The empty agora would bustle after the Blessing. For now, all the shops were shuttered, so the merchants could worship. On the way, they openly discussed profits, as they looked down the escarpment to see a throng of pilgrims. Shortly after they passed, the guards opened the gates to the multitude below and the Blessing began.

Celebrations of the return of Persephone were observed the known world over. The rituals ensured a bountiful harvest. This year Persephone herself was blessing the lands surrounding Apollo’s very simple temple at Delphi, many years before the place became famous. At this time, Delphi was practically unknown. The multitude had come to see Persephone, including many Immortals. The crowd flowed onto the steps and into the street, as Persephone took the place of Apollo‘s statue on the pedestal. Her famous green flag was raised, and the crowd obediently fell silent. No words were spoken as the Muses played the solemn hymn of rebirth while Persephone spread her arms wide, sending her fertile spirit throughout the land, flowers blooming in her wake. With Her return, the Muses fell silent and the solemn ceremony ended. Persephone took Apollo‘s hand in support, as she stepped down from the dais. He could not conceal his Light as he thanked his Sister for her gift. They joined hands and raised them to the awaiting people. 

Apollo’s flag replaced Persephone’s, as the crowd erupted with cries of joy. The Festival of the Planting had begun. The people spilled from the Temple to whiffs of roasted oxen in the air, along with baking bread. Goose fat dripped into the fires below, sizzling. 

Since today was a holy day, commerce would have to wait until tomorrow. ’Perhaps a little later than usual,’ thought the old lady, with a knowing smile. “What should we get first, Ianni?“ she asked her daughter, eyeing the mead vendor.

“I saw roasted carrots and corn not much farther up the road. And the smell of ox is making my mouth water,” Ianniver answered, as they headed toward the mead vendor. Later, dusk came and the evening fires were lit. Not long after, final goodbyes signaled the end of joyous celebration.

Back at Apollo’s villa, Coeus (Intelligent Query) and Phoebe (Radiance) returned to their rooms. ”I haven’t had such fun since Hermes’ Festival in Knossos, Husband. This day has been wonderful,” purred Phoebe. Nuzzling her neck, Coeus agreed, as his gentle embrace guided her to their marriage bed. 

The next morning, Coeus awoke to Phoebe’s touch. She guided his hand, spreading his fingers over her belly and said, “Husband, our blessing is complete.“ Coeus smiled lovingly.

At least an hour later, “I’m starving,” complained Coeus, watching his wife change clothes again. Phoebe wanted the perfect look for this morning’s brunch. 

“Everyone will be there,” she nipped back, deciding on an iridescent tunic and bright mantle, embroidered with flowers. Her radiant halo shining brilliantly, she stepped past her husband and out of their rooms.

Coeus fell in behind her, looked up and down, and said, “You look amazing, Wife.” Delighted, Phoebe giggled. 

In the Great Hall, the couple took their seats across the table from Prometheus (Forethought) and Eris (Discord), the latest scandal on the front-page. “My… Phoebe, you are shining brighter than ever!“ exclaimed the observant Prometheus. 

“Love the glow,” added Eris, dripping with sarcasm, as she caught her companion’s innuendo. Phoebe dipped her head, muttering a thanks and taking her seat. Coeus caught the barely perceptible glance between his table mates, but could not fathom its meaning.

The morning turned to afternoon as the feast continued. Between courses, the gods would mingle, laughing and dancing with friends they hadn’t seen in some time. Returning to the table, laden with smoked fish and pickled berries, Coeus and Phoebe find Prometheus and Eris have remained seated this intermission. As all took their seats, Eris stood, raised her glass, and toasted the success of this year’s Festival. Everyone joined the toast, Phoebe taking a sip from her water.

She knew immediately something was wrong and cried out. 

Instantly Apollo arrived, as Prometheus and Eris disappeared. Apollo called out urgently, “Quickly! Hurry! You… Man, bring my Healer!” The call rang out from the Hall, through the Temple, and finally to the agora. Burly temple guards burst into the old woman’s stall, spilling elixirs and powders in their haste. Ianniver watched her mother being carried away and anxiously followed, struggling to not lose the kidnappers in the gathering crowd. In the Grand Hall, the guards set the old woman at Apollo‘s feet. The God had been communicating with the healer since he called for her, showing her Phoebe’s condition in his mind’s eye. Instantly, the old woman knew her suspicions were correct. Phoebe was expecting, and would birth The Vines of Enlightenment (Shining, Intelligent Query). The unfurling leaves and green tendrils growing from Phoebe confirmed a growth potion was present, and a powerful one. “Only Gaia herself can bring forth this seed. Hecate and her snakes are close. We should ask for her help.“ Without waiting for permission, the old lady, Hecate‘s former high priestess, cried out to her mistress.

Hecate arrived immediately. A long gaze into her devotees face told her all she needed to know. The sorceress held out her arm and blew on her shimmering bracelet. It slithered awake. With Hecate’s breath, the snake knew its mission. It quickly succeeded.

With the seed of the vines safely hidden deep in earth’s fertile womb, the snake returned to a hero’s welcome. Hecate joined the snake to a mortal’s mind, gave them both ‘vision’, and  Apollo transformed his temple into a shining splendor, with deep sulfurous caverns, bequeathing it to the snake in gratitude. And so, The Oracle of Delphi was born.

Ianniver’s head exploded with sensation, as if she were feeling everything for the first time. Her mind swimming in the cacophony, she swayed, falling into the arms of the God of Light himself. Apollo smiled down on Ianniver not unlike a cat looks upon a mouse. Then, he gently laid her on a couch and backed away, calling for the mortal’s new staff of attendants. The serpent, deep in the sulfurous caverns, looked Apollo up and down through Ianni’s eyes, darting its split tongue in and out.