• Hades paced back and forth at the beginning of the maze of roses that resided in the back of his palace. What if she's late? Or if my breath stinks? But what if I say something she might think is stupid??? My heart is nearly jack-hammmering out of my chest every time I think of her..... His thoughts trailed off when he heard the footsteps of the very woman he had been expecting.

    She came down the stone path in a lavender dress that made her cinnamon-chocolate skin practically glow, white boots with two-inch heels, silver drop earrings that brought out the blue in her blue-green eyes, and a scent of lilacs and violets. She.....she looks like an angel...... Both hearts thumped as the two unsteadliy walked towards each other. Hades broke the awkard silence; "You.....look wonderful, Persephone....." Hades managed to say. Persephone's cheeks were stained a pale pink as she stuttered, "T-T-Thank y-you, H-H-Hades.....erm....s-so do you....." She was correct; Hades wore a satin white shirt, wine red dress pants, a claret red-and gold coat from the 1700's, along with black boots and his raven tresses tied in a tail.

    Now, it was Seph's turn to speak; "So.....where should we go first?" She timidly asked, still pink. I wonder where he'll take me.....maybe it'll be fun...... A small grin broke Hades's face in half as pale fingers laced with brown while he chuckled. "I think I know a few places we can visit~...." He smiled as a bright light enveloped them; in less than a second, the two were wearing masquerade costumes, stars dotting the night while the pair were standing in front of a gigantic stained glass windowed, church-structured castle: Hades was wearing the same outfit he had not a few sceonds earlier, but, a red mask outlined with gold thread shielded his face. So far, so good.....maybe things might go great after all..... As for Seph, she wore a lacy layered black dress with her hair piled on her head in elegant curls as a simple petite mask graced her features. Hades blushed a darker pink than Persephone did as he gazed with a look of love evident in his eyes.

    "Let me guess.....a masquerade ball?" Persephone mused. "Yes.... Ladies first~." Hades offered gentlemanly as he held the 9 foot high oak door open, watching Seph's face light up as she peeked inside.....


    MEANWHILE.......

    Menthe napped under a tree until a plan hit her like a winter snowball; "Lady Demeter~...." She called in the sickly-sweet voice of hers. "What is it...?" Demeter sleepiy muttered as she appeared next to her, rubbing her blue sleeep-fogged eyes. "Persephone's with Hades, right?" Menthe asked, a smirk on her face. "Yes...." Demeter said, wary. "I have an idea to bring her back if you let me do one favor: let me handle Hades~." Menthe sneered with a Chesire Cat sized smirk on her face. Demeter held up a bit, but at last, gave in; "Fine....." She sighed with a tired look on her face, unbefitting a goddess of the harvest.