Carrie nodded, "Oh, okay.", smiling back at Diana before Hippolyta spoke warmly, "Ah, there you are! Look, Carrie.", and Carrie looked up, gasping as three stars are shining even brighter than the others.
"The one on the far right is Steve's star...", Diana murmured, "So that means those two close stars are-", and Carrie replied, "Mummy and Daddy! Are you happy and safe?", and the two close stars twinkled, pulsing, and she asked gently, "Is it okay that I want a new family?".
The close two stars twinkled even brighter, and Hippolyta smiled with a chuckle, "Looks like they approve of me and Diana as your new family. How are you feeling now?", and Carrie gave a small, bright smile, "I feel better. And I really like having this new family...", before yawning and rubbing her eyes, and Hippolyta chuckled, "Looks like you have surpassed your bedtime, young lady. Come here.", picking her new daughter up into her arms and side, smiling as she carried her down the cliffside to the horse-drawn wagon cart.
Diana smiled happily, seeing her brand-new sister already nodding off on their mother's shoulder, and she looked up at the stars, particularly Steve's star, and replied, "I do not know if you have foreseen this, but with respect to Daniel and Rachel, thank you for bringing a new reason for me to live, Steve, and for my mother to know motherhood again...I loved you, and I will always do, but now it is time for me to shift my love into a familial love for Carrie...I will not forget you, Steve Trevor.".
Diana took a deep breath as Steve's star twinkled at her. "Take care of them, Hera...", she said as she rejoined her mother and adoptive sister before returning to the Temple.
"Hold still, Carrie!", Diana laughed as she was busy trying to help bath Carrie in the bathing halls the next morning. Hippolyta had plans for Carrie if she truly wished to become like the rest of Themyscira's residents. Carrie was excited to learn that even despite being a society similar to ancient Greece, a bubble bath still existed here.
"I can't! It tickles!", Carrie giggled as Diana was trying to help her with her back. "I know, but you need to be clean; you wouldn't want to be dirty for your new clothes, would you? Not to mention what Mother has planned...", Diana said.
The Amazonian princess could hazard a guess what her mother had in mind; especially if she truly was wanting Carrie to be a new daughter. Diana was mentally agreeing with the idea. If she managed to survive, thanks to the Gods, then there obviously was a reason, though maybe one that not even the Oracle could answer. Despite Menalippe's gift of future sight, even she would be blind at times if the Gods deemed so.
Carrie smiled, "Oh, what is she going to do?", and Diana chuckled, "You'd have to wait to find out. Now, try to hold still, Carrie.".
"Okay!", Carrie chirped, trying to hold still as Diana gently scrubbed her back clean, making sure she reaches every little spot, even between the toes and the belly button. "There! Now, come out so I can dry you with this fluffy towel.".
Carrie pouted, "Aww, I was having fun!", and Diana chuckled, "You can have this every other day if you want to, and besides, would you want to be late for Mother's surprise?", and Carrie shook her head, "No way!", reaching out, and Diana picked her up with the fluffy towel, "Gosh, this is so soft and fluffy!".
Diana smiled, "You shall learn that we value comfort with need at the same time.", drying Carrie warmly as she landed her on the tiles, and then nodded, "All dry, now. Let's get you in those new clothes.", taking her hand, walking to one of the benches where Carrie's new clothes laid.
Carrie glanced at seeing the rest of the bathing halls, seeing a few women shamelessly splashing each other and chuckling, bowing their heads respectfully at Diana and Carrie as they passed by, "Diana, can pretty girls really do anything here?".
Diana replied, "We all have wants and needs, Carrie, and wanting to be free shamelessly is one of them. We do need to wear clothes other times, but you shall see that love is boundless around here, and it isn't hurting anyone. Do you see anyone hurt?".
"No...", Carrie shook her head as they made it to the bench, "Real hurting is mean, Mummy told me. Bad hurting people, no matter if man or woman, goes to jail. She called it...er, what was it? Busing?", as Diana started to clothe Carrie.
"I think the term you're thinking of is 'abusing'.", Diana told her. "But don't worry about that, Themyscira is a true paradise on Gaia. All the Amazons see each other as a community of sisters and will do anything for each other; never dreaming of harming each other. In time, they'll see you as one too.". Diana smiled as she grabbed Carrie's new clothes, "Now then, let's get you dressed up; should be perfectly fitting for you, our clothing-weavers are always perfect with sizes just from simple sight.".
Carrie smiled, "Okay!", as she behaved for Diana, getting dressed thanks to her help, and after she was finished, Carrie twirled around, looking down at her clothes, "These are just like yours, Diana! Really soft and cozy! I love them!", widely smiling.
Diana smiled, "I knew you could...Now, let's brush that hair.", gently brushing Carrie's hair, and after she was done, "Look at you, you are such a lovely girl! Almost perfect...Something's missing, ah, yes, the crown of flowers.", taking out a beautiful, fitted crown of trimmed and lush flowers on Carrie's head.
"There...You're now perfect to see Mother's surprise.", Diana smiled, and Carrie replied, "Are you going to tell me what it is?", having mischief in her eyes, and Diana smirked, "Nice try, imp.", not going to reveal that the crown of flowers are going to be traded for an actual crown of royalty in her mother's ceremony.
Carrie giggled, "I had to try...Can we go now? I don't wanna be late for Hippolyta's surprise!", as she is still feeling hesitant of calling Hippolyta Mother, not feeling ready yet, and Diana stood up, taking her hand, "Yes, let's go, Carrie.", and started to walk out of the bathing halls, seeing that the other women are done washing, and is presumably on their way to be in the procession.
"Could I try to guess?", Carrie asked as Diana chuckled. "You can try but I don't think you'd ever guess it. Still, it's quite the honor after all; it's almost a thing so many in the world of men would do horrible things for. It's something we try to keep safe. That's part of the surprise.", Diana explained as Carrie bit her lip and went into thought. She was a pretty smart girl for her age; a secret trait bestowed by her original mother.
Carrie knew that Diana called the flowers a crown, and being like Diana with her clothes, and being really super clean means that she has to do something important. She knew that Greek people do not do church, but they prayed in really big and detailed temples with statues of people when it was long ago, and from the looks of it, the Amazons are still doing it...
And the fact that it's Hippolyta's surprise, Carrie then widened her eyes as she got it, "Diana, am I actually going to be a princess, an actual, real princess, and Hippolyta is doing something to make me one?", as they got to the exit of the bathing halls.
Diana kept a small smile, "You've apparently already had the blessing of knowledge, it seems.". Carrie's eyes widened at the thought of not only what was to come, but also the fact that she got it right. "But there is another thing that will come, something that all Amazonian girls a bit younger than you will go through... to truly embrace the gifts that Hera blesses us with here.".
"What kind of gifts?", Carrie asks excitedly, wanting to know, before she gasps in surprise when they came to the edge of the great steps, to see the gathered Amazons lined up on the sidewalk portion, like it's a parade with an empty spot between the Amazons from the great steps of the bathing halls, and through the Amazons on the cobblestone road, through the city to a place Carrie could barely see, and only can guess, as it's not the palace.
Diana smiled, "Mother shall tell you once we get there. Now, let's have you treated as a princess until you're the real thing soon enough, shall we?".
"Okay...", Carrie nodded. It was almost a bit overwhelming to think about. Yesterday she was with her parents on a flight before tragedy struck and she lost them and for all intents, her whole life back home. Only to turn around and be saved by a secret world of beautiful women and taken in by their Queen who wished to adopt her!
Diana held her hand gently yet firmly, "I got you, Carrie.", sensing her nervousness, and headed down the steps, and as Carrie got closer, she can see a glorious chariot with a normal horse, and Diana helped her into it, smiling as she took the reins, and Carrie widened her eyes as she compared it to a bike, it's more protective in a way, yet kinda faster without need of legs, human legs, that is.
Carrie waved to all the Amazons, smiling, greeting as she enjoyed the surprisingly fun ride, and as the Amazons followed fairly behind, they got closer and closer to the place where Carrie can see the Queen and a priestess standing before a beautiful and gorgeously detailed fountain pool.
"What is that, Diana?", Carrie asked as Diana smiled. "You'll see.", Diana teased before they came to a stop and Diana helped her out. "Okay now, just to quickly look you over...". Diana checked over the young girl, "How's the sandals working for you? I know they're different from most that are in the world now or shoes.".
"They're nice.", Carrie nodded. "Feels a bit funny with the straps wrapping up a bit higher up my leg but they're nice.", smiling reassuringly at Diana.
"Wonderful. Now, I must ask you to listen very well to Mother and the priestess and say your affirmations with all your heart when they ask you and follow their instructions. But first, I must ask, do you want to keep going and see what's going on?", Diana asked warmly.
Carrie took a deep breath, listening to her heart, realizing how far the queen and the princess is going for her, and then nodded with an eager smile, "Yes, I do want to keep going and know what's happening.".
Diana nodded, "Alright then.", putting a hand on her shoulder gently as they then walked from the chariot, glancing to see the Amazons coming into an audience gathering, soon making it to the queen and the priestess, having smiles.
Squeezing her shoulder gently with a smile, Diana moved to the side, gesturing to the ground, and Carrie recognized the gesture, and she went to kneel, bowing her head, her hand on her heart in a salute.
Everything went silent as Hippolyta took a deep breath; what she was doing hadn't truly been done before, the closest was when Diana was a child and that was many centuries ago. But she was leader of the Amazons for a reason and steeled herself as she finally spoke.
"Sisters!", Hippolyta began. "Today, we gather here to commence a special ceremony we all know, but I'm sure you all have learned very quickly that the recipient of this ceremony is not originally of us. She is a daughter of men; but through the hands of fate, has been brought to us. Tragedy has ripped her from her original family; but today, she gains a new one, one that I ask all of you to join and accept her as one of us as if she had been born here as Hera's guiding light shines upon her!".
The Amazons cheer as one, and Hippolyta held up her hand, and the Amazons quieted down immediately, and she spoke, "Carrie Kelley, rise your head up.".
Carrie raised her head up, and Hippolyta spoke, "You have been brought to us, Carrie Kelley, from the world of man to the home of the Amazons. Do you swear to leave the past behind, keep them as memories, and look forward to a future as an Amazon, a sister of Themyscira, as long as you live?".
"I do, Queen Hippolyta.", Carrie declared, and Hippolyta then asked, "Do you swear to be baptized by our head priestess here and be blessed by Hera to receive her gifts?".
"I do, Queen Hippolyta...", Carrie nodded; though she was unsure of what the gifts actually would be entailing. She could see from the smile on Hippolyta's face, it was one of pride still.
Hippolyta nodded and announced, "Sisters! Our esteemed guest has accepted to be baptized, and so, prepare to witness this great honor!", and spoke, "Stand up, young one.".
Carrie politely and respectfully got up from her kneeled position, not wanting to be clumsy as Hippolyta walked to her. "Let me borrow that little crown of yours.", Hippolyta said as she took it off Carrie's head. "Now then, Carrie, I'm sure you're probably asking what it is you've been brought here for, what most of this ceremony is.".
"I do.", Carrie gave a small nod. "Well, Carrie, what you see here is the Fountain of Youth.", Hippolyta started to explain. Carrie gasped upon hearing it. "Sounds like rumors of it still persist in the world of men... but this is indeed the true thing. What we're doing now is normal for all Amazonian girls; though they tend to do this a year or two younger than you are.".
Carrie widened her eyes, "Wow...", and Hippolyta chuckled, "Indeed. Do you know what a baptizing is?", in a whisper. "A special bath blessing. Mum and Dad gave me one when I was a baby through, I don't remember it.", Carrie whispered back, and bit her lip excitedly, "Can I know the gifts Hera is giving me?".
"The gift of being an Amazon.", Hippolyta smiled as Carrie's eyes almost practically glowed at the idea. "The gift of eternal youth, of life, of beauty, a gift that so many would do great evil for; but a gift that we treasure and protect and care for. Hera blessed us with it, and we honor her for it. And you will too, I can see it in your eyes, even born amongst men, you had the raging fire and radiant beauty of an Amazon in your soul."
"So... would I be like this forever?", Carrie asked as Hippolyta shook her head, "No, perhaps a little quirk that Hera will give, you will grow and mature into a beautiful young woman like all your future sisters have done, but eventually will reach a certain age when your body finally fully matures, and you will remain like that for the rest of your days here.".
Carrie smiled, "That sounds amazing.", and Hippolyta smiled, "Indeed. Are you ready, Carrie Kelley?". Carrie nodded firmly, looking determined, "I am, Queen Hippolyta.", and Hippolyta nodded, "Then go walk with our head priestess, Chrysis, to the Fountain of Youth and take your first steps into Amazonhood.".
Carrie walked a few steps before Chrysis placed a hand on her shoulder. "You seem quite brave.", Chrysis chuckled as Carrie blushed. "Is the whole thing painful? Is that why you said that?", Carrie asked as Chrysis shook her head.
"Not in the slightest, it's actually wonderful. Just the girls when they've done this in the past are more nervously excited.", Chrysis told Carrie with a warm smile.
Carrie smiled, "I guess I want to show them that I am brave.", and Chrysis nodded, "You don't have to prove them anything. They see that you're a strong one. Shall we?", gesturing to the Fountain.
Carrie nodded and they stepped up and Chrysis walked in, helping Carrie in, and they walked a bit further in until Carrie is having water at the waist, turning around to see all the Amazons watching with Hippolyta and Diana in front with proud smiles.
"I want you to lean back, let the waters start to lift you, let you flow amongst them. Close your eyes as well as you'll be submerged in a moment.", Chrysis told her as Carrie took a deep breath and slowly leaned herself back, the Amazonian keeping a hand on her back.
Carrie took a deep breath then before she felt herself slowly sinking into the fountain's waters before everything went black for a brief moment, then a white light engulfed her. "Hello, dear Carrie...", a gentle voice of a woman called out from the light.
Carrie found herself standing in a pearl-white beautiful temple room, and right before her is a beautiful woman in a golden dress and having long, lush strawberry blonde hair, wearing sparkly silver earrings, having flawless golden tan skin, intelligent and wise dark blue eyes.
"Hello...You...you are Hera, aren't you? You're the queen of the gods, goddess of women, family, and marriage...You're really pretty...Are you like the Hera from the movie or like the Hera of the stories from supper last night?", Carrie widened her eyes in awe and surprise before gasping in realization, "Sorry, sorry, I apologize, your highness!", remembering her manners as she covered her mouth to stop herself.