' ' in your darkest hour [open,]

[TERPSICHORE]

"They are all of one mind, their hearts are set upon song and their spirit is free from care. He is happy whom the Muses love. For though a man has sorrow and grief in his soul, yet when the the servant of the Muses sings, at once he forgets his dark thoughts and remembers not his trouble. Such is the holy gift of the Muses to men."

[/i]

It was a clear, cool morning, and Terpsichore was idly noticing how a bird continually flew from one branch to the other, back again, and back again, and back again.. It couldn't make up its' own mind, it seemed, and Core wanted to help it. She didn't have a perfect singing voice, but she was gifted to have free breath as she danced.

Apollo's temple stood proud and declarative , nestled in lots of tall weeping willows that Terpsichore was sure were inhabited by ccountless tree nymphs. Core looked for inspiration in their tall, reaching branches and long, wispy leaves. They were entirely beautiful. It was a sort of safe haven for Core, and what better way to start the day than at a place of comfort?

The tree was shorter than she'd expected it. The morning sun shone brightly on the left side of her face as she gracefully twisted herself around one of the branches the bird kept flying from. Its' beak was small and black, along with its' eyes, however,a deep brown feathers lined the rim of the bird's eyes. It was a very attractive bird, but in its' ruby red gleaming coat, it seemed unhappy not to have found the perfect perch.

" . .. hmm," she sang a calm, clear note, continuing the notes with many others. Nowords came to her mind, so she didn't feel the need for lyrics. The melody curled around the tree, and the bird flew back in through the dense branches and cautiously cocked its' head, looking straight up at her with it's round, lost eyes.

"If I had your body shape and mind, I would find this branch admirable," she declared, clearly, to the bird in her regular, honey soft voice.[/blockquote][/color][/size][/left][/blockquote]







[/color]

[Eros (Cupid)]

(Or I shall reply on here lol)

Eros had been on his way back from a fruitful, if not pleasantly busy evening. Many couples today had reached a new level in their relationship, thanks to Cupid himself. He was good, and he knew it. Not quite feeling like going back exactly, Eros found himself heading toward the dense canopy of the forest trees, admittedly Eros enjoyed the thrill of weaving in and out of trees and the small chance that he could crash yet he had yet to crash. Soon ducking through the trees he dived and swirled his wings beat quick to keep up the speed, he dodged, ducked, and weaved and occasionally did the odd loop. It wasn't long before he realized where he was going. He was perhaps within the area of Artemis too, given Apollo's temple.

He continued to fly and thought about pulling up and heading back before his Mother summoned him as it were. However it was then he heard the gentle tune, long notes delicate and gracefully, with a small frown, he grinned. Before he did indeed pull up before the temple, he spotted a figure, as he flew over head, he noticed it was Terpsichore. One of the muses. The muse of dance to be exact. Cupid then raised higher before he entered the temple from the back, as he flew, he swooped up onto one of the many pillars. Fanning his wings he soon sat and listened. However he chuckled softly as the muse talked to a bird, Raising his low, seductive voice a fraction he spoke. "You know I don't think they can speak back yet, you know, But it's worth a try" he teased softly, then grinned to her. With a small dainty little wave "Good Morning Terpsichore. How are you on this fine morning?"

[TERPSICHORE]

The bird did not seem to be responding. Terpsichore was not, of course, surprised that the frail thing was not speaking back to her.. what kind of a world would it have to be in order for it to shout back? A very interesting world indeed.. if all the animals could talk, what would they say?

Just then, Terpsichore heard the faint rushing of a fast moving air drift overhead. She thought nothing of it because she was too wrapped up in her musicality. Her voice wasn't as pretty as some of her sisters, but when singing in the right range Terpsichore could achieve a near perfect pitch and tone.

Presently Core heard a soft, low, murmuring voice, that sounded near like wine being poured over a crystal glass. It was a very distinct sound, and Terpsichore knew who it was by the way her heart thudded in her chest.. the way she suddenly felt everyone had a person to be with in the end, no matter what ties they had. He spoke first in a teasing voice, then greeted her warmly.

"I'm well indeed, and you know that I was just sitting here placidly wondering why this frightened little bird couldn't make up its own mind," she said, and then sighed. "If only I could know what it was thinking.." she reminisced. Some animals it was easy to tell, others, not so much.

"Besides the point, how are you yourself doing?" she smiled back at him, from her perch on the tree branch, leaning on her hands.

[Eros (Cupid)]

Eros remained on one of the pillars, he had a clear view of her, in fact, he was level with her a meter or so apart. Cupid smiled, the corners of his lips lifted into a charming casual crooked smile. Lightly Eros chuckled seeing the muses reaction, he would never grow tired of such effects and sights. finally he swooped down for the pillar and then up onto the branch, where Terpsichore sat, he landed lightly on his feet, as per usual, his bare arms our stretched with his wings as he kept his balance then finally sat down gracefully, his back against the tree truck, and his knees up as his feet rested on the branch. "Long time no see." Eros stated simply, before he smiled once again.

"You presume it's lost? It could in fact be searching for his or her mate" he grinned lightly and shifted his bow over his chest so it rested more comfortably. "Hm, Maybe, but sometimes to know what another was thinking, it leave little space for you to think your own thoughts" He said with all his perhaps pointless wisdom. "I myself, am well thank you, you know, the usual." He smiled softly over his knees to her. "Never any rest for the wicked" he mused as he grinned with a gentle glint of mischievousness. In his wide eyes, that held such, love, and warmth and general compassion. "It's funny" He said absently as he lent back against the tree "How love is found in the places you least expect it."

[TERPSICHORE]

Terpsichore laughed out loud, chimes tinkling together somewhere in the distance. "You would know, wouldn't you, Eros? And as for you're snide wicked comment... I don't believe there's one ounce of wickedness in you," she said, moving her hand up and down as she spoke, her fingers placed carefully to show the grace of her step. Hands were always an important addition to any performance, and Core never forgot to add the sprinkles that they were. Anything could be her stage, and most importantly, anything could be her inspiration, her muse.

The sun seemed to interrupt their casual conversation, and light streamed through the thin branches to light several spots on Terpsichore's face. She could feel the extra warmth on her cheeks and eyes that the ball of fire brought to her fragile skin. It stayed perfectly pale and delicate, this seeming to amuse the gods when she was dancing. Indeed she planned to serenade them with a new spin later that day, she had decided when she arose. It would be full of mischief, because Terpsichore had been feeling the slight confusion of mayhem lately up on Mount Olympus.. maybe it was the humans? She didn't know.

Core adjusted herself so she was facing Eros, who had flown beautifully over onto her tree branch (presumably the bird's tree branch, as well) and rested his back near the trunk and lightly splayed his feet upon a branch. She stood, so she was just as tall as he, and leaned her arms across the branch to grasp a hold of it. Her waist fell down to the branch as she absentmindedly placed herself on the branch, sitting, now, instead of standing.

[/color]

[Eros (Cupid)]

"Well, yes and no, I said it could be searching for his or her mate, not that it is." He smiled "An entirely different phrase my petal." he chuckled softly as he watched her, he then flashed her a playful wink "Perhaps you don't know me as well as I thought" he teased once again, with a gentle chuckle. He fell slowly silent as the sun pierce the vast canopy of trees, illuminating the temple in all it glory, and with it Terpsichore. He watched for a moment basking in the Muses beauty, all thing held beauty, sometime you often had to look twice to see it, but it was forever there. Eros reached above he head and picked of a single leaf then merely let it fall to the ground in graceful sweeping motions. He soon raised his gaze the sun equally caught his chiseled perfect features shadowing specific parts, making him look older, leaner even. Eros then sighed contently and stated absently "I wounder how long beauty lasts?" He questioned to know one in particular.


Eros remained sitting at the branch to which the previous bird had indeed sat up, his weight barely dipped the branch he sat perfectly statuesque, as if he himself was carved out of marble which reflected the morning light. Movement caught his eye as he watched the Muse head over toward him a fraction before she too sat, neatly and lightly "So tell me fair Terpsichore, What are your plans for today and the morrow?" He questioned casually. As he gracefully reached above his head again and plucked yet another leaf, and let it idly descend to the floor below, where, he soon spotted the morning creatures, a field mouse scatted beneath the foliage, a few birds descended to pluck the small worms, nature was beauty it's self, nature would never die, and would always last.

[/size]

[TERPSICHORE]

Terpsichore sighed. It was a hollow noise, like it couldn't completely make it's lone little way through her wind pipes. Maybe it was the air. Could it be too pure for lungs? Mortal lungs, for sure, but the lungs of a lesser goddess... a muse.. at least could have clear sinuses... Bu then again, Core supposed that everything in the world had to suffer at some point. If one hadn't ever suffered and never would, where was there to appreciate the good in life, the happy times, those spaces in between that made life worth living?

"My plans..." she began, sighing once more and looking up at his perfectly sculptured face. It was breathtaking, and Terpsichore tried her best to look him in his wide eyes. His teasing caught her attention. Always.

"Well, round the evening, I was hoping to surprise Apollo and maybe one .. or two.. of his companions with a little something. Maybe my sisters will join, maybe they will not, but right now, I'm hoping for the latterr; I like the spotlight to myself," Terpsichore said, and she winked quickly.

It was so easy to be calm and collected around Eros, and Core wished for herself something of the same in a potential male for herself. Sometimes she found herself thinking hard over the concept.. would she ever find someone who loved her back? Silly.. very naive, but the emotion had stirred up one too many short dances, those with emotions behind them having the best in spectators' satisfaction. But Terpsichore wanted more than satisfaction, she want a spark, a flame.

"I haven't thought about to morrow much. I never usually do.. and does the god of love? What thinks he about the day and tomorrow?"

[Eros (Cupid)]

"Yes your plans" He chuckled softly with a small smile. As he watched her all flustered. Eros nodded as he listened "That seems like a wonderful Idea, Perhaps I shall have to watch?" He smiled lightly and sighed softly as he then dangled one of his legs from the tree branch as the other remained up on the branch. An arms rested too on that knee his expression twisted into one of thought, a small frown in turn creased his marble complexion. Before he shook his head then raised his gaze "Enjoy the spotlight while it lasts then" he mused gently and beamed warmly at her wink.

For a while Eros watched the muse. "Penny for your thoughts?" He questioned softly then moved in swift elegant motions he sat beside her "I presume it's to do with love?" he questioned. When people though around him it was usually to do with love. "For the sake of arguments, I know for a fact you are indeed single" he grinned, "And I presume you wish for more, the question you should be asking to yourself is are you ready to experience love? Love is neither good nor bad it is both, it can hurt and heal, it can cause such burning emotions like jealousy, then before you know it you are to wrapped up in love, and forget about most other things."

"Personally" he continued "I only tend to shoot those who first understand love, then I make them feel it, some maybe in love yet don't realize it so I make them realize it, It's all a rather tedious business" He grinned "But I get by, I only ever try to use my arrows for good intentions now." He sighed then rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I think that enough on the topic as for my plans, Nothing much, continue to cause mayhem...get in my mothers way...See Psyche, shoot a few people here and there..." He chuckled then shrugged "That sort of thing. Besides that A Muse such as yourself should not dwell on love, it will find you eventually" he smiled before he teasing brushed his lips to her cheek, soft and delicate. He then chuckled, with an impish smile" It was good to be him.

[/size]

[TERPSICHORE]

A smile decorated her lips, it was the only thing she could do while he talked. He spoke of knowing love before one dwelt in it.. how often had a naive immortal longed over this? Core had other things to do, of course.. it seemed all the gods were busy lately; spring approaching with hastened rapidity. As Eros rested himself by Core, she could feel his presence near him and became more calm. It was supposedly a scientific reaction while sitting by Cupid.. one must be calm, embrace the fact or don't.

She could feel his kiss on her cheek, and it was very pleasant, something like the moment just before one falls into slumber.. knowing it's going to happen and simply happy the thoughts of your tangled mind will rest for at least a few hours. Core wanted more of these genuine happy feelings for herself.

"I've found myself in love with material objects before.. in love with ideas, in love with my art.. I suppose I don't know how to love someone else. And I see your reasoning, with love, I could only suppose, comes certain pains. But someone like you, sitting beside me, tells me that it's worth it," she hunched over as she spoke, her back stretching in relish.

She turned to look him in the eyes, and they were twinkling and bright, like beacons to a lost ship, warm jeweled gold in color. Core was the lost ship, trying to find her way back, but somehow, haaving a good tiem along the way. She felt her thoughts drift to her dancing tonight.. her feet almost ached to move, and her hands played through her hair, dancers themselves. And who would be there? Would they ever tire of her skill? No; that is my job. They must not become bored!

"Tell me, Eros, if this is such a tedious business, then why do you tangle yourself in it?" She smiled a devious smile.

[Eros (Cupid)]

Cupid chuckled softly at her reaction, it was one to remember. He soon brought his legs up again and with great difficulty sat cross legged on the branch, neatly and delicately still however. "It is easy to love something fore they merely accept it, and do not argue, but never easy to love someone, for they will either return it or dismiss it, Love is always unpredictable, given it be by someone else. What i believe is that most people fear it, for they fear the rejection that love can to cause." He stated absently as he looked to her "Have you tried to love someone else? But there is no rush, for love will find everyone in the end, the good and the bad."

Eros met her gaze calmly and smiled with genuine charm, his eyes caught the light and the glistened in the sun's rays. Perhaps he could tease? play a little but with good reason, to allow this Muse to know what attraction feels like and therefore he hoped she would explore it more. With that, he lent a fraction closer. A smile twisting on his lips, his breath sweet and light brushed the Muse's cheek, enticing her, inviting her. Before, he pulled away with a gentle chuckle, before he replied. "I did not choose this fate, It choose me, I do what I must, you can not change what you are? If you were given the option to do good, would you do it? If you are capable of loving, would you share it? We cannot do great things in this life, but we can do small things with great love, I continue to do what I do, for the benefit of knowing that your happiness is shared. That one more person is no longer alone. To see life sparkle in a dying flame, brings joy to the darkest of hearts" He stated softly with a small smile.

[/size]

[TERPSICHORE]

He is wicked! Terpsichore had turned her face towards his, to have him lean in seductively with his perfectly chiseled face. She felt his soft breath on her cheek, and despite what she tried to do to conceal, her breath came faster and her heart beat in her chest. You will not let your cheeks flush, you won't, Terpsichore thought to herself. This thought was in vain, for they had already turned a light peach color, looking as though they had been kissed by the sun. The next best thing, by the god of love. Maybe even better.

"Happiness is such a tangible emotion in my book.." Terpsichore began, watching him as he listened to her. She copied his earlier move and twisted herself so that she was facing him full on now, however her legs were hung over by the back of the knee and she curled her back so she was closer to him. "Then again, what emotion is not? I find myself almost constantly captivated by any one person who seems to be enjoying what they are doing. It inspires me, and that is what I look for. I must please the gods, they must enjoy my dancing, and I cannot fulfill this demand if I have not any inspiration," she whispered, a soft grin in her eye and littered over her mouth and face.

The sun continued to rise as they talked, oblivious to their conversation and basically ignoring what everyone else was doing. Was Helios behind it? Terpsichore couldn't hardly keep straight all of the gods and goddess various, she only knew the ones who had spoken to her directly or watched her dance.

[Eros (Cupid)]

Eros smiled lightly and bite his lower lip, seductively only to tease, sure it was a slightly mortal gesture but he had watched and learned and it had seemed to work. Eros chuckled softly in a low tone as he watched Terpsichore's cheeks flush ever so delicately, and the quickened rate of her breathing, he liked to witness the effect. He remained only slightly close "Have you ever been kissed Terpsichore?, I would think not for I have never seen such a heated, reaction" he teased softly with a lightly flirtatious glint in his golden eyes.

Cupid chuckled once again "True it is, It's a good thing to explore and feel" he mused lightly as he noted her subtle movement and therefore making her closer. Eros tilted his head back a fraction as he chuckled at her statement. "Ah, that too is true, some emotions are even better then the last emotion.." He smiled coyly and inched closer once again, tempting her, His muscles at the gesture rippled softly. "For example you can feel the intensity of lust..with a few words.." He said his voice low, layered with strange magic, and a seductive tone. He had used it once on Psyche, and she had truly enjoyed it. Before he smiled softly in a crooked smile. You do what you must, no one can ask anymore of you, you can do only what you can. And I'm sure you will find inspiration." He teased leaning as he spoke with his lips to her ear, and with a small smile as it played about his lips.

[/size]

[TERPSICHORE]

It was madness, the teasing, and Terpsichore was fed full with it as if she had just consumed a seven course meal. Sometimes there were a few too many tastes.. too much variety.. but was that what made it interesting? Core didn't know, and it was too complicated to think about, but as always, her mind sifted through it. His inching closer, then backwards.. then a subtle movement on his part, then a shift on her end, then a seductive smile, and then words spoken too much like melted butter; pure and delicious.

"If I lied you would know," she said, looking down at her hands. They were neatly folded in her lap, as graceful as the rest of her. "So I might as well save myself the trouble and say no. That simple word tells all too much sometimes."

Anon his tone took a strange low quality, sounding too magnificent for even a god. It must be a celestial creature.. Terpsichore found herself curving her head back and forth from left to right, watching him speak and not listening too hard. It was difficult to listen when his voice sounded like a echo seeking its home. Was she losing a bit of it? Was that a new emotion entirely? What was it?! She found herself frantically creasing her forehead in confusion and staring at him.

His lips to her ear did not help the situation.. was the celestial creature touching her now? Eros' (or was he?) lips felt like a dip in a warm pool at moonrise.. sunset behind you, Earth's main orbiter up ahead, promising nothing but serene tranquility. He spoke, and the words melted into her ear. Terpsichore hadn't comprehended them, she was too busy breathing.

"Uhm.."

[Eros (Cupid)]

Eros smiled his lips remained at her ear, the closeness burned, yet they were not quite touching each other, dancing and toying with fire as it were. His eyes softened as he looked to her, he dropped his voice lower, At her small sound, almost like a whimper at the end. His sweet breath, tickled her ear, cheek and neck as he spoke in a small whisper to her ear. "Appearances can be deciving..Never judge a book by it's cover" He continued toying playfully with the Muses emotions he reached out a gentle, caressing hand, and touched her hair, as he continued to speak. "Do with thou what thy will, but hear these words whispered on sin, for thou will know one day what love is, when thou in turn, accepts chances if they are so offered" He teased his words rolled of his tongue like syrup before he trailed a simple finger down her cheek and along her jaw line before he moved back from her so they were no longer as close as before.

"Hm." Eros expressed as he cocked his head lightly "You fair muse are easy to please" He chuckled softly his voice still low, seductive, perhaps he could push this a little more maybe even still a kiss, Although Psyche would not be please, but he was the god of love, He did what he must, and to some level in doing so, he would help the Muse. "Practice is what makes perfect, shall you give up, then it is a wasted effort." He smiled softly, as he looked to her, his gaze a burning flame, as it scolded her, dangerous yet pleasurable perhaps?

[/size]

[TERPSICHORE]

Cautious, woe-begotten , naive Terpsichore could only twist her face into a small smile. It reminded her of the years when she was young. Growing up was so much easier.. then again, adolescence was not an amusing time either, even for a muse. Interesting it was, but painful and embarrassing. Core listened to him as he spoke, the odd celestial quality not quite gone. Maybe it was her own adjusting to it that allowed her to actually focus.

He spoke a little like he was giving advice, and then his sentences would change entirely to something more than that.. she would understand (eventually) what love was. But would she experience it? Was there a difference? She didn't know, and so she settled for telling herself yes. Eros was vexing her, his elegant fingers tracing lines down her cheek or stroking her hair. All she could do was sit there, not knowing what to do with herself next.

"I don't.. I can't.. usually, I don't give up. No, not just usually, I never do. At least I would like to admit this of myself, I couldn't be sure because I can't tell.. since.. I'm not an observer.." she rambled on, still gazing at him fondly. Then she closed her eyes.

"What is happening here? I can feel this game you're leading me in! It's madness.. you're madness, Eros," Terpsichore still had her eyes closed as she wrinkled her face up in confusion and longing. It was because he was the god of love. Did love always make one feel quite dizzy? His breath was like a whole new brand of air, something more intoxicating and deadly. Love?