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This is Persephone. Persephone, this is Kampe, keeper of the keys to Tartarus and warden to all condemned souls.”
         Kampe's gaze was penetrating, and the red-haired goddess lifted her chin, gazing back, trying to not make it too obvious that she was studying the serpentine deity, having never seen such a creature like this. She had imagined Kampe to have human form like all the other chthonic deities she had met thus far. Hekate had never said anything about this! The two held one another in silent regard as Hades smiled faintly with amusement. Finally, the serpentine goddess gave out a grunt before she nodded.
         “One who can look upon me without flinching is worthy.”
         Persephone didn't want to admit that she had been intimidated. She just wasn't showing it because she didn't want to seem weak.
         “I am not a condemned soul. I should not be afraid of you, right?” she asked. She saw the barest of smiles tug at the demoness' lips. Kampe caught herself and gave out a nonchalant grunt, and Persephone recalled Hekate's words about the guardian of Tartarus being rough around the edges. That was something she could deal with. Not everyone was going to be as friendly and open as Hekate, right? She would maintain herself with dignity as Queen of the Underworld. Even if it was a role she didn't want, she was determined to do her best. She would not sulk or throw tantrums or be rude to others, and it was much more interesting to go out and explore, anyway.
         “A fine bride you have chosen,” Kampe hissed to Hades. He smiled, pleased with her approval. As the demoness turned away to lead them deeper into Tartarus, Persephone felt him squeeze her hand.
         “Kampe does not take to many people,” Hades whispered. She smiled.
         “I suppose spending all day around screaming and tortured souls does that.”
         Hades chuckled softly and shook his head.
         “Where are we going?” she asked.
         “Tartarus is a big place. It would be impossible to see all of it within a day. But we could show you a few things, and Kampe can answer your questions.”
         The gates leading off the firepit area looked the same, and Kampe chose the center one to lead them through. Persephone let her eyes wander along Kampe's tail as it slithered along the ground. Even with the redness of the sky and the light from fires, Persephone could tell that Kampe's scales were of varying shades of copper, which reflected the fires of Hell beautifully and adding to her appearance. She could easily imagine the impression that the guardian of Tartarus made on her prisoners.
     
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         Because of the sights in Tartarus, Hades had been reluctant to take her here, but she seemed so calm as she asked Kampe questions or was shown several condemned souls being subjected to various punishments. Her eyes might widen, and she would wrinkle her nose a bit at the gore of several displays, but she did not flinch or turn away.
         Tartarus was divided into various regions, each of them suited for the punishment of a certain sin. Kampe referred to them as 'levels' and 'circles'. She listened attentively as the Warden explained what they had done in their mortal lives, and why they were punished that way. Persephone didn't seem at all put off by Kampe's brusque manner of speaking.
         “So far I have seen mortals being punished for their wicked deeds. But...” She frowned thoughtfully, “I thought that the Titans who went against Zeus were also held here.”
         “Indeed,” Kampe replied, “But for practical reasons, they are kept apart from mortal souls in a level all their own.”
         “What about Prometheus?” the younger goddess asked. “I heard that he was punished for bringing fire to humans.”
         “That is another example of where the myth differs from fact,” Hades explained, “It was not Zeus who punished him. This was the time of the