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A Rose Among the Dark (Ravenofpoe X Strawberry Strip)

Exiting the doorway first was Minthe. The nymph never cared for her mortal form and was in full glory. Her pale green skin and dark green hair sparkled with her power and she exuded the scent of sweet mint. Her eyes first took in the room and then Hades and Nyx. She paused, calculating what she saw and smiled.

Next came in Persephone. Compared to Minthe, she looked tiny and insignificant. She wore jeans and a shirt, ready to get to work if needed. Her wheat-colored hair was pulled back in a braid. Surprisingly, she had more of those flowers in her hair, though she couldn't tell her mother why she was suddenly interested in making them.

Behind her was Hermes and a very sheepish-looking Eros. Hermes waved to Hades. "I only brought them here. I have a lot of work piling up, so I can't stay. I'll check in during the week." Hermes quickly gave Persphone a hug. "Stay safe, little dear. Call me if you need me." With that, he left and Eros looked even more sheepish.

"I, um, came to talk to you, Hades. It's, um, my wife. See, she mentioned something about wanting to know if you were going to expand baby monitors. I think that's her way of saying she's pregnant again, but with women, who knows. Anyway, in private if you please."

Persephone looked around a bit. It wasn't as bad as she thought. She smiled at Nyx. "Hello. I'm Persephone. Are you Nyx?"

Minthe gave a quiet cough. "Of course she is. Who else would be here to greet us?"

Persephone shrugged and finally let her gaze fall on Hades. She had avoided looking his way, bracing herself. Once more she felt that pull. She had thought he looked handsome the night before, but he was even more so today.
 
“Any number of people could be Charon usually greets visitors. This entrance is closer to the palace than the others though.” He stifled rage at Minthe and continued, “I apologize let me introduce you all.” He gestured to the woman dressed in a smart business suit. Her dark eyes sat behind dark framed glasses and this time her hair was a deep auburn. She changed it weekly. “This is Cerberus he wont bite guests. Souls trying to leave…different story.” The great hound smiled with its three heads and wagged his bob tail back and forth. He rushed Persephone demanding pets.

“Worst guard dog. Meets a new person. Does he growl no he begs for a pet.” HE smiled a good sign if he was looking for one. “Anyway, let me get the door. Eros you can ride with me the ladies can take the limousine.” On cue a black limousine appeared and a spirit opened the back door for them to pile in. With a whistle a black mustang appeared. The car was the classic model ’66 full custom job with lots of bells and whistles. “I take it you want something more than to know of baby monitors. That is fine. Though the answer is yes we have a new model set to release. Full video easy connection to the phones or tablet. If she sends a notice I will gift one.”
 
Persephone gave a laugh of pure joy as she petted each of Cerberus' heads. "Such a good boy! Yes, you are! You're a good boy," she crooned. She just adored him already. "Is he coming with us or is he staying here," she asked, not sure if the big dog would fit in the limo. Minthe looked horrified at the thought.

In the Mustang, Eros sat back with a sigh. "The baby monitors are just a story. I had to think of something to keep mother from coming down. Psyche is in on this, so if you mention the monitors to her, she'll understand." He pulled out a small vial. "Mother spend all night making this little aphrodisiac. She wanted to be the one to use it, but I convinced her to let me. She thinks I'm sneaking it into a drink for you and Persephone. I'm giving it to you. You can use it - and don't glare at me. I don't mean on Persephone. You can also toss it out. I didn't want to cause more trouble. Right now, I have told everyone I'm not taking any offers for her due to the bet Demeter has with Zeus and Hera. Basically, if Persephone can create a garden here, Demeter wins and will have her daughter join Artemis. If she can't, then she is to report to Olympus and Zeus for more training. I think you can see what's left out of this equation: what Persephone wants."
 
Cerberus picked up on the invitation and lumbered inside. He was well trained. Hades drummed his fingers on the steering wheel holding the aphrodisiac in the other. He put it in the glove box then. He was only one that used this car so it would be safe here till he disposed of it. “All night? They are banking on this girl to be destroyed down here.” He sighed and followed the limousine. “No, its why I asked you not to shoot her. How many of us have had the threads of fate changed before we could truly make a choice?” He glanced at Eros. “Trust me I find it hard to control myself around her. I do not trust myself fully either. It is why I put her with Nyx. He was sure the arrow bearer could sense the storm that was raging. One of his stronger ones could overpower him and make him act.

Once they drove through the massive stone gates the palace came into view. While the underworld was laid out in a city scape for ease this part had been left intact as a palace. The center of the river intersection with a sweeping barren yard that encroached upon the palace walls that was a darkened version of Buckingham palace. He stopped his car and no one burst in song to welcome the guests but shades of the dead descended to open all the doors.

The doors swung open as they approached and Plutun stood waiting with the other denizens that lived in the palace in one of the many wings and rooms. Thanatos and host of shades that moved around as if it was the end of the world that guests were here. “You may not know him but this is your brother Plutun. You can thank my brother for the loss of his sight.”
 
Minthe got out of the car quickly, not wanting to be around Cerberus. Persephone got out a bit slower, holding on to the hound for strength. This place was so much grander than what she expected. Truth be told, with the way her mother talked, she was thinking it would be all swampland and crumbling buildings and the howls of the tormented. This was actually very nice.

The moment she stepped out, Persephone felt a strange tingle in her body. She kept quiet, not sure if this was the sapping she had been told of. Though, wouldn't being sapped mean she'd feel tired and not able to feel her power? Instead, it was almost as if she stepped on a live wire. She was careful with who she touched as she was introduced the many denizens of the Underworld. Thanatos and Charon, the Judges (Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus), the Furies, and Plutun. When she met her brother, she gave him a hug, causing him to laugh.

"I think that was the nicest greeting I've ever gotten," said Pluton. "Welcome, sister, to the Underworld. If you need anything, let me know. I will be glad to help out."

"How about rooms," asked Minthe.

"Ah, uh, yes. We set Persephone up in some very special guest rooms and you'll be staying in the chambers next to her." He turned to Eros. "Will you be staying long?" Blind was different for the gods. Though Pluton could not see, he always knew who was near him.

Eros shrugged. "Just for dinner, then I need to head back home."

That caught Minth's attention. "Before I forget. Persephone, you are not to eat the food of the Underworld. It is not fit for those who do not reside here. If you eat, you will be forced to remain and will wither away. Your mother told me to tell you, and I will make sure you do not eat."
 
“Only if she eats from the Pomegranates. Even then it’s only the seeds. I assure you the only ones trapped here against their will are the shades and Sisyphus. Though he has not rolled the boulder in a bit.” He snapped his fingers and a few shades began to take luggage to the appropriate rooms. “Nonsense about my domain is a constant issue. Though take heed break rules and you will face my wrath. The judges laughed. They were responsible for sorting the dead and Hades took special appeals when needed.

He guided everyone to the large dining hall. “After dinner I can give a full tour of the palace if you like.” As they entered the hall a feast had been prepared of wine from his private stores with fresh cooked meat and plenty of vegetables and greens if one didn’t eat meat.” He pulled Persephone’s chair out personally before taking a seat at the head. “Your room is the one that would overlook a garden the balcony has a small plot as well. We have a large gym and an Olympic size swimming pool on the grounds and two library’s one for work that I use as an office the other takes up a wing of the grounds.”
 
Persephone smiled at him. "I would love a tour. You can show me where you'd like me to put some plants. And, I'd like to get to know you a bit better. I mean, since you're hosting us and I'm working on your domain. I don't want to put in something that would be out of place or unwanted." She looked down a bit. "I mean, if that's okay with you, Lord Hades."

At his section of the table, Eros was trying to not smile too brightly. If there was one thing he knew, it was love, and poor little Persephone was in the throes of her first crush. It was too cute. There would be no need for arrows or aphrodisiacs or anything of the kind here. With Hades' confession in the car and how Persephone gazed at him, it was clear that the two felt the same for each other. Though, how to push them together? Sure, it would help Hera's plan, but was it such a bad thing if the two participants were attracted to each other?

Eros jumped slightly when he felt a jab on his leg. Pluton had grabbed him, digging his nails in. "Tell me that isn't your doing," the God of Wealth whispered. "If I find out you shot my baby sister before coming here, I'm going to rip off your wings."

"Not me. That's all-natural. Trust me, my arrows won't work on her. They only work on those not already in love."
 
A smile appeared at the use of his title. “Hades will do only subjects call me lord. Your brother has the same issue.” He ate the lamb and watched Persephone when he was free to do so without the glare of Minthe. He was not going to like this creature. IT was only a week though so there was that at least. “How is the food. We get world famous chefs here that can prepare any food you like while you enjoy your stay.” He liked how she rambled though he wondered how she was in her comfort zone. Where she was alone with her work.

The underworld ended up with everyone eventually. He had managed to convince some of the better shades to stay rather than be reincarnated. He did force the issue on the ones that were not deserving his ire. Hades learned to rule by force was to rule over misery. While yes, the underworld was gloomy it had its pleasantries also. He supplied chefs to Olympus mechanics and other trade specialties that could be needed. IT was a good life for them. They could continue to do what they loved in new bodies that didn’t breakdown. The shades in the palace had physical forms but the magic let them work better in this form.
 
Persephone, who actually never seen a pomegranate before, only ate what she was familiar with. "I don't wish to be a bother while I'm here, Lor- um, sir, um, Hades. Whatever your chefs make will be fine by me. It's a bit better than at home. Mother seems to focus on grain a lot." She would, however, slip a bit of meat under the table for Cerberus.

"Why have you decided now to put in plants," asked Minthe. "You could have done that centuries ago. In fact, I'm one of the many plant nymphs. I could have done that for you a long time ago."

Persephone piped up, "Um, well, I did mention it to Mother. I think we kinda invaded his realm. Sorry about that, Lor...um, Hades."
 
“Why yes your right Minthe.” He shot back at her. “In fact if I wanted them to wither and die in week I would have asked.” He calmed and smiled, “My reasons are my own and if something grows so be it. Flowers are beautiful and I am interested in the concept. He pushed his plate aside interlacing his fingers. Once everyone had finished, he would stand. “Well, that was a wonderful meal. Hope everyone is up for a walk though.”

He led them to the eastern wing where Plutus slept and the others. Nyx had a room here as well hers was the biggest though each denizen crafted the doors to be magical in some way it was hard to say anymore. “This would be where guests stay as well but…we are out of rooms at the moment.” He gestured to the doors each having a mark of the owner that lived there. Nyx a nightscape, pluton gold, the judges had their own motifs. Through the halls he led them pointing out the houses many artworks. They passed the armory where his famed helm sat in the center of the room. A bident crossed with its twin stood behind it. Weapons from every age around the walls. IT was a lovely collection. AS they passed the walls nothing was empty there were paintings from renaissance masters up through more modern pieces. As he neared the library, he stopped at painting done by Van’ Gough. “The advantage to being here is everyone’s talents can be displayed. In life they may not have been appreciated but in death.” He pointed to the starry nightscape. IT was beautiful in the proper light.
 
Persephone was impressed. She kept Cerberus at her side. "Your home is lovely, Lor...Hades. It feels really warm here." It did, to her. She found everything very fascinating. The artwork, the way the mansion was set up, the people who lived there...everything.

"Why don't you show us where you sleep," said Minthe. "I bet that would be interesting." She moved closer to him and took his arm, giving him a bright smile. She knew that it was a matter of time before he came around. None of the gods could resist her charms.

Persephone was not impressed by Minthe. "Why would he show us his bedroom? We don't need to see it in order to do our job here."

"Maybe not your job, but mine," said Minthe, stroking Hades' arm.
 
Pulling away from Minthe he smiled in his best business smile. “My apologies the underworld is draining and you’ve all had a long day.” He was beginning to hate this nymph and knew the week was going to take a toll on him if she kept things up. He led them to the upper halls He opened the servant’s room first. “Miss minthe will be here.” IT was a plain room nice but still plain. It showed who styed here their station in the palace. That and Hades had never renovated this room. The single bed had sheets in red with a dressed made of mahogany. Next though Hades led the group to the queens’ chambers. Unlike the last room this room fit the title it was bestowed.

A large four poster bed sat in the center of the east wall with fresh silk sheets in white. The black posts were designed to resemble trees with the curtain a see through white with a floral pattern. The furniture was intricately carved with rose accents that thanks to the servants had recently been dusted. On the west wall a stained glass window pieced together to look like a field of roses let the eternal night city scape to glow though. HE moved opening the doors to reveal the balcony that overlooked the garden. “This would be Persephone’s room.
 
Minthe gritted her teeth at both the slight from Hades and the obvious difference in the rooms. Persephone, however, was enraptured. Oh, the room was beautiful, but it was the little garden that captured her attention. Though dead and decayed, she recognized it. And the tree! That was the garden of her dreams, the one she promised she'd make for him. Already in her mind's eye she could see the vibrant plants and flowers, could smell the sweet scent from the fruit of the tree, and feel the night air. Her hands itched to get started, to bring life to this place.

And not just any life. She could picture flowers such as hyacinth and anemone and narcissus growing around the tree with a bench to one side. Maybe some wild greenery? She sighed looking out at the garden.

"If I may, my lord," she said softly, "that is where I wish to try my magic. With your permission, of course."

"I wish you luck," said Pluton. "That tree has never bloomed in the whole time this place has existed. I don't think nature powers will work here, little sister."

"It will. I know it will. I can see it in my mind. I can feel it under my fingers. It sings to my soul." She paused. "I just don't know what kind of tree that is. It feels...familiar but not."
 
“You can try but I think tomorrow would be best.” He was being cautious he had a contract to look into now. Cause one way or the other whomever won this bet it mattered not. He had decided her path should be her own. “IT has been a long day, I am sure.” He smiled at her eagerness. Her pure joy at the aesthetics of his home. It was refreshing in the world of death. “If you like I can give a full tour of the domain tomorrow. There are beautiful sites here and if you like Nyx could take you shopping as well. We have more shops here than above. Mainly from the tech business everything has boomed.” He bit his lip and looked to the south wall. There was a door there. Well hidden for king and queen to have a tryst. He knew where it was but made sure it was well concealed.

To Plutun he said, “Longer than time has stood, I think. The fates know more than they are letting on and I may need words with them before the end of the week.”
 
"We should get some sleep," said Minthe, still miffed at being ignored. "And, in the morning, we'll have to make sure your powers aren't waning, Persephone. Your mother will be very upset if she thought you were draining yourself. As for tomorrow, I know I can use a shopping trip."

Persephone thought it over. "I will have to see how far I can get with the plants before I allow myself to go shopping. Maybe if I get up early enough, I can make some headway on this little garden." She smiled. "If I may ask a small favor? Can Cerberus stay with me tonight?"
 
“Of course. Do not fear if he is gone though he doesn’t have to he still wanders the entrance ways.” He smiled and bowed slightly. “I will let you get rest.” HE turned leaving Persephone with her escort. Leaving to his chambers he found the bottle he had left in his car sitting on his desk. There was note telling him as such. He picked it up and let the weight rest in his hand the blue liquid inside seemed to dance with light. It would make an interesting punishment he though. He really liked intriguing punishments for those deserving. He set the bottle on the mantle above the fire and stripped down for bed. Today had been a good day. IT had been better than he thought. The escort nymph was going to be trouble, he was sure. Sitting at his desk he summoned the contract that Demeter and Zeus used for their bet and began to pour over it. He could spot loopholes a mile awhile as it was his job to keep things as they were. He spotted what he wanted nearly instantly but still red through the document several times. There were things that people forgot about the underworld. Namely it was his Lot and the secrets were his alone.
 
It took Persephone nearly thirty minutes to get Minthe to go to her own room. The nymph was full of dire warnings of what the Underworld could do. It was her parting shot, though, that rang in the younger girl's ears.

"You should stop throwing yourself at Hades," Minthe snarled before leaving. "It's embarrassing to watch. A child of your age drooling over an older man like him? He has no time for you, Persephone. Besides, he'll want a woman, not a child."

After she was gone, Persephone cuddled up with Cerberus. "I don't care what she says," she whispered. "I can't help liking Lord Hades. He's...It's like being surrounded by the earth when I'm around him. It's very comforting. And, it's okay if he doesn't feel the same. He makes me feel safe." She smiled, hugging on to the hound. "Don't tell anyone what I told you. I don't want to ruin what's between us if he finds out and doesn't like me. Just, for now, let me admire him."
 
Dreams for the gods are often prophetic. Hades stood on a wind-swept cliff. He was in his true form the scars across his body hummed with energy. He felt rage and despair. He saw before him a storm across two fronts. The wind roared and howled louder than even Cerberus. He walked along the path recognizing the area. It was the old entrance the one that was long since dormant. The one he came down when he first entered the underworld. His eyes cast along the path and saw what was drawing him. A single flower of golden light stood in the midst of the storm. He approached and felt his own fear and despair fade. Two storms raged about him and that flower before he awoke suddenly.

Dressing the dream still vivid in his mind he went down to the gym. Hitting the heavy bag and working up a sweat he focused his energy. HE wondered what the fates had planned. He wondered what the loom would weave. He could ask they would not tell most likely. They knew more than any they knew past present and future. He hit the bag the rage of the storms seeming to fuel him. Hades didn’t need to exercise. As a god he was perfect. He liked it because it gave clarity and eased his mind. IT was in this predawn hour in a world that never truly slept that he felt peace. He realized he had guests and though it was the first time in eons that he had guests. It was one of these guest that was throwing off rhythm. When he saw that bright face full of life and curiosity his punches lost pace.
 
Persephone got up early the next morning. Cerberus had left her to guard the gates and had not returned yet. She was itching to start her garden and figured she'd do that before breakfast. She left her room wearing simple overalls and a t-shirt, her hair tied back in a ponytail. She wanted to get something small from the kitchens before she started. She knew how the garden would look; she dreamed of it all night long. Well, parts of the garden. Mainly the tree. No matter the direction of her dreams, she saw the tree. It was in bloom with large, red fruits hanging off. So inviting and tempting.

And Hades was there in her dream. Sometimes, he was in his mortal form, his ice-blue eyes piercing her to the spot. Other times, he was strange and intimidating, in a form with many scars that frightened her, but still called to her. She couldn't hear what he was saying in her dream, and she really wanted to. She knew it was important.

It didn't take her long to get lost in the mansion. She had only been shown a small portion of it, and her wanderings took her far from that safety. She wondered if she should open the doors, but then feared that they might be someone's room. Persephone pressed her ear to each door she passed, hoping for some sign of life. When she heard something beyond one door, she knocked.
 
Hades sat on the bench resting as the knock came. “Enter.” His gloves were tossed aside and hands still wrapped. His shirt damp with sweat as he watched her enter. He smiled warmly and said, “I thought you would have waited till light. Then again light is not likely to appear here.” He gestured to the gym equipment that was not used but by him and the others when they needed a break. Usually, he would have a swim in the pool a floor down from here after the cardio workout. “How I can assist you little flower?” The dream reverberated in his thoughts a flower among storms across two fronts. How the fates worked and what the loom held was always a mystery.
 
"I thought it best to get started early," she told him. "I know you mentioned having Nyx take us out later, and I wanted to work before then. This is my first big project and I do not want anyone thinking I'm using it as a vacation." She took a few steps towards him. "I, um, I was looking for the kitchen to get a little breakfast. That is okay? I know Mother has mentioned that some of the gods have schedules and protocols that must be followed, and I didn't know if eating together was one of them."

As she talked, she continued to move closer. There was just something so safe about him, something that drew her to him. "Does the light really not pierce here? I might have to make adjustments on the flowers I create to make up for that."

****

It hadn't been 24 hours, and already Demeter was bothering Zeus. He was trying his hardest to ignore her constant calls as he walked the halls to where the Fates were staying. A bet was on the line, and he had no qualms about cheating a bit and knowing the outcome. Thought, the Fates rarely told him anything. And when they did, it was all riddles.

Entering their rooms, he found them sitting at their loom. All three were mysterious and Zeus had trouble remembering where they came from. Some thought of them to be his children, but he had no memory of their birth. Others said they were the daughters of Nyx, and that Zeus could believe.

Clotho sat in front of the spinning wheel, producing the strings that represented mankind. Lachesis measured the strings and wove them while Atropos snipped them. The three ladies did not look up when Zeus entered, asserting their own dominance over him. He was not important.

"I need to know the future," Zeus said. "What of this bet concerning my daughter, Persephone."

"It's getting rather cold," said Clotho. "A bit early for winter."

"It will last a long time," said Lachesis.

"I'm not here about the weather," Zeus snapped. "I am here about a specific answer."

Atropos giggled, the sound strange coming from her current hag-like form. "What use is your bet, Zeus? Already, the clothe has been made. Why worry about it."

"About Persephone..."

"She is where she is meant to be," said Lachesis. "You are where you are meant to be. Demeter is where she is meant to be."
 
He sat nodding. It stays dark the lights you see are enchanted we can make artificial light all day long. IT really depends on what you wish to grow, I guess. I should warn you don’t get discouraged if nothing happens. Nothing grows in that garden never ha and I don’t see it ever blooming a fate I can live with. Let me get these off.” He held up his wrapped hands. “I will escort you up to the kitchen. Bacon sounds good this morning.”

As for schedules he smiled at her. “My day is my own I could let Nyx run the electronics firm and just do my kingly duties. Little as they are these days. I work far harder than I need to. I must say it puts a damper on my staff. They feel have to keep up. They don’t they can’t. Do you have a phone?”

“I have another question though I am not sure it is my place to ask it.”
 
"I was thinking a few flowers that have their own dark histories, something that would fit in here." Her mind was already working on how to fix this. If she were making ordinary flowers, it would be a problem, but she was a goddess and knew there would be around it. After all, she had heard all the tricks the others gods could do that were beyond mortals. When asked about the phone, she withdrew it from her pocket. "It's a bit of an older model. I only need it to let Mother know where I am."

Already, there were ten messages from Demeter. Persephone knew she should call her mother soon.

"You may ask me anything, Lo...Hades. I have no secrets and, well, if I want to learn more about you, I shouldn't keep myself such a mystery." She blushed slightly. "I mean, I want to know more about you. And, I'm willing to tell you whatever you want to know."
 
He began to unwrap the left hand carefully. “Why are you so curious about me? I am a foolish old god of the dark. I am the keeper dead things and secrets long forgotten.” His eyes mischievous with that admission. He felt he could be open with her he thought that she would listen though it was not her place. “Do you have a favorite color?” He began working on the other hand stretching long fingers as blood began to flow.

He stood and offered her his hand. “Come let’s take the long way to the kitchen you can see the tour so to speak that was interrupted last night.” He was unsure why he wanted to show the palace off. He noticed the lights casting warmer glows with her in the room. He was certain that she was the doing. The palace seemed to be breathing with a new life inside the walls.
 
She took his hand. "You are not foolish. I find you..." She wasn't sure if fascinating was the right word. Trying again, she said, "When I first saw you, you looked so lonely. And, I understood that. I know what it's like to be alone in a crowd. I felt very drawn to you. When I'm around you, I feel very safe." She also felt safe in the Underworld. Not many would feel the same, but she actually liked this place. Instead of feeling like her powers were fading, she felt like they were increasing. She could feel nature under her fingers. "I know this will sound strange, but you feel like the earth to me."

She couldn't help but cuddle up to his side as they walked. "As for my favorite color, don't tell my mother. I know I should say something like green or cream colors, or something very nature bound. However, I tend to like darker colors. Mother would never let me wear it, but I think I'd look good in a deep red."
 
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