Finally it was the day of Kori's birth. The castle on Olympus was decorated in flowers, honoring the young goddess of spring. All morning, Kori could not decide on what to wear. Everything in her closet had been worn before, and what hadn't been worn, did not fit her taste. By noon, Demeter left to the nymphs and went out to oversee her duties and welcome guests. Kori had emptied her entire closet and her mother's, but couldn't settle on a single outfit.

Exhausted, she frumped on the bed and swung her legs anxiously. As if the fates had answered her prayers, she felt her feet kick something underneath her bed. Instantly, Kori got down and pulled out a jet black box. It weighed nothing in her hands, and curiously she opened it. She gasped as she lifted the top; the underside of the lid held the seal of Hades, glowing blue in the center of the velvet black lid. In the box itself there was a folded garment, on top of which was a card.

For your next swim.

Aidoneus

Quickly discarding the box, she unfolded the cloth in her hand. The unnoticed box dissipated. All that remained was the card. Without a second thought, Kori undressed and put on the black tunic. It was a close fit, falling no longer than her knees. It would allow her free movement in the water, and not threaten to pull her under.

"I want to wear this!" Kori yelled and her maids came rushing in relieved, only to halt at the door.

"P-princess. That's not a dress for public." A brave nymph spoke, though her cheeks prickled pink.

"Well, make it suitable for presentation. I'll wear this, or nothing at all!"

Her threat worked and quickly the maids helped her into another dress while they set about mending the black one. They couldn't for the life of them sow something on it, so they resigned to make an accessorizing robe. All the while Kori held on dearly to the card, feeling honored that Hades had used his real name with her. When the maids were at last done, Kori made sure to hide the card in a keepsake box before running to get dressed.

The gown she put on was white, with plenty of floral appliqués. It had no front, leaving the black tunic on display as the sleeves ran down her arms into a loose petal drop cuff. For modesty, the gown closed at her belly button, dropping into a pleated high low skirt.

"Now that is more appropriate for a 108th birthday." A new nymph said as she began fixing Kore's hair.

Finally it was time for the party. Kori would be led in by her father, while her friends trailed behind them. Zeus would sit on his throne, Kori to his right, and then her friends would in turn present dances in her honor. The nymphs led her to the doors where her father was waiting to greet her. When he turned, Zeus was amazed at how pretty his daughter looked. He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and held her hands.

"Each year you look wonderful, but I think this is your best look yet!"

"As do I, father!" She replied as she twisted side to side, showing off her skirts.

"Shall we?" Zeus offered his arm and Kori slipped her hand into his bent elbow.

All poised, Zeus knocked on the door and it opened with fanfare as the king and princess walked in. While Zeus held is gaze on his throne, Kori looked every which way, smiling and waving at the other gods. She very happily showed off her new dress to her mother in passing, who gave her two thumbs up. By then, the two were at the front, and obviously Kori spotted lord Hades sitting next to Zeus's throne. His nod and brow raise let her know he recognized what she wore, and Kori smiled and bowed her head to him in gratitude.

Zeus and Kori sat on their respected seats and the dances began. While the presentations were all meant for her, they couldn't keep her utmost attention. Daring when her father wasn't looking, Kori leaned forward slightly, sneaking glances at Hades. She didn't think he'd noticed as he looked like he was trying his best not to be bored; his fingers held up his brow as he rested his face on his hand.

"That's a lovely dress, but not one, I think made for today."

Kori gasped only a second in surprise as she heard his voice in her mind, but quickly got the hang of it.

"I had literally nothing else to wear."

Hades laughed to himself and sat up straight, and Kori leaned over to look at him.

"Eyes to the front, love. Wouldn't want to offend your friends."

Kori instantly snapped her attention to the dances in front.

It was the last performance and Kore enthusiastically sat up, applauding it all. As everyone settled back down, it was Zeus's turn to make a speech in honor of his little girl. He praised her accomplishments over the last year and many other comments in her praise. As his speech finished, he welcomed them all to dinner.

The table was set with the most exquisite food from all the realms, with sculptures and wine fountained spread around. Even on her birthday, Kori ate quickly and ran to join her friends for games. The night went on and Kori returned to her mother to rest. That was when Hades approached them.

"Evening, Brother. Enjoying yourself?"

"Too much, I'm afraid." He said with a chuckle. "But alas I'll be heading back home now. It was a great party, Kori. I hope you enjoyed?"

"I did, your majesty." Kori said as she stood. "I thank you for honoring us with your presence." She curtsied.

"Thank your for the dress." She thought in her mind, hoping she would hear.

Hades took her hand and kissed the top.

"You're most welcome."

He stood and was about to leave before he stopped and turned back. "Ah, your gift before I leave?"

Kori raised a questioning brow at him, but Hades only smiled softly. From his robes, he brought out another black box, similar to the one that had appeared in her room. He wished her a happy birthday once more as he handed her the box and finally took his leave.

Kori could hardly wait to open the box but Demeter didn't let her.

"It's rude, Kori. You must accept your gifts from all before you begin to open them."

It was a long night, but the other plentiful gifts effectively distracted her mind. Ironically, it wasn't till late at night, after she'd opened every other gift that her thoughts came back to Hades's gift. Forgetting everything else, she shuffled around her crowded room to find the black box. She'd tripped and bruised once or twice before she finally found it, sighing in relief.

Kori passed her fingers over the top of the box, relishing its velvet touch. Her impatience got the best of her and opened the box. Again there was a card waiting for her.

For your collection.

Happy Birthday,
Aidoneus.

This time, the box and writing stayed as Kori examined the contents. In the box lay two dolls, a prince and a princess, wearing matching outfits. Excited and careful, she held them by their waist and put them out on the floor. Fingers crossed, she tapped on either of the dolls, hoping Hades had done his work on them.

"Hello?" Kori sheepishly called out.

If anyone had seen her now, they'd think she had gone mad. As her waiting went on, she feared she had lost her mind. But suddenly, a blue aura grew out of both dolls.

Kori squeaked with joy as the auras morphed into the incarnated souls.

The souls yawned and stretched, and were happy to see each other. After twirling in arms, they turned their attention to their host.

"Well, you must be the birthday girl."

It was the best birthday ever.

∞∞∞

The next morning, Kori had slept past sunrise, but was jolted awake by the screams. Her nymph maids rushed in to collect her and quickly dressing her up, rushed her to court. Proceedings had already began when they snuck in behind Demeter. A nymph was center on the floor, crying to the gods to do her justice.

She spat accusations against Dionysus, saying he'd abused her, which likely he'd done. Kori was bored, none of this applied to her. Her eyes wandered around court; luckily she found her best friend sitting behind his mother and waved at him. Here gaze next went to the front seats, and while Hera was sitting to Zeus's right as always, the throne to his left was empty. Hades couldn't be bothered with the social life on Olympus. Sad over his absence, she wondered what life was like in the underworld, especially fascinated by the Elysian fields.

Dionysus had nothing to say in his defense, and the major gods convened to discuss the aftermath. Dionysus's punishment did not concern Kori, but the other decision did. Zeus tasked Hera with making a school for girls, properly teaching them about the relationships between men and women. All girls of appropriate age would have to be enrolled in the Herram. Demeter was in no mood for it. Sending Kori out to play with the other kids, Demeter argued for Kori to be spared, having no intention to let her daughter in the hands of men.

Kori was having such fun with her friends that she lost track of time. Another set of maids came running to collect her, taking her back to her tower. There home was chaos; everywhere nymphs were running, gathering things into boxes.

"Is someone going somewhere?"

"We are Kori." Demeter announced from the top of the stairs.

Excited, she ran up to meet her mother.

"Really, mother?! Am I finally going to Paros Island?"

Demeter cupped her daughter's face.

"I knew you'd love the idea. Your father didn't believe me!"

"Why would he not! How long will we go for?"

"For ever."

It was the worst birthday ever.