p class="MsoNormal"Chapter One/p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"If Hades had been anyone else, he would have been thundering out of the throne room yelling obscenities at those behind him. But seeing as he was not anyone else and was in fact the God of the Underworld, he strolled calmly through the double doors of Zeus's throne room. Inside however, he was seething with barely controlled rage. After everything his damn brother had put him through, this was the last straw./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"Stalking down the dizzyingly bright halls of Olympus, Hades stood out like a black bear in the snow. His dark grey and black robes snapped at his feet in time to his brisk walking. Contrary to most people's beliefs, he didn't wear black because he was the God of the Dead; he wore black because it was practical for traveling with fiery horses that billowed off soot and smoke. He did in fact wear other colors when at his own palace; but few people saw because well, who wants to visit the Underworld?/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"His thoughts were dark as he made his way to the stables. He was vaguely aware of his shadow towering behind him but he decided he didn't care if it scared the palace workers. Let them scurry away in fear. Down the white marble steps, Hades took a left. He had originally planned on staying the night here for his new nephew's birthday, but after what Zeus had just done there was no way he was staying any longer here./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanUpon being jilted out of his rightful inheritance, Hades had retreated to the Underworld quietly. He hadn't made too much of a fuss about the whole affair. The battles with the Titans had been… difficult to say the least. He had been forced to become something he was ashamed of in order to defeat them. The war had dragged on for years and by the end of it, Hades could barely remember who he was anymore. The Underworld had been a quiet refuge, a place to try and pull the pieces of himself back together. It had taken him a long time to heal the wounds of that war; the scars had never gone away. During that time he'd thrown himself into repairing and rebuilding the Underworld. Having been neglected for so long there was much that needed to be done in order for things to run smoothly. He had been forced to create a whole new system of judging the dead that filed into the Underworld in a never ending line./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAfter several centuries, Hades had finally gotten things more or less figured out and now found himself with more down time than he cared to have. With nothing to keep his thoughts busy, memories of the war took over. Nightmares that haunted him both day and night often sent him on a rampage looking for blood. He needed it, the smell, the feel of it. The look of terror in the eyes of the person dying. It was intoxicating and no matter how much Hades told himself he didn't want it, the monster inside of him told him otherwise./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanIt was Minos, one of the judges of the dead that suggested Hades build himself a throne to occupy his time./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"A throne?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Yes, My Lord."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades scoffed, "What in titans name would I want a throne for? I appointed you and your brothers to do the job of judging."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe minor god calmly adjusted his gold rimmed glasses that seemed to be constantly falling off his tiny nose./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You are the God of the Underworld, my Lord. A throne is a fitting thing for you to have."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I would never use it. Besides, they are foolish things to waste time and resources on when a normal chair will do just as well."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Forgive me my Lord but that is where I believe you are wrong." Minos held up a hand as Hades shot him a scalding glare, "If you'll permit me to articulate my point?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades crossed his arms and glared at the tiny man but nodded his permission. Minos might be an annoying little god but he was wise and Hades respected him./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Thank you my Lord. A God sitting on a throne sends a message to those who come to visit. Zeus sitting upon his golden throne invokes feelings of wealth and power. It sends the message that he is the God of Heaven and should be respected as much. Poseidon on his throne of silver and sapphires invokes the feeling of calm, serene power. As the God of the Sea, he is strong and powerful under his calm demeanor. His throne is a reflection of this. What message do you want to send to those who visit? If you are sitting on a common wooden chair, does that send a message you'd like others to see? Would you be proud to receive your brothers or sisters on a wooden chair?" Minos paused, letting the question hang in the air, and watched as Hades shifted uncomfortably, knowing his point had been made. "What kind of God do you want to be my Lord? Craft a throne with this thought in mind."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades shot the minor god a glare, "You expect me to build the damn thing myself?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You are a talented craftsman. This palace might have been built by the hands of others but only under the strict direction of you. You were involved in every step of the process, from the selecting of the stone to the carving of the delicate details. I even recall you personally showing the workers how to do things along the way; supervising until it was exactly right. Building a throne should be a very personal thing for a god." Mino took a step towards Hades and lowered his voice respectfully, "The things you have destroyed in your past still haunt you; perhaps using your hands to create something will help ease the pain of the past and show you there are other pursuits worthy of your attention besides killing and destruction."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanMinos had then left, leaving that thought with Hades who begrudgingly realized it was a good suggestion. He had thrown himself head first into the project and discovered that he loved it. Every little detail drew his attention as he carefully began creating his throne; always keeping Minos's words in the back of his head, 'What kind of god did he want to be?'. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAfter many weeks of sketching out ideas and going over possible materials, he finally settled on using Rainbow crystal. To say this crystal was rare would be an understatement. Hades was initially worried he wouldn't be able to find enough to craft his throne. It took him eight years of scouring the earth to find everything there was and he was still worried it wouldn't be enough. After a few days of revisiting his design to ensure he had a plan b should his harvest prove to not be adequate, he went ahead and began building. It took him twenty-three years to complete his throne. But at the end of it Hades was a different god. Minos had been right. By building his own throne from start to finish, he'd proven to himself that he was good at something other than killing. And his throne was magnificent. Hades had poured every bit of himself into that chair and it showed in every detail. The rainbow crystal had molded perfectly under his hands, almost as if it had been eager to please and the more Hades worked with it the calmer he had become. Building his throne had been the therapy he had needed and while he wasn't fully healed, he didn't think he'd ever feel whole again, he was certainly better off than he had been./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"Upon competition, Hades had decided to do something completely out of his character. He decided to throw a party and invite the gods and goddess's of Olympus. They all had come, if only out of curiosity, and had all wondered at his crystal thrown in awe. Zeus had stared with unbridled jealously./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"Rainbow crystal looks very much like diamond. So the throne seems rather plain at first. That is until someone touches it, at which point the inside swirls with colors that reflect the character of the one touching it. When Zeus and the others had entered, Hades was sitting upon a throne swirling with deep blues, purples and blacks. This was the perfect throne for Hades, plain at first glance but upon closer inspection, vibrant and full of depth. He was immensely proud of it./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"The party had been going smoothly, Hades had ensured plenty of good food and wine was offered so everyone would be satisfied. Most anyways. Zeus's jealousy became more and more apparent the more wine he drank. It finally escalated with Zeus demanding Hades give him the crystal throne or he would take it himself./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"Hades stood from his throne, glaring darkly at his red faced brother. "I invite you here to my kingdom to break bread as brothers on good terms and you come here and threaten to steal what is rightfully mine."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"The other gods and goddess's murmured uneasily amongst themselves, all of them clearly supporting Hades in this situation. Zeus though drunk, still noticed he did not have the favor of the others. Poseidon came forward and placed a hand on his brother's shoulder./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;""Come brother. You have had much of this good wine and I'm afraid it has made your brain foggy." span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanZeus allowed himself to be dragged away but not without shooting a murderous look at Hades. Nothing else was said though and decades had passed before Hades was given the invitation to Zeus and Hera's celebration of the birth of their first son. Hades had come, expecting civility. And Zeus had been civil. He had civilly 'suggested' under no uncertain terms that the only proper gift Hades could give the boy was his crystal throne. Zeus must have been plotting this move for years because Hades had been masterfully backed into a corner. If he did not give the throne to Hercules it would look like a great insult to Zeus and his family; an insult, Zeus suggested might be taken so personally as to declare war between them./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades muttered obscenities to himself as the stables finally came into view. Damn him! Damn him to drown in the Styx! Rounding the corner of the stables Hades stopped short in surprise, all murderous thoughts towards his brother forgotten for a moment./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThere was his chariot; his horses still attached as the stable hands were too frightened of his black horses with fire for manes and tails to unhitch them. But standing next to them, feeding his horse's sugar cube treats was a woman./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHer obvious lack of fear was the first thing to grab his attention. No one, not even Zeus himself went near his horses. The fact that this woman was standing by them, stroking their noses and talking softly to them was beyond odd. Hades took several steps closer in barely contained curiosity. The woman giggled when they nudged her arm for more sugar and reached into her pouch for more./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe was a beautiful little thing, not near the standards of Aphrodite, but stunning none the less. Her skin was tanned golden from years in the sun; her long brown hair tumbled over her shoulder in shimmering waves. She was tiny but extremely well proportioned. Her red dress was modest but did nothing to hide the voluptuous curves of her body. Her smile seemed to brighten everything around her. Even his horses seemed less menacing with her standing beside them./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You poor things. Does your master never give you treats?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades barely suppressed a smile when his horses snorted, dipped their heads and nudged her for style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Don't worry, I'll have a talk with him."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe glanced up at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes and a sweet smile on her pink lips. Hades was stunned for words for a moment as his heart seemed to quite beating. Her eyes were the color of fresh spring grass and seemed to pierce into his very soul. She giggled again, the sound washing over his ears like a bubbling brook instantly calming his mind. The fact that this woman was smiling at him was almost incomprehensible to Hades. All women, mortal or otherwise, feared him. The mortals because he was the God of the Dead; the goddess because they knew what he had been, some of them even witnessing the monster with their own eyes. This woman was not a mortal but what goddess would pet his horses and smile at him?/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe walked forward and patted his horses flank. "Of course I give them treats. They're just greedy."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe woman gave a mock gasp of horror and wagged her fingers at them. "Shame on you! Lying to me to get more treats."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanTo their credit, his horses did manage to look ashamed at her scolding. But the second she smiled again, they were back to nudging her arm for more sugar./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe woman laughed and kissed their noses as she reached for more cubes. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Forgive me, but I'm afraid I don't know your name."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe woman's smile faded as she murmured almost to herself, "It depends on who you ask."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades frowned, slightly annoyed at the vague answer, "I asked you."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe seemed to think for a moment before turning to him and giving him the most graceful curtsy he'd ever seen, "My name is Persephone my Lord."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades suddenly understood her previous comment and who exactly she was. She was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. Her mother had originally named her Kora but Zeus had changed her name to Persephone at her coming of age ceremony a few months ago. Hades had gotten a customary courteous invitation but had sent Hecate, his head of house, with a gift in his place. Now that he thought of it, she was wearing his gift around her neck at that very moment./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe took a step closer to inspect the necklace he'd given her. It was a tiny tear drop shaped pendant no bigger than a sunflower seed of Rainbow crystal. Against her skin it swirled with pink, green and white; fitting for the Goddess of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt had been the very last of the Rainbow crystal left over from his throne. It was in fact the only rainbow crystal left on earth not attached to his chair. He'd given it to the daughter of Zeus as a way to spite him for his insult about stealing his throne. Now he was exceedingly glad he had but not to spite his brother but because this woman deserved the crystal./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHer fingers came up to touch the necklace as she said softly, "I was deeply honored by your gift my Lord. I have worn it ever since my coming of age party."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe looked up to find her smiling./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Don't tell anyone, but this necklace was by far my favorite gift."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe raised an eyebrow at the girl, "Really?" He knew for a fact that Persephone had been showered with lavish gifts from the other gods. Hecate had come back and had made a point of telling him how plain his gift had been in comparison./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe nodded, "Yes really." She smiled down at the necklace and then back up at him, "This was the only gift that I truly liked. I know how rare Rainbow crystal is. Father made a point of telling me that you had used all that there was for your throne and he's made it very clear how he feels about you having a better throne than him. I know you probably only gave it to me to spite Zeus but…" she paused, her cheeks flushing an adorable shade of pink, "I have no words to express the honor I have felt wearing it."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades stared down at the petite goddess, completely lost for words. She had seen through to his true intentions for giving it to her but instead of being insulted like most goddess', she had been honored and wore the necklace anyways./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPersephone grinned and reached out to gently place her hand on his arm in a friendly way as she leaned in closer to whispered, "You should have been there to see the look on my father's face. He spit out his wine when they announced what the gift from you was."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Did he really?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe giggled and nodded, causing Hades to chuckle. They shared a moment of comfortable silence before Hades expression grew dark again as he muttered, "It's a shallow victory now that he's cornered me into giving that brat my chair."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHer eyes widened, "He did?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades nodded sharply and felt his shadow grow behind him as he allowed his true fury to show for a moment. He could feel his eyes clouding over with red as he thought about what he was going to do to that bastard if Zeus really insisted on declaring war over a chair. He expected her to shrink back in horror like everyone else. Instead, she took a step closer and said, "How truly dishonorable of him. Everyone knows how much he wants your throne so everyone will know this is just a ploy to get it."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe blinked through his anger to find her standing intoxicatingly close. She smelled of fresh rain and taking a deep breath of her instantly cleared the rage from his head. Her face was tilted all the way back in order to look in his eyes. Her own were filled with concern and kindness, but there was no fear and Hades didn't know what to think about that. Everyone feared him, even Zeus to some degree./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanIn that moment Hades did something he'd never done before in his life, he offered Persephone his arm, "Would you like to take a walk through the gardens with me?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHer face lite up in a huge smile, "I would love to."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe took his offered arm and allowed him to guide her to the gardens that began just on the other side of the stables. Hades had never before put much stock in plants; after all, the Underworld had no sun so plants didn't really grow in his kingdom. But walking through the gardens with Persephone tucked against his side as if she belonged there, was better than good; it was as if he'd found a piece of himself that had been missing. He mentally chided himself; what a foolish thought. He'd known the girl for only a few minutes. Love at first sight was a foolish mortal notion, something that never happened to the gods and certainly not to him… right?/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThey had been meandering along the path in a relatively comfortable silence. Every now and then Persephone would pause to bend down and inspect this flower or that shrub; only to return to his side, sliding her hand through his arm again. After doing this a few times she sighed as she tucked her hand in the crock of his arm./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I just don't understand. I have been attempting to create my very own flower but I just can't seem to get it right."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades looked down at the girl in surprise. The look of pure annoyance on her face made him smile./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Each time I think I have it right but then the flower dies, or the plant never blooms or it comes out looking like a flower that already exists. I'm just not sure what I'm doing wrong."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Is that why you've been inspecting all these plants?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe nodded and tilting her head to lay it gently on the side of his arm she hummed, "Perhaps I am missing something…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades felt his heart skip a beat at the unintentionally intimate touch. No woman had ever done something like this with him and it was about to be his undoing. He cleared his throat and tried to gather his thoughts./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Perhaps you are relying too much on what already exists." She pulled her head from his arm to look up at him eagerly. It made thinking much easier. "In order to create something new, it will have to come from your mind and nowhere else. Take inspiration from the things around you but in the end, look inside yourself for the flower you wish to create."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"That was truly insightful. Thank you."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades was horrified when he felt a blush rise to his cheeks at her praise along with the look of complete adoration she was giving him. He cleared his throat and looking for a way to take the attention away from himself he gestured to the bench beside them./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Would you like to sit here?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe grinned and nodded. The bench wasn't very big, so their knees ended up touching. Hades expected her to pull away but she instead leaned closer. Her eyes glittered eagerly as she said, "I have heard rumors that the magnificent throne my father covets was made solely from your hands, is this true?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe nodded and her eyes lit up even more./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I would love to see it! For my father to get worked up over a chair when he already has a grand one;" she paused and shook her head smiling, "It must truly be something to behold. How long did it take you to make?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades paused to think, "Let's see, including the time it took to find and mine the rainbow crystal… over thirty years I believe."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe stared at him in awe. "That long? It really must be special."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"It is." Hades turned to study the deep purple, almost black flowers around their bench as he murmured, "Creating that chair was the only thing that kept me sane for many years… it became a part of me. For Zeus to so careless demand it for no reason other than because he wants it," he shook his head, "It goes beyond disrespect."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe turned in surprise when he felt a feather like touch on his hand. Persephone had placed her hands over his and was looking at him in earnest./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Then please don't give my father your chair. He truly doesn't deserve it."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Zeus threatened war if I didn't."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPersephone gave an ungoddess like snort, "No one would take his declaration seriously. To go to war over a throne is ridiculous and everyone knows it. No one would risk their lives over something so foolish."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades grinned at her exclamation, "Let's hope you are right."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe got a very determined look on her face as she stated, "Well, either way. You will not have to give up your throne."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe tilted his head curiously at her, intending to ask what exactly she meant by that, but a sharp voice interrupted him./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Kora!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPersephone jumped slightly in surprise and her face got a moment's look of fear. But for once the fear wasn't directed at him./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanDemeter came striding towards them, a look of thunder on her face. Hades stood and instinctively placed an arm protectively in front of Persephone. She gripped the back of his tunic and he could feel her trembling through the fabric. Hades glanced back at her, a clear question in his eyes. Why was the girl so afraid of her mother?/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I was supposed to wait by the stables. Mother gets very angry when I don't obey." Her whispered voice filled with fear, filled Hades with anger. He turned to the thundering goddess, and determined that Persephone would not be punished for something so simple as going on a walk./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Kora! I thought I made it explicitly clear you were to wait by the…" Demeter's voice trailed off as she realized who exactly was standing with her daughter. "H-Hades!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe dipped his head to his younger sister, "Demeter."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThey stared at each other in silence. Demeter glanced almost frantically between him and her daughter. He finally broke the silence. "I saw your daughter waiting alone and asked if she might walk with me while we waited for your return."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"It didn't look like you were walking!" her snapping didn't hide her obvious fear of him./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPersephone stepped out from behind him slightly, "I asked that we might pause and sit for a moment. You know irises are my favorite."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanDemeter barely glanced at the flower before huffing, "Well I'm here now so come."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades heard Persephone sigh softly before saying, "Yes mother."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanOn a whim, he snagged her hand as she passed him and spun her around. Bending over her hand, he kissed her knuckles./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"It was a pleasure walking with you my Lady. I hope to be able to do it again in the future."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPersephone smiled, a blush rising to her cheeks, though her mother snapped, "Unlikely. This will be the last time Kora comes to Olympus."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades straightened, his eyes never straying from hers as he murmured, "What a shame. Olympus will be much less brighter without you Persephone." Though he said it to get a rise from Demeter, he'd meant it./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Her name is Kora! Kora come!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPersephone flinched slightly at her mother's tone but gave him a smile and murmured, "It was my pleasure Lord Hades. May the Fates bless you."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe reluctantly released her hand as she turned and followed her mother to the gardens entrance. For a reason he couldn't yet explain, her leaving left him feeling cold./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"If Hades had been anyone else, he would have been thundering out of the throne room yelling obscenities at those behind him. But seeing as he was not anyone else and was in fact the God of the Underworld, he strolled calmly through the double doors of Zeus's throne room. Inside however, he was seething with barely controlled rage. After everything his damn brother had put him through, this was the last straw./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"Stalking down the dizzyingly bright halls of Olympus, Hades stood out like a black bear in the snow. His dark grey and black robes snapped at his feet in time to his brisk walking. Contrary to most people's beliefs, he didn't wear black because he was the God of the Dead; he wore black because it was practical for traveling with fiery horses that billowed off soot and smoke. He did in fact wear other colors when at his own palace; but few people saw because well, who wants to visit the Underworld?/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"His thoughts were dark as he made his way to the stables. He was vaguely aware of his shadow towering behind him but he decided he didn't care if it scared the palace workers. Let them scurry away in fear. Down the white marble steps, Hades took a left. He had originally planned on staying the night here for his new nephew's birthday, but after what Zeus had just done there was no way he was staying any longer here./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanUpon being jilted out of his rightful inheritance, Hades had retreated to the Underworld quietly. He hadn't made too much of a fuss about the whole affair. The battles with the Titans had been… difficult to say the least. He had been forced to become something he was ashamed of in order to defeat them. The war had dragged on for years and by the end of it, Hades could barely remember who he was anymore. The Underworld had been a quiet refuge, a place to try and pull the pieces of himself back together. It had taken him a long time to heal the wounds of that war; the scars had never gone away. During that time he'd thrown himself into repairing and rebuilding the Underworld. Having been neglected for so long there was much that needed to be done in order for things to run smoothly. He had been forced to create a whole new system of judging the dead that filed into the Underworld in a never ending line./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAfter several centuries, Hades had finally gotten things more or less figured out and now found himself with more down time than he cared to have. With nothing to keep his thoughts busy, memories of the war took over. Nightmares that haunted him both day and night often sent him on a rampage looking for blood. He needed it, the smell, the feel of it. The look of terror in the eyes of the person dying. It was intoxicating and no matter how much Hades told himself he didn't want it, the monster inside of him told him otherwise./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanIt was Minos, one of the judges of the dead that suggested Hades build himself a throne to occupy his time./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"A throne?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Yes, My Lord."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades scoffed, "What in titans name would I want a throne for? I appointed you and your brothers to do the job of judging."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe minor god calmly adjusted his gold rimmed glasses that seemed to be constantly falling off his tiny nose./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You are the God of the Underworld, my Lord. A throne is a fitting thing for you to have."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I would never use it. Besides, they are foolish things to waste time and resources on when a normal chair will do just as well."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Forgive me my Lord but that is where I believe you are wrong." Minos held up a hand as Hades shot him a scalding glare, "If you'll permit me to articulate my point?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades crossed his arms and glared at the tiny man but nodded his permission. Minos might be an annoying little god but he was wise and Hades respected him./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Thank you my Lord. A God sitting on a throne sends a message to those who come to visit. Zeus sitting upon his golden throne invokes feelings of wealth and power. It sends the message that he is the God of Heaven and should be respected as much. Poseidon on his throne of silver and sapphires invokes the feeling of calm, serene power. As the God of the Sea, he is strong and powerful under his calm demeanor. His throne is a reflection of this. What message do you want to send to those who visit? If you are sitting on a common wooden chair, does that send a message you'd like others to see? Would you be proud to receive your brothers or sisters on a wooden chair?" Minos paused, letting the question hang in the air, and watched as Hades shifted uncomfortably, knowing his point had been made. "What kind of God do you want to be my Lord? Craft a throne with this thought in mind."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades shot the minor god a glare, "You expect me to build the damn thing myself?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You are a talented craftsman. This palace might have been built by the hands of others but only under the strict direction of you. You were involved in every step of the process, from the selecting of the stone to the carving of the delicate details. I even recall you personally showing the workers how to do things along the way; supervising until it was exactly right. Building a throne should be a very personal thing for a god." Mino took a step towards Hades and lowered his voice respectfully, "The things you have destroyed in your past still haunt you; perhaps using your hands to create something will help ease the pain of the past and show you there are other pursuits worthy of your attention besides killing and destruction."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanMinos had then left, leaving that thought with Hades who begrudgingly realized it was a good suggestion. He had thrown himself head first into the project and discovered that he loved it. Every little detail drew his attention as he carefully began creating his throne; always keeping Minos's words in the back of his head, 'What kind of god did he want to be?'. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAfter many weeks of sketching out ideas and going over possible materials, he finally settled on using Rainbow crystal. To say this crystal was rare would be an understatement. Hades was initially worried he wouldn't be able to find enough to craft his throne. It took him eight years of scouring the earth to find everything there was and he was still worried it wouldn't be enough. After a few days of revisiting his design to ensure he had a plan b should his harvest prove to not be adequate, he went ahead and began building. It took him twenty-three years to complete his throne. But at the end of it Hades was a different god. Minos had been right. By building his own throne from start to finish, he'd proven to himself that he was good at something other than killing. And his throne was magnificent. Hades had poured every bit of himself into that chair and it showed in every detail. The rainbow crystal had molded perfectly under his hands, almost as if it had been eager to please and the more Hades worked with it the calmer he had become. Building his throne had been the therapy he had needed and while he wasn't fully healed, he didn't think he'd ever feel whole again, he was certainly better off than he had been./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"Upon competition, Hades had decided to do something completely out of his character. He decided to throw a party and invite the gods and goddess's of Olympus. They all had come, if only out of curiosity, and had all wondered at his crystal thrown in awe. Zeus had stared with unbridled jealously./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"Rainbow crystal looks very much like diamond. So the throne seems rather plain at first. That is until someone touches it, at which point the inside swirls with colors that reflect the character of the one touching it. When Zeus and the others had entered, Hades was sitting upon a throne swirling with deep blues, purples and blacks. This was the perfect throne for Hades, plain at first glance but upon closer inspection, vibrant and full of depth. He was immensely proud of it./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"The party had been going smoothly, Hades had ensured plenty of good food and wine was offered so everyone would be satisfied. Most anyways. Zeus's jealousy became more and more apparent the more wine he drank. It finally escalated with Zeus demanding Hades give him the crystal throne or he would take it himself./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"Hades stood from his throne, glaring darkly at his red faced brother. "I invite you here to my kingdom to break bread as brothers on good terms and you come here and threaten to steal what is rightfully mine."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"The other gods and goddess's murmured uneasily amongst themselves, all of them clearly supporting Hades in this situation. Zeus though drunk, still noticed he did not have the favor of the others. Poseidon came forward and placed a hand on his brother's shoulder./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;""Come brother. You have had much of this good wine and I'm afraid it has made your brain foggy." span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanZeus allowed himself to be dragged away but not without shooting a murderous look at Hades. Nothing else was said though and decades had passed before Hades was given the invitation to Zeus and Hera's celebration of the birth of their first son. Hades had come, expecting civility. And Zeus had been civil. He had civilly 'suggested' under no uncertain terms that the only proper gift Hades could give the boy was his crystal throne. Zeus must have been plotting this move for years because Hades had been masterfully backed into a corner. If he did not give the throne to Hercules it would look like a great insult to Zeus and his family; an insult, Zeus suggested might be taken so personally as to declare war between them./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades muttered obscenities to himself as the stables finally came into view. Damn him! Damn him to drown in the Styx! Rounding the corner of the stables Hades stopped short in surprise, all murderous thoughts towards his brother forgotten for a moment./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThere was his chariot; his horses still attached as the stable hands were too frightened of his black horses with fire for manes and tails to unhitch them. But standing next to them, feeding his horse's sugar cube treats was a woman./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHer obvious lack of fear was the first thing to grab his attention. No one, not even Zeus himself went near his horses. The fact that this woman was standing by them, stroking their noses and talking softly to them was beyond odd. Hades took several steps closer in barely contained curiosity. The woman giggled when they nudged her arm for more sugar and reached into her pouch for more./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe was a beautiful little thing, not near the standards of Aphrodite, but stunning none the less. Her skin was tanned golden from years in the sun; her long brown hair tumbled over her shoulder in shimmering waves. She was tiny but extremely well proportioned. Her red dress was modest but did nothing to hide the voluptuous curves of her body. Her smile seemed to brighten everything around her. Even his horses seemed less menacing with her standing beside them./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You poor things. Does your master never give you treats?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades barely suppressed a smile when his horses snorted, dipped their heads and nudged her for style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Don't worry, I'll have a talk with him."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe glanced up at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes and a sweet smile on her pink lips. Hades was stunned for words for a moment as his heart seemed to quite beating. Her eyes were the color of fresh spring grass and seemed to pierce into his very soul. She giggled again, the sound washing over his ears like a bubbling brook instantly calming his mind. The fact that this woman was smiling at him was almost incomprehensible to Hades. All women, mortal or otherwise, feared him. The mortals because he was the God of the Dead; the goddess because they knew what he had been, some of them even witnessing the monster with their own eyes. This woman was not a mortal but what goddess would pet his horses and smile at him?/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe walked forward and patted his horses flank. "Of course I give them treats. They're just greedy."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe woman gave a mock gasp of horror and wagged her fingers at them. "Shame on you! Lying to me to get more treats."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanTo their credit, his horses did manage to look ashamed at her scolding. But the second she smiled again, they were back to nudging her arm for more sugar./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe woman laughed and kissed their noses as she reached for more cubes. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Forgive me, but I'm afraid I don't know your name."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe woman's smile faded as she murmured almost to herself, "It depends on who you ask."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades frowned, slightly annoyed at the vague answer, "I asked you."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe seemed to think for a moment before turning to him and giving him the most graceful curtsy he'd ever seen, "My name is Persephone my Lord."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades suddenly understood her previous comment and who exactly she was. She was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. Her mother had originally named her Kora but Zeus had changed her name to Persephone at her coming of age ceremony a few months ago. Hades had gotten a customary courteous invitation but had sent Hecate, his head of house, with a gift in his place. Now that he thought of it, she was wearing his gift around her neck at that very moment./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe took a step closer to inspect the necklace he'd given her. It was a tiny tear drop shaped pendant no bigger than a sunflower seed of Rainbow crystal. Against her skin it swirled with pink, green and white; fitting for the Goddess of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt had been the very last of the Rainbow crystal left over from his throne. It was in fact the only rainbow crystal left on earth not attached to his chair. He'd given it to the daughter of Zeus as a way to spite him for his insult about stealing his throne. Now he was exceedingly glad he had but not to spite his brother but because this woman deserved the crystal./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHer fingers came up to touch the necklace as she said softly, "I was deeply honored by your gift my Lord. I have worn it ever since my coming of age party."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe looked up to find her smiling./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Don't tell anyone, but this necklace was by far my favorite gift."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe raised an eyebrow at the girl, "Really?" He knew for a fact that Persephone had been showered with lavish gifts from the other gods. Hecate had come back and had made a point of telling him how plain his gift had been in comparison./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe nodded, "Yes really." She smiled down at the necklace and then back up at him, "This was the only gift that I truly liked. I know how rare Rainbow crystal is. Father made a point of telling me that you had used all that there was for your throne and he's made it very clear how he feels about you having a better throne than him. I know you probably only gave it to me to spite Zeus but…" she paused, her cheeks flushing an adorable shade of pink, "I have no words to express the honor I have felt wearing it."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades stared down at the petite goddess, completely lost for words. She had seen through to his true intentions for giving it to her but instead of being insulted like most goddess', she had been honored and wore the necklace anyways./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPersephone grinned and reached out to gently place her hand on his arm in a friendly way as she leaned in closer to whispered, "You should have been there to see the look on my father's face. He spit out his wine when they announced what the gift from you was."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Did he really?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe giggled and nodded, causing Hades to chuckle. They shared a moment of comfortable silence before Hades expression grew dark again as he muttered, "It's a shallow victory now that he's cornered me into giving that brat my chair."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHer eyes widened, "He did?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades nodded sharply and felt his shadow grow behind him as he allowed his true fury to show for a moment. He could feel his eyes clouding over with red as he thought about what he was going to do to that bastard if Zeus really insisted on declaring war over a chair. He expected her to shrink back in horror like everyone else. Instead, she took a step closer and said, "How truly dishonorable of him. Everyone knows how much he wants your throne so everyone will know this is just a ploy to get it."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe blinked through his anger to find her standing intoxicatingly close. She smelled of fresh rain and taking a deep breath of her instantly cleared the rage from his head. Her face was tilted all the way back in order to look in his eyes. Her own were filled with concern and kindness, but there was no fear and Hades didn't know what to think about that. Everyone feared him, even Zeus to some degree./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanIn that moment Hades did something he'd never done before in his life, he offered Persephone his arm, "Would you like to take a walk through the gardens with me?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHer face lite up in a huge smile, "I would love to."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe took his offered arm and allowed him to guide her to the gardens that began just on the other side of the stables. Hades had never before put much stock in plants; after all, the Underworld had no sun so plants didn't really grow in his kingdom. But walking through the gardens with Persephone tucked against his side as if she belonged there, was better than good; it was as if he'd found a piece of himself that had been missing. He mentally chided himself; what a foolish thought. He'd known the girl for only a few minutes. Love at first sight was a foolish mortal notion, something that never happened to the gods and certainly not to him… right?/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThey had been meandering along the path in a relatively comfortable silence. Every now and then Persephone would pause to bend down and inspect this flower or that shrub; only to return to his side, sliding her hand through his arm again. After doing this a few times she sighed as she tucked her hand in the crock of his arm./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I just don't understand. I have been attempting to create my very own flower but I just can't seem to get it right."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades looked down at the girl in surprise. The look of pure annoyance on her face made him smile./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Each time I think I have it right but then the flower dies, or the plant never blooms or it comes out looking like a flower that already exists. I'm just not sure what I'm doing wrong."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Is that why you've been inspecting all these plants?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe nodded and tilting her head to lay it gently on the side of his arm she hummed, "Perhaps I am missing something…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades felt his heart skip a beat at the unintentionally intimate touch. No woman had ever done something like this with him and it was about to be his undoing. He cleared his throat and tried to gather his thoughts./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Perhaps you are relying too much on what already exists." She pulled her head from his arm to look up at him eagerly. It made thinking much easier. "In order to create something new, it will have to come from your mind and nowhere else. Take inspiration from the things around you but in the end, look inside yourself for the flower you wish to create."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"That was truly insightful. Thank you."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades was horrified when he felt a blush rise to his cheeks at her praise along with the look of complete adoration she was giving him. He cleared his throat and looking for a way to take the attention away from himself he gestured to the bench beside them./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Would you like to sit here?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe grinned and nodded. The bench wasn't very big, so their knees ended up touching. Hades expected her to pull away but she instead leaned closer. Her eyes glittered eagerly as she said, "I have heard rumors that the magnificent throne my father covets was made solely from your hands, is this true?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe nodded and her eyes lit up even more./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I would love to see it! For my father to get worked up over a chair when he already has a grand one;" she paused and shook her head smiling, "It must truly be something to behold. How long did it take you to make?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades paused to think, "Let's see, including the time it took to find and mine the rainbow crystal… over thirty years I believe."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe stared at him in awe. "That long? It really must be special."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"It is." Hades turned to study the deep purple, almost black flowers around their bench as he murmured, "Creating that chair was the only thing that kept me sane for many years… it became a part of me. For Zeus to so careless demand it for no reason other than because he wants it," he shook his head, "It goes beyond disrespect."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe turned in surprise when he felt a feather like touch on his hand. Persephone had placed her hands over his and was looking at him in earnest./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Then please don't give my father your chair. He truly doesn't deserve it."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Zeus threatened war if I didn't."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPersephone gave an ungoddess like snort, "No one would take his declaration seriously. To go to war over a throne is ridiculous and everyone knows it. No one would risk their lives over something so foolish."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades grinned at her exclamation, "Let's hope you are right."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanShe got a very determined look on her face as she stated, "Well, either way. You will not have to give up your throne."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe tilted his head curiously at her, intending to ask what exactly she meant by that, but a sharp voice interrupted him./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Kora!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPersephone jumped slightly in surprise and her face got a moment's look of fear. But for once the fear wasn't directed at him./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanDemeter came striding towards them, a look of thunder on her face. Hades stood and instinctively placed an arm protectively in front of Persephone. She gripped the back of his tunic and he could feel her trembling through the fabric. Hades glanced back at her, a clear question in his eyes. Why was the girl so afraid of her mother?/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I was supposed to wait by the stables. Mother gets very angry when I don't obey." Her whispered voice filled with fear, filled Hades with anger. He turned to the thundering goddess, and determined that Persephone would not be punished for something so simple as going on a walk./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Kora! I thought I made it explicitly clear you were to wait by the…" Demeter's voice trailed off as she realized who exactly was standing with her daughter. "H-Hades!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe dipped his head to his younger sister, "Demeter."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThey stared at each other in silence. Demeter glanced almost frantically between him and her daughter. He finally broke the silence. "I saw your daughter waiting alone and asked if she might walk with me while we waited for your return."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"It didn't look like you were walking!" her snapping didn't hide her obvious fear of him./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPersephone stepped out from behind him slightly, "I asked that we might pause and sit for a moment. You know irises are my favorite."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanDemeter barely glanced at the flower before huffing, "Well I'm here now so come."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades heard Persephone sigh softly before saying, "Yes mother."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanOn a whim, he snagged her hand as she passed him and spun her around. Bending over her hand, he kissed her knuckles./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"It was a pleasure walking with you my Lady. I hope to be able to do it again in the future."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPersephone smiled, a blush rising to her cheeks, though her mother snapped, "Unlikely. This will be the last time Kora comes to Olympus."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHades straightened, his eyes never straying from hers as he murmured, "What a shame. Olympus will be much less brighter without you Persephone." Though he said it to get a rise from Demeter, he'd meant it./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Her name is Kora! Kora come!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanPersephone flinched slightly at her mother's tone but gave him a smile and murmured, "It was my pleasure Lord Hades. May the Fates bless you."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanHe reluctantly released her hand as she turned and followed her mother to the gardens entrance. For a reason he couldn't yet explain, her leaving left him feeling cold./p