Hope for the Underworld

45

Cora did not question him upon their return from Olympus; she knew it was a very sensitive topic and she didn't want to cause him any unnecessary pain. So, she waited for an opportune moment to present itself, to bring the topic back.

A few days later, when they were relaxing after dinner, she laid her head on Hades' shoulder and spoke, as if a thought had just occurred to her. 'Do you think I could invite your mother for a visit?'

He stiffened instantly, but tried to keep his voice level, when he replied. 'Why?'

'Well, there are many things I would like to know before our baby comes.'

'What things?'

'The ones that only a woman could answer.' She raised her head and looked at him innocently. 'But, of course, only if that's alright with you,' she added. 'I wouldn't want to cause you any discomfort.'

'I know what you're doing,' he sighed and when she didn't respond, he continued. 'You're trying to engineer our reconciliation.'

'Of course, I do! She's your mother!'

'It has never felt like it.'

'Why?'

'Because I have always blamed and resented her for what had happened to us all as children!' A muscle on his cheek twitched, as he gritted his teeth.

'I understand your point. But have you ever considered things from her perspective? Or her circumstances?'

'What circumstances?!' he growled angrily and his eyes glowed red. 'She was our mother! She was supposed to protect us!'

'Try imagining a similar situation, but with different people. Take us, for example,' she coaxed gently. 'What chances would I ever have against you, if you chose to behave as your father did?'

'I would never behave like that!' he exclaimed hotly. 'And I would never hurt you!'

'I know, my love. But try and think about it. Would I ever be able to stop you from doing whatever you wanted? And, if you were a cruel man, would you not punish me for interfering? Or even kill me?' She took his hand in hers. 'If it was me in that situation, I would bide my time, while searching for some way to end the tyrant's rule.'

'But she stood by and just watched her husband devouring her children one by one!'

'Could she have stopped him?' Cora's penetrating gaze was on Hades' face. 'And don't you think it was still a better fate than being killed on sight? Eventually, you were all able to return and join Zeus in his fight... She did what she thought best at the time.'

Hades fell silent for a very long time, absentmindedly thumbing his bangle. Then, he lifted his gaze to Cora and smiled. 'Perhaps I haven't looked at it objectively, and have not fully taken into consideration her own precarious circumstances... You see, it was you who taught me that sometimes good intentions have bad outcomes. Or, that a person must sacrifice something in order to save something else...' he paused for a short time, but then continued, making up his mind. 'What I'm trying to say is that I will be willing to try if she still wants it.'

'Thank you.' Cora smiled. 'Your mother told me that Poseidon visits her from time to time, so maybe you could talk to him and ask how his feelings towards her have changed over time.'

'He visits her?'

'Yes. And Hermes too.'

'I didn't think your conversation lasted long enough to exchange so many details.'

'Women are capable of conveying a lot in few words.'

'Thank you.' He gathered Cora in his arms and hugged her closely. 'For always looking out for me.'

'Always.'

*

His conversation with Poseidon must have carried many revelations, because afterwards Hades became pensive and spent a lot of time alone in his study. Cora didn't try to push him or insert herself into his space; she understood his need to think matters through. She occupied her time by growing more and more crops.

Hermes, who continued to supply her with seedlings, laughed she would soon need to employ field hands to cope with the amount of work. 'You cannot expect to do everything by yourself!' he had persuaded during his recent visit. 'And soon you will have a baby to look after. They require a lot of attention, I'm told.' He'd grinned impishly...

Yes, the thought of that baby was one of the reasons Cora hoped Hades would reconnect with his mother. What did she know about divine children?... Are they born in the same way as human children? Or just magically appear? She read enough of the Greek mythology to know that gods were often born in some unorthodox ways...

'A penny for your thoughts.' She was so lost in her ponderings that she hadn't noticed Hades' approach until he had spoken to her.

'Only a penny?!' She laughed in response. 'No way! Offer me a kingdom. Or, at the very least, a horse.'

'Hmmm...' He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. 'Are you referring to the Trojan Horse, or to King Richard?'

'Wow!' She was suitably impressed. 'You've read Shakespeare?!'

'We have a huge library, after all. And I have lots of time on my hands.' He shrugged, playing indifference, but she knew her appreciation pleased him. He came closer and embraced her. 'My love, I know that you worry.' He kissed her hair. 'But I promise, I will do anything to protect you.'

'I know.'

They remained like that for a long time, absolutely content in each other's arms.

'So, perhaps a chat with my mother will bring you some measure of peace.' He spoke eventually.

'Will you allow her visit?'

'My darling, for you, I will do anything.'

'Will you speak to her as well?' She lifted her head and looked into his eyes.

'I will.' He sighed.

'Thank you.'

'No.' He shook his head. 'Thank you.'