Persephone & Hades

Persephone could hear the musical chirps of birds and the quiet babbling of a brook nearby as she lay in the meadow, surrounded by the flower nymphs she revered as sisters. She enjoyed the life she lived in the mortal realm alongside her mother, far from the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus. Her mind quieted as she slowly drifted off asleep. As she dreamt, the vines from the violet-colored flowers of the ground ivy bloomed and stretched along the meadow grass. Her existence is the mortal realm was a peaceful and happy one. Days were usually spent helping her mother, Demeter, with her duties or with the nymphs Kissos, Rhodeia, and Ianthe tending to the flower blossoms. They were her closest friends and shared all their secrets together, except one. Persephone’s mother did not want her consorting with any of the Gods or Goddesses, which is why they remained in the mortal realm instead of living on Olympus. What her mother and her nymphs did not know was that Persephone had met one of the Gods. He never revealed His name to her, so He could avoid Demeter’s wrath if it were ever discovered that He had been sneaking away to the mortal realm to gaze upon Persephone instead of collecting the stubborn souls that had not made their way to the Underworld. The man who filled her dreams. Always so close but yet just out of her grasp. The sharp snap of a breaking twig on the edge of the meadow awoke Persephone from her light slumber. Her eyes shot upen, looking about to see who or what was watching her. Part of her hoped it was Him. She rose from the ground where the nymphs still lay asleep in the afternoon sun. Her heart raced in her chest, if He were near, He would be by the single white poplar hidden amongst the grove of willows. It was where they would always meet, Persephone and her nameless man. She understood why no one else could know He came to see her, she yearned to know his identity and why he felt it was necessary to conceal it from her. He had an aura that radiated the cold emptiness of fear and danger but the comforting warmth of safety from a loved one all at once, it was strange to her how one person could be two things that are so radically different. No matter the potential consequences, she was drawn to Him like a moth to a flame. As much as she wanted to tell her friends, the flower nymphs, about Him; she knew they would tell Demeter immediately. It was her mother’s ultimate rule: No men, be they mortal or God. None were allowed to enter Demeter’s Gardens, not even Zeus the King of the Gods himself. Persephone’s mother was incredibly protective of her, Demeter knew Zeus could marry her daughter off to any God he wished. This typically wouldn’t be something undesirable, but the relationship between Zeus and Demeter was strained to say the least. She was the only woman, Goddess or mortal, to refuse him. Marriage for Persephone could be used to punish Demeter. He was a spiteful and jealous God, who wouldn’t hesitate to impart a particularly unhappy union upon her sweet, innocent daughter. Suddenly, Persephone felt a pair of hands around her waist, pulling her in for an embrace. She knew it was Him from his scent and the way her body fit against his chest perfectly. Burnt embers mixed with sandalwood calmed her mind. This was the man she wanted to marry, not whoever Zeus might bestow her upon. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to see you this month,” Persephone said beaming from ear to ear. He turned her in his arms and stared at her face, studying it while he had the chance. “Not even Zeus himself could keep me away from you, Persephone,” he said lowly into her ear. The sensation of his breath on her neck sent a chill down her spine. She looked up shyly, meeting his gaze. His eyes were a dark, like the night sky with the same twinkle of light in them the stars had. “It wouldn’t be wise to use the name of such a vengeful God as He,” she teased. “He could turn you into a mule for displeasing him.” “That depends, are male mules allowed in Demeter’s Gardens? It would be worth the risk to be able to spend every day with you,” he flattered her. Her musical laugh filled the air like a song. “Mother doesn’t take the s*x of the animals that work the fields into account. It doesn’t matter to her, so long as the beast isn’t lame,” she giggled. This brought a smile to his face before he clutched his stomach, as he laughed. He had a deep, sensual laugh. It pulled at something deep inside Persephone. She wanted to run her fingers through his hair and run her hands along his chest. A heat was spreading across her entire body, she wanted him more than anything in her entire life thus far. He wiped tears of laughter from his eyes and told her, “I’m a lucky man to find a woman who is beautiful, humorous, and strong as you.” He sat against the trunk of the white poplar tree, bringing Persephone down with him. She settled comfortably into his arms, letting her anxiousness melt away for the time being, resting her head against his chest. Again, she thought of how perfectly her body fit against his, it was effortless. Her tanned olive skin next to his pale skin looked beautiful together in her eyes. Persephone placed a hand on his cheek gently and pleaded to Him, “Tell me your name, my dear. I wish to know the name of the man with whom I am in love. I want to know who my future husband is.” The sigh that followed her question was more pained than exasperated. “Not yet,” he stated sternly. “Soon, my love. Soon we will be able to profess our love for one another from the mountain tops.” She wasn’t satisfied with his answer but relented. It would be better to enjoy the few moments they get together loving one another instead bickering over something as trivial as a name. He took her hand in his and pressed his lips to her knuckles. For now, she had to be content with “One Day.” That day couldn’t come soon enough to her, but she knew biding their time would be the best solution. At that moment, Persephone heard her name being called by a familiar voice. Panic rose within her. “Go!” she whispered harshly. He pressed his lips to hers softly, “I’ll return as soon as I am able, my love,” he reassured her. She kissed him again with urgency this time. “I love you,” Persephone said in a hushed tone. “Please return soon.” The voice calling her name drew nearer and Persephone turned her attention to the direction the voice was coming from. His voice faintly said to her, “I love you too.” When she turned back to him, he was already gone.