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YES, A MILLION TIMES YES FOR THE MEDUSA HERMES STORY

Hades ascended in his war chariot to confront her, wreathed in shadows and flame, pulled by dark horses.  The dryads of the poplar and willow trees fled before him, and the grasses shriveled to ash under obsidian hooves. “BRIGHT LADY. I OFFER A THRONE. A KINGDOM. A CROWN. DESCEND WITH ME. RULE OVER THE HALLS OF THE DEAD” His voice echoed with centuries of stone, his eyes bright with black flames.   Persephone eyed the tall and terrible Lord thoughtfully. “You’re scorching my violets.”

“Why do you always do that?” Persephone asked one evening.  She was failing once again to grow him a crown of flowers. “Why do you turn away the platters of food?” “It’s food of the Underworld.” Hades replied slowly. “And?” Persephone shrugged, “Does it taste of dirt? I wouldn’t mind, I’ve tasted my fair share of that before.” Oh, her laughter!  “It changes you. Traps you. Take even a single bite and you stay in this realm forever. I do not ask you to make that choice just yet.” “Have you ever tasted it?” Persephone watched the servants bear the trays away. There was a long silence before Hades answered. “I was the first.”

Wary, Hades knew he should regret this day of hasty decisions. But she was warm.  And sweet.  And light.   He stood, bowing low, bidding his new queen good night.  To his surprise, Persephone cupped his face in her rough hands and kissed the Lord of Darkness lightly on the left temple. Under her lips, white stars blossomed in his hair for only a moment.  They wilted and fell. And he fell.