A child’s laughter is heard in the backyard. A multitude of shrines are built, as a man looks at his child, holding her while she stares at the shrines. There’s contentment within the silence.
“She’s beautiful, Demitri.”
“Woah, dad there’s a really pretty lady.”
Demitri is not phased by this new voice. Instead, he sets his child down and bends his head in reverence.
“My lady.”
The mysterious presence exudes power. She lifts the man’s head with a gentle hand.
“Rise Demitri. I believe we’re passed the pleasantries by now. You’ve known me for years.”
Demitri sighs as he stands up, motioning for his daughter to watch the shrines. The woman smiles, mirth sparkling in her eyes. Out of all the people.
“Forgive me Lady Hera, but you are Queen of the Gods, I feel obliged to show you the utmost respect. You watched over my wife and your family gave my daughter their blessings. I can’t help but be eternally grateful to you.”
Hera smiled. “You’ve done good work in the name of the gods. It was a reward.”
“Dad! We should light the candles, it’s almost time for dinner.”
Hera and Demitri look back to see the girl reach for the matchbook. Before Demitri can tell his child to not play near the fire, Hera waves a hand and lights all the candles at once. The child is pulled back by Demitri who looks at her exasperatedly.
“Ω παιδί μου, μην αγγίζεις τίποτα που να έχει να κάνει με τις φλόγες μέχρι να μεγαλώσεις αρκετά.”
“λυπάμαι μπαμπά”
Hera raises an eyebrow. Danae walks back into the house as her mother tells her to set the table. Demitri stares at the candles as Hera goes to stand next to him.
“She speaks well. In greek nonetheless.” Demitri doesn’t respond. “She takes after you in many ways.” Demitri stares at the ground, fists clenched. “She’s a bit too much like me. My son isn’t as enamored with you all as Danae is. I worry that she might be thrust into the role of my successor sooner than I wish.”
He turns to watch through the window as his wife smiles and laughs as the kids run around setting the table. The sight makes him smile. “I want to keep her safe for as long as I can. She’s learning fast. And the world is a dangerous place. You can understand that.”
Hera turns away from the shrine. “Be steadfast Champion.” Demitri knows to look away as Hera takes her leave. He takes another moment to collect himself before coming back inside.
“Hey everything smells really good! Wake me right up!”
Demitri goes over to Danae and kisses on the forehead. Danae looks up at him as he speaks into her ear.
“Σ 'αγαπώ τόσο πολύ. It’s time to wake up sweetheart.”
—-BEEP BEEP BEEP—
“Ughhh” there’s a groan, as sheets are tossed aside and long limbs attempt to drag themselves out of bed.
But as she tries to get up, her legs get tangled in the sheets and she starts to fall. “Oh shit!” There’s a loud thud as she hits the floor. “Owww” She says as she attempts to pick herself up and peel her face off the floor.
She hears laughter from the glowing figures in the corner. She flips them off.
“Language!” A voice echoes from down the hall. Footsteps grow closer.
