Chapter Three:

The Doubt Thy Feels

Persephone had awoken only moments after Morpheus departed, her mind still clouded by her most recent dreaming. A heavy emotion lingered that was subtle at first, as she had to recall the events of what had just transpired despite them only taking place moments before. However, upon remembering just what she had done the full weight of what occurred between Persephone and Morpheus hit the young maiden with a rather brutal force.

'I…hurt him,' Persephone thought to herself, the guilt settling in over what she had done. She had not really meant to go that far – in fact, she had not even been really thinking. But to hear Morpheus imply such things about her mother had just…upset her.

Truthfully, Persephone could not deny that her mother was protective – but she had never thought much of it. She had just assumed that was what mothers did. After all, Persephone was so well taken care of in her fields of flowers and sweet spring hair. She most certainly was not being held captive in some deep, dark prison where she was deprived of basic necessities, so she could not even be classified as something as horrid as a prisoner.

"Aren't you that already?"

Morpheus's words came echoing back into Persephone's mind almost instantly, causing her to shudder. The winged deity's comment had truly caused a disturbance within her, causing her all sorts of feelings any emotions she was not quite sure how to handle. Of course, she had experienced a range of emotions throughout her childhood; even as docile of a child as she had been, Persephone had not been immune to tearful tantrums or small mood swings. But, this time was different – this time she felt a new set of emotions that she was not prepared to properly deal with.

Doubt. Anxiety. Guilt. Olympus forbid, Persephone had never felt guilty – she had never had a legitimate reason to. The interaction she had just had with Morpheus had completely changed that though.

Sitting up, Persephone shook her head as her curls cascaded down her back. Gently, she ran her hands over the grass of the meadow she had been lying in, her fingertips brushing against the cool soil of the earth. A quiet breeze whispered, causing the faintest rustle of leaves to dance in Persephone's ears. She let out a breath.

In the distance, she could hear the soft lapping of water, and Persephone found herself moving toward a nearby stream. A willow tree was beside the water, its leaves languidly dancing in the wind. As Persephone approached the stream, she found herself lying upon the bark of the willow, her palms placed upon it for support. Wordlessly, she leaned her face upon the bark as well; the rough, mossy texture of the bark contrasted immensely from the soft flesh of her cheek. Persephone listened, ear against the tree – but alas, there was no heartbeat. There was no nymph attached to this willow. Not that Persephone actually thought there would be – she very well knew of the nymphs and naiads, but none of them actually existed in the controlled environment Persephone dwelled within. Demeter had never allowed it, instead expressing that Persephone would be able to come to her if anything ever were amiss. And Demeter had been true to her word – she visited Persephone daily, and had always offered comfort to the young spring goddess.

For her whole life, Persephone had never questioned this.

But for her whole life, Persephone had never interacted with anyone except Demeter. Until she met Morpheus.

Honey-colored eyes locking onto the water, Persephone bit her lower lip. Surely Morpheus would come back that night, wouldn't he? He would need to when doing his job, and perhaps Persephone would be able to explain why she had been upset, and that she had not meant to react as she did. Morpheus was not possibly one to hold a grudge – he was so sweet, and caring, and Persephone could not bare to think of him being so displeased that he would not even come to see her again-

"Persephone?"

Startled, Persephone whipped her head to look behind her, and immediately locked her gaze upon the familiar visitor. There stood her mother, beautiful Mother Earth herself, dressed in her signature color scheme of warm emeralds and golden wheat. Her skin held a warm glow underneath the sun, but her eyes were gilded with concern. "You seem so distracted," She noted, "Is everything alright, dear?"

The matronly concern was enough to pierce Persephone's heart, as she longed to explain to her mother what had happened. However, thinking of doing such was enough to make the young goddess's mouth run dry – but, why was that? Was she actually that worried about the reaction her mother would yield if she confessed such a thing?

When Persephone did not answer, Demeter came upon the girl, her pace nearly a glide amongst the earth. Gingerly, the golden-haired goddess placed her hands upon the shoulders of her daughter, her voice soft like a bell. "My flower, this is not like you," She continued to observe, "Did something happen?"

"No," Persephone answered, almost too quickly, "Nothing happened-"

"No one came here, did they?" Demeter suddenly asked, her voice holding an element of panic to it. Typically, Demeter was more composed, and even more so in the presence of her daughter. However, given the recent episode in Libya concerning the creation of Lamia, Demeter could not shake the fear of something terrible possibly happening. Even with the barriers so immaculately set up so no one could enter the meadows in which Persephone was kept, Demeter just could not eliminate the fear from her heart that one day that barrier would somehow be broken.

Of course, Persephone did not know of this. And being the meek child she was, she shook her head in response to her mother's inquiry. "No! No one has ever come into the meadows other than you," She answered. Or lied. Well, it was not a complete lie – Morpheus technically never had entered the meadows.

Upon hearing this, Demeter calmed herself, releasing her grasp on Persephone's shoulders. Without speaking, she silently massaged her forehead, brow furrowed. "Yes…of course no one has," She conceded, looking back at her daughter with a small smile. "Please, forgive me, my child. It's been…a tedious time."

Blinking in confusion, Persephone opened her mouth to inquire more, but was cut off by her mother's own request.

"Come sit with me beside the water, dear," Demeter suggested pleadingly, "I can braid some flowers into your hair."

Mutely, Persephone nodded.

The two were soon seated beside the stream, with Persephone seated in front of Demeter. For a few moments they sat in completely silence, with Demeter gently running her fingers through Persephone's curls. After a few moments, Demeter began to part the hair, preparing it for a single, loose braid down her daughter's back. As the goddess of agriculture began to do such, she periodically would take a small, white lily and weave it into Persephone's hair.

As this process continued, Persephone savored the peace, rather pleased with the sensation of her mother braiding her hair. It had become something of a small tradition for the two, as Demeter had always braided Persephone's hair for her ever since she was a small child. There was a nostalgic component to it, and as a result it soothed the toxic emotions that had so forcefully attempted to control Persephone earlier. Soon, she found herself no longer desiring the company of anyone else – no nymphs, no naiads. Her mother loved her so much, and always did what she could to make Persephone feel safe and warm.

Demeter just wanted what was best for Persephone.

…

…

"Persephone, before I go I do need to tell you something."

Blinking, Persephone sat up, looking at her mother. The girl had near started to doze off once more in her mother's lap after her hair had been braided, but was glad for the interruption. In the back of her mind, she was not quite sure if she was ready to fall asleep anytime soon.

Expectantly, Persephone waited for her mother. Curiosity lingered in her gaze, as she could not imagine what her mother would need to tell her. Persephone had not missed the serious undertone in Demeter's voice, though the springtime deity found it more intriguing than anything else.

Hesitating, Demeter looked down. Persephone's brow rose, as she had never seen her mother struggle to speak before. In an attempt to comfort her, Persephone took her mother's hand. "Mother?"

Demeter found herself shaking her hand. "Worry not, dear, it's nothing that actually does concern you – though I dislike bringing anything political into our precious time together," She started, causing Persephone to become even more confused. Political?

Seeming to notice Persephone's confusion, Demeter continued. "An order was made out by Zeus to spread word to every living creature about a new rule invoked by Hades. From this day on any drink or food of the Underworld consumed will result in the person eternally being trapped there."

The displeasure was clear on Demeter's face as she spoke, a frown very subtly distorting her remarkable beauty. "It's quite an atrocious rule, and thankfully I have the peace of mind that it will never be a threat to you with you living here and out of reach of that place," She explained, "But since Zeus made the order I was required to let you know."

Naturally, Persephone was shocked by this – and for several reasons. For one, her mother never thoroughly discussed dealings with the outside world in details (especially politics of all things), and then there was the fact that the news was specifically dealing with the Underworld. Where Morpheus was from.

Persephone could feel herself pale, as she immediately wondered how this news would impact him.

Seeing the lack of color in Persephone's features, Demeter immediately misread it as something else. "Oh darling, I didn't mean to worry you – please, it was only because I was required to do so that I even broached the subject."

Realizing just how readable her expression must have been, Persephone immediately forced herself to smile. "Oh, no, it's just…I don't think I was expecting such a change in topic is all," She expressed, her voice surprisingly light.

Satisfied, Demeter smiled back. "I see then."

Taking note of the sun, Demeter found herself standing. "Helios continues to draw his chariot into the west, and it seems I'll need to take my leave," She spoke, reaching down to help Persephone up. Tenderly, Demeter pulled the girl into an embrace. "You'll be well tonight?"

Looking up at Demeter, Persephone smiled, nodding.

With this, Demeter placed a kiss upon the younger girl's forehead. "Until tomorrow, then."

And then, Persephone was left alone.

…

…

"Should we have something done, my lord?"

Thanatos stood in the door, his violently red eyes gleaming expectantly. He was in a room of black onyx, marbled and polished to an absolute shine. The walls themselves were not solid black though – among them borders of silver-rimmed diamond panels glistened majestically, allowing for the room to be illuminated enough for one to see. Intricate silver patterns of a geometric design also graced the walls, adding ornate yet minimal decoration.

But to the naked eye Thanatos was alone.

Still, the winged deity continued, his voice surprisingly even "As of late, Morpheus has been quite preoccupied with this childish infatuation. And I'm sure you could see how potentially hazardous the situation could turn if Morpheus is not up to par-"

"Enough."

The second voice appeared to come from nowhere, causing Thanatos to freeze instantly. However, the winged god of death knew very well what direction the voice emitted from – which was the opposite end of the room.

To an observer, it would have appeared that absolutely nothing was on the far end of the room. It appeared entirely vacant, save for Thanatos, yet if one looked closely enough they would catch a glimpse of a strange shimmer. It was a subtle thing, almost ghostly, but it was there all the same.

Silently, Thanatos waited for the entity to continue.

"Where is Morpheus now?"

Upon being asked, Thanatos answered, a smirk upon his features, "From what I know he was last returning to the Papaver to rest and prepare for tonight's rounds."

There was a pause, and Thanatos remained, a hardened smirk of an expression still prominent on his features. Internally though, he could not help but feel a fraction of unease in the chill of the invisible entity's presence. The pause seemed to drag, although in reality Thanatos knew it could not have extended over a moment. Somehow, it seemed to stretch for an extraneous amount of time.

Being in the presence of the King of the Underworld had a way of doing that though.

Finally, the invisible lord spoke. "Thank you, Thanatos. You may go."

Thanatos was gone instantly.

…

…

Following his meeting with his lord, Thanatos walked briskly down the hall, the walls also polished with onyx and silver border. His wings tucked tightly beneath his back, his form remained rigid, and alert as he always was. Being Death itself did not entirely make him invincible, and given the negative emotions most creatures had toward such a force caused Thanatos to have quite the number of enemies. Mortals, deities – he truly was an infamous being among them all. Not that Thanatos actually cared.

Thanatos did not care for much though. Not at all.

As he was walking, a chill fell upon the raven-winged god's skin. Ruby eyes narrowing, Thanatos stilled, his senses immediately picking up on a presence. Irritation prickling within him, he sought to locate the source, but failing to do so felt his fist clench. Jaw tightened, he spoke, his voice low, but threatening all the same. "Show yourself," He commanded, his words clear.

In response, the source of the second presence laughed.

A feminine, mischievous laugh that Thanatos immediately was able to recognize.

Within seconds, a swirl of dark mist seeped from the shadows. At first it brushed passed Thanatos's right side, almost flirtatiously, then soon took the form of a distinctive woman with pale, silvery skin and wildly black curls, arms boldly wrapping around Thanatos.

Giggling again, the goddess teased, "Don't sound so ecstatic to see me, now."

Keeping his expression neutral, Thanatos's gaze met that of the dark-haired goddess. "Eris, do you have a legitimate reason for being here right now?"

Pulling away, Eris brought her finger to her chin as if deep in thought. "Hmm. To see you," She answered, her eyes sparkling with a coquettish nature. Effortlessly, she then appeared on the left of Thanatos, once more leaning up against him. "Now, did my ears hear right in that you just sold out your sweet little nephew? How absolutely chaotic."

"As much as you take pleasure in all discord, this hardly concerns you."

Pouting, Eris placed her head on Thanatos's shoulder. "How cruel you are, keeping all your exciting ploys from me," She mockingly lamented. "And here I thought you actually cared about me."

Hearing such a commenting caused an amused expression to appear on Thanatos's face, as though he were laughing at an inside joke. Mirth flickered in his eyes, like blood-red embers as he looked back at Eris. "You know I don't care for anyone."

Eris fought the urge to snort. "Of course," She retorted, as though she didn't believe him. "I'll just come back when you're feeling friendlier."

Thanatos did not bother to say anything more, because in in instant Eris has melted away again.

…

…

The Papaver was hidden just beyond the elm tree in the Land of Dreams, of which hung the dreams that Morpheus would soon deliver. The sanctuary where Morpheus often retreated to was not out in the open though; instead, it was accessed through a cave that from the exterior appeared fairly ordinary. It was of a dark type of rock, and rough in contrast to the smoothness of the onyx and minerals commonly found in Hades' personal domain. This was likely for Morpheus's own personal protection though, what with the appearance of the cave appearing so plain. It allowed for the abode to be well camouflaged, as the terrain of the Land of Dreams in this particular area was rather rocky. Not refined in the least.

The inside was another matter.

The interior of the Papaver, unlike its exterior, was actually quite remarkable. Inside, the walls were dark, and earthy, but they were gilded with ivory and marble, tracing upward into the walls of the cave. Among the tracing, tendrils wrapped around them from every inch and angle, covering the walls with the vibrantly red blossoms of poppy flowers, the color even more emphasized by the warm light of torches used to light the cavern.

The floor, too, was also covered with poppies.

It was here Morpheus had entered, his feathery wings tucking behind him. Truthfully, he felt exhausted after the events that had all taken place earlier. Alone, the disagreement that had taken place between him and Persephone had been enough to dampen his mood for days on end – and then of course there was Thanatos.

Gods, what would Morpheus do about Thanatos? Now that his uncle knew for fact that Morpheus had been visiting Persephone when he could, the situation had quickly become much more complex. Morpheus had never quite gotten along with the god of death, and frankly had never had much reason to. Thanatos was generally an unpleasant individual whose gaze alone could cause a mortal to die of fright. There was just a cruelty to Thanatos that unnerved Morpheus, and a bitterness the younger deity had never been able to understand. Or want to.

But would Thanatos inflict that cruelty on Morpheus?

Frowning, Morpheus found himself making his way to the back of the room where his bed was. It was simple in design, with white sheets and a gossamer canopy. The winged god fell upon the bed practically, the scent of poppies taking hold of him. If anything, the opiate-esque effect of the blossoms helped to take off some of the edge he was feeling – though in this instance, it was very little.

'What would Thanatos do? Surely…he wouldn't say anything,' Morpheus thought, although he found he was not all that convinced. He wondered briefly what would become of Persephone if word were to somehow get out. No, being with how protective Demeter was Morpheus doubted she would let any harm of any sort reach Persephone. Though Morpheus could only imagine the displeasure the agricultural goddess would feel toward him when realizing how he had used his passage through dreams to interact with Persephone.

Feeling the oncoming of sleep, Morpheus allowed his golden eyes to close. No, he could not trust Thanatos, so he would have to be careful from now on with his rounds. He would need to be more alert, and on top of things with his duties if he did not want to draw unnecessary attention to himself.

A chill.

Breaking away from the near grasp of sleep, Morpheus opened his eyes, suddenly sensing something. A rush of adrenaline pulsated though him, though the effects of the poppies to help him rest had already begun their effects. He was drowsy, and the exhaustion he felt to begin with was magnified. Normally, this would never have been an issue, as Morpheus was near guaranteed protection in his cave as no one had access to it.

'No one except…'

"Who's there?" He asked, attempting to sit up.

Until something pushed him down. Something invisible.

As Morpheus struggled against the entity, he felt something clasp over his mouth, preventing him from speaking out.

And within seconds everything went black.

T.B.C.

Author's Note – Wow. Just WOW. I'm ashamed with myself right now. Looking back, the last chapter of this that posted was in 2012, and even with my attempt to update last June it's still taken me four bloody years to actually write this chapter. I can't even begin to apologize to all the wonderful people who have reviewed and sent messages regarding this story. Life just got pretty crazy for me – I left school, moved, went back to school, left school again, had family issues, etc., etc. and am now finishing up my hopefully last year getting my BA. That being said, updates will still be slow, but hopefully NOT with four year gaps like this update had.

I also have to apologize for this chapter, because it was an unfortunate but necessary "filler" chapter that isn't actually a filler because it will be relevant to plot developments. It's just taking me a bit longer to get to the meat of the story – though at the end it did have a bit of a cliffhanger there. XD Also, I apologize for any stylistic differences. The downfall to returning to something so many years later is that writing styles tend to shift and evolve, and since all my old files with plots were lost I had to completely go back and try to think back to my original mindset with this story. But progress is happening, so there's that!

Now, quick notes!

1.) Persephone/Demeter – I really am glad I got some mother-daughter interaction here. I've seen the typical, overbearing Demeter, and while I understand that I didn't want it so much to be the focus as I wanted the love to be. Demeter is overprotective, yes, but I wanted to focus on the love and affection she feels for Persephone.

2.) Persephone – It was hard to write her in the beginning of this at first, because I had to really get into her mindset. She's going to be really turned around with what happened between her and Morpheus, because she's never really acted out like that before – and given her mother is the only other person she's ever communicated with, that's why. Also, while Morpheus may make Persephone begin to question things, she is still a creature of habit in that she has a long way to go before really starting to think for herself. But it'll happen. Also, regarding her name I know some people were curious as to why I haven't used Kore – the truth is, I don't have a reason plot-wise. I actually just really dislike how it sounds. XD

3.) Hades – OHHHHHHH SNAP WE CAUGHT A GLIMPSE OF HADES. Not really, because he's invisible in this chapter – which is fairly significant component of his mythology actually. More of him to come, but invisibility will be key in the next chapter or so.

4.) Thanatos/Eris – So even before I wrote this chapter, I knew years ago that they were going to be tied together somehow. I'm not saying romantically, but Death and Chaos make more some interesting plot developments later on.

Okay, so there you go! An actual update from someone you likely thought would never appear again. Lucky for you all, I literally have not had any piece of mind because of this story though, which means eventually it will all be written. Eventually.

Also, I do want to give a special thank you to silence of winter for all the messages and awesome suggestions. Seriously, you all can go thank that lovely person for encouraging me to get this done! XD

Please let me know what you all think! Reviews and PMs welcome!

Yours truly,

The Fairie Queen