Disclaimer: Greek and Roman Mythology do not belong to me they are many many (many) years older than me. This is just a short story I wrote on my favorite myth, Persephone and Hades. I used the Edith Hamilton Mythology book as a reference, so if something is incorrect or you have question or comments please take the time to write them in a review and tell me what you think. Thank you, and happy reading.
A/N: The title, Winter and Fall Return to Your Hall, is a line in my poem Pomegranate Seed. I thought it fit in nicely in this super short story. Here Persephone is coming back to Hades after her first visit to her mother since she had been abducted by Hades. *special note*: when you see three stars (* * *) it signifies that it's a flashback, a memory. Ok on to the story… don't forget to r/r!
Winter and Fall Return to Your Hall
Persephone was on her way back to her home. Her dark chariot pulled by two black winged dogs had come to a stop just outside the great hall of Hades' dark castle deep under the earths crust.
* * *
"My dear Persephone," Demeter ran to meet up with her daughter just as the two black winged dogs pulling a dark chariot touched the soft grass on a small hill. Persephone jumped out and ran to her mother's open arms.
"Mother, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have wandered off the way I did. I missed you so much…" Persephone cried onto her mother's breast like a mortal child.
"I begged Zeus to tell Hades to return you to me, but it was too late he had already tricked you into taking those cursed seeds. Alas he still agreed to let you come to the surface of this dear world that loves you for half the year. This makes me half happy, but during the half of the year you will spend by your husband's side will be bitter for me and the world too," Demeter backed away from her daughter and took her hand pulling her into the forest at the foot of the hill. The nymphs, which had been like sisters to Persephone, came running out and embraced their young goddess.
* * *
Persephone pushed open the heavy doors of the great hall. They opened and Persephone walked in quietly. The hall was made completely out of stone with precious jewels sparkling on its roof and walls like stars. To the front of the hall there was Hades' throne made of cold steel with scarlet satin pillows. There was also another throne slightly smaller but otherwise identical. Persephone reached the thrones and touched the armrest on the smaller thrown. Right on the cushion there was a small thin crown made of white gold with emeralds and sapphires placed neatly in the metal.
* * *
"Tell us, goddess; we have been wondering for a long time, what does your return bring to you?" One of the nymphs asked as she sat on her ankles on the soft summer grass. The other nymphs had all gathered around her, some sat down on their ankles and the others went to the edge of the spring where they had been bathing.
Persephone pulled off her white gown, leaving herself with nothing to clothe her but her skin and nothing to warm her but the sun's rays. "What do you mean?" she asked as she slid into the warm pool.
"I mean, you have been here for three months already, do you miss your husband?" the nymphs stared at Persephone.
"He is not my husband, and I miss him as much as I'd miss an unwanted weed," she said sinking her brown curls into the water.
"Has he not made you his yet? For your abduction is famous and known as the Rape of Persephone. The God of Wealth is considered to be as cold as the stones that make up his dwelling, and doesn't act in such ways were he just takes away goddesses from their mothers…"
"The Lord of Hades claims to love me. As for making me his, no, he has been treating me with respect," Persephone took in a deep breath. "Lord Hades is unusual; he's lived alone for many years. You can blame his behavior on Cupid's senseless humor."
* * *
Persephone took a step away from the thrones and walked over to another door hidden by giant black curtains at the front of the hall. She touched the ruby on the handle in admiration. The door opened immediately opened revealing Hades pacing around his big bed. He stopped and looked at Persephone, fear flashed across his eyes but only for a quick second. Persephone looked at him her eyes glided over his handsome face and locked with his black opal eyes. Persephone walked over to him and draped her arms around him and cried onto his shoulder.
"What is wrong my beloved Persephone?" Hades held her close to him.
"Forgive me, my love, but these last 6 months have been almost endless," Persephone sobbed.
"What? You where not glad to see your home, or your mother? And do my ears betray me; did I hear you call me 'my love'?" Hades pushed her gently away and held her face in his cold hands.
"My lord, I was happy to see my mother and friends but I was not at home. Home is where my love is, and my love lies with you," Persephone kissed Hades' palms, and took his hands in hers.
"Persephone, do not toy with my emotions, for the body is immortal but not the heart. Not six months ago did you blame Eros for my taking you? You called my love for you a lie," Hades turned away taking back his hand.
"Was I correct, did your love fade while I was away?" Persephone swallowed tears.
"No, my love has not faltered, it's grown," Hades looked back at Persephone.
"As well as mine, my love, Hades, you didn't trick me into taking the Pomegranate seed; I took of my own free will. Up in the surface no one believes in my virginity. I once had said myself that I wanted to be like Athena, but not any more. Hades, if you love me then you have to believe in my love for you. I wish to be yours and be at your side," Persephone walked to him again and wrapped her arms around Hades' neck and brushed her lips with his.
"This is not the work of Eros, or a dream that will fade?" Hades asked before he lowered himself and kissed Persephone.
"It isn't, what I feel is stronger than any of Aphrodite's potions," Persephone took Hades' hand and pulled him to the bed.
"Persephone—," Persephone interrupted Hades and kissed him again.
Hades woke up. Persephone laid naked asleep curled up closely at his side. He bent down and kissed her bare shoulder, and wrapped a protective arm around her sleeping form. Unconsciously she pressed her head closer to his bare chest. Hades smiled to himself in the darkness. Persephone was now Queen of the Underworld, Goddess of the Seasons, Daughter of the Hearth, Wife of Wealth, and Wife to Hades.