Memoriae of The Minerva (Dione)

You look up from the spot where you lay next to your mother. Your eyes hurt from all the crying and, after a moment’s hesitation, you dare to reach out for her hand.
It’s so cold - frozen and stiff as ice.
The touch of it brings the tears back anew and you curl into a ball beside her, sobbing into silken sheets and begging any god who might be listening to wake you from this horrible dream. Only, the gods aren’t listening, are they? They never do. They love no one but themselves and abandon humanity to the whims of fate.
That’s not true. I love you, Dione. Whispers a voice from within your heart, and the sensation of it is enough to soften the wrenching agony of your tears. You know that voice - it was your mother’s from time to time, the voice of the goddess speaking through her lips. I love you, my precious little one, and I will always hear your prayers.
“C-can you bring her back?” You plead, ignoring the brick in your stomach that already knows the answer.
The voice is gentle; soothing as it replies, I cannot. The admission is enough to break your heart but the voice responds quickly, adding, At least not yet. But your mother and I were working to change that. If you help me, maybe I can bring her back someday, and make sure that she never leaves you again.
The knot in your throat tightens, but so does your resolve. Swinging your legs over the side of the bed to sit upright, you ask, “What do you need me to do?”
I need you to study, little one. The voice replies, and you could swear that you feel a gentle hand brush back the hair from your face. I need you to learn. To go to school and read, listen, and think for yourself. To take what your tutors give you and return it to me. Together we will make it into something new. Together, we will change the world. Wiping at your tear stained cheeks with the cuff of your blouse, you manage to get out the words, “How will that bring Mother back?”
Have faith in me, child. The voice coos, and you can feel an arm that isn’t there settle around your shoulders. I am a goddess of magic. Of life and light and secrets, as well, but it is through magic that I affect the world and I have chosen you as the vessel of that power. You must learn how to control it. Then, we can bring her back, together.
“Alright.” You sniffle and nod. “But is it okay if I stay with her a little while longer?”
For a little while. You can hear the matronly smile in the voice’s words. But then we really should go check on your sister…