A little look into the past. And because I know you all wanted to see Hades with Persephone again.

Also! For what I mentioned before, I want to know if people want to see our other side stories (for what we have written and plan to write. Along the lines of the stories surrounding Adonis/Ares/Aphrodite, Thanatos/OC, Eros/Psyche, the Trojan War, etc.). If you are interested in reading these as well, make sure you mention it (in a review, yes~?) and if there is no one interested or very few people, I will keep this story strictly Hades and Persephone (which will need a little editing but I can do that).

Let me know you guys!

And thanks for all our reviewers and watchers!

(1000 views! Hooray!)

Chapter Four

Reminiscing and Storytelling

Persephone

Persephone awoke the next morning to sunlight streaming into her little room. A smile burst on her face. She'd see Hades again!

Popping up eagerly, throwing her night dress over the sheets of her unmade bed, Persephone darted to her closet to pull out a dress, shoving it over her head. The red dress lay bunched at her hips, and she bounced about the room, trying to pull it down. Grabbing an undergarment from the drawer, she hiked that over her legs and hips, before setting to do her morning chores, tripping over the little rug on her way through her bedroom door. A bucket was taken from the kitchen (while knocking over a case of flour), and Persephone rushed outside to the stream by the house to fill it up, not noticing the little rocks in the bottom. Back into the cottage, spilling water over the floors as she ran, Persephone ended in the washroom. The girl then practically threw handfuls of water at her face, soaking the top of her dress, before deeming herself done and tossing the rest of the water out the window, leaving the bucket in the bathing room. If the bottom was terribly scratched now… well, that wasn't her fault.

Running back into her room, the child hastily combed at her hair, also tossing that onto her bed, ruffling out whatever strands she missed. Darting back into the kitchen, slamming her bedroom door, she took the broom from the right hand corner, rushing to sweep the floor (badly, and ignoring the flour bag that still remained on the ground). Whatever dust she managed to collect when right under the kitchen rug. Tossing the broom back into place, letting it fall instead of stand up straight, she opened the window curtains, opened the windows, and made haste in grabbing the feed, before finally letting herself out of the house.

With another slammed door, Persephone ripped open the bag her mother had carefully stitched, tossing the entirety of the contents, instead of just a few handfuls, into the chicken pen, not bothering to collect the eggs. She didn't need eggs anyway. Thinking she was done, Persephone practically sprinted, ready to get to the pomegranate tree, but over her padding, bare footsteps, she heard a faint 'moo'. Looking towards the edge of the valley, the Goddess had seen where her mother's cow had woken up to graze. Biting her lip, the girl actually paused to contemplate milking Helen.

She decided she didn't need milk right now either.

Tossing the empty bag over her shoulder, letting the wind pick it up, Persephone was gone, like a little red dart, easily leaving the borders of Demeter's home. As she ran, her little feet picked up mud from the morning dew on the grass, splashing against it in her haste. And she didn't stop running until she found herself in the same place she had been yesterday.

Panting, the girl leaned against the tree, smoothing out her curls, trying to get them from her face. She looked around the trunk though, finding herself disappointingly alone.

Where was Hades?

Hades

"You are early," Hades commented, his black toga only slightly disturbed by the wind that whipped around them. His hand slid to her shoulder then down her arm as her back was to him, his mouth brushing her soft curls. "Were you so eager to be here?" His face began to relax finally, looking curiously at the girl that had come here in a rush, searching around the tree in vain for her companion. Thus, his hand took hers, lifting it to kiss though her back was against his breast. "I missed you," he murmured, eyes closing. However, he turned her around and scooped her into his embrace.

She was so warm, this woman, her slight body curled against his breast and sweet-smelling hair against is lips. Her heart, he knew, he had to win. But the danger was always ever present. To upset Demeter was danger. It was true very few could rival him in pure power except Poseidon and Zeus. Even then the three brothers were careful, watchful so as to not step too hard on each other's toes. To go at odds with each other was dangerous. So equally matched, the only way to truly overcome the other was to have allies - that would mean bringing the other gods into the conflict as well. That was why Hades respected his brother as a ruler. Followed whatever orders he gave to him without a complaint - and asked of his permission. For should he go against the king, Zeus had near total control over the pantheon. And he also owed his brother his life.

Thus, Demeter was one important to Zeus - though the goddess felt very little for her brother. And Persephone as well was his daughter. This was something very delicate he was treading on - like upon broken glass with his bare feet. One wrong step and it would pierce his sole - and then to escape unharmed through the rest would be impossible. He would have to ask his brother for Persephone - but only after he was certain the young girl would not be horrified and angered by such a proposition. She had a firm bias against marriage that was instilled into her by her mother. He felt a pang of irritation towards the meddling goddess. She was far too over-protective of her daughter. Though, he knew that should he ever have a daughter, he would be protective of her as well - especially who she ended up with. But, he was hardly the best prospect for the girl. There were other gods who would gladly take this girl as their own. A pang of jealousy welled up in his heart. Though Demeter wanted her daughter single and a maiden, it wouldn't remain that way forever - the other gods wouldn't let such a woman alone.

His lips touched her forehead. "You seemed to have rushed here," he chuckled, tugging on her dress to right it completely then stroking her hair back. "You silly child, of course I would come for you." He looked down at her and gave her a faint smile. "So, I will do with you today whatever it is you want."

Persephone

Persephone spun around at the voice, eyes sparkling in the new-day sun. She hesitantly stepped out from beneath the trees. "My Lord?" A gentle hand came to her shoulder, and she felt a figure line up against her back, her smile content as she rested against him. "I… well, I was a little early, I suppose. I was very eager!" Persephone giggled, watching her hand rise from above her head to be kissed. She felt color rise in her cheeks, but for what reason, she was not sure. She had seen her Mama's hand kissed by her followers during festivals – it was natural. But for her, it felt… more intimate.

"I missed you too," The child breathed, finding it painfully true. The mist in her eyes left, though, as quickly as it came, as once more, his hands rested at her waist, lifting her ever so slightly off the ground to turn her. Now pressed, head to his breast, Persephone snuggled there contently.

"I dreamt about you!" The little Goddess grinned. "You've been all that is in my thoughts."

Closing her eyes slowly, savoring Hades' lips to her forehead, Persephone left out a contended hum. Eyes snapping open though at his next comment, the child nodded eagerly. "Oh, yes, yes, I did!" She pulled from him, her hair flowing back easily. "I was… nervous if I didn't get here on time… you might leave… and I would have hated that!" Shifting her legs so the god could tug down her dress easier, she crinkled her nose playfully. And even when he called her child, she let it pass. From all he said yesterday of her womanhood, Persephone just decided to assume it was a term of endearment. For the moment at least. She was far too pleased.

"Well…" She said. "I… I assume you are terribly busy… and don't have time to simply wait on me." Persephone chewed her lower lip, taking his hand. "I want to show you my home! I want to make you something anyway." She grinned, tugging at his fingers into her small ones. If there was one thing Persephone could do, it was bake. And she wanted terribly to bake for him. He looked to be a, if of any fruit, blueberry person. Something a bit sour though not terribly sweet.

As they walked, she chattered idly about her mother, the chickens, Helen… and that they once had a goat named Adera, but she had run off after a terrible storm. "But I've never eaten meat," Persephone continued. She seemed to walk only on her toes, really, if anything, the very top of the balls of her feet. Like a pixie. She barely made any noise is her footsteps. "Mama claims it is a terrible crime towards animals. Artemis, when she visits, says meat is only the best form of food." The child tittered. "I wouldn't know. But I like sweets! I like pies and pastries and cakes… too much, I think…"

As they entered into the valley, Persephone, holding Hades hand, allowing him in as well, the lushness of the ground seemed to triple. The grass was thick, soft, it felt like fur, the air sweeter, wind warmer. Another moo was heard and a cow snuffed from the distance, causing Persephone to flush. "I didn't milk her this morning…that is Helen, though. Isn't she lovely?" Persephone smiled.

"And these are the chickens!" She darted a bit faster, pulling him along towards the side of the fence."That is Elpida, Elpis, Elysia, Elissa, Erato, and Elene," She named off the clucking hens, every one of them fat and fussing, covered in hen feed. "Mama is going to be bringing in a rooster so we can have more chicks," Persephone turned around brightly. "Wouldn't that be nice?"

"And this is my house!" The cottage was small – laughable for one of the six original Olympians to live in… but this is where Demeter resided now, after giving up her mansion upon Olympus to raise Persephone in private.

The child opened the front door, pulling Hades in, before letting it shut, padding into the little hallway. The cottage was nicely decorated. Homey. Very mortal though. It was not meant for luxury. "That is the kitchen," Persephone pointed through one door. "The living room." She pointed to the left. In the living room lay a single lounge and two chairs, covered in quilts Demeter had made. Other little pots rested in the window, a few sunflowers growing. "My room," Persephone gestured his time down the hall, with an actual wood door covering the inside view. "And next door is Mama's." The girl's eyes widened. "You're painting is actually in Mama's room! Two of them!" She bounced up lightly, before landing with a little thud. "But I want get started on a pie before showing you…" The girl frowned for but a moment. "Well, I'll show you it, while the pie bakes, if you'd like to see!" Jerking the pair into the kitchen, Persephone dusted her dress off.

The kitchen… was decent. It had a rug over the entire floor, a small stove, a sink, a few counter tops, and a little table in the middle. In the far left corner of that room, as Persephone led them in to get a better look, there was a hatch leading to the cellar. "Things actually get quite cool there. It preserves milk, butter, and eggs for a few extra days." She pointed out, flushing as she finally saw the flour pack she had knocked over earlier, rushing to pick it up, as well as the broom.

"I'm going to grab a few things! Give me one moment!" Almost shoving him to the seat (in an attempt to be a good hostess), Persephone bounced to the hatch, opening it. She gave one last smile before padding down the stairs, leaving Hades alone, only momentarily, to his thoughts.

Hades

Hades lifted a brow when she said that she had dreamt about him. It lowered, however, when she said that he had ever been in her thoughts. His hand lifted and came to rest on top of her head. "You will tell me about it, yes?" he asked, head cocked to the side. His lips parted though they did not pull up into a smile. A sudden memory rushed through his mind at seeing her face, touching her head. Hecate, her body crouched between his legs... He stiffened and turned his head away some as he slicked his bangs back. No, it was time to forget that. Especially since such a thing was humiliating to his young companion. He lifted a lock of her hair in his fingers and let its smooth texture slid over his cool fingers. He gazed at the strands, speaking once more without lifting his eyes. "I would not leave, dear one. I would wait until you came to me. No matter how long it would have taken." With that, he wasn't lying.

Then, she was off on another subject. He gave a weak, crooked smile at that, a pleased expression on that face. "Yes, alright. I will see where you live." He followed after her, politely listening to everything she had to say. However, when they reached the edge of the valley, he stopped, hand lifting to brush over the edge of what Demeter had erected as protection. He frowned and brushed it aside like a pollen seed in the wind. Persephone didn't seem to notice so he said nothing. The amount of life there was almost stifling. The grass seemed to tremble beneath him but since he moved forward, it did not wilt away in death. Demeter's power was strong here - even though she wasn't present.

"Yes, it would be nice," he agreed. "Perhaps there will be another rooster born from that. Though, I am not very knowledgeable with these things." The home they lived in was quite simple - not extravagant in the least. Rather, it seemed to fit his sister completely. Persephone was raised in such a tiny place. What would she think of his far more extravagant home? She would have to get used to it, however.

"Painting?" he asked, brows pulled together. "Two of my paintings?" That he didn't fully comprehend but let it pass. It wasn't like he disliked his sister - no, that was the opposite. He was only irritated with her for hiding her daughter and in how she raised her - and for some other things of course. An entirely biased view that would make her transition very difficult and painful. She didn't honestly think Persephone could always remain a maiden? The goddesses who professed it had their own difficulties - especially since they were all great beauties. Demeter herself had wished to remain a maiden - but Zeus obviously hadn't allowed that to remain, he thought grimly. That was another thing he had to put on the list he owed his brother. That peeved him a bit.

He sat down, looking a bit surprised but didn't resist her. "Persephone, I don't-" He stopped since she was gone. He sighed and rubbed at his temple with two fingers. Being here in her hut made him weary. It wasn't enough to harm him in anyway but was like a great pressure behind his eyes. The air was thick rather than hollow as it was in his realm. She would suffocate where he came from, he realized suddenly.

But, then, he closed his eyes and exhaled. As his breath left his lips, the air grew static then seemed to soundlessly explode outwards. Nothing was harmed but the fragments of her rushed departure vanished, leaving the place pristine and clean. His thumb ran over his lip, hardly fazed by the tiny sliver of power that slid from his being. Even in Demeter's haven, he could use his power, though the reaction of the explosion showed he couldn't do it completely freely. He smiled absently. Dear Demeter, he wondered when she would return. Hopefully not for some time.

Persephone

Persephone scuffled about the tiny cellar, pulling out a stick of cooled butter. Tucking that under her arm, she moved to go under the stairs, sliding out a basket of blueberries and a single lemon. With the blueberries and butter under one arm, the lemon in her hand, she went back up and opened the hatch. "The blueberries are…" Persephone started, but sniffed at the air. There was no soft warmness anymore in the home. She furrowed her brows. It was almost a bit chilly. The air was… spread out. It was thin. Persephone shrugged her shoulders, shivering ever so slightly… but trying to ignore it. "Fresh," She finished with her warm smile, setting the ingredients upon the counter, taking the flour pack she had previously knocked off.

And they were fresh. Behind the house, even if you looked out these kitchen windows, you could see the vastness of Demeter's garden. Almost anything one could want grew there. Fruits and vegetables, wheat. Bushes and trees, even. But in one little section of the garden was Persephone's own flower patch. Roses bloomed there. Sunflowers, and tulips, baby's breath and poppies. It was overflowing with flowers. Flowers that were periodically spread out through the little house. She would show him the garden later.

Going past Hades, Persephone stood on her tiptoes, her rear sticking out, parting the cupboards to grab a bowl. Once she had that, she went back to the counter, before popping under, pulling out a sugar bag, as well as the salt. A very rare ingredient to find, salt. Pulling the drawer open to her right, Persephone took out a knife, chopping the large stick in half, and chopping that half into little, tiny pieces, tossing them into the bowl.

"The paintings… they're portraits," Persephone tittered. "One of the first five Olympians, when you were younger – mama couldn't be more than seven… and the other of all of you. They are both very nice paintings." Tossing a few handfuls of flour into the bowl, she added a handful of sugar, and just a hint of salt. Going back into the drawer, she reached for a fork, mixing the dry ingredients together. Finally, going back into the cupboard, Persephone took the distilled, cooking water, tossing just a splash in the bowl. Mixing once more, she hummed gently, plump lips pressed tightly together.

"Mama has many nice things. Necklaces and tiaras… soft robes… I think they are togas made of what she calls 'silk'. She has the prettiest pairs of earrings, and trinkets she claims Uncle Poseidon had used for…" Persephone struggled for the word. "For 'courting'." Persephone smiled. "Mama says he was the most annoying of you all, but I think she thought it was sweet. I did when she told me!" Finally done, she dug her hands into the concoction, rolling it into a ball.

Wiping down the bowl with a towel, Persephone took the other half of the butter, warming it in her hands, plopping it in. Then the blueberries. With the lemon, she sliced it, squeezing out one half of its juice into the mixing bowl. Taking large handfuls of sugar, throwing that in as well, Persephone mixed it all together again with the fork. With her index finger, she grabbed some of the goop, sticking it in her mouth to make sure it was sweet enough.

"Have you ever courted someone?" Persephone asked thoughtlessly. She could imagine Hades giving this perfect person she had previously imagined gifts. For some reason, the thought put a little frown to her face.

With the ball of dough still on the table, the Goddess cut it in half, and started kneading it out (a bit harsher than she had intended). Both sides, Persephone let sit on the counter, while she went to grab a pie pan. Back over to the other side of the room, once more on her toes, she padded back to lay what she had made into the firm container.

Once the bottom dough had been patted down, Persephone poured in the contents of the pie, before spreading the overtop sheet over it. With three little cuts to the top, she appraised it softly, nodding her approval.

"How do you court someone? It can't all just be gifts, yes? There has to be... conversations... and... mutual likes and dislikes... Can you court friends? Can you make friends by courting?" Persephone giggled, but yet, she tried so hard to remember what Aphrodite said in her rare passing's. Opening the little stove her Mama had handmade, the child leaned down into it, pressing her hands to the wooden logs on the bottom. Her bits of magic gave a light flame, and she blew on it to let it grow stronger. Taking the pie pan, she popped it into the hearth, closing it with a thud.

"There!" She patted her floury hands off on her dress, leaving small prints in the course fabric.

Hades

"Courted anyone?" Hades asked as he stood, moving behind her. His arm slid beneath hers as the other wound around her waist. Dipping his finger into her dish, he scooped some out and placed it in his mouth. His fingers splayed against her abdomen and he chuckled. In a playful manner, his teeth lightly found her earlobe. "Of course," he responded. "But the one I wish to court has outwitted me. For I must find another way to win her heart than would be most women." He stole another bite but this time popped it into her own mouth. His brows lifted and he allowed her freedom to move, watching her with curious eyes. Her question brought a frown to her own face and he found that incredibly amusing. Thus, when she finished, he grabbed her hand suddenly and spun her around. He kissed her soundly on the mouth.

"Why do you frown, dear one?" he asked against her lips. "Does it distress you that there is a woman I am courting for her love? Her love I wish for dearly." He pulled back some, his thumb against her bottom lip. His black eyes were on her face, though they were not at all dark. "When a man courts a woman, dear Kore, he wishes to win her heart. That she would love him as a woman, to have for marriage. Of course... each woman is different, and vies for different things." He bent in again and lightly touched his lips to hers. "Do you like pretty things, Persephone? Would it please you to have silk gowns, and jewels at your throat and brow?"

However, he gently kissing her throat this time. "Ah, I do not think you can court friends, Persephone, unless you wish that friend to become your lover. No, to court a woman is to try and make her his wife." His eyes lifted to hers and he kept his hand at her hip with his other caressing her cheek. But, that hand at her hip moved, lifting so his palm was face-up. Then, within it appeared the shimmering form of a glistening emerald. As it solidified, its many facets glimmered in the light, working as prism. It was set in red-gold metal like a blooming bud. Attached to a chain, it would rest around the neck and settle just above her breasts to nestle in their gentle curve. His other hand lowered to clasp it around her neck.

"Well?" he inquired as he looked down at her. "Does this piece please you? You mentioned before you had no wish for these things, but I thought such a tiny trinket would only serve to reveal the woman you hide behind your smile and sunny eyes." He kissed the necklace that rested above her breasts, warm breath rushing over her skin to raise goose bumps. "Your mother liked to be courted it seemed, though she was not fond of your uncle. Ah, Poseidon... must have loved Demeter and wished to be her lover rather than your father. Your mother is a stubborn woman, however, and nearly impossible to move."

He straightened and waved his hand some by his face. "Now, what is it you wanted to show me? I cannot wait to see it. You make me wait." His smile showed itself again, still faint and trying to completely break through.

Persephone

Persephone had trouble batting Hades hands from the pie batter, finding herself in laughing fits, easily ticklish. "No, no, you mustn't!" She chortled. Persephone only giggled because he teased so at her ear! At her belly! Finding his finger her mouth, she sucked upon it, giving it a playful nip, her eyes twinkling as she struggled to get away from his devilish fingers and teeth. Still… Persephone was curious who Hades was courting. It bothered her in ways she did not understand, as she licked the remains of blueberry from her lips, once freed.

"You'll ruin the filling, you terrible man!" She scolded, though she had to wipe the giggly tears from her cheeks, unable to conceal her pleased little smile. Once she had plopped the pie in, though, she found herself spun into the God's arms, a gasp leaving her as their lips crashed together. Persephone sighed, sinking against him, her eyes closing. Her lips parted ever so slightly against him, hand coming to balance herself against his shoulder. She was finding this a normal part of their routine, and was working on not letting it surprise her. As if rewarded for her efforts of not panicking, the next moment, Hades released from her ever so slightly, his breathe still whispering over her mouth.

"It is for marriage then?" Persephone asked gently. She hardly understood sex and marriage (a little bit better than before, thanks to Hades)… she certainly couldn't assume that people actually had sex without intentions of marrying! Only, it was an odd case for her Mama. "Only for marriage?" Her lips tingled as his thumb pad brushed her mouth slowly, and she gently took that bottom lip back from his fingers, and into the safe haven of her mouth. Watching him blindly, trustingly, she couldn't help but continue to outrageously smile in his presence. Yes, his response seemed to be directly only towards marriage. Persephone was proud to be right. And when his lips touched hers once more, she shivered lightly, but made no move to stop him.

His question though did catch her off guard.

"Um…" The child flushed deeply. She did like pretty things. She loved to wear her mother's jewels, and touch at her robes. To pretend she was very wealthy and very lovely. But she didn't want to be greedy, and Mama said girls who asked for such things were just that: greedy. She was taught not to be. And she certainly did not want to be gifted expensive things… for what was she to do with them, other than break or lose them?

"I... think they are very…" She swallowed, clearly uncomfortable with answering, not wanting to lie… but not wanting to give herself up for her fantasies. "Nice things to have…and it would please me to have them… but I don't need them!" Persephone sputtered. "I really am not asking for them! And… in any case, Lord Hades, I am…. not the woman for those. I don't… I don't think I'd care for them well." Her spine straightened as Hades kissed at her throat, eyes widening – she had started to get used to kissing upon the lips, but anywhere else was new to her. None of the other Goddesses had ever done so. It was a new experience. The little Goddess tried to pay attention to what Hades said though, really did, but was having trouble. She tried to slow her breathing, her heart rate, but they were much too fast. Persephone's body was stiff, yet she stayed upright to do his hand against her hip, other at her cheek. Finally, as he pulled from her throat, Persephone could relax, her belly no longer doing flips, her lids lowering slightly. Watching his fingers, his hand open for her, she stared curiously, knowing he would do a form of magic for her. As she stared intently, brows furrowing, cutely leaving a wrinkle on the bridge of her nose, she gasped. It was… stunning… and large and…

"Oh, gods!" Persephone watched how beautiful it formed, the flower like creation. She glanced up at Hades to find him already settling it around her neck, clasping it in place. Persephone almost didn't believe he was putting it on her, having to look down to find the necklace upon her throat. She shook her head, eyes blown to a new proportion as she reached a hand for it. "You can't, you mustn't!" She stroked the reddish metal in a childlike wonder, her breasts heaving, feeling the weight set in between them. "I can't accept this!" But she wanted to. "It's far too grand for me!" … Oh, it was pretty though! This time though, her thoughts and words coincided "How dare you call this tiny? You think this is tiny?!" She poked him the chest, as if furious he would even say such a thing, her neck craning as he kissed at the center point, nipples hardening as he breathed against her.

Calming down for a moment, she took the elder God's face in her hands, raising him up to meet her eyes. "I can't." Persephone murmured. "It's too fine. This is not meant for me. This is meant for women like Mama… or your beloved." She watched him so intensely, blue eyes dark, that it almost seemed she understood his intentions.

Almost.

And knowing he would not take his gift back, her lips parted softly as she exhaled all the turmoil she felt. "Thank you," Persephone murmured, meaningfully, no mirth in her voice, for once, sounding like an adult… sounding… mature. She was honestly thanking him, thanking him for treating her as a woman. For trusting her with finery. For… this moment, this gift. "I love it. I will never, ever lose it." She promised him ardently.

Her face broke into a smile once more, as she bounced up to kiss his chin. "I wanted to show you the portraits." Taking his hand, she couldn't find herself able to laugh and bounce her way to her mother's room. She was thinking. Really thinking. About what hung between her breasts. How kind Hades was to her. What had she done to deserve such a thing? She felt terrible for it, as if it truly was a burden to give, what was to Hades, a speck of dust from his vast collection. How terribly special she felt. How terribly mean she felt as well, thinking she must have unintentionally tricked him into parting with this treasure.

Opening up her mother's door solemnly, Persephone led Hades in, allowing him to explore as she sat upon her mother's bed. In the room, it was clear to anyone but Persephone, clear to anyone who knew Demeter previously, how terribly the Earth Goddess missed Olympus. Trinkets could be found. Fine things she no longer wore – that made no sense in her life now. Tiaras were placed meticulously in a small bookshelf, the ivory crows and metal leaves twining that once rested on her forehead – things Hephaestus had made for her when she chose to buy. Jewelry, stunning as the jewel around Persephone's throat, from Hades' realm, purchased by Poseidon or others, sometimes Demeter herself, lay in an open jewelry box. Warm colors rested mostly – reds and oranges, yellows and browns. The jewels ranged from necklaces, to bracelets, to earrings (Persephone's favorite were the leaf shaped ones), even to little rings and bobbles to adorn in hair.

In the closet, far right, hung dozens of dresses, most like Persephone's: course and ready for work. Aprons for cooking, long sleeved things to protect her when weeding… the likes. On the other side though rested Demeter's favorite council outfits. Rich silks and fine satins were only some of the alignments. Soft and sultry velvets lay within, as well as fur robes (though Demeter would claim she had never knew them to be real). On the floor of the room rested her leather sandals, painted with real gold and silvers. Demeter had once been truly elegant, truly vain and happy in femininity… once in her life. Persephone had changed everything. And Demeter was not sorry for it… but it did not mean she was not allowed to reminisce.

But what Persephone wanted to show was upon the walls she pointed towards. There lay a few framed portraits along: a few of Demeter, teenaged (commissioned by Rhea), and one adult (commissioned by Zeus), but two were of the children of Cronus and Rhea. The first one was strange… and endearing. There lay the lineup of all the children: Hades had only been… mid-teens. Hestia was next to follow, only two or so years younger. Poseidon had just barely entered his pre-teen years. Then came Demeter, a young girl, and finally, Hera, the youngest at only three or four.

And all of them, all of them were covered in paint.

Demeter had told the story once to Persephone. How everyone had lined up for a painting of the royal children. That Hades and Hestia would stand in the back, strong and proud, Poseidon and she would share the middle: clever and growing, and little Hera would be right in front, young and innocent, but one day would match her siblings. The entire portrait had meant to be a message of a strong household, Cronus had wanted, and that had been the plan.

Until Demeter had grown bored.

Rhea, Persephone's grandmother, the mother of the original Olympians, had taken so long to discuss the portrait with the painter – she had known Cronus wanted it to be perfect. They had chattered on and on in the corner of the main ballroom, and Demeter, meanwhile, was having trouble standing still. She hadn't meant to do any damage; really, Persephone could recall her mother telling her, with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

I had slowly slid from my place in the triangular shape we children had been forced to stand. The paints had just been sitting there, just sitting on the ground, so I had gently made my way over to the different colored cartons. I was just trying to entertain myself. I remember looking back, though, and Hestia, your eldest aunt, gave me such a reprimanding look. She had whisper-shouted at me something like… like… "Get back here, Demmie! You're going to get in trouble!" But, I of course, didn't listen… and she couldn't come get me without also stepping out of the line. And if she stepped out of the line, she would be in more trouble… because she was old enough to 'know better'.

Anyway, I had dipped a hand into this blue paint, and had started painting our castle, a little doodle really, upon the marble of the floor. I looked up towards my mother to make sure she was still busy chatting. It was such a large ballroom, I wondered if she could even see me! I barely saw her. But Poseidon had called my name out while I was watching, probably in that same whisper-shout. He always was looking to impress Hades and Hestia.

I turned around too quickly, and the wet paint on my hand had flung straight at my little sister, Hera. She, a few years younger than I, was not having that. No… Hera never had anything. And so she had stormed her little self over, grabbed a handful of green paint, and plastered that in my hair. It all turned to chaos there.

Paint was flung, and soon, Poseidon was in this little, silent 'war' as well. The three of us were just tossing and tossing paint. I was every color of the rainbow! Hestia and Hades had finally come over to grab us, knowing that the damage was done, but trying to put an end to it to save us all from future punishment. They ended up in battle as well. Or at least colored. Because no one had mercy on them. We threw paint at their faces and hair, their clothes. I can't even remember, Kore, if they had joined in, but they were just as messy as us in the end!

And then, my Mother, had decided then she had enough of talking.

When she looked upon us, there was… the most terrible silence for what seemed like minutes! No one moved. No one breathed. And then my mother had started laughing. And she laughed, and she laughed, and she laughed. Now, in the past few years before this, Kore, my Mother had been having… difficulties. She always played with us, took care of us, loved us, and of course but her smiles and chuckles never touched her eyes. This time they did. She couldn't stand the sight of us. She was bent over, even! And we, the children, just stared at her, unsure what to do.

She declared suddenly that we were to be painted 'Just like that! Just like they are! They are entirely too precious for words!' Our positions changed and our little triangle was dismissed. I got to sit upon my brother Hades' shoulders trying to further 'purple' his hair; Hestia was holding up Hera, as she worked designs into my eldest sister's cheek; and Poseidon stood in the middle of us all, the proud little monkey he was, his face every single color.

And we were painted, just like that. My mother laughed the entire session, she laughed so hard she cried.

It was… my favorite memory, I think.

Persephone giggled lightly, remembering the story.

The next portrait was also joyous. But in a more refined way. Zeus was in the portrait, in all his glory. He was in his late teen years at that time, Hades in his early to mid-thirties, Poseidon in his late twenties, though they would all stop aging mid-thirties. Some sooner, some later – it depended, but they all ended around the same time period. Zeus stood in the middle, Poseidon at his right, Hades at his left. All three wore their armor, the battle having ended only hours before – the portrait was commemoration. They wore their new, distinguished crowns, each holding their new gifts: Poseidon held the Trident, Zeus the Lightning Bolt, and Hades the Helm of Invisibility.

Demeter, Hera, and Hestia knelt in the front, Hera in the middle, Demeter to the right, and Hestia to the left. They too wore forms of armor, more feminine, but just as damaged, just as battle-worn. Each woman was proud, weary, but excited. Excited for their new lives. The three held their custom created swords, proud to hold rank with their brothers. All six were glorious in the painting.

"See?" Persephone smiled brightly, still fingering the necklace. "You reside in a way here as well. Does it bring you joy?" She stood from the bed, entangling their fingers as she once more grasped his hand.

Hades

Hades gave her a playful grin when she called him a terrible man and tried to bat him away. "It was good, though," he protested. Her giggly face pleased him greatly. Her smile never ceased to thrill him, especially when he was the one to cause it. Thus, when she moved to put the pie in, he looked her over curiously before she was once more in his arms. She no longer was startled by his impromptu kisses, luckily, and didn't seem to dislike it. A bit confused, perhaps, but not upset by them. "Mhmm... Only for marriage, dear one," he responded as she seemed triumphant at being right for once. "People marry because they love each other. A man courts a woman to try and make her love him as much as he loves her." At least, that was the theory, of course. As it should be. He wasn't going to confuse things for the girl. Especially since she was struggling over concepts already. To say that wasn't always the case, it would probably put the poor girl into a spiral. Might as well keep things simple and to soften her to these ideas. It really was quite difficult, really. Since she always saw them as an outside idea rather than something that could apply to her.

What was she so upset about? His smile dimmed some as she began to stutter, growing uncomfortable and trying to sugar her words. Hm. Well, she really didn't seem to like the kiss on her throat. Her body was very stiff before him so when he pulled back, she visibly relaxed. There were many reasons for that and he hoped they were the good ones indeed. She accepted his kisses by now so slowly making her comfortable to his touch was the best way to go. Not to go to fast and make her head spin or push him away. One step at a time.

The necklace he hadn't truly created out of nothing - rather, with what was existing, he brought it to himself, melding before her eyes to its original form, into what now rested around her neck. He never could have expected such a violent reject. He blinked dumbly at her as she protested vehemently, going so far as telling him he could not do such a thing and she couldn't accept this. His eyes looked a little hurt at that but he felt a little wrench when she said it was for someone like her mother or his beloved. A memory came down heavy in his mind and he shook his head some. Mother and daughter. "But you are beloved to me," he disagreed, the emerald shimmering before her eyes and changing its very substance - from emerald to sapphire. The facets seemed to wilt before forming out into the shape of a carved rose. He nodded his head. "There, is that better, then?" It also appeared somewhat smaller that way, very delicate but would never break. A rose, it fit her much better. And the blue, just like her eyes. Then, she accepted it. His face softened and he nodded. "I'm glad," he breathed. "And, it is not too great for you. It is perfect for you, dear Persephone. I want you to have it. I trust you." Then, she kissed his chin and he gave her a crooked grin, looking almost sheepish.

Then, not surprisingly, his flighty little bird led him to her mother's to show him the portraits. He followed after her and felt some sudden apprehension at entering Demeter's room. But, he allowed her anyway and looked around for a moment. The goddess appeared almost homesick. The remnants of her old home still there. However, his eyes were immediately drawn to the portraits. He moved to the first. His siblings in their young years before Zeus was born. He felt some sorrow at the thought as his hand lifted and gently slid over the canvas. The artist who painted it was unparalleled. It was so lifelike it was almost a photograph, catching the emotions so well and the scene as if he were there again. He had not seen this in... ages. His thumb lifted to stroke over the picture of the second youngest then - Demeter. Her red hair and sunny expression as she painted his hair a fine shade of purple. It was very visible in his black hair. Yet, he was grinning up at her with his face filled with affection for the little girl. He had dearly loved her, Demeter. Even when she was no longer the baby of the family. And she was quite content sitting on his shoulders with her fingers pulling at his hair. She was far dirtier than he was.

He remembered it as well. The painter had been, at first, furious because his paints were being played with until mother stepped in. Hades had been absolutely horrified upon being found. As the eldest, he was supposed to watch out for his younger siblings. And yet, mother, dear mother, laughed. However, Demeter, being so young, would not have remembered what happened afterwards. When father had seen the picture. What he had wanted, was to show the strength of his household but what he got was the exact opposite. His father's madness first began to show itself through bouts of uncontrollable rage and paranoia. Cronus had not been at all happy with the disaster. The painting itself was filled with good memories but for Hades, was mixed with something much darker behind it. Cronus had been absolutely infuriated and mother got the burnt of that anger. Hades, as the eldest, was also not saved from that anger. This was before the consumption of their essences. First Hestia... then Poseidon and Demeter. Finally Hera before himself. He had been his father's pride though also his greatest enemy. Zeus, as a child, had been in hiding the moment he was born... mother knowing immediately what he would mean and so would Cronus. It was he who raised the child until the day Cronus found out and he too met the fate of his siblings. But it was Zeus who accomplished what he could not and freed them. It was only natural that it would be he who would take the position of greatest authority... stealing it from him.

And yet, that happy picture sat next to one that was only pure bitter feelings for the god of the underworld. There, the grown children of the Titans. Their glowing faces so perfectly captured by the painter. However, Hades did not share that same expression. Rather, he had no smile, familiarly cold and not focused on any of his siblings. He stood next to Zeus in all of his glory. But, that face that was his own was bitter, but also pulled in a deep sorrow. However, there was no pride there, only a sense of loss - it was that loss that brought bitterness to his eyes. He could remember the meaning behind that expression so clearly - their old lives destroyed to be replaced by their own hands.

Not long before, the ten year long Titanomachy had ended. A series of great and terrible battles before humanity even existed. Though young, the siblings finally overthrew the giants and cast them down. Bittersweet. His family destroyed except for his younger siblings he held so dear. But everything began to change when the crown as placed on Zeus' head rather than his own. Zeus was the great hero who saved them all - and won from him position as king of the gods. The day, was so very clear in his mind for many reasons, especially one...

"Shut up, you baby, and let me help you. Your whimpering is driving me mad!" Hera growled at her brother. Hades winced, biting into his tongue as a ripple of pain flushed over his face. He was sitting down with her beside him. Her hand rested on his upper arm and the other on a long piece of metal that appeared to very well be the remains of a weapon imbedded in his arm. She finally tugged it out completely and his head jerked away, spasm of pain through his body though he refused to cry out due to it. She dropped it to the ground and tied up the wound. It would heal quickly, at least. "Better?" she asked, face finally softening as her hand rested on his shoulder. He lifted his head and grimaced - something that turned into a weak and hollow smile.

"Yeah," he agreed, glancing up to see a woman in glittering armor walk nearby, her eyes focused on his face in an expression he did not recognize. That hollow face, those eyes that watched him as if he were a total stranger. But, his face brightened and he smiled at her. Since before the Titanomachy she had been his beloved, the one he had desired to sit at his side upon the throne. His sister, the fiery little red-head. So as his eyes met her, Demeter coldly looked away, moving at a stately pace that quite clearly stated dismissal. His smile vanished immediately to be replaced by a deep frown and Hera glanced to see what he was looking at. All she saw was Demeter's back. She rolled her eyes though she looked a trifle jealous. He knew she deeply loved their youngest brother, the hero Zeus. But Zeus' heart belonged to another woman and that woman - a nymph - he would marry. A daughter of Oceanus. And to see that love between her siblings made her bitter. But there was nothing... absolutely nothing he could do about that. "Bite your tongue, Hades," she told him as he stood and went after the goddess.

"Demeter," he called, easily catching up with her to grab her slender wrist in his hand. It was due to this that she was pulled to a stop and jerked her hand in response to his grip. "Let go of me," she said very calmly with her fiery hair falling some in front of her eyes. Had he done wrong? He did not understand the meaning behind such a terribly cold expression, an expression that revealed her great distance from him. She had fought long and hard at his side and he had promised her that at the end of this war he would marry her. But, then, suddenly... when the war finally came to an end and the Titans cast to the depths of Tartarus, she looked towards him with an expression of distance and anger.

"What is wrong?" he asked with concern, not releasing her wrist in his earnestness. "Has something happened?" He drew her closer and finally released her wrist to instead tilt her head back. His lips touched hers. What he did not expect, however, would be how she would react to what had once been a sweet touch to her. His loved one jerked her head back from him, lifting her head to slap him across the face. Hades tensed, his eyes filling with shock as his head snapped to the side. A trail of blood spilled down his cheek from where the metal of her armor had cut him. "Do not touch me," she told him as she backed away from him. "It's over, Hades. You hear me? Have you ignored every word I have sworn to you? Will you ignore the reality of our situation in favor of mindless dreams that can never come true? Our beautiful world from before is gone, Hades! We cannot look to the future and plan for good things when this world is in tatters because of us and you have lost everything. Zeus is King now. I do not belong in the realm of the dead, Hades, you know that! With Gaia gone, it is my duty to be the goddess of the earth." Her face grew hot and she turned away from his stunned face. "You are an idiot. Thinking that I would marry you when you will become the king of the underworld. Me, the earth goddess! You are a selfish bastard..."

"You were supposed to be mine," he said at last, head lifting fully to look her in the eyes. His face was filled with grief. He knew these things, of course he knew these things. But did that mean he was supposed to give her up because he had lost his throne to be cast to another? Was that the extent of her love for him? "Just because I am king of the underworld doesn't mean-"

"It means everything!" she snapped, backing away. "Forget everything, forget me, Hades. It's over and you already knew that! Do not make me slave to your will by dragging me down to your realm. I am needed here and I will never step foot there." Her back was on him and she left without another word. Hades remained where he was, standing there with his face blank. He knew it was true. He couldn't force Demeter to live in the realm of the dead. She belonged above the earth amongst the life there. His jaw soon tightened along with his fists. Grief was replaced by fury. It was him. It was all his fault... he took from what was rightly his by birth because he was the...

Chosen one? His fist slammed into the remains of a pillar beside him that crumbled away to collapse on the ground. Her words still stung him as he heard his brother call out his name. Zeus, appearing with his youthful face filled with a broad grin. He grabbed his elder brother and pulled him into a tight hug. Hades was unresponsive. "Come, brother!" he laughed. "You are needed. You do not think I will let you get out of it. Not as my elder brother." Zeus, just filled with total joy and excitement. His brother, his king. He didn't seem to notice his elder brother's sudden new mood but instead brought him to where the others were. Demeter was sitting quite obviously the opposite of him. She was needed... to restore the earth that had been mutilated in the battles that occurred over ten years. Under his arm he held clutched his helm, his brother at his side. A great hollow formed in his chest and his gaze went blank. And mother was gone now... because of that bastard of a father. His heart overflowed with grief but this time, his mother wasn't there to soothe him. Because of Zeus... he lost his love. He would descend to the depths of the dead where he belonged. The crown at his brow felt suddenly very heavy...

There, in that picture, he was, in appearance, about the same age he was now. But, his hair was short, cut raggedly about his head. His skin wasn't pale either because he hadn't spend centuries beneath the earth. It was a rich bronze color, his body just as strong as his brother's. Muscled, broad, and powerful. That face was strong and not weighed by his troubles by the world - at least not as much. He could clearly see why she hadn't recognized him right away as her uncle. Then came her question. His eyes closed. "Yes," he breathed softly. "It is good to know I still hold a big enough place in her heart she would allow me to hang here on the wall." He kissed her fingers and slowly opened his eyes. "Thank you for showing these to me, Persephone." Perhaps that was just the type of woman he liked, he thought glumly. First the mother, than the daughter. A pang rose in his heart. Zeus even, he suddenly realized, took what he had always wanted while young. He took Demeter to bed - whether she was willing or not. He bent down and rested his head on top of hers. He hated his brother. He hated him with all that he was. Zeus had known Demeter rejected him, who of them didn't? She was beautiful, a perfect goddess who would be the finest of wives. Both Zeus and Poseidon went after her. Only he had no chance - she could not live in the underworld. She refused to. He had always wondered why she refused to marry... he knew, and believed, it was not because of him. What a bitter thought. Of course she didn't. If she truly loved him, she would have come with him to the underworld.

"Let us go somewhere else," he urged her as he straightened. "There must be something you wish to do."

Broken this section into two parts. Would be far too long otherwise!