Dining in the Underworld
Previous On BTG: With Percy by my side, we departed from the chaos of the living room, leaving Apollo and Dionysus to clean up their mess and contemplate their actions.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Percy Jackson series or its Characters. This is for pure entertainment purposes only. My twist on what happens after The Last Olympian.
Percy P.O.V
Lord Hades and I found ourselves in a corridor of his palace, the opulent surroundings starkly contrasting my previous experiences here as a prisoner. As a guest, I marveled at the gold and silver walls and marble floors, eager to explore further. As we strolled down the corridor with tall ceilings, floating chandeliers cast an eerie glow while tapestries portrayed scenes from the Underworld. The walls were lined with bouquets made of precious metals and jewels, and faint light danced along the walls, suggesting concealed secrets within the occasional corridor to the left and the floor-to-ceiling windows to the right.
Amidst the splendor, an unmistakable sense of foreboding lingered in the air, a constant reminder of Lord Hades' formidable authority. As he guided us forward, I couldn't shake the unease creeping over me, intensified by the thick scent of incense and an underlying presence. Still, I was drawn to the palace's architectural marvels and the enigmatic mysteries concealed within its confines. Every step intensified my awareness as I trailed behind Lord Hades, venturing deeper into the uncharted territories of his realm.
As we ventured through the labyrinthine depths of the corridor, Lord Hades fixed his penetrating gaze on me, his eyes cutting through the subdued illumination. "Percy Jackson," he addressed me, his voice resonating faintly in the cavernous space. "You have returned to my domain, but the circumstances have changed."
I nodded, a mixture of apprehension and curiosity swirling within me. "Yes, Lord Hades. I'm grateful for your assistance and hospitality."
He paused, his expression inscrutable. "You are somewhat familiar with the circumstances surrounding your... situation?"
I shifted uncomfortably, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks as the memory of my recent encounter with Apollo flooded back. "Yes, I have some understanding, though it's still rather confusing."
Lord Hades arched an eyebrow, his demeanor commanding yet composed. "It must indeed be a troubling situation. According to Chiron, this heat or Estrus period is most common in creatures such as Satyrs, Lycanthropes, and Shifters, among others."
"I knew that certain seasons affected certain individuals like Frank and Lycaon, but I wasn't fully aware of the extent," I muttered, annoyed that Lord Hades seemed to have insight into my predicament and I did not.
"Until this matter is resolved, you are to remain here, as I mentioned," Lord Hades affirmed, maintaining his stride. "My library contains numerous texts that may provide enlightenment. And it would be best if you were under supervision to guard against other lustful beings like Apollo," he added gruffly.
I swallowed hard, his words settling heavily on my shoulders. "Understood. But what exactly do you expect from me during my stay?"
Hades paused before towering baroque-style double doors, soaring twenty feet tall. The golden handle gleamed with a silent invitation. Intricate carvings adorned with golden acanthus leaves embellished the stone surface, while tiny statues nestled amidst the rich black stone, adding to the splendor. A faint smile danced at the corners of his lips, amusement twinkling in his eyes.
"Percy," he began, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, "your unique abilities may prove invaluable in matters concerning both our realms. For now, your focus will be on studying about Estrus and being... productive."
I nodded, feeling a surge of determination despite the uncertainty surrounding me. "I'll do whatever you need, Lord Hades."
He nodded in acknowledgment, his demeanor softening just a touch. "Good. We'll talk about the details tomorrow. For now, take some rest and freshen up here until dinner." With that, the doors before him swung open, and he stepped inside, with me following closely behind.
As I entered the room, I couldn't help but be entranced by its mesmerizing blend of Gothic and Medieval charm. To my left stood a luxurious bed draped in cerulean blue, promising a haven of eternal rest atop its intricate gold and black frame. The ornate wall designs echoed the majestic beauty of ancient cathedrals, while the rich black hardwood floor tied the room together seamlessly. Soft candlelight bathed the space in a magical glow, filling me with a tranquil sense of wonder as the past and present intertwined effortlessly.
On the north wall before me, two windows and a door hinted at a bathroom beyond. A cozy sitting area awaited to the right, illuminated by a chandelier casting a gentle light above a tufted loveseat flanked by matching marble end tables. Two inviting reading chairs encircled a black Louis XVI marble coffee table with a gold top, beckoning moments of relaxation and contemplation. In the corners, gold bookcases overflowed with parchment and books, while a fireplace adorned the back wall, its mantle adorned with charming trinkets. And above it all, a humongous clock steadily ticked away.
As I took in the room's beauty, Lord Hades turned to me with a faint smile. "Make yourself comfortable, Percy. Dinner will be served in a few hours," he said, his voice carrying a sense of warmth I hadn't expected from the ruler of the Underworld.
"This is... a bit much," I muttered, my voice echoing softly in the spacious room.
"Nonsense, Percy," came Lord Hades' voice from the doorway, making me jump slightly. "You are a guest in my palace now. It's only fitting that you are treated with the utmost hospitality."
I met his gaze, surprised by the smugness in his eyes. "I appreciate it, Lord Hades. It's just... I'm not used to all of this."
He nodded, his eyes holding a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. "Many aren't, though you will, Percy. But for now, rest and regain your strength. We will speak further after dinner."
As I watched Lord Hades depart, a sense of awe mingled with uncertainty washed over me, the vast doors closing behind him with a resounding thud. Turning back to take in the room's grandeur, I felt a wave of overwhelm hit me; it starkly contrasted with my accustomed simplicity.
I saw the closet near the door, and its open door suggested a spacious interior. Though tempted to explore it, I decided to take a breather. With a nod, I took a deep breath, allowing myself to relax in the luxurious surroundings. Despite my initial reservations, there was something undeniably comforting about being treated kindly by a God for once. Settling into one of the plush reading chairs, I let the day's events sink in.
Sighing, I reflected on the sudden onset of the 'heat' phase and its effects. So far, Apollo seemed to be the only one reacting to it, though I wasn't entirely sure about Dionysus. Besides the intense heat earlier, I hadn't noticed any other changes, except briefly subsiding when I passed out, only to return upon engaging with Apollo. The shock of Dionysus barging into the room may have momentarily halted it. My brain started to hurt from trying to process it all, and with a groan, I rose from the reading chair and entered the bathroom.
As I entered the bathroom, the flow of elegance from the bedroom was seamless and striking. Artificial sunlight flooded through a window on the north wall, casting a warm, golden glow over the vintage clawed feet below, infusing the atmosphere with a hint of nostalgic charm. The walls were adorned with art, each adding a personal touch to the opulent surroundings.
However, the grand glass-encased shower dominated the space, occupying the entire right wall. Its luxurious features promised indulgence, and the dark tones of the shower's interior contrasted beautifully with the room's lighter hues, adding depth to the ambiance.
A massive mirror on the left wall reflected the room's sophistication, doubling its apparent size and adding to its sense of luxury. Beneath the mirror, a mounted sink vanity and a discreetly placed toilet completed the layout, ensuring functionality without sacrificing style. Continuing the luxurious theme, gleaming fixtures in black and gold adorned the vanity, further enhancing the room's abundance. Every aspect of the bathroom was meticulously arranged, from the plush towels to the carefully curated selection of indulgent toiletries.
I decided to indulge in a long, hot shower, allowing the warmth of the water to wash away the day's stresses and restore my sense of well-being. The fluffy towels beckoned as I peeled off my clothes, promising comfort and warmth. With each garment dropped to the floor, the day's weight seemed to ease, leaving me feeling lighter and more relaxed. Stepping into the shower, the smooth tiles welcomed my bare feet as I reached for the sleek controls.
As I turned on the water, adjusting it just right, warmth enveloped me, cascading from the showerhead above. The rushing water drowned out the outside world's noise, creating a soothing symphony within the space. The assortment of Greek soaps on the marble shelf greeted me with various enticing scents. One soap infused with olive oil and herbs promised to soften my skin. Beside it, a vibrant pomegranate soap offered refreshing antioxidants. Luxurious goat's milk soap, enriched with honey and lavender, promised relaxation for both body and mind. With such indulgent options before me, I felt spoiled for choice. Selecting a bar and nearby sea sponge, I slathered it on, allowing the scent to envelop me in its intoxicating aroma. As the rich lather enveloped my skin, I felt a sense of renewal wash over me, as if each bubble held the power to cleanse not just my body but also my mind. Lost in the moment, I allowed myself to exist in this oasis of calm and serenity.
Reluctantly, I knew it was time to leave my sanctuary. With a final rinse, I turned off the water and stepped out of the shower, wrapping myself in a plush towel. Leaving the bathroom, I headed for the walk-in closet with excitement. Opening the door, I was greeted by an impressive array of clothing perfectly tailored to my size. While the garments were top-notch, they didn't quite match my style.
Suddenly, the closet seemed to sense my hesitation. The colors and patterns shifted, transforming the collection into shades of blue – my favorite color. Amazed by its responsiveness, I joked, "Do jeans even cut here?"
The closet hesitated before presenting me with just four pairs. Chuckling, I asked, "Not liking my style, huh?"
Surprisingly, it whisked away two pairs, leaving me only two options. I couldn't help but laugh at its playful antics. Choosing a pair of dark blue jeans, I slipped them on. They fit perfectly, accentuating my figure. Pairing them with a matching dress shirt, I marveled at how effortlessly the outfit came together. Just as I stepped out of the closet, a soft knock echoed on the bedroom door. "Um, who's there?" I called out, wondering who could be other than Lord Hades in the palace; he wouldn't knock.
"Perseus Jackson, it is I, Thanatos, herald of the Underworld. I come bearing an invitation from Lord Hades himself. May I enter and speak with you?"
"Sure thing, Thanatos," I responded, my eyebrows raising in surprise but not total disbelief at the unexpected visitor. Thanatos swung open the door and strode into the room, commanding attention.
Facing Thanatos, I couldn't ignore his robust physique, his features framed by cascading black hair. Clad in a suit as dark as the Underworld, its sleekness emphasized his commanding presence. The regal cut of his attire, alongside the crisp white shirt, hinted at timeless sophistication. At the same time, his honey-gold eyes and teakwood skin exuded an otherworldly allure, drawing me in with an irresistible magnetism.
As Thanatos unfurled his dark wings, shimmering in shades of blue, black, and purple, a mix of wonder and nervousness washed over me. He was a being of immense power and mystery, and I couldn't tear my gaze away from him.
"Thank you, Perseus," he said with a nod, acknowledging me. "Lord Hades wants you to join him for dinner in the banquet hall. He's looking forward to your company."
I furrowed slightly in thought. It felt like I just settled in, checking the clock in the room. It seems two hours have already passed. Dinner with Lord Hades wasn't something I experienced, if ever. But the informal request itself intrigued me. "I... appreciate the invitation," I said slowly, still processing the situation. "I suppose I should finish getting ready then."
"Indeed," Thanatos replied, his expression impassive yet somehow conveying a sense of slight amusement. "I shall await you outside. When you are ready, I will escort you to the banquet hall."
With a final nod, Thanatos turned to depart, the sweep of his dark robes fading as he left the room. I retreated into the bathroom, intending to tidy my hair, but paused midway through. Why bother? Lord Hades likely couldn't care less about my appearance. Despite knowing he had seen me in various states of disarray, I felt an inexplicable urge to make a good dinner impression. With a sigh, I shook off the notion, donning a pair of loafers from the closet before joining Thanatos at the bedroom door.
As I stepped out to meet Thanatos, I found him waiting patiently, his demeanor as solemn as ever. "Ready?" he asked, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to echo through the corridor.
I nodded, suppressing any lingering doubts about this unexpected dinner invitation. "Lead the way," I replied, stepping beside him as we made our way through the dimly lit halls of Lord Hades' palace.
As we walked, I couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation mixed with apprehension. What could Lord Hades possibly want to discuss over dinner? And what could we do to assist in the Underworld, of all people? Lost in my thoughts, I barely registered the journey until we arrived at the grand banquet hall. The room was adorned with dark tapestries and flickering torches, casting eerie shadows across the marble floor.
Lord Hades occupied the head of the table, his expression inscrutable as he studied me with a penetrating gaze that seemed to delve into the depths of my being. "Welcome, Percy," he announced, his voice resonating with authority. "I trust you've acclimated?"
I swallowed nervously, meeting his gaze with a determined nod. "As well as one can, Lord Hades," I replied, striving to maintain composure despite the flutter of nerves within me.
Hades acknowledged my response with a nod, motioning for me to sit across from him. As I settled into the chair, a sense of foreboding crept over me, hinting that this dinner would be far from ordinary. Across the table, Lord Hades watched me with a steady gaze, his expression unreadable.
"Thank you for joining me, Percy," he said, his voice low yet commanding. "I trust you find the accommodations to your liking?"
I nodded, trying to mask my unease. "Yes, Lord Hades. Your palace is... impressive."
A hint of amusement flickered in Lord Hades' eyes. "I'm glad you think so. Now, let us begin."
As if on cue, servants emerged from the shadows, bearing trays laden in delicate bowls crafted from iridescent shells with the meal's first course. The aroma of fresh mint and fresh herbs wafted through the air, enticing my senses. Lord Hades gestured to the food before us. "I hope you enjoy the Minted Pea Soup with Crème Fraîche, freshly picked peas from the Elysian Fields."
I couldn't help but marvel at the spread before me. "It looks delicious," I admitted, unable to hide my surprise at the luxury of the meal. Lord Hades nodded, his lips curving into a faint smile. As we began eating, the room's tension seemed to ease slightly. A refreshing start to the meal, the sweetness of peas combined with the freshness of mint, finished with a dollop of crème fraîche for richness—a testament to the skill of Lord Hades' kitchen staff. Despite my apprehension, I relaxed into the meal, the conversation flowing more quickly than anticipated.
"So, Percy," Lord Hades began, his tone casual yet probing. "Tell me more about yourself. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?"
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal to the god of the Underworld. "Well, I enjoy spending time with my friends," I replied cautiously. "And I have a passion for... exploring."
Lord Hades raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Exploring, you say? What exactly do you explore?"
I shrugged, trying to downplay the adventurous aspects of my life. "Oh, you know, just...different places. I like to travel." I dip my spoon into the last soup, moaning in delight.
Lord Hades studied me for a moment, his gaze searching. "Interesting," he murmured as if filing away the information for later.
As the servants cleared away the empty bowls, I couldn't help but wonder what Lord Hades had in store for the rest of the evening. Despite my initial reservations, something was undeniably intriguing about the god sitting across from me.
The following course arrived with a flourishing presentation. A vibrant array of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives dance together in a colorful symphony, crowned with generous crumbles of creamy Feta cheese, invoking the essence of the Mediterranean sun. The salad, drizzled with golden olive oil and tangy lemon dressing, is a captivating ode to the timeless flavors of Greece, enticing both the eyes and the palate with its fresh and invigorating presence.
"So, Percy," Lord Hades began, his voice breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us as he dipped his fork into his salad. "Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your adventures?" He said while enjoying his salad.
I paused, considering his question. "Well, I enjoy reading," I replied, keeping my answer simple. "And I like to swim and explore the sea in my spare time. Other than Unraveling prophecies and stopping calamity. I don't do much else." I chuckled and followed suit, taking a tentative bite of my salad.
Lord Hades nodded, seeming intrigued by my response. "Reading and swimming. Tell me, then, what about university? Is that in the cards for you?
The salad was exquisite, and the flavors were perfectly balanced. "It's delicious," I admitted, unable to hide my surprise at the depth of flavor. I reach for a napkin and dap my mouth. " College is in the cards for me, yes. I thought Annabeth and I would start putting in applications together, but things... have changed significantly in the past few months." I cleared my throat, taking a drink from my glass.
"Hmmm, I see that's good," Lord Hades remarked, dipping his fork into the salad again. "Have any in mind?"
As we savored the salad, the conversation flowed effortlessly between us. Lord Hades shared stories of the Underworld and its knowledge, painting a vivid picture of his realm. His tales captivated me, and I was eager to learn more about the mysterious world he ruled.
As the servants cleared away the empty plates, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the next course. Despite my initial reservations, this dinner was turning out to be an unexpected delight—a chance to connect with Lord Hades in a way I had never imagined. And as the evening wore on, I realized that perhaps there was more to the god of the Underworld than met the eye.
The main course of the meal. The aroma of a succulent rack of lamb coated in a flavorful herb crust wafted through the air, enticing my senses, roasted to perfection, and served with a side of rosemary-infused jus. Accompanied by roasted garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans. Lord Hades gestured to the food before us."I hope you enjoy the lamb caught and prepared from Alaska."
I couldn't help but marvel at the sumptuous spread before me. "It looks delicious," I admitted, unable to hide my surprise at the luxury of the meal.
Lord Hades nodded, his lips curving into a faint smile. "This is one of my favorites," Lord Hades remarked, dipping his spoon into the mashed potatoes. "I hope you find it to your liking."
As the evening wore on, we got caught up in a game of questions, each peeling away another layer of ourselves. From favorite snacks to hidden talents, we uncovered commonalities and unexpected connections. The Lemon Sorbet served as a refreshing interlude, cleansing our palates with its tangy burst before the next course signaled the approaching end of the meal.
I settled back in my chair, feeling more satisfied and content than I had in a long while, though I kept that feeling to myself, grateful my mom wasn't there to witness it.
"Save some room for dessert, Little Percy," Lord Hades teased, a smirk playing on his lips, clearly pleased with how much I'd enjoyed the meal.
I let out a contented sigh. "Lord Hades, I couldn't even fit a crumb in now," I replied, patting my stomach.
"Are you sure?" he continued, a glint in his eye. "Baklava is on tonight's menu. Layers of flaky phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts, sweetened with honey syrup and spiced with cinnamon. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream," he added, tempting me further.
I shook my head, resisting the temptation of the decadent dessert. "As enticing as that sounds, Lord Hades, I'm afraid I'll have to pass. I couldn't possibly manage another bite."
Lord Hades chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Very well then, Percy. How about some tea in my sitting room instead? A more subdued end to our meal." He stood and walked down the length of the table to me.
I nodded, relieved at the prospect of something lighter. "That sounds perfect, thank you," I replied. The Lord reached out a hand, and I took it, following him to his private quarters, leaving behind the enticing aroma of baklava for the tranquility of a quiet cup of tea.
Thank you to everyone who keeps reading and Favorite this story. It means a lot. What do you think will happen in the reading room with Lord Hades? Should we catch up with Apollo or Dionysus? Till Next time on Bedding the Gods...