Hope for the Underworld

29

They rose to their feet, just as the door opened and Hermes walked in again. 'Welcome home, auntie Cora.' He smiled widely and presented her with the big amphora he carried in his arms. 'This is just a small gift from my father, to apologise for the circumstances of your first meeting.' He placed the vessel on the table and then stepped forward to give Cora a warm hug. 'I am so very happy you've returned to us.'

'I am quite sure you had something to do with that,' she replied with a big smile of her own.

'Oh.' He dismissed it modestly with a wave of his hand. 'That's nothing you wouldn't have figured out on your own, given time. I also bring an invitation to a feast on Olympus. Zeus would like to greet you officially as my uncle's consort.'

Hades bristled a little at that title, but Cora smiled. 'Not entirely sure, I would want to experience all the gods at once. But thank Zeus from me and reply that I will be happy to attend when Lord Receiver's duties allow us to leave the Underworld.'

Hermes grinned. 'Well done, auntie! Very assertive. Polite, yet firm. I don't think you have anything to worry about regarding meeting the others. You'll do just fine.'

'Thank you.' She inclined her head a little. 'And now, would you like to join us for a meal?'

'Of course.' He bowed courtly, which made her laugh.

Hades watched her with pleasure; clearly, none of her recent experiences succeeded in extinguishing her spirit. If anything, she was even more confident and... formidable! He recalled their recent meeting with Zeus and the way she had carried herself in front of his brother. No, definitely, she had nothing to worry about.

They enjoyed the meal, exchanging news and the latest gossip. Then, Hermes returned to the reason behind his visit. 'What shall I tell my father about the feast on Olympus?'

Cora looked to Hades. 'Let Lord Receiver decide the appropriate time.'

He pretended to consider the matter deeply for a long while. 'Let us say that I can spare a few hours in seven days' time. If that's not agreeable, the feast would have to wait, as we are very busy down here.'

Hermes bowed. 'I will pass that on, but I'm sure it would be fine. They are all dying to lay their eyes on the mortal who possessed the heart of the King of the Underworld.' He smiled warmly. 'Thank you both for your hospitality. I bid you goodbye.' He disappeared.

'So...' Cora looked at Hades questioningly. 'What do you have planned for the coming weeks, that will occupy all of your time?'

'The love of my life has just returned to me.' He shrugged, and her heart skipped a beat. 'I intend to spend my every waking moment in her company.'

'You are such a charmer!' She laughed, delighted. 'But I like it!... Do you think I need a few new outfits?' She changed the subject quite unexpectantly.

'That is up to you. I am sure that our servants will be more than happy to provide you with as many elaborate designs as you wish.'

The shadows swirled around her, as if confirming their readiness.

'Thank you.' She smiled at them. 'I really appreciate your help.'

*

A few days later, Hermes visited again, claiming that Hades' table had no equal, even on Olympus. As they exchanged the latest gossip, he mentioned something, he had just remembered. 'That policeman from your world is still looking for you.'

'What?' She was startled by the news. 'How do you know?'

'Well, I like to keep tabs on mortals who had come into contact with... divinity, let us say. He checked and confirmed that you didn't get on the plane; something about visas and passports, whatever that is. He suspects you have returned to the town and, once more, fell prey to your abductor.'

'How right he is,' chuckled Hades, only half-joking.

'He is quite consumed with his mission to save you, I'm afraid, and it's become somewhat of an obsession,' Hermes added seriously.

'Is there any way we could let him know I'm safe?' Cora looked to Hades. 'You are the Master of Dreams, after all. Could I appear to him in his dream and explain things?'

Hermes grinned insolently on the mention of appearing in someone's dreams, but one look from his uncle wiped that grin off.

'We could try. But what would you tell him?' Hades sounded sceptical. 'He will not believe you.'

'I will have to convince him!' She rose and started pacing the length of the room. 'He is a good man and does not deserve to lose himself in a wild goose chase! Not now, when he met the woman with whom he could be happy.'

Hades also rose to his feet and came to stand in front of her, for a long time measuring her with his slate-grey eyes. 'This is exactly the same quality of character that draws all those souls towards you.' When he spoke, his tone was full of love and admiration. 'They sense that you care for each and every one of them, and want to lessen their burden. Lady Justice.' He bowed low to her. 'I will aid you in your mission to help this mortal.'

'Thank you.' She threw her arms around him and pulled him into a kiss.

'Whoa!' Hermes exclaimed with a mock disgust, covering his eyes. 'Get a room, you two!'

They laughed at that and continued to banter happily for the rest of the evening.