by M. M. Kin
But even as the Goddess of Love was in a large part responsible for the destruction of Ilion, she had also contributed to the duration of the survivors of the ruined city. Her son, Aeneas, born from an affair with the mortal Anchises, led what was left of the Trojans to settle in what would later become known as Italy, calling their colony Alba Longa. Aeneas's line became the rulers of this settlement, and generations later, Ares would play his own part in the fate of these descendants of Ilion.
The God of War had been forced to be chaste for several decades before Persephone would restore his potency – after much groveling and favors – but not without the codicil that if he attempted to force himself upon another woman, she would punish him with permanent chastity. Thus far he had actually managed to behave himself, and when Rhea Silva – a daughter of Aeneas's line – caught his attention, she was a willing recipient of his desire.
Rhea bore twin sons whose names would be remembered through the history of the West. They were unaware of their divine paternity, but had inherited much from Ares, including a tendency to fight. Not knowing his own strength, Romulus slew his twin by accident before going on to found Rome.
Many of the Greek gods integrated themselves within this new kingdom, taking on new names, just as they had done in Tyrrhenia, where Hades and Persephone had been worshiped as Aita and Fersephenai, and now the Romans knew them as Pluto and Proserpina. Ares and Aphrodite were quick to embrace their roles as Mars and Venus, two of Rome's most prominent deities, and their names were often used even after the inevitable fall of the Roman Empire.
Just as Rome was more advanced than Hellas, the gods had advanced, some more than others. Under his new identity of Jupiter, Zeus was more thoughtful and wise. He still made mistakes now and then, but he made a lot less of them. Ares and Aphrodite also tended to make less trouble, focusing their energies into more productive ways. The Trojan War had a sobering effect on the Goddess of Love especially, and in her Venus aspect, she was considerably more loving and patient than her former persona. Mortals had but decades to gain wisdom, but sometimes it took a god centuries.
Persephone laughed at her husband's statement. “A long time ago, I never could have imagined it. Makes you wonder what will happen next, hm?”
Hades touched his wife's face, rubbing her chin and cheek affectionately. “Only time will tell.”
o0o
The plantation filled most of the valley, its well-groomed lots filling the landscape with a patchwork of various colors. The lots were interspersed with whitewashed and neatly maintained buildings that hosted a number of activities.
Toula marched towards the cart at the end of the lot with a basket full of olives. One thing she liked about the job that it was never the same year-round. A couple of months ago, she and the other workers had harvested grapes, and now it was time to collect olives. She had always liked working outdoors, so she considered it the perfect job for her. Several of her siblings and cousins also worked here, because the company that owned the farms employed many people in the neighboring town.
The town had languished due to its isolation and a sagging economy before the company set up base here. The jobs created paid well, and many young people – or their parents – were able to afford going to one of the larger cities, like Athens or Thessaloniki, so they could attend university. Every worker here was also able to take a certain amount of the product the company generated, to share with their family or friends. The village had also become a small tourist attraction, and her aunt had set up a bed-and-breakfast business a few years ago. Sometimes the visitors liked being given tours of the plantation or the caves that sheltered the wine production. If not for the company, more people would have left the valley because it was so remote, and in today's world, many considered remote villages outdated.
Some people said that the valley was almost magical, because its bounty was so delicious and abundant. The Christmas bonuses that came in the form of generous packages of food were never turned down, and Mother always said that after the company set up here, she wouldn't consider getting wine or olive oil anywhere else. Toula and her brothers and sisters had grown up eating these products, and she couldn't imagine consuming anything else.
The smooth rumble of an unfamiliar-sounding engine caused her to lift her head, peering at the road under the brim of her hat. Trucks came and went on a regular basis, but what she saw was a car that was closer than she had thought it would be since its engine was quieter than the company's vehicles. It was a finer car than she had ever seen in her life, its polished ebony surface gleaming in the afternoon sun. It drove past her and stopped in front of the largest building in the compound, and the back door opened to let out a tall man in a black suit and deep blue tie. His long hair was as black as the car or his attire, and was pulled back in a thick ponytail.
Sunglasses and a dark gray fedora hat obscured most of the upper half of his face. He was too well-dressed to be a worker, and Toula wondered who he was. Was he one of the company's international buyers? A glint drew her eye to the cane the man was carrying, the handle of it having the appearance of a polished skull.
The field workers had been taught to leave such visitors alone unless instructed otherwise, so Toula continued her way to get the olives pressed.
o0o
Ms. Kory sat in her office, going through the paperwork and tallies. Every year was profitable, and she really should expect no less, but she liked looking at all the numbers, especially since she was unable to be here every day like most other bosses could. Several crates of various products sat in the corner of her office, bottled or jarred and bearing the company label and logo on them. The flavor of the food grown around here was like it had been in her childhood, deep and rich, each kind of fruit or vegetable bearing just the right fullness of flavor.
Though this place was no longer known as Enna and much had changed, it still felt like home to her. When she had come here a couple of decades ago, the valley was nearly deserted, people trickling out through the years to seek their fortunes in the larger cities. Europe had been through much in the last few centuries, including a lion's share of wars. Borders shifted and disappeared, and the history of Greece had been turbulent. Things had become more stable over the last few decades, but the march of time had inevitable effects.
She had been especially fascinated – and sometimes mystified – by the technological advances of the last century. The Renaissance had been glorious, but could the great thinkers and artists of that era have ever envisioned a television or phone? The stylus was replaced with a quill, and then the typewriter, and now computers. The city-states of ancient Hellas and even the sprawling urban centers of the Roman Empire and Byzantium paled before the glittering metropolises of the current era, the densely populated complexes attracting people just as they had done in ancient times. Modern life had a way of doing that to people, and those that were left had borne the brunt that was typical of small towns or villages in this era, something she had seen the world over.
However, modern living had also enabled her to create her own company – something that would have been unheard of for women in ancient Greece – and the valley was revitalized, just in a different way than her mother had done so long ago. The goods her company produced were all organic, and demand was high. Thanks to her powers, the farms need never worry about drought or blight, so business was steady. Of course, she had to learn how to run a business, which required more than it did in ancient times. Learning how to use a computer had been so frustrating at times; Hephaistos had a much easier time with the infernal machines and had helped her to understand them. Dealing with all the paperwork required – tax forms, employee benefits, compliance and safety guidelines and the like – caused her to want to pull out her hair at times, but with patience and determination, understanding of these things came within her grasp. Sometimes she longed for a simpler time, but progress did come with its complications.
She lifted her head when she heard a gentle r
apping on the door, immediately recognizing the presence of her visitor.
“Come in!” she called out, keeping her eyes on the papers and computer, feigning perfunctory interest in her guest. She bit back a smile as he drew the blinds closed before sitting down in one of the chairs in front of her desk. He took off his hat and sunglasses, placing them at the edge of the desk as he regarded her silently for several moments.
Hades leaned back, studying her as she made a show of examining her paperwork. She had done very well, but then, he would expect no less, and she looked every bit the professional she was, clad in a green silk suit with her thick hair pulled back in a bun.
“How can I help you?” she asked as she looked up at him, her face and voice neutral, the gleam in her eyes betraying her delight at his presence.
“Mmm... I think you know the answer to that, my dear.” Hades's voice was a soft purr that sent a pleasant shiver up and down her spine, causing a faint tingle in her fingers and toes. He could be so damn sexy when he wanted to, and he was an especially fetching sight in the well-tailored suit he wore.
“Oh, now I'm a mindreader?” she shot back lightly.
“You never needed to read my mind to know what I want... or need.” His gaze told her of just how fierce his need was, and her lips curved up in a smile.
“How about some refreshment?” she asked. She pressed a button on her phone. “Theresa, bring up some bread, plates, and cutlery.”
“Right away, Ms. Kory.” It was standard practice with prospective clients or buyers to let them sample her products, and it wasn't the first time Hades had done so. Within a few minutes, everything she requested was set before her on the desk, and the secretary closed the door behind her.
As Hades started cutting slices of the bread, his wife went over to the crates, retrieving a bottle of olive oil and jars of strawberry and pomegranate jelly.
“I have missed you,” Hades stated as he sat back with a slice of bread slathered with jelly.
“You always do.”
“How could I not?”
Persephone smiled again, thinking about what the Fates had told her about her relationship with Hades. He was as loyal and affectionate as ever, but the time she spent apart from him also kept the dynamics between them fresh. Absence really did make the heart fonder, and it applied to her as well as it did him. Like her, he had established a company of his own as a diversion, though she was much more hands-on with her own business than he was. She really enjoyed being part of this world, and the challenge of establishing and running a business. Hades had not objected at all when she proposed the idea to him.
As she munched on a piece of bread, Hades idly picked up one of the jars and looked at it, admiring the design of the sticker. A picture of a cornucopia laden with produce dominated most of the label, with 'Cornucopia' emblazoned in deep red – the color of a pomegranate – above it in Greek language and letters, and below it in English. The name was appropriate for a company known for its wine, olive oil, fruit jams and jellies, and vegetable dips and spreads. He opened the jar and slipped his finger inside before licking it clean.
“Don't you know it's rude to eat out of the jar?” Persephone chided playfully. Slowly and deliberately, he repeated his motions, dragging his finger through the sweet substance and getting a larger dollop than before. A faint blush rose in her cheeks as he languidly licked it off his finger, and he winked at her before she laughed and shook her head.
“Whatever am I going to do with you?”
“Love me?” he shot back.
“You're such a charmer.”
“I know.”
o0o
After being in a quiet, semi-lit room, the sunlight almost felt like an assault on Hades even with his hat and sunglasses, and he was eager to return to the peaceful darkness of the Underworld. His chauffeur emerged from the car and bowed as he opened the door for Persephone.
“Good to see you again, Kharon,” Persephone stated, and the almost-skeletal man smiled faintly. Like Hades, he wore sunglasses, and wore a black suit and chauffeur’s hat, though both of them know and respected him as much more than a servant. Kharon did not always accompany Hades to the surface, but once in a while he would come up and enjoy some time in the surface realm before returning to Styx. Once Hades was in the car, Kharon closed the door before going back to the driver's seat. The windows were tinted and the air conditioning on full blast, and Persephone shivered slightly from the cold.
Hades took off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders, wrapping his arm around her. Her head lolled back on his shoulder, and he pressed his lips to her forehead. He knew she needed her time on the surface world, but it was always good to bring her home. Sometimes she would come without any argument, and other times she would tease him and make him chase after her. He never tired of chasing after her.
“Since you're so cold, I'll give you a nice hot bath when we get home, hmm?” he asked. She smiled and nodded.
“You always take such good care of me.”
“Would you expect any less of your loving husband?”
“Of course not.” She smiled at him before looking out the window, seeing several of her employees hard at work collecting olives, Toula among them. In the young woman she could see a bit of Eurycleia and Alestis, especially around the eyes. Many of the residents of the village were distant descendants of Iasion's family. So many generations separated her father's relatives from these people today that a resemblance generally wasn't apparent, so Persephone was always happy to see a bit of familiarity here and there in the faces of the lucky few, especially dark-eyed and -haired Toula.
It was almost hard to believe that she had actually lived this long, or made it this far. Through millennia, many gods died, either on their own or from vicious battles, like the Ragnarok that obliterated many of the Teutonic deities over a thousand years ago. Others simply abandoned their roles as gods and disappeared among mortals.
Her recollections were interrupted as she felt the shift in the air that signaled their crossing from one realm to another. The car rippled before appearing as a boat for a brief moment, the sound of flowing water meeting her ears. Kharon turned to them, the steering wheel in his hands now the long handle of an oar, his body clad in a dark gray cloak instead of the chauffeur's uniform. He bowed before he and his boat faded from around them, the sounds of the Styx going with him.
The jacket that Hades had placed on her shoulders expanded, its texture becoming velvety on the inside as it revealed itself to be part of her husband's cloak. His cane thickened and lengthened, the handle stretching out in the form of a curved blade. The scythe wasn't something Hades had used when he first became Lord of the Underworld, but when the long-handed sickle was first invented by mortals, he took a liking to it and created a modified one for his own use that became iconic as part of the representation of Death.
Persephone looked up, seeing the familiar skull-shaped helmet perched atop her husband's head. His face was visible in the shadow formed by the helmet, and he was smiling down at her faintly. After her time in the upper world, she was inevitably aware of the coldness of the Underworld. No matter how many times she returned to the Underworld and quickly re-acclimated herself to its unique atmosphere, she felt the cold every time upon arrival, but the warmth of the body holding her reassured her in more ways than one.
With his helmet lowered over his face and scythe in hand, his black cloak swishing around him, Hades was quite literally the stuff of nightmares and deepest fears. She had to admit, there was a delicious thrill seeing him in this getup, and he knew it. She could even say he was... what was that word the mortals used today... sexy. Even after all the years they had been married, she enjoyed his company as much as ever, and knew her feelings were more than reciprocated. It made every homecoming something to look forward to.
“Aidon...” she whispered. Hades touched her hair with his free hand, burying his fingers in the thick waves that were not quite bound in her bun, b
efore pressing his lips to her forehead. Even now, it sometimes amazed him just how he felt for her. He was supposed to be merciless and cold, lord of a cursed realm, his heart as hard and unyielding as stone. For millennia he ruled over a realm that even gods feared. People hesitated to say his name out loud. Just like in the past, people today spoke of him as a dark and even evil god though nobody believed in the Greek gods anymore. Some things never changed, and Death was one of them. Yet his bride did not fear him, or his power, and a surge of contentment filled him as she pressed her body to his, resting her head on his shoulder.
“Welcome back, Seph.”
Nobody had worshiped him or his wife for a long time. The story of her abduction was overly simplified, and she was often portrayed as an unwilling victim and perpetually unhappy queen, hating the Underworld, pining for every spring and dreading every autumn. He was portrayed as evil and cruel, a greedy and selfish man who plucked her from her mother's arms without any thought as to what she might need or want. And so the Greeks had come to blame him for their autumns and winters, and the story persisted even through the modern age. At least the truth was far better – and more interesting – than fiction.
Notes
o0o
The Titanomachy refers to the time where the Titans ruled Greece after Kronos overthrew his father Ouranos. Kronos had eleven siblings who were Titans, including his own wife, and in some versions of the Greek myths, these Titans were forced out of their former godly positions by the Olympians when the Titanomachy ended. For example, Selene (the moon) was replaced by Artemis, Helios (the sun) was replaced by Apollo, Okeanos (the sea) was replaced by Poseidon, and so on.