As Hel made her way to the Greek Underworld, she let a small smile touch her sensitive features. Under any other circumstance that drew her away from Niflheim, she would have done something about the disfigurement. But Nyx seemed particularly set on her embracing that abominable portion of herself, rather than hiding it.
It had seemed very strange at first, and continued to be a source of wonder for the young woman. Her father had certainly never given much attention to Hel's natural features, other than the paternal worry she saw flit across his eyes now and then. Her brothers just took it as who she was as well. But outside their little family, now shattered and scattered to the far sides of existence, or so it seemed to Hel, she had learned to take care and hide. All those years of being conditioned to look "normal", and now Nyx was trying to get her to unlearn that. Sometimes it actually worked, but more often than not she fell into her old habits.
But for Nyx, who had been so unbelievably kind and caring, Hel would not insult her for her efforts by intentionally dismissing her teachings. There was also something to be said for not having to control her disfigurement; it was not always a comfortable process, and a great deal of energy had to go into maintaining it. But none of that was what the smile was about.
Her thoughts put it very simply- this was nice. It might be a simple statement, yet it encompassed so much more and simplicity almost made it more real. It was nice. Having a place to go to get away from her duties, having someone care for her again, just feeling welcome. The fact that she had been invited somewhere, and continued to be invited, was a wonder, and it also brought attention to how lonely she had actually been. Hel didn't think there was any way she could ever voice how grateful to Nyx and Erebos she really was for them accepting her as a friend.
A friend. Hel was someone's friend. She had friends. Who would have thought it?
As she approached the gates, Hel spotted the now familiar form waiting for her on the other side. Her smile broadened as she joined Nyx. "Gott Kveld." Good Evening. A phrase that in this case could have more than one meaning, and for Hel, both applied.