Hades

Centuries Ago The halls of Mount Olympus were shrouded in golden light. Olive garlands and yellow daffodils hung from the domed roof of the great hall, carelessly draped across the pillars of the home of the gods. Built eons ago by Hephaestus, the gates of Olympus were uncharacteristically open, welcoming deities far and wide. The party that consumed Olympus raged for days on end, with every Olympian in attendance, as well as the Muses, Helios, Selene, Pan, and even several Underworld deities, including Nyx, Hypnos, and Hecate. But what could warrant such a huge celebration? The answer to that question laid in a small golden crib, decorated with the finest greenery: Persephone. The birth of a new immortal was a rare thing, something that could only happen with the will of the Fates. Perhaps, they felt, it was time for a new story, or perhaps, it was time for a new lesson to teach the arrogant Olympians. No matter the reason, the birth of Demeter's little flower led to celebration day and night, with gods and goddesses flocking to the gates of Olympus.  There was one goddess in attendance who was not happy. After all, how could she be? Persephone was the product of an affair between her husband and her sister. Silently, Hera watched as the personification of her husband's infidelity received blessings and gifts from the other Olympians.  "A cunning that rivals that of Odysseus," cried Athena, goddess of wisdom, as she raised her glass of ambrosia. Her fearsome shield no where to be seen. "Beauty that rivals her mother's garden," shouted Aphrodite, equally drunk, and not to be outdone by her rival. Her signature blonde hair shone in the eternal flames of Olympus.  "Strength that strikes fear in her enemies," said Ares, while stealing a silent glance at his secret lover.  "Dexterity," blessed Hephaestus, not to be outdone by the god of war.  "A voice that moves even beasts to serenity," added Apollo, god of music.  "A bow and arrows, so that she can always protect herself," gifted Artemis, goddess of the Hunt.  One by one, the Olympians gifted the babe with traits beyond our wildest imaginations. The merriment continued until it was finally time for Hera to give her gift. Under the watchful eye of Demeter, she slowly approached the dais, where Persephone laid. A silence fell over the present gods-even Dionysus knew not to interrupt. She took a moment to contemplate before a sly smile stretched across her lips: "A marriage for the ages."