After that meeting with Yuras, a thought comes to mind.
As soon as I mention the word 'prediction', the gears in my head start to turn.
Who else should I turn to other than the fates themselves?
While they are mostly known to govern over the lives of mortals, not many seem to remember that they are also oracles.
I do not doubt that obtaining information regarding the whereabouts of these minor goddesses will be extremely difficult.
It may have been a lot worse than getting all of my hair, teeth, and nails pulled out all at once; but I've something up my sleeve.
I apologize for the gruesome imagery, but you'll see what I mean very soon.
It's times like these where I'm incredibly grateful for being very blessed.
Though it feels like a curse at times when it comes to my sorry excuse of a love life, it has never failed me in other things that have mattered just as much - if not, more.
Back in the day, many have sought my help, and before I knew it, the number of favors that others have started to owe me piled sky-high.
In my book, only the truly powerful are those whom people owe favors to, not the other way around.
I am a goddess who doesn't have many wants or needs.
Even the favors I've done for everyone so far has nothing to do with fighting in wars that involve in taking sides. Especially if the reason is due to greed or covetousness, I take no part in any of those - not a single one.
I became a war goddess while fighting for what's right, on my terms, and with a clear purpose.
Even regarding family drama, I've usually stayed away from such issues.
Hence, logically there'd be fewer reasons for me to require anyone's support.
There are instances though, where one doesn't have the luxury to sit and do nothing while still hoping for the best.
'Desperate times call for desperate measures.'
Leaders frequently have to give in when they're cornered and are forced to make a split-second decision that may either cost everyone's lives or, perhaps, give themselves a chance to fight back at a price that wasn't even worth it at the end of the day.
Heh. I remember the time when someone said, 'Just stop overthinking and deal with the consequences later!'
Easy for others to say when they've never been screwed over for taking on such a huge risk while under immense pressure.
The danger of relying on others is if you renege, then they would usually demand something of higher value in comparison.
It means that you'll stand to lose a lot more if you carelessly make a promise you can't keep.
A cunning smile slowly forms on my lips, as I think about how it's time for some of them to prove themselves to me.
It makes me curious about whom among them has gained or retained enough power to be able to give me exactly what I want so that they can keep their end of the bargain?
Now, I'm off to cash in a few of those favors.
[...]
Right at the center of a courtyard in Mount Olympus, I stand idly by as I wait for a servant of the palace to let me know when Zeus is available.
After ten minutes of waiting, they usher me inside to meet the King of the celestial realm.
Although my armor's made with the most exceptional craftsmanship by the legendary Hephaestus, it's still not easy to wear them without making a lot of noise with every movement I make.
And yet despite all that, I still manage to carry myself with dignity and elegance.
Even I could barely hear the annoying clunks of metal, colliding and grinding against the other as it shifts around while I walk across one of the most luxurious crimson paths [1] I've ever laid my eyes on.
Without a single wrinkle, it's rolled down the hallway paved with gold.
It ends right at the bottom of the staircase that leads straight to the throne of Zeus.
After moving a couple more meters forward, the design shifts into something even more extravagant.
To create a gorgeous mosaic for the flooring, they use marble that has a hint of speckled grain; otherworldly in-laid mother of pearls; smooth pieces of the sacred oak, and olive trees that're sanded to perfection; and lastly, small geometric shapes of pearl, ivory, silver, and gold.
I reach the halfway point of the enormous central hall when I start to hear some bickering from the people sitting on top of their thrones.
I've technically only asked Zeus for an audience. I suppose someone else has decided to come with him to scope me out.
After a soft gasp, the other person immediately starts descending down the stairs. Their long, elegant dress fans out as they take each step.
That's odd.
Higher ranking gods in general usually wouldn't bother getting up from their seat or greet any of their guests.
As they get closer, I realize it is someone I know very well.
Wait... Isn't that Hera?!
The mother figure of all gods and goddesses alike rushes to greet me.
She's a bit of an odd duck, but I suppose it's why we get along relatively well.
"Khirelle! To what do we owe the pleasure for you to come and visit us?!" In her excitement, Hera forgets about her image and gives me a bear hug.
In the background, I see Zeus waving his hand to the palace servants, making them aware that we want some privacy.
My dear friend continues to lament my previous absence, "Ohhh! Khiri, I've missed you so much. I barely get to see you anymore! It's been months! Maybe even half a year...? I can't even remember, ahhh!!!"
Hera squeezes my arm and shakes me a little while asking me, "How could you only ask for Zeus?! What about me?! Did you not miss me at all?! Did you only miss my stupid husband?!"
Woahhh... there. I know there aren't as many palace maids around, but she needs to be a bit more careful about how she's been acting.
Everyone's probably wondering if she's been possessed.
However, it is inconceivable for gods or goddesses to be taken over by another, like a ghost, for example.
"My Queen, Hera, please... stop this at once. I... am feeling... very dizzy right now. I'll tell you the answers... to all your questions," is all I manage to croak out what with all the back and forth shaking.
I let out a sigh of relief when she finally stops doing so. "... Thank you. Please give me a moment."
Excitedly, she claps her hands as she answers with just, "Sure."
"Alright. So the reason why I am here is that I want to use one of the favors that His highness, Zeus owes me. As both of you already know, my luck with love isn't the best..." My voice becomes soft as I start to realize that I'm talking about my love woes to the King and Queen of the Heavens and the Earth.
I make an audience with the King... for no reason other than to do something about my love life... and this is completely mortifying!
Why have I never thought about it this way before I came over?! I want to dig a hole and jump in it!
Feeling slightly confused, Hera, tilts her head to the side, "Hmm...? Why did you sto-..."
Bringing a hand to her face, she continues to scrutinize me.
Not long after, she notices my bashfulness, "Oh! OHH! This has to be one of the most adorable things I've ever seen throughout my entire lifeeee!!! AHHH!!"
When Hera realizes why I've gone quiet out of nowhere, her screeching is making it mighty challenging in calming myself down.
"EEEEE...! You ARE cute. Why can't any of those idiots see that?! How tragic. This is too sad!"
A blush starts to creep around my cheeks sneakily, and it doesn't take long at all for me to get overwhelmed from embarrassment.
"Please, spare me, my Queen. I beg you. I might explode into flames if you tease me too much." I look off to the side while trying to keep whatever's left of my composure.
Unfortunately, my face, being as red as a tomato, isn't helping me any.
I cough loudly and clear my throat.
Deciding to take action finally, I proceed with the rest of my inquiry so I can leave a lot more quickly, "Anyway, my request is simple: Almighty Zeus, please tell me where the Fates are currently taking residence. I know they move around a lot for safety, and I'm aware that your scouts have always informed you of their movement."
After I finally make my request, Zeus' face remains stern. A small pit of anxiety blooms in my stomach all of a sudden upon seeing that. This does not seem to bode well for me.
"My dear Khirelle, what makes you think I'd just hand you something like that? Do you not understand until now how terrifying those three ugly hags are?! I'm sorry, but I cannot help you with this one."
...
Urgh. I need to think of something... FAST!
-
[Notes: ]
[1] Crimson Paths - Did you know that this is where the term 'red carpet' may have originated from? It's the red carpet that celebrities walk on in really huge events. Yep, the same one!