Road to the Underworld
Persephone was the beautiful Goddess of Spring; she could always find the good in everything. The only thing missing was the other half of heart. She always wondered whether she would ever find a man who was perfect for her. Love is the one emotion that everyone wants and craves more than anything, and yet it's the one that is also the most feared. Where there is love, there is life. Persephone was the adventurous type who always had a giving hand. She was a kind and gentle, but strong young goddess with a heart of gold. She cared for anyone and everyone just as much as she did nature. A new blossom was nearly always the most beautiful sight in the world to her because it was new life beginning; something so innocent and small made her heart smile every time. Even something as simple as a gentle breeze made her feel so alive. She would always go walking through the meadows and admire the beautiful creation of the gods, and sometimes she would just get so lost in the beauty of it all that she would end up staying out there for hours.
One day she was taking in nature and all its wonders, when she entered the meadows. She smiled widely with her arms out from her sides letting the tall pieces of grass brush lightly against her fingertips. But what she didn't know was that someone was watching her from a distance… from the other realm deep within the Earth…
He was Hades, God of the Underworld; a dark figure, but a fair god none-the-less. He was tall, handsome, had chiseled features, and deep colored clothing with a midnight black cape that went down to his ankles. He went by many other names such as God of wealth, God of justice, and King of the dead. He never accepted his fate of an eternity in the underworld watching over the dead and guiding them to the other side as well as judging their souls. It was a dark kingdom and he was not only trapped there out of fate, but cursed with solitude. The only company in this world was his faithful three-headed canine, Cerberus, the guardian of the Entrance to the Underworld, and the boatman for the dead, Charon.
But he also wanted to know love. And he did… once he saw her. Hades has certain ways to view the world of the living and this one being a mirror. He had never known beauty until he had laid his eyes upon her from his realm on the other side. He knew she was the daughter of Demeter, the Goddess of the harvest, but never knew of her daughter's beauty, until now. He knew he had to have her as his queen. But how? He couldn't just walk up to her and say 'Hi, my name's Hades and I would love for you to join me in the underworld forever as my queen.' But all he could think about was, what a beautiful creature. She's too innocent and too kind to ever love a god like me. His aching heart was just longing for her. He eventually came up with a plan, and maybe it wasn't the greatest choice but it was the only option… he would go to the land of the living and take her, because one way or another, he knew he had to have her.
He readied his chariot; black decorated adorned with skulls all along the dark surface, led by pitch black horses. He knew it wasn't exactly the right thing to do, but he took off holding the reigns. A trail of fire followed this menacing chariot, and he started ascending to the surface of the living.
The Earth started rumbling and shaking; Persephone had no idea what was going on. Then, a fiery crack began to appear in the side of a cliff, and it opened to reveal smoke and flames. His chariot came speeding out of the mouth of flaming rock. She gasped and stood watching, mesmerized by who it was and what he was doing. He halted to a sudden stop. He slowly slid off his chariot and headed toward her. He was very suave with a great penetrating gaze that she couldn't turn away from. She wasn't sure what to think, whether he was dangerous or not. Part of her body was telling her to run, but the other was telling her to stay.
He glided over to her like a snake to its prey. But then everything changed when he reached out toward her with one big hand outstretched in front of him. She let the exciting situation get to her as she slowly took his hand. He wrapped his hand around hers and she felt the warmth penetrate her skin. He then picked her up into his large arms. He walked over to his chariot and placed her onto it next to him. He held one arm around her waist as he held the reigns with the other shouting, "Yah!" and he took off back to the entrance of the underworld. She was afraid at this point and her fear showed on her face, yet she didn't scream. Down they went, into the depths of the realm of the dead. And the deeper they went, the darker it seemed to get. So there appeared to be more torches that lined the walls. She instinctively stood closer to him, although she still wasn't even sure who this man is; ally or enemy?
When they had reached the depths of the other side, the chariot had come to a complete stop at the foot of the entrance to the palace of Hades. He got down from his place next to hers and he gazed into her eyes while holding his perfectly contoured hand out to her. She reluctantly took it as he helped her down from the chariot gently. He stood close to her and she was frightened a little, but was completely distracted by his masculinity. He was tall, muscular, and his dark brown hair had a smooth shine to it that she just wanted to run her fingers through. He took her hand and kept the other around her waist. He led her through the large front doors and they closed with a large bang behind them that made her jump. Then he said with the deepest, smoothest voice ever created by the gods, "Don't worry, you're safe with me."
She was at a loss for words because she was unsure what to think, whether she was afraid to be there or excited for an adventure with a very handsome stranger.
He walked ahead of her looking around at his dark, but cold and empty palace. He turned to face her worried that he had frightened her, "I'm sorry if I have caused you any grief, but you are just so beautiful, and I am so lonely down here in my dark kingdom."
She finally spoke because she knew where she was; the underworld. But her voice was shaky, "You mean you're—"
"Hades, God of the Underworld, at your service," he said with very suave look on his face as he told her his identity while taking a slight bow. Hoping she wasn't frightened, he walked over to her slowly, not taking his eyes off of hers. He snapped his fingers and right in front of her appeared her favorite flower, a single Narcissus in his dark hand.
"Oh!" she was surprised by the gift, "Thank you. The Narcissus is my favorite."
He calmly replied with a warm smile in almost a whisper, "I know."
"That's very sweet of you. I had no idea that you were such a kind, giving, and understanding god—from what everyone else says anyway," she added with a smile.
Hades never had the best reputation just because he ruled the underworld and that it's a dark and gloomy place. But the rumors weren't true, for he was the opposite of what was always said. He suddenly felt very warm and his heart started beating at what she had said about him. She understood him, and looked into his soul without running in fear. He knew she was the one.
"Yes, well I'm not at all like what everyone else says," he managed with a smile, "It's a very tough job down here, and it gets stressful sometimes… especially when you don't have anyone to share it with." He looked up into her eyes at that moment.
"I see. Well, I don't know what to say because my mother needs me on Earth as well. And you seem like such a gentleman." Her expression changed to worry for her mother.
"I understand," he said with a somber voice.
She couldn't bear to cause him any sadness. But then an idea struck her, "How about I stay with you for a few days? You could show me your realm, and then I will return home because it's always better to have known a little happiness. After that, a person could never be the same." She smiled at him and he looked deep into her eyes. Just then, he realized that they were the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen; the color of beautiful dark bronze. He couldn't help but smile when he looked at them.
"Alright, I accept your terms," and he smiled at her warmly.
At this, he held out his hand to her. She smiled and did not take his hand, but intertwined her arm in his. He slowly walked, escorting her through his kingdom so happy and proud to have her there by his side.
During the next few days, he showed her around answering any questions she had about the realm of the dead. He told her everything about his world from the Elysian Fields to Tartarus, and the secrets to the underworld's beauty.
He slowly escorted her around the grounds to the palace when they came upon a beautiful, calm river. Persephone couldn't believe her eyes.
"It looks so peaceful, almost perfect enough to swim in," she chuckled slightly to herself.
"Yes… if you want never remember who you are again," he quickly added with slight warning.
She stopped smirking, "Really? A harmless river could do that?"
"This is the Lethe. It's made to be enticing… for those already dead. It's meant to wash away any trace of who you are, even your memories. It's so the dead, those who are troubled, can wipe away the pain in order for them to move on."
"Oh my," she put her hand on her chest not knowing the hidden powers the Underworld has.
"But moving on to more important matters… It's time to introduce you to Cerberus."
She immediately looked at him, nervous… not only for what she'll think of a three-headed dog, but for what a giant three-headed dog will think of her.
He saw her expression and just laughed to himself while taking her hand in his. "Don't worry, you'll love him." He again saw her nervous reaction, "And he'll love you. Come on." They started heading over to the River Styx, and the entrance to the Underworld.
They were enjoying a wonderful dinner which was accompanied by Ambrosia, the wine of the gods, and Hades couldn't concentrate. She was just so beautiful in her sky blue silk Chiton gown that hugged every curve. Her hair was long and slightly wavy, the color of wheat. He couldn't help but catch himself gazing at her at times, and he thought to himself, 'I knew I'd never know that warm and loving feeling, though I might wish with all my might. No Lord of the Underworld was ever meant for light of the heavens. But suddenly an angel has smiled at me, and made the darkness flee from within me. I dare to dream that she might even care for me; my cold dark kingdom seems so bright. She truly must be that light.'
He had a wonderful idea and thought it would be perfect for her, "Persephone," he paused before continuing looking nervous, "I was wondering if you would like to accompany me on a horse ride through my realm this evening. It is quite beautiful out, the perfect time for a romantic ride."
"Hades, that sounds wonderful. I would love to accompany you," she said with a smile.
"Great." He got up and stood with his hand out to her again.
"Now?"
He just smiled, "Of course. Why not?"
She smiled and took his hand. He laughed and held her hand the whole way out to his stables. She laughed in return and couldn't help but think how wonderfully wrong everyone was about him. She was having the time of her life. When they reached the stables, she was amazed at what she saw. Two large black steeds were standing in their midst. They should've been frightening, and to anyone else they would have been. But to Persephone, they were beautiful and magnificent towering over her. "They're gorgeous!"
He was pleasantly surprised at her reaction because everyone else was usually afraid of his faithful steeds. "I'm glad you think so," he said to her with a smile.
He helped her climb onto one of the jet black steeds, named Andromeda, and his was Orion. They set off into the beautiful evening at a slow trot.
The horses trotted close together and Hades cautiously linked his fingers through hers in the damp, cool night. But he suddenly ordered Orion to stop and Hades got down from him facing Persephone on the ground. "I'd like to show you something," he said with a slight smirk.
"Alright," she replied not quite sure what he wanted to show her. But he put his hands on either side of her waist and she slid down into his arms. She suddenly realized how close they were. But he took her hand and began running with her as they both started laughing. "Where are we going?"
"This way!" He then let go of her hand and she kept running through tall reeds until she all of a sudden came into a quaint little clearing—alone.
She had just realized that she was by herself. She turned in every direction but he was nowhere in sight. She looked at the place that she had ended up in, and it was beautiful. It was a small clearing with tall grass and reeds all around it, and it led down to the river Lethe; the 'River of Forgetfulness'. Everything seemed like a shade of deep evening blue with the only sound of the river around her. She had no idea where Hades was and she was afraid.
"Hades, where are you?" she said with her meek little voice.
Just then, he came behind her smiling without her knowing. In one swift motion, he took her hand and spun her around as he pulled her close in front of him and she gasped. She laughed as soon as she knew it was him and smiled as he slowly held her and they turned with a slow continuing motion. They were dancing! She couldn't believe it; she was dancing with the Lord of the Underworld. They shared a magical spark right there in the clearing.
He knew he loved her from the first time he saw her in his mirror and he couldn't help but get lost in her eyes. Just holding her close made him feel complete, and she felt safe just being in his strong arms. They continued to gaze at one another but then, slowly, he bent and kissed her softly at the river's edge.
Persephone was there for a week, and the time was coming for when she would be returning back up to the land of the living. But she felt something in her heart… it was breaking knowing that she was leaving soon. She was starting to have feelings for the god of the underworld. They had so much fun together while she was there. They laughed all the time, and she'd never been happier. She did love him. And he loved her more than anything in the world; more than his life itself. He just came alive when she was around. He didn't know what he'd do when she left and he wanted her to stay more than his immortality.
One evening, she came around a corner into the great hall and from afar, she saw him holding something in his hand, staring at it nervously. Although she couldn't see what it was, he was pacing like there was no tomorrow. "Are you alright?" she finally said with a meek, beautiful voice that was so consoling.
He spun around immediately hiding the object, "Oh. Yes I'm fine," he said with a delayed smile. "Persephone, I would like to speak with you… since you'll be leaving my realm soon."
"Oh, right," she looked a little disappointed, "of course, Hades," she smiled at him, all sadness leaving her body when he looked into her eyes.
He slowly walked over and took her hand lightly. He led her to the balcony overlooking his kingdom. She went just ahead of him as he stood in the doorway for her to marvel at the view.
"Oh I'd love to see the beautiful moon and twinkling stars," she sighed.
At this, he smiled and walked up behind her to hold her in his arms. He then looked up into the sky and whispered in her ear smiling, "Watch."
She looked up into the sky as he outstretched his arm in front of her and waved his hand slowly once. Immediately, the most beautiful moon she had ever seen with hundreds of stars appeared in the sky above them. She gasped in excitement "Oh! It's so beautiful! Hades, I had no idea you could do that," she smiled at the handsome gentleman beside her as she turned around to face him.
"I can do more than that, Persephone," he said gazing down at her.
She looked up into his eyes, and he brought his hand up to stroke her cheek. "Persephone, I don't wish you to go. You brought so much light into my kingdom that I never thought I'd see. You are the brightest spot in this whole place."
After a short pause, he began to stroke her hair away from her face while he continued, "You are not like other goddesses—you are selfless, kind, caring, and adventurous; everything that I love about you. I never knew I could feel like this; like I've never seen the sky before. Every day I love you more and more. Listen to my heart, can you hear it?" he leaned down to whisper in her ear, "It's telling me to give you everything." Then he leaned away to look into her beautiful eyes again, "Seasons may change; summer to winter… but I love you, until the end of time." At this, he waved his left hand over his right once, and what appeared there was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. It was a silver band with a beautiful Narcissus flower on the top in sapphires with diamonds surrounding it. Without taking his eyes off hers, he said very smoothly, "Persephone, will you be my wife?"
"Oh Hades, I do love you and I would love to be your wife, but my mother… she needs me up there or mankind would suffer," she said reluctantly with sadness and she looked down.
As much as he understood her pain, he didn't want to lose her forever; the only good thing in his life. Then a thought struck him and he put his hand underneath her chin to tilt her head back up, "What if you could have both?" He smiled down at her.
"Really? Is that possible? That would mean everything to me," she answered back with a smile. Then he came up with a possible scenario… "You could remain part of the year down here with me, and part up there on Earth with your mother."
She contemplated his proposal and finally declared, "Six months with you, six with her."
But then he suddenly saw the flaw in this plan… He'd have to live without her for six whole months. He couldn't bear it. "That will feel like an eternity," he replied with a sadness in his voice.
"It won't be that long, my love. Just keep me in your heart and in your thoughts, and I will be back before you know it." She reached up and touched his cheek. But he soon responded by lightly cradling her face in his hands, and kissed her softly.
"So that's a yes then?" He smiled widely at his love.
"It sure is," she replied the same way, and he wasted no time in dipping her quickly to kiss his new betrothed passionately under the sky of twinkling diamonds.
