by M. M. Kin
Though she was only eleven, Eirene understood that gods could be very naughty, though she didn't have a full idea of what 'naughty' entailed. To her, the gods were just stories, since they certainly hadn't proven their existence to the people of Eleusis as far as she could remember. They were apparently concerned with other matters and didn't have time for the mortals that worshiped them, or perhaps they didn't even exist.
Now, she knew they were flesh and very real, and had feelings, like her. Though the older goddess had always been kind to the children of the King and Queen, there was still a distant quality around her that made her nearly unapproachable especially to the girl. However, Persephone was different. She listened and cared. She had problems, just like any mortal!
“I cannot wait to be grown up. Then Mother can't boss me around anymore.”
Persephone laughed. But it wasn't the condescending laugh of an adult; rather, it was a warm one of open agreement.
“Believe me, I remember these days... always looking forward to tomorrow, wanting to be treated like an adult, being sick of being told what to do. That day will come for you soon enough.” Persephone squeezed the girl's shoulder as they strolled through the gardens.
“I wish that day would come now.” Eirene had especially hated Abas, since he liked calling her 'little princess' in a sing-song tone. He was gone, good riddance!
Persephone considered giving Eirene a woman's body. She certainly had been able to do so for herself, and she was able to control her powers through carefully-selected mental imagery. She understood all too well Eirene's frustrations with her mother; it was too similar to her own conflict with Mother.
However, physical and mental age were two different things, she reminded herself. Suddenly gaining a woman's body overnight wouldn't benefit Eirene in the long run, and it wouldn't fix the rampant nervous energy she felt in the girl. What she needed was an outlet for her energy, and not simply her music.
“I have not seen the forests outside of the city. Will you show me around?” Persephone asked.
“Certainly, but we are not allowed outside alone... we have to ask Mother or Father and have guards with us...”
“You have no need for guards when you have a goddess with you.” Said goddess' lips formed a grin as she raised her eyebrow. The raven-haired princess stared at her for a moment before her eyes widened in comprehension and delight.
o0o
Nobody had come to visit – or bother – her or her daughter in the last few days, and Demeter was glad for that. However, that peace would come to an inevitable end, and she was immediately aware of the presence of another deity on the seventh morning after her reunion with her daughter.
She was outside with her daughter, taking a walk in the woods. This was one activity that they both always enjoyed, so she didn't have to argue with or cajole her daughter to go with her. Persephone didn't seem to be in the mood to talk, but she showed open interest in her surroundings, so Demeter was content to simply walk in silence and enjoy the sights around them.
Yesterday, after giving Demophon back to his mother, she heard from Metaniera what had happened with Kora and Eirene. She hadn't liked that, of course. It was bad enough that her daughter had become willful and defiant, now she was encouraging another girl to do the same! She had always feared the influence of others on her daughter; it had never occurred to her that Kora might be the one doing the influencing!
Rhea was sitting on a stump near the creek that the princesses enjoyed playing at, at least in warm weather. Ice and snow appeared here and there along the curves and bends, though it was held at bay by the churning eddies of the water as it raced over and around stones.
“I thought I might see you here,” the elder goddess said as she glanced at her daughter and granddaughter.
“Hello, Grandmother. I was wondering when I might see you again!” Demeter didn't seem thrilled, but Rhea was buoyed by Persephone's enthusiasm.
“I thought it would be best to allow matters to... settle before I came to see the two of you.”
“Hmm.” Demeter nodded slowly.
“How have things been here? The temple looks lovely, by the way.”
“Things have been going well, since I have my daughter back. And thank you.”
Rhea nodded, noticing how Persephone looked healthier after her brief time in the world of the living. Her skin was no longer so pale, though it was still fairly light, giving her a creamy complexion that was further emphasized by the ruddiness of her cheeks from the cold.
“How have you been?” Rhea asked, directing her attention to Persephone.
“I am just happy to be here. The sunlight, the fresh air...”
“I can imagine. If you enjoy that, I think you will enjoy Olympus.”
“What?” Demeter furrowed her eyebrows.
“I was thinking that your daughter and I share some ambrosia and nectar at my house. I assure you, you have nothing to worry about.”
“You want me to let you take her to Olympus? Without thinking that I might wish to accompany her?”
“Mother,” Persephone gave out a small, patient sigh. “I am a grown woman. I have been looking forward to seeing Grandmother again, and I have shown you that you need not worry about me.”
“I will bring her back tonight,” Rhea assured her daughter. “I simply wish to know my granddaughter and the newest goddess of the Olympians.”
“Is it really necessary to try to put her in the Pantheon? There are already so many, and I do not want her getting mixed up with the troublemakers...”
“She and I will be alone.”
“That is what I was hoping for, anyway.” Persephone said as she glanced at Rhea. The older woman smiled encouragingly.
“Very well.” Demeter could see by the glint in her daughter's eye that Kora was set on going. She certainly didn't want a fight in front of her own mother, and besides, out of all the gods of Olympus that her daughter could spend time with, one could hardly worry that Rhea might be a poor role model. Ever since the overthrow of the Titanomachy, Rhea had acted as an adviser and mediator to the Council. Considering herself both a Titan and an Olympian, she was useful in solving the conflicts that often emerged between different branches of Gaea's immense brood.
“I am counting on you to keep an eye on my daughter,” Demeter said sternly. Persephone almost rolled her eyes, but glanced away demurely, giving a nod of agreement.
o0o
Grandmother's house reminded her of Mother's own, and Persephone felt at ease as she gazed around. Rhea's house was larger, but the construction and furnishings were still simple, offering comfort to make up for its lack of splendor. In the large kitchen, herbs hung from the rafters, and the smell of fresh bread hung in the air. The seats were padded with brown cloth woven through with bright red and orange strands, and the table was covered with a tablecloth of the same color and design.
“Have a seat,” Rhea said as she gestured towards the table, and Persephone nodded before doing so. There was already a bowl of fruit on the table, and Rhea quickly fetched some ambrosia and nectar. Persephone remembered how sweet the food of the gods could be, so she took sparing bites and sips, alternating the sweetness with pickled olives that sat in a small bowl.
The younger woman remained silent, figuring that she would wait for Grandmother to start asking questions. How or what Rhea asked her would help Persephone gauge her better and see what kind of person her grandmother was. Hades's disdain for most of the Olympians made her wary of them.
“Would you like to tell me about yourself?” Rhea asked. Not what I was expecting, Persephone thought as she studied her grandmother.
“That is a question that can be interpreted different ways. As it is, I do not think I could describe myself in a way that I would be satisfied with.”
“Hmm.” Rhea nodded before taking a sip of her nectar. “Has your mother always kept you so sheltered? I am just curious, since my children are usually so happy to announce the births of t
heir children.”
“Yes. When my father was still alive, Mother was happier. She did not fuss over me so much, since I already had a family to watch over me, but she did not talk about being a goddess or about the Olympians and we lived like mortals. After he died, Mother took us to an island, with only the nymphs for company. It was like that until Hades...”
“Yet others have found you. Hermes, Ares...”
“Hermes told other gods, and Ares got wind of it. Hermes found me by accident, and he was funny. He tried to tease me, but he left when I turned him down. I know he was not being mean or anything.”
“You certainly show wisdom in analyzing the situation like that.” Rhea looked pleased, and Persephone could not help but feel a small surge of pride. For this elder goddess to compliment her in such a dignified way!
“I just did some thinking after he left. I always do a lot of thinking,” the younger woman replied in frank admission.
“I suppose your time in the Underworld was no exception.”
Persephone stiffened as she glanced at her grandmother. Mother had refused to discuss the subject when Persephone had tried to bring it once more.
“Is something wrong?” Rhea asked.
“Mother absolutely refuses to talk about it.”
“Is it all right if I talk about it with you? Or you tell me whatever you are feeling comfortable with, at least?”
“You will... listen?” Persephone sounded mildly astonished.
“I always do.”
“You will not tell anyone?”
“Hermes certainly did not get his loose tongue from me,” Rhea shot back, wagging her finger. “You have my word.”
“What is it you want to ask me?”
“How did he treat you? I was worried, you looked so pale...”
“He always offered me food. He would not let me starve and always made sure I had access to victuals. No matter how many times I refused... but he was a kind host. He showed me that I did not have to be afraid of him. He treated me with much kindness.” Persephone had an almost indiscernible smile, and Rhea was surprised to see the glimmer of fondness in her granddaughter's eyes.
“For so long, I have wondered if my son would ever have interest in a bride. He is king of a dread realm, and many fear him. I have always wondered if he might be lonely. He is a selective man, but once he makes a decision, he does not turn his back to it. He must consider you special, and I think I can see why.”
“Oh.” Persephone drummed her fingers lightly on the table.
“So, I cannot help but wonder why he gave you up so easily. When I begged him to release you, he became angry with me. He has suddenly released you back to your mother. I have known my children for too long to not gain insight into their actions. Hades is not one to acquire something and simply let it go.”
Persephone held back a soft groan as she thought of the pomegranate seeds. Nothing had been more juicy or luscious than those seeds, and even after eating all the scrumptious meals Mother or Metaniera provided, she still wanted more of that pomegranate.
“You're right.” Persephone did not elaborate. Rhea sat back with a mild frown.
“You mentioned your father dying.” Rhea felt unsure of how to broach the subject about her granddaughter's paternity. “Do you have any Gifts?” She figured that this might be an easy way to turn to that subject.
“I think you already know the truth about... who sired me. I just prefer to call Iasion my father since he was the one who loved and raised me until he died. I have only ever known him as my father. Zeus never told me who he really was, so why should I care for him?” Persephone sighed as she stared through the window. “I learned a lot about myself when I was in the Underworld. I have no desire to have any truths hidden from me.”
“Very well. Have you given thought about what you want for your future? I sense an independent streak within you, and that you and your mother struggle in your relationship. Would you want a husband and family of your own? Or do you wish to be a maiden goddess like Athene or Artemis?”
“Maiden goddess?” Her lips quirked into an amused smile. Rhea did not miss that.
“Zeus has designated you as the Goddess of Spring, to complement the Goddess of the Harvest, but he has not made an announcement of it out of... respect to your mother.”
“Truth be told... I am not entirely sure what I want. Until Hades kidnapped me, I had not realized just how sheltered I was. Hades really was a kind host. I actually enjoyed spending time with him; he tells good stories and has taught me many things. But I missed Hellas, and I know I belong here. It is part of me and my Gift.”
“You are young yet. I will always be here to listen to you and help you out any time you need me.”
“Thank you.” Persephone was truly grateful, for Rhea seemed neutral, a willing and patient arbiter. Perhaps Rhea could talk to Mother. No. This is something I need to do for myself. She still had nearly a month to go before Hades came to reclaim her. “For now, I am just happy spending time with you. I would like to ask you questions about Olympus.”
“Oh, I am sure you do. It is only fair, after asking you so many questions.” Rhea considered what kind of reception Persephone would gain from the Olympians. She was strikingly beautiful in a way that rivaled Aphrodite's own. To the gods, she would be 'fresh meat' as they vied for her attention and entry to her bed. Come to think of it, she had been safer with Hades than she would have been with many members of her family. However, she had the feeling that Persephone would be able to stand her own against the clan.
“But I do have one more question, if that is all right with you?”
“Sure.” Persephone shrugged.
“Do you have feelings for him?”
Persephone blinked, biting back a gasp of shock. She quickly collected herself, cocking her head slightly to the side, her gaze thoughtful and distant for a moment. “What if I do?”
Rhea smiled faintly. “Has he shown that he cares for you?”
“Yes.” Persephone's response was calm.
“Have you eaten the food of the dead?”
Persephone stared back at Rhea, her pulse racing, her outward appearance exuding quiet self-assurance.
“No wonder Hades let you go so quickly.”
Persephone exhaled slowly as she glanced at the window again.
“Your mother does not know?”
Persephone nodded. “How can she know, when she refuses to talk about him or listen to me?”
“I suppose Hades thinks he is doing you a favor by letting you come up here and say your goodbyes?”
“It is better than nothing. He gave me until the winter solstice.”
“More than I would have expected. What do you think your mother will do when she finds out?”
“I do not wish to contemplate it. But I know I must. Please do not tell her, I need to do it myself!”
Rhea patted her granddaughter's hand reassuringly. “I appreciate you being honest with me. But yes, you need to tell her yourself.” Woe betide the unfortunate messenger, and after the progress she had made with her daughter recently, she was loath to lose the bit of closeness she gained with Demeter.
“And what of Hades? Does he expect you to handle this yourself? I never thought my eldest son would be afraid to confront someone.”
“No, he has given me his word that he will talk with Mother. He...” Persephone took a breath as she stopped herself from revealing too much. Rhea had asked for one more question, and it turned into more! “What a mess,” she muttered.
“I suppose you could call it that, given what happened up here. Nearly everyone was on Zeus's side when it was first revealed the arrangement he made over you. Now Demeter has more allies than anyone could have imagined. Nature is her will. There is no god alive who is not aware of the fury of a woman scorned. Of course, the cost was great. Many things could have gone better, so it was a mess indeed.”
Over the last few days, Persephone had observed her mother. She could se
e that Mother was stricken by what she had done, especially after Persephone reminded her of all the mothers who had lost their children. Though Mother of course wouldn't admit it, she was deeply sorry about what she had done, her surging anger replaced with regret and shame. Even if Mother would become angry again, she wouldn't curse the earth. Once had been more than enough.
“Has Mother always been so stubborn?” Persephone asked.
“Yes, but it can be very good. She is not someone who is afraid to stand up to Zeus, and that is what he needs. In the beginning of the Olympian rule, even before Athene was born, Demeter assured her own power and the power of the other Goddesses, and would not rest until Zeus acknowledged them and gave them governing roles on Olympus. Kronos never cared much for the opinion of women, and my sisters and I were not allowed to be part of the Titan's Council. But such a trait as stubbornness goes both ways. Be patient with your mother.”
“Easier said than done,” she replied with a scoff.
“You have been here but for a week. There is time yet, for you and for us and for your mother.”
“Hopefully.”
“Do not be so sad. I'm sure you will figure something out. You certainly are smart enough.” Rhea smiled encouragingly. “And you can always talk to me. I will fill you in with all the things that your mother should have told you years ago... provided you ask the right questions.”
Persephone smiled back at her grandmother.
o0o
Since her visit with her grandmother, Persephone spent the rest of the evening with the princesses. A servant amused them with funny stories and jokes before Eirene played her flute and then lyre for them, and Aethra recited a story for them. Aethra was a surprisingly good orator, giving different voices to each character in the story as she told the story of how the mighty sun god Helios's son had wanted to ride his chariot, and begged his father to let him do so. Helios finally relented, but the boy, being inexperienced, rode the chariot too low, its heat boiling away parts of the sea and enraging Poseidon before going on to scorch the rich valleys, rousing Demeter's ire. Finally, Zeus had enough and threw a thunderbolt to strike the boy dead.