Hope for the Underworld

49

The few remaining days passed in a blur; their waking hours inexplicably filled with millions of mundane things requiring their constant attention. And before they knew it, it was time to leave for Olympus. Queen Rhea was more than happy to host the bridal party, and two days before the wedding the soon-to-be-married couple arrived at her home.

After a meal and some refreshments, and according to the ancient tradition, Hades was to depart for his brother's palace, to allow his bride and her guests the time to prepare for the ceremony. Rhea informed them that she had invited a few goddesses to celebrate Cora's last days as a maiden and they would host a party. But just as they settled down for a drink, a serving girl appeared by Rhea's side and whispered something into her ear with urgency. Their hostess paled visibly and appeared to be quite startled.

'My Queen.' Cora was the first to notice her agitation. 'Has something happened?'

'It would appear...' Rhea's voice quivered a little, '...that my sons have just arrived.'

'What?!' Hades was no less surprised by the news.

'Then we shouldn't keep them waiting,' advised Cora in a calm voice. 'Shall I bring them in here?' She stood up in readiness.

'You shouldn't...' started Hades, but she stopped his objections by placing her hand on his shoulder.

'Let us invite your brothers to share in our celebrations.' She smiled. 'This is a momentous event, after all, to have all of her sons visiting Queen Rhea at the same time.'

The goddess only nodded in silent agreement, still quite unable to process it.

Cora walked slowly into the formal reception room and bowed to the waiting gods. 'Lord Zeus, Lord Poseidon,' she spoke lightly. 'What a pleasant surprise. We are just enjoying a drink and would be honoured if you joined us.' Her radiant smile seemed to fill the room with light and both gods exchanged startled looks.

'Lady Cora,' spoke Poseidon. 'You are positively glowing.' He bowed. Then his gaze returned to Zeus. 'A glass of wine, brother?'

'Of course. That would be nice, while we're talking.' Zeus nodded, but it was obvious he felt quite uneasy in his mother's house.

Cora led them back to the private apartments, introducing their arrival for the benefit of the waiting hostess. 'We've got surprise guests!' she spoke excitedly, ushering them inside.

Both Rhea and Hades rose from their places.

Poseidon was the first to greet them. 'Mother.' He walked to her and kissed her cheek in a very familiar motion. 'Brother.' He nodded to Hades.

That left Zeus, standing awkwardly by the door.

'Welcome to my house,' spoke Rhea non-committedly. 'Please, join us.' She made an inviting gesture and clapped her hands to summon servants.

'My Queen,' Zeus finally spoke and bowed to her.

'To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?' Hades' comment was intended to be playful but fell a little flat.

'We were not entirely sure of the final arrangements for the ceremony,' answered Zeus, accepting a cup from one of the serving girls. He knocked it almost in one go and continued. 'For example, who would escort the bride?'

'What would be the usual arrangement?' Cora looked to Hades, clearly indicating she was only interested in his opinion.

'The bride is usually walked to the waiting groom by her father, or any significant man in her life in the father's absence,' explained Poseidon tactfully. 'But, as you have no family here, we were unsure what you wished to do.'

'Do I need to be walked at all?' She kept looking to Hades.

'That's how things have been done in the past,' he replied thoughtfully. 'But that doesn't mean we have to continue with this particular tradition. My love,' he turned to her, 'we'll do whatever you want and what you're comfortable with.' He picked her hand and brought it to his lips.

She smiled in response and the light around her intensified. 'Will anyone be offended if I chose to walk alone?' Her gaze shifted to Hades' brothers.

'We actually came to propose that both of us escorted you.' Poseidon smiled, clearly impressed with her confidence and assertiveness. 'But I don't see any reason why you couldn't do it by yourself... Zeus?'

'Fine.' The King of the Gods stood up. 'It was only a suggestion, to show everyone our respect for your bride, brother.'

'Darling, are you quite sure you don't want two of the most powerful gods to escort you?' Hades' lips twitched in smile.

'Why?' She laughed in response. 'Do you need your brothers to ensure that I turned up at all?!'

This broke the tension, and everybody laughed. A little more relaxed, they settled back into their seats and enjoyed the wine.

As Cora looked at Rhea, she registered the goddess' slightly startled, yet openly happy expression, while she gazed silently at her sons with pride. To allow her a little more time to come to terms with all the powerful emotions, Cora took upon herself to continue the conversation. 'I do not really want a big fuss.' She turned to Zeus. 'I was thinking of walking to your palace...'

'Absolutely not! That is entirely out of the question! The chariots will convey the whole bridal party to the site in my gardens and after the ceremony we'll have a big feast in the palace!' he exclaimed hotly. 'This is not some unremarkable event! This is my eldest brother's wedding!' He paused, seeing all eyes on him, but then continued. 'If you wish to walk alone, that is of course your choice. But it's too big of an occasion to let it pass without proper ceremony and celebrations.'

'I've never thought you would care so much,' mused Hades quietly, both touched and surprised in equal measures.

'We are brothers,' answered Zeus and then his gaze slid to Rhea. 'We are a family. And we've been estranged for far too long.'

Hades leant towards Cora and whispered. 'All it took was a wedding.'

But Poseidon overheard and laughed good-naturedly. 'Not just any wedding, brother! The wedding of a century! Of a millennium!'

Even Zeus laughed at that.

'Well, it will be your turn next, brother.' Hades smiled happily. 'And may your chosen one bring you as much happiness as mine has.'

They chatted pleasantly for some time, but then Poseidon rose to his feet. 'We shouldn't take any more of your time, Lady Cora. You have some preparations to attend to, I'm sure. We will see you all at the wedding.' He bowed to the women. 'Come brother.' He slapped Hades' back. 'Let us send you off into married life in style.'

Zeus followed suit and bowed to his mother. 'Until then.'