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Kassiopeia had only felt unconditional love once in her life. She had felt it through the friendship the God of the Sun, Apollo, offered her in her youth.
Now speaking to the Gods was a very rare gift. One that brought her pain and misery for ye...
For four years I've been prophesying for Apollo. It truly has been a magical time. Beyond anything I could have dreamt before witnessing it with my own eyes the night of my ceremony.
• • • • • •
4 years ago
"Apollo", his name rolled off my tongue as easily as my own. My vision started coming back to me as I took in my surroundings.
The lighting of the room was overwhelming, it was all so bright one would think they were sitting on the sun itself. Slowly, as my eyes adjusted to the light, I realized I was sat upon clouds. Clouds as far as my mortal eyes could see. I found myself sitting on the same tripod they placed me on at the Temple - but it was newer. The details more prominent, and the gold shining brighter than I've ever seen gold shine.
My eyes drifted down, in search of the only other being in here with me, and landed on the kneeling figure before me. Apollo himself. His eyes lifted to mine and I saw the rays of sunshine reflecting through his irises.
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"Kassiopeia, take my hand. We have a lot to discuss." His melodic voice graced my ears. Of course he had a beautiful voice, I thought spitefully to myself, he's the God of song.
Once I placed my hand in his, he helped me down from the tripod. I was hesitant with my steps for fear of falling straight through the clouds beneath my feet.
I turned my head to look up at him, wasting no time in confronting him, "You left me Apollo. You let them take me to that Temple and leave me in the care of those horrid people." I pulled my hand out of his grasp.
"I'll explain myself to you soon, I promise. I just want to make sure you understand how thisis going to work first. Alright?" He said it with a calm matter-of-fact tone, but I could ear the pleading lilt hidden behind it. I nodded slowly. I knew i could not afford to let down my guard, but I was eager to learn how my life would become. "Thank you." He said, giving me a small but grateful smile.
"Now first, I'm sure you're wondering where we are. This, is Elysium." He gestured around us. "This is where only the most worthy and heroic of mortals go after crossing the bridge of death. This is where you'll come whenever you sit upon that tripod." A heaviness settled in my gut. I knew what being in Elysium meant, but I was too afraid to ask him, too afraid for it to be confirmed out loud.
Surely, noticing my questioning expression, Apollo picked up on my worries. "I know what you are thinking Kassiopeia. It is true, you wouldn't be able to be here if you were alive. And you're not. But I promise you, it is only for a small period of time. It's part of a deal I, and the other Gods, have made with Thanatos and the Fates. One that allows the Oracle's soul to leave the body while I inhabit it and answer the questions of the visitors. You get to spend your time here, doing whatever you please."
