Ceres waited at the entrance to the Underworld, tapping her foot with impatience. What was taking so long? It shouldn't take this long to deliver her message and bring her daughter back. Just then, Mercury burst out of the tunnel, breathless. He bent over double, clasping his knees.
"Well?" she demanded, "What did he say?"
"He said that if she wants to leave, he will not stop her. He also says that you can go in and bring Proserpine out yourself, if she wants to go."
"He just straight out agreed?"
"Yes. But he was very clear on the fact that it is up to Proserpine."
"She is just a child. How can she know what is right?"
She strode down the tunnel. She walked past Cerberus, the Fields of Asphodel, and up the palace stairs unopposed. She looked around and wondered how her daughter could possibly want to stay here. She threw open the throne room door and finds Pluto staring curiously at a pillar.
"Well?" she snapped, "Where is my daughter?"
"In her room. I hope you understand, if she wants to leave I will not stop her, but if she wants to stay…"
Ceres snorted, "She's a child. She can't make her own decisions. Besides, why in the name of Tartarus would she want to stay in this cesspool?"
Pluto looked at her sadly, "I can't have a war with you Ceres. Please."
Ceres glared at him, but then was distracted by something by the pillars.