"Are you even hearing yourself right now? This is why we believe you're fully competent for this initiative. Whatever you've gone through has been training you for these moments. You don't ever stop fighting, there's always another threat. A threat...
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"Have fun princess," Dad said, kissing my forehead after we locked up the restaurant under the orange sky.
Tonight was the Festival of Youth and it is the first year that I'd be participating. I didn't quite know how to feel about living a semi-immortal life. It wouldn't be something I'd choose to do but it is mandatory for all Olympians to participate once they come of age for it.
"I'll try," I smiled. "I wish you could come, you'd enjoy the festival far more than I will."
"I'm sure I would," he agreed teasingly. "But I'm not an Olympian, I guess I'll have to get used to the fact that as I'll age into an old raisin while you, my daughter, shall be eternally youthful."
"Don't say that!" I scolded. "You'll always be far more handsome than I'll ever be. And I don't like to think about things like that," I said solemnly, hating the fact that I'll be forced to outlive him. I mean, it would have been inevitable despite being an Olympian but it still wasn't a pleasant thought. "And that's not what I meant. I was talking about Olympus. One day, I'll get you there. You'll be able to see the Gate of Clouds which lead up to the colossal marble Pantheon lined with pillars as pure as snow that holds up the roof engraved with the symbols of the Gods." I said enthusiastically, painting the image in his mind.
"Hopefully I will but for now, you enjoy it for me." He said, holding my shoulder. "You should leave if you must yet get ready."
"Okay," I said softly. I looked at his warm eyes and settled down the mountain for the portal. "I love you!" I called out as distance began to form between us.
"And I love you, my princess."
* * *
I laced my golden sandals up my legs as a knock sounded on my door in Olympus.
"Coming!" I shouted.
I checked my appearance briefly in the embellished mirror. My hair wrung down my shoulders and a wreath of chrysanthemums sat on the crown of my head. A pure, white peplos hung off my shoulders, gathering loosely at the bottom in pleats and secured at my waist with a gilded belt.
"Hey Penelope," I said, opening the door. Penelope was a daughter Poseidon, it was also her first time drinking from the Fountain of Youth. "You ready?" I asked, leaving my house.
"Yes! I've been waiting years to finally be able to participate!" She exclaims, holding her hands together.
I nodded my head, not quite knowing what to say since I had the complete opposite opinion.
Olympians swarmed the streets, resembling the great, fluffy clouds which graced the the top of Mount Olympus under the warm, milky glow from the full moon. The excitable energy connected each one of them, all chattering endlessly about the festival. A subtly sweet scent filled the air as Olympians tossed a plethora of iridescent, bloomed flowers above their heads, some landing in their beautifully styled hair and others on the path beneath their feet.
