When I am gone they will never miss me. They would never mourn my absence as I will be forgotten. They can not mourn or miss someone who never existed. They can not remember someone they never truly knew.

They only know what I wish them to know of me. The false image they expect on first meeting. The preconceived ideal that is the one who is meant to rule the Underworld. But you. You, I have allowed to know the true me. The true self I have hidden in my solitude. But you also will never miss me.

I have tried so hard to free you from the silvered words made chains around your neck. The silvered lies of your mother who drips the poison into your ears and eyes blocking me from your sight and hearing. My image and voice dilutes and twists in the poison so you see only what your mother wishes of you to see.

For the time I have you, the time mortals call winter, your mother has prepared you to be a self-made prisoner. During the mortal times of Spring and Summer, Cerberos waits and whines at the doors of Tartarus awaiting your return. My Halls empty without you.

Hermes, kind messanger he is, delivers unto me reports of your heart while away. Though I do not understand the persona presented before me I rejoice in your bliss at being home. So I have taken to walk the mortal world while apart, sure that Charon would handle things.

I begun to travel the mortal lands just to enjoy the Spring, wanting to be closer to you, Persephone. I wanted to watch you as you are. To revel in your beauty. But I kept my distance to keep you from losing your joy. I understood my less than lively reputation causes you distress. But all that lives must at some point die. Even we gods are not eternal on our own.

It was on one of these forays into the mortal world, during my times of great loneliness that I came to find comfort in another. Kindness in one who might be a friend if fate was kind. Minthe, is her name. A nymph I crossed paths with in a small valley near Athens. I had just left my position watching you. Glad you were happy and well.

The weight in my heart bore me down and I sat on a stone to rest. It was then Minthe came dancing as nymphs are want to do. She saw me upon the stone and greeted me in a manner uncommon. She seemed as happy as ever and for once I felt I could return the feelings.

"My lord Hades. How down you seem today. What has such as you low on such a fine morning? Do you need a change in pace? A little affection from another? Allow me to fill such needs." She smiled and laughed and I was rather suprised.

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"It seems you are correct. I am rather down. I miss my wife and have months still before she returns to me."

Minthe seemed to really look at me. Passed the shadows I wrapped myself in to hide and protect my heart.

"My Lord Hades. Why not go visit her? Maybe I should go to her side and bring her to you. Nymphs, after all, come and go as we please."

"No. That will not be required. She would not wish to see me early. It is enough to know she is well."

"My Lord Hades. You have a kind, hidden heart." Her voice dropped and was quieter. Like she was feeling my own emotions.

She was right. In front of anyone else I would have blustered and sulked to appear aloof and uncaring. But Minthe made me feel unjudged. I could be honest and speak to another the secrets I kept hidden in my heart. I wanted my wife. Always. But not if it sacrificed who she was.

"Lord Hades. Forgive me. You are the one who controls the Underworld. Thanatos answers your call. Cerberus at your heels lays quietly. Souls pass at your heed. I am but a nymph. Nature is all I know. But your heart is not natural. It is not as it should be. Allow me to comfort you."

She approached me but I begged off. I moved from the stone and looked at her. "I must return below."

Seasons passed and her words haunted me. I came to you and spoke my fears. I opened to you and as before, my words were changed by your mothers poison but I kept trying.

When you left me again I returned above and once more Minthe found me. We talked and were just together. It felt like I had found a friend who didn't judge me. It was good and I felt myself becoming lighter. Spring after spring we would meet and talk. She would tell me of you and I would listen. I would speak of below and she would listen.

I felt myself growing a little and soon I felt myself growing closer to her. Minthe made no overt gestures. Made no promises or declaration. But one Spring we did not talk. Just were together in silence. Then she kissed me. Of her own free Will and Desire. It was a quick and fleeting thing.

I put it to her Nymph nature and nothing more. She blushed such a color that I had not expected. But before anything could be said she ran from me and I was too stunned to stop her.

Someone must have seen. Must have told you. The next time I saw Minthe you were there. And you were angry Persephone. Before any could explain you cast your hand and Minthe disappeared. In her place was a plant.

"Let it be known as Mint. Abrasive and strong in odor and taste. Much as her choice in men." Persephone, for the first time you seemed jealous. Your action saddened me but it gave me hope yet. If you could be jealous then the silver collar could be lifted from your neck.

I stood before you and kept my tongue. I wanted to rant and yell. It was an innocent fancy of a young girl. The nature of a Nymph to be promiscuous in nature. She only wished to heal my heart and did so by giving her life. I will always be grateful to Minthe. She gave me hope there was still a future for you and I.

Persephone left me then and I do not blame her. I returned below to Cerberus and spent my time with them as I waited for your to return.

My Persephone