The Flower and the Abyss Part 1 (A retelling of Persephone and Hades' Story)

Chapter 3 - The arrival of the flower

*Kore (Persephone)*

The pomegranate tree, my favored haven for moments of repose, now bore only one remaining fruit. Plucking it from the branch, I relished the familiar taste of the seeds within. Over the years, I had consumed hundreds of these pomegranates from this very tree, and it had become my cherished fruit. I couldn't help but reflect on the memories tied to this tree, recalling the first time I exercised my ability to foster nature. The pomegranate tree stood as a testament to my dominion overgrowth and life.

Mother would often remind me that, when the tree ran out of fruit, it was my duty to use my abilities to replenish it for the mortals. Yet, this time, a weariness settled within me, and I found myself resisting the urge to cultivate more fruit. The perpetual cycle of nurturing life for the sake of mortals weighed on me, prompting questions about my purpose. Why was I bound to this cycle? Why should I continue to care for beings who, in reality, merely exploited my abilities and those of my mother to sustain their own lives?

The uncertainty intensified as I grappled with the realization that the mortals' prayers, while conferring strength and power upon us gods and goddesses, also rendered us captive to their needs. Every whispered prayer resonated in the divine realm, a source of strength that elevated us. Zeus, the most powerful among us, owed his supremacy to the multitude of mortal prayers directed his way for all manner of desires and supplications. The intricate balance between our divine influence and mortal dependence left me questioning the purpose of my existence and the unceasing responsibilities that came with it.

The longing for respite gripped me tightly, an unyielding desire for a day of stillness and personal indulgence, free from the ceaseless responsibilities and expectations that surrounded me. The yearning for a moment of reprieve, where I could immerse myself in the simple joys of reading or embarking on explorations, intensified.

Mother, the ever-watchful Demeter, had been a constant guardian, cautioning me against interacting with anyone, be it a nymph or a mortal. Her protective nature stemmed from a place of love, yet, at times, it felt unbearable. The aftermath of the war between gods and titans had reshaped the realms, dividing them into Olympus above the sky, the underworld below the earth, and the sea in the mortal realm. The land, a neutral ground, acted as a meeting place for all races, including gods and mortals.

Lost in contemplation, I walked home, thoughts swirling about my circumstances. The events of the previous day, the unexpected proposal to marry Apollo and dwell on Olympus, loomed over my consciousness. Mother insisted that the decision was mine to make, but a lingering doubt clung to my mind. Did she truly believe, or was this a facade concealing her underlying desires? I questioned whether she would accept any suitor, especially one who treated me well.

Lost in these musings, I reached our cabin, where Mother diligently tended to the garden. The weight of recent events pressed upon me, and I bypassed the garden, heading straight to my room. Collapsing onto the bed, still clad in the remnants of the previous day's attire, I sought solace in the comfort of my own space, contemplating the intricacies of the decisions that lay ahead.

Footsteps echoed through my room, drawing my attention to the entrance. As the door creaked open, Mother entered with a fragile smile adorning her face. Sitting in the corner of my bed, she delicately broached a topic that seemed inconceivable. Her hand rested on my leg, a gesture of vulnerability as she pleaded for my consideration.

"This might sound insane, but please hear me out," she implored. The air thickened with tension. "I believe you should marry Apollo."

My heart plummeted at the unexpected proposal. Resistance surged within me. "No! Why would I marry that buffoon?" I recoiled, pulling my leg away. The abrupt shift in her stance bewildered me.