The Maiden and the Mistress

@ honeysuckle;

Persephone laughed lightly as she spun around in the open field. The plants around her began to grow quickly with her presences. And flowers that had not been there before began to sprout. With a bright smile Persephone leaned down and picked one of the flowers she just grew. She walked over to Despoena, more glass and flowers growing behind her with every step she took. She then moved to put the blue flower into her sister's hair. "Cheer up, Despoena! Spring has come again and we are allowed out in the field of the mortal world." Persephone lightly pressed a hand to her sister's cheek, her touch had a nurturing warmth to it. "Are you not excited to be away from the house?" Persephone was almost never allowed out from the house or out of her mother's sight. Only recently had her mother allowed her to handle the change to spring on her own. She did not understand why she was forced into succlusion, but was always excited to be free of it.

---

Apollo made his way down to the earth, having learned that today was meant to be the first day or spring. In recent years, spring had been his best chance to try and woo the young goddesses. Over the years, Demeter had hid her away from him and the others. And many were interest in Persephone and tried to win her hand by either trying to catch her favor or getting permission from Demeter. Though Demeter never allowed for any of the Gods to move too close or too fast with Persephone, usually it ended with the mother hiding her away. Though spring was his and the other god's chance when the mother was not around. And Apollo believed he was finally beginning to win the young goddesses heart.

"Persephone!" Apollo called out as he started to move towards her. "It must be the first day of spring if you are out in these fields."

@ Mother.Of.Dragons

Despoena watched her sister with mild envy for the way that she radiated life and the light that came from within her. They were so different and these differences always seemed more apparent to Despoena when her sister was in her element. She stared at her feet where she sat until the warm touch of her sister lifted her head and she smiled. They were different, yes. Yet, there was something completely irresistible about Persephone. It was not just her touch that made you feel warm, but her presence seemed to the soothe the deepest parts of your soul; she was the embodiment of life. She honestly could never hate her sister even though her mother's favoritism was ever apparent.

Despoena caught the flower and pushed it back behind her ear and stood, the fabric of her dark blue dress dropping to cover her feet. "I'm not sad, Persephone, love. I'm very excited for you, but, well, I can come here a little more often than you can." She said, sheepishly running her fingers through her hair. "Mother doesn't fret over me like she does you."

Despoena had a considerable amount of freedom, especially since most of the world did not even know her real name. Despoena was just a nickname, a cover-up, though everyone has taken to calling her that. People never obsessed over Despoena as much as they did Persephone and, in all honesty, Despoena was only here because her mother made her. She needed someone to protect Persephone from all the eligible suitors who would never actually get a chance at Persephone's hand. She walked behind her sister, taking careful steps around flowers until a familiar voice caused her to look up.

"Apollo," Despoena said with a soft smile, "Hello."

---

Hades sat on his throne of bones, tapping his fingers against the arm of the chair. It has been almost a month since he last saw the beautiful, young and bright Persephone. It was at the last festival of the Gods that he first caught a glimpse of her and her brilliant smile looking back at him. No one ever smiled at Hades. They respected him, surely. Everyone respected brother of Zeus and God of the Underworld. Mainly because he had a constant task and a job that none of them wished to do. Even at the festival, he was working while they all drank the day away. He sighed, waving his hand so a portal materialized in front of him to a field that Persephone danced in.

She was as beautiful as he remembered and he watched with deep fascination. She moved as if she was floating, incapable of stepping on the flower she was creating. He looked at the dark, cold and even wet rocks around him. Would flowers bloom here? He was sure Persephone's flowers would bloom here, no doubt. Another God came into the view of the portal, Apollo, which only made Hades glower. Apollo was a far more deserving God than Hades would be - he was bright just as she was. They would make a powerful match, but how powerful would a match of life and death be?

It was while watching her that an idea struck - Demeter would never let a God like him (old and angry, though not as scary as everyone thought) to marry Persephone. She was never alone long enough to take her even if he wanted to. No, she was well protected except for now. Hades was always known to take exactly what he wanted and what he needed and he wanted and needed Persephone to be in his world. There were many human fields that were waiting to be greeted with Spring and if he could figure out where the next one was, he might be able to bring Persephone to his world. Only then would he be able to win her over.

"Erebus," Hades called, his sidekick with black skin and hair (as dark as night) appearing in front of him, "I want you to follow the beautiful maiden, Persephone. Report to me where she will be next," he said and dismissed the creature with another wave.

@ honeysuckle;
Persephone turned in an almost spin like fashion when she heard Apollo's voice. "Hello Apollo." She said warmly before giving him a radiant smile. "I should have known that you would have come today." Persephone did quite like Apollo. He was similar to her in that he was also had this beautiful brightness. Plus it helped that he was the most charming to her. And Apollo was always the fastest of all of her suitors. Somehow he just knew when she was allowed out, and after him the others followed.

Apollo gave both Persephone and Despoena a small nod. Though he did take a moment to turn to Despoena completely. "Good morning Despoena. I hope you are doing well." He smiled softly at her. While Apollo did not know the girl well, he always made sure to greet her and be kind. Some of the other suitors seemed to completely ignore her when Persephone was around. Though it was difficult for most to gain anyone's attention when Persephone was there. Even Zeus would occasionally have this issue when standing next to his daughter. However, Apollo knew that Despoena would be an essential piece in gaining Persephone's hand, so he always ensured some time and respect to her. Though Apollo knew that one day he should really sit down with the sister and get to know her, especially since he was curious about what made Despoena the Goddess of Mystery. Apollo then turned back to Persephone. "Well I could smell the flowers blooming and I knew that meant you were finally let out." He said with a light chuckle.

Persephone let out a small sigh of relief. "Yes, I am out for the spring." She said cheerfully. Then she quickly turned back to her sister, walking back to her. "It is quite unfair that mother let you leave whenever you wish. It is I who is the older one, but yet I am always stuck at home as if I were not old enough to have fun." She pouted softly before reaching for Despoena's hand and intertwining their fingers. "She should at least let me go where you do. If you are meant to protect me during the spring, I don't understand why you can't during the rest of the year." It was no secret that Persephone was one of the weakest of the Gods and Goddesses when it came to battles. Sure she can fight and kill any mortal, but when it came to the other Gods and Goddesses, Persephone didn't have much of a chance. Quite simply the rest had powers that they could use in battle, while Persephone could only control plants and spring. It was useful among the mortals, and threatening to not do her job got her far, but it didn't help her fight. Often Persephone wished that she could fight like Despoena, then maybe her mother would let her free.

"If it would ease your mother's worry, I offer my own protection if you wish to leave your home. Perhaps your mother will let you out if I was by your side when you did." Apollo had already offered such services to Demeter, and was turned down before he could even finish the offer. Though he had never offered it directly to Persephone. It could possibly be his way into spending some time alone with her if she could convince her mother...or somehow manage to sneak out of the house.

Upon hearing this, Persephone gave Apollo a slight look. In reality her mother wanted to protect her from all of the Gods and Goddesses, especially her suitors. Though she was sure that Apollo already knew that. It was no secret that her mother planned to never let her marry. But many still tried since her father did want her to have a good match. But since they were already out.... "Despoena, why don't we skip straight to the fields by Rome? And after I finish with them, we can all head into the city and enjoy it. We can disguise ourselves as mortals before we go in. And with Apollo with us, I am sure we will be fine." Persephone looked at her sister with hope in her eyes. They wouldn't be able to do it if she denied her. "Please sister, it has been such a long time since I have been. I can do the fields I skipped over tomorrow. And Mother never needs to know."

Apollo looked over at Despoena before speaking. "I promise you that I have no tricks up my sleeves. I will protect both of you and bring you safely back to this field. And then I will head on my way as you two head home." While Apollo never had any tricks to winning Persephone, some of the other gods did, which is why he felt the need to say such a thing.

Despoena was glad that she, at least, had the capability of hiding her feelings. As the Goddess of Mystery, blatant emotions would give away too many secrets too quickly. If she were some regular maiden or perhaps even Persephone, she would blush and giggle at Apollo when he spoke to her. At least she could maintain her composure even in front of his beauty and build. Persephone did not let on completely that she admired Apollo, which was comforting to an extent.

“Oh no, Apollo. That’s why she has me,” Despoena commented.

Persephone was so delicate and soft, she needed someone to protect her. Despoena was not as delicate and was capable of playing many mind games to protect them both. She could both fight and cause deep hallucinations which were completely incapacitating to mortals and blocked sight from the Gods. Persephone could only barely wrap even Despoena up in a vine which would snap. Protecting Persephone all year would stop Despoena from doing her job, however, and so, the limitations of Spring were entirely necessary. Why else would the initiation of cult wait until the summer months? Persephone was beautiful, but Despoena was strong and well worshipped Goddess.

Persephone turned her pretty little eyes to her, begging her to play in the city with this God. She acted like a child and that was exactly why mother did not trust her to be alone. How easy it was for a Goddess like Persephone to shake off her duties and frolic around the city as she pleased. This ease in life was something that Despoena truly did envy about her sister for her duty was simple and beautiful while Despoena’s was one that weighed almost constantly on her shoulders. Despoena frowned. She may be the youngest of the two, but she had to act like oldest or no one else would. She crossed her arms and sighed.

“Persephone, I just don’t know. There is the entire Forest of Denn and the valley of Nysa left for today alone, on top of the fields of Rome. You would have to tackle that tomorrow on top of the other valleys that were to be done tomorrow. It is a lot of work,” she said. When Apollo spoke up, she casted him a look of disdain - how dare he play into her little games. All he did was allow Persephone to be even more excited than she was before, practically bouncing as she gripped her hands.

She let go of Persephone’s hands and crossed hers over her chest. Maybe it was because she wanted to spend a little more time with Apollo or maybe it was became their mother truly would never know, but Despoena felt herself giving in. She was, after all, always able to have fun and go to Rome, but Persephone was never awarded this luxury. “Fine, but that means serious work tomorrow. No visitors,” she said, casting a look towards Apollo. “Which, for the record, you are welcome to join us today, but do not need your protection. You are kind, but we can handle ourselves.”

@ Mother.Of.Dragons [Didn't write Hades because there is not much for him right now, but I can go back and add if you want. I figured I'd wait. Let me know!]

@ honeysuckle;
Persephone basically squealed when Despoena agreed to let her go to Rome. She threw her arms around her sister, hugging her tightly. As she did so, flowers began to grow in Despoena's hair that matched Persephone's own. "Thank you sister." Persephone gave Despoena a kiss on the cheek before pulling away. "We will have so much fun today!" Persephone was beyond excited, and honestly would have been no matter who was going with her. She was just almost never allowed into the city and sometimes sneaking away from her duties was truly the only chance she would have in a while. Demeter even hesitated to bring Persephone when she was going down herself. "You two wait right here." With that, Persephone started to run, basically glide, through the field to ensure that all the land around it and in it woke up for spring.

Apollo gave a goofy grin as he watched Persephone begin to run through the field. He then turned to Despoena with a smile. "I will keep myself out of the way tomorrow, and try to deter the other Gods from coming down themselves." He assured her. "And, still I offer my protection if your sister ever needs it. I know that you are quite able to handle yourself and keep her safe, but if you were unable to, I will be happy to fill in for that time." His eyes then looked over at Persephone as the field seemed to wake immediately in the path that she created. And soon the field was filled with a different array of colors. It was truly beautiful, just like she was.

"Though still I am glad that you are allowing her to go today, even if I had not been invited. The other Gods and Goddesses are allowed to roam the earth and it's cities as they wish. And many enjoy their time with the mortals. It is a shame that your sister is not allowed to do the same." Apollo looked back at Despoena, trying to figure out what she felt about what he said. Though it was hard to tell what the Goddess was thinking. She had always been a difficult one to pin down...But Apollo did believe that he was on her good side, even if he did not know for certain.

Once the field was completely covered, Persephone ran back to the two of them. The small flower crown on her head was tilted, causing her to move it back into place. She then reached her hand out to her sister, almost giddy to leave the field. "Lets go." She said excitedly. "Once I am done with the fields around Rome then we could go in." Persephone was curious as to whether or not her cults were beginning to prepare for the first week of spring. She may have just started but they were normally quick on starting when they first see the flowers bloom. When in Rome, she could go see what they had planned for this year.

[It's okay! There is no point in writing for Hades since there is not much for him yet.]

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Despoena giggled when Persephone launched herself into her arms and returned the hug with a laugh, pulling back to look at her face. She nodded, agreeing that today would be fun and certainly unplanned. After letting Persephone free of the embrace to do her work, Despoena tried to push away the nerves she felt. She racked her fingers through her chocolate curls to remove the blooming daises - they were only cute for Persephone. She let them fall from her fingers back onto the ground where the rooted. She hoped Persephone would not be upset, but unlike her mother and sister, Despoena was not much a flower person.

Despoena looked over to Apollo, his entire being mesmerized as Persephone did her work. She let her arms cross over her chest once more as she watched her sister. It was a dance to her as the winds caressed blew her sister’s hair and the field was blossoming with an array of colors. She was not surprised that Apollo would not even spare a look towards her, but she was looking at him. “You know that our mother will never let her marry. You can have any maiden, any Goddess, any woman. I fear you are wasting your very precious time,” Despoena said, as she opened her arms to Persephone as she pranced back to them.

“Yes, let’s,” Despoena said, grabbing Persephone’s hands as they swirl of wind transported them to the fields of Rome. Apollo followed behind as soon as he arrived Persephone was again working, but she was hurrying. She was warmed up and excited so finishing these much smaller fields only took a little while. Within a few minutes, she was ready to go into the city. Despoena snapped her fingers to quickly shift them into something more mortal: their hair pulled into tight buns, the light a God usually emits was gone and the dresses were not the finest silk but cotton and loose around their bodies.

Despoena scratched at her shoulders. “Poor mortals. I can’t believe they wear this every day. Ready?” She asked, gathering her skirt in her hands to run down the field to the city. “I’ll race you,” she added, deciding that if they were going to break the rules than she may as well have fun doing it.

@ honeysuckle;
Apollo shook his head at Despoena's words. It may be true that he could easily get another woman to love him, quite simply he wanted Persephone. And while her mother may not allow the marriage, convincing Zeus would not be nearly as difficult. He already wanted a good suitor for his daughter but has not acted on it due to his respect for Demeter and her role as a mother. Though, it was only a matter of time until Zeus decided that Persephone should be married off to someone who could continue to protect her from harm. And, due to the number of strong suitors she had, it would most likely be whoever Persephone wanted to pick. Which is why they Gods who wanted her continued to try and get some time alone. Though he said none of this to Despoena. It was none of her business. Instead he just followed them to Rome, switching his clothes into mortal ones without complaint.

Persephone looked over at her sister in shock but quickly she smiled at her brightly again. She was surprised that Despoena was embracing breaking the rules so much, but quite glad for it. Normally Despoena was the one to try and keep her in line, but it was good that today was not one of those days. "Well, I am afraid that you are about to be beaten!" She laughed before racing down the fields and towards the cities. While she was not strong, Persephone was incredibly fast and she was able to beat Despoena with ease. Once she got to the city line, she turned to the two of them and laughed. "I told you!" Persephone moved and caught her sister before she managed to run past. She embraced her for a moment before letting go and turning to the city. Her eyes filled with awe as she started to take a few steps in.

Apollo, who was jogging lightly behind the two of them slowly came up to the front of the city. It seemed like a race that was only meant for them and he didn't want to ruin their fun. He looked up the entrance to the city before looking over to the two girls. "What would you two like to do now that we are here?" He asked them. Though before he even got the chance to finish his sentence before Persephone was heading straight in. The girl turned and looked at everything with a sense of curiosity and amusement. Persephone started to run through the mortals as she made her way to
a vendor that was selling exotic merchandise. Apollo quickly started to follow her, not wanting to lose her among the mortals.

Persephone started talking to the vendor as she looked at all of the goods that he had. Even without her godly glow or the flowers/plants following her everywhere, Persephone was still able to entrace others. The vendor looked at her like he was fill with light again, and those that walked by couldn't help but stare at her as they did so. Even disguised as a mortal she was the persona of renewed hope and life. Once Apollo had caught up, Persephone held up a little iron model of an elephant. "I wish there were elephants here. I would love to ride one." She said with a laugh before setting it down. Though once music started to play, Persephone's head looked back up, trying to find the source. She immediately started through the crowd again. "We should dance!"

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Despoena took off, running after Persephone and watching her disappear in the distance. She ran up to her, aiming to beat her straight into the city, but Persephone caught her into another hug. Despoena laughed, having felt that free in quite some time she smiled at her sister before letting her go and stepping back. She brushed her fingers through her hair to smooth it out and get a little composure back as she caught her breath. It didn’t take long for Persephone to catch her breath and take a move on into the city. Despeona shrugged to Apollo and they walked next to each other as Persephone seemed to breath new life into the experience of Rome.

Apollo watched after Persephone as if she was his own and Despoena frowned as this was exactly what she hoped to avoid for Persephone. Apollo was certainly arrogant and Despoena rolled her eyes and she stepped closed to him. She stuck her hand out onto Apollo’s chest to stop him as he followed her sister into the crowd. She stepped in front of him and walked quickly in front until she caught up with Persephone at some exotic vendor.

Her attention was so fleeting and Despoena rolled her eyes at her sister. She would have to keep reminding herself that her sister never had a chance to come to Rome or to interact with mortals. It was easy to forget when Despoena came here so often for she enjoyed the energy of the city and how mortals interacted with each other. She especially enjoyed how upset they would look to see a maiden like herself alone, but nothing ever came of this judgement. Perhaps, deep down, the mortals knew they were actually Gods walking among them.

In an instant, they went from looking at the vendor to be pulled in the opposite direction to dance to the beat of the music. Despoena flashed Apollo a smile as it seemed the music was, as usual, in his name. It only stroked his arrogance and she wondered who Persephone would choose to dance with first. Despoena felt resolved in letting this be Persephone’s day to make decisions or to make mistakes; she would let Persephone be in charge today.

@ honeysuckle;

Once Persephone got to the music, she grabbed onto her sister's hand and pulled her into the open space. No one was dancing yet, but Persephone was quickly going to change that. Intertwining her fingers with Despoena's Persephone began to prance and twirl around in the open area. As she moved, it barely looked that she touched the ground at all with how quick she was on her feet. And the faster that Persephone moved, the faster that the players played their song. Within minutes they had drawn a crowd and a few began to join them into the area. Persephone looked away from her sister for a moment, looking at those that have surrounded them. She let out a laugh before taking her sister's hand and spinning her around.

Apollo grinned as he looked on at the two sisters, enjoying the scene. He looked at the mortals that came and were quickly memorized by the two girls. And he couldn't help but chuckle when others began to join them. Apollo also loved the fact that Persephone was dancing to music that had been dedicated to him, but he wish that he would have been the one to dance with her. Though it appeared that the girl still preferred Despoena, or at least knew to choose her over him.

Right after the song ended, the audience and the players bursted into applause for them. Persephone smiled at the crowd as she waved to them and then did a small bow. When the next song started, Persephone took her sister's hand and headed out of the area. Though Apollo was quick to move in front of them both. "Persephone, will you dance with me?" Persephone nodded to Apollo and took his hand before moving back into the area. Apollo was quick to move his hand onto her waist before they started to move. This song was also quite upbeat and fast, and due to Apollo being the god of music, he was also an excellent dancer. They both moved quick on their face as the moved across the free space that they had. Apollo was able to spin her as fast as she could handle and once he even threw her up into the air as she spun. At the very end, Apollo picked her up bridal style and threw her up before dipping her head low. Once again the crowed applauded the performance and Apollo was able to carry Persephone away from the crowd and back to Despoena with a large smirk on his face.

As Persephone's feet touched the ground, she turned back to her sister, her face a bit flushed from the dancing. Persephone looked around again before speaking. "I should take a quick stop to go check up on my cult here. I normally only get to watch them from above so I want to see what they are up to right now. I wonder if they are getting ready for the spring festival." Persephone told them before making her way there. This time she walked as she made her way.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Dancing with Persephone in the middle of Rome felt like the epitome of what it meant to be a Goddess. She felt the freedom, the power, the sexual attraction and the beauty they possessed radiating around them and she laughed as they twirled. Mortals were easy to distract and that was evident by the crowd that surrounded them and clapped as they danced. Twirling in a circle, the world did, in fact, seem to swirl around her. The music and the beat was fast and the electricity of being here was traveling even faster through her body. All the way until the music stopped and the two sisters laughed and walked away, chests heaving to catch their breath.

Despoena was ready to show Persephone other parts of the city, including their temples, but they were stopped by Apollo. He stepped forward, blocking Persephone before turning her and walking her back into the crowd. Despeona frowned, but not because they were dancing, but because Apollo acted as if Persephone was already his. His arrogance was what was so insulting. She watched from the sidelines, trying her best to control her anger at his possessive tendency. Persephone was beautiful, but she was also powerful; she was not a prize.

When they finally broke and Persephone walked back over to them, Despoena threw a scathing look at Apollo before linking arms with Persephone and pulling her forward. "You need to be careful, Persephone, before you get Apollo to believe that he owns you. You are a Goddess, you do not need a God. Don't forget that," she whispered quickly to her sister.

Louder, so Apollo could hear, "Yes, I think that's a lovely idea. This way," she said, leading her sister though the cobblestone street of Rome. They blended in well amongst the busier side of town, weaving through the people until they ended up at her temple. It was busy, the first flower hung over the door with care and people were buzzing like bees carrying pollen to get ready for the Spring Festival. They were shouting and some were praying and Despoena looked at her sister and smile.

"This is yours. You don't need him or any other," she added, another whisper meant only for her sister.

@ honeysuckle;

Persephone looked over to her sister, pressing a hand against her cheek softly. Unlike the others, it was easy for Persephone to tell how Despoena was feeling. This was in part of spending most of her time with her sister, but also with Despoena rarely hiding her feelings from her. And it was quite obvious that Despoena was displeased with Apollo's actions. "As per usual, you are right. I did not mean to make it seem like I was his." She whispered back to her. Despoena was quite right about Persephone needing to ensure that Apollo knew that he was still chasing, and not having already caught her. And, hopefully, in the end it would be up to Persephone on if she wanted to marry. Though it was difficult for Persephone not to want to be caught by one of the Gods, for she hoped that with marriage, she may gain some freedoms she would never be given from Demeter.

Persephone then turned, focusing her attention on her temple in Rome. A bright smile came over her face as she saw many of them getting ready for the spring festival. "I am so proud of them, they always seem to notice so quickly!" She let go other sister and headed into the temple. It was nice to get a good look inside. She barely got to come and see what her main followers looked like, and see what her temple was really like from the inside. Persephone made sure to steer clear of the ones running around. It looked like they were carrying boxes and boxes of supplies. And some of them were talking to prominent families to see what they would be willing to offer for the festival. Though Persephone stopped at the statue they had created of her. It was quite beautiful. And already some of her followers were working on creating a real plant/flower crown around her head for the festival. "This place is lovely." She said happily as she clasped her hands together. Once she said so, one of the followers walked up to her and started a conversation about the temple and about the goddess.

Once Persephone was busy speaking to one of her followers, Apollo turned to Despoena. He had already noticed her whispering to her sister. While Apollo was not able to hear what the two were whispering, he was not deaf or dumb. Apollo was quite sure that it had to do with him. And while he normally was unable to figure out how Despoena felt, it had grown obvious that she displeased with him. "Desepoena, it seems that I have done something to anger you. May I ask what that thing was?" Apollo was always displeased when the other Gods/Goddesses had a problem with him. Even more so when Apollo was sure that he was being his charming, perfect self, which he normally was. After all he was the most agreeable god!

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Despoena crossed her arms across her chest again once Persephone slipped out of her grasp and began interacting with her followers. The excitement on her face was so pure and lovely. Her and the man that approached her were passionately discussing the flowers and the plan for display. Despoena could not help, but admire the innocence that Persephone looked at the world. It almost seemed like she was unaware of the world, its secret, the mysteries, the pain and instead, only saw the beauty and the life.

When Apollo spoke she turned to him, pieces of her hair falling in front of her face. She sighed, pushing them behind her ears to take a moment to explain herself without angering Apollo. Apollo was a kind God, a good being and one that you wanted on your side. In fact, if Apollo were to be the one to take Persephone away from their mother, it would be a good match. “No, I’m not angry. I just think you have forgotten yourself,” she said, taking a step closer to him to whisper and not to interrupt or distract Persephone from her good time. “Persephone is not, as I’m sure you know, to be wed. And if the time were to come, I’m sure you would trust her to choose you, if you deserved it. But, we are all equals here - are we not? Not prizes to be won and taken. We are not like the mortal women, no. We have as much purpose as any other God.”

Despeona hoped she did not come off angry or her message to be lost in her words. She simply meant to explain that she and her sister deserved and demanded respect. They were not Goddesses that were looking for a God, except for maybe Persephone but only because she wanted the freedom. They were Goddesses driven by purpose and by strength and Despoena would be damned if she let any God forget who they were. It was important to her that her and her sister were not pinned down in this way. She was trying to tread carefully though for her words were borderline, full of a little attitude and a little independence.

@ honeysuckle;

Apollo was quiet for a moment as he listened to what Despoena had to say. It was difficult to not immediately disagree with the Goddess, though a fight was not what he was looking for. Especially since he simply did want to spend a nice day with Persephone. He gave the Goddess a small nod. "I apologize if that was how it came across. I respect Persephone, you and the other goddesses. It is true that none of you are meant to be own by anyone, but are your own even if you were to wed. None of you are like mortal woman. My excitement to spend the day with Persephone has caused me to not act in a way that is respectful to either of you."

He then looked over at Persephone with a small frown. "It is often difficult to act that way with Persephone though, due to the fact that it is others that I need to prove myself to first. She is the only Goddess that does not automatically get her own choice to wed, so while my thoughts and feelings towards her are respectful and appropriate of that to a Goddess, my actions have to show my wish to impress her, and the need to prove myself to the others to truly have her, which feels more mortal like. It is less than she deserves, but I understand that it comes from Demeter's desire to continue to protect her." Apollo looked down at Despoena, hoping that he had not said too much on the subject to her. It was difficult to find the perfect words to describe his relationship with Persephone. "All I know is that I want her and I wish that she does choose me when she is given the option. And if she were to, I promise that I will give her the respect and choice her position demands. And I hope to find a way to give her more freedom without sacrificing her need of protection for it. I believe I will be able to do that since when I do my duties are more flexible than Demeter's."

After a small talk with one of her followers, Persephone came back with a large smile on her lips. Though when she did return to those two, she could feel the tension floating between then. Her head tilted slightly as she looked at the both of them. "Has something happened?" She asked, looking at them worriedly. "The both of you seem suddenly tense." Apollo glanced over at Despoena for a moment before suddenly speaking up. "Your sister and I seemed to have a small misunderstanding. Though it was my fault for causing it." Apollo looked down at Despoena. "Though I believe that we understand each other now and can move on with our day. If not, then I will be happy to leave you both to enjoy Rome without me."

Persephone looked at them nervously before speaking. "Well I hope everything is okay now." She did not want to part of an argument between the two Gods. Persephone was not sure what she would do if they did decide to fight. "Though I do want us to continue having fun together. What do you two recommend that we do in Rome while we are here? We still have a few hours before we need to return home."

@ Mother.Of.Dragons

Despoena looked over at Apollo as he spoke, though he very rarely looked in her direction. His eyes seemed to be locked on her sister as she joyously spoke to one of her followers, unbeknownst to the mortal. It was clear from the way Apollo looked at Persephone that he, like almost all Gods, was completely infatuated by her presence. These were the moments that made Despoena desperate to try to be half as desirable as her sister. For even Apollo himself said that he was excited to spend time with Persephone, not with both of them. She was a tag along, a necessary evil, someone to be kind to even if it was just to get closer to Persephone herself. Apollo was, at least, kind and acknowledged her, but still, these moments were the ones that made her feel less heavenly. She tried to shrug it off as she listened to him, but the seed of doubt and jealousy settled deep within her.

If anything, Apollo would certainly be the best choice for Persephone. He was strong and he was kind. He would take care of her and certainly would award her the freedom she so desperately desires. Despoena should be grateful for the freedom she has, a freedom that Persephone would never understand, but it, like all things, came with a price. She frowned a little, taking a step away from Apollo so they both could watch Persephone as she giggled and practically mesmerized the mortal she spoke with.

“I hope that one day Persephone will be able to choose, but that seems very far away from today,” she said, quietly in response.

Despoena tried to let the negativity she felt roll off of her once her sister returned, but it was clear that her and Apollo failed. She smiled at him, “Nothing to worry about at all.” She was sure that she planted the right seeds in Apollo’s mind and in Persephone’s mind as well. She was sure they would remain on their best behavior, lest she be required to end the entire day early - something she did not want to do. She wanted to continue to have fun, but that was hard work when you had to be the more responsible Goddess of the two. Persephone made it easy to ignore her true feelings and so, she smiled at her sister once more.

“Yes,” Despoena said, holding out her hand for her sister, “I have an idea.”

If there was a perk in being the Goddess of Mysteries it was knowing the secret crevices, entrances and places untouched by humanity and precious. She pulled her sister through the crowd of mortals, glancing back only every once and awhile to make sure they were still following her. She pulled them, finally, through an empty alleyway to a wooden doorway. She leaned down to the keyhole, whispered the password (too quietly for even them to hear) and it clicked open.

She smiled, pulling her sister after her once more into a garden. The garden was, however, made completely of marble and stone. The flowers were sculpted with care, the colors of the marble chosen particularly and the golden hue of their stems reflected their faced perfectly. The stone flowers rose to the top of the glass ceiling, letting light create patterns on the floor. Even the ground they walked upon was marble and Despoena felt proud of her sanctuary. Despoena smiled at the work of her people. “Beauty such as your creations is often hard to be preserved, so I decided to try,” she said, sitting down on a bench in the middle of it all. “Just to pass the time. Not really a mystery so much as something I wanted to try. I like it anyway."

@ honeysuckle;

Persephone gasped as she saw the stone and marble flowers. She walked through the garden with pure joy shining in her eyes. "It is beautiful Despoena!" She said warmly as she walked from marble creation to marble creation. It was absolutely amazing. While she wasn't able to get the color quite right (which would have been basically impossible to do with stone), Despoena was definitely able to get that life like quality and beauty that flowers had. And the garden itself was just such a lovely idea and somehow filled with life when there was none. Her fingers gently brushed against the cool, smooth stone. It was perfect...

Turning back to Despoena, Persephone turned back to Despoena and walked over to her sister. She wrapped her arms around her tightly as she moved onto the bench next to her. "It is perfect." Persephone said before slowly pulling away. "I can't believe you were able to do this." Even though Despoena did not do it for her, Persephone was still warmed by the fact that she liked her own work enough to make a stone garden. "Sister, I would love it if you could make me a stone flower for my room at home. They are absolutely amazing and so lifelike. I love them so much." Persephone held onto her sister's hand, smiling brightly at her as she waited for Despoena to respond. She hoped she would make it for her.

Apollo looked around the stone garden, obviously impressed with what he was seeing. Though he did keep his mouth closed as he allowed for the sister's to talk. It was obvious that this particular stop was for them to bond, and not so much for him to participate. But he could see what Despoena would want to bring her sister her. After all it was, in a way, a tribute to her work during the spring. For only Persephone brought nature to life, spring and flowers to the mortal world. And it was often Persephone would brought gardens to life when she was no longer busy with the fields.

However, he did turn to Despoena to speak a few words. "This is very impressive." He told her. "And I would not mind getting a small marble sculpture for myself if you would be willing too." Apollo would get something to represent music or his poetry, if Despoena was willing to do it. Her work was amazing enough that he would be a bit sad if she denied his request. Though he would understand if she did.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Despoena smiled at her sister and Apollo as they walked amongst her creations. Working with stone was just one mystery, a simple mystery, that she figured out. She and her people can coax the strangest qualities from stone and she looked at Apollo as he walked with Persephone. As a God of music and poetry, she wondered just how much he appreciated art like this. Despoena ran her fingers along a flower that bloomed closest to her and she smiled with pride.

She hugged her sister back, letting her hands rest on her elbow when she pulled away. “Just one mystery from Rome. It’s not much,” she said, blushing a little. “But, yes. I can make sure that you both receive a statue. It will take some time, I don’t make them myself. My people make them, but they’re often busy and hidden so it will take time.”

She looked around them and sighed. “Persephone, I do believe it’s time to go. I’m sorry I took up your last hour in Rome with this, but I thought you deserved a chance to see what you inspire.” She stood, still holding her sisters hand and turned to walk to the door. She felt her stomach sinking and could only wonder how Persephone must feel. She felt guilty for ripping away her freedom like this, for being the one to tel her that the fun must end and they must return home to their mother. She patted her sisters hand softly as they neared Apollo and she let go of her sister.

“It was lovely to spend the day with you,” Despoena said to Apollo and then she walked away to let them have a moment and waited by the door for them both.

@ honeysuckle;
Persephone felt her heart drop a little and a deep frown came over her lips. Of course she was disappointed to go back home. After all she rarely was allowed to go do what she wished but at least it had been a relatively nice day. "No I am glad that we came here." Persephone reassured Despoena. "I love the garden you and your followers were able to make. Though I am disappointed that we must go back." Once she said what she needed to, Persephone let Despoena let go and walk to the door.

"And you too, Despoena." Apollo turned to Persephone once she was to him. He gave Despoena a small nod of thanks. After all she didn't have to let him come or let him say goodbye to Persephone. Apollo then turned to Persephone with a warm smile before leaning forward and whispering to her. Once he pulled away, Apollo took her hand and kissed it softly before disappearing. He knew he didn't have to take them home, Despoena would be able to take care of it.

Persephone smiled softly when Apollo whispered to her and when he disappeared. She then walked over to his sister, taking her hand again. "I hope we are able to come back to Rome soon. I would like to see more. And to be more active with my followers." Persephone squeezed Despoena's hand tightly. "Thank you for today." She then leaned forward and gave her sister a quick kiss on her cheek. "Okay we can go back now. We should go to bed early since we have an early day tomorrow."

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
(Jumping time a little)

Despoena was relieved to go home and even more relieved that their mother did not pick up on what they did that day. She was usually so keen and attentive, but today she did not fuss over them like Despoena expected. Instead, she assumed the followed her schedule and Despoena smiled at her sister. If it was always going to work out this way, perhaps they would be able to take more trips to Rome. Bidding her family a good night, Despoena went bed trying to balance some of the negativity of today with the happiness that she was able to give her sister.

The next morning, she awoke before the sun was shining down on their temple. She walked to her balcony, overlooking the garden that Persephone worked on tirelessly as she was trapped here for most of the year. She closed her eyes, listening to the prayers of her people, answering the questions if they deserved to be answered, and following along as some journeyed deeper and deeper into the mysteries of her following. Although Spring has only just begun, Despoena heard the gentle whispers of those who wished to know her real name and to join her people. They had so much work to do before initiation in the fall, but it felt good to know that she had a deep and rich following, even if they were mainly unseen.

After doing her daily duty, she knew it was time to help Persephone complete her tasks and so, she walked to her sister's side of the temple to look for her. It only took a few moments of listening to hear Persephone's voice bubbling with joy and her mother's gentle laugh. Despoena frowned, wondering why they were always together and she was always somewhere distant. She knocked softly, clearing her throat to announce her presence. "Good morning. I have some things to tend to later. I was hoping we could get an early start, so I can bring Persephone home a little earlier. Is that alright?" She asked, quirking a brow and plastering her very best smile on her face.

---

Hades stared down at the flower he crafted and he smiled. It was the perfect flower to catch Persephone's eyes and thanks to Erebus, he know knew exactly where his lovely maiden would be. He knew there would be considerable backlash for his actions, but he vastly outranked Demeter. In the end, to keep the peace, Zeus would have to side with them - they were family after all. Demeter was just another Goddess, second to Hera in all. Zeus would have to pick his brother over just another mistress of his. The plan was full proof and within just a few hours, the beautiful Persephone would be gracing his Underworld.

Oh, what a light she would bring to this cold place. Hades considered himself to be a fair God, far from evil. This was simply fair. If Demeter was not to give Persephone to anyone, than it was up to the best God to take her. He was clearly the best and the strongest of her suitors. If no other God thought to steal Persephone for themselves than they are clearly less than. He gave Cerberus, his dog, a pat on each of its three heads and then waltzed out of the throne room. Today, he would bring Persephone to his home.

@ honeysuckle;

Persephone smiled brightly up at Despoena when she walked into her side of the temple. "We should go, mother. I also should be listening to prayers later today and I rather not do it late in the night." With that, Persephone stood up and walked over to Despoena. She smiled at her sister widely. "And good morning to you too." Then, she took her hand, ready to go back to the mortal world. Persephone was going to be quite busy today, but overall, it should be good.

Despoena walked over to the two of them, smiling softly. "Both of you, make sure to be safe." She walked over to Persephone, kissing her cheek before doing the same for Despoena. Though she stopped, pressing a hand gently against Despoena's cheek. "Make sure to be safe and protect your sister. The world is dangerous for her." She told her before letting go. "And, girls, I will not be here until late tonight, so act accordingly.

Persephone smiled at the two of them. "Mother, it will be fine. Despoena is strong enough for the both of us. And have a good day." With that, Persephone had both of them disappear to the next field that they were meant to go to. Once there, Persephone let go of Despoena. "Alright, you just relax here." Persephone said brightly before she moved out into the field." She wouldn't have too much time to enjoy the beauty of each field like she normally did, but it was worth it to have yesterday.

Though as Persephone was running around, bringing life and spring to the area that she was in, she stopped when she saw one particular flower. Letting out a small gasp, Persephone leaned down and looked at its beauty. It was a flower that she had never seen before-which Persephone didn't know was possible. She let out a bright smile as she reached down and picked it up. The petals were iridescent? How was this possible?