will be able to go into mortal lands and get said lover," my cheeks blush furiously.

"I can teach her, dear Hebe. Come here, Callidora," sister Artemis motions for me to come closer. I listened, walking to where she was under the tree. "Think of what you love the most and focus on that. This will make the process much easier. After that, tie yourself and your magic down to the mortal side of yourself. After that, you will feel a tingling sensation in your toes. It will travel up your body. Once it reaches your head you can open your eyes and you will be mortal."

"That sounds hard." My sister chuckles before nodding.

"It will take some practice, but I believe you can do it today. Especially after that little stunt with not falling."

"I told you, that wasn't magic!" She laughs and rolls her eyes, sitting down at the base of the tree. "Ok, think of what I love most. What do I love most?"

Thinking of my sisters didn't help. Thinking of Mommy and Daddy didn't help. It was only when I focused in on the beauty of the Wisteria in my hands that I could finally feel a tingle in my toes. I continued my focus, allowing the feeling to travel up my body. I opened my eyes once it reached the top of my head. Nothing seemed any different, but Hebe and Artemis were clapping for me.

---

Perhaps it was the fact that I was undeniably lonely while in my mortal form, or the fact that I wanted to give Wisteria to someone, but I couldn't help ponder the idea of a mate. That sort of predetermined lover got me thinking of who mine could be. I longed for the idea of love. It made no sense. I was a mere child, or that's what everyone keeps on telling me. I most certainly am much smaller than the rest of my family. Who would think such a small person could have a mate, let alone a lover?

It still got me thinking. I wanted someone who only wanted me, that was for certain. The idea that someone I loved could want someone else got on my nerves. Perhaps I wasn't used to the idea of sharing, but even the mere mention in my head of another person, albeit human or immortal, having my mate made me angry.

I wouldn't want that to happen to my mate. Imagine it, my poor mate, finding me and seeing me with someone else. I knew it was silly to think that they would hold off for me, but the least I could do was wait for them. According to Hebe, you can save your virginity for someone you truly care about (as she had with a consort named Hercules).

In my mind, I had already decided that I would wait. I would have to wait to find my mate. I didn't care how long it would take, but I would be single when I met them, and a virgin. Even if they were not, I would be. It was impossible to reject a mate according to my sisters, so they would love me and I would love them. The idea sounded so perfect to me, having true love! Who would not wish for something like that? Well, some of the people in the world didn't have mates, but besides them!

True love was a concept I had just heard of and wanted to learn more about. I had become determined to learn how to read and write in order to read up on books discussing the matter. By nature, I had just learned about what a book was, but I knew I wanted to learn. Learning sounded fun as well.

"Child, what are you doing under this tree?" It was Daddy. I giggled and gave him a hug when he sat down next to me under the Wisteria tree. "You truly are an outdoor child."

"It's my favorite tree." Daddy smiled and sat me down on his lap. "Do you have a favorite tree, Daddy?"

"I am quite fond of Oak trees, my dear," Daddy says, pointing at a large tree in the distance, "I planted that one over two thousand years ago. I forgot what war it was, but we wished to commemorate our fallen mortal soldiers. It has grown big and strong with time, just as you will once you grow into a matured goddess. You shall be as mighty as your older brothers and sisters, with a domain of your own. Perhaps even a husband and many children, if eternal maidenhood does not suit your desires."

"Not exactly eternal maidenhood." Daddy raised an eyebrow. "I want to wait for my mate."

"Ah, yes, the mate bond. That would take a long time, my dear. Perhaps tens of thousands of years, by what I have seen," his words did not shake my desires. "I do not wish for you to be lonely while you wait, or for you to regret it later on in life when you have no husband to look after you."

"I do not need a husband to look after me," I insisted. "If you say I will be big and mighty like my big brothers and sisters, why would I need a husband? And I do not care how long it takes for me to find him. Or her. I don't know."

"To keep you company?" I shook my head. "You are a feisty little one, it seems. Whether it be a man or woman does not matter, they would be damn lucky to have such a loyal mate like yourself. I'll make sure that your mother knows that she cannot marry you off like she has some of the gods and goddesses around here. If you wish to marry for your mate and for true love, it is what you will do. I would be foolish to stop you."

"Do you think they will find me?" Daddy nodded.

"Eventually I believe we will all find our mates, although when is never known. That is up for the Fates to decide, my sweet child. Do you know most of what you need to know, or shall I ask for Hebe and Artemis to teach you more?" I shrugged, not really knowing what I did and didn't need to know. That sort of stuff was hard to figure out. "Have they taught you in the ins and outs of literature?"

"No..."

"Well, I talked to my cousin Selene and she has agreed to teach you as long as you don't ruin the books," Daddy kissed the side of my head as I cheered. Reading was one of the many things I wanted to learn how to do. "I trust that you won't develop powers that ruin books in the span of a few hours, little one."

"No powers from me, Daddy." He chuckled, kissing my head again.

"Come on inside, lunch is ready. Perhaps your mother will let you sit by Hebe today. If she isn't overprotective, that is."

---

ONE WEEK LATER

ZEUS' POINT OF VIEW

My little angel was growing up faster than I could have ever imagined. Now looking to be about thirteen years old, in the midst of puberty, she ran almost as fast as her siblings. Running around with Hebe in the gardens everyday, my little girl could do so much more now. Forming opinions of her own had become a daily occurrence, with her doing her own research on the subjects she liked to debate.

Nike had come over a few times during the past week to see if Callidora was worth her time (by nature, of course she was worth her time, but that stubborn woman always had to get on my nerves every chance she got. A part of her whole winning thing, apparently) and had decided that she was good at what she did, but not good enough to be dangerous.

It seemed that my daughter had already won over the hearts of her siblings with her fun-loving nature and kindred spirit. No sibling (no, not even Ares or Eris, who often hated random good people for no reason other than they could) harbored any negative feelings towards her. Callidora is a genuine, kind, and compassionate goddess with an air of mischief when she gets together with Artemis.

I was set up by Hera to watch her during the days where she couldn't. This was mostly due to the fact that she had become restless with anxiety when it came to the health and happiness of our youngest daughter. She had never become so... protective over a child before. Yes, she loved all of our children together, but this is something different. She always thought Callidora would get hur-

Snapped out of my thoughts by a yelp from Callidora. I rushed over to her side to see what had happened. My baby hisses when I checked her leg, where I saw a small gash from her favorite Wisteria tree. By nature, it was always that Wisteria tree.

"Ouch!" she gasped as I tried to stop the golden blood from dripping down into the soil. Godly blood was not good for the ground and she was not supposed to get hurt. "Daddy, that hurts-!"

"Your mother will kill me if she knows that you got hurt on my watch," I wince at the mere thought of Hera's anger, which is bad enough to start riots all throughout Olympus. "Callidora, just stay still for one moment and I can heal you. Please."

She begrudgingly complied, allowing me under part of her skirt to heal her with my magic. Putting it back down, she smiles once more. "Thank you, Daddy."

Callidora was truly unlike any other child I had. She continued to love me even after a week of being alive. It was a feat for a goddess to still care for her parents the way she does. I could chalk it up to her being physically young, but I held hope that she would love us her whole life. It wasn't that my children didn't love me, it was that they had so much to do that they couldn't take out any time to care about me unless it had something to do with them. I had hoped when I had my first few children that we would be close, but they didn't want to spend any time with me anymore.

I hated to say it, but Callidora was becoming my favorite child.

"Make sure you stay away from the sharp parts, dear," I reminded her for what felt like the millionth time. "Those sharp bits could do worse than cut."

"I'm sorry, Daddy."

"It's okay, baby," I gave her a big hug that she returned, smiling into my neck. "How about you go to Selene for some more learning?"

"Of course, Daddy!" she cheered, running off to the libraries. Always so eager to learn, so much like Athena in a way. I wonder how she is doing.

My daughter had asked for many things during her short time being alive, an odd form of maidenhood being one of them. I had never heard of anyone waiting for their mate, I had never thought of doing so myself. The whole idea sounded nice, but we were immortals, with unusually long lifespans.

Hades had longed for similar, barely meeting anyone that he wanted. It wasn't well known throughout Olympus that he wanted his mate, but he had told me. We used to be quite close, before a few things had torn us apart. We still chatted on occasion, but it would never be the same.

I remember the day when he said he found his mate. My own daughter, Persephone. Lord, I knew her mother would hate it. My daughter said she wanted to keep it a secret. Not because she didn't love her mate, her uncle and my brother, but because she still wanted to be on good terms with Demeter, her mother and my sister. It was different back then, Demeter was on bad terms with Hades and that would have ruined Persephone. To have her mother potentially turn her back on her... I could never imagine it. My own mother had risked everything to keep me safe.

Keeping them away from each other for half the year had proven to be impossible. For the sake of their sanity I had to break my oath with my sister and help them stay together on Earth for a long time. They go there once the bond begs them to. There isn't much that I could do about it, mates are sacred.

It was one of the hardest secrets I've had to keep. Demeter is a terror when she wants to be, often terrorizing us whenever she doesn't get her way. It seems that dear Hestia is the only one who can calm her when she goes off like a bomb. How I fear for the day when she realizes the plot I set up for Hades and our daughter Persephone. What else was I supposed to do, they're mates and I would still do anything for my family. Our daughter's happiness meant more than any of my grudges.

A few hours into my ponderings, I realized what had to be done. If my daughter wanted to find her mate, there was nothing I could do about that. What I could do was send her on her first quest. In a few weeks she would be old enough (and smart enough) to go out on her own. Hera is going to kill me, but our daughter seems to love adventure. Who am I to stop her from exploring? She seems to find herself outside even when we insist otherwise. Never seen a youngling this active. Well, perhaps Artemis was similar. Still active, that one. Perhaps Ares as well, but he's a war god, that is to be expected. I wonder what she will become.

Italy is nice this time of year. In February it would be beautiful for a young Goddess. We had some issues with the lurking priests harming children and other people, so who better to deal with them than my youngest daughter?

It was settled in my mind, Callidora would be visiting Volterra, Italy, for her first assignment. Volterra would be safe, with the Volturi being ancient Greek or Pantheon believing vampires. They have converted all of their people to the ways of the ancient Greek mythos, so no matter where she goes in that city she will be safe. They know how to scent a god or goddess. Selene was fond of my baby, she would make sure the vampires stayed in line. Oh, who was I kidding, they would probably worship Callidora if they saw her in the streets.

Finding my way into the library, I smile as I listen to Selene teach my daughter.

"And what does this say, Callidora?"

"The gods envy us. They envy us because we're mortal, because any moment may be our last. Everything is more beautiful because we're doomed. You will never be lovelier than you are now. We will never be here again," My daughter spoke the words of the Iliad. What a funny book. "Are we supposed to envy them, the mortals?"

"Well, that depends on the mortal, I say. I do not envy many mortals," Ah, Selene being honest as usual. "Nothing is truly immortal, dear Callidora. That much you will find in your time in Olympus and on the Earth. Even us immortals can be killed with enough force."

"Only one thing is immortal, auntie Selene."

"What is that, my dear?"

"Love. And my Wisteria."

Making my way over, my daughter and our mutual cousin noticed me. "Look at what we have here, two lovely ladies."

"Hello, Zeus," Selene greeted me.

"Hi, Daddy," I kissed my baby on the top of her head, running my hands through her silvery hair. How I had a part in making such a sweet child baffled me. I wasn't sweet and Hera was a harpy most of the time, not that I didn't love her for all of her charms. "We were just reading the Iliad."

"I noticed. Do you like it so far?" Callidora nodded and smiled. "I have something very big to tell you, darling, and I think you'll like it a lot."

"What do you have planned, cousin?" Selene questioned. "Has Hera been told of this little plan of yours? You know she hates when you do things behind her back."

"Don't question me, cousin, Hera will allow it because Callidora will love it." I turned my head down to face my daughter better, glancing into her pink eyes. "You're going to Italy, baby!"

"Italy?!" I don't think she even knows what Italy is, but the enthusiasm is on point.

"Yeah, the mortal lands you shall go~" she giggled and hugged me again. "To see the lands of snow~"

"Daddy!" She squealed, "When do I get to go? I want to go soon!"

"Three weeks, little munchkin," I informed her, much to her joy. "Guess what, you get to go alone on this one. No pestering siblings or Mommy. I'm trusting that you'll know how to handle yourself around the mortals? No messing with them too much, okay?"

"Only if they mess with me first. I know, Daddy."

"That's my girl. The vampires will protect you if something happens. I believe the kings know how to contact me. Eh, they should, whole vampire memory mojo of theirs. They don't know you've been born yet, but I doubt they'll ask any questions once they sniff you. If one of them comes up and asks you to come to the castle, just go. It's an honor to meet a god or goddess and they'll spoil you rotten with all they have." Callidora nodded.

"Thank you so much, Daddy, I promise I'll do good!"

"I know you will, little goddess."

---