━ ⭑─⭒━

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As consciousness slowly returned to you, you first became aware of the gentle hands that softly brushed against one of the flower petals in your hair.

Warmth enveloped you—a gentle, comforting presence that seemed to seep deep into your bones.

It was quiet, save for a low, soothing humming that resonated softly through the space. It was a calming sound, rhythmic and gentle, helping to ease the fog of sleep as your senses began to sharpen. As you lay there, your eyes still closed, you savored the feeling of security and peace, the residual stress of the trial beginning to ebb away.

Slowly, your eyes creaked open. The light was soft, the air warm and inviting. You were lying on a simple but comfortable bed, the linens clean and soft beneath you. The room was modest compared to the splendor of Olympus, with warm colors, simple pottery, and homely decorations filling the space, giving it a welcoming feel.

Beside you sat Demeter, her presence calm and reassuring. She smiled faintly as she noticed your awakening, bending down to kiss your forehead gently. "Hello, little one," she murmured as she helped you sit up.

As reality slowly trickled back into your consciousness, your hand subconsciously reached up to your neck, rubbing the choker that felt foreign against your skin.

"What... what happened?" you asked, your voice hoarse from disuse. A trace of embarrassment colored your tone, aware of how you had fainted from exhaustion during the trial.

Demeter's smile broadened slightly, a chuckle escaping her as she remembered the moment. "You stood your ground well," she began, her voice soft but proud. "Zeus has recognized you as a god, the personification of the seasons. He believes you're to play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the natural world."

A rush of emotions flooded through you at her words. Godhood? It was overwhelming, considering you had spent your life—though a short time here—as merely a tree spirit.

Demeter's smile faded a little as she continued. "Persephone has gone back to the Underworld." She explained a bit more, noting that the young goddess couldn't stay long outside her designated time above ground due to her bond with the pomegranate.

You looked down, a bit sad, wishing you had a chance to see Persephone before she had to go back. You missed her already.

Sensing your mood, Demeter reached out, her hand gently rubbing your back. "She wanted to stay, you know," Demeter said softly. "But she'll be back with the spring. And now, you'll be here to greet her, not just as a spirit, but as a fellow deity."

The thought brought a small comfort, a faint smile tugging at your lips. Even though the road ahead was daunting, knowing you had a place among the gods gave you a flicker of hope.

As you were pondering this new phase of your existence, the gentle clatter of beads at the doorway announced someone's arrival. You turned to see Hestia stepping through, her presence as warm and calming as the hearth she represented. She looked pleasantly surprised to find you awake, a soft smile spreading across her face.

"Oh, you're awake already," Hestia remarked, as she turned to Demeter, who had been quietly sitting by your side. "I'll let Zeus know he's awake," she added before stepping back through the bead-covered doorway.

As she disappeared, another wave of emotions washed over you, mostly anxiety about what was coming next. You cleared your throat softly, turning to Demeter. "What exactly will happen now?"

Demeter, understanding your anxious inquiry, explained that there would be a short ceremony where you would be officially named and declared a god. "You may or may not receive blessings from other gods," she added, trying to prepare you for both possibilities.

Your conversation continued, Demeter soothing any further worries you had with a calm and reassuring tone. Just as you were beginning to feel a bit more settled, Hestia reappeared. This time, she was followed by a familiar figure—it was Ciro, the nymph.

Before you could ask what she was doing here, Hestia began explaining, "She'll escort you to the Great Hall, as Demeter and I need to take our places for the ceremony."

Hestia then nodded to her sister, signaling her to join her, and turned back to you, offering a gentle, encouraging smile. "Don't worry, you'll do fine," she assured you, before she and Demeter left the room.

As Hestia and Demeter left the room, their departure seemed to cue Ciro into action. The nymph bounced over to you, her movements energetic and her voice filled with rapid-fire speech that was characteristic of her lively personality.

"Everyone was so worried when they realized you were missing!" she exclaimed, barely pausing for breath. "Hermes came and fetched me; he's such a character, you know? Then I learned from a few nymphs residing up here what was going on with you becoming...well, a god!"

After unleashing her initial torrent of words, Ciro's features softened, her voice quieting as she leaned in closer. "Are you alright, though? I know you don't really take well sudden changes."

You managed a weak smile, reassuring her despite the turmoil inside, "I'm fine, Ciro. Thanks for asking."

She hummed in response, nodding as if to convince herself as much as you, before a slight shift in her demeanor indicated a change of topic. "Are you ready to go then?" she asked, a hint of seriousness underlining her usual brightness.

Taking a deep breath, you nodded, feeling the reality of the situation begin to settle in. Ciro chatted away as she led you toward the Great Hall, her stories about the other nature spirits and their antics providing a comforting distraction from the nervous anticipation building within you.

Her voice was a constant stream, filling the air as you walked through the hallways of Olympus. While part of you might have wished for quiet to gather your thoughts, her familiar chatter was a lifeline back to normalcy, keeping the overwhelming thoughts at bay.

Soon, the two of you reached the towering doors of the Great Hall.

Guarding the entrance were two majestic griffins, creatures with the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle. They moved with a fluid, reverent grace, bowing slightly as they pushed the massive doors open, allowing you and Ciro to enter. The sight of them—so powerful and yet so respectful—was a reminder of the significance of the moment.

As you took a few steps forward, stopping briefly when you noticed Ciro had halted, you turned back, puzzled. The nymph waved you forward, her voice light but firm, "This is where I must stop, but I'll see you after it's done." With that encouragement, you turned back toward the hall, glancing over your shoulder one last time to see Ciro smiling and holding up two thumbs up. A breathy laugh escaped your lips as you shook your head and walked on.

Approaching a small hallway, your eyes were drawn to large murals that adorned the walls, each depicting grand, mythical scenes that seemed to pulse with life. As you walked, the murals guided you to an archway that led to another, more imposing doorway.

Crossing the threshold, your breath hitched.

Before you lay the Great Hall of Olympus, a space so regal and divine it could only exist in the realm of gods. The marble floors shone with a pristine gleam, reflecting the light that streamed through enchanted windows, casting celestial patterns across the room. Towering columns, etched meticulously with the imagery of the four seasons, supported the lofty ceiling, adding to the grandeur of the hall.

In the heart of this divine space, the thrones of the twelve Olympians spanned across in an arc, with Zeus' throne, the largest and most ornate, positioned centrally, commanding attention. Each throne was uniquely designed to reflect the essence of its occupant—Apollo's adorned with lyres and sun motifs; Hera's elegant, draped in peacock feathers; Hermes' austere, decked with random items; and so forth.

To the side, almost blending seamlessly with the surroundings near the room's hearth, was a simpler, yet warm throne designated for Hestia, emphasizing her role as the keeper of the hearth and home.

As you entered, all the major gods turned their attention towards you, their expressions ranging from intrigued to scrutinizing. Zeus sat sternly, his gaze piercing; Poseidon seemed contemplatively calm; Hera observed you with a regal tilt of her head; Demeter's face showed a mix of pride and concern; while Aphrodite gave you a reassuring smile. Athena appeared thoughtful, Artemis was stoic, Apollo looked on with a hint of curiosity, Ares had a challenging smirk, Hephaestus was indifferent, and Hermes wore a playful grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Dionysus, lounging slightly in his throne, looked on with an amused interest.

This assembly, this moment—it was the turning point of your existence, marking the threshold of your new life among the divine.

Zeus' booming voice echoed through the Great Hall, causing you to jolt slightly as he commanded you to step forward. Your heart pounded in your chest as you obeyed, your steps shaky on the polished marble floor. Stopping in the middle of the room, you stood before the assembly of gods, their eyes piercing and expectant.

"Take your place before the King of Gods, Child of Three—born of Demeter's nurture, Persephone's longing, and Hades' shadow," Zeus declared, his voice filling the vast space.

For a moment, you were unsure of what to do next, the weight of his words heavy in the air. Your eyes flicked about briefly landing on Dionysus, who, leaning back nonchalantly in his throne, tilted his head back to take a sip of his wine. As he did, he mouthed the word 'kneel.'

Quickly understanding, you hastily dropped to your knees. The sharp impact sent a jolt of pain through you as your knees smacked against the marble, and you winced slightly.

Raising your eyes, you met Zeus's intense, unreadable gaze. The silence in the room was palpable as the other gods watched quietly, their formidable presence overwhelming yet oddly reassuring in this moment of truth.

Zeus then began to speak, his voice resonating throughout the grand hall as he adressed the assembly of gods. "We gather here today to witness and decide the fate of a new being among us—a being born not from human will but from the convergence of divine elements, a being unlike any minor spirit or nymph."

His eyes then snapped back to you, focusing with an intensity that felt as if it could pierce through to your very soul. "You will start as a minor god, with the potential to ascend to a full Olympian role," Zeus declared, his words echoing around the room. "You are now a god, yes, but untested and young. A god of the seasons—powerful, vital to the world's balance. Yet, you are untrained, and your place among us is not yet fixed."

He continued, the weight of his gaze never wavering from you. "Your creation is a unique blend of divine forces—life, death, and the cycles of nature—shaped by the combined divine influences of Demeter, Persephone, and Hades. Born not of mortal desires but through divine convergence, you embody more than a single realm. Seasons flow through you, as do the profound threads of life and death, growth and decay."

Zeus paused for a moment, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in before outlining the challenges ahead. "To merely wear the mantle of godhood is not enough. You must prove to us that you can wield it without the world paying the price for your inexperience." The king of gods looked at you squarely, his eyes searching for any sign of understanding or hesitation.

He then hinted at the trials you must face to solidify your position, such as stabilizing the seasonal balance and mastering your unique duality of life and death. "These are not merely tasks, but essential proofs of your capability to manage the responsibilities that come with your powers," he added sternly.

Finally, Zeus concluded his speech, fixing you with a look that demanded both your full attention and understanding. "Do you comprehend the gravity of why you stand before us today?" he asked pointedly.

You nodded, a mix of anxiety and resolve settling within you.

"Good," Zeus acknowledged with a slight nod, signaling a shared understanding of the path that lay ahead for you. His gaze then sharpened, becoming more direct. "Now, repeat after me," he instructed, his voice carrying a solemn weight that filled the grand hall.

Hesitantly, you nodded, feeling the weight of every eye upon you as you prepared to speak. Zeus began the vow, and you echoed each phrase carefully, your voice steadying with each word.

"I swear to uphold the balance and use my power for the good of the world."
Your voice wavered slightly but held firm as you repeated after him.

"I swear to honor the cycle of the seasons, guiding their passage with care and purpose."
The weight of the promise settled deeper in your chest.

"I swear to protect the harmony of nature and time, ensuring their balance is never broken."
You echoed him, feeling the gravity of the words tying you to your duty.

As you finished speaking, out of the corner of your eye, you caught a flash of black and gold. Turning slightly, you saw three figures in cloaks approaching.

As they drew closer, each pulled off their hood, revealing themselves: an old, decrepit woman with a gaze as sharp as it was wise; a middle-aged woman whose stern demeanor seemed to command respect; and a young woman whose eyes sparkled with a curious intensity.

Despite their different appearances, the string they held between them—a shimmering golden thread that seemed to pulse with life—clearly marked them as the Fates.

The presence of the Fates at this moment didn't just signify the importance of the ceremony; it also stirred a deep feeling within you about your ascension to godhood. Seeing them, you couldn't help but feel a surge of apprehension about what your future held.

The Fates were entities of immense power, their decisions shaping the lives of mortals and gods alike. The realization that your path was now likely intertwined with their designs added a layer of gravity to the already heavy mantle of responsibility you had just vowed to carry.

Suddenly, Zeus' voice broke through your thoughts, a commanding echo that brought you back to the moment. "From this day forth, you shall take your place among the gods as the personification of the seasons. The balance of life and change shall rest in your care." Standing to his full imposing height, he made the official proclamation. "Now, let the ritual ceremony begin. Those who choose to, may offer you their blessing, granting you the gifts to fulfill your divine role."

After the declaration, Zeus nodded his head, signaling the start of the ritual. Demeter was the first to step forward, her presence as nurturing as ever, yet tinged with the solemnity of the occasion.

"____. You are my creation, born from love and nurtured by the seasons," Demeter began, her voice resonating with a warm strength. "As your mother, I grant you my strength to endure, to grow even in the harshest times. You are the bearer of growth, the herald of life and death's delicate dance, and like the harvest that follows toil, your resilience will carry you."

As she spoke, she raised a hand, and it briefly glowed with a vibrant green light before something materialized in the air before you. It was a staff, made of entwined vines, golden wheat, and budding flowers, symbolizing her blessing of fertility and abundance.

Hesitantly, you reached out and took the staff, feeling its life force pulsing through your fingers. Looking up to Demeter, you saw her smile warmly. "May your roots run deep, and your branches reach ever higher," she said, her eyes gleaming with pride and hope for your future.

The significance of the staff and her words sank in, grounding you with a tangible connection to the earth and the cycles you were now bound to oversee.

As you grasped the staff, a sense of purpose filled you, intertwining with the newfound power coursing through your veins. The tangible connection to the earth and its cycles seemed to anchor your very essence, reinforcing your role within the pantheon.

"Heheh, I suppose, I'll go next~" Aphrodite sanf in a singsong tune, giggling prettily before beginning to speaking. "Love created you and love will sustain you, even when the seasons of your heart change. Remember, love is not only given but returned. I gift you a reminder of the beauty in connection, so you may inspire love as much as you receive it."

With a graceful motion, Aphrodite raised a hand before blowing a kiss in your direction. You watched in awe as a delicate pink heart fluttered down towards you, landing playfully on your nose. You couldn't help but sneeze gently, causing a ripple of laughter from the goddess of love.

From that tiny contact, a warmth spread quickly, a blush-pink glow radiating outward from your nose before swirling inward and vanishing into a single point at your heart. Aphrodite leaned on her throne, head tilted and with lidded eyes, she purred, "And whatever you receive, little one, may it always reflect what was given," she said in lilting and soft voice that seemed to weave through the air like a gentle breeze.

The warmth from Aphrodite's blessing left a lingering sense of comfort and affirmation within you, a subtle but potent reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, especially within the realm of emotions and relations.

This warmth seemed to permeate deeper, settling into your very essence and soothing some of the uncertainty that had gripped you since your arrival in Olympus.

It was then that Athena cleared her throat, indicating she would offer something next. With a poised assurance characteristic of the goddess of wisdom, she began, "Given the uniqueness of your existence and the responsibilities it entails..."

Athena's movements were measured and deliberate as she stepped forward, her grey eyes piercing yet calm. "Wisdom is a steady flame and will guide you through storms and shadow, illuminating paths you may not yet see," she said. "The seasons are a cycle, and with each turn, you'll face challenges. I grant you the clarity to navigate your role—not just as a force of nature, but as a being who must choose how to wield that power."

She then touched two fingers to her temple and pulled them away, holding between them a small, misty orb that glowed with a silver light. With a flick of her fingers, she sent it in your direction. It landed softly on your temple before disappearing; as the glow faded, you felt a clarity settle over your mind, as if your thoughts had sharpened, and the fog of confusion had lifted.

"May your decisions be just, and your path steady," Athena concluded, her voice resonating with a quiet authority that seemed to echo the solidity of her blessing.

This new clarity felt like a light had been