our lady of the underground

It's true the earth must die - but then the earth comes back to life, and the sun must go on rising -- independent persephone, goddess of spring. myth & hadestown based.

[skyfulcfstars]

This week was a 5 show week for me and it honestly killed me, especially because my director is an asshat. I haven’t given up here, my motivation and time to write has been decimated. :(

[skyfulcfstars]

I am here, I've just been busy opening a show! Tomorrow I have most of the day free and will be here!

[hopecel]

[skyfulcfstars]

      “goose, if you want me to teach you this game you’re gonna have to pay attention.”

trying to teach nico dominoes is not going well, clearly. it’s her favorite game but she knows it ain’t for everyone. she taught it to his daddy (who hasn’t won a game in over two hundred years) and now she’s tried teaching it to him as a way to pass the time here in the underworld. 

@mvndrvke​

[skyfulcfstars]

       she is a woman on a mission, slinking into her husband’s office real quiet like since he’s still bent over his desk. many times she’s come in here with him like this and usually it ends one of a few ways - a fight, him having her across his desk, sometimes she helps him with work. her intentions this time are innocent - for now - as she slides over to him and leans over his desk real distracting like. 

     “husband.”

@mvndrvke​

[skyfulcfstars]

      persephone is waiting when the train rolls into the underworld, steam hissing as the brakes squeal - gonna have to have her man look at that soon - and it comes to a halt at the platform. shades wander off, look confused as always, but they seem to know where to go - charon is there to lead them off into the depths of the underworld proper. persephone doesn’t bother with them though - she’s waitin’ for someone a bit more living. 

      “have an alright trip, chickadee?”

@enastrcs​ liked!​

[acequeenking]

Goodnight, brothers, goodnight

Amber Gray as Persephone: 2016 - 2022

[skyfulcfstars]

     starter call bc i’m an emotional wreck about amber leaving

[leneemusing]

affectionate prompts

“  i’m happy when you’re around.  ”

“  i like having you here.  ”

“  i’m glad you came.  ”

“  just tell me what you need.  let me give it to you?  ”

“  why are you smiling at me like that?  ”

“  i trust you with parts of myself i’m afraid to show anyone else.  ”

“  you have a good heart.  ”

“  your eyes look so beautiful in this lighting.  ”

“  i’m all yours.  not going anywhere.  ”

“  you have my full attention.  ”  

“  i never want you to stop looking at me the way you are right now.  ”

“  follow me,  i have a surprise for you.  ”

“  you make me feel brave.  ”

“  come walk with me.  let’s get some air.  ”

“  c’mere.  sit down.  tell me what’s going on.  ”

“  i want you around.  if i didn’t,  i wouldn’t be here would i?  ”

“  it’s okay,  you can sit here with me for as long as you’d like.  ”  

“  here,  take my hand.  ”

“  stay still—  i’m trying to hug you.  ”

“  do you like my new dress?  ”

“  do you like my new suit?  ”

“  could you hug me again?  i think i need it.  ”

“  i like hearing your heart beating when i put my head on your chest.  ”  

“  i like watching you work.  ”  

“  just sit there.  i’m going to make you something to eat.  ” 

“  why don’t you tell me what i can do to make your day better?  ”

“  what’s on your mind?  i want to listen.  ”

“  i sure you hope you don’t think you’re walking out that door without giving me a kiss first.  ”

“  i know i need to go but—  one more kiss.  ”

“  here,  take my jacket.  you look like you need it more.  ”

“  keep the jacket,  looks better on you.  ”

“  you just make me feel good when you’re here.  i feel better any time you’re around.  ”

“  i don’t feel whole unless i’m touching you.  ”

[ GRIN ]  for one muse to reach out and playfully push the other’s cheeks up to make their lips curve into smile. 

[ PRESS ]  for one muse to poke either side of the other’s cheeks where smile dimples would be. 

[ BOOP ]  for one muse to playfully tap the other’s nose with their finger. 

[ LIGHT ]  for one muse to kiss the other’s cheek. 

[ WARM ]  for one muse to take off their jacket and drape it around the other who is cold. 

[ COMFORT ] for one muse to place a jacket or blanket around the other’s shoulders because they’re upset. 

[ TEASE ]  for one muse to squish the other’s face between their hands. 

[ SCOLD ]  for one muse to gently pinch the other’s cheek in response to something they said. 

[ REST ] for one muse to rest their head against the other’s shoulder while they talk. 

[ REASSURE ]  for one muse to place their hand on the other’s back as a subtle comforting gesture. 

[ SAFE ]  for one muse to wrap their arm around the other’s shoulders and kiss their temple. 

[ LEAP ] for one muse to run and jump into the other’s arms because they’re excited to see them. 

[ SEEK ] for one muse to track down the other at a crowded function because they noticed they slipped away. 

[ COMPANY ] for muses to sit on a balcony or roof together sharing a drink/food/joint etc. 

[ HELD ]  for one muse to offer their hand out to the other to hold to comfort them.

[ REACH ] for one muse to reach out and take the other’s hand to comfort them.  

[ LACE ]  for one muse to hook their arm around the other’s while they walk. 

[ INTERTWINE ]  for one muse to offer their arm to the other while they walk. 

[ DIRECT ] for one muse to pull the other into that kind of hug where their hand rests against their head and they tuck them under their chin. 

[ SLEEP ]  one muse discovers the other napping and simply joins them. 

[ EQUAL ]  for a taller muse to pick up the other and place them sitting on a counter/table so they can be eye level. 

[ URGE ] for one muse to move their arm to be around the other’s shoulder or over the back of a chair so the one sitting next to them can scoot closer. 

[ripbrush-deactivated20230512]

I really wanted to draw @alyona11 's Hades Persephone role swap AU because it cuuuute, I love a good outfit swap also her art is just so mwah mwah mwah 😚😚🤌🏼🤌🏼

[hopecel]

I got the wind right here in a jar I got the rain on tap at the bar I got the sunshine up on the shelf Allow me to introduce myself

[skyfulcfstars]

@shiningstarryeyes​ - ‘song of achilles’ sentence prompts

       “if you knew what it was like, you wouldn’t!” persephone snaps in a low hiss; beyond everything she hates it when mortals speak so kindly of the underworld, the eternal darkness they think awaits them. the way things used to be, sure. but those ideals are way too out of date. what waits them in the afterlife now - well, ain’t so pretty or ideal anymore. metal and steels, factories and mines, the utter loss of one’s entire self. she looks away, frustration burning in her veins. 

      “don’t say that. don’t ever say it again. ain’t a lick of silence and it’s a bright as the day down there anymore. you’re better off here.”

[sleepinghollows]

THE countess sniffles when she is offered the handkerchief && she quickly wipes at her cheeks that are very possibly stained with streaks of make-up. The glass of wine that is shoved in her hand only stops her from wailing anymore but she feels more tears in her eyes. She isn’t used to this kindness.

Hearing such things from the goddess baffles her. Countries where women are allowed to live as equals , a place where respect is not scarce to the minorities of society’s norms. Had Persephone been a mortal as she was , Hélène never would have believed a single word that came out of her mouth. “ I would leave that stupid man of a husband if I had a chance but divorce isn’t easy. There’s a taboo that no one would marry a divorced woman but I wouldn’t know any better about what goes on around. I hear things && I just listen. ” She yearns to get out here , start over but things were always easier said than done. “ I certainly have a lot to learn from you…” she murmurs with a hint of a smile then takes a sip of the wine.

“ Where do I even begin with all of this…?”

[skyfulcfstars]

    persephone sits in a chair just opposite of helene, sipping her wine. she sets it aside on the table and leans forward then, expression morphing into something a bit softer. 

    “that ain’t a taboo. men come. men go. there are plenty of others who would see marryin’ someone like you a blessin’, divorced or not.” she says quietly. “fuck the rumors. the gossip. are they really worth your misery? worth this?” persephone has half the mind to drag helene back to her own country, find her a place there. surely she’d be happier there. or anywhere really. anywhere but with this husband of hers. but really, who is she to talk? her and hades are a mess of their own - granted, she still very much loves her man. and he ain’t ever raised a hand to her. he wouldn’t have hands left if he tried. 

    “where have you always wanted to go? anywhere in the world, if you could? or is moscow your happiest place?”

[skyfulcfstars]

blood memes. @shiningstarryeyes​

      her first thought is that the golden ichor and rust colored blood is gonna be a right bitch to get out of her coat, her dress, where she’s been fisting the fabric to stop the bleeding in her palms. neat slices across them, brought forth by the edge of a dagger. “men.” she answers bitterly to helene’s question, frowning as she catches sight of her reflection and realises she’s sporting a rather nasty looking bruise to her temple, too. oh, her man can’t see her like this; there won’t be a mortal realm left. “dumb, stupid mortal men who think they can try and take what they like and found out i ain’t a fragile little flower.” there is still adrenaline pumping through her and she probably looks a mess, but persephone tries to brush it off. things will heal. eventually. “i just - i could use a drink.”

[sleepinghollows]

PRIM  &&  proper as Hélène may be ,   she is not afraid to get her hands dirty ,   especially for the people she cares about.  She does not quite understand why the goddess came to her of all people she knew in this earth but she feels a little honored to have that trust.  “ do gods heal faster than us mortals do or do you require the amount of attention we need to avoid infections?  Tedious ,   these things are. “  she murmurs out of curiosity as she gets to work ,   taking the bleeding hands  &&  bandaging them up with delicate effort.  She clicks her tongue  &&  shakes her head.  “ The anger in these ‘mortal men’ are not unusual. As soon as they see that you’re a delicate little flower ,   they’ll take advantage of that.  What you haven’t seen ,   however ,   are angry drunk men. “  &&  by that ,   she really means her husband.

[skyfulcfstars]

      “we heal faster but infections can still get us. long as it’s clean and the bleedin’s stopped, i should live.” she’d never hear the end of it if she died by infection via knife wound. not to mention the mortal realm probably wouldn’t survive once her husband found out, but that was neither here nor there. she flexes her fingers to test them, make sure they ain’t gone numb - hopefully she won’t have nasty scars to explain away. but helene is delicate with her, and she watches the other work dutifully on the injuries to her palms. “angry drunk men i can handle. send ‘em my way if they trouble you. i’ll kick their asses too.”

[skyfulcfstars]

i’m here, just still sobbing over the fact that amber leaves hadestown tomorrow :( :( :( :( :(

[skyfulcfstars]

@shiningstarryeyes​ - ‘song of achilles’ sentence prompts

       “if you knew what it was like, you wouldn’t!” persephone snaps in a low hiss; beyond everything she hates it when mortals speak so kindly of the underworld, the eternal darkness they think awaits them. the way things used to be, sure. but those ideals are way too out of date. what waits them in the afterlife now - well, ain’t so pretty or ideal anymore. metal and steels, factories and mines, the utter loss of one’s entire self. she looks away, frustration burning in her veins. 

      “don’t say that. don’t ever say it again. ain’t a lick of silence and it’s a bright as the day down there anymore. you’re better off here.”

[sleepinghollows]

TEARS cloud her vision but they do not fall.  She’s never cried in front of anybody before  &&  even in front of a goddess ,   she finds the most humane thing to be humiliating.  She follows Persephone’s guidance ,   settling herself upon the chair she had been led to ,   &&  she lowers her head to dab at the brimming tears with her gloves.

“ I don’t know what fate has written for me, “ she sniffles pathetically.  “ But I most certainly know that I despise it.  I can only stay standing for so long ,   Persephone.  I know I shouldn’t wait around but I don’t know what to do. “  She rubs her hands together ,   gazing at them quietly before she shakes her head. “ It isn’t like I’m living up here either. “  She scoffs at herself  &&  slackens against the chair ,   wiping the last of her tears. “ There may not be a soul keeping me in this mess but you forget the society I live in.  I’m bound to a man whose title keeps me afloat. I can’t do anything for myself. “

[skyfulcfstars]

     persephone produces a handkerchief from her bag and offers it to helene and a bottle of wine follows shortly, one of the last bottles of her favorite dandelion kind. she pours them both a heavy glass - helene’s just a bit more full - and puts it in her hand because right now, liquor is her answer for everything. 

     “fuck your man, and fuck the title.” she says, probably a bit more harshly than she intends. but it’s with an air of concern. she’s never understood mortals and their fascination with men ruling everything and women being nothing but pretty slaves. course it used to be like that with her kind too, but not anymore. woman with power tend to make their own rules and while helene ain’t a goddess, she surely has inner power of her own. “there are other countries that women live as they like, earn their own money. if you didn’t want to work, you could find you someone a hell of a lot better than that waste of space. but he ain’t worth your tears, darlin’. or your life. least up here you have a chance. down there . . . down there ain’t any kind of way to live. not anymore. not until i’ve had a chance to beat sense into my own man again.”

[skyfulcfstars]

                     ‘ WHY IS IT SO HOT DOWN HERE ? ‘ —

[skyfulcfstars]

blood memes. @shiningstarryeyes​

      her first thought is that the golden ichor and rust colored blood is gonna be a right bitch to get out of her coat, her dress, where she’s been fisting the fabric to stop the bleeding in her palms. neat slices across them, brought forth by the edge of a dagger. “men.” she answers bitterly to helene’s question, frowning as she catches sight of her reflection and realises she’s sporting a rather nasty looking bruise to her temple, too. oh, her man can’t see her like this; there won’t be a mortal realm left. “dumb, stupid mortal men who think they can try and take what they like and found out i ain’t a fragile little flower.” there is still adrenaline pumping through her and she probably looks a mess, but persephone tries to brush it off. things will heal. eventually. “i just - i could use a drink.”

[sleepinghollows]

THE ichor dripping onto her carpets are the least of her concerns.  The goddess is bleeding  &&  bruised ,   cause by the hands of mortal men.  It’s mortifying!  In her years of living ,   Hélène never would have thought to see a god bleed ,   but meeting one was already the more shocking factor.  “ Men will always be a nuisance.  Oh ,   mon dieu!  Sit down.  I will not have you bleeding out.  I’ll bring you your drink once we patch you up. “  She goes to fetch a maid but decides against it ,   making a beeline for a first aid kit instead to work by herself.  She returns to Persephone with the kit  &&  takes her by the arm to guide her to the chair.  “ Forgive me but I’m afraid I am not very well trained in first aid but I certainly know how to bandage a wound. “

[skyfulcfstars]

      now that the anger and adrenaline are fading, there’s a sharp stinging to her palms that makes itself known. she hadn’t been sure where else to go, really. her momma would ask questions and hades would have an absolute fit so she’d come here, to helene. it’s not life threatening, just hurts like a bitch and leaves her leaking a bit of gold here or there. been a while since she’s seen her own blood. she doesn’t dare argue with the other woman, sitting where she guides. she can’t stop staring at her hands. “bandages are fine. they’ll be gone in a short while i imagine. sometimes i forget how angry those mortal men get. sure as hell hope your husband doesn’t try that shit.”