Ater Vita Capit

Prologue

A good amount of historical research and planning went into the creation of this story. I read about Greek history and the different eras of Greek and Hellenic history. I also made sure to do reading on the histories of other cultures around the same time period (as well as before and afterwards) so I could be aware of what existed at certain times, and where. You might wonder why I am doing historical research when I am writing what is essentially a fantasy, but this is a fantasy that I fully intend to make believable and enjoyable. Also, I'm a history nerd. :)

After all, is it not said that every legend and myth has a seed of truth?

While doing my research, I had to decide to set it during an appropriate period of time in Greek history, and tweaking the original myth to become both fantastic yet realistic. I had several different possible dates to choose from, with different reasons. However, I have decided on the year 1500 BCE as the starting point in this tale. At this point, the Titans have been long defeated, and the Olympians have been in charge for a good amount of centuries now.

The Trojan War does not happen for another three hundred years (1194-1184 BCE). Hercules was not yet born (1280 BCE), though several other famous children of Zeus (by mortal mothers) have lived and died by the time of this tale – Sarpedon, Minos, Radamanthus, Keroessa (ancestress of the man who would eventually found Byzantium), and Epaphus (who later became a king of Egypt and was said to have founded Memphis, Egypt – named after his wife, Memphis). I place the era of the Titans to be around 4000-2500 BCE, just as the ancient Greeks were beginning to colonize Crete and other Greek lands.

The name Persephone wasn't applied to Demeter's daughter until she became Queen of the Underworld, according to many versions of the myth. Her name was originally Kore – which in its essential translation means 'girl'. I modified the spelling only slightly, to Kora. I felt that this name was a better one than simply calling her 'girl', yet it was close enough to Kore. The name Persephone means 'destroyer of light', referring to her position as Queen of the Underworld, though since she was also Goddess of Spring, she could hardly be seen as a destroyer. Her name may also refer to the fact that when she left the Earth, it became dark (from Demeter's grief and the subsequent autumn and winter that followed in the myth)

I am also trying something a bit different than I have ever done in the past regarding the narrative style. The change might be obvious, might not be. Either way, while I am trying this new thing, I am also sticking to old tried-and-true habits, so don't worry about me trying anything that would diminish the quality of this story.

Disclaimer: This work is entirely my creation. Yes, I did not create the myth of Hades and Persephone, but mythology is not copyrighted to anyone, and this particular story/telling of the myth is comprised of many original elements entirely my own, with the other elements found as an archetype in many other stories. This novel/work is property of MM/Spleef/Spleefmistress/CultOfStrawberry, and similarities to persons living/dead are coincidental. (I suppose here on FFNet it could be considered fanfiction because I am using Hades and Persephone, lol)

The title for this story is also tentative. I've been struggling with a title, and in frustration, I gave it the title it currently has. It will probably change when I edit it and publish it as a novel, and like for the story itself, I'm also more than open to feedback about the title. I suck at titles. D:

Like Beyond the Sunset, this is a story that I want to refine into a novel – possibly a short series if people like this tale. Again, all reviews, feedback, and concrit is greatly appreciated.

What you will read in a few moments is a prologue. Much more will be revealed in Chapter One, which is more or less the 'official' beginning of this story.

Overall, I hope that you enjoy this tale, and what I have done for a old myth.

o0o0o

The vast realms of Dis could never be measured by neither mortal nor even the gods they worshiped. It was a realm that encompassed the corporeal and incorporeal, a place with a tangible location yet was a dimension all its own. The realm had rules that even the mightiest of gods could not violate, and not one single god or entity had ever succeeded in mapping out its infinite domains.

It was a place that made even the bravest and wisest afraid. Of what, not even the most eloquent person could describe accurately.

But if all these vague yet piercing feelings of fear, awe, respect, confusion, even resistance, and curiosity were somehow defined with words, it would be this. The realm of Dis – which was given an almost infinite amount of names – forced one, regardless of who and what they were, to shed all illusions about themselves and the world they had known. That here in Dis was the truth, and it was unconquerable.

Through the aeons that this dimension has existed, an exceedingly few sentient souls managed to understand this and fully embrace it. Unlike the rest of the souls that made their way here at one point or another in their existence, these few were forever bound to it, unable to escape, but not wanting to.

Such a one was to be found in the pantheon of ancient Hellas. He was worshiped as God of the Dead, Lord of the Dark Realms, the Rich One. Unlike the other gods, Hades was not celebrated in worship. He did not demand festivals in his honor, only somber rites acknowledging the power he had over them, for eventually all must die and go to his realm.

The myth that was told by the Greeks about what Rhea's sons did after the Titans were conquered and the Olympians came to become the deities of Hellas was this...

The three brothers had to divide up the realms and decide who would rule over what. Demeter had already shown her mastery over the earth and all things that grew in it during their decade-long struggle against the Titans. Nobody else had such a gift, so it was only appropriate that their sister took to the earth as her dominion, with the blessing of their grandmother, Gaea.

Thus, their only options were the heavens, the seas, and the underworld, where the imprisoned Titans were housed with the souls of the dead. The heavens was the most coveted realm, for who ruled it would essentially rule the other gods and Hellas as well. So the three brothers drew lots. Zeus drew the best lot and had his choice – the skies, with Olympus as his palace. Poseidon took the seas, and Hades was left with the Underworld. So Hades was regarded as the unluckiest brother, for he was condemned to rule a kingdom of dead souls and prisoners.

He had all the riches of the earth to tap. Men prayed to him for wealth. They prayed to him when they dug the earth or explored a cave, hoping to find treasure. Hades might be king of a cold realm, but he had every kind of precious metal and gemstone imaginable, and his wealth was beyond comprehension. After all, what did one need to care about love when they could have anything they needed or desired? So it was what the mortals said of him. They knew so little of him where the other gods had tales spread about them, of their heroic deeds or the princesses and maidens they had wooed, and the gifts they had chosen to bless mankind with. Their beauty and abilities were spoken of and praised, and festivals and elaborate rites performed in their names to continue to be blessed by the gods, to come to the temples and see the statues carved in the likeness of their deities. Their likenesses were captured by painters , sculptors and poets alike who had claimed to have seen the gods themselves in their dreams or before them in person.

And all of Hellas, despite their respect and celebration of the Olympian gods and their blessings onto mankind, knew Hades only as a god whose heart was as cold as his realm and wealth.

o0o0o

One of the many names for Dis was Hades. The mortals were so afraid of the god and his realm that they feared to say even his name except at the proper times, and the Underworld was treated with that same wary respect. So the god and the realm became synonymous in the eyes of the humans. It wasn't something that concerned Hades at all. He saw the attention that his family demanded, and how extremely petty any of them could be at a minor offense from god or mortal alike.

Hera badgered the bastard children of her husband, even though they had never had any part or say in their father's infidelities. Arachne had been condemned to the life of a spider for being a skilled weaver and arousing Athena's jealousy. Apollo placed curses on the women who spurned his affections. Artemis set her hounds upon a innocent archer after he had made the mistake of stumbling across the pond where she and her nymphs bathed. Poseidon caused the seas to churn when he ways in one of his fits. Aphrodite was a merciless tease who toyed with the hearts of good and faithful men. Dionysus had no idea what hard work was, and spent his days and nights frolicking with nymphs and mortal maidens alike, encouraging people who should be hard at work to turn their efforts to merrymaking and the making of wine, and he acted like a brat whenever someone told him to get serious and be responsible.

With each century that passed, Hades grew more distant from his clan, aside a couple of exceptions, members of his extended family who genuinely respected him and were respected in turn, these lucky few were the closest thing to friends that Hades had ever had . He only appeared when a official invitation or summons was delivered to him by the hand of Hermes.

It had been nearly a thousand years since he had taken the throne of Hell. Not once had he regretted this decision. It was where he belonged. When his brothers had been discussing the division of the realms, he had volunteered for the realm nobody else wanted, and everyone else was too relieved to argue.

Yet at times he felt a certain emptiness deep within the pit of his chest. For as long as he could remember, he had always had it, even before he had become the lord of this realm. It wasn't something he was able to define with clear-cut words. All he could describe it as was that something was missing, and he had no idea what it could possibly be. He was detached from the world above, his family, and even from his own heart.

This condition he usually was able to ignore, but in his quiet moments, when he was free to contemplate whatever he wished and not have to worry about his duties. He would be crushed by this... emptiness. All he could feel was the lacking. And it unnerved the mighty God of the Underworld in no way that anything else ever could.

o0o0o

The Fates were at work, ever spinning and manipulating the threads of life before snipping them off at the appropriate length and weaving them into the tapestry. This scene met an grim-faced Hades as he approached, inclining his head in a slight bow out of genuine respect for the trio that determined the lives of mortal and immortal alike in Hellas.

That crushing feeling of a void in his life had been especially nagging lately. He had never been one to share his private thoughts with anyone else, even before he became the Lord of this realm. If anyone could tell him about this issue, or point him toward a solution, it would be the Fates.

“We welcome you, Lord.”

“A matter weighs heavily upon your heart.”

“Ask, and we shall answer.” As always, the Fates spoke together. As always, Hades had the sense that he was speaking to one entity, not three. But the affairs of the Fates – Fate? – was their or her own.

“Sisters, have I not been a good ruler of this realm?”

“Your wisdom is not questioned.”

“Your character is inviolate.”

“This realm was yours before you became its Lord.”

Sometimes Hades wished they would give simple answers to his questions, but he knew this was their way.

“I am satisfied with my lot. My brother's realms would never suit me. But...” He frowned, trying to think of the right words to say as he stared at the women. Dressed in white, Clotho sat on a stool as she spun the thread of life from glittering, formless aether. Midnight blue-shrouded Lachesis stood at the tapestry, measuring out thread with her fingers, her slender digits skittering across the flowing, myriad images of the tapestry like the nimble legs of a spider. Infact, all three women made Hades think of spiders. It was probably the way their fingers moved, and the thread that all three women were always seen manipulating. And black-cloaked Atropos' gnarled yet slender fingers would pluck out threads and snip them, the small pair of shears, and deftly arrange others. Lachesis did not protest the work of her sister, and when Clotho added a few threads of her own, the older Fate simply continued her work. Curiously, no one had ever seen the sisters fight, lending to Hades' idea that these three women were actually one.

“Sometimes... I feel as if I am missing something. I cannot guess what it is.” Hades murmured. He was not confined to the Underworld like his subjects were. He alone was the exception to the rule that applied to everyone else who ate the food that grew within the Underworld. He was free to enjoy the myriad offerings of his own realm or the one above. He had tried various amusements, to no avail.

“There's a time for everything.”

“Going without makes one appreciate the with.”

“You will know what you're looking for when you find it.”

Again, Hades found himself wishing that the Fates were capable of giving out straight, simple answers. Calmly, he surveyed the seemingly domestic scene before him. The fingers were in constant motion. He couldn't remember a time that these hands had ever been at rest, even when the bodies they belonged to were standing or sitting like statues.

He also knew that this was all he would get from these women. Pressing them for details would only give him even more vague answers, or silence. But at the same time, the answer they had chosen to honor him with was reassuring in its own way.

With a respectful bow, he excused himself from their company.

o0o0o

Demeter felt restless as she gazed at the other gods enjoying themselves at one of the many feasts on Olympus. She ignored Hebe's offer to fill her goblet with more nectar, and set her jaw in a tight line as she saw Zeus flirt with one of the Graces. One of his own daughters! Admittedly, the Graces were lovely, second only to Aphrodite herself, but that was still no excuse. Zeus knew no boundaries – none at all. She certainly didn't envy poor Hera at all, and wondered why her sister didn't simply take a lover for herself. She certainly deserved the attentions of someone who would respect her more than her constantly unfaithful husband did.

He wasn't the only one buried in his own ennui. Many of the other gods, unencumbered by the coil of mortality or fragility, allowed themselves to forget the lessons of the past and lose themselves in the pleasures and jealousies of their flesh. Olympus was a veritable playground. The nectar and wine flowed, the tables were always full, and serious matters were discussed only in the audience chamber or private meeting hall. And the attitude about such matters were becoming increasingly lax. Sometimes Demeter wondered if she was the only one aware of this. Or if anyone else was actually bored. Coming here used to be interesting. Hell, she'd even prefer everyone be arguing over important matters, instead of whining or squabbling over entirely petty issues.

Loud but musical laughter drifted through the air, and Demeter turned to see Aphrodite playfully fighting off the advances of Ares, and she had to make a conscious effort to keep herself from sneering. No one could argue that Aphrodite was the loveliest of all the gods, but as far as substance went... she had none. The goddess in question flipped her honey-colored tresses over her shoulder, displaying full and pert breasts hidden under a thin, gauzy pink gown, the material gathered around her slim waist in the infamous golden girdle that her husband had created for her a couple of centuries ago.

A long time ago, she had envied this gorgeous young deity, when she had first come to Olympus to take her place amongst the twelve on Zeus' council. Who wouldn't, looking at the attention given to that perfect heart-shaped face, these blue eyes that were as luminous as the heavens, the soft, creamy flesh and curves that had been molded by a masterful and unseen hand? Who didn't enjoy listening to that graceful voice, or watching the smooth and flowing movements that the goddess exuded?

But Demeter had always been a woman interested in the more substantial feelings in life. She didn't care for the fleeting emotions of desire and lust. She cared more for satisfaction and contentment. These she found on earth, where the people praised her name for the bounty she gave them. She was a giver and nurturer of life, not of desire or jealousy. The earth gave freely to everyone, instead of choosing just one – or perhaps several at the same time – its favor.

The only reason she was even here was because this was the yearly gathering of the gods. It was a tradition Zeus had instituted, to be held every year on the anniversary of Cronus' defeat. At first, the anniversary had been much more solemn. The loss lives – god and mortal alike – was fresh in everybody's mind. But after several centuries, this was what a grim occasion had become – a party. The gods spoke of their affairs, how they punished mortals who had slighted them, or wooed gods they hadn't coupled with before. At her other side, she heard Apollo lament his failure to capture a nymph named Daphne. To Demeter, one story was the same as all the others. Nobody had anything serious to discuss.

She set down her goblet and rose from her seat, a presence that exuded quiet dignity. Her wheat-colored tresses were coiled around her head like a crown, and her severely modest gown was a deep but vibrant green color, bringing out the bright golden-green of her eyes. Several gods looked her way, but when she said nothing, they went back to their idle chatter. She did not acknowledge anyone on her way out of the vicinity of the gathering.

“I was hoping that I wasn't the only one tired of that idle chatter.” The voice emerged from behind a pillar, and out of its shadow stepped Hades. He was a quiet and regal presence as always, his circle beard neatly trimmed, his long ebony hair pulled back in a loose but smooth braid. His cloak was midnight-blue velvet, and his tunic and breeches were black, as well as his boots. The only ornamentation he wore was the clasp of his cloak, a heavy silver brooch set with sapphire and onyx.

“The young gods do not know, and the older ones have forgotten.” Demeter replied as she came to a stop. Even under the shadow of a pillar, he was tall and broad-shouldered, his presence commanding her attention, in a considerably different way than that of his brothers. He was as broad-shouldered as Zeus and Poseidon, but not as thickly-built, nor did he demand as much attention with the way he carried himself or the accessories he wore. Despite this fact, he was just as awe-inspiring as his younger siblings.

“Nothing ever remains the same. Gods and mortals change.”

“I know, but some things should remain the same.” Demeter replied firmly.

“I do not disagree with that. But perhaps this will change to something else. Idleness and ignorance lead to harsh lessons.”

“Easily true for mortals, but immortals are another matter...”

The Harvest Goddess saw her old brother smirk slightly.

“We may have unwearying strength and endless days, but these are just about the only differences we have from them.” Hades replied with a shrug. Demeter was one of the few gods who spent almost all of her time with mortals. She liked spending her time amongst them, often in disguise, and spreading her blessings. She loved the earth and what grew from it.

She relished watching things grow, from seed to full flower or fruit. She enjoyed the feel of grass under her feet and the scent of clean, fresh air. Never did she feel more alive than when she was encouraging life to grow wherever it could. Even in the cooler times of the year, when much of the ground was fallow, Demeter could feel the life under the ground stirring, storing energy and waiting for spring to come, for the goddess to coax them out of the ground to reach their fullest potential.

“Indeed.” Demeter nodded slowly. “I suppose the silence of the Underworld is preferable to this.” This was in no way a sarcastic comment or barb, and Hades was fully aware of his sister's respect.

“One grows used to the silence and darkness.” Hades replied with a noncommittal shrug, his face revealing no emotion.