(no subject)

[scarlet_seeds]

Persephone was unable to take for granted her mother's work. From the moment Helios's great chariot pulled the sun across the sky and it's warm light seeped through her window, to the moment he withdrew and the nightingales began to sing... all was wonder.

It was warm today and where Persephone lay, arms resting idly above her head, the grass was soft. All around her the earth smelled sweet. She watched the gentle breeze blow the seeds from the dandelions and scatter them across the meadow.

What should she do with such a perfect day? It would be such a shame to waste it.

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[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

As the black earth parted and the sun lanced down, he had to guard his eyes. How rarely did he stare up at the grand kingdom of heaven; with its clouds like distant islands, and its blue like purest ocean; with its glittering light and velvet depths, it had everything... how Zeus had everything.

He stepped from out the damp, dull earth, and trod onto the grass. He hadn't felt life beneath his feet for perhaps centuries now - not felt air this fresh, nor warmth this generous. Hades took in a deep breath, for a moment forgetting his mission, his mind lost in the simple splendors he had long been forced to forsaken. As his eyes adjusted to the light he focused.

He pulled himself away from Zeus' kingdom, from the glory Helios threw, from the wind that sang of Artemis, and the land that hummed Demeter's name. And there, amongst it all, he saw her. Upon the grass she lay... as perfect as the day he saw her double caught in the water. No... more perfect. Beyond perfect: real.

As he walked across the meadow towards her he felt the grass beneath his feet wilt. So much had he brought with him, so much of that place he called home lingered on his soul... no matter how hard he cleaned. The air faltered at his flesh, the light wilted at his gaze, and all of nature withered at his touch.

Yet still... he hoped... in his darkness he was handsome, there was a charm to the death and distance that surrounded him. He was Hades, brother of Zeus, lord of the Underworld. Maybe that would appeal to her...

"You are a fool..." He said to himself, as he walked towards her, making no attempt to hide his presence. Hopefully she'd notice him before he'd have to introduce himself.

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

Whilst still trying to decide what to do with the morning Persephone was distracted from her thoughts as a long shadow crossed her face. The temperature seemed to drop abruptly, a chill spreading through her and causing goosebumps to prickle her skin.

She sat up and saw a figure approaching, the figure of a man. A stranger.

But no, not quite a stranger, she had seen his face before, or at least a likeness of it....

... Hades...

Persephone scrambled to her feet and took several steps backwards, startled. Daisies sprung up in the wake of each of her footfalls but wilted again the moment they were touched by Hades' shadow.

The young goddess bowed her head respectfully and stilled.
"My Lord. Do you seek my mother, Demeter?"

Why else would the ruler of the Underworld be here in her meadow?

[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

Of course she had stepped away... Of course she thought he sought her mother... How young she must be in the scheme of things so far. In truth... Hades had lost all grasp of time and age. So long had he languished down in the dirt with the dead, he struggled to see the difference between a new born babe and a grey old man... they were both alive; they were both none of his business.

He did not make to move closer. He wished so much that he would not frighten her. "No..." he said anxiously. "I have not come for your mother."

Hades sat down awkwardly, trying to ignore how the grass and flowers died and blackened beneath his presence. Looking up at the sky he smiled, taking in a deep breath of fresh air. "'Tis such a lovely day... I... I thought I might enjoy it. Was that not what you were doing? Taking in the splendor?"

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

Persephone took a breath and inched a little closer.
How strange this was. Why would the brother of Zeus himself come to their corner of the universe? Surely it couldn't be to simply lay among the wildflowers?

"I... I was, my Lord. It is a beautiful day indeed, " she agreed, timidly. "My mother does good work here."

She hovered near him uncertainly, hands behind her back, respectfully not meeting his eye.
"Can I fetch you anything from the house, my Lord? Some refreshments, perhaps?"

[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

She was shy... It was strange that he had not expected her to be shy. But then again, he barely expected anything from this place anymore... how could he afford to remember?

Hades looked up at her and smiled. "No, thank you, but I am more than content with the sun and the breeze." He placed a hand on the grass, savoring the brief moment where the blades laced his fingers before they withered and died. "Your mother does indeed do great work... she truly does." He smiled up at her, wondering what his eyes looked like caught in the sun, and not the ghostly like of hades. "But no, I am content with the sun and the breeze, you need not get me anything. Join me would you? Or rather stay? 'Twould not be as beautiful here without you."

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

Persephone smiled, unable to help but be flattered by his words even if his presence did intimidate her. He was an imposing figure, all in black and contrasting so starkly with the bright grass and flowers around them.

"I would be honoured to join you," she said, and sat beside him on the grass somewhat dutifully. "And that is very kind of you to say."

The word 'beautiful' sent a gentle blush across her cheeks, colouring them rose.

She had heard what the other gods said of the appetites of Zeus and Poseidon, could it be that their brother was not so different? Persephone wondered if she should fear for her virtue.
But the way Hades looked at her was not lecherous. If anything it was... warm.

[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

She excepted and sat, smiled, and did not seem to feign. Of course there was an element of status, an element of duty; she would not have remained beside any man clad in black... he would always be the brother of Zeus, no matter what he did. But still, she had blushed when he had spoken, and now there she sat, not so far away.

He was unsure of what to say... He hadn't done this in... he could not remember when... perhaps ever. "Tell me..." he began, looking around himself. Everything was strange here, even she was strange, and yet... she was so beautiful. "What is your favourite flower?"

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

"Oh, I couldn't possibly pick only one," Persephone replied, "It changes with my mood. Roses, honeysuckle, lilies, gerberas..."

She leaned back and as she listed flowers they sprang up from between her fingers.

"Heather, orchids, daffodils, and sunflowers..."

The flowers felt like home to Persephone, when she was among them it was like being in her mother's embrace. They were pure love.

"Do you have a favourite flower, my Lord? Are there many flowers in the... in your home?"

[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

As she listed off flowers he watched the buds burst and bloom between her fingers and felt himself sigh. As she asked him that question he felt himself struggle for an answer.

"There are..." he began, not sure whether she'd be willing to sit through the long answer. But he went for it anyway. "There are many flowers in Hades... many of which you wouldn't see as such, and may not deserving to be called as such. Yet... there are ghostly reeds, and spectral blossoms that cling to the Styx; by Phelegthon, leading to Tartarus, there are blooms of pure fire and ash, flowers that belt like the core of volcanoes; on the shores of Lethe there are bushes dotted with meager growths that sparkle like starlight... as you pass them, they take in memory, like smoke caught in the wind.

"In Elysium there are many beautiful flowers, most of which are similar to those found up here... but none are so fresh... or so pure, as the ones that grow above the surface. At least that is how I have felt. On the Fortunate Isles there are many great and wondrous sights, including flowers and trees greater than the imagination can describe... but those are the gifts for the worthy. Made long ago they were, made for those who might one day deserve their greatness."

"Yet..." Hades stared up at the sky as he spoke. He spoke not with jealousy, nor resentment, but with the pure reflection of a land that perhaps even he did not appreciate. "Yet... above the phantasmal weeds that hang to The Styx, above the flaming buds that yell down to Tartarus, above even the most blessed blooms of Elysium and the Fortunate Isles..." Hades sighed, "The Mourning Fields... There are these roses that grow in The Mourning Fields. Souls... stare into them... forever..."

He wasn't sure whether to tell her or not... But it came out nonetheless. "That is where those who die consumed by unrequited love are sent. And in that place... these roses grow... and in their petals these souls find the face of their love. As sad, and as terrible as it must be... those flowers... they are... they are beautiful. They are as beautiful as love must feel..." He swallowed and composed himself, "At least I hope I'm sure."

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

Persephone listened to Hades speak, so captivated by his words that without realising it she was no longer averting her gaze but was instead staring at him, absorbed. She would never have imagined that the god of the Underworld would be so poetic.

"I'd like to see those things some day," she said.

When he spoke of love there was a kind of pain in his voice, a note of longing that made her heart ache for him, though she wasn't quite sure why.

"I suppose you're much too busy to spend very much time admiring the flowers in any case," she said, softly. "Everyone always talks about how hard you work."

[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

He chuckled when she mentioned seeing such sights. "Hopefully not," he said instinctively, forgetting the reason he had com here.

As she continued his cheeks did there best to blush against the coal and ash that had dug their way into his skin. "It can be a difficult job... yes. I do my best. It is a large place to keep in order." Hades smiled forlornly, "Sometimes I do wish others would come and visit, to see what lies beneath the earth... But I understand." His eyes grew heavy, as did his shoulders. "It is not a place you can leave unscathed... it comes with you... The other gods are not willing to risk the blemishes."

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

Persephone had never really considered before that Hades might get lonely.

"Do you often get the opportunity to visit the earth like this?" she asked.

It was no big surprise that nobody went to visit him in hades, who would want to? But surely he could spend time here among his family, even if only for parties?

But then she attended most of those parties and this was the first time she'd ever seen him in the flesh, so perhaps not.

[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

Hades chuckled, "I rarely can afford the time..." His expression saddened for a moment, before his eyes grew a little angry. "And... I've never been a fan of those parties. I... I rarely feel... Let us just say that I'd rather avoid family drama."

One on one most of the gods were more than civil with Hades, but in groups... well they tended to latch onto him like leeches in the murk. It was as if they had all forgotten, 'twas not so long ago they had stood together and fought... But perhaps it was so long ago... and only he could not see it... since his sundial had been blinded by night.

"No..." he said finally, "I have not seen the sun, in perhaps a century... maybe more."

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

To not see the sun for a century! Persephone's heart ached on his behalf.

She didn't believe that she would survive without seeing the sun for a single day, never mind a century. All of her was light and life, her very soul was summoned forth from the wonders of the earth. She was the child of Demeter's womb, her breath had been drawn from the breeze that moved through the branches of the willow, her voice was the song of a mountain stream, and her warm heart had been forged in the flames of wildfire and made stubborn and resilient by its touch.

Persephone could have wept for Hades, damned to an existence without life... Poor creature.

"Would you like to see more, my Lord? Perhaps we could walk together for a time and I could show you," she offered.

She was fearful of him, yes, for his status and his work were more than enough for time spent in his company to be... daunting. But Persephone was kind, and she couldn't bear the thought of any person finding themselves alone and wanting.
Besides, hadn't she been looking for a way to spend her morning? And what a tale this would be to tell.

[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

Hades smiled softly; there was a soft pain in her eyes that mingled with her fear, he thought perhaps she pitied him. He did not need her pity, but he would take it over her fear. She was kind, and sweet, it appeared her heart matched her face.

"Yes," he said, rising, "I would like that very much. And..." Hades looked down at the ground beneath his feet, "I will try not to tread on anything too beautiful."

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

Persephone stood and then did something brave.
She offered Hades her hand.
The gesture was performed with certainty but her delicate fingers trembled.

"Perhaps if we walk together it might help."

[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

He looked down at her hand as it offered itself to him like a delicate flower stretched out towards the sun. Her skin was more perfect than the finest gems the earth could muster, so much so that he almost dared not to touch her.

There was apprehension in his action as he slowly placed his hand atop hers. Hades watched her eyes for any sign of pain, that he might pull himself away and apologise. But as his flesh met hers he felt a strange warmth flow into his hand. Her hand did not wither under his touch, instead it was his that changed; as he felt a little of the lingering ghost that had followed him here being banished back beneath the earth, Hades smiled.

"Your hand is warm. I apologise that mine are so cold."

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

Hades' hand was cold but Persephone held onto it all the same. She could feel that the life around them had stopped shrinking back from him, and she felt proud that she'd been able to do that for him. She hoped that he could feel the things she felt, the grass beneath her feet and the textured bark of the trees they passed as she led him to the woods on the edge of the meadow.

"You needn't apologise, my Lord, it's alright. I always run a little warmer anyway. Come, I'll show you the fresh spring a little further on here, the water is so cool and crisp, you must try it."

[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

The world around him became sharper and more distinct as he held onto her hand and walked with her. The grass beneath his feet was soft and warm, the breeze cool and playful. Yet there was something more to this than just sunshine and blossoms; Hades had walked through the fields of Elysium many times, and there was warmth and beauty there also, meadows and trees. But it wasn't the same at it was here on Earth, it felt less like a dream here, less all consuming, more fragile.

"If you say I must then I shall. And please, you needn't call me my lord. Hades will do just fine."

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

With his permission Persephone allowed herself to drop some of the formality and became easier in his company. Her steps were lighter and she met his eye and smiled.

Soon they reached the spring in question and Persephone climbed down the steep slope at the edge of the stream to reach it. She cupped her hands beneath the gush of water and then lifted them to her lips to drink.
She peered up at Hades and then gestured for him to follow her.
"Come taste."

[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

The stream was very pretty, a little plain, but then Hades was used to rivers made of more than just water.

He knelt by the spring and placed a hand into it. The water was cool and clear, he almost couldn't feel it, as if his hand were surrounded by nothing more than the breeze. Cupping his hand he brought some to his lips and drank. Somehow it almost tasted like honey.

"That is... I'm not sure I've ever drank water so sweet." Hades smiled at her, as his hand absentmindedly played with the stream. "Yet not quite as sweet as you, daughter of the meadow." Hades stood and dried his hand on his robe. "Come then, what other wonders have you to show me?"

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

Persephone's smile widened, she was pleased he enjoyed the water, and even more pleased still when he called her sweet.

"You have the same charming tongue of almighty Zeus, your brother," she laughed, blushing for the second time in his company. "Come, I will show you the gardens. There are fruits and birds and butterflies... There is such beauty. The splendour of this earth will make your heart soar, I know it does mine."

She took his hand again and quickened her pace in anticipation of arriving at these gardens, she was impatient to share them with him.

[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

Hades did not enjoy being compared with Zeus, but he knew she meant well by what she said. He nodded and followed her, reveling more in her excitement than what she had to show him. He was sure the gardens were beautiful, but they could not possibly be more beautiful than she was.

As they made their way through the grass, Hades touched his chest, feeling the place Eros' arrow had stung him. All this was very strange; really he should be getting back soon, what he was doing was very irresponsible. And yet he could not stop smiling.

"Yes," he said with a light chuckle, "I do feel my heart soaring a little."

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

The trees started to arch towards one another, leaving a path between them and creating a leafy tunnel. The sun shone through the leaves and cast a warm green glow all around them. Up ahead the tunnel stopped, covered by a blanket of long vines which trailed down to the ground.

As they approached Persephone parted the vines like curtains and stepped through. They entered a canopied glade, a place of warmth and gentle light, alive with brightly coloured butterflies, hummingbirds, and sweet smelling exotic flowers. Plump fruits hung from every tree, and the grass was so soft underfoot it felt like a rich carpet or rug.

"This is my favourite place," Persephone said, her tone almost reverent. It felt like a holy place to her.

She wasn't sure why she had brought Hades here, she never brought anyone here, but she'd felt a need to share with him the glory and beauty in her world. He hadn't seen the earth in a century, she felt he was owed this after such a long time.

The colours of the plants and flowers seemed to grow brighter the closer Persephone got to them, and buds bloomed at her touch. Butterflies landed in her hair and camped there. The glade welcomed her like family.

[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

As she parted the vines and they entered the glade Hades felt a little overwhelmed. It was not the sights, nor the smells or the sounds, that flooded his senses; it was the spirit. He could feel a swell of soul, a lightness of being, an ancient flame of divine right. It was like standing inside Persephone's heart.

Hades walked into the centre and slowly looked around himself taking it all in, saying nothing. Eventually his astounded expression turned into a gentle smile. He looked over at her and nodded,

"This might be my favourite place too, did I live up here."

Then something caught his eye, something fluttering in place, half lost in the shadows of a brush. Hades wandered over to it, finding a butterfly trapped in a spider's web. Hade's gave a soft and sad smile as he watched the creature struggle.

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

Persephone grinned, overjoyed that he appreciated the wonder of the place as she did.

"You should visit more. I can show you other places, we could... I don't often see many people, mother can be a little overprotective."

She noticed that something had caught his attention and stepped up to see what he was looking at. She spotted the butterfly and sighed sadly.

"What a shame..." she murmured.

[isthedirt.livejournal.com]

My mother can be a little overprotective... Hades did not respond, but knew she was right. Demeter would never let go of her darling flower willingly. If he did mean to woo Persephone there would be the issue of her mother.

He glanced over at her and smiled as she looked on at the butterfly. "Is it a shame? Spiders must eat too. What is tragedy for one, is harmony for another." Hades took her hand again. "Besides, death is not the end, not even for butterflies." He chuckled, "Especially not for butterflies. I'm sure him and I shall meet again."

[scarlet-seeds.livejournal.com]

"I know that death is necessary, but I still think it can be sad," Persephone said, softly. "It pains me to see creatures perish. It's not the death itself, it's the fear I think, that's what saddens me. The suffering."

She could feel the panic of the butterfly, its desperation to survive, the threat of the spider looming closer. The poor creature was mad with fear.

"What is the Underworld like?" she asked, hoping to distract herself. "I've never seen it and I've heard so many different things I don't know what to believe."