Walking out of the green house, I sensed the same aura that I had felt earlier. Jogging through the halls, it felt like I was being drawn into my room. It was the same sensation I felt when in the forest. When I reached my room, there was nothing in there. I sat on the bed, then it all went black.
I woke up. Back in the forest. Somebody was there this time, it was blurry so I couldn't see their face. I made out a few distinctive features. Long inky black hair, and a strong build. What I think is a man, started mumbling something about how I need to go back to the forest.
"Why?" I called.
He didn't answer. The ground began to quake and the man dissolved into the ground.
"Who are you??" I yelled, but he was already gone.
I woke up, sweat beaded on my forehead.
"Persephone?!" Gretchen whispered.
I wiped my eyes, "Umm sorry I just fell asleep…"
"For six hours? It's almost dinner!" She scolded.
"Sorry Gretchen I'll come to the dining room in a minute."
"Yes do that." Gretchen sighed.
Gretchen left and I ran my hands through my hair. What was the dream even about? Who was that man? I have never seen him before why would I dream about it…
I walked to the bathroom and brushed my hair, wiping my face with a damp cloth. Opening the cold doors of my room I walked to the dining room.
"Kore, Gretchen has told me you slept for many hours, are you feeling alright? Should you stay home tomorrow." Mother replied.
Kore was a nickname my family often called me. It means young maiden.
"No no mother, I was just sleeping I have been tired from my studies."
"Ok darling. Take care of yourself."
Since I didn't get honey bread this morning, we were having honey bread for dinner.
After eating the exquisite meal I was sent back to my room. I skipped the bath tonight. I was far too eager to get back to my dream. Laying down on the bed I passed out almost immediately.
"Hello Persephone." The same man from before welcomed.
"W-who are you?"
"You'll find out soon enough. Tomorrow I'd like you to go back into the forest, just walk and I shall find you there."
"But why? How do you know my name"
He didn't answer. After a minute the man erupted back into the ground disappearing before my eyes.
Gasping I woke up.
"You get to go down today," Gretchen studied my face, "Why do you look frightened?" She replied.
I shook the nervous feeling from my head and got out of bed. Still wearing my shoes and dress from before.
"Why are you not wearing a night gown?" She asked.
"I must've forgotten to change…"
"Oh ok, well get changed now Kore."
I nodded, and Gretchen left the room.
Taking off my pink gown and shoes and looked through my dresser. I chose a silky long blue gown, and the same shoes from yesterday. I brushed my hair and let it fall down on my shoulders. Walking out of my room, I was greeted by mother.
"Good morning dear, we will be leaving now. The trouble around our areas seemed to clear up."
"Yes mother."
We walked outside the front doors Gretchen following us. We floated down and reached the large willow and coy fish pond that we usually stayed at.
"I must go check the weather. Stay here with Gretchen Kore." Mother replied.
"Ok mother."
Gretchen sat under a tree braiding her hair.
"I am going to go look in that stream over there, I'm sure it has many fish."
"Ok Kore." Gretchen replied sitting with her back to me.
I walked around and stared into the forest. My feet carried themselves into the dark forest. I couldn't control the urge to walk farther and farther. It felt like I had been walking forever. Sighing I looked around and saw nothing but forest. A dark forest with thin tall trees and many shadows. I sat on a nearby long and started crying.
"Why did I listen to that stupid dream."
"Because I told you to Persephone."
A deep voice replied.
Jerking around, the man from my last dream had appeared before me.
I was about to scream when he covered my mouth with his hand.
"Tsk tsk, no screaming dear one." He chided.
Removing his hand, he let me speak.
"Who are you?!" I hissed.
"You may call me Hades."