"Come along, children! It is time for history!" Elena called to the children of Hestia House. The children gathered around, putting toys away and grabbing their comfort items as they went. When they all got settled, Elena began her tale of the epic priests and priestesses from years past.
"Long ago, when the gods gave trials for their priests and priestesses, there were several humans that were chosen. Each was picked for a characteristic that made them compatible with their deity. Each of the twelve ch-"
"Miss Elena! Miss Elena! What are char - a - cter i -stics and – and – what does compa – comapitle – compami – the other big word mean?!" a little girl burst in, unable to contain the question. She stumbled over the words cutely, which made Elena smile slightly. Deadra was only five and was trying to learn her big words quickly.
"Slow down, Deadra. We are going to get there. Children of Hestia House are quiet and calm, remember? We make our home welcoming! We need to remember our inside class rules while learning history! Characteristics means a thing that makes you different or special. Compatible means to get along with, kind of like how you get along with your friends so well at school!" Elena chided and explained gently. Deadra nodded and gave a sheepish smile. With Deadra quiet, Elena continued her story.
"Each of the twelve searched far and wide to find their chosen leaders of their houses. Each person was selected with specific criteria in mind…" Elena continued to explain who each of the twelve primary gods were of the Greek houses. With each of her students circled around her in the living room of Hestia House, she could see their interest grow. Hestia House sits in the hills of North Carolina on the campus of Belle Crest School for the Unusually Gifted. This campus boasts many beautiful spaces for each of the big twelve Greek gods, and many smaller spaces for the minor deities.
Hestia House sits near the campus dorms, allowing students of all ages to easily travel to the homey space of Hestia's living room. The children and trainees of Hestia come to Hestia House for a few of their classes throughout their time at Belle Crest. Elena is one of the great teachers here, going on a long 20 year tenure. She has taught the youngest of Hestia House's students the whole time. The students learn history and tradition from Elena in different parts of the house to please their deity. Hestia, goddess of the hearth and home, offers a space for all students that is warm and welcoming; she offers a home.
Elena finally got through explaining each of the gods individually and was able to begin the history lesson she loved to teach most: the Great Era's Rise.
"Alright, children. It is time I tell you about the greatest priest/priestesses of history. Settle in! The first of our priests is James, chosen by Zeus…"