Love, Even Within the Underworld [1]
Chapter 1: My Lady
Rating: M
Pairing: Zagreus X Thanatos X Megaera X Dryad!Reader
TW: Mentions of Death, the Circle of Life, technically alcohol?
Summary: You, a pomegranate Dryad, have been planning this journey for a while now. Now you see the chance has arise, and now you see to take it...
Where to start? Here's the Ao3, The Masterlist, Next Chap
Border Credit: Thank you @rmstitanics and @thecutestgrotto and @uzmacchiato for your borders and dividers! Very pretty and gorgeous to use!
A/N: Welcome to my insanity of a story! I decided that while I wait in between story making that I create another because i am insane, and honestly, I wanna see if I can pull some more attention to the fanfics to the Hades series. Because honestly, the lack of stuff I find is SHAMEFUL. I love this game, and I hope I have everyone loving this story as we go along. I hope you have as much fun as I do, and keep in mind...
Your Actions have Consequences...
The sunlight felt so warm on your skin.
It filled you with warmth. Like a gentle hug, radiating onto your skin. Your body soaking every ray shined upon you. The breeze that would blow was so gentle against you. It was barely strong enough to rustle your clothes or hair. The sounds of water flowing softly in the background. Birds chirping. The breeze sometimes tickling your skin, but not enough to disturb you. You basked in your surroundings, your eyes closed, as you felt in such peace.
Until you heard your name called. You opened your eyes and turned your head in question.
"I know you like your basking as much as any other, but there's work to be done…!"
"I'm sorry, my lady," you responded right away, pushing off of the grass to stand.
The woman who called you was someone you were very familiar with. A person you've spent much of your life with. Her blond hair slightly swaying with each movement she made. Green ribbons weaved through it. Her sleeves rolled and tied back as her hands was already dirtied from work. Her sun kissed skin revealing how much time she's had in the sun herself. If you hadn't known her as well as you did, you would've mistaken that amused twinkle in her green eyes to be something else akin to mischief.
The sigh that escaped her lips did not go unnoticed by you as you stood to your feet, finally walking over to her as she set down another wicker basket.
"You know," she began to say. "I can't remember how many times I've told you to drop the formalities with me. Always so articulate, no matter what…"
"It cannot be helped, my lady," you responded back, holding your head a bit higher as you grabbed an empty basket of your own. "I speak to those who I feel deserve it. And you, my lady, deserve more respect than I could ever give…"
"Oh, enough of that now!" The blond scoffed at you as she waved a dismissive hand. If you were any closer to her, you were sure she'd lightly smack your arm in jest. Briefly you were grateful for that distance. "Come. Help me with the tomatoes, will you?"
"Of course, my lady," you responded diligently.
A brief sigh escaped the woman, and you couldn't help the light laugh. Eventually even she, too, lightly laughed and joined you.
You rolled up the sleeves of your clothes, not wishing to dirty the articles of clothing. Taking a short ribbon from your waist and mimicking the tie the blond woman had, keeping your sleeves tied back and out of your way. You made your way to the garden, carefully picking and pruning the vegetables and fruits in your wake. You even swatted at any insects that dared not belong, and took it upon yourself to rid the plants of any weeds that dared to taint the plants.
You weren't entirely sure how long you worked. The sun beating down on you as you worked. Where once it was comfortable now became a bit too warm. But, you stayed diligent to your task. The both of you occupied with tending to the plants. Not much conversation passing between either of you, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Quite the opposite, in fact. You basked in the other's company, working diligently, and only pausing to wipe away a sweat or two that trickled down your skin.
You didn't stop until the other woman stood, letting out a huff as she wiped away the sweat on her forehead. You paused your menstruation, picking your head up to gaze at her. She straightened from her bent position, gazing at the bounty the both of you have picked so far.
"I say this calls for a break!" The woman said as she began to clap her hands together, trying to dust them off from the dirt. "I know I've worked up a thirst. What about you?"
"I could use a break," you admitted as you stood from your position finally. "Are you interesting in anything to eat, my lady?"
"Oh, I don't know…" Murmured the woman as she sighed.
The both of you picked up the weaved baskets, making your way to the cozy little hut. The woman clearly seemed more tired than you were. You, a bundle of energy with how much time you've had in the sun, felt like you couldn't sit still just yet. The blond woman took a seat, huffing as she landed, clearly grateful to be off her feet.
You, being unable to sit still just yet, moved on to the water you have stored inside of the hut. You ducked your head, avoiding the hanging herbs that were drying and the plants even growing inside. You wiped your own hands, wanting to rid of the dirt that had accumulated through your work. Working fast you grabbed two cups and poured water into each one. Once setting the pitcher back you grabbed the cups and returned outside, offering the cup to the woman was was fanning herself with her hand.
"…Oh! Thank you, dear," the woman smiled at you and gratefully took the cup from your hands. "Just what I needed…"
"Anything for you, my lady," you answered with a smile.
It wasn't lost on you the slight eye roll she gave, annoyed by your insistence on formalities, but she smiled in gratitude, and you caught her fond gaze. You followed her example in taking a sip of water. But where as she emptied her cup, you instead only drank most. With the last bit remaining you brought your empty hand and cupped the air. Pouring some of the water in it. You then lifted it above your head, pouring some of the water onto your hand and running a quick hand through.
Where you felt wet was quickly dried up. You felt refreshed by it. Your hand gliding through your hair, but was careful in bumping into the buds that took root in your hair. You heard a slight chuckle and gazed at your mistress, seeing that she had watched your actions.
"Your flowers are open," she commented. "You must be in a good mood."
"Something like that," you replied back before taking the other empty seat adjacent to her. A small table being the thing to separate you both. "It's not quite the season for my fruit, but today feels like a perfect day."
"Indeed it does," she said with a slight nod. "Our harvest has been quite plentiful so far. Hopefully by tomorrow, we have enough to dry for the harsher months."
You gave a nod. "The weather has been becoming quite harsher as of late. It's important we stock up meats as well…"
"The fruits and veggies are enough for the two of us, don't you agree?" She said, giving you a bit of a look.
"They will only get us so far," you told her as you set down your cup on the table. "I can hunt for us. Dry some meat before the weather becomes too difficult. As good as fruit and veggies are, meat is important for your health as well, my lady."
The woman sighed, her shoulders sagging as she gave you a look. "Maybe so, but when you go on these hunting trips you leave for such a long time! I'm certain that the fruits and veggies will be enough to fill the both of us. Can't we just fish from the river instead?"
"We can, but last year you had gotten sick of eating fish every day." You stated. It was hard to forget it. She had been so annoyed. You almost laughed, remembering her disgusted face when you had brought in more fish that winter.
"I had, hadn't I?" The woman murmured as she stared off, her eyes narrowing as she recalled the memory.
You couldn't help the small chuckle that slipped from you. You loved the way she always expressed herself. How she would scrunch her nose in disgust, or how rosy her cheeks would get when she ran out of air from laughter. It amused you. Her almost mortal-like habits that were so far different from your own.
Your face never got red when you ran out of air. Your lips never turned blue when it become too cold. Your skin was tougher than hers. Some areas, rougher than hers shall ever be. Although you were so different in autonomy, she still regarded you the same. Like a person. Like someone she cared for. That, you knew, that you would always treasure.
"The hunting trip can wait, can't it?" The woman asked, giving you an exasperated look. "We still have time. Plus, you know I can keep this place as sunny and warm as I like."
"My Lady," you spoke with your own pointed look back at her. A trait you had actually picked up from her over the years. "You and I both know that even your powers need a break every now and then. Plus, it helps keep us hidden more. The less risk place upon us, the better."
"Ugh, you and your risks…" The woman rolled her eyes, looking away from you as she shook her head back and forth.
"You know better than I, my lady, than when it comes to them…" You paused for dramatic affect, even giving her a harder look than before. "…It is better to keep appearances in one way or form than not. Hidden under one's noses, and what not. We've done it before—why do you seem so resistant of it this time around?"
Now it was her turn to give you a look. She looked back at you, her green eyes narrowing as you felt the heat of their stare. It made you feel suddenly nervous. Reminding yourself that she was, for starters, far older than you. And two, she was no mere mortal. She was a Goddess. One that she liked to claim was a "technicality," but a status that you refused to give any less bit of respect to. But no matter how nervous you felt, you knew she wouldn't actually cause any real harm to you.
"Last year when you went hunting, you came back missing a foot!" The woman exclaimed, her tone making you flinch slightly.
"The foot grew back," you waved your hand dismissively. "It was just a mistake on my part. I still completed my hunt, however…"
"The foot that took you a week and a half to grow back through the harsh environment?!" She exclaimed.
You found it hard to meet her gaze, knowing that, yes, it did take a week and a half to grow back. But it grew back! No one would've ever known it had happened in the first place!
But, the Goddess went on to say, "Yes, I will admit meat would be nice to have. However, if it means that you come back in pieces, I would much rather go vegetarian and see you safe!"
You knew she had a point. Sometimes your hunts didn't turn out with the best results. But, you always made sure to come back with results. You were efficient. Yes, the hunts took you a long time. But that was because you had to track the prey, and made sure that no other creatures were near by to interfere. May they be other Nymphs or Dryads to get in your way. Or, Gods forbid, Satyrs!
You hated Satyrs…
"I am part plant myself, My Lady," you said as you tried to stop that firm gaze of hers baring into you. A bit of a jest in your tone. "Eating plants every day sometimes feels as though I am eating one of my own. Not the best for my psyche if you will…"
"Oh, don't you start up that old argument!" The Goddess rolled her eyes at you. But you caught the slight twitch of a smirk on the corner of her lips. "I've seen you overtake other trees for resources. Don't tell me what you can and cannot eat…"
You couldn't help but give an almost sheepish smile. She wasn't wrong. The both of you knew she wasn't. But, you were stubborn. Especially when you wanted to do things like take care of the Goddess. You couldn't help it. It was in your nature to try to aid her.
"Maybe, but meat is beneficial to the both of us," you stated as you still offered her a smile. "Drying it, salting it, adding it to a stew—I'm already looking forward to it."
The Goddess sighed deeply, slowly crossing her arms as she gave you a firm look. You knew she disapproved. It wasn't like she was against the hunt. You knew that well. You've seen her wield gardening tools like weapons. She wasn't afraid of killing as a means of survival. It was a part of nature, and she understood it well. Just as well as you do, if not better. It's the fact that you had a bad habit of being reckless at times.
It was an argument the both of you had all the time.
You blamed her mortal side for worrying so. You were a Dryad. A completely different species than her. Where you could lose limbs and regrow them, she could not. You understood that fact. Took you a long time to fully understand it, but you did. As long as no harm came to your tree, you would be fine. And with a Goddess such as herself here, who gave blessings to your bark and the soil it grows from, you knew you had nothing to truly worry about.
Well, relatively speaking. But that was besides the point.
"I'll be better," You said as you placed one hand over your heart, and the other in the air. "I will go on a hunt for us, and when I return I will have no missing limbs or parts of any kind."
"You swear it?" The Goddess asked. Her brow arching in your direction. Eyes firm in her gaze.
"I… Yes," you said, almost hesitating. Suddenly feeling nervous from her gaze alone.
"Swear upon your tree?" She pressed, now placing an elbow on the table and resting her chin in her palm as she leaned in your direction.
"My Lady…!" You lightly gasped, jaw dropping at what she was asking from you.
"You said you would swear it!" She waved her other hand at you, finger pointing and in disproval. "I mean it this time! You know how much I hate seeing you get hurt! It frightens me, it really does."
Your shoulders drooped. Whatever blooms you had blossoming on your head had since closed. Sensing the vulnerability of her soft admission. You always found it hard to argue with her like this. If you ever had a weakness, you were confident it was her.
"My Lady…" You murmured quietly.
She let out a sigh, knowing she had accidentally dampened the mood. "I know, I know. We've had this conversation before. But, you know I can't help it. Yes, you are a Dryad. Yes, you have these amazing abilities. But that doesn't mean that it still doesn't frighten me from time to time. I'd like to see you on one piece, not many. I don't know if I could handle losing you in such a way…"
Her words made you pause.
You know she has had a hard life. One that she very seldomly share the details of. It was something that you had a hard time dealing with at times. You share everything with her. From gossip of the forests to even your own fruit. You treasure every moment you have with her. Yet, there are still some things you had yet to learn about the Goddess. Things that you know have caused her great pain. Out of respect for her, and wishing to not open old wounds, you very rarely will ask her about her past.
Her past before you. Before you very existence.
"You won't lose me," You insisted. Voice soft. Hoping to reassure her instead of worry. "I am from a pomegranate tree. I am hardy, just like my fruit and bark. I swear that I will make it back to you in one piece, my lady. I promise you that."
She stared at you for a moment. Really stared. Taking in your features. As if rolling the words you had spoken in her head, hoping they would reveal to her actual proof of your hunt going fine. After a moment she finally let out a soft sigh, and she leaned back in her chair.
"I will hold you to it," she said as she took another look at you.
You gave her a smile in turn. Glad she finally agreed. You gazed up at the sky and found it to be midday. There was still plenty of time you had, be not enough to start your hunt. Instead, you've decided you will use it to prep instead. Gather items that will help you along the way. Stash food, and plan for a long journey just in case.
Honestly, you were troubled by the harsh environment outside of the protective dome that sheltered you and the Goddess. You can't remember the last time there wasn't snow. Tree Nymphs and Dryads have been worried as well. They speak of the harshness that lady Demeter, the Goddess of the Harvest, and the changing of the seasons, had put upon the world. She has never let the winter last this long. There are those who had never experienced a Spring or Summer before. Nor a Fall.
If you were genuine, you had never really experienced a real one before. Always the seasons within the dome of protection. The Seasons only changing upon her call. Knowing that there is a balance to nature and with the seasons changing. It made you worried, honestly. You had no real idea as to why the Goddess Demeter has turned her back to the mortal lands you all lived upon.
Rumors had it she was angry at mortal kind. Perhaps they had done something foolish yet again? You couldn't say. But, your gut believed it to be something else. It wouldn't make sense. Not really. Not for this length of time. Normally one would go and pray, hoping to be in contact with the God they pray to. An offering or three, to sweeten the deal. But, you have long since abandoned prayers. You keep away from Gods as much as you can. Instead you keep an ear to the chatters of plants. They always have something to say, after all.
But with winter being ever lasting, the source of animals has brought a worry to you. The balance of nature was being threatened by this. Many Nymphs and Dryads have already been lost this season. Ones you even personally knew. Whose to say who else will go? Or how big the count has become?
Without animals, the balance of Nature is turned. Nothing to pollinate the plants. Nothing to help fertilize the ground. Nothing to allow the plants to grow and flourish. Nothing to help the plants be prunes of their fruits and seeds, and spread them and allow more growth. The Cycle is in danger.
Granted, that's not your responsibility.
Your responsibility is to protect your Goddess. You have sworn upon it long ago. Your tree is one of her wards, keeping the barrier alive and strong. Your responsibility is to keep your Goddess safe. Healthy. Well fed. And, hopefully, content. It is what you have tasked yourself with and sworn in to. Although, if you asked your Goddess, she would call it all nonsense. She would insist that you are her close friend that she cherishes, not someone to tend to her every need.
But you insist.
It's the least you could do for her.
You could only hope, that when you went out to the woods for this hunt, that you could find something worth bringing home. And pray. Pray that someone changes Demeter's mind, and to give the mortal world a change of season.
The day went by just like any other. Your Goddess and you both finished your tasks of plucking the vegetables off of the remaining plants. Pulling out weeds and refreshing their soil. Giving the plants water, and the both of you giving them small blessings. Blessings were more of the Goddess's forte than yours, but you could do them. She taught you how, after all. But you were always cautious with how much you gave.
Whenever you gave blessings they always came to be a bit… strange.
But, you finished the day's task either way. Afterwards you and your Goddess worked together in making dinner. You cleaning the production of today's work, and her cutting and cooking everything. In between you would travel around, fetching everything that you would need for the journey you planned tomorrow.
The smell of the plant stew being cooked downstairs smelled divine to you. The onion and peppers were prominent to you. Garlic, salt, ground pepper as well. Not to mention the bit of spice in the air. It made you hungry just smelling it. A part of you thought it'd be even better with possibly some meat. The idea of going to one of the chickens did cross your mind, but you already knew that your Goddess would be rather crossed with you.
The chickens were to be untouched.
It is what she demanded.
You respected it.
It was on rare occasions that you had one of the chickens. Whether age finally caught up to them, or something had occurred that caused for you interference. It was only when your Goddess declared it to be fine would you both have it. A part of you believed it to be that she was fond of them. Perhaps a bit too fond, in your opinion, but you never dared push. You'd never hear the end of it if you tried.
The chickens were probably the only safe animals you knew about, honestly.
As for what was outside of your protected area was a different story. The weather was harsher. The area matched in turn. That means animals, and even the plants. Beings both natural and mystical were wary of each other and everyone else. It's just how the world was now. You had to prepare for it.
You did promise your Goddess that.
So, you gathered a bag. A simple blanket folded tight and small. Something to use as another layer for when you slept the nights away. You then stored dried fruits and left over meat you had. You didn't take much. Just enough to be rationed for about a week's worth. You could never be too careful. The rest you left for your Goddess, not wishing to take all of it with you. You even reached your hands up to one of the blossoms upon your head. Carefully you concentrated, focusing your energy to the bloom. Even with your eyes close you could sense what was happening.
The bloom flourished, then tightened itself shut, and a bulb began to be produced. In a matter of moments it grew and grew, and the color of it darkened into a deep red. It was only until it was enough of a size to fit your hand did you stop. You grabbed the bulb and gave a quick twist, plucking the fruit from your head.
You stared at it in your hands. Your pride and joy. A pomegranate. Red and beautiful before you. For you see, your fruit had many uses. Ones that sometimes, not even you knew what it would produce. But it was always something that would be handy for the future. You stashed it into your bag for those future purposes.
As you begun to gather clothes, knowing the layers are what will keep you safe from the frigid freeze of the land, you heard a noise downstairs. You paused and listened. At first you were going to ignore it. Sometimes your Goddess made a bit of noise when she cooked. It was natural for her. But the sound continued, and you couldn't help but listen.
You stayed frozen, listening to the soft sounds. The continued, quiet and soft, as if trying to drown themselves out. You couldn't stay frozen for long. Dropping the articles of clothes you snuck to the door of the room, keeping yourself quiet. You didn't want to alert her that you were listening in. You strained a bit of a pointed ear, listening carefully to the noise outside of the door.
They were soft sobs. Quiet. Sniffles and soft gasps for air. Clear that your Goddess was trying to be quiet and not let you hear her. But you heard. Loud and clear to you, you did. You dared to softly pushed the door open, only letting a crack be revealed. Allowing you enough room to peek out from it.
She sat at the table, the chair facing the window. It was clear that she had been tending to the fire and food, stationed close by to it. Her back was to her, but there was no mistaken the way she held her face into her hands. Her form hunched, elbows on her thighs, as she hide her face away into her hands. Soft sobs escaping her, wracking her body as you could hear her quiet scolding to herself.
"Stop… Enough with these tears… I don't wish to think about it anymore. No more, please," she softly whispered to herself, as if scolding the tears from flowing. "I don't wish to think about what happened down there anymore, please…!"
"Down there," she had said.
It wasn't exactly lost on you as to where she meant. Although your Goddess would not tell you all of her past, she would give you snippets. She admitted to you long ago that she managed to live in the Underworld for a time. She would never tell you the true reason for why she went into the Underworld, or what truly transpired down there, but she would give you small hints. Ones that could only let your mind ponder and wonder about.
She did tell you that once, she was with the King of the Underworld. That she married him, but now they were no longer together. For reasons she would never tell you.
The Ruler of the Underworld.
Hades.
A name that you dare not invoke, as many would be almost too afraid to say as well. One does not invoke the name of Hades lightly or in passing. It was as if you were asking him to take you to his kingdom below, where it was him who would judge you and send you to where he saw fit. Nymphs and Dryads hesitated to ever speak his name in front of you or each other. It was as if you wished the other listening to die.
You never invoked that name here. Especially here.
The swelling of heat in your chest couldn't go unnoticed. Your fists tightening as anger blossomed in your chest. Hearing your Goddess weep for peace made your heart ache for her. How she begged for herself to stop remembering the things that made her feel pain. You ached for your Goddess. But, you also felt a protective sort of anger bloom. One that made it hard to not feel hatred for the God below.
Hatred for Hades.
You didn't fully know the whole story. What he had done to make your Goddess weep in such ways. How it wasn't the first time you've overheard her sorrows. Sometimes they would creep up on her. And, it was almost always during the night. How she always seemed the most vulnerable then. Her day could be the best day she's ever had, but when night time came, she would be rendered into a weeping mess.
It always hurt to watch.
No matter how much you've tried to comfort her, no matter how much you've tried being a distraction for it, it almost always never seemed to be enough. A part of you wished you could heal her pain. That you were enough for her. But, unfortunately, that never seems to be the case.
Although it crossed your mind to step out and comfort her, you know by now how it would go. How she was close herself off and would tell you she was fine. Stubborn, she was. So instead, you decided another way to handle it.
You moved away from the door and gazed about the room. Trying to see what would cause a distraction. Once your eyes landed on the pile of clothes in the hamper, you decided that would be enough. You threw a few of them over your shoulders, even wrapped on awkwardly around your head, and then put your plan in motion.
All in a quick motion, you knocked one of the pitchforks down from it's corner. It fell down, knocking the basket and you along with it. You let out an overly exaggerated yelp, and landed in the heaping pile of clothes that seemed to swallow you whole. You heard your Goddess call for you name, footsteps now rapidly heading your way as you noticed light fill the room now.
"Are you alr– My goodness! What happened in here…!?" Your Goddess exclaimed, gazing down at you in a mix of concern and confusion.
"I'm sorry, my Lady," you said with a sheepish chuckle. "I seemed to have lost a battle with the laundry…"
"Ohh," she dragged out as she bent down, trying to free you from the clothe. "What am I to do with you…? If I didn't know any better, I'd say the last thing you should be doing tomorrow is a hunting trip…"
"I will be fine," You insisted as you took her outstretched hand, pulling yourself onto your feet again. You allowed her to pluck the clothes off of you, knowing that she would insist upon it either way. "Laundry is far more threatening that the wildlife outdoors, I must say. I can frolic through fields far easier than navigating my way through the clothe…"
Upon your words, you heard your Goddess let out a laugh. Her eyes crinkled and she lifted her hand as if to hide her smile, but you spotted the pearly whites all the same. You smiled at the sight, trying not to feel so somber at the sight of how red around her eyes were. How you could still faintly spot the tear trails staining her cheeks. Or how there is the slightest sniffle in her voice as she tried and failed to hide it from you.
"You are something else, I must say…" Your Goddess said as she pulled the last piece of clothe on your head.
"I do try my best," you spoke, trying to keep that smile on your face to hopefully lighten the mood. "Even the other Nymphs and Dryads tell me I'm a different kind of seed, so… It can't be helped."
"Different maybe, but not unwanted," Your Goddess said as she raised her hand.
Gently she cupped your cheek, her thumb gently rubbing the skin upon it. You could see the melancholy in her eyes as she stared at you, even with that smile that graced her face. Her hand was warm, the palm of her hand soft, but the tips of her fingers slightly rough and calloused from work. You slightly leaned into her touch, wondering just what was going on through her head.
"…Must you go on a hunt?" She asked you yet again. "You can just stay here. I made soup for the both of us, made without meat, that will be nutritious enough for the both of us. Nothing will harm us, you know this…"
You softly sighed through your nose. She hated when you left. You partially hated leaving her. But she was always content here. She had no interest going anywhere that wasn't apart of her cabin or garden. You lifted your hand, cupping it over hers that held your cheek.
"I wish to check the woods, My Lady," You spoke softly to her. "I want to see if any animals at all are close. I wish to see how bad the winter is outside of our wards. Strength the barriers as well before I take my leave. I promise you, I will come back in one piece. But I wish to see how it all is for myself…"
Your Goddess let out a sigh. She gave your cheek a small affectionate pinch, not enough to hurt but enough to show her frustration, as she then patted it and pulled her hand away. Instead, she took yours and held it between the both of you. Naturally you reached your other hand, allowing her to hold both of them with her own.
"If you are so insistent, then fine. But no longer than a week! I mean it!" She said, giving you a firm look before her eyes darted to the ground. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you, too…"
You gave her sympathetic look. You don't blame her for her worry. After all, she was just crying moments ago. Who knows what wretched thoughts plague her mind, as much as you wished you could ease the burden of them from her.
"You shall not lose me, My Lady," You spoke softly to her. "I promise, I will come back to you. I am your pomegranate tree, after all. I'll be back before you know it."
"I know…" She sighed, clutching your hands just a moment tighter. She blinked her eyes rapidly, trying to will the tears back as she gave you a smile that did not reach her eyes. "Alright, enough of that now. Clean up this mess and we can have dinner together."
"Yes, my Lady," You nodded your head to her.
You squeezed her hands back, reassuring her that you are still here, and that you weren't going anywhere. It took her a moment before she finally pulled away, turning her back to you as she went to go tend to the soup. You kept an eye on her back, bending down and picking up the pile of clothes that now laid around your feet. Carefully you collected it all, placing it back into the basket, as you periodically would peek from the now open door to see that your Goddess wasn't crying anymore.
You had a more selfish reason for why you wanted to go upon this hunt. Why you were packing so much food, making sure they were dried and nothing would rot for a time. Why you were even carrying physical weapons, when all you truly ever needed was the power you wield.
You wanted to go to the Underworld.
You wanted to find Hades.
You wanted to stand before him and demand that he tells you why your Goddess weeps so often at night because of him.
You have a plan. A rough plan, really. But, it was a plan nonetheless. You wanted to see it through. You needed to see it through. Or, at the very least, try. You were tired of your Goddess's restless weeping nights. Tired of being unable to comfort her relentless sorrows. You wanted to make things right for her. You wanted her to live a life of being carefree. Not having her collapsing at the end of the night in sorrow.
But you dare not tell her. She would forbade you.
So you kept your intent to yourself. You picked up the fallen pitchfork, picked up the basket of laundry, and set them back into place as they were before. You pulled a smile onto your face, trying to quell the burning feeling in your chest, as you stepped into the dining room with your Goddess.
"My, how delicious it smells! No one can cook quite as you can, my lady!" You complimented her as you took your spot at the table.
She let out a chuckle as she began to pour servings into bowls. "Well, only because I have such a good subject to taste test for me! Here, gain your strength and rest as much as you can tonight. You will need it for the trip tomorrow."
"Thank you, my Lady…"
.
The morning came far too soon.
Once the morning sun began to hit your trees branches, you began to wake from your slumber. You pushed yourself through, the creaking of wood echoing as you stepped out of your tree and into the warmth of the protective ward. Emerging from your tree you stretched your limbs and yawned, rising your arms above your head and wiggling your toes in the grass. As you gazed back at it you watched as the bark closed up, ceiling itself once again as if you had never been there in the first place.
A natural occurrence for you.
Carefully you made your trek to the cabin, but didn't step inside. Instead you waited outside, sitting in one of the seats on the outside table, taking in the sight of the sun rising. You felt the rays hit your skin, and although the area wasn't covered in snow, you felt little heat from it as there was still a chill from the morning air.
You rubbed your wooden hands together, trying to prevent stiffness from setting in. Your wrapped your hands around your torso, tucking them a bit under your arms to keep the warmth in. You planned to set off today. Your items already set and waiting for you inside of the cabin. But you knew your Goddess wasn't awake yet. She tended to sleep in, and you weren't planning on waking her up any time—
"Ah, already awake, I see."
"My Lady…!" You softly gasped, slightly jumping in your seat as she had startled you.
She smiled at you from her door way, wide awake far sooner than you thought she'd be. You stood from your seat and realized she was holding your belongings in her arms. She walked over to you and set them down on the table, giving you a once over as you stared at her.
"I thought that… You usually sleep much later than…" You stumbled, still surprised to see her so wide awake so soon. "Why are you awake so early, my Lady?"
"I had a hard time sleeping last night," she confessed. "I packed a few more items in your bag, and I had even filled your water-skin. I wanted to see you off myself for once, instead of you sneaking off before I can bid you goodbye."
Your shoulders lower a moment, feeling the smallest bit of guilt. You did have a tendency of running off before she awoke when you went on hunting trips. You never wanted to disturb her. Hearing how she had a rough night's sleep made you feel more guilt as well. You hadn't meant to give her such a restless time. It was not your intention to make things wrong.
"…I'm sorry, My Lady," You said meekly as you kept your head down.
"For you? You have nothing to apologize for," Your Goddess said as she gently took one of your hands into her own. You lifted your head up and gazed upon her, seeing her give you a smile. "I wanted to do this. But, I did find something curious within your belongings."
"Curious…?" You echoed, a small bit of dread forming in your stomach.
"I found a small bit of wine in your satchel," the Goddess said as she tilted her head in question to you. "Now, why would you need something like that for your travels?"
A fair question. One you had hoped you could avoid.
Originally, you stashed the wine away for more of an emergency sake. In case you needed to ask aid for a God in your travels. More so, to appease one, in case something came into your way. It was always good to have such good wine. One made from the very grapes your Goddess grew in her garden. Ones you helped her make and fermented. You wanted nothing more than to honest with your Goddess. But in this case, you couldn't.
"Just… for emergencies sake," You said as you twisted the truth just a bit. "Sometimes some of the Nymphs get in my way. If I offer them wine, they usually tend to leave me in peace. Whether it be Nymph or other, sometimes all it takes is some persuasion and some wine."
"I see… Clever," your Goddess commented as she nodded to your line of thinking. "I hope you don't plan on partying whilst your away."
"No, of course not!" You shook your head, hoping to rid her of the thought. "The last thing I'd want is to party amongst my own. Usually it ends up calling those I want nothing to do with…"
Parties of Nymphs were always a mixed bag of luck. You were always cautious when you joined. Sometimes you were all left alone to your own devices. Other times, it seemed to almost lure those in as if you were all a temptation to be indulged in. Sometimes you felt like the Nymphs threw too much caution into the wind. Sometimes it was mortals that found you all, only to be lulled into their debauchery and mischief that will ruin their short lives. Sometimes, it was other beings that came to join the fun. Gods forbid, rumors would have it that the God Dionysus himself would join the fun. You at least had to luck of avoiding ever meeting him, much to your relief.
Satyrs, however…
You loathed them.
"Well, hopefully you won't have to go down such a route," your Goddess's words snapped you out of your stewing. Your eyes locking on hers and she gave you a smile. "I hope you come back fruitful. Though I will be cross if you bring back Satyr meat like that one time…"
"That was years ago!" You exclaimed, raising your head away from her. "You know how I feel about them. But, do not worry. They are not my target for this hunt…"
"What do you aim to hunt then?" Your Goddess asked. "You haven't even given me an inkling since your brought it up…"
You had to hold your tongue for a moment. The Lord of the Underworld, you wanted to say, but knew you couldn't. So, you offered up a different answer instead.
"…A winning stag, hopefully," you answered. "Something to feed us for a long while."
"That'd a rather hefty hunt," the Goddess said as she eyed you. For a moment you worried that she may know your intentions. Impossible, for you've only told it to yourself, and no one else. "Even if it is just one rabbit, that will be enough for either of us. It does not change things if it is a stag or a rabbit. Just make sure you come home safely."
You shoulders sagged slightly in relief. She still doesn't know. Good. It's how it should be. You gave her a smile in hopes of reassuring her. "Don't fret, my lady," you said. "I plan to come right back the moment I achieve my hunt. I promise to come back in one piece."
"You better!" She waved a finger in your face, only to pull it away as she smiled at you. "Just in case, here…"
Before you could question what, she held her hands out and placed them lightly upon the top of your chest. You felt a warmth settle in your chest, and the top of your head tingled. You fluttered your eyes and realized the buds of flowers upon your head bloomed, responding to the power that has been blessed upon you. You recognize it as if it was second nature.
Your Goddess's blessings were small. Not very strong, at first glance. But if you played your cards right, they could be the thing that may help you complete this hunt. You couldn't help but gaze at her in the slightest bit of awe.
"What's this…?" You asked, surprised by the gift as she retracted her hands.
"Just something to get you by," the Goddess offered as she gave you a smile. "Use it wisely. My power isn't as unlimited as my relatives, as you know. Now, get yourself ready. You're losing daylight."
"The day's just begun, my lady," you spoke in amusement, trying to to be as jittery as you now feel.
But, you turned to your items, and began to prepare. You layered yourself into thicker clothing, preparing yourself for the winter that you are about to face. Grabbing yourself a thick fur cloak that you had made originally for your Goddess as a gift. But she never leaves her cottage, so it was instead just yours. Although you were used to being barefooted your made sure to wrap your feet with clothe and boots, making sure the clothe wrapping went all the way up your shins.
You did not fear the cold as much as other Dryads and Nymphs did. But not even you were invincible to it. You had to play it cautious. Safe. You did promise your Goddess you'd be safe, didn't you?
Finally, you wrapped yourself up with the final article of clothing, and pulled your satchel over your shoulders. It's weight against your side as you made sure everything was in order. Once you felt content, you turned to face your Goddess. She walked you to the very end of the protective wards, her standing a distance away from your very tree. She gazed at it lovingly as you stood just at the edge of it's protection.
"…You were just a seed when I planted you," you Goddess reminisce as she then gazed upon you. "Now look at you. Fully grown, and as lively as ever. Seeing you grow strong has given me much comfort over the years. For that, I am grateful for all that you've done."
You gazed at your Goddess, surprised by the genuine words she gave. It gave you pause. made you briefly question if you were truly ready for this quest you would be setting yourself out to do. But then you recalled how she sobbed last night. How red her cheeks were, and how irritated her eyes looked. It made you feel protective of her. That something had even harmed just still to this day. Something invisible that you could not immediately change. Reminding you as to why you were going in the first place…
"It sounds as if I will never see you again, My Lady," you quipped as you tried to lighten the mood. "Do not fear. My roots reach far and deep. My tree shall not be going anywhere, and I promise you neither will my life. I shall return to you. That, I promise."
"Keep that confidence," the Goddess smiled at you. "It's sure to keep that promise. I look forward to seeing the product of your hunt. Stay safe, my dear Dryad."
"The same to you, my Goddess," you said as you formally bowed to her. "I promise, I shall return to you, my lady Persephone."
When you stood, you noticed the crinkle near her eyes. The way she smiled brightly at you. A warmth that you could only reflect. You then turned and headed out, feeling the immediate shift and change to the environment the further you left. You began to trudge in snow, trying to ignore the way the icy air immediately attacked your skin. You carefully pulled the fur cloak tighter around you, keeping your focus on the sights ahead.
When you glanced back, you spotted your Goddess still at the very edge of her home, watching you move further and further away. You spotted her hand in the air, waving you off to your journey. You dared to raise a hand back, waving back at her, before pulling it down back to the protection of your cloak. You turned your head, feeling how the icy wind blew through your hair and made you shiver.
You had to venture forwards.
You had to go find the God of the Underworld.
All, for your Goddess.
All for Lady Persephone.
.
The Winter was harsh.
The cold bitter and lonesome. The wind whipped and snipped at you. As if trying to throw you over so the everlasting snow could consume you. You refused to let it. Ignoring how wet your clothes were already beginning to feel. The furs protecting you for a bit, but they weren't invincible to the cold.
Your only saving grace was the fact that your destination was luckily not so far from where you reside.
It had taken you years to find this place. And it was practically right under your nose. You had been trying to track down ways of entering the Underworld. A thing that not most dared to try to attempt. You've heard whispers of stories amongst your kind and the trees. Most of them were warnings. Stories to frighten people away from such things. But you listened to them. You had listened carefully. Cautiously. Trying not to tip off anyone of what you had planned to do during your search.
Finally, it was just last year, that you managed to gain a lead.
There was an abandoned temple not far from where you and your Goddess lived. It was dark, and one would imagine it almost abandoned. A symbol upon it that took you a while to decipher without alerting anyone of what you were trying to figure out.
A Temple of Nyx.
Goddess of Night.
You had came to this very temple last year during a different sort of "hunt." It barely even took you a day to climb down the mountain to find it. You found it thanks to the guidance of some trees, but even they warned you of disturbing the Goddess of the Night. That she would not hesitate to take your life if you trespassed her temple. Although it was clearly a place that was once loved and cared for, now it was clearly abandoned. A sorry sight in your eyes.
Last year, you had used your powers in an attempt of fixing the place. Moving tumbled columns out of the way, and clearing away a bit of the debris that was left. Before you had left, you made sure to leave an offering. Wine, incense that you lit before leaving, and one of your own pomegranates.
The temple gave you the chills. Made you feel as though you were being watched, even though you knew you were the only person there. But you were able to leave with your life. When you came back the next day out of curiosity, you found the offerings gone.
You had made it an effort since then to leave her offerings when you went. Something to, hopefully, stay in the Goddess's good graces. She may not be one of the Olympian Gods, but she was a God nonetheless. One that should not be trifled with. You understood that, and respected it. It was part of the reason for why you carried incense in your bag. She seemed to enjoy the ones you had laced with night-blooming flowers the most.
Making offerings to the Gods was not something you did. Not often, at any rate. Part of the reason for why your Goddess was so recluse was because you were trying to hide from them. If you made offerings, you would be bringing attention upon the both of you. A thing you would never dare to do. But, you can recalled once long ago, back when you were a young sapling, of your Goddess reminiscing on how beautiful the Night was. How out of all of the Gods, she trusted her the most. It was something that's stayed in your mind ever since. It was only her that you offered her gifts, hoping that, maybe, she would let you pass when you found the courage to enter the Underworld.
You stood before the temple now. Anxiousness thrumming through you. It made you jittery. Your fingers tapping against your satchel strap. Your eyes squinting as you tried not to let the winter air make them water. You stared, doubt beginning to dance in your head.
There was no turning back once you enter. You knew that well. If you backed out now, who knows if you would have another chance of entering again. You dared not break the trust of a Goddess you've been working so hard to gain. But, staring at the dark columns now, seeing it's darken insides that made it hard to see through, like a veil of darkness closing the inside tightly, you began to second guess yourself.
Should you truly venture forth?
.
