Black & Gold

Thalia walked down the hall of the music hallway. She had only a few hours to learn a piece that she was supposed to perform for a test and she didn’t know if she had the strength to complete it. It was an opera piece that she needed to perform and she hoped that it sounded well enough to pass. She dropped her bag to the floor when she found an abandoned room and sat down next to the piano. Pulling out her sheet music she sat down and began to read it in hopes that it started to stick.

A few hours had gone by and she had begun to understand it, even though the song was in German. Not a language she preferred but she didn’t mind it as much as some of the harder languages. Italian was her second favorite to sing in, with Spanish as the first. She loved music but she didn’t know if this was her calling or not. Just felt like something she liked and was good at, and wanted to do for now.

She looked up as someone passed by the doorway and stopped, her voice cutting off mid song. “Um can I help you?” She asked, looking around the room. “Oh, did you need the room? I didn’t sign for it so I can leave if you need it.”

---

Life began to look the same when you had seen it for hundreds of years. Humans didn’t change, war always occurred, strife and anger was normal. As was sadness and pain. Hades wasn’t surprised by anything anymore, nothing above ground, and nothing under.

He preferred the darkness, but he didn’t mind the light, not that it got much where he lived. He hadn’t expected her to be so bright when he first saw her, but he couldn’t have prevented that, it was almost natural for her it seemed. He couldn’t help but take her, he had to have. It had only been a few days, and she was upset of course, but he was used to anger.

What he wasn’t used to was how much he wanted for her to at least speak to him, or have any sort of reaction to him. Up on Olympus, it was in shambles he has done something he wasn’t supposed to, but at the same time, he didn’t really care. He was tired of being told what to do.

@ BearGirl

@ musicalpanda
Apollo took a step into the room once the girl had noticed him standing by the doorway. Her voice had been so beautiful that it had called to him, and he rarely denied himself the pleasure of music. "My apologies, I did not mean to frighten you. I had only been walking by when I heard your voice and was mesmerized by it."

Apollo often found himself wandering through the mortal world, in search of those with his gift. It seemed to him that he had found another. He took another step inside, making it easier for the woman to see him in his mortal form. It was always best not to walk around in his Godly state while on Earth.

"My name is Alexander, and it is a pleasure to meet you." He gave her a warm smile as he provided her with an alias. "May I ask who I am speaking to?"

---

Persephone was sprawled out on her bed, looking up at the ceiling with a blank stare on her face. She never thought that she would end up in a situation like this, kidnapped by Hades and stuck in the Underworld. For the last several days, Persephone had been feeling an extreme range of emotions, uncontrollable rage, hopelessness, confusion as to why this was happening. Though now, the Goddess just wanted to be done with it all.

She was still angry, still upset, still confused, still all of the horrid feelings she had been feeling. But now, Persephone felt eerily calm about it all. It was time to stop hiding in her room and to start doing something...even if she had no idea what that something should be.

Pushing herself up, Persephone headed to the door to the room and headed out. It was the first time she left her room since she arrived. Maybe she should explore the palace first? Perhaps there was something around that could help her. Despite the fact that no one had done it before, maybe Persephone could find a way to escape.

Thalias eyebrows raised in surprise. “Oh,” She said, her voice coming out quieter than she intended. She didn’t think her voice was rhay good, if she were being honest, she hated that it didn’t cooperate with her most of the time. Plus, her professor likes to give her songs she felt were too difficult, so she always felt she was struggling. “You’re sure you heard me?” She asked him, looking down at her music.

“Mesmerized isn’t the way I would describe my voice,” She admitted, shaking her head and looking up at him. She had never seen him before but she couldn’t help but he struck by how beautiful he was. She wouldn’t use beautiful to describe a man most times but she couldn’t think of any other way to describe just how beautiful he was, ir was almost unreal.

Before she found herself staring she looked back down at her music and sighed. “Oh um right, sorry. My name is Thalia,” She said, noting his name to herself. “Alexander, it’s a pleasure,” She told him, watching him st the doorway. “Are you a music student?”

---

Hades had spent most of the day in the throne room, he knew eventually she would make her way there. She had also refused food which he knew would only last a short time, he would just have to wait. He wasn’t surprised at her but he wished the opposite, that she might enjoy being there sooner rather than later, or at least tolerate it.

He heard footsteps through the hallways echoing and knew she had to be up exploring and he went to where they were, seeing her walking the halls. “Looking for something in particular?” He asked quietly, his deep voice sounding like a whisper in the hallway. He stayed a few paces behind her as he looked at the statues in the palace, dark and obsidian.

He wondered how she might grow to enjoy the place more, he was more than willing to accommodate her in any way, she just need say the word and he would do almost whatever she wanted.

@ BearGirl

@ musicalpanda

"I am positive that it was you that I was hearing." Apollo assured her as he made a couple more steps into the room. Thalia seemed to be welcoming him enough where he did not believe he was bothering the young lady. Though, he was not sure that her attitude towards him would stop him from entering anyways. In the least, he wanted to learn more about the woman who clearly had a musical gift.

He moved in until he was in the middle of the room. There was still some space between them but it was now easier to glance over her features. "I am a double major actually in both music and art." Apollo responded, a little smirk moving over his lips as he had done so. If anything, everyone there were his students but Apollo found this easiest to meet those blessed with his gifts.

"You should not speak so lowly of your abilities." The man continued on. "Especially not when someone is trying to compliment you. Besides, it is clear that you have a gift. You should cherish it."

---

Persephone was quick to look back when she heard that horrid voice behind her. Sure enough, it was the God of the Underworld himself, Hades. A sharp glare was thrown back at the man before turning her head back in front of her. Persephone's body immediately straightened before becoming tense. She had no intention of being anything but cold to him. Though, admittedly, Persephone was still frightened of the God.

"No." She said swiftly. "And I certainly wasn't looking for you. Therefore, you may leave me to myself now." Her eyes stayed in front of her as Persephone continued to walk down the halls. While she had no idea where she was going, Persephone continued to walk straight in the hopes that Hades would go off in a different direction.

Though while she did not look back at the God, her ears stayed perked to listen to what he might do. Even without looking at Hades, Persephone was on high alert.

She smiled to herself and turned to her music. “Yes, but only if it pays the bills. I’d sooner never sing again if it left me broke,” She jokes but noticed he looked serious. He was by far much more attractive now that he had come closer and she was confused by him. She felt like he knew something but she couldn’t place what and decided not to think too much on it.

“Well, thanks I guess. For your compliment. I’ll cherish it?” She said, shrugging and flipped her music to the front page. “If my voice ever decides to properly cooperate maybe I’ll be able to do something with it,” She added.

“Music and art? What instruments do you play? And what kind of art?” She asked in curiosity. “Always wanted to learn to sculpt but I doubt I have the talent to even try,” She told him.

---

Hades raises an eyebrow but chose not to respond immediately. “Do you intend to starve down here?” He asked her, his voice not raising nor wavering as he spoke. “You will get lost before you know your way around, and difficulty doesn’t seem to suit you.” He said, stop a few paces behind her. He wasn’t about to run at her, but he was curious. How long did she think she could avoid him? After all it was his palace.

“There is a throne room, looking out the river Styx. You can see across the entire underworld from there, I expect you’ll find your way to it eventually. It’s where you can find me most days.” He explained to her as they walked.

“There is also a room if statues, built of onyx and stunning to behold. If when you decide to want to see it, I would be able to take you.” He said to her, ignoring her sharp attitude as he spoke cooly.

@ BearGirl

@ musicalpanda

"Even if it does not play the bills, you should continue to sing. Even if it just becomes a hobby to you." The God told her. Apollo always tried his best to courage his gifted pupils. The arts were often difficult to make a living with and he did not want their talents to go to waste. "May I see the music?"

Apollo gave the woman a cheeky smile as she started to ask about his art and instruments. In reality, the God was a master of it all. He knew how to play every instrument, sing, and all forms of art were his forte. That was not something he could admit to this girl without seeming like a liar.

Luckily, he did have his favorites that he shared with humans. "I play a couple of instruments but my main is the violin. That is the instrument I wish to master. As for art, I mostly do sculptures." He believed that it should be a believable answer to the young woman.

---

"I would rather be lost than in your presence. And you know nothing of what does and does not suit me. Do not speak as if you know me." Persephone shot back at him. Her head turned slightly, looking back at the man as he continued to follow her. The frown on the goddess' lips deepened. She should have known better than to leave her room.

While there were many things Persephone was willing to say to him, she had no plans on speaking about her starving. Especially since Persephone was not quite sure what she would do in that instance. Refusing to eat would not kill Persephone. However, after time the goddess would grow weak and it would be painful. It was not something she wanted to do but if it could give her leverage, perhaps force Hades to let her leave, then she would do it. Persephone was just not sure that was the case.

The Goddess was quiet as Hades spoke of what was in the Underworld. In all honesty, both places did pique her interest but she had no plans on admitting it. Nor did she want to be in either place with him. "If you desire to give me a tour, then why do you know show me the exit first?"

Nathalie reached down and handed him the music, leaning back against the piano. “One of the hardest languages to pronounce, honestly. Whoever made this needs to come back and make it easier for me,” She complained before catching herself. This handsome stranger didn’t need to know just how pessimistic she felt about her voice.

“Sculpture, huh?” She said, tilting her head. “Yeah you look the type. One day if you’ve got extra time and a ton of marble you should show me how to make something,” She said, in a joking tone.

“And maybe. If i had more chance of making money with it I probably would but I hate anything other than maybe performing in broadway musicals so I’ll probably just become a psychologist instead,” She admitted. “It’s too competitive and I’m not even sure i’m that good if we’re veing honest.”

---

Hades smirked and nodded in agreement to her words. “Yes, I suppose I could start there. But that would defeat the purpose of me bringing you down here, and quite honestly, love, ruin my fun.” He said, one dark eyebrow curved up in a slightly teasing tone.

“And I went through all of the trouble to do so, and make it accommodating down here just for you,” He said, watching as she looked at the sculptures. “I could have an entire room built like this for you, and soon enough you’ll like it here, as this is your new home.”

“Now, If you’re finished wandering, I could bring you to where you might be able to eat. I’m sure that you’re hungry,” He said to her before turning down the hall. “This way,”

@ BearGirl

@ musicalpanda

Apollo glanced over the music sheet that Thaila had handed him. A smile moved over his lips as he read the words on the page. Oh it was a language that he knew very well - though to be fair all Gods knew all languages. Even the dead ones. But it was best not to admit it to her. Admitting it would be unrealistic for a human.

"I believe that you are brilliant." Apollo said as he handed her back the sheet of music. He really did believe that she had what it took to make it big. Her voice was beautiful but the mortal world was not just about abilities. The best did not always make it to the top.

Once she took her sheet back, a smile appeared over his lips again. "And i would love to teach you if you are interested. Though most sculptures are not made from Marble but I think I can make that possible." He wanted to see her again and this seemed the easiest way to make it happen.

---

"No." Persephone told him as she stopped in her tracks. She looked back at the God, having watched him begin to head down a different hallway. Even though Persephone was unsure of the starving tactic, she was not going to just give up the idea without a thought. Admittedly, the goddess was quite hungry but still in spirit she was not easily manipulated. And at the moment, this was one of the few things she could control.

"I will not eat. Not with you. Not while I am down here. You can not force me to Hades." The Goddess looked Hades straight in the eyes, standing her ground as she spoke. It was a bit frightening, standing up to one of the three brothers. But she hoped that he would not stoop low enough to harm her while she was in his home - hostage or not.

"Why am I here Hades? What is it that you want from me?" The last several days had been such a whirlwind of emotions that she could not remember much from them. All she really remembers was being told she was stuck here and staying in her room. Perhaps Hades had told her why beforehand but Persephone could not remember.

Nathalie smiled. “Well, I’m glad someone thinks so,” She said, forgetting that she should really tone it down. She looked at him curiously, wondering if she had seen him before but she was sure she would have remembered if she had. She set her music back onto the stand, allowing it to give her something to do while she thought of what next to say to him. For some strange reason she was at a loss for words.

“Are they not? Shows just how much I know about it,” She laughed, shaking her head. “Actually thay does make sense, Marble would likely take years something like clay would probably be easier especially since I’m likely talentless in sculpting,” She added.

“And I’m sure years is not the amount of time you’d like to spend teaching someone basic sculpting,” She said, pushing her hair out of her face and shrugging. “When would you have time, do you think?”

---

Hades was not remotely surprised by this, in fact he would have been surprised if she had followed him down to eat. “No of course not,” He said, raising an eyebrow and looking at her. “But you di need to eat, and eventually you will eat with me as this is your home now.” He reminded her, looking at the walls.

“You are a Goddess of course, but even goddesses must eat after a while and when you are hungry anything you wish will be brought to you.” He knew once she ate she wouldn’t be able to leave but he kept that fact to himself, masking it with a pleasant smile.

“And what I want? Is a Queen. Your mother was searching a husband for you anyway, I am the most suitable option and not a soul, human or otherwise could deny it. You will rule the entire expense of the underworld one day, and when that day comes is entirely up to you,” He told her, his dark eyes glimmering as he looked at her. “I will not harm you, nor will I do anything to force your hand but understand that I always get what I want.” He said softly as he looked at her, his expression neutral.

@ BearGirl

@ musicalpanda

The smile on the God's face widen when she asked for his availability. Apollo was pleased that the woman seemed to have no hesitation learning from him. Having to convince her would have been a bother and probably would not have worked in the end. Plus, this way, he did not need to stalk the young woman to see her again.

"Talent only gets you so far anyways. Luckily, you now how me to teach you." Apollo said before pulling out his phone. It had his schedule on it, which often was difficult to keep track off. He had his Godly duties, of course, as well other plans with Gods and humans alive. His schedule was busy but that was the way he preferred it. "Are you available tomorrow in the afternoon? We could go to one of the art rooms and work there.

He leaned forward a bit, his eyes flashing for a moment as he waited for his answer. Apollo knew that even in his human form, they found it difficult to deny him. Most rejections were from fear but Thaila seemed excited. "And maybe I will even show you a marble piece that I have been working on."

---

"Technically, you are wrong Hades. What will you do if I rather live in pain than eat under your roof?" Persephone asked him as she looked the God over. She was unsure of what the God of the Underworld would do in that scenario. Technically, Persephone never had to eat since she was immortal. However, after a certain point, the woman would become incredibly weak and in pain. She would be almost in a coma like state until she regained her strength through food. It would be impossible to move, difficult to speak and hard to think of much besides her pain.

This was something that Persephone would want to avoid. Though she could not help but hope that if she became dangerously close to it, Hades would let her go.

A frown deepened across Persephone's lips as Hades spoke of his desire, her heart now struck with despair. His wish for her as his Queen made little sense to Persephone from his standpoint. She was a relatively minor Goddess compared to the others. And her relationship with Hades had been essentially nonexistent before her kidnapping. "This is not how you should pursue anyone, Hades. I will never agree to this."

Nathalia nodded. “Oh um yeah,” She smiled as she looked at her schedule. “Tomorrow is fine.” She couldnt place what it was that made him so interesting, she’d never seen anyone that looked like him before and she wasn’t stupid as to turn a man as attractive as him down. But there was something else there, something she couldn’t place. He was almost too perfect, too attractive and it confused her almost as if he weren’t actually real.

She chose not to dwell on it anyway and hoped she was wrong. “Id like that, maybe we can go get lunch, anything that will keep me from rehearsing, I’m pretty sick of it,” She admitted, laughing a bit nervously.

She swore for a second his eyes flashed and she didn’t know what to make of it once again. “If you’re not busy now we can go get some food, but that’s up to you. If you want to.”

---

Hades looked at her. “You will, and it will be of your own accord, Persephone. I will not force you, or do anything to force your hand. But I expect you’ll find that I am not going to give up.” He said softly.

“I will not starve you, if you wish to eat, you’re welcome to anything at any time. If you require more space we can move you to a room that you would like. I’d rather you eat but I will not force you to do anything. Eventually you will require food and I will happily oblige. But only until you ask me to. Not a second before.”

He knew once she realized his intentions were not cruel she would come around. She was being set up to marry regardless he figured this took out any of the other suitors as her mother wouldn’t have allowed it anyway. And in this case he could offer her the underworld as a Kingdom to rule as she saw fit and he would be more than happy to provide.

@ BearGirl

@ musicalpanda

Apollo's eyes shifted to the side for a moment as he thought about his schedule. He did not have too much time today considering he had his own Godly duties to tend to. As much as he enjoyed visiting the mortals, it did not really get things done. And it certainly was not part of his important responsibilities.

Though this woman was interesting enough and Apollo could always push things back a bit to make time. He did not require food at the moment, but it was a good enough reason to spend time with her.

"I have time for a bite." A little smirk came over his lips. He couldn't help but be pleased with Thalia's desire to spend time with him. The God offered her his arm. "Where would you like to go?"

---

A little sigh escaped Persephone's lips as Hades finished speaking. It was becoming difficult to keep snapping and reprimanding Hades now that he was saying the right things and being kind to her. In a way, it brought Persephone some peace. Perhaps the man was telling the truth and he truly meant to be a gentleman now that she was stuck here. Though it did not change her fear or anger towards him. Only his actions could do that.

"I do not wish to eat right now. I will let you know if I do." Persephone told him, her voice now softening. She found it too difficult to keep the anger in her voice at the man who just was taking it.

Though was there even a point in her fasting now? Hades' seemed more than prepared to wait for her to break. He might be willing to wait longer than she originally anticipated. It would not be a good look on Hades if he allowed suffering in his home but his desire for her to be his Queen would change some things...

"Why did you choose me?" Persephone asked him. "My mother may have been searching for someone, all of Olympus knows she hates you. And even if that was not the case, most know that she is only searching to make my father happy. She had no real intention of letting me go."

Nathalie wasn’t sure what to do. She honestly hadn’t expected him to say yes and get this far. “Oh, um, right. Pizza? There’s a good place down the street, and the slices are huge.” She said as she took his arm, surprised by the gesture. “Do you do this often?” She asked, holding onto his arm. “Seems kinda old timey, doesn’t it?”

“So are you from here? The city, I mean? I grew up here, my family’s not too far from campus.” She admitted as they walked out of the building and to the restaurant. “I always wanted to come here and by some luck some people actually think I’m decent enough to be a music major here.” She said, shaking her head and laughing quietly.

“Also, how did you get into art? Have you been doing it for a while? Sorry for all the questions, I’m legitimately curious,” She said, wondering what he was thinking. She felt like she was talking to someone who knew way more than they let on, but she didn’t know how to explain just how yet.

---

Hades looked at her, his expression calm and still. “As soon as you wish to eat, food will be brought to you. You’re also more than welcome to explore the palace, if you would prefer I would be honored to give you a tour as well,” He said to her.

“Persephone, as this is your home now, your wish is my command. And quite literally, as well.” He explained. “You are going to be the Queen of the Underworld soon, so I will do as I can to make it a comfortable transition.” He added.

“Why you, you ask? Do you think you are not worthy to rule a kingdom as vast as mine? To not be deserving of a title of Queen?” He asked, taking a small step forward as his head tilted to the side. “I think you will be a fine queen, one who will find it within her to make the underworld her home, with me as her husband. More simply put, because I want you. That is why you. And only you.” He said. “Do you have anymore questions?”

@ BearGirl

@ musicalpanda

"Does it?" Apollo asked her as he glanced down at their arms for a moment. No one had really mentioned it to him before, but he was sure that the woman was right. He was aware that many of his words or mannerism were a little old fashioned even when he attempted to be up to date on more recent things. "I do not think about it much. I just have been told that it was proper to lead like this. Am I incorrect?"

As Apollo continued to lead Thalia, he thought about her question for a moment before speaking. He was trying to determine if it was better to lie or not. "Well, no I am not from here. I am actually not originally from this country. But I have been here long enough to know this place well." Apollo did not need to spend much time at any one place to know it. He had been around for thousands of years. He has seen how the world, these countries, these cities form.

"I do not mind the questions at all." A chuckle escaped his lip at her question. "I have been interested in art since the moment I born. It is just something that my soul requires and I have done everything in my power to follow my passions and assist others in doing the same. There has never really been a time that I was not doing some kind of art. How about you?"

---

Persephone was quiet for a moment as she thought over all of Hades responses. She felt a little overwhelmed with everything that was going on. How could she not? She was forced in a new realm, with a new man who wanted her to be Queen of something that was the direct opposite of what she did. Plus Persephone knew that she was not a particularly powerful Goddess. His decision made little logical sense and it seemed to be a choice of emotion. Though that also confused her as they had not interacted much before this.

"You are very stubborn, Hades." Persephone finally said, lifting her head to look him in the eyes. Would it benefit her to try to out stubborn him? Was that even possible with someone likes Hades? It felt as though he truly would be willing to out wait her, even if it ended up taking decades...after all, what was a few decades to immortals like them? Though Persephone knew her stubbornness would thin over time as it was typically not in her nature.

"I do believe you are making a mistake. I think you are making multiple mistakes. The first being your decision of me as your future Queen. The second being how you decided to go about this. Does Zeus even know what you have done? What will you do when Demeter and the others begin to look for me?" Persephone started to rub her head. "I do not even understand why you want me Hades."

Hades laughed, a soft, deep, quiet chuckle and looked at her. He moved to the other end of the hall, and leaned against the pillar. It spanned the entire height of the room, from floor to ceiling you could just barely see the top of the columns that lined the walls. “Outside of this palace is an entire kingdom. One I fully intend to have you rule,” He said as he looked out between the columns. “Whether i make a mistake in taking you as my wife or not is my choice to bear, but I’ve thought long and I’ve thought deeply about it. I see no one more suited for this position, and I think your confusion stems from you not understanding me, but more from you not understanding what you could be.” He explained.

“You see, Zeus knows everything, he in fact gave me permission to take you as my Queen. He’s heard my reasoning, and understandings that you could be a great Queen, deserving of a Kingdom.” He said to her. “They can look, and they may know where you are, but how could they get to you, when I control everything from the way in to the way out?” He asked her curiously.

He nodded and looked back at her. “In time perhaps you’ll grow to see in yourself what I see in you, if not I would make it my mission daily to remind you. This is your home now, you will want to be here soon enough, I am sure of it. And I will do what’s necessary to make sure you have everything you need.” He said quietly. “Now, you haven’t eaten, should I have food brought for you?” He asked as if it settled it and turned towards her.

---

Thalia nodded. “Well I guess then it’s proper, yeah,” She said as they walked down the street towards the restaurant. Even the word proper seemed strange to use, but she wondered if it had to do with where he was from. “Oh, really what country? That’s pretty cool, so did you grow up there or here?” She asked him. She was glad when he said he didn’t mind the questions because he seemed to inspire so many in her.

“So what’s are you some type of fairy godfather or something? You appear in doorways to help people with arts and then disappear when they’ve finished it?” She joked, shaking her head. “Wondering why you’re wasting your time with me, I’m basically a lost cause at best.” She laughed.

“Personally I’ve only been singing because it seemed to be what I was good at. My family insists that I find something real to study and I would if I could think of something, I just always come back to music,” She explained softly. They got to the pizza place and she found a booth by the window, sliding in. “Plus I’m not too sure why you agreed to both teach me to sculpt and go get pizza with me, I mean, I appreciate it and am happy, I just didn’t quite understand.” She said quickly, feeling like her words were coming out faster than she could stop them. “Sorry, I can go place the orders,” She said in slight embarrassment.

@ BearGirl

@ musicalpanda

A long silence moved over Persephone once Hades was done speaking. He had said a lot, and it had been a good explanation, but it certainly did not mean that much of it made sense to her. She still had many questions but figured that it would take time for any of this to really make sense. After all, Persephone knew that she knew little on Hades and the Underworld, so Persephone did not know if she actually would be a good fit for the role. She was just rather sure that there had to be someone better to watch the dead than the Goddess of the spring. After all, she was the role of life...

As for Zeus knowing of this arrangement...it confused her even more. Why would her father support this kidnapping? He could have given Hades permission to court her - or even marry her - without hiding her away in the underworld. Plus she had no doubt that her mother would be furious about all of this. Even worse, why would he approve of this before Spring had really even started? Who was going to bring new life onto the mortal world?

Persephone closed her eyes for a moment, letting out a long sigh before opening them back up and looking at Hades. Even though this arrangement made little sense to her, it still came down to a few very simple things for now. "It seems that both you and my father have gotten one of the more important items during all of this. My approval. I do not care what your reasoning is. I will not marry you just because you and Zeus wish it. I do not care who you are, as A goddess in her own right, I have a say in my own marriage. I may be trapped down here but I will not be trapped in a marriage with you. Nor will I rule the underworld by your side. You have made a grave error if you thought I would simply agree because I was stuck here." With that, Persephone turned on her feet. "I have no interest in your food. Nor in your presence."

---

Apollo smiled over at the young woman. She was so full of life and curiosity. He found that very interesting in her. Though there were things she said and did that surprised him. How she spoke about her art did not hold a lot of confidence in her abilities, but yet she was in school for them. Nor did she hold herself up in very high regard, but did make his smile falter about it. As someone who was brimming with confidence, Apollo did not enjoy seeing low self esteem in others.

"I am from Greece and I grew up there." Apollo told her, figuring it wouldn't hurt to tell her that truth. "Though if i am not meant to offer my arm, then what should I do?" Even though Thalia called it proper, he still thought that it was not the correct way to do things. He did not want to come off too old fashioned.

"And I do not believe you are a lost cause. I am no fairy godmother but I have always been drawn to people who have real talent. You seem to doubt yourself more than is necessary for someone who has a strong ability and a beautiful voice. And there is nothing wrong with pursuing a degree in the arts."

"And I agreed to teach you how to scuplt because I love my craft and want to share it with as many people as possible. I agreed to go have pizza with you because I find you interesting." Apollo stood up from the booth. "I will place the orders for the both of us, my treat." He assured her before heading over to the counter. With his essentially unlimited amount of money, Apollo did not approve of mortals paying for him. Especially since they always seemed so poor...

“Greece always looks so pretty, Id love to go one day. To that place with the white buildings that go up the mountain,” She explained. She knew that in order to get there she’d need to save for about a year if she could even start to save.

“I mean, it’s fine, I don’t mean to call you out or anything, it’s just the first time in my life that I’ve ever been, I guess, escorted like that,” She explained and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry.” The last thing she needed to do was alienate this man who actually seemed interested enough to go out with her on whim, which was strange enough to her.

Thalia watched as he went to the counter and when he came back she shook her head. “You really didn’t have to do thay, but thank you,” She said. “And I know there’s nothing wrong with it but you’re either successful or you’re not, never really any middle ground. If I could have done something like engineering then sure, but math and science were never my thing,” She smiled. “I really do sort of think you heard someone else, but if you were really impressed I’ll take it.”

---

Hades listened in silent bemusement. When she finished speaking he chucked once again and looked at her. “No I don’t expect you’ll want food or my company anytime soon, not with your tenacity,” He said. “Merely reminding you thay you have access to either whenever you would like,” He said, shrugging and looking at her.

He knew that this was something thay was coming in fact he expected it, he welcomed it. Hades proved himself on his patience, he could wait a millennia before even reconsidering his position. “Of course, no one is forcing you into anything, the only thing that you cannot do is leave. Should you choose to live out your days in hunger and solitude thay would be your choice.” He said.

“No one will force you to eat, nor will I force my company onto you, eventually I expect you’ll likely seek me out and I will oblige without hesitation,” He said. “If you would like to be alone, I can leave you be, I have matters to attend to in the throne room.” He added, and turned on his heel down the hall. “Inform anyone if you require anything,” He called over his shoulder in a slightly bored voice.

@ BearGirl

@ musicalpanda

"Ah yes, the temples." Apollo murmured in interest. Even though many of them were still in ruins, the Gods and Goddesses were still known to get to their respective temples. The ones that were still standing were treated well, and some of them still held a few choice ceremonies. Plus they always felt an extra boost of power when standing on land that was once used to worship them.

He shook himself out of his thoughts and glanced back down at Thalia. "Not everything in life is about success. Sometimes, to just be passionate about something is enough." Apollo told her with a warm smile. He knew his arts sometimes caused his followers to struggle, but it was food for their souls. "And I am positive that it was you that I heard. I do believe you have a beautiful voice."

Apollo gave the woman a nod before turning and heading up to the counter to order them both some pizza. He ordered a couple of slices of different toppings, having now realized he never asked Thalia what she had wanted particularly. A few minutes later, he came back and set it all down on the table before them.

---

A small scoff came from Persephone as Hades started on his way. Wasn't forcing her into anything? Well that was clearly a lie. He forced her to be in the Underworld. Forcing her to be his guest. Forcing her away from anyone she knew. Forcing her to ignore her own duties. He was attempting to force her into life with him. The two options Hades thought he was providing was being his happy little Queen of the Underworld or be alone and miserable in this Hell hole.

But there was a third option that Persephone thought best to look into. Escape. As far as Persephone knew, no one had managed to escape the Underworld but it was at least worth attempting. Especially if it meant wiping that smug little smile off of his face. And now that Hades had gone his own way, Persephone could now explore the palace. There may just be something here that could help her at least get to the mortal world.

With a turn of her feet, Persephone started on her way. Even if she didn't find anything particularly useful, understanding the palace would still benefit her. If she was really going to be stuck here for a while, Persephone wanted to learn how to get around.

Thalia smiles at him. “Hm well you’re at least a great liar,” She pointed out with a tiny giggle. “I appreciate it though, glad someone thinks I sound okay even if it isn’t me,” She said, shrugging her shoulders as he watched her.

Thalia looked at him for a moment before pulling a slice toward her. “You seem, I don’t know, what’s the word? Old? Not in a physical sense, just he way you look at things,” She thought aloud. “Honestly if that’s offensive I am so sorry you seem to be messing with my judgement,” She explained.

“Okay, So what kind of sculpture will you teach me to make?” She asksd curiously. “I know next to nothing so anything is welcome,” She smiled. “I might be hopeless at it though,” She added.

---

Hades made his way through the palace, down to the throne room. He had walked its halls countless times he knew it so well. There was something different about it now, that Persephone was there it was a change he hadn’t anticipated. He did genuinely hope she grew to Iike it as he had no intentions on freeing her.

He ordered the servants to keep watch in her, she had spirit and tenacity, he was expecting her to try to escape and he knew it was coming, just not when. He didn’t think she was the type of woman to want to stay still and he knew that was part of why he knew she would eventually become a great queen.

[I AM SOO SORRY, I got so busy and I didn’t see you responded!]

@ BearGirl