A different sort of love story

"Do you want to hear a love story, Brian?" asked the aged but attractive woman with gray eyes.

"Sure!"

"When my mom was pregnant with me, my dad learned from an oracle that if Mom had a son, that son would overthrow his kingdom. He didn't want that to happen, so he ate my mom. Seriously, swallowed her whole. Mom was made of tougher stuff, though, and actually lived inside my dad for years. She gave birth to me there and nurtured me as I grew up. It was a little cramped, though, so when I got old enough I made myself a suit of armor and a spear. I used the spear to smash through my dad's skull and emerged into the world fully formed."

"Is this story about your dad and mom's screwed-up relationship?"

"No, it's about my dad's and mine. He ate me when I was in the womb, and I split his skull open. When I came out I thought he'd be angry, but instead he was overjoyed. I think partly he was relieved I wasn't a boy. After that I was his favorite daughter. Do you know he lets me throw his thunderbolts? I'm the only one in the world besides Dad who can send thunder. Sometimes he even lends me his aegis, which is impenetrable to any weapon. I could ask any favor from him and get it. I don't, because I'm more prudent than that, but I could."

"This isn't really the kind of love story I had in mind."

"I'm a virgin goddess -- what do you want from me? My point is that I sprang from my dad's head and as a result he lets me demand anything. Some combination of pride and relief, I guess. That worked out okay in his case because I was well conceived. But you can't cave in to just any demand that anything makes that springs from your head, no matter how much you love it."

"You're talking about Lover's Lanes, aren't you."

"As for example."

"So I should stuff it back in my skull?"

"Hell no, that's the worst thing you could do. But realize that a mortal idea doesn't emerge fully formed like a god does. It needs perfecting, especially if you're going to be living closely with it for a long time. If nothing else, at least check to see if it's a boy or a girl. Don't give your thunder to an idea until you're sure it's not going to overthrow you. That's all I'm saying."

"Thanks."

"Always happy to help. You just have to ask."