but even I recognized
the cold edges of danger,
a challenge, threatened fury.
Eager to dispel the situation,
I wracked my brains
as the God in Grey growled,
and then I remembered it:
the golden apple I stole
from Elysium. It was still
inside my bag of simples.
Even Gods weren’t meant to eat it.
I knew these creatures loved Hades’ orchards.
Perhaps it was because of the fruit?
‘Wait! I have come with offerings!’
I said, opening my satchel and removing
the golden apple, ‘A gift for you.
And in return, please let us through.’
The creature glared down
at the offering in my hands.
For a moment, the air felt
suffocating as Thanatos and I
waited to see what this terrifying
being would do.
Finally, I felt the air clear
as my trick worked,
and the thing snatched
the apple from my hand,
slowly moving to give us way.
Thanatos looked at me
as we walked past
