Three long hours later, I was summoned to the throne room to be decided of my specialty. I wonder what they will choose?

     All the gods but Apollo were in their thrones. Apollo quickly sat in his throne as I bowed in front of Zeus's throne.    

     “Rise.” Zeus commanded. I did.    

     “Lord Zeus?”    

     “Yes?”   

     “May I ask one more question?” He sighed. But I could tell he couldn't easily tell me I couldn't ask a simple question.

     “All right.”   

     “Why did you choose me? I mean, why did you want to make me, a lowly peasant, a goddess?” Zeus looked around at the council. Athena nodded grimly. I believe she was telling her father that it was wise to tell me. 

     “A member of the council, um, shall we say, invested in you.” Invested in me? Why in the world me?

     “May I ask which one? And why would you choose now to create a new goddess?” Yeah, I know, he probably won't tell me but I have to ask.

     “That is not relevant.”      

     “Of course my lord.” He nodded.   

     “Now, what shall this young goddess-to-be specialize in?” Demeter answered this with an insult. Surprise, surprise.

     “First I must ask, she is just a mortal peasant.” She began to laugh, “What Olympian God in their right mind would invest, in her.” I looked at the other Olympians for comfort and advice. They were already like family.

     Athena glared at Demeter and Artemis smiled sadly at me. But it was surprising to see Aphrodite wink at me and point to the men’s side.     

     I turned to see Apollo leaning slightly forward in his throne, his jaw was locked. He has that intense look again. I wonder why? He just started being nice to me and besides, Demeter was correct. Painfully so.

     I turned back to Aphrodite for an explanation. She just shrugged and winked again; probably ignoring my confused look I was giving her. If this was normal behavior for her, this would be a long life.

     Then, Zeus began again.    

    “That is not an issue Demeter.” Demeter scowled and sat back in her throne grudgingly. Serves her right.

     “So, back to business, what should his girl specialize in?”       

     “Father?” Athena said.    

     “Yes my daughter?” Why did they have to be so formal?

     “She should be the goddess of curiosity, and those who seek answers.” Zeus smiled and nodded.    

     “That should be fine. Unless, of course, the little squirt gets into my business.” This was Ares’s comment. I turned to him. Everyone knew he would

     “What exactly would you have to hide, Lord Ares?”

     “I can’t wait until your immortal. Then I can hurt you without killing you.” I smiled sweetly but slyly and he grinned evily in return. 

     “So it’s settled then.” Zeus said. I nodded.   

     “Kneel.” I did A nymph appeared with an ivy headpiece.   

     Zeus stood in front of me and rested his hand on my head. Then a glowing light filled the room and blinded me, then dimmed. Then Zeus removed his hand and placed the ivy on my head. I glanced around the room.     

     I didn’t find anything different in their reaction to me except for the goddess of beauty herself. She winked and flashed me an “okay” sign. I looked down at my chitin. It was now whiter than it ever had been before. Long gone were the dirt stains and rips at the hem. I touched my hair, it was soft and lush.    

     “Rise Adrasteia, goddess of curiosity and those who seek answers.” I rose and the whole council rose and either bowed or curtsied. I bowed my head in response.  I guess this was the time for me to be formal again.

     “Now, everyone may grant you well wishes and bestow gifts if they will like. But everyone must be the time for dinner.”

     Zeus left the room with a smile. I was left with the other eleven wonderful, but crazy, Olympian Gods.   

     Then it hit me. I, little Adrasteia, had just been granted the gift of immortality. I, Adrasteia, had just become a goddess.