Fall From Grace

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

"Hades, and not the one from the Disney's Hercules, but the real big bad, or not bad, chthonic god of the underworld." Professor Elias begins his lecture. "Both Homer and Hesiod describe Hades as 'pitiless,' 'loathsome,''monstrous,' and ultimately a scary being. In fact, he was considered a God to be feared, so much so that Greeks avoided saying his name. Instead in epithets they called him Eubeleus, which means 'giving good advice,' a more positive and flattering name. There are very few myths about Hades, because he never really left the Underworld, except for the story of Persephone and of course his origins, which we already have spoken about."

Professor Elias writes some names on the board, "The Rich one, The Unseen One, Weathgiver."

"These are some of the meanings and other names of Hades. His symbol is a cornucopia resembling the wealth that gave him his name 'The Rich One,' and 'Wealth Giver,' because minerals and precious metals are often times found underground. His weapon of choice, per se, is a sceptre, or bident, closely resembling to Poseidon's trident in artwork it looks more similar to pitchfork. He frequently wears a helmet named the Helm of Darkness or Cap of Invisibility."

Professor Elias continues to talk about the creation of the Helm and its history. When he launches into the conversation of the Underworld, I can't help but note the strange coincidence. I just picked up a book on Hades from Calliope's store.

The rest of the class is spent discussing the different parts of the underworld and I doodle pictures of Hades' chariot and dark horses.

"How are you feeling?" Vivian veers off her regular line of questioning at lunch.

"Fine babe, thank you for asking." I smile, and take a bite from my eggs. "How was the rest of the party?"

"Great! I even got to talk to Cami." She chirps.

"Oh?" I put down my fork concerned. "How was?"

"They had a whole cute ceremony for inviting me into the pledge process." She squeals. "The girls are so amazing... the process will take longer and it is totally top secret, so you have to keep it too."

"Always." I put on a smile for her sake but on the inside I am panicking.

I need to talk to... I'm about to finish my thought when my phone vibrates.

'Hello' Sterling.

I need to talk to Sterling.

'Hey, was just going to text you. Can we talk? Meet up?'

'Dinner? I'll pick you up.'

'Perf. I'll text you my details soon.'

"Who are you texting?" Vivian asks, and I realize I'm being rude again.

"Just a study partner, had a question. But I'll put it away." I slip my phone in my pocket with a mental promise to not take it out for the remainder of the meal.

"So my parents asked if I could come see them tomorrow." Vivian continues conversation. "They asked if you'd come. They miss you."

"That's so cute." I 'aw'. "Yeah I'll come."

Vivian's parents might be slightly overbearing but they're really amazing. They also really love me, like their own, coming to their warm home.

"Yay! I'll text them later." She claps. "Right now I have to run. I'll see you later."

She kisses my cheek, throws money on the table, and runs out. Probably to the Delta Zeta house, which reminds me...

'I'm in dorm 141, Lavender Section. I'll see you then.' I text Sterling my details.