Though there were countless bouts of entertainment, Hades chiefly had his eyes for Persephone and her alone. He often stole glances at her while she watched the performances intently, his eyes darting over her beauty wherever so it might be on her. They roamed over her lovely features, admiring her wonderful locks of hair to the supple curves of her divine body. It seemed as if his eyes were mad with the amount they looked, going here and there over her before turning his gaze back to the hall. He was attracted to her greatly, driven on my some unknown force within his heart and mind that urged him to this end. He had little attention for anything else in the great Hall, though it was the first his realm had seen of it. The food was plentiful and rich in choice, but of little interest to Hades who contented himself with a modest fare. There were pastries and cakes of all sort, sweets from lands unknown to those of Greeks but to the Gods themselves who walked there at times. It had been long since Hades himself had walked the green earth, but he recalled its lands and regions vividly. He wondered if Persephone had journeyed those same areas as well.
The affair dragged on, with innumerable performances and entertainment to be provided. There seemed to be countless artists and orators among the dead, each with their own unique style and verse. Time was of little consequence to an Olympian but it still flowed by nonetheless. Persephone showed interest at least, drinking occasionally from her goblet as it suited her. Hades drank slowly as well, matching her pace and not seeming to overextend himself. He watched as she set her goblet down with an intent that spoke her desire to have no more, yet the same servant from before brought her another cup. A knowing glance was exchanged to inform Hades that this was the cup that would weaken Persephone's resolve. "Drink up, my Lady. One more couldn't possibly hurt." He encouraged, taking his own refilled cup and taking a few sips. "A few finishing toasts and then we may retire, for I have much work to do. Come, was the night not enjoyable for you? I thought that last poet sang his verses quite well. But I think I know your mind, though I won't profess to doing so. You seem, and look, tired, so we shall adjourn."
With that, Hades stood and raised his goblet high. All voices and sound stopped silently, casting the entire hall into a deathly silence typical of his domain. "Tonight, we welcome back our beautiful and most glorious Queen, my wife Persephone. Here we mark the first day of her return and may it prove fruitful in the coming weeks. A toast, to both her beauty and to her homecoming." And then he drank deeply from his jeweled goblet. Many others did the same, toasting to Persephone as Hades finished and turned to her. He had a sly smile on his lips. "Come dearest, would you deny them their fun? Drink with them and lavish in their praise. They are your subjects too, you know. A good Queen sets an example." He whispered to her, drinking once more from his goblet to encourage her. "And drink deeply, as befits a daughter of Zeus." He added again, as if to goad her into drinking. He was adamant about it and refused to let her depart until she had at least drank the majority, willing to sit and wait until she did so. Finally, when all was said and done, Hades rose and offered Persephone his hand, offering to take her back to her quarters where she might rest, though his mind held other ideas.
