Hades and Persephone

Chapter 4

The day before the Winter Solstice.

I awoke with the sunlight on my face, then remembered that my mother would be busy today preparing for the feast tomorrow. I make my bed and get ready before heading out to the field.

It will be a busy day for me as well, because tomorrow is our day off. Finally, I can take a break. Walking all the way to the field, I can smell the scent of lavanders mingling with the wind, which is very relaxing. When one of the flower nymphs saw me, she waved her hands and said, "Hello, good morning, spring goddess." Then I smiled and replied, "Good morning, lovely nymph, are you all ready? We have to finish our work today so that tomorrow all of you can relax and have free time to do whatever you want," and they all replied, "Yes, we are." Then we're all busy for the rest of the day.

It was already 5 p.m. when Artemis came by to tell me that she had spoken to my mother and informed her that someone would pick us up tomorrow using a carriage at 5 p.m. That was ideal because I still have time to prepare and look my best. "Yes, Perse, but with that gown and that beautiful face of yours, you don't need to make much effort, just be yourself," Artemis said. With the word she said, I smiled brightly. "Artemis, I'm a little nervous, Mother still doesn't know about the gown."
"Oh, that gown, that was already settled; I mention to her that I give you a gown as a gift and a token of appreciation for joining our tribe of Ethernal Maidenhood." I swallowed after hearing what she said. To change the subject, I asked her if she could accompany me on my way home, and she agreed.

While walking, "Perse, Hestia, and Athena are looking forward to seeing you soon." You know, it's been a while since they last saw you personally, and that's when you came to the Parthenon to confirm your willingness to join our tribe." Artemis stated. "You're right, I haven't seen them in a while." I guess I can't change the subject.

"By the way, I didn't see Hermes today, Artemis."
"Oh, he's busy and has a lot of errands to run, but he has to finish them because some of the gods and goddesses, like your mother Demeter, have a share in the feast, like food, and Hermes is the one who should remind them." Poor God, he must be tired right now, I said.
"But, before I forget, Kore, I won't be able to see you before the feast because I'll be too busy making myself beautiful, as you mentioned a while ago. I wanted to make myself look my best as well," Artemis chuckled. "That's fine, Artemis; I understand; no need to explain; I'll see you on Olympus," I replied, and she exclaimed, "I'll be waiting for you at the gate of Olympus."
Really, at the gate? I inquired. "Yes at the gate, I'll be your tour guide at Olympus and I know Demeter will not do that because she's an overthinker and you might ....blah blah blah," she said. My mother believes that I might get along with the gods and fall in love, Artemis. I shake my head.

When we get home, something falls on the bridge of my nose; what was it? "It's a snow," I said after wiping it away with my fingers. Artemis looked up after hearing what I said and said, "It's snowing, Kore, I can feel it, the Winter Solstice." This is a start, Artemis, but my flowers may wither. "Don't worry, Perse, you have the power to bring it back to life."
I just look at the field from a distance and speak to myself. Yes, I can bring them back to life, make them bloom again.

"I guess I'll have to go, Apollo's duty has ended, and it's my turn now. Bye for now, Kore, and see you tomorrow." Artemis then left.
"Bye, Artemis; I'll see you at the feast."

While walking into my room, I consider my abilities and powers. Yes, I am a spring goddess, capable of bringing new life and sustaining growth. I wanted to test my abilities. I believe I still have a talent that I haven't explored beyond sprouting seeds in the field.
Is this why my mother has hidden me from other gods, because I am capable of doing more than what I am doing now?

I sat down on my bed after changing my clothes. I'm thinking about the upcoming feast. I'm talking to myself again, as usual. Persephone, the goddess of spring, this is the beginning of your new life, and I must proceed.