moonlight guide us☽;

[silverspectere]

☽; princess of the underworld – melinoë application ✰. statistics ✰. rules

✰. born to lord hades and queen persephone, sister to prince zagreus ✰. unfortunately, the happy life she lived with her family as a baby was very short lived; as the great house of hades was stormed by none other than her grandfather, chronos; the titan of time ✰. enraged at the betrayal by his children, he trapped everyone in the house in frozen moments of time aside from hades; casting him out to the abyss in shackles, while melinoë's handmaiden whisked her away from harm ✰. that was none other than the great witch, hecate. she subsequently raised melinoë, and trained her in the art of magick, so that she may one day complete her most important task ✰. to kill chronos. to save her family, and return the underworld and the surface back into what they once were ✰. has she ever had a break, ever, in her life? you don't wanna know! ✰. she's a very powerful witch, a goddess, and also apart of two secret societies. she is ALWAYS booked and busy ✰. not a lot gets her down, though! she's very, very determined to complete her task, but remains kind through it all ✰. she will dote on your pets, too. this is a warning.

[silverspectere]

"Melinoe! Over here!" maybe it was a little awkward, waving down his own sister while his other arm wraps around what seems to be a rather giant gift. easy enough for the demigod to handle with his retained strength. and luckily he, too, managed to find her outside her residence, making it easy for her to take the gift inside once it was unwrapped. "I know we don't necessarily celebrate this sort of thing in the Underworld. Different traditions and all, as you know. But I wanted to celebrate this holiday season with you. You know, since our own kith and kin aren't here in general. So let's hope I got it on the first try, aye?" holding out the gift, once it was opened, melinoe would find a large, half-sized plush of cerberus to be had, the names of each one of their family stitched into a paw.

"Got it custom made. Was able to show them the little one they gave me when I first arrived here. So... what do you think? Is it to the likeness of the bestest boy in the Underworld?"

"Zagreus?"

Not expecting to see her brother that morning, Melinoë's face lit up in surprise as she turned at the sound of her name-- yet of course, she was happy to see him no matter the occasion. As her lips moved to ask just what that may have been exactly, Zagreus then handed her the rather large gift he'd been trying to hide under his arm; causing the princess to quirk up an eyebrow in question.

"What on earth.." she spoke with a laugh, almost in disbelief at the sight of it. Is this what she had potentially missed out on, growing up without him? She wondered if her room at the House would have been filled with such things if they'd ever been given the chance.. "That is.. a very thoughtful gesture, but I'm merely happy just to spend time with you. You didn't have to go through so much trouble for.."

But as she tore the paper away, revealing just what it was that he'd had specially made for her.. Melinoë was simply rendered speechless. Her eyes grew wide, as what could only be called an excited squeal left her; diving at the giant plush and giving it the biggest hug she could muster.

"Cerberus...! I mean, a replica of course, but..! Oh, he's perfect! And those are our names stitched, here? Zagreus, you.."

As if she had the room to spare, the princess then grabbed her brother as well; wrapping her arms around him, despite one being currently occupied by the bestest, fluffiest boy.

"It's wonderful. Thank you, brother.. I shall only take the very best care of him." Beaming, she hooked her arm around Zagreus's, pulling him back towards her home. "Come, let me put him inside, and then.. you and I shall spend the day together. We should celebrate, yes? Perhaps with a feast, or with the best substitute for Ambrosia we can find. As long as we are together, I know we'll have a wonderful time."

[silverspectere]

There's a package hanging from Melinoes apartment doorknob, a winter-themed gift bag filled with colorful paper that obscured a small box, within which was a ceramic succulent planter in the shape of a frog. It's already filled with several small, colorful succulent plants, ones that didn't need a lot of care and attention to thrive.

There was also a small bottle of hand lotion, one that notably smelled of pomegranate, and a small note attached to it.

"Dunno if you celebrate, but it's a holiday where I'm from. Thanks for looking out for me. - Helena Harper"

"Oh, Helena.."

Melinoë wasn't sure what to think, at first-- so overwhelmed by the wonderful feelings brought on by these well thought out gifts. She'd only mentioned Frinos once to the other woman, yet she remembered her companion regardless; figuring that was perhaps the inspiration for her new planter. The princess already had it up in the corner of her bedroom window after she opened the package, allowing the plants inside to bask in the winter sun as she smiled.

Even the lotion was a wonderful touch-- it reminded her so much of home.. of finding the very same fruits, giving her a burst of power as she continued her way deeper towards her tasks.

It almost brought her the same, then-- but the feeling was deeper than just a burst of energy, or strength.. truly, she wasn't sure what name she could put to it, but she was grateful regardless.

"I'll be sure to return the gesture.. after all, I'd like for you to know how wonderful of a friend you've been to me, as well. Thank you."

[kirkenovak]

[silverspectere]

"Happy Holidays, Lady Melinoe!" Castorice held out a small box containing a small, purple plushie. "I wondered if your world had chimeras as where we come from seem to be so similar... Then I realized I could just show you what they look like in Amphoreus by making you this! I hope you like it!"

"Oh..!"

"Castorice, did you make this yourself? It's adorable..!" Melinoë held the plushie in her hands, her fingers carefully tracing the expert stitching that went into it. She could see just how hard the other woman worked on this, unable to help herself from giving it a gentle nuzzle; the softness of the fabric warming the princesses heart. "I can't say we have anything like this creature in my world, but I am honoured to see it now. Thank you.. it's a wonderful gift, from a wonderful friend."

[netherseas]

❍ "Oh, you have a brother? And they're in the city? I have a sibling myself, a twin sister who goes by the name of Polyxia." While she wasn't in Spirale is well, it wasn't impossible that she might one day appear now that Amphoreus was being preserved. "For what it's worth, I think this attire suits you as well. You're very pretty regardless of what you wear."

"Oh, I'm in no rush to return. You're one of my friends as well, after all." She nodded at the offer for a drink and followed closely behind Melinoe. "Would you like to dance after we've had refreshments? Perhaps it sounds a little silly, but I was hoping to dance with all of my friends if I could."

[silverspectere]

"Yes, he is. I am.. very grateful that we ended up here at the same time," her ghostly hand traced over her other arm, the smile on her face turning somewhat wry. "It's strange to say, considering what we've left at home.. but if we are here together for some time, I don't think I'd mind very much."

"Oh! I have a pair of cousins who are twins. Do you.. get along well? Those two tend to bicker, but I believe they do care for each other regardless.." she chuckled a little, as her cheeks seemed to warm at the compliment. "Thank you, Castorice. That is an honour coming from someone so beautiful such as yourself."

At the offer to dance, the princess perked up some; pouring her friend a drink before taking her own. "I'd love to, yes. I consider you a friend, as well; and the chance to spend as much time with you as I can is very enticing. You're also the first to have asked me tonight!"

[headlesshydra]

“Same here- I purchased this for the event specifically.” She admits, happy to know she wasn’t the only person completely out of their depth for once.

For the small bit of time she’s known Melinoe, the girl had always been in that same vein of scrappy she was. Her and her brother were absolutely cut from the same cloth in that regard. Both were people she got along with swimmingly, and she was all the happier for it.

She’s surprised, though, when Melinoe drapes her scarf around her shoulders- How the hell did she not even think about doing this herself? She draws it around herself with a soft laugh, absolutely flattered. “What? I- Ha, read me like a book. I appreciate this so much, thank you.” She beams, now fiddling with the end of the scarf out of habit.

The compliment has her feeling all kinds of embarrassed, though. Waving her hand dismissively- It’s nothing, I don’t deserve that praise.

“Thank you- I am, even though its a bit stuffy for my taste. Too much noise and socializing at once wears me out. The man I came with is enjoying the hell out of it though, swear he thrives in this kind of environment.”

[silverspectere]

"Of course. If you will have a more enjoyable evening with it, then I'm more than happy to give it to you." Melinoë responded with a smile, her hands lingering on the other woman's shoulders before she pulled them back, her own shoulders now bare and exposed. It was akin to how she was in her regular way of dress, anyway-- she didn't seem uncomfortable in the slightest, but thought the scarf might make her seem more.. refined. Or, something along those lines. Even if she was a princess, she wondered sometimes if she even knew how to properly act like one..

"I.. can certainly understand. I have relatives, I believe, that would also thrive in this sort of environment.. but I am much more used to the shadows," only recently had she had so much.. activity going on in her life, that wasn't solely focused on her trainings. "This man.. is he a friend of yours? I do not wish to take up too much of your time, but if it is too overwhelming here, perhaps we could go out onto the balcony for some fresh air?"

[bloodlife]

❝ You and me both, aye? ❞ he lifts his foot up just a little, showing a steaming pile of water just underneath it. ❝ At the very least, they haven't yet asked you why you don't have a wreath on your head for the holidays. The amount of times I've been asked that... well, I'd rather take the odd look or two for my feet than have to explain each time, that's for certain. ❞

[silverspectere]

Of course she wasn't alone in her experiences when it came to her physiology, but it still made Melinoë so strangely happy to hear Zagreus had dealt with the same. What a wonder it was, to live alongside your sibling as she was now.

"At least we have each other in this, brother," she spoke with a smile, crinkling in the corners of her eyes until she quirked an eyebrow and chuckled. "A wreath? Can you imagine if father was asked such a question? Surely the entire island would be hearing about it for miles on end.. I do wonder if a certain friend of mine saw me with one on, he might change his nickname for me from 'Laurel' to 'Wreath'."

At that, she scrunched up her nose.

".. I think I'd like that even less."

[sunliteve]

"I'll let go of my envy if you teach me how to do the same!"

It was all too easy to recall that time the previous year when he almost wiped out on the ice. It was only a matter of time before a repeat performance!

[silverspectere]

"Teach you how to.. oh!"

"Well, unless you have a relative from the Underworld, I'm not sure it's something I can help you pick up on easily.." realizing she may have sounded a bit odd, the princess smiled apologetically. "What I mean to say is, it's a family trait. It may prove difficult to replicate in the body of a mortal.. but whenever I am able to get my magik abilities back, I'd be happy to procure some sort of incantation for you-- for eternally warm feet. For now.. we could always find you a very warm pair of slippers!"

[silverspectere]

"I think I've lost count at the amount of odd looks I've gotten since it grew colder here.. really, I don't mean to melt the snow everywhere I walk! It's.. a part of me that doesn't turn off, I suppose.."

[aristion]

@silverspectere ; sc

for a shade to escape the underworld is unthinkable, so achilles' steps were careful at first. not distracted or clumsy, simply taking in his surroundings— trying to figure out what possibly could have allowed such an unprecedented thing.

he still carries the wooden spear, mildly perturbed. there is nobody here that calls familiarity to mind, not even the architecture or plant life. that isn't so confusing. he's been serving the house of hades for years he has never counted, and the world of the living never stops moving.

but he's oddly out of place. he is still a shade— the chill of his own form more pronounced now that he's outside. the echo of his voice, too, when his sharp gaze spots somebody that makes him pause.

' young lass? ' it's her eyes. he wasn't too sure at first, but as soon as he gets a proper look at her face ... it can't be a coincidence. his words come low, slowly, unused to speaking away from the presence of lord hades. ' you hail from the underworld. i know somebody with eyes just like yours. ' he glances down, gives a small smile. ' and feet. '

[silverspectere]

For a moment, Melinoë could have sworn she was dreaming.

The sting of cold in the air was distinct-- not as biting as the one ever-present on Mount Olympus, but enough still to chill her to her core. Snow covered the ground, melting beneath her feet with each step she took-- yet not even the warmth from her own being was enough to stave any of this off.

Especially not once she saw.. him.

A shade, with brilliant, golden hair. With a spear held between his calloused fingers-- unmistakably wooden, not like any of the Infernal Arms.. but that was not of his own doing. Surely, if this had been the Underworld.. the House of Hades, he would have had his own. A weapon legendary only by his own name-- one that the princess knew well, despite the fact.. that they never had a chance to properly meet until now.

"You.."

"Could it.. truly be? The great hero, Achilles.." even speaking his name into the open did not truly feel real-- not here, not in this place. They both should have been where they were meant to, in the House, after Melinoë finally freed him and the others.. but she had not yet. And he.. didn't recognize her at all. Just as Zagreus did not.

Did time truly not matter at all in this world..?

His appearance was enough to make the obvious true to Melinoë, yet the mere mention of her brother sealed her assumption immediately; bending at the waist with one arm outstretched to her side, while the other remained close to her face.

"It is an honour, sir. I've heard countless weavings of your heroics my entire life.. I never thought, here, of all places.. we'd finally have the chance to meet." But she was grateful, nonetheless. A familiar face, only described to her in legends past.. was still one that brought her great comfort. "You speak of Zagreus.. my brother. Surely, this will sound strange to you, but.. I am Melinoë. Daughter of Hades and Persephone. Thank you for all you've done for my family in your long service to my father."

[lakemojave]

This is straight up one of the best images I've ever seen I love seeing all these other characters in the hades style <333

[headlesshydra]

@silverspectere (Wintertide Starter Call)

"Melinoe."

Her voice a bit shocked, looking the other woman over slowly with a soft smile on her features. "You look beautiful in that dress, didn't know you kept something like that in your wardrobe." She grins, tugging repeatedly at the right sleeve of her own dress, trying to hike it up as far as possible, it seemed.

"Didn't take you as someone who enjoyed this kind of thing- What brings you here?"

[silverspectere]

"Helena..?"

It seemed their surprise was mirrored in one another, green and crimson eyes widening ever so slightly at the sight of her newfound acquaintance. Feeling her cheeks warm, Melinoë's expression turned into a smile that matched; tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Trust me, this is not something I typically wear at all-- but.. for the evening, I thought I could make an exception. Though, I think I'd feel more comfortable if I was still wearing my armour.." she folded her hands in front of herself, making light of her own awkwardness as best she could. "With an invitation so grand, I felt it might be rude if I didn't at least try to spend some time here, and perhaps meet some of the other people who have been brought to this place. But it's certainly a relief to see a face so familiar."

She noticed the way the other woman was tugging at her sleeve, so Melinoë quickly slid the scarf she wore around her arms, moving closer to Helena to drape it over her shoulders. "Are you comfortable with more cover? You can take it for the evening, if you'd like." Her smile turned a tad more playful then, canting her head to one side. "You look truly breathtaking. Are you enjoying yourself thus far?"

[starlightdive]

"Aha, I guess you're right! I suppose I just didn't want to start the evening by making a fool of myself in such elegant surroundings..."

She chooses two glasses of the white wine, carefully handing one to the other woman.

"I'll take you up on the offer of company, though. I haven't been here long, so I'm still finding my way around."

[silverspectere]

"Fair enough. I can certainly relate to that," Melinoë spoke with a smile, her eyes crinkling in the corners as she took the glass she was handed. Gently, she tipped the edge against Lilli's; giving her a small cheers. "At the very least, if we are to make fools of ourselves, I suppose we can do so together."

"Should we sit to collect our bearings, then? Or would you like to take a walk with me? My name is Melinoë, by the way. It's lovely to have your company this evening."

[netherseas]

❍ "Miss Melinoe, it's nice to see you as well." Castorice smiled and gave her a nod. Her spirits were certainly higher than the last time the two had spoken, and it wasn't just because she was at a party. "Thank you. You as well, of course. You look very beautiful!"

"I can sympathize. I wouldn't shy away from admitting that I have an introverted personality, but I'm fortunate that my friends from back home are attending as well. If you'd like, I wouldn't mind spending some time with you as well. A lot has changed for me since the last time we spoke."

[silverspectere]

"You're too kind," Melinoë spoke with a smile, hopeful it might hide some of the bashfulness she felt then and there. "Not only am I unused to parties like this, but to dressing up so fancy as well.. it feels almost unnatural to be out of my armour."

"I can imagine that must be helpful. I was wondering if I might perhaps see my brother here tonight, but.. well, maybe he'll make an appearance later in the evening." She offered the other woman her arm, looking rather appreciative at the suggestion of spending some time together. "It would be lovely to catch up with you, of course. I'll try not to take you away from your friends for too long-- should we get something to drink while we talk?"

[silverspectere]

"It's wonderful to see you again, Castorice. And in quite a different place than where we first met," the princess chuckled quietly at her own words, raising her ghostly hand to adjust the scarf that had fallen a little too far down on one of her arms. "You look wonderful this evening. Have you been enjoying yourself thus far? I have to say, this is.. somewhat overwhelming for me. It brings me comfort to see a familiar face."

☽; – @netherseas

[silverspectere]

"Oh..!"

"I beg your pardon, but your dress.. it's breathtaking on you," Melinoë couldn't help the way her eyes lit up when they fell upon the stranger, offering her a warm, yet apologetic smile when their gaze finally met one another's. Perhaps it was because of Arachne's fine weavings that she bestowed on the princess night after night that she could come to admire such craftsmanship on other beings. "A dear friend of mine would like it just as much as I, I think. Is it something you made yourself?"

☽; – @supremestance