For Love and Kingdom [Hades x OC]

Chapter One

     THE BAR WAS teeming with life, as it usually was in the evenings on the weekends. Lonna was at her usual seat, the third barstool in from the left. At this point they might as well etch her name on it. The bar was dimly lit and filled with intoxicating scents of fermented beverages. Others were perched on stools surrounding high top tables. The air was thick with shouts and laughter from the other patrons. Truly a place where mortals, such as she, could gather to indulge in fleeting pleasures. The bar itself was polished so well it shined. Lonna could almost see her reflection in it. The bartender behind entertained his congregation at the bar, pouring shots and adding little umbrellas to certain drinks. Glasses clinked and voices fluctuated in volume as the night continued to wear on. 

"Lonna!" She heard her name called from behind. 

Turning in her seat, she waved to her friend Persephone before patting on the empty barstool next to her. Persephone might as well have her named etch there too. 

Persephone placed her clutch on the bar with a thunk before getting up on the barstool. She was beautiful, even with her humanized glamor in place. Her golden hair flowed down to her lower back. Her eyes twinkled like stars underneath her long lashes. Natural blush tinted her cheeks. She was the epitome of beauty. 

Lonna still couldn't believe that she was friends with the Goddess of Spring. In public, she was just Persie, but privately she had revealed her godly nature to Lonna many months ago. Lonna remembered being slightly terrified, her eyes nearly blinded by her friends godly nature, but equally amazed. She had promised to keep it secret, and she had. In turn, Lonna asked to learn all about the other gods and goddesses. She wished to know what it meant to be an immortal and the lives they led. Often times, it was more than Lonna could mortally understand. 

"Sorry I was late," Persephone apologized, almost out of breath. "I was... talking to my mother about preparations for next Spring before I return to the Underworld. 

Lonna raised her eyebrow. "You left me hanging for your mother?" 

Persephone let out an exasperated sigh. "It is so hard to please everyone."

Lonna stifled a laugh. "By the way, how is Hades? You haven't mentioned him much lately."

"You know Hades," Persephone rolled her eyes with a grin. "Always busy, always working, and always in the Underworld."

Lonna sipped on her beverage, unsure of what the make of the tone that accompanied Persephone's words. "Still, usually some correspondence happens while you're up here in the mortal realm." 

Persephone looked down at her hands. "We talk, it is just... difficult sometimes when I am not able to see him."

"Of course it is, Persie." Lonna placed a hand over her friends. "I can't imagine how difficult it must be not to be able to see the one you love every day. But, just think, soon you two will be reunited for the Winter!" 

Persephone acknowledged her friends words with a silent nod. And that was all. 

Lonna understood why it was important for Persephone to be in the mortal realm for Spring. Still, all in the same, it did seem like an unjust punishment. Persephone lived in the mortal realm from Spring to Summer with her mother, and when Autumn rolled around she was allowed to return to Hades until the following Spring. It wasn't the best system Lonna had ever heard, but it was practical. Persephone equally understood it was her responsibility as the Goddess of Spring. 

"Let us drink to forget our hardships and enjoy each others company!" Lonna raised her glass, waiting for Persephone to clink hers. "To our ever-growing friendship." 

Persephone clinked her glass. "Now that, I can get behind." 

The pair drank until the drinks lost their number. Occasionally they were doubled over laughing, tears streaming down their faces from their joy. Persephone shared lots with Lonna, about the difficulties of being a goddess and the burdens placed upon her. Lonna always listened intently to her friend, trying to understand more about the lives of the immortal. They planned for future trips and conversed about everything under the sun. 

Persephone was truly Lonna's closest friend, and she knew that she would do anything for her.

And deep down, though their worlds were entirely different, Lonna knew Persephone would do the same.