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Who would have thought that it would only take a single gathering to renew a great portion of what was lost?
The Gods and Goddesses are currently chatting idly in the great dining hall. It was undeniably unexpected that Hera would once more eat in breakfast with them and it was even more miraculous that she had whipped up all the food in the table.
When the invitation of Hera reached Poseidon and Hades in their own realms through her messenger, Iris, they didn't harbored any second thoughts in accepting it. Bringing their wives with them, they went for the grand palace of Olympus with happiness reigning over their hearts. Centuries have passed since Hera last invited them and though it was a simple breakfast, it was a favourable hint that the she might be having a change of heart.
Though Hera remained silent as usual, a genuine smile was plastered on her face and nothing else contrasts with it. She watched contently as her siblings and children interact merrily with one another like how they used to.
"Your dishes are incomparable to any as ever, dear sister. I would choose this over ambrosia anytime!" Poseidon complimented and Amphitrite winked in approval.
"I don't mind coming every day here for a meal as divine as this." Hades agreed further and Hera couldn't help but laugh at them and all their praises over her cooking. They used to jest on how she was bad at them and now they are ironically and openly praising it. The room became deathly quiet at once as all eyes focused and widened at the queen, her soft laughter echoed through the room. Even Ares who was always making a fuss became silenced by his mother's sudden laughter.
Hera looked so jubilant and it wasn't a thing you could see every day. She had slowly desisted in laughing as she saw the surprised look in their faces.
"I . . ." Eileithiya broke the quietude but she instantly dreaded it. She wanted to express how she would do anything just to hear Hera laugh like that everyday but she couldn't find the words. All eyes were now on her and they were filled with understanding.
They all have the same thought and all judged that it was best that one of her children to impart it.
Eileithyia, being the eldest legitimate daughter of Hera, took it upon herself since her brother was never the showy type.
Hebe gently squeezed her hand for reassurance and she turned to Eris who encouragingly patted her in the back. For god's sake, since when did speaking to her own mother become so difficult and awkward? She felt stupid for fussing over it as she loved her mother so much and she must be hurt inside to see how alienated she had become from her.
"I would love for this to happen again!" Eileithyia exclaimed as she nervously fidgeted her fingers. "Perhaps not only tomorrow but every single day . . . . With you as happy like this, mother." She continued and she looked at her mother with passion blazing in her eyes. She didn't care whether it was already too melodramatic because that was what she felt. She was never the one to fear criticism and what others will think of her.
For years, she had desperately tried to reach her mother from the abyss she had sunken into.
Somehow now, she had finally reached her.
Hera's heart was throbbing in fulfillment as she heard those words from her daughter.
No words would ever be sweeter than of your children's sincere sentiments.
"The feeling is more than mutual and I would never again miss it for the world." Hera replied and stood up with her chalice raised. The others followed and raised their own cups.
"Here is to our great and happy family!" Hera cheered and everyone raised their own cups in great acceptance.
Eris, Hebe, Eileithyia, Hephaestus and even Ares went to embrace their mother cordially. Hera returned their embrace with all of the yearnful love she had failed to express to them over the time that had passed. As for her children, they were deeply touched by their mother's warmth. They all instantly felt like they were born yesterday.
Little children who never want to stray from their mother ever again.
Masculine tears drew out from the eyes of Ares as he held his mother and sisters in his arms. Everyone laughed at the unlikeliness of the God of War crying. He never thought he could ever hug his mother again and he was profusely thanking the Fates for this moment. Hera benignly lifted their embraces and gave them a motherly kiss on each of their foreheads.
"I love all of you my dear children. I will always be here for each and every one of you." She lovingly reminded them and she felt a light tap on her shoulder. She turned around to see Poseidon and Hades smiling at her with their arms open.
"Don't we deserve a hug too, little sister?" Poseidon playfully queried at Hera and she hugged them both. Hera felt herself shrink at how big her older brothers had become. They have grown graced in strength like Zeus though they haven't changed at all. They were as loving as ever.
"We're glad that you are happy now, Hera." Hades told her and he patted her in the head. Hera had always been prone to succumbed into deep sadness. He had become her unofficial her confidante since she would often hide from her husband in the Elysian Fields. A twinge crept at his heart as he thought that her visit in his realm might lessen but he instantly disregarded the thought as it was selfish of him.
"She is happy as of now and that is all that matters." Hades noted to himself.
Their hug was abrupt but the two kings had felt it to the core. The last time they ever hugged each other was at the victory with their war against the titans. They would relish the memory in their hearts.
Dionysius started to humour them with comedic tales that involved each god and goddess present. Tears formed on the eyes of Athena as she couldn't contain her laughter and Hephaestus was spewing fire from his mouth because of the embarassing story about him. The aloof Apollo was gaily playing a merry hymn with his lyre and Artemis accompanies him with her lute. Together, they provided mood for the funny tales of Dionysius.
There was only one goddess who stood in silence among the merriment around her.
She was Demeter.
Sure it was easy for the other to bond with once more with Hera but it was different with her.
She had truly deplored over the fact that she had slept with Zeus. The living proof of it was within them and it is none other than Persephone. She couldn't blame her sister for denouncing her after what she had committed. She was Hera's older sister and she was supposed to be the least person whom Zeus would sleep with.
What she had done was unforgivable and her punishment was just.
What greater retribution is there than to be abhorred by your own sister?
Hera noticed this and her face turned poker as she approached Demeter. An absolute silence followed and an awkward atmosphere surfaced to the air as everyone knew of the infidelity of Demeter and Zeus. Everyone was anticipating what Hera would do and her siblings prepared themselves. If Hera shames Demeter, one of them will immediately come to her aid and the other would soothe Hera. It was very likely to happen since Hera is vindictive and harsh to those who slept with her husband.
"Demeter." Hera called out to her with a regal tone. Demeter curtsied as she greeted Hera in a way that a queen should be addressed. Hera took a deep breath and exhaled sharply. She pouted and looked away before she opened her arms before her.
"Your Majesty, I do not deserve your kind embrace. Please do not force yourself." Demeter shunned away in shame.
"Don't tell me what I should do. Just come here and hug me already." Hera replied and Demeter walked closer towards her youngest sister. Demeter wept as she enveloped Hera with her arms and Hera endearingly returned the gesture. Everyone smiled at what seems to be the reconciliation of two estranged sisters.
"I thought this day would never come, dearest little sister. I am overwhelmed!" Demeter spoke in between sobs. Demeter had already accepted it if Hera would scorn her for eternity and she would have respected her decision. She even volunteered to distance herself away and if they ever spoke to each other, it would be only matters regarding divine duties.
She had dearly missed this between them. She yearned for the casual hug, a casual peck on the cheek or any loving gesture that ceased the moment Hera relinquished all sisterly ties with her.
"Sister, cry no more. I have, in all sincerity, forgiven you. What good will it do for me to cling to the hurt that transpired thousands of years ago? I have witnessed and know in my heart how repentant you are because your transgression. Putting all of that aside, I missed you. I truly do." Hera conveyed as she hugged Demeter tightly. A gleaming smile formed on the face of Hera as she felt a burden was released from her chest.
The sun shone brighter than usual on Olympus that morning.
Who would have thought that it would only take a single gathering to renew a great portion of what was lost?
"I love you, little sister." Demeter imparted with full of love that she had kept for a long time. It was the most heartfelt thing she had said. She had endured years to be able to say it to Hera directly once more.
"I love you too, big sister." Hera affectionately responded for the first time in eons. Demeter missed the way Hera calls her as "Big Sister" the most. That is what she addresses her even when they were still in the stomach of Chronus.
The gods and goddesses surrounded them and admiringly gazed at the two. Iris couldn't help but to shed tears in seeing such a beautiful event unfold. Her mistress had never been this joyous in so many years and nothing could bring her more delight than seeing her mistress as she is now. The power of forgiveness is doubtlessly wonderful. Everything occurred so quickly and so many events took place this very day than there was in a year.
"How I wish Father was here to witness all the things that have happened." Athena spoke and everyone laughed.
"Oh that foolish brother of ours misses out on almost everything! What a shamelesss king!" Poseidon jested and Hades nodded in agreement. Hera's heart fluttered as she heard the name of Zeus being mentioned. Surely, he will return by now like he does every morning.
The skies immediately darkened and thunder roared vehemently. They all heard the sound of the trumpets and Dionysius smirked.
"Speak of the devil and he will come as they say." Dionysus remarked and laughed once more. Hera's eyes fixated on the doors as Zeus will enter in any moment. The doors blasted open and the vicious winds entered the halls.
With the winds came Zeus as he swiftly dashed towards Hera and grabbed her arm in an iron grip that bruised Hera's arm immediately upon contact. Hera scornfully winced from the pain as Zeus dragged her away from the crowd. Hera furiously resisted the assault and humiliation that Zeus is causing her.
"Let go of me, Zeus!"