Chapter 1

The beginnings

It is the season when Helios starts to slow down and his power over the mortal realm start to fade. Is the beginning of dark colours that take over the forests. Trees start to lose their crown and expose themselves to the winter that s about to come in a few months. Air gains strength and howls trough the leaves. The forest nymphs leave their once loved lakes with warm waters and find their way into the soul of the earth. The mortals start their feast season and are thankful for the fertile land and grateful for what has been another fascinating and peaceful summer. Gods also celebrate the Autumn, but one of those little goddesses celebrates most.

She absolutely loves this season. Although she is supposed to be a goddess of spring, Persephone never felt like that is what she was really meant to be. Of course, she was grateful for everything that her mother and family has offered her, but she always felt that a life that consists only of spring is meaningless without winter. She isn't officiously named the goddess of spring for 2 main reasons. Reason number 1, in order to be officially named the god or goddess of anything you must achieve greatness in your field. Reason number 2, there is a ceremony taking place on mount Olympus, which Demeter isn't really willing to visit that often. So, long story short, Persephone has plenty of time ahead of her to became the goddess she is meant to be. Her powers are still developing and she is clumsy with her work. Still a child, although she is a few hundred years old. But a child who wants to achieve more knowledge, who strives for the greatness of her ancestors. Truth to be told she always felt deeply connected to the Earth, but not only to its surface. She could almost feel the earth speaking to her, calling her, summoning her. But that is something that her family and friends never knew. She kept those feelings secret, not wanting to sound ungrateful for what the above earth offers her.

So, every year during this time, on mount Olympus the Tamna feast is about to start. It is a special festival, because not only Gods and Goddess are allowed, but every spirit of the land, sea, fire or sky, every nymph and every soul that contributed to the defeat of the Titans was allowed to participate. The Tamna feast symbolises the beginning of the Great war, the beginning of the winter that lasted several years, back when Zeus and his brothers and sisters fought against Cronus and his kind. The festivity is a great deal and it is very grand. The face of Olympus is changed, the white marble is covered in autumn colours, the best food is served and the best wine. Everyone parties for three days and usually it take two weeks to fully recover after this event. Hestia is in charge with the preparation, so everything is always perfect. Being the goddess of the home and heart, she is the most kind of the gods. She takes social events seriously and treasures the bonds within the family. A very different family to say at least.

Persephone hopes that this year they will attend the feast, as her mother declined the invitation for the last 5 years, since she and Aphrodite had a small quarrel regarding the land of Etna. Demeter wants to keep that piece of land untainted, while Aphrodite considers there should be a temple of love, more or less a house for her 'secret lovers'. Since Demeter has full authority over that land, the decision was clear, but she didn't want to hear more about it. It was a nasty fight and the fact that Zeus defended Aphrodite didn't help. But maybe this year, fates will help Persephone and she might be able to attend the Tamna Feast.

As she is lying on the field, thinking about how to convince her mother, Persephone feels a shadow taking over her body. She looks above and she sees her ultimate best friend, Hermes himself.

'Hey stranger! Special mail delivery! So, are we going to get your pretty face on mount Olympus this year?'

Hermes was a handsome god with childlike features. Although he was older than Persephone, he seemed a few years younger. Tall, with soft blonde curls and baby blue eyes, he was quite and attraction for the nymphs. But for Persephone he was just her very own best friend.

'I wish…but I have a feeling mom will reject the invitation this year as well' she was a lost cause.

The two of them headed towards the temple where Demeter was working and the moments she saw Hermes she already answered

'No, we are not going this year. Tell Zeus and his clan that sending 100 invites per day is not going to change my mind. Yes I know it is 'official' Olympus business, and no I am not being disrespectful since I am one of the ones who actually fought in the war. My answer is final.'

She got off her marble seat and took a closer look to Hermes.

'You look more like your father every day, let's hope you won't inherit his nasty habits. As for you Persephone since we aren't going to this sinful attending of Zeus, you will be responsible for the land as long as I am gone'

Persephone was confused. Where was her mother going?

'Mom?'

'There are issues I need to attend. I will tell you more when I return. Please Persephone, don't ask more questions'

And so her mother headed out the temple leaving the two gods behind.

'So what I hear, I am almost grounded by taking care of everything until she returns' Persephone let out a long sigh…

'What I hear is that you are in charge and there is an invitation with your name on it..imagine the possibilities' he smiled wickedly.

Helloooo readers! This week we have two chapters (epilogue and chapter 1) because next week I won't be able to post. Enjoy!