Hope for the Underworld

23

'How is he doing?'

Hermes lifted his eyes and looked searchingly into his father's face. He still couldn't tell if Zeus had anything to do with poisoning Cora. 'Poorly.' His response was measured but loaded with disapproval.

'From what I've heard, my brother truly loved that mortal.' Zeus shook his head, as if bemused. 'I can't imagine the pain of losing her caused him.'

'You could do something about it.' Hermes had never before challenged his father, not even when he knew Zeus had been wrong. 'Bring her back!'

'You know it doesn't work like that. Anyway, what good would it do?' He shrugged. 'She can't remember anything.'

'Is there nothing that could be done to help them?'

'She did not fully ingest that bite, but some of the juices laced with the waters of the River Lethe must have entered her system. Sadly, there is nothing anyone of us could do to reverse it.'

'But that's so unfair! She didn't deserve it!' Hermes exploded with anger. 'Hades deserves his happiness! They both do!'

'You seem to have grown quite fond of your uncle,' Zeus observed, feigning indifference, but watched his son's face with thoughtful expression.

'He is...' Hermes hesitated briefly. 'He is honest. He never plays games or pretends, and you always get what you see.' He surprised himself with this honest appraisal. 'And I really liked Cora. She didn't deserve any of this!'

Zeus was silent for a long time, but when he raised his gaze and met his son's eyes, his expression was genuine. 'I give you my word, I had nothing to do with that incident.' His tone expressed a genuine sympathy. 'And if a way could be found to bring her back to my brother, with her memories intact, I would certainly support it.'

*

'Lord Receiver.' Hermes stopped in front of Hades' throne in the Great Hall and inclined his head in respect.

'Messenger,' Hades responded formally, yet his voice sounded hollow. His face lost its Olympian beauty, and Hermes thought the Lord of Underworld looked very tired. 'What brings you to my domain?'

'My father, the Ruler of Olympus sends you his good wishes and asks if he could offer his assistance.'

'I don't need your pity!' Hades rose slowly from his throne and his eyes glowed red in a barely suppressed anger.

'That was not the intention,' Hermes answered calmly. 'He wishes he could help...'

'I don't need help!' roared Hades and his shadows swirled around him protectively. 'I just need to be left alone!'

'I do not believe you truly wish for that.' Hermes did not back down. 'Uncle, we would like to help,' he repeated softly. But one look from Hades froze any further words on his lips and he just bowed his head in submission.