Myth of Astraia and Mikonos (complete)

Beginning the competion

Sitting high above mankind on his throne of gold sat Zeus, watching and laughing at the men and women below. After watching for a while, Zeus grew bored, and to represent his mood, he started a horrible storm. He stood and walked to his chariot, finally thinking of a way to be entertained. Calling upon his most trusted children and demi-gods, Mikonos and Astraia, he started explaining his plan. 
"I shall have a competition between Rome and Greece. Whoever can produce the most crops will be the winner. Astraia, my daughter, you will have Rome-good luck. Mikonos, you take Greece. Go now and you'll be there by morning. Tell these grand cities my great idea!" Immediately, both children left their father in peace and started their long journeys to their assigned cities, both excited and eager to please their father. 
By the next day, Astraia had indeed arrived in Rome. Pushing her way to the front of the crowd, she looked around and took in the sights and smells. Astraia had never been down to Earth before and loved watching people walking around the booming market place. Suddenly, she snapped back to reality and jumped onto a nearby stage, remembering why she was there. Astraia waved her arms around and whistled, trying to get everyone's attention, but no one noticed little Astraia on the stage. Watching from the sky, Zeus had gotten annoyed with mankind ignoring his favorite child and set a lightning bolt flying down to the ground hitting the
2 / 5
spot next to Astraia. Silently thanking her father, Astraia began her speech she had prepared on her journey.
"People of Rome, my father Zeus, the god of lightning and ruler of men and gods, has sent me here to lead you in a contest against Greece. We must harvest the most crops and please my father by winning the grandest reward in mankind's existence." By that point, the people of Rome had seen she truly was the daughter of Zeus and were willing to follow her into this competition. 
In Greece, however, things were not going as well. Mikonos arrived a week after Astraia had arrived in Rome, and lost his way more than once. While Rome was hard at work planting the season's crops, Greece was busy in the market place. Mikonos had heard from stopping in a nearby tavern that Zeus had helped Astraia and people loved her instantly. Furious, Mikonos stormed into the center of the Acropolis.