They finally found time to enact their plan on the auspicious arrival of a new goddess, by far the prettiest woman Hestia had ever seen. All the gods seemed to drool after her, and more than just a few goddesses. Only Hera (for the most part), Athena, Artemis (the daughter of Leto and Zeus), and herself were immune from the new goddess' charm. Ares and his sister, Enyo, constantly got into fights over her. The new goddess, named Aphrodite, didn't seem to mind, and instead seemed eager to fan the metaphorical flames. It was all the unaffected goddesses could do to keep their family from murdering each other over her hand.
"I don't get what the big deal is," Artemis told Hestia over a cup of tea. "My stupid twin can't stop mooning over her and it's getting ridiculous. I nearly shot him in the foot because he wouldn't stop trying to sing her praises. With his horrible poetry of course."
Artemis had a thing where she used every opportunity, she could to critique her younger twin's singing or poetry skills. She claimed it was a twin thing, something only she and Apollo got.
"Zeus has got that look in his eyes like he's ready to cheat on me again," Hera complained. Hera had started to accept the fact that her husband could never stay loyal for longer than a week, but she was still by no means pleased about that fact.
"That's why I'm never marrying," Athena and Artemis chorused. Hestia just poured her little sister another cup of tea.
"The point is," Hera told them. "We need to do something about this. We can't let our family fall to pieces like this. If she insists on flirting with every male she comes across, then we need to teach her a few lessons. Marriage ought to do the trick. That'll show her!"
Athena nodded. "We'll have to pick who it is and be very careful about it. We must make it look fair. We also can't pick someone that the others will become jealous of. That would make it look like favoritism."
Hera nodded with a gleam in her eyes. "So not Poseidon?"
"That jerk?!" Athena's eyes flashed. "He can't get even the simplest things right. I wouldn't wish him on even her."
She'd never quite gotten over getting shunted to her uncle a few hours after her birth to 'supervise'. In a move for peace, Hera and Zeus had agreed to it. Though, if one asked, they'd claim it was the other spouse's idea. No one involved with the deal had ended up feeling too pleased about it.
It was just one of the many peace offerings between Zeus and Hera that had backfired.
"It was a family tradition," Hera told Athena. "Your brother stayed by him, and he turned out fine."
"Of course, my brother!" Athena exclaimed, her eyes flashing with excitement as an idea came to her. "That's perfect! No one will be jealous of him. Also, if we're still talking about the same brother, him growing up by my uncle is a totally different case. He only stayed by Poseidon because you tossed him off Olympus. I don't see why I needed to go through that. I came fully trained and ready to be useful."
Hera sighed. Athena tactfully seemed to realize that she wasn't going to get an apology in this conversation. Instead, she immediately went back to the task on hand.
"Alright," Athena told them. "Here's the plan. We propose the idea that she must marry someone and that we've picked the perfect husband for her. We talk Hephaestus up to make sure she's happy about the prospect."
Hestia smiled, hopeful that this would work out. Hephaestus would make an excellent spouse. Even without him being hyped up, Hephaestus would be easy to love. Her nephew, one of the sweetest gods that she knew, worked with the Flame building intricate and magical creations, when not too busy. He also always took time to visit her when they couldn't visit him in his shop.
"Hestia, we know you hate public speaking but maybe you should do it?" Athena offered.
Hestia shook her head. She couldn't be tied up in the throne room, not when they were so close. "I need to care for the Flame."
The little girl giggled warmly from her place in the hearth and Hestia blew her a kiss. She suspected the Flame knew this was going to be the perfect time for her to make her way off Olympus and into the wild world.
The other goddesses nodded and rolled their eyes.
"While I hate to agree with that vixen goddess," Artemis told Hestia "You really do need more of a life. I don't think I've ever seen you leave your spot by the hearth except when we drag you to council meetings."
Hestia shrugged. She had never minded her place. Besides, she never felt lonely there. There was always someone who wanted to talk whenever she felt lonely.
"Alright," Hera sighed. "I'll do it. It'll make sense because I'll also be the one to suggest the idea."
"Once you suggest Hephaestus for the position," Athena nodded. "I'll come in rousing support."
"Then what's my job?"
"If they still aren't convinced, then you go and shoot your brother and we leave with the ensuing chaos."
"Sounds good by me," Artemis grinned.
The goddesses nodded and headed off to their positions. Hestia meanwhile ran to find Prometheus. Everyone on Olympus was going to be distracted in the throne room for at least the next hour. The time for their subterfuge was at hand.
By the time Hestia found Prometheus and the two conspirators got back, the Flame had traveled to the Olympian Forge. Hephaestus happened to be one of the only other gods to welcome the Flame and not have any trouble dealing with her when she got a little overly energetic. The Flame also loved being around the god when he was creating items.
Hestia waved her hand and the door opened. Hephaestus always considered her a welcome addition to the forge and made her (and the Flame) all sorts of friendly gifts. Hestia fondly remembered the Flame's joy when Hephaestus had taken time out to make her a working robotic duck.
The forge itself was ablaze, but that wasn't really a problem, even with the owner away at a Council meeting. Hephaestus was used to it and had designed his forge to be able to withstand the heat. Hestia had no issue with fire herself, though Prometheus seemed a bit taken aback by how intense it was.
Hestia laughed at his nervous face and gently reached out and gave him her blessing. He suddenly didn't look like he was on the verge of spontaneous combustion. As she'd spent time with the little spirit, Hestia had found herself with a special connection to the Flame. The Flame fed her before reaching out to the rest of her siblings with strength and power. The Flame also refused to hurt those Hestia gave her blessing to. The Flame also sometimes agreed to listen to them too. Prometheus was the only person she had liked to listen to even before the blessing.
"Hey," Hestia called gently to the spirit. "We're here to let you see more of the world. Prometheus is going to show you the world. But you have to come now."
The Flame turned towards Hestia and excitedly curtsied. Most of it remained playing around in the forge but a small little bit, in the shape of a little girl, stepped forward and smiled at Prometheus. Hestia felt her heart warm, though she glanced around. A part of her wondered how long the council meeting was going to continue. Surely everything had been resolved already and that meant-
"You need to go now," she warned Prometheus. "I don't know how long you have but get her there safely."
"I will," Prometheus promised Hestia. The goddess and Titan stared at each other warmly praying that this would work. Then Prometheus turned and ran, the Flame clutched in his arms.
Hestia returned to her place by the hearth, much relieved. The flames still flickered there, though not as brightly as before. Hestia just hoped no one else would be able to spot the difference. Hera soon disturbed her by rushing over to tell her that their plan to deal with Aphrodite had worked. "Zeus was pleased, and he married the two of them right then and there. And Hephaestus was so surprised he fell off his throne. You know one of the ones he made for us, but you never use. I could have kissed him like it was our honeymoon." Hera glowed with joy. "Zeus, I mean, not Hephaestus. Eww… Well, at least Aphrodite is dealt with."
Hera sat down happily.
"What's up with the fire?" Hera asked. Hestia hadn't noticed that it had mostly gone out. In fact, most of it was shooting up weird sparks.
"It's in the forge," Hestia told Hera. "She goes there sometimes. She loves to see Hephaestus at work. This is likely just an effect of her being there."
Hestia's heart thumped as Hera glanced at her. She pushed down the tiny smidge of guilt she felt at betraying her siblings even though she knew she'd done the right thing. It was just… she'd never done something without her family's permission before. Except raise them and tell them to go to sleep on time, of course.
Hera harrumphed. "Children should do what they're told to do and be where they're expected to be." She seemed to believe Hestia's lies.
"You do know the Flame is technically older than all of us. She has been around since before I was born. Technically we're the children to her."
Hera shrugged, then looked around, startled. "I've got to go. Queenly duties calling." Hestia looked where Hera gazed and noticed Aphrodite approaching from a nearby walkway.
Hestia had heard a lot about the newest goddess from all her various family members. Some expressing their love for the newest arrival and some complaining about her. Either way, they always described her as stunningly gorgeous. They were right. Aphrodite held herself with a poise that Hestia would have felt ridiculous trying out but somehow looked perfectly natural on the goddess. She had a gorgeous hairstyle that looked like it had taken a few moments to put together but would have taken Hestia centuries. Aphrodite's seemingly natural face resembled the dreams of the mortal women with expertly applied makeup. Hestia could see how her family members were jealous of this goddess. Aphrodite was perfectly modeled to draw all the attention to herself. She had the gaze that could melt the heart of anyone who looked upon her. Hestia thought she must be a very lucky and very strong goddess to have an ability like that.
As Hestia smiled at the newest member of her, Aphrodite stared down at her as if sizing the goddess up.
"So, you're the one they call Hestia," Aphrodite called down to Hestia.
Hestia smiled a greeting. "I am indeed. You're Aphrodite, aren't you? It's so nice to finally meet you. Congratulations on your marriage."
Aphrodite sighed, dramatically. "To that drab of a god? Not sure what the whole big deal is, but thanks."
"He's really kind and devoted. You'll see," Hestia assured Aphrodite. The goddess frowned but that was probably just her getting used to the whole idea of matrimony. Though, Hestia couldn't blame her for being sore at being forced to marry before she was ready. Maybe marrying her off hadn't been the best solution. "Why don't you come sit down and make yourself comfortable? You can tell me more about yourself. It's silly that I don't know anything about you now that you've officially joined my family." Hestia summoned a comfortable chair and offered it to Aphrodite.
Aphrodite glared at the chair, and it suddenly turned into a very fancy Klinē. The goddess gracefully spread herself on the couch, leaning to face Hestia, finally smiling. Her gown fell in such a way that it showed a lot of skin as well as the goddess's perfect figure. More than one god passing through stopped and gawked at her as they passed through the agora.
Aphrodite stared intensely back at Hestia as if sizing her up. Hestia just smiled gently back.
"So, what is your job?" Aphrodite finally asked. "I think I've figured out the job of everyone else, but you're the biggest mystery."
Hestia remembered that Aphrodite had only arrived a week before.
"I just do what I can," Hestia told Aphrodite. "I watch out for everyone and just do my best to be useful."
"What does that mean?" Aphrodite asked. "Because as far as I can see, all you are is a cure-all. If it weren't for the fact that everyone wouldn't shut up about you, I probably wouldn't have known you existed."
Hestia's family talked about her!? How sweet!
"Like your family's answer to all my questions about getting anything done was to go to you. Like if I need something cleaned, I should go to you. If I need someone to talk to, I should go to you. If I'm missing something, Hestia can find it. If I want good food, Hestia can provide it.
"For a while, I was absolutely sure that you were secretly being locked up somewhere. Every time I asked where I could find you, they told me the exact same location. Are you some sort of glorified housewife?"
Hestia laughed and shook her head. "That's so nice of them to mention me. It's mostly just caring for the hearth. I also deal with sacrifices and just help my family stick together as best as I can."
"So, you are literally a glorified housewife! What do you do for fun?"
What sort of question was that? Her job was wonderful.
"I stay by the fire?"
Aphrodite pursed her lips. Apparently that response failed to please her.
"Have you ever gone to a party? There's been at least ten parties since I've arrived, and I found you at none of them. I'm serious. When was the last time you've done something for yourself?"
Hestia shook her head as she wondered about that question. She had helped Prometheus steal the Flame, but more for the Flame's sake than for her own...
"That expression answers my question. Alright, I'm going to change that," Aphrodite decided. "First thing on my agenda is making sure you actually learn to live for yourself a little bit. I know just the perfect makeover to turn you from pretty to drop dead gorgeous."
Hestia laughed. "I can't leave the Flame."
But the Flame would soon be free, if she wasn't already. Maybe Hestia could go to a party after that. Once the Flame was free, the Flame wouldn't need Hestia as often, would she?
"Puh-lease," Aphrodite told Hestia. "Surely you'll be able to find someone to take over for you for an evening or so. I bet I could talk my husband into doing it for you."
Hestia just shook her head with a smile.
"Listen, us girls have got to stick together," Aphrodite told Hestia. "I want to see you without whatever keeps you sitting on the floor and poking at a fire. Speaking of which, you got any boyfriends?"
Hestia shook her head.
"I'm going to fix that, unless boys aren't your thing. Girlfriends? Significant others?"
Hestia shook her head. "I've never felt the need."
"You've never felt the need!" Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "Girl! You have no idea what you're missing. You've never lived until you've felt love's touch. Just admit it, you want to be me."
"I think you're a wonderful person who I just met and I'm excited to learn more about." Hestia wasn't sure where that last statement was coming from. She'd never felt the urge to be anyone else and wasn't totally sure what 'love's touch' had to do with it.
"Come on, you're jealous of me," Aphrodite insisted.
"Why would I be jealous of you?" Hestia asked. Artemis and Hera definitely were. Probably Athena too. Still, Aphrodite was way friendlier and far more intelligent than they'd taken her for. None of that was a bad thing in Hestia's opinion.
Aphrodite blinked. "Everyone else is."
"Of course, they are," Hestia told Aphrodite. "You're new and you stand out-in a good way-here. They miss having the spotlight to themselves and not being outshone by the newest member of the family. They'll get over it. I'm just happy to have another person to talk to."
"You're actually genuine," Aphrodite seemed surprised. A small bit of sorrow-Hestia hadn't noticed it at first- in her eyes seemed to vanish. "You really do enjoy doing whatever your family has you do."
"I was the one who chose it," Hestia told Aphrodite with a smile.
"No one forced you?" Aphrodite asked.
Hestia shook her head. "I asked them for this job. After the war, I just wanted to be there for the rest of my family." Her mother had asked it of her anyway.
"Well, just so long as it's your choice," Aphrodite sighed. "If you ever do want to change your career though, hit me up though."
"I will," Hestia laughed.
"That brings me to point number two. I was planning on throwing a girl's night only tomorrow night and I've been going through all the goddesses. I've got a good group together and wanted to add you to the list. I don't care what you're doing tomorrow night, we're meeting at 6 tomorrow."
"I'm not sure-"
"Nope," Aphrodite interrupted. "I'm throwing a party and I've decided to invite you. Unless you end up living with the mortals, I am going to drag you to my party whether you like it or not. I'll even throw in a makeover at two. I get you like your quiet little life, but I am going to show you how to live it up, just a little. A quiet pretty thing like you still needs to get some out in the sun from time to time. Besides, if you find it terrible, I'll never try to take you from your quiet little corner again."
Hestia found herself agreeing and, with that, Aphrodite left, leaving behind the scent of perfume and a wink. Now that the Flame had her freedom, maybe a party once in a while wouldn't be a bad thing.
A/N: Hi all! Thanks for reading! :)