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My name is Valeigh, and I am Dionysus’s daughter. He created me on accident out of wine from a barrel, and ever since then I have lived on Olympus with the gods.
I have black hair and wine red eyes. Even my blood is wine (don’t ask how I know that.)
The gods treat me as one of their own, teaching me different crafts. Father even taught me how to turn water to wine!
I truly love the gods, but some days I get tired of the repetition.
One faithful day, I was looking down on the world and causing small bits of chaos until Aphrodite came up to me.
“Valeigh, are you bored?” She asked. It surprised me, she never payed this much attention to my emotions that weren’t love.
“Uh, yeah?” I answered, slightly confused and wondering where the conversation would end up.
“Well, I know a mortal boy whom you could mess with. If you feel up to the task.” She teased, changing the view to Ithaca, a small island in Greece.
“And who’s the boy?” I question, feeling excited at going down to the mortal world to mess with someone.
“He is Telemachus, the prince of Ithaca.” Aphrodite stated, grinning. She knows I love messing with royal.
“Perfect.” I say, smiling mischievously.
I made plans to go the next day, telling my father (who approved) and working on my human disguise.
Can’t necessarily look like a god down there without people getting suspicious. So I made my skin tanned instead of pale, assumed an average height, and turned my eyes hazel.
Finally, after creating a backstory for myself, I descended on to the shores of Ithaca.
I wandered around the island, looking for an opportunity or excuse to go to the palace.
Maybe luck was on my side, but I heard whispers of a job opening at the castle.
I hid in an alley and waited for someone to walk by. When they did, I snatched them and used the madness powers I inherited from my father to make them tell me about the job.
Cause of course, I can’t go to a job interview without knowing what the job is.
They told me it was a job to be Prince Telemachus’s personal assistant.
Bingo.
After turning the person into a rat, I made my way to the palace.
Sadly, at the front gate of the palace, guards were stationed.
“Halt.” The guards said in unison, “State your reason for entering.”
“I am here for the job of personal assistant. My mother is sick and I just get this job to pay for her medicine.” I lie through my teeth. My eyes tear up slightly to really sell the ‘innocent hardworking girl’ vibe.
Their eyes seemed to soften ever so slightly, and they opened the door for me.
I nodded to them and walked in. The first person to notice me was a maid. She seemed like a kind old woman.
“Hello sweetheart, are you here for the job?” She asked, “I can lead you to the throne room, if you wish.”
I nodded, “Yes please, that would be very helpful.”
She smiled sweetly and started walking away. I followed, silently scanning every room we walked by, already getting a good feel of the place.
Finally, we stood in front of the throne room. The old maid went in first. Most likely to alert the queen of my presence.
After a few minutes, she came back out.
“You can enter now. Good luck.” She said kindly.
“Thank you.” I say before walking in the room.
I stopped when I got to the middle of the room.
Looking at the queen, I smiled and bowed.
“Thank you for having me, your highness.” I say, as politely as I possibly could. First impressions matter after all. Even if she IS a mortal.
“It is truly no problem, dear. Now, if I am correct, are you here for the job?” She asked, eyes silently assessing me.
“Yes, your highness, I am.” I say, rising slowly.
“Well, there of course are a few things I need you to answer. First and foremost, what is your name?” She asked.
“My name is Valeigh Dynacus.” You state, lying about your last name, as you don’t have one.
Penelope seemed to notice the lie, yet did not mention it.
“And why do you want this job?” She questioned, scanning your face to see if you lie again.
“Well… my mother is sick and I don’t have enough money for her medicine.. I heard the palace was hiring and I wanted to try my luck… I am scared she is going to die soon, and if the medicine doesn’t work, I don’t want her to worry of if I can live a good life.” I lie, tearing up slightly and looking down to seem saddened.
It must’ve been flawless acting, as Penelope’s face softened just a tad.
Behind me, a door opened. “Telemachus” I think to myself, realizing the old maid must’ve fetched him after she left the room.
“Mother, who is she?” He asks, most likely talking about me.
“Her name is Valeigh and she wishes to get the job of your personal assistant. I would like for you to have the final opinion on the matter.” She states.
I can feel his eyes on me. It seems he’s considering it, as he gets silent for a moment.
“I just have one question…” he starts, “how old are you?”
“I am 16 years old.” I answer truthfully. Well, sort of honest. You see, I am 160 years old, but in god years it’s only 16.
“You’re hired.” He decides after a moment of hesitation. Maybe he just wanted a friend his age?
I act excited about it. “Really? Thank you so much! I am forever in your favor!” I say to him, acting teary eyed to play into the act I made with the queen.
“You will start tomorrow,” Penelope states, “I suggest you pack your things to move in here, it will make your work much easier.”
“Of course, your highness! Thank you again. I promise to work hard!” I say with fake enthusiasm.
That night I return to Olympus.
“Father, I have the job.” I say mischievously to my dad.
“I never doubted you for a second, Valeigh. I expect to see you cause plenty of chaos.” He teases, ruffing up my hair.
“Of course I will, the mortal world is far too boring to not!” I declare, grinning.
“Oh Valeigh, you’re back already? How did it go?” A feminine voice behind me asks.
“It went splendid, Aphrodite. I got the job.” I state, turning around to see Aphrodite looking at me with a fond expression.
“Oh you’re growing up so fast!” She exclaims, pulling me into a hug, “It seems any day now you’ll make a mortal fall for you!”
I giggle and hug her back. I can’t wait to see what’ll happen next!