gifts for the goddesses | self | 🌾🔥💍
It was a strange transition going from growing up with atheist values to now frequently visiting a temple full of multiple deities. Brent always rejected the concept of a higher being ruling over all on earth. Nearly everyone in his hometown dedicated their lives to worshiping the Christian God. He and his mother simply didn't want to be treated like sheep in the fold. And whilst Brent still couldn't fathom relying on some divine entity so deeply, he came to realize the importance of faith and belief.
He often stopped by to place offerings beneath the statue of Hermes, to show thanks and praises for everything the divine messenger has done for him. Today however, Brent arrived with a totally different purpose in mind. He gave a gracious bow to his father before walking over to another section of the temple.
Dressed more modestly this time around, he knelt in front of Demeter's giant statue. Brent looked up at the goddess with humble reverence and began to place several offerings at her feet. A fine brioche loaf, baked fresh from a locale bakery. Dried wheat stalks, which represented Demeter's sovereignty over agriculture. Lastly, a signature jar of newly harvested honey. Hands clasped together, Brent closed his eyes to utter a small prayer. "Lady Demeter, I give you my gratitude in abundance for everything you've done for us. My mother and I are forever in your debt. I humbly ask you bless our farm with a bountiful harvest in the coming year." Brent couldn't help the smile from gracing his lips as he thought about one of her children. "And thank you... for allowing Briar to be part of my life."
Without waiting for a physical response like he would when asking his father for something, Brent got up and moved on to the next statue. The speedster showed the same level of respect and praise to Hestia as he did her younger sister. On the pedestal at her feet, he set a few unique offerings associated with the hearth keeper. Three corked vials, each with a different herb. One contained rosemary. The other, basil. And lastly, parsley. Of course, Brent didn't forget about the jar of fresh honey as well. He took a deep breath before starting his prayer. "Lady Hestia, I thank you for keeping my mother and I safe inside the walls of our home. For decades, you've protected us from harm. I ask you continue to do so not only to me and my family, but to the other demigods here as well. Watch over us, please." Brent sighed, knowing he shouldn't harbor secrets or ill feelings towards a goddess and her children. They see and know all, as far as he's concerned. "Your son and I aren't in the best of terms at the moment. We don't exactly show love in the same way, and that's forcing us apart. If I'm being honest, there's a chance I won't ever want to be with him anymore. I hope you can forgive me for my decisions moving forward."
After a heavy and tense prayer, Brent made his way to the final goddess in his temple voyage. He smiled as the regal visage of Hera's statue graced him with her divine presence. Brent practiced a few hours earlier and gave a proper royal bow to the Empress of the Heavens. Satisfied with his performance, he knelt down to present the last remaining gifts to her. Brent didn't have the means to procure a diadem or sparkling gems. However, he did find a unique crown-shaped candle holder in an antique shop. He then also offered a beautiful fan made of real peacock feathers. And who could forget the third and final jar of fresh honey? "Queen Hera, I come to you today with a personal request." Brent swallowed hard, trying to find the right words to say. "I've accepted the dangers of this new life I'm in. At any point, I could die at the hands of our enemies." The speedster bit his bottom lip and sighed softly. "But before that happens... can you make sure I find true love and get married? I want a family of my own. A big one. I'd love if my mother gets grandchildren... maybe like twenty or so? I'll entrust the amount to you, just please grant me my prayer in the near future."
With that, Brent packs up his empty messenger bag and began to leave the temple. He briefly glanced at the newly erected shrine dedicated to Ganymede and curiously approached before deciding to turn back around. Nice try, Kay! Brent wasn't planning on getting zapped by a jealous Zeus anytime soon. He said his piece to three goddesses and hoped at least one if not all of them hear him out.
