One step forward, two steps back...

The first time I confronted her was during a mortal festival which was attended by the gods in the guise of human scent.

Under the starry night skies, without our sceptres and tridents, it was quite easy to fool anyone that we were merely a part of the common crowd. I wore a long cloak to hide the paleness of my white skin—with a hood to hide the fair visage that lied underneath.

I came for the sake of Ares. It was his patriots who organized the whole event. They wanted to show their gratitude after the god of war gave them his blessing—which ultimately led to their battles being won. I was proud—excited even—of his accomplishment. I made it a point to attend for him. I did not know whether the mortals were aware of the actual presence of their patron but I saw heads turning to Ares' direction and I only approved of his discreetness with an assenting nod.

I was told that Athena would be there as well. along with the other gods and goddesses of Mt. Olympus. I looked forward on seeing Hera and Poseidon again, most especially my youngest brother, Zeus. The night was spent in the merriment of the feast. The people were loud and vocal of their praise. I could not help but smile at the constant reminder of my nephew's success. One day, he would truly be a god of great worth.

I was gazing at the man-made bonfire when I heard someone approaching from behind me. I turned and saw Athena in distraught, reaching her shortly by her shoulders was the young Eris. I looked at the both of them, perplexed; my eyes searching for answers from their heavily breathing frames.

"Persephone...Papa…Auntie Demeter…"

I did not let Eris finish. Athena did not need to be told. I knew she saw it in my actions if not in my expression all of what she needed to know. I could not help but feel upset. Why of all times did the fates chose to toy with me? Why must it be during the first grand celebration in the honor of my favorite nephew? I could hear the both of them panting as they followed me shortly from behind. Guided by the scent of wild blooms and faint voices, I hurried to a western direction—relatively far but still within the borders of the festival's venue.

What I saw there did not intrigue me. Demeter was fuming, Zeus was explaining and Persephone, simply stood in between the two with her head bowed down in submission. I knew I needed to put an end to whatever business there was between the three. Ares did not need to be troubled by affairs he was entirely unconcerned of.

My eyes went straight towards Persephone and unjust as it might be; I made her the focus of my anger. I could not fathom why she needed to show herself. Everybody of immortal blood knew just how protective Demeter was of her. If she simply stayed in her own place, had she not presented herself this evening, surely there wouldn't be even such a scene as this.

At my appearance, my siblings turned. Demeter backed a few steps away, whether in fear or in respect, I could not tell. Zeus made way for me as he had the habit of doing.

"Hades." Demeter bowed.

"Brother." Zeus greeted.

"May I please have the honor of speaking to Persephone alone?" I saw Persephone's expression change from passivity to concern.

Zeus eyed me curiously but nodded. Demeter though, not wanting to part with her daughter, asked. "What cannot be said between a mother and a sibling?

"It is simply a personal matter which could be easily resolved. It would be senseless to bother either of you. Besides," I gestured for Athena and Eris. The two girls went forward obedient but understanding very little of what was currently occurring. "The night is still young. I don't want to prolong you here in the fields any longer especially when there's a feast nearby. Go on. And Persephone, if you may?"

I offered her my arm and whether she was made aware of my intention to scold her through my countenance or through my grip—I did not know. Zeus and Demeter were led away though the goddess was obstinate not let Persephone out her sight. Athena was a compelling force though; one so great that even the goddess of fertility was eventually subdued.

We walked a little farther. She neither spoke nor breathed a word. I did not want to begin unless I was assured that we were out of anyone's hearing. It didn't take long for us to settle though. A few more steps and we found ourselves in front a great waterfall, flowing steadily under the gleam of a full moon. My hand which rested on top of hers—all for formality's sake—was removed. My arm was retracted, a sigh escaped from me and then I started, "What is the matter with you?"

Persephone refused to meet my eyes; and rude, perhaps, it was of me, I continued. "Of all times, Persephone! Of all times! Had you the faintest idea how important this evening is for Ares? And pray tell, what are you doing here?"

"It is Ares' first honored feast." She said meekly, her eyes still averting my gaze. "I wanted to surprise him."

"That didn't turn out well, did it?" I looked at her. Her eyes were still too shy to meet mine and opted for the flowing waters of falls. "I expected more from you, Persephone! Much, much more than this. Now look! Demeter is in hysterics and Zeus, of course, is compelled to your rescue."

"I didn't think mother would be so—"

"So what, Persephone? Caring? Concerned? You are her only daughter for god's sake!"

"I just didn't thought—"

"You knew better, Persephone. You ought to have acted better." From where the words came from, I did not know but I meant everything. And whether she would believe my sincerity, I hardly cared. She needed to hear this, if not from Demeter or Zeus, then from me. "You disappointed me greatly."

Her face sprang up. Her eyes that were only moments ago lost in wander, met mine. We both held our gazes, mine in slight anger, she in apparent hurt. It was only then did I realize how much pain my words inflicted on her. Helplessness was etched on her face. For a moment, I wondered why I had such an effect on her but all thoughts of vanity were quickly discarded.

Perhaps, she had always been this sensitive. Perhaps, my continuous harshness on her was wearing her down. She fought back the tears that threatened to fall—she did quite an effort preventing them from showing while she was with Zeus and Demeter. Now, one wrong blink would easily reveal all of what she wanted to hide.

"I'm sorry for being inconsiderably reckless, milord. I did not weigh down the consequences of my actions. Rest assured, it will not happen again." She bowed to me but before I was able to catch a hold of her, she disappeared deep into the woods.

I bit my lip and tasted something tremendously bitter. The remembrance that I had not drunk a single drop of wine disturbed me more than I was ever willing to admit.

You are all very lovely people.

Truly Yours,
Ms. Reen